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Buffy and other characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, et. al and used without permission. No copyright infringement intended & no money earned.
Several days after their night at Dance Macabre, Asher stood at the study doorway watching Buffy meditate. He realized he was falling in love with her and didn't know what to do. How do I tell her, will she laugh? Why would she want me? He heard her voice in his head. Maybe, because you're a wonderful man. It startled him from his musing.
Buffy remained seated on the floor as she turned to look up at him. Her eyes held nothing but bright, shining truth.
"I think we should talk."
She got up and walked toward him. Pulling him into the room, she closed the door and set the locks in place so no one could hear them.
"I need to ask you some questions first." He nodded his acquiesce. "I know you once loved Jean-Claude. How do you feel about him now?"
"My love never died. It simple transformed into pain, anger and the thirst for vengeance. I've forgiven him for failing to save Julianna. It does not mean that I can simply forget the past, and what I suffered alone through the years of our separation," Asher whispered as he tried to put his feelings into words.
"If forced to choose between he and I, who would you choose - life-and-death?" Buffy watched his every emotion play across his face.
"You. You are the first person to see the man, not the scars. I think I fell a little in love with you that first night. Your beauty calls to me. It's not simply your outer beauty love, because I find the inner you is even more beautiful. The way you help people, simply because you can and see their need. You have the gentlest soul encased in a will of iron. If I needed to breathe I'm not sure I could," Asher explained in a hushed whisper.
"What if I told you something in confidence that would change you forever? And bound you by oath from sharing it with anyone? Could you accept that if it gave you the chance to stay with me as long as we live? If I'd tell you everything about me?"
"Yes, I'd happily take any oath to be with you." The truth came off him in waves and shined through his blue husky eyes.
Buffy felt at least one burden off her shoulders. "I need you to know that I find myself attracted to Damian. Something pulls me to him that I can't deny, and has from our first meeting. I don't know if it's the warrior in us, or his quiet acceptance, but it's there and I won't deny it. Will this cause problems between us, or you and Damian?" Buffy asked, and his answer both surprised and scared her.
"I already knew about the attraction between you. Damian is an old friend and his feelings toward you were clear to anyone who knew him. We have even discussed this matter between us privately. He is a loyal and true friend, though he has bound himself to Jean-Claude."
Buffy wrinkled her nose in distaste at the idea of having to deal with the Master of St. Louse simply to date the man she had taken an interest in.
"I'm not sure how I get around that. Jean-Claude would let him move in which of course would have everyone believing that had become part of his posse. We both know he couldn't lead himself out of a paper bag. He relies too heavily on his games and power base. You have to have more than a pretty face," Buffy huffed, causing Asher's eyebrow to arch. "Don't give me that look, you know it as well as I do. Anita and her powers have pulled his tush out of the fire more times than not. Half the time he's the reason the fire even started."
Buffy shook her head not wanting to think of the dark haired vampire. "Enough about the pirate king, I would like to take the next month to get to know Damian better. After I explain, you'll understand what I mean. I'd like us to spend more time together as well. Until I can give Damian the same opportunity to know everything, I won't sleep with you." Pausing for dramatic effect, she continued, "But, that doesn't mean we can't play and have a little fun, in the meanwhile."
She wiggled her eyebrows, kissing him before pulling away. Asher's lust-filled laughter filled the room. One hour later after Asher had taken the oath, Buffy finally finished her story.
"So, two will come here and three will stay home." Her voice was hoarse from emotion and talking. She had paced the whole time like an anxious tiger ready to pounce then melted onto the cushion on the floor, emotionally drained. Asher watched her deflate and finally look at him. He got up and went to her, taking her face into his hands kissing her gently. "Does this mean you're staying? You still want me?"
"Mi amour, Mon Cher, I love you. You are everything I believed you to be and so much more. The Powers are right, we can't let the Mother of Darkness awaken. What was Jean-Claude thinking? The Council stayed away from necromancers for a reason. Our powers fight for dominance like a fire feeding itself, until burning everything in its path. I will help you, Mon Cher, anyway I can. How will it work to keep them from creating a new one? Ah, no animal to call, no soldiers, can't create new vampires without consent, your Powers are sneaky my little goddess. How do we keep our relationship a secret?"
"Well, while we are in here no one can enter. Anything we do in here can't be heard outside these walls, but the smell is another matter. Luckily, Dite showed me how to wipe that away," Buffy answered, sending him a naughty grin.
Asher laughed as he said, "I should have known you would have figured out a way around any obstacles. The wheels are always turning in your mind."
"Asher, if I give you my heart, I have to know you won't leave me. I have only ever known one man that never left me, no matter how hard I pushed him away."
"Buffy, I do not give my heart easily; you snuck into it little by little until you were just there, and now that you are I could not stop loving you if I tried. We can do this. I can share you if you find that you love both of us. What I had with Jean-Claude and Julianna was beautiful and precious."
"I want you to know that if the three of us commit to one another, that I accept it completely. Should you and Damian grow to care for each other as well, I don't have a problem with that."
Buffy placed her palm against his cheek. Her green eyes held his pale blue ones captive.
"Asher, your feelings or desires are your own, whether they include me alone or Damian as well. Belle's arduer forced you into many situations for which you suffered greatly. I want you to have what you want with whomever you want." She sent him a tremulous smile as she worked hard not to cry. "I won't share either of you once we commit. Dite will bless our joining, which joins us to each other for life. And, although it's impossible to mark me, my blood will make you stronger, and nearly impossible to kill. It will enhance each of your powers, elevating them to the next level. You both could reach Master level and make you quite formidable. I'm hoping that it gives you each what you need, and allows us to create our own small family. Of course, I'd be happy to introduce you to my entire family, not just Mom, Dad and Dite."
"You mean Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love?" He gaped at her as he translated her nickname correctly.
"Well of course, who did you think I meant? But, she's taken and so are you blondie." Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with all the passion and happiness she felt.
"Did I hear my name?" A beautiful blonde appeared in pink and red shimmering lights.
"Dite, you naughty girl, you were listening again."
"Baby girl, your life is better than Passions."
Buffy snorted at her lively aunt. "So, Dite will you bind us, if Damian agrees?"
"Sure sweetie, when I told you to go for it, I didn't know you would use both hands." The goddess of love assessed the beautiful blonde vampire. "Can't say I blame you. Don't worry, sweetie, your Viking will come through for you as well." She thought about Buffy's worry over Damian's blood oath to the Master of the City. Mmm, maybe someone could walk in his dreams for a change and give him a tiny little suggestion that he owes my niece some gratitude for healing Asher. Gotta help out where I can. She disappeared in another shower of lights with tinkles of laughter
Buffy giggled at the star struck look on Asher's face.She put her hands on her hips."Do we have to have a talk buddy?"
Asher shook his head then, turned quickly grabbing Buffy to whirl her around. They smiled at each other then kissed.Buffy put her hands into Asher bright golden hair and pulled his head down to her neck.
"Drink."
Asher bit her and Buffy shuddered.He pulled her closer to him. Her orgasm hit her hard and his followed. He carefully pulled away to watch in wonder as she healed in seconds, with no trace of a mark. They clung to each other murmuring endearments.Buffy pulled away walking to her worktable and dropped some herbs into a chalice then added some water.
She sipped it then handed it to Asher who swallowed. She looked at him inhale deeply then kissed him softly.Taking his hand at the door, she turned to tell him.
"Oh, my blood can keep you for probably a week for the amount you took. Not sure how we get around that with the leopards.We'll have to think of something." She tapped her finger against her chin as she pondered the issue. Buffy turned to Asher and asked, "Can you thrall them then feed just a small amount?"Asher nodded. "I don't like it but it will have to do for now.They agreed to feed you. It shouldn't matter how much you actually take from them, and you're paying them for their services."
Several nights later, Jean-Claude asked to speak with Buffy in her study.
"I wanted to thank you for all that you did for Asher and wanted to give you something in appreciation. What would you ask for little witch?"
"I want Damian," Buffy answered without hesitation. She worked hard not to laugh at the shocked expression on Jean-Claude's face. An impish thought had her wishing for a camera. "That you release him from his service to you."
"I thought you and Asher were growing closer."
"I care for them both. If Damian agrees, the three of us would become hand-fasted. He can't remain loyal to you. Asher and I have must come before anyone else. Damian must choose with the understanding that he can stay with you or join us without losing his honor as a warrior."
"You understand him well, don't you."
Jean-Claude contemplated her words, seeing how she truly understood the Viking's mindset. There was more to the little witch than even he had realized. He knew she had hidden depths. Yet, each time he saw her, he learned something new.
"We've spent some time together getting to know each other, never met a Viking before."
"I will send Damian to you."
Jean-Claude bowed and kissed Buffy's hand, quietly leaving the room.
Damian entered mere minutes after the Master of the City. It was as if he stood just outside the door, waiting for an invitation into her inner sanctum. The soft light glinted off blood red hair and turned the deep highlights black. His green eyes smiled when he saw her. Buffy stood in one smooth movement to glide across the room to greet him. He folded his long arms around her as she stepped into his embrace. Her face tilted upward as she welcomed his tender kiss.
"I've missed you."
Buffy brushed her hands through his hair. She loved its silky texture and couldn't keep hands out of it. She had the same problem with Asher.
"I need to talk to you about something pretty important," she said, pulling across the room to the love seat.
She pushed him down and snuggled against his side. Buffy slipped her small hand into Damian's much longer one as she explained everything that had happened the past few days.
"Jean-Claude's released you from your duty to him to be with me if you want."
Buffy watched his face as he absorbed the information. She held her breath hoping for the words she wanted to hear. He looked at her in surprise then grabbed her and kissed her.
"There's more, let me close the door, I have to ask you to take another oath first, before I can tell you everything. Mostly, I want you to know I love you and Asher and want us to be together. You need to know everything, and once you do if you don't want to bind yourself to us then I'll understand."
Buffy explained as Damian quietly listened. He didn't say a word and the minutes ticked by like hours to Buffy. Her shoulders sagged in despair. She turned away as tears streamed down her face. She felt so stupid, she couldn't have been lucky two times. Not her, not Buffy Summers, no way. She felt arms come around her waist as Damian pulled her back flush to his front.
"So, daughter of the moon, when do I move in?" he whispered against her temple, before pressing kisses along her brow.
She turned around to jump into his arms and kiss him passionately. Buffy drew him to her neck, urging him to drink. They drank the mixture to remove the results. She clasped Damian's hand and exited the study with him. They found Asher waiting for them. He came around to Buffy's other side and clasped her other hand. The trio headed for the living room. Buffy's smile was infectious and soon everyone in the room was smiling.
"I guess you've decided, Mon ami, "Jean-Claude asked.
"Yes, I choose Buffy? I will help you if I can, but my family will come first."
"You understand, Jean-Claude? Even as Master of the City, you have no say in what they do? They're bound to my mother - the moon through me. No one else has any authority over them."
Her expression told him to heed what she was telling him.
"I surrender any authority as Master of the City, but the Council holds dominion over all vampires. There is nothing you can do about that little sorceress."
"Once the Mother accepts them as hers personally through me, you'll find your Council unable to do anything about it."
Buffy knew how the power-hungry vampire's mind worked. She knew she had to stop him before the tried to do something stupid. He had already caused enough problems with his machinations. It was his thirst for power that had called the Council down on his head and by default St. Louis in the first place.
"It only works for my bond-mates, Jean-Claude, so don't ask."
She couldn't keep from smiling at the sensual pout that appeared on the dark haired vampires face.
"You are too fast little sorceress." Jean-Claude bowed his head in acknowledgment.
"Just saw the wheels turning in your head. Didn't want your curls to get tangled." Buffy smiled at him. She was beginning to like him despite herself. "Have you seen Anita lately? Are you two at least talking?" she asked kindly.
"We talk on the phone occasionally. I don't think she and Richard even speak. My only hope is that she will eventually come back to me. She said perhaps at sometime in the future, but she that couldn't do that to Richard in his present state of mind. Anita feels that he needs time to heal. She hopes they can eventually be friends."
Jean-Clause velvet clad shoulder went up in a Gaelic shrug, which told Buffy more than any words he might say. Anita's refusal to see him hurt him deeply, yet he held onto the hope for the possibility of a future.
"I think Richard will take some time. They can probable be friends. Maybe, even if she sees you but only if he finds a true mate first. Otherwise, he will destroy his pack dragging them around in his shit." Buffy voice held her concern for the future of the pack. "The problem is I'm not sure we have the time."
The doorbell rang and Cherry went to answer it. She let Richard and Anita in then waited for Jamil and Shang-Da who were parking the car. They followed her into the living room where Buffy was waiting for them.
"Hey guys, glad you could come. Sit anywhere you want. There's news, and it isn't of the good. During my meditation, I learned the Vampire Council decided they want to go for round two. Pretty Dead Lady, Beasty Boy and the Melty Man's surrogate plan on showing up unannounced by the end of the month. Their big idea's that its time for Jean-Claude to fill that empty seat on the Council, and they figured on picking up the Executioner and Ulfric for free. Since, you're bound together in a Triumvirate," she explained, grimacing as she leveled the three in question with a dark look. "They plan to give St. Louis to Yvette. My question is, are you willing to fight for yourselves, your people, and your city or roll over. Because of course, you can't fight the council. But wait, I killed the Traveler and Anita wasn't it you that took out Digger?"
Jean-Claude was paler than normal. Asher turned away as if he couldn't bear to face anyone; Damian's expression didn't change at all.
"All I know is, I'm tired of the damned Council coming to my city," Anita growled.
Richard asked Buffy, "When will they arrive, and how can we fight all three? Jason still has nightmares from what Yvette did to him from last time she was here." He raked his hand through his hair. His hands flew into the air as he exclaimed, "You can't possibly create amulets for every were in St. Louis to fight the Master of Beast!"
"Don't wig out on me, people. We have to stick together here! First, we have to call the munin tomorrow night; it's the new moon. We can only call the strongest and oldest spirits, and use them to heal those packs members who need it. The entire pack must attend without any exceptions! Also, there's a clearing close by that the pard and rodere can use, since I'll need to move from group to group. Richard, you and Anita have broken up but the pack still sees her as Lupa. So, she needs to attend the ceremony, and I need to talk to you two in the study later," she said, ignoring the look the two shot her regarding the last comment.
"Now, where was I, damn there were only six Scoobies to worry about this is going to give me split ends," she mumbled.
Asher and Damian laughed, hugging her close between them. Buffy put a hand on each of their thighs. The two vampires automatically slid their hand into hers.
Mmm, if I hurry up and get rid of everyone then we can play. Bad Buffy. I wonder if I can.
She closed her eyes sending them pictures of what she was thinking of them doing together. Their heads snapped around to stare at her with wide eyes. She started to giggle when deep purrs started to rumble from their chests.
"Oops, guess I can sorry, sweeties, later," she whispered quietly so that only they could hear her. Buffy turned back to her audience to continue where she had left off, before her lovers had distracted her.
"I'll help with the new moon ceremony. When it's time for the full moon, each Vargamor will perform that ceremony without my assistance. The full moon ceremonies will take place on each weres home turf. That ceremony will call the ancestors to ask for strength against the coming foes to prepare them for battle. Do ya see where I'm going here guys?"
Buffy looked at everyone in the room hoping that they would realize how important it was for them to put away their differences and work together.
"Little sorceress, we can fight against Padma and D'Amour's surrogate, but we are of Belle's line. We cannot fight against our sire. To do so would mark us as rogue and everyone would hunt us," Jean-Claude exclaimed. His entire body shook with the mere thought of going against his sire, and the dire consequences.
"I'm not asking you to fight, Hell's' Belle. She's going to have her lily white hands full." Buffy smirked at him.
"What do you mean, little goddess?" whispered Asher in French. His husky blue eyes turned to her filled with concern at her cryptic statement.
Wow, Buffy moves fast not one but two. I thought Jean-Claude was mushy with his names but "goddess" come on. She realized she understood more and more French maybe it was from the previous marks. Anita watched the three on the couch.
"Belle's coming personally, but not for Anita. She's coming to see little ole me."
"She will not touch you. I will die before I let her harm you!" Damian exploded, grabbing Buffy up to place her in his lap.
His large arms wrapped around her and his head buried in her neck. Asher in a blur wrapped himself around them both. They created a three-person sphere, no one could tell where one began and the other ended. Buffy murmured soothing words as her arm came up to pull Asher head to her neck.
It was the most intimate and erotic scene, Anita had ever witnessed. Each gave comfort and protection to other.
If it could have been different, if I were different could I have had this with Richard and Jean-Claude?
She looked at both men under her lashes and realized it never would have worked. Richard couldn't share her, it wasn't part of his DNA as a man or a wolf and her shoulders sag. She finally realized they were never going to work.
The three broke apart but Buffy stayed on Damian's lap and Asher pulled her legs onto his lap. She smiled sheepishly at everyone, while pink bloomed across her cheeks. She had twin bite marks on each side of her neck. The marks faded and disappeared within seconds.
"You said that you healed quickly, but we had no idea you meant on the spot," Anita said, her eyes widened as she stared at Buffy's neck.
"Guess the Powers thought I needed the extra boost. Here's the deal, to distract Belle from Anita, I dangled myself as bait in front of her. Even back on my own world my blood was the biggest aphrodisiac any vamp could get. Depending on the amount, a vamp could buzz for days on the power."
Buffy sent them the naughtiest smile they had every seen from her. Asher and Damian knew the smile well, and knew they weren't going to like what their lover was about to say. They knew from experience that she liked to tease and poke at her opponents, and it didn't bode well for Belle Morte. It however gave them an unsettling feeling for Buffy's own safety.
"I simply opened a link and simply treated her to a little scratch and sniff. Poor little thing," she said, sadly, "wants to go right to the source. Nope," Buffy loudly popped the 'p'. "I'll take care of ole Jelly Belly. The Elvira of Sex and I will chat, because seriously someone needs to take away her Roofies!"
"Roofies, what are Roofies?" Jean-Claude asked. Sometimes he found that he had no idea what Buffy was talking about.
Buffy ignored him and continued laying out the plans for the coming weeks. It was time for the vampire to come into the twenty-first century. He could get out of his bordello bedroom and watch some TV, go on the internet, something to understand the world he lived in every once in awhile. She mentally rolled her eyes as she steamrolled on as he continued to ask Cherry questions.
"Once we have the weres strong, none of your vamps are from any other line so no worries there. Now, to the tough part of the plan. We need everyone to swear an oath of fealty to someone or something to fight this battle and protect your city, your families and your way of life. Any suggestions?"
"That's easy. They swear fealty to me; I am the Master of the City," Jean-Claude said smugly.
"I'm not swearing an oath to him and neither is my pack," growled Richard, shooting to his feet.
"Damn it, are you through spraying testosterone around the room," Anita asked sarcastically. "There's more at stake than your egos, and we don't have time for pissing contests. So, shut up the both of you!"
"You go girl. No, Jean-Claude, there's no crowning ceremony in your future, unless Anita decides to go upside your head. Here's my suggestion. I'm not asking you to decide today, just to think about it and then let me know. They could swear fealty to the goddess of the moon. They're all her children; she governs over their lives as weres and vampires!"
"My pack would have no problem with that and neither do I. The oath will protect us from the council?" Richard commented solemnly.
"Yes, for the time the Council is here, and anything anyone does is strictly by their choice. If someone betrays your pack for power it's a true betrayal, nothing forced on them by the oath. You as their Ulfric would have to pass judgment them. Do you still agree to this?"
Buffy hoped Richard understood what she was telling him. She knew there were two pack members that he would have to deal with. He would have to step down or die if he wasn't strong enough to do so.
Jamil watched the tiny blonde from across the room. She was looking at his Ulfric and speaking passionately. He only wished that Buffy had fallen for Richard rather than her current mates. With her as Lupa, he knew the pack would be safe. He hoped Richard listened to her, or he would have to challenge him as Ulfric. Jamil realized Buffy was now speaking to Anita.
"I need to meet with Rafael about the rats and anyone else you know of. Now, that I've blown your minds. Ritchie, you and Queenie there, come with me."
Richard and Anita sat in Buffy's study as she paced under the moonlight. Her hair flew out behind her, her face intent, and eyes were flashing. She looked like a warrior queen.
"Okay, you two, here's the scoop. I'm sorry you broke up, but you forgot about custody of the kids."
Richard's looked at her with narrowed eyes. "My pack isn't part of this. Stay of out of this. It isn't your business, Buffy," he warned her.
"Wrong answer and don't growl at me or I'll get a newspaper and pop you on the nose. They still see Anita as their lupa, which is good in some ways but bad in others. It's definitely bad for you two. They've become dependent on her. Whenever you do choose your mate, the pack may not accept her. You need a clean break from each other if you even want a chance at becoming friends. Anita, you have your own pard. If you plan to be the true Nimir-Ra then you can't have divided loyalties." With a flash of gold, she left them alone in the study, staring at empty space.
Buffy grabbed her mates, kissing them passionately in turn. They felt their bond lock into place and a gentle connection that told them their mates were happy and safe.
"Asher, grab that box on the table and hand it to me please."
He handed Buffy a sandalwood box with the phases of the moon carved in the sides and the full moon on the top. Winged horses pulled a chariot across the night sky, with a beautiful woman holding the reins. Buffy tenderly traced the woman's figure with her finger.
"That's my mother, Selene."
She smiled opening the box. Inside were three rings that glowed like moonlight. She handed one to Asher and Damian and the last she held onto. The rings had moons and stars engraved in them with moonstones and diamonds intricately interwoven.
"Hephy created them as a symbol of our bond. He also added some surprises. He just can't help himself. Yours will allow you to speak to me using your mind. It also allows you to stay awake during the day by locking your soul inside you. There's no more need for your coffins. Once I put it on you, I'm the only one who can remove it, unless you die."
"Mon Dieu, it's too much. You are all I ever wanted. I didn't come to you for power, only love, take it back," Asher cried, pushing the ring back into her hand.
"Silly rabbit, I know that and so does Hephy. That's why he created them. He wanted to thank the two of you for loving me." She stared at them, pouring her heart into her words. "I didn't ask him to do this. Hephy has the biggest heart and sees so much, right to the heart of things. He's like my big brother, and only wants to see me happy. It would be wonderful to go to bed each night with you and wake up safe in your arms. That's what his gift means; he isn't trying to change you. Just trying to keep me happy and safe now that I've found you."
Asher turned to her with blood tears in his eyes and allowed her to put the ring on his hand. She kissed the ring and then his lips, wiping away his tears.
She turned to Damian who hadn't said a word. "And you my brave Viking, do you accept this ring?" she asked, while staring into his pale green eyes.
He leaned down and kissed her in answer. Buffy laughed slipping his ring on his finger. Asher and Damian put her ring between their fingers and slid it onto her finger, and then they slid their fangs into each side of her neck.
"Oh my," Buffy murmured. "My two, err, there err, can't think; guess I'll just play."
She grabbed each man in her strong hands and stroked them. They fell back onto the bed as one, there orgasms ready to peak. Asher stroked down her back as he continued to suckle at her neck in shallow sips. He moved from her neck to kiss her then worked his way down her chest. Damian moved to stand behind her, while his fangs remained in her neck. They were in perfect sync even their heartbeats matched Buffy's. Damian and Asher roared, joining her as she felt their coolness against her skin. Buffy reached up to pull them to her, and kissed them each in turn.
"Can I just say wow and huh, and give me a minute, and how soon can we play some more?"
They pressed against her side and each kissed a cheek.
"We are yours to command, little goddess."
"Mmm, guess it's good, I'm immortal or you guys would kill me. Have to say what a way to go, yum!"
The new moon had finally arrived, and the pack had gathered at the Lupanar for the ceremony. Anita stood beside Richard, watching Buffy greet the pack. She knew several wolves, well those she had dealt with through Richard or Jean-Claude. It came nowhere near the numbers Buffy was currently greeting. It had her fingers itching to grab her gun.
"How does she know so many pack members?"
"She took the time to get to know them, Anita. Buffy didn't feel like she could help Robert or the pack if she didn't understand its past and its members," Jamil told her coldly as he walked away to greet Buffy.
Anita felt as if he had slapped her. She had helped save them from Raina, and became their Lupa. How dare he act as if she didn't care, her back stiffened in anger, only to deflate in defeat. Her eyes followed Jamil's tall frame as he stepped forward to greet the small blonde. She watched Buffy turn toward the dread-locked were, and present him with a bright smile. Her already dark mood shifted even further into somber thoughts as Jamil folded his tall frame over to hug Buffy's in welcome. Anta hated to admit that he was right. She didn't know the pack the way she should as their Lupa. Anita had only taken the time to know the ones directly involved with Jean-Claude, or Richard. With these thoughts came the final realizations that she wasn't what this pack needed; she had to stay away from them after tonight.
Buffy finally approached Anita and Richard, after separating herself from the others. She sent them what she hoped was a reassuring smile.
"It's time to start the ceremony. I wanted to let you know that I've bound Raina's spirit. She won't be able to come through the munin. After talking to everyone, I realized she's too volatile to add to the mix. Tonight's about healing her mess, to heal all the pack's past bad experiences in life, like Stephen," Buffy explained. She turned to stare up as the Ulfric, knowing he wasn't going to like what she was about to say. "It may even help you, Richard. Everyone knows that you got it through the vaccine. Don't you think it's about time you got over it?"
She didn't wait for his response as she turned and marched back over to Robert. Buffy hoped Richard would accept the healing offered to him. He was in a unique position as the Ulfric and could either accept or reject the munin's gifts. They would seek out those in need to help those who truly wanted to heal.
"She doesn't pull any punches, does she," asked Richard.
"Nope, it's like going around with an angry tiger. Kinda, pisses me off. I don't want to like her, but she kinda just doesn't give you any other choice. She's also right; that's the part that pisses me off, damned Barbie."
"I can hear you, Anita," Buffy called out to the miffed necromancer. "Come on, you two, it's time to start."
Robert called the munin with Buffy's guidance; the pack felt warmth pass through them. They felt as if some great hand had reached inside and stripped away something from them. Buffy nodded in Robert's direction.
"Our ancestors spirits came tonight to strengthen not our bodies but our spirits, to heal the scars laid there by others. These are no longer your burdens to carry. They belong to the ones who did the evil and the munin removed these burdens from you."
The healed pack members crawled toward Robert and Buffy. She stepped outside the circle and gently pushed Richard into his rightful place at its center. He released his power into the wolves that surrounded him. They smoothly flowed around him eager for his touch and acceptance. Richard stood proudly among them as their Ulfric. He slowly withdrew from the circle after reassuring his pack for what seemed like hours to return to his throne.
He stood before the wolf throne, looking out at the pack. Richard glanced briefly toward Anita before his eyes drifted back to the pack. He renounced her as his lupa, wishing her well as he motioned for her to leave the Lupanar with kingly grace.
Anita bowed her head in acknowledgment, and to hide the tears that pricked her eyes. She silently walked through the pack, allowing them to touch to her as they said their goodbyes. Buffy gathered Anita to her as they walked back toward their car, and Anita allowed herself to be comforted.
"Ssh, Anita, I know it's hard but you'll get through it. You loved him enough to see you were hurting him and that it had to stop; you did the right thing."
"Did I, then why does it feel so wrong?" Anita asked, with pain filling every word.
"Because, you still love him, and you always will. It's hard to accept when love that passionate and consuming, isn't meant to be."
Anita looked at Buffy, and somehow thought she was talking from experience. Suddenly, Buffy stopped talking, and smiled brightly.
"What's up?" Anita asked.
"They're here," she said then turned to stare into the night sky.
Damian and Asher landed beside her and wrapped her in their arms. They took turns kissing her, causing Buffy's laughter to fill the air. It combined with the scent of Anita's despair to create an odd combination, much like the two women.
"Okay, you guys, enough already. We have two more ceremonies to get through tonight," Anita complained. It was enough that she had to hang around with Buffy. She didn't have to watch her with her lover too.
They headed for the Rodere clearing, where Rafael and Lillian waited for them. Once again, Buffy knew the wererats by name, and inquired about their families, jobs, and hobbies - everything.
How did she have the time to befriend all these people? Doesn't she ever sleep, not to mention keeping up with two vampire lovers?
The ceremony went smoothly. Buffy and Rafael had become close friends since she had volunteered to train Lillian. He had visited with Buffy and her mates on many evenings, discussing the dynamics of the rodere, and life in general.
Anita hated listening to them speak fluent Spanish the entire time. Her own Spanish had long since faltered to something lost in the past, along with most of the memories of her mother. Anita knew it wasn't Buffy's fault that she spoke several languages. It still didn't stop her from feeling jealous each time it occurred.
Anita started getting nervous as they approached the clearing where the wereleopards waited. She saw them huddled together, with Nathaniel glued next to Cherry's side. The young wereleopard had no resistance whenever it came to the S&M scene he favored. It left him needy to anyone that offered him protection, or dominance. He would do whatever anyone asked, no matter what it may cost him. His only hope lay with the munin and its ability to heal the scars from he had sustained in his past. Gabriel, their former Namir-Raj, had broken the pard member's wills. It was her job as their Namir-Ra to rebuild them.
Buffy kissed her vampires as she left them to watch the coming events. She walked toward Cherry, the newly trained Vargamor, with a soft smile playing about her lips. She pulled her aside to speak to her before the ceremony began.
Elizabeth took this lull in the ceremony to confront Anita. She stalked around the necromancer's smaller frame as she talked. Each question tightened the circle as she peered down on the woman she felt beneath her.
"Why do you think this will help? You're not our Nimir-Ra! The pard needs a true leader, not some 'human'," she spat the word, "playing in our world. If our Nimir-Ra must be human then Buffy should step forward. She obviously knows what it means to lead, and care for others." Elizabeth stretched to her full height, allowing her eyes to flash amber as she looked down at Anita. "Something we all know you're not good at."
"I've had just about enough from you. I'm the Nimir-Ra! You weren't strong enough for the job! So, back off, bitch, before I pass judgment, as is my right," Anita threatened, with an impressive growl in her voice.
She pulled her gun, pointing it at Elizabeth's head. The recalcitrant were reluctantly backed off and stormed away to stand toward the back of the pard. Elizabeth continued to send Anita hateful glares, but otherwise kept quiet.
Buffy stepped up beside Anita, and commented, "Anita, I couldn't help but overhear your friendly conversation. There's another solution to your problem. When Cherry calls the munin, they could determine whether they find you worthy as the Nimir-Ra. If they do, they could give you a beast."
"I'm not becoming a wereleopard."
Anita's eyes narrowed as she glared at Buffy. She crossed her arms across her chest to keep from reaching for her gun. Her eyes showed rather than going hard and dead showed her convictions.
Buffy wanted to roll her eyes then wondered if she was paying for her raising. Did she give Giles this hard of time when he tried to explain things to her? She realized that even with all the gifts the Powers had shoved into her, they certainly didn't help worth squat with interpersonal relations.
"You don't understand, Anita. It's an internal metaphysical beast. You can call on its power for your pard. Others will be able to recognize it, but you won't change. If someone challenges you then you'd fight on the metaphysical plane. Your beast would be able to call theirs to you."
Buffy paused, allowing Anita to take in her words. She watched her start to get excited about the idea. Looking up at the moon, she realized they had to get on with the ceremony, and Anita would have to decide quickly. Buffy knew it was time for the small print. She hated the whole disclaimer part, but sure wished someone had told her about it before she had rushed headlong into certain situations. Oh, well water, bridge.
"Make sure you want it, really want it along with everything that it entails. It's not reversible by any type magic - only death. Think of it like your necromancy, its there dormant, but you haul it out when you need it."
Anita looked into Buffy's bright green eyes. It was in that moment that she realized she was truly the Nimir-Ra, and would do whatever she needed for her pard. They were hers to protect.
"Let's do it."
Buffy nodded in understanding, because she would do the exact same thing in Anita's place. She waved Cherry forward, and stood beside her as the wereleopard called forth the munin. Warmth flooded through the pard. It filled the holes left within their damaged psyche from their past. Nathaniel lay nearly comatose as the layers of pain and degradation slowly faded away from him. Buffy then slipped her hand into Cherry's and together they called to the spirits, softly requesting they grant the Namir-Ra strength should they find her heart worthy and true.
Anita felt something brush against her and looked down. Nothing was there. She felt her temperature rising and her body ache, suddenly she felt something push straight into her chest and move underneath her skin. Anita felt the leopard move around as if it was checking out its new home then settle down. She closed her eyes and looked inside her shields. There she saw a beautiful spotted leopard with green eyes staring back at her. It bowed its head at her. Her eyes popped open in shock. Anita turned to Buffy with wide-eyed wonder. Buffy just sent her one of her mega-watt smiles.
She released the power of her inner beast. The power rushed outward and the pard crawled toward her. They each licked her hand, even Elizabeth. Anita stared straight into the troublesome pard member's eye, and Elizabeth bowed her head in acceptance of her Nimir-Ra. Peace unlike anything Anita had ever felt in her life swept over her. Her life finally fit together. It felt right for the first time she could remember. She looked at her pard and saw marked differences in them as well.
The air of submissiveness and fear that had followed them like a rain cloud had dissipated. They were more at ease, lighter with the removal of the burdens. Some had even moved up the preternatural ladder without the weight of the world burdening them. Zane and Caleb had become alphas. Anita knew the pard no longer ranked, as the weakest link in the St. Louis were community.
"Zane, Caleb, you will stand as my first and second. Should anything happen to me, the pard is yours to protect and lead. Remember the pard always comes first."
She told them what was happening with the Council. Their response and willingness to fight surprised Anita. Nathaniel was the first to step forward, which might have surprised him as much as her. The proud smile on his face and the way he carried himself was the best testament as to the success of the ceremony.
Buffy quietly took several steps back, before she turned around to walk over to the two patiently waiting vampires. She greeted them with the mega-watt smile meant especially for her mates.
"Take me home boys and have your wicked way with me!"
Their lust inducing laughter filled the night air. The sensitive weres felt it waft over them. They shifted toward one another, reaching for their pard members instinctively wanting to touch. Anita felt her inner beast stretch underneath her skin. Her hand reached out to pet Nathaniel's head without her even knowing she had done so.
Buffy jumped into Asher's arms and wrapped her legs around his waist. She flew off into the night with her lovers, leaving behind the newly healed and stronger pard. Buffy couldn't help but wonder what tomorrow would bring.
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