The next morning, while Buffy was meditating, Asher and Damian stood nearby watching. She gently floated back down to the floor, opened her eyes and sent her mates a brilliant smile.
"Good morning, loves. I need to show you how to access the weapons. We've been so busy with the loving that I forgot about the fighting part of the program. My bad," she said apologetically. She led them over to the bookcase against the far wall. "I guess the easiest thing is to concentrate on our bond and put you hand to the wall."
The bookshelf moved away to reveal a hidden room with a wall of gun, one of knives and axes, and one of swords, directly in the middle hung the scythe, humming gently.
"What is that?" Damian asked, pointing to the scythe.
"It comes and disappears at my call and can kill anything. The pointed end is what can separate the lines of power to childer or servants. It's pretty cool, huh? Used it on some ancient vamp, the First, and a creepy preacher dude, oh and Travel guy. I'm going to have to leave soon. The Council left their home base about three hours ago. They're roughly somewhere over Greece, I think."
"Are you sure, we can't come with you, my love?" Asher asked, wrapping his arms around her tiny waist.
"I'm sorry guys, but this is purely a solo mission. I'll be home, before you can miss me," she said, kissing them each in turn.
"That's impossible, we already miss you," Damian protested.
"Oh, you'd be surprised," Buffy said, cryptically, smirking as she glanced at her watch. She noted the time was 10:30 am.
It's night in Europe, which means the Council should arrive hear around, six tonight. Yep, it's doable. Here goes nothing.
Deep Inner Chamber of the Vampire Council Headquarters: A large cloven-footed vampire stood before a fireplace. Two long narrow horns jutted from his forehead. Red, hard, armor-like scales encased his lower body, while spikes ran down his arms. He had red eyes with slitted pupils, and his tongue was black and forked like a snake. He was the Dragon, one of the three true leaders of the Council. Rumors said his father was actually a dragon, looking at him it was easy to believe. His original beasts to call were the dinosaurs. He had retired from the inner court intrigues long ago, preferring his inner sanctum. Belle Morte and the others in their arrogance were convinced they had hid their petty power plays from him. Little happened within the Council that the Dragon didn't know about.
Buffy appeared in an outer courtyard of the headquarters and looked at the large castle. Oh please, can we say pretentious much. This looks like something from a movie set. She looked up at the moon, concentrating on pulling her powers and magic to her. Buffy wove an intricate flowing pattern with her hands; they moved faster and faster. Her eyes glowed brighter and brighter until she finally threw her hands up and out as though casting a net. In fact, she did just that, as a fine mystical net fell over the castle, trapping everyone inside it.
She cocked her head to the side and thought of her first victim, the Dragon, and disappeared. Buffy appeared behind the large vampire that reminded her of a cross between Kakistos and that rock Beast thing the AI troop had fought in L.A.
Wonder, if he breaths fire and sprout wings?
"Hey, Puff, how's it hanging?"
The Dragon whirled around to find a tiny blonde dressed completely in black leather. How did she get in here? I heard no one enter. He sniffed the air, she smelled of sweet magic.
"Who dares enter here?" His voice boomed as he sent waves of power, rushing toward her.
Buffy grinned at him polishing her nails on her shirt. "I thought you were supposed to be a magic Dragon, Puff. Maybe you're broke, try again."
She knew she should just get this over with, but she hadn't really kicked any ass in a while. He stormed toward her, moving faster than something that large should be able. He went to grab Buffy by the throat. She blocked him and punched his chest, sending his large form scooting across the room.
"Uh, uh, no touching. I'm taken, and my mates get really upset when other, erm, guys touch me."
The Dragon quickly recovered and projected his huge body across the room at her. The move surprised her at its quickness. She ended up on the bottom of their Dragon meets Guardian collision. Buffy swore she was seeing little vampires flying around her head, which ached like the devil. It took some careful maneuvering, and working against the urge to upchuck as she wiggled her legs out from underneath the Dragon.
Buffy pulled her legs closed to her body and shoved the huge Council Vampire away from her. His hands flew outward as he clawed at the air as if he could somehow find purchase within it to stop his inevitable slamming into the solid wall. Needless to say it didn't work, when he hit with a resounding 'BOOM' and left a huge Dragon-shaped dent behind. He roared shooting fire from his mouth at her.
Guess, that answers that question. I had better finish this, still got two more to go.
Her eyes started to glow and her full power blasted a path to the Dragon. Buffy's power pinned him to the wall, as she advanced on him. She called forth the scythe, pointing the stake end toward him. It showed Buffy the lines to the Dragon's children. They maintained no human servants, which was odd but she wasn't one to complain. He had few remaining childer. They ranged from 1000-2000 years in age. Buffy carefully separated those that were salvageable and severed their ties to their sire's line. The ones remaining she sent her final judgment, powered by the scythe, down the line.
She stared into the Dragon's eyes. He knew fear he didn't know or even remember he was capable of experiencing.
"Who are you? What are you?"
"I'm Buffy, the Earth's Guardian, and you're history."
She pulled back the scythe and with a clean swipe severed his head. He exploded into dust like the vamps in her old world. Buffy liked being able to use the scythe, no messy clean up.
"One down two to go. Which one's next, the crazy Melty Man, or Freddy Kruger's Momma? Mmm, let's take door number two."
Buffy disappeared only to reappear in a room that would have freaked even Angelus out. In front of her lay a 'woman' less than five feet tall, that looked like a bag of bones. When she moved, it sounded like nails on a chalkboard. She looked at Buffy without saying a word, and started to cackle. Buffy felt her trying to batter down the shields on her mind.
Her power was to use a person's worst fears against them, and then she fed off that fear. Buffy didn't have any of her usual smart-ass remarks. She remembered a little boy trapped in nightmares with no way to get out. Queenie here did that to all her victims, and much more. She had power the darkness, and used it to her advantage.
Buffy decided to turn the tables on the vampire queen. She imagined a vampire's worst nightmare and throwing all of the Guardian's power behind it, saturated the first vampire with them in an endless loop.
"It's not so much fun when someone else holds the power is it?!"
The Queen of Nightmares screamed and screamed and screamed. It was a horrifying sound, worse than anything Buffy could remember. She called forth the Scythe to complete her judgment and execution. She couldn't stand being in the same room with the vampire for another moment longer. The scythe hadn't found even one of this foul creature's immediate childer or their human servants salvageable, and eradicated them.
Buffy reappeared outside the room, feeling as though she needed to shower for the next ten years to be clean of this experience. She knew that she couldn't kill the Queen, or Marmee Noir, much as she'd like to, since she was the progenitor for the entire vampire nation. She could however trap her inside the endless dream with no hope of ever waking. Marmee Noir had started waking when Jean-Claude gave Anita the first mark. Buffy knew that until she completed her tasks the vile creature trapped inside must remain 'alive'. She shuddered at what this world would have experienced if that creature had ever fully awakened.
Last but not least, Morte d'Amour, the Lover of Death. Buffy appeared in a room done completely in red and white. A man sat staring at his reflection in an antique dressing mirror. His skin, so white, it didn't resemble a normal vampire's skin. It had no color at all; neither did his hair and eyes. It was almost as if no blood flowed in his body, not even borrowed blood.
A young man roughly, six and a half foot tall, with curly yellow hair and pale blue eyes stepped in front of the man. He had the gentlest soul Buffy had ever seen, and one of the most tortured.
Tired from all she had seen and felt from the two previous Council members, she decided to handle this one as quickly as possible. Her power flooded the room, pressing the two vampires against opposing walls. Her judgment came quickly, and the Lover of Death got just that - death.
Buffy turned to learn more about the handsome young vampire, and realized he something truly unique especially among vampires. He had psychokinetic powers. She gently probed his mind and learned that his name was Warwick. Buffy gently smiled up at him as she put him to sleep. She called out to her Uncle Apollo. Buffy convinced the Sun God to transport the unconscious vampire for her, after she promised to follow along soon after them.
Damian and Asher had just left the study and started to walk toward the den to wait for Buffy, when they felt someone tapping on their shoulders. Startled by the interruption, they turned around and found themselves tackled to the ground by a tiny blur of gold. Buffy's laughter echoed throughout the house.
"Told you, you wouldn't have time to miss me," she told them happily.
She kissed her lovers' faces then started to caress each man in turn. Buffy wiggled into a sitting position. She was unable to stop herself from smirking at the confounded looks on their faces.
"Teach you to doubt me, buddy boys."
"But how! You only just left!" They talked at the same time.
"Whoa boys, hold on, one at a time. Move through time and space ring a bell. So, I moved back just five minutes later. No biggy. OhandIkindabroughtsomeonewithme."
"What did you say my love?"
"I kinda brought somebody home with me, well not me personally. I had Apollo bring him and they should arrive here soon. You'll understand when you meet him. He has the gentlest soul, and his maker was torturing him horribly."
Her brow wrinkled as she explained. Damian and Asher exchanged looks over her head. They already knew that Buffy had adopted their new visitor, and they had no choice but to make the best of the situation. They understood this quality about her, and although they loved her for it, they understood it had led to its own heartache, and at times danger for her in the past. It was their job to not so much curb her giving nature, but just help her through whatever repercussion occurred should there be any, good or bad. They had agreed from the first that they loved Buffy, as she was warts and all. They saw her best qualities and her worst ones. Love didn't blind them. They just accepted her and planned to protect her from every possible hurt possible. Those they couldn't then they would simply hold her until it didn't hurt as much.
"I couldn't leave him to fend for himself. He's a pyro, and thinks his turning was some punishment from God. Please understand."
She looked at her mates pleadingly. They exchanged glances then turned to gather her close to them.
"You have the largest heart, little goddess," Asher murmured against her hair.
Apollo appeared with a man cradled in his arms as if he were a babe. Buffy's eyes went from the Sun God then back down to the fragile vampire he held so tenderly. An understanding light entered her eyes.
"Congratulations, Polly, it's a boy." She watched her uncle's head nod in confirmation.
"I think he's one of my descendants. He resembles someone I loved long ago, and with the power he controls, it is almost certain" The sun god turned to his niece with pleading golden eyes, and asked, "Will you care for him?"
"He's already mine, Polly. Once I saw into his heart and soul, he was mine. I'll do whatever's needed to protect him, and help him have a good life, promise."
Apollo leaned forward to kiss her forehead. He whispered against her brow, "Thank you, the Fates chose wisely."
He carefully laid Warwick on the couch. Stepping back, he gently brushed back Warwick's bright yellow curls, before he disappeared in a cloud of golden sparkles.
Buffy turned to Asher and Damian, with an expression of panic tinged with fear. "No one can know that he's here. What's the best thing to do? I don't think it will take us much longer to take out the Council, perhaps only a few days at the best."
Her wandered over to the still sleeping vampire as she thought over the current situation. Buffy knew that keeping Warwick safe from the Council was important not only to her, but also to Apollo. She had an idea and wanted to talk it over with her mates.
"I could place him into a deep sleep, until it's over. It's just that it goes against my beliefs to keep him that way."
Buffy started to pace the room. Her hands continued moving even more than her feet as she rolled them agitatedly.
"How am I supposed to feed him since the pard doesn't come to the house any more?"
"Rafael would assist you, Buffy; he has no allegiance to Anita or Jean-Claude."
Damian watched his mate, knowing she would feed Warwick herself otherwise. An option neither he nor Asher cared for, and preferred to keep the status quo. He couldn't stop the deliciously sensual laughter from filling the room, when she jumped into his arm. Buffy kissed his face and neck enthusiastically, before working her way back toward his lips.
"You're so smart my Viking, aren't you? Okay, wererats for dinner coming right up. Would you call and talk to him? Asher, my love, would you help me talk to Warwick? He knows you, right?"
They nodded in acquiesce to her requests. She gifted them with one her blindingly bright smiles. The two vampires felt their hearts beat faster in their chest.
Warwick started to stir on the couch, murmuring to himself. Buffy immediately crossed the room to kneel beside him. She soothed him like a child. He opened his eyes to see the blonde warrior who had killed his sire, but he didn't feel his loss. Warwick stared into large green eyes full of compassion and understanding and felt no fear.
Who is this woman?
"Its okay, Warwick; you're safe. No one will ever hurt you again. I'm Buffy and I'd like you to stay here with my mates and me. You look like you could use a friend and I don't have too many of those anymore, myself. What do you say?"
Buffy put her hand out for him to shake. He looked at her like a lost puppy.
"Lady Buffy, are you my new master? What service do you require of me?"
"First, it's just Buffy, and I don't require any service from you. I just wanted to help you; that's all. I can help you come to terms with what you are, to accept yourself. You were very religious, and what Yvette and the Council did troubled you greatly. This house protects you from them. You're safe here. On my honor as a warrior of light, I so swear."
"My mate's an honorable woman. She's telling the truth Warwick, you can trust her," Asher murmured. "You're welcome here, should you care to stay."
"Your mate," Warwick said hesitantly. His eyes wandered over his over friend's face, only now did he notice Asher's unmarred skin. He turned to look and looked at Buffy.
"Yes, she's my bond mate as well as Damian's. We are very happy. She healed my scars even those on my heart." Asher smiled kindly at the timid vampire.
"I would like to stay."
"Wonderful. A good friend whose a wererat has agreed to provide you with food. We only ask that you don't speak about anything you might see here."
Musette strolled into Jean-Claude's office at the Circus of the Damned. She was a tiny blonde who favored the antiquated clothes from the time of her death. Angelito, her pet and human servant, followed close on her heels. He was huge and wore his coal black hair long down his back. They created an odd pair. He was the very picture of masculinity and Musette was tiny, petite, and all things feminine. Angelito openly carried an ancient sword strapped about his waist, wherever he went. He explained his duty was to protect Musette against and must always be ready. His finely sculpted lips curled at of them.
"Bon jour, Jean-Claude. I come with news from the Council. You are to meet them tomorrow. Padma said you would know the place. Bring your little Triumvirate, Oui. They must have their power tested," Musette announced.
She twirled in circles, causing her white dress to flare away from her frail child-like body. Her hollow laughter filled the air. Musette enjoyed using her looks to fool the unsuspecting into thinking her mind was as frail as her body appeared. Nothing was farther from the truth. The tiny vampiress was one of the Council's most vicious powerful and vicious masters. She delighted in the art of torture.
"Belle knows about the witch that is helping you, and wishes to meet her. And, as Asher's mistress, demands that he return to her. I must warn you, Jean-Claude, you may bring Damian as your second-in-command, but no one else."
Musette smiled charmingly, but her eyes held the deep hatred of the handsome vampire. Jean-Claude. He had spurned her advances many years ago and Musette had never forgiven the slight.
"Sacre Blu, that is impossible! You have not followed the proper channels. Why was I not told of this before?" He exclaimed, as fear crept into his voice at her words. "I cannot force Buffy do anything. What if she will not come?"
"That is your problem, not ours."
She turned and walked out with a malicious smile on her face.
Knowing that others watched, Jean-Claude rushed to Buffy's house. Anita and Richard showed up soon after. They found Rafael already waiting for them. Warwick hid upstairs and Rafael happily kept Buffy's secret of his presence. His first loyalty was to his rodere, but after them, he would do or kill anything to protect the tiny blonde.
"Musette just left the Circus. We are to arrive tomorrow night at seven. They are using the same mansion they used before. Musette informed me that they intend to test the triumvirate," Jean-Claude paused, taking an unnecessary breath. "Buffy, they demanded I bring you. And, Mon Chardonneret, Belle demands that you return to her side. I am allowed only to bring Damian since he is my second."
Buffy remained silent. She felt Asher stiffen beside her, and reached over to place her hand on his arm. Damian did the same, and the golden-haired vampire relaxed.
"Don't worry, JC, Damian's plenty of enough backup."
She sent the Viking a sassy wink. Damian winked at her, which had Jean-Claude frowning in confusion at their attitude. He quickly realized his mask had slipped and smoothed it away to replace it with his usual smile. Anita's eyes narrowed at this byplay.
I'll keep her busy, don't worry bout that. Poor Paddy's still weak from his last visit. One look at Richard should have him, shaking in his paws. Anita, if you can handle Yvette, we're good to go." Buffy stopped her rapid-fire dissertation as she ran through her lists. "She's a rotter. Fire works best on them. Shoot until your inner bitch does the happy dance then fry her ass. Here catch this." Buffy tossed her Hephaestus' ring. "It should do the trick. Pretty much just, point and shoot. It's right up your ally."
Anita caught the beautiful ring that Buffy had tossed at her. Looking at the intricate engraving that graced the band, she recognized Apollo's sun and Selene's moon. She glanced over at Buffy, who was already talking to Jean-Claude about his role. She was starting to wonder about Buffy, more so every time they met. She hesitantly slipped the ring onto her finger.
"There's plenty of room out back, if you want to try it."
Buffy turned back to Jean-Claude to continue where they had left off in their conversation.
"You closed the Circus and everyone is keeping their people together, right? We want as few hostages as possible."
She pointed to a large box by the front door.
"After we go inside, have the weres place those around the mansion to cloak their presence. The Council won't know they're outside, in case we need backup. Same goes for the vamps not immediately involved. Tell the ones you trust. It's your call who you want covering your backside."
"What of Musette, Mon Cher?" Asher asked, pulling her down to sit on his lap.
"I thought Jean-Claude would enjoy personally kicking her little ass. I hear she has some payback coming her way. Damian can handle Angelboy. Am I leaving out anyone?" Buffy's head cocked to the side as she worked through the list of players. "I'm sure there are others to take out, but your backup can handle anything the Council throws at us.
She looked around the room, waiting for anyone else to add in any last minute comment. When no one said anything, she clapped her hands together, and said, "Okay, team break."
Buffy grabbed her mates hands and transported them to their bedroom. She pushed them toward the large bed, which they fell back onto happily. They enjoyed exploring one another's bodies and were willing to try almost anything.
She had been planning this night for some time. Her training from Aphrodite gave her a wealth of information to pull from. Aphrodite's training taught her to pleasure her own body as well as others. The goddess of love felt that any woman comfortable with her own sexuality was better able to accept herself, and not be caught up in the games people loved to play.
Buffy walked into the bathroom to change her clothes. She put on the silver loincloth that she had worn during the healing ceremony for Asher. Her fingers dipped into a pot of silver créme. It was different from the one she had used that one other time. The base scent was vanilla - her scent. Aphrodite provided the other necessary ingredients. Buffy painted her nipples silver then continued with her body art. She had several surprises for her mates and couldn't wait to see their responses. Buffy chanted the spell and the candles in the other room flared to life, while all the other lights extinguished. She finished her ministrations then stepped from the bathroom into the doorway.
Tomorrow they would face a dangerous battle, but not tonight, no tonight was theirs and theirs alone.
Asher and Damian spoke softly on the bed, while they waited for their lover. They had grown closer with each passing day on equal measure to their love for Buffy. The two vampires had thanked the gods for bringing her into their lives. Their heads turned toward the bathroom when they felt her enter the bedroom. Their breaths hitched, gasping for unneeded air as they took in her appearance. Buffy looked like some pagan goddess.
"Take your clothes off, and remain still until I say you can move," she ordered, her husky voice filled the air and their senses.
Damian and Asher jumped to their feet, and practically tore the clothes from their bodies. They quickly lay back on the bed to watch and wait. Buffy hummed softly under her breath as she went about the room, closing the drapes and adjusting the softly burning incense and candles to her liking. The tune slowly seemed to fill the air. It crept into every available space, as it played across the rapidly heating skin of the waiting vampires. The haunting melody even raked across their fraught nerve endings as it hit their bodies, sending their already overly stimulated bodies racing toward the edge of pain. From experience, they knew it was well worth it, because Buffy would replace any pain with exquisite pleasure.
Buffy started to dance along with the sound of the melody she hummed. Her body twisted and turned, underneath the soft candlelight. The silver paint that decorated her golden skin caught the light. It glowed with an ethereal glow that drew the already mesmerized vampires to follow the symbols paths. This was how they noticed that the intricate markings dipped well below the silver cloth hanging lovingly around Buffy's slender hips.
She felt their eyes rake over her skin. Her lips swept upward into an enigmatic smile. Buffy's hip continued their hypnotic gyrations as she rotated her body, until she stood facing her mates. Her hands went to the knot that held the silver cloth together; she untied it and slowly dropped the cloth to the floor.
Symbols decorated her lower back, buttocks and legs. Buffy bent over to show them that she had painted her sex as well. She continued her slow, sensual movements as the melody she hummed followed her every move. Buffy's hands rose up to caress and tease her breasts. The siren's smile that graced her lips worked as much magic on the men watching as any of her other movements. She moved closer to the bed, stopping mere inches from her mates.
"Damian, lie back on the bed. Asher, you have to wait for your part," Buffy said. Her husky voice set in motion the night of fantasy they would never forget.
The quiet Viking lay back to await for her next command. Asher moved to the side, where he could observe without interfering with his mates' love play. Buffy slowly moved toward the bed. Her hips swayed softly, matching the rhythm she hummed.
She started at Damian's feet and painted symbols along his body. She created intricate symbols from his toes to his cheeks from the paint on her hand. Buffy paid special attention to his sex and painted it to match hers. No matter how much she applied, the paint remained on her hands.
"It's your turn, my love."
Buffy motioned for Asher to lie next to Damian. She repeated her ministrations on his pale skin. Every place the silver paint touched their skin it warmed it. The warmth started to tingle. She licked his mouth, seeking entrance, which he happily gave her. She kissed Asher, while her hands swept across Damian's body. They moaned at the spell she had wove around them. Buffy moved between them, pulling their heads down to her breasts.
"Drink my loves. You're going to need your strength. Tonight is one we'll never forget."
Two sets of fangs sunk into her tender skin, causing need to flood her body. When the paint hit their tongues, Damian and Asher nearly passed out as feelings of need overwhelmed them.
"What have you done, Mon Cher?" The huskiness of Asher's voice surprised even him.
"I wove a little spell, one of Aphrodite's and a little of mine for good measure. Now, no more talking."
Buffy moved to sit astride Damian, letting him feel her moist heat. Asher moved behind her to press his chest against her back. She arched her neck as she pressed their bodies together. Asher's hands skimmed over her silky skin. They worked downward, until her found her, and teased her where she joined their mate. She looked over her shoulder to Asher then leaned forward to lie on Damian's chest. They had never been together like this before. They had always loved Buffy's body together, but never at the same time.
Asher felt the heat wafting off her body; it echoed inside his own. Her mates could not remember the last time they felt this much heat. The special paint had many effects on the body. It allowed the body to achieve its inner most desires. There wasn't anything to hamper Buffy's wishes this night. She wanted to feel both her mates. She had dreamed of this night and was determined to live out her fantasies.
Asher looked into Damian's pale green eyes and knew he felt the same excitement at having their mate this way. Buffy touched Damian's face. Her husky voice wafted through the room like the scent of the headiest incense. It wrapped around her lovers causing their hearts to beat in time with hers.
"We can all dance this dance, my loves. A never ending circle one of us always touching the other."
The lovers joined together fulfilling Buffy's wishes, and they admitted their own as well. They felt their heartbeat increase, knowing their mate was close to finding her final pleasure. The paint on their bodies started to glow brightly. The increase in her heart rate caused the paint to increase its glow. The scent of the candle and paint combined with the scent of Buffy's arousal wafted through the room. Buffy finished weaving her spell with a small chant to Aphrodite. The paint on their bodies exploded into a blinding light. It held them in its warmth and spread though their bodies. The spell caused every point of pleasure to explode at once. The three lovers shouted as they rode the huge waves of pleasure crashing against their senses.
Buffy collapsed on top of Damian pulling Asher with her. He started to move away from her when she stopped him.
"No, my loves stay with me. I want to feel you constantly touching me throughout the night."
Asher carefully moved to her side and Damian rolled to his side. They held each as well as Buffy between them. The men looked into each other's eyes then leaned over Buffy to kiss each other softly. They recognized their love for Buffy increased their feelings for each other. They were slowly coming to love each other as well as Buffy.
"Mon Dieu, little goddess where did you learn that one?"
Asher brushed her hair back to kiss her neck softly. His fangs teased her skin then slid in to slowly drink her powerful blood.
"It's just a little something I cooked up with Dite. I wanted the first time we were finally all together for it to be incredibly special and wonderful," she explained with a sleepy voice, as her eyes grew heavy.
"Sleep love, tomorrow night you're going to need your strength."
Damian placed her head on his shoulder. When Asher removed his fangs from her neck, Damian replaced them with his own. It was their nightly ritual. The drinking directly from another's fang marks was an intimate gesture. He pulled away only to find that Buffy had fallen completely asleep. Turning to Asher, Damian glanced back at their mate. His hand reached up to brush his fingers through Asher's golden hair.
"We must ensure that she rests and prepares for tomorrow. I can't bare the thought of losing her, Asher, and I know you feel the same. No matter whom we must kill to keep her safe, including Jean-Claude, or Anita," Damian whispered, vehemently. "So be it. I won't lose either of you."
To anyone else, Damian's impassioned threat sounded out of character, but not to Asher. The golden haired vampire understood the normally stoic vampire, and mirrored his vehement promise.
A large limousine pulled up outside the mansion. Richard exited then turned back to hold his hand out to assist Anita. She carefully stepped out mindful of the extremely high heels she wore. Anita moved aside to make room for Jean-Claude, who came up behind her with boneless ease. They wore complementary clothing of leathers, silks and lace that brought out each person's assets. Jean-Claude's eye for detail was readily apparent by way the clothes appeared nearly painted onto their bodies. Where the material didn't lay firmly pressed against skin then skin was the color of the day. Less was always more when dealing with either the Council or Jean-Claude. It was easy to see from the amount of bare chests, cut outs and mesh the vampire tended to favor.
Damian, Asher and Buffy followed the pseudo-Triumverate from the car's confines. Buffy had no problems following Jean-Claude's lead in simply dressing her men in tight fitting leather pants. She wasn't into the leather, sex slave look the Council seemed to expect. So, she decided to turn the Council on its head, and go for the opposite effect. Buffy wore a dress that looked like spun moonlight. It gave her the appearance of a fairy, rather than a warrior.
"How does that dress stay on?"
Anita eyed the beautiful dress. She suddenly didn't feel so exposed compared to Buffy.
"Magic," came the soft response from behind her.
Buffy put her hands on her mates arms and walked between them like a queen. "Let's go kick some Council ass." The feral smile on her face changed her from the fairy princess to an Amazon.
They entered the hall only to see Padma seated in a large chair. Beside him sat a beautiful woman dressed in a golden gown that mirrored the honey gold of her eyes.
Musette stood beside her with a satisfied smile on her face. Angelito stood over her like a huge watchdog. And, Yvette, the whitest vampire Buffy had ever seen, stood a little distance away from them. She had white blonde hair and white, white skin and white blue eyes.
Several minions shuffled about running to carry out the next order barked at them. They left as quickly as possible when the power from those walking in hit them.
"Ah, so good of you to come. Come in, come in my sweets," Belle purred, sending her sexual power out at the newcomers.
Buffy spoke into each of their minds. Respond to her normally, it isn't time yet.
In understanding, Anita and Richard gasped. Buffy looked closer at Belle. Beautiful Death is a good name for someone who can fuck you to death. Man the PTBs weren't wrong about the Council. They like to pull the wings off butterflies and torture their pets. Ok, enough. Get your mind back on the game.
Belle stepped down from the dais walking over to Asher. Her beautifully manicured hand reached out to caress his cheek. Her amber eyes wandered over the once more beautiful face, hiding her mild surprise. She smiled turning her already beautiful face into something nearly indescribable in its beauty.
"You have been a bad boy and must be punished. I will deal with you later, mon amie."
She moved among them like a queen only to stop and stare at Jean-Claude.
"You should have taken Oliver's place after his defeat. Why have you forced me to fetch you, dear boy?"
She caressed his face and chest, running her nails up through his long black hair. The seductive vampire moved onto Richard. She cocked her head, sending a smooth sideways glance to Padma. The Ulfric felt the Master of Beast pulling at his wolf, while lust similar to Jean-Claude's arduer filled the air. He felt his beast rise and his eyes turned amber with lust. Richard called to Buffy for help. A wave of power hit him. It felt cool like Jean-Claude and smelled of blood and death like Anita. He felt his wolf recede to its place and his eyes returned to normal.
Belle threw back her head and laughed. It sent shivers down Richard and Anita's spines, but they stood straight and steady. Her eyes blazed like twin flames when she stepped in front of Anita.
"Ah, the famous Executioner, Mademoiselle Blake, we have heard so much about you. Now, let us see if it is all true, n'est pas."
Anita felt heat hit body. It was the most intense lust she had ever felt. Belle poured the arduer down Anita's throat.
This was what Buffy tried to warn me about. It was mindless. Hungry and powerful.
She felt Buffy enter her mind at the same time Richard and Jean-Claude took her hands.
Hold on Anita concentrate and breathe, we're here.
She smelled the warm, forest of Richard and the cool sensuous nights of Jean-Claude. Anita looked Belle in the eye with coal black eyes that promised revenge and death.
Others joined the rest of the Council members on the dais. Elizabeth sauntered onto the stage with her hips swinging from side to side. She moved up to Padma and licked his hand as a satisfied smile spread across her face. John, Mark and Shawn followed her and in turn mimicked her ministrations to the Master of Beasts. All the weres discontent with their current leaders were now present.
A feral smiled spread across the Master of Beasts face. He looked directly into Richard and Anita's face. Elizabeth glared at Anita with pure hate and anticipation. A beautiful blonde, with long wavy hair and large blue eyes, entered the room. She sent Jean-Claude a knowing smile, causing him to curse under his breath. It was Gretchen. The vampire that had warmed Jean-Claude's bed before Anita had come along. The power coming from the man walking next to her marked him at master level, with at least 500 years old of age. He had muscular arms, with wide shoulders that tapered down to a trim waist.
Jean-Claude recognized the vampire. His name was Dwayne. He had slowly started to rise in the ranks of the St. Louis vampires. He had masked his power much like Jean-Claude had done with Nikolas. Looking at him now, with his power on display for everyone to see, he could be from Belle's line. Jean-Claude watched Dwayne extract his arm from Gretchen's clutches to proudly walked toward Belle. When he kneeled before her to kiss her hand, he got all the confirmation he needed.
Buffy whispered once more into everyone's mind.
It's almost time, so keep your cool. I promise you'll have all the backup you need. It's about to get fun boys and girl.
Yvette screeched when she saw the byplay between Belle and Dwayne. "What is this Belle? Are you trying to replace me? Morte d'Amour promised me this city."
"Silence you impudent child. I don't answer to you. Once we are through with our guests, if you have enough strength, you may fight my beautiful beast here for the city." Belle caressed Dwayne's face lovingly.
"I have plenty of power. My master made me his surrogate, allowing me to call on his power. Tread carefully should you choose to betray him. You must go back and live with the consequences of your actions."
Belle waved an elegant hand at Yvette, as if she was shooing away an irritating insect. She continued her journey down the line to stand in front of Buffy.
"Now, we finally get to the real prize, ma sorciere. I have felt you child. You are delicious and I plan to have you. I can offer you immortality, when you become my human servant, my favorite. No other would come before you."
Musette cried out and rushed to her sire's side, "Mon ami, mi amour, do not replace me. Do not cast me aside for this sorciére. I love you, Belle de Morte."
Belle turned on Musette, her eyes glowing bright gold. "You dare tell me what to do? Remember your place, Musette, or I will remind you."
She poured her power over Musette in a rage. The small blonde vampire couldn't move, only screamed in anguish.
Buffy watched this for only a minute then repeated Vamp Willow's favorite phrase. "Bored now."
A deafening silence filled the hall. Belle turned back to Buffy, staring into her wide green eyes. She saw no fear on the little witch's face, only boredom. What kind of witch is this? She does not fear me, or what I could do to her. For the first time she could remember, she felt a tremor of fear and doubt enter her mind. Belle shook off the unfamiliar feelings.
"So, you are bored little witch. I suppose I could merely kill you to end your boredom." Belle unleashed her full power on Buffy sending wave after wave directly at her.
The air in the room grew thick with the scent of roses. Richard growled, as did the other weres, surprisingly Padma did as well. Buffy giggled looking at Belle's shocked face.
"Could you stop it, that tickles? And the roses, I mean that's so 'old lady'. Oops, I guess you are an old lady."
Buffy stepped forward, causing Belle to step back. Taking that as their cue, the others scattered, picking their targets. Buffy mentally called for reinforcements from Rafael, Jamil, Shang Da, Zane, Carlos and several of Jean-Claude's vampires, she knew she could trust. She gave Belle a feral smile and continued to advance. Musette ran to her sire's defense but Buffy swatted her away. Buffy's eyes glowed as she approached Jean-Claude's sire. She quickly prayed to the Fates that the judgment wouldn't affect him.
"How about a little girl talk, just you and me?" and with that, they disappeared from the room.
Jean-Claude grabbed Musette as she tried to grab onto her mistress. He prepared deliver the deathblow, when Angelito tackled him. Damian appeared with a large broadsword and the two men entered into a duel to the death. Musette scuttled to get away from Jean-Claude. She smirked when she saw the wererats enter the room. She tried to call them to her aide, but nothing happened. Her eyes grew large with fear.
"Musette, you're on your own. Our little sorciere has, how does she put it, ah yes. Put out your lights."
He grabbed her throat then shoved his hand into her chest, ripping out her heart. He threw her body aside with disgust. Angelito roared seeing his mistress die. Damian took the opportunity to remove his head. He spun around to take the head of the traitor vampires. He made quick work of two others who chose to follow Dwayne rather than the true Master of the City. Anita went after Yvette, Hephy's ring firmly on her hand. Yvette dissolved only to reassemble several yards away. She called on her master's power, expecting him to fill her body with unimaginable power. He didn't respond to her plea.
"Getting a busy signal, bitch."
"I don't need help to take on someone as insignificant as you, a human servant, ha."
"Well come on, let's see what you got."
Anita pulled her gun and shot Yvette in the head and heart, blowing her to pieces. Yvette reassembled, a harsh laugh coming from her mouth.
"Stupid, pet, you can't kill me. You don't know how. You don't have enough power."
"Enough of this shit. Eat this bitch."
Anita pointed the ring at her. Fire shot from her hand to engulf Yvette in flames. She screamed and mere seconds later all that remained of the were her ashes.
Elizabeth tackled Anita shoving her toward the floor. Anita rolled to reduce the impact. Rolling to her feet, her gun pointed at the traitorous wereleopard. Claws tore down her arm as Elizabeth swatted the weapon from her hand.
"Let's see if you'll like being a leopard that's if you survive the change of course. Don't worry about the pard. I found us a real Nimir Raj. He's coming next week to join his pard with ours. We'll finally have a true leader not some skin-walker wanna be. Not that you'll be around to see it. I doubt you're strong enough to survive the change."
"You know, Elizabeth, that's why you were never strong enough to lead. You never saw the danger right in front of your face."
Anita had pulled her other gun out, and pointed it at the other woman's chest, while Elizabeth was talking. She pulled the trigger; Elizabeth's eyes went wide with shock then turned dull and lifeless as she crumpled to the ground. Anita stepped over the body without a backward glance. She decided to check the other rooms, since everyone had this area pretty much under control.
Asher followed Buffy only to find that she had Belle cornered and imprisoned against the wall.
"Belle, you, those of your line and their servants are to be judged and sentenced tonight."
"Sacre Blu, who are you to judge me, mon sorciére?"
"I am the Daughter of the Moon and the ruler of the Gods. I am the Guardian of the Earth, humanity's champion."
Buffy's eyes glowed blue, while gold outlined her entire her body. The scythe appeared in her hand. She turned it toward Belle's heart and it started to glow and hum.
Asher saw delicate lines of gold, grey and the darkest black. Buffy carefully separated the glowing lines of gold and grey from the black with the scythe's point. She smoothly severed the pale lines. As he looked on, Asher knew how an avenging angel looked.
"You and your line have been judged. I will now pass sentence."
The sound of two intertwined voices came from Buffy's mouth. Her shields had fallen, allowing waves of power to stream off her and the scythe she held. It filled the room like air filling a balloon. She raised the scythe and severed the Beautiful Death's head in one swift move. The powerful vampire burst into ashes.
Asher rushed to Buffy as she tried to catch her breath. Her shoulders and body gently sagged as the night's events hit her. He kissed her forehead then bent to taste the honey of her lips. Damian appeared beside them, soothing his mates with his quiet comfort. Buffy raised her tear-stained face to them.
"I was afraid that I'd have to sentence Jean-Claude."
He caught his breath. Asher hadn't resolved his feelings of bitterness toward his old lover, but he didn't want him dead.
They heard shouting, and took off running back to the main hall. They rounded the corner just in time to watch Dwayne burst into ash. Everything in the room screeched to a halt. They tried to figure out what had just happened.
Buffy noticed that Jamil and Shang Da held Padma between them. Richard had beaten the traitors, but left them alive. She heaved a sighed of relief when she saw this. Richard couldn't kill a Council member. But, he should have levied swift justice to the deceitful pack members. A quick glance showed that Jean-Claude was in the same boat, regarding Gretchen. She lay on the ground beside his feet, unconscious but still very much alive.
Buffy moved toward Padma, with her shields firmly in place. A single glare aimed at Jamil and Shang Da had them stepping away with a bow of their heads. Asher and Damian stood nearby, ready to aid their love, yet well outside of her line of sight. They didn't want to distract her when she had Guardian duties to levy. Buffy called the scythe to her hand. It never failed to amaze her at the feeling of coming home that swept through her when the mystical weapon rested once more within her grasp. Her shields instantly melted away to flood the room with unimaginable power. Everyone with the exception of her mates collapsed onto the floor.
The weres rolled in the waves of power. They tasted the moon and their leader's signature combined. Each lycanthrope had but one thought race across their mind - safe. The vampires felt full, as if they had just finished feeding from their sire only more so. Anita felt her inner beast, her necromancy and an inner peace she never knew existed. She felt protected, something she couldn't remember feeling in a long time.
Buffy stood before Padma and announced, "Master of Beasts, you're the last of the Council. I am here to judge and sentence you along with your entire line. The Council will cease to exist and none will take its place in ruling over the Masters after tonight. The ancient laws and the laws of the land will rule the vampires. Their souls will guide them the same as the humans. I am Earth's Guardian, and was sent here to guard, protect and sentence non-humans who choose to harm innocents."
She quickly completed the Master of Beasts sentence. As soon as he turned to ash, she released the web over the Council's headquarters. Those that had passed judgment ran from the Council castle after watching older vampires and human servants burst into ash who shared their sires' fate. The castle exploded the second the last car drove through the gates, leaving only ruin as a reminder. All over the world, the ones who didn't survive the judgment burst into ash. And all of the survivors turned toward St. Louis for answers.
Buffy looked at the others in the room as she took her mates hands. She walked over to the weres. Once again, she raised her shields, only sending out reassuring pulses. Buffy went to Rafael and kissed her friend's cheek in gratitude.
"Thank you for your help."
She repeated her actions with all the weres, even Jamil and Shang Da, who blushed in embarrassment.
"I will always help any way that I can."
Buffy turned back to Richard, Anita and Jean-Claude. They looked at her with mixed emotions - hurt, betrayal, anger and curiosity.
"Why didn't you tell me? Didn't you trust me?" Anita fired off the minute Buffy reached them.
"Why all the secrecy? Why didn't you tell us, who would betray? We could have stopped them, maybe found some way to help them, before they felt a need to do this."
Buffy felt the urge to reach up and slap Richard. Luckily, her mates still held her hands. They gently squeezed her hands to calm her. Richard still didn't understand his role as the Ulfric, and until he did the pack was in danger.
"So, mon sorciére, what exactly can you do?" Jean-Claude smiled at her.
"Do you want to find out, JC?" Buffy purred.
Her voice sent shivers through every man in the room. The sensual tone turned their thoughts in a direction that her mates wouldn't appreciate. Several were whimpered, earning them cold glares from Damian and Asher. Faster than even those with preternatural sight could follow, Buffy lashed out with her foot, sending Jean-Claude against a wall over twelve feet away.
"Don't push me, Fang-face. It's been a long night and I hate fighting in prom dresses." She shuddered, when the Master's ugly face flashed through her mind. "Brings back bad memories."
Asher and Damian kissed her temples, causing her to smile up at them. Buffy ran her fingers through their hair. Reluctantly, she brought her mind back to the subject at hand.
"First of all, Richard, I told you what you needed to know, and all that I was allowed to share. I've helped you, and your pack in every way that I possibly could. You're the Ulfric, and should know by now that these type situations will always occur. It's about time that you decide whether you can do this. And yes, Richard, I could've taken care of it, but that's your job," she said, raising an eyebrow when he started to protest. "They chose to betray the pack and attack its Ulfric, knowing exactly what they were risking. And, did it for the power they hoped to gain from it. The big question is what are you going to do about it, Mr. Big Bad Wolf? You better figure out how to be a real leader, Richard, and quickly."
"That's enough, Buffy. What gives you the right to talk to him like that?" Anita said in Richard's defense. She still loved him and this just gave her another reason to revert to her resentment of Buffy.
"Anita, stay out of it. She's right." He turned away from the hurt look on Anita's face. Richard was happy to stop the games of pretend, and get as much distance as he could between them. "We are leaving. Jamil, you and Shang Da bring the prisoners," Richard growled out as he swept out of the room.
Anita looked at his back as he exited the mansion then turned to glare at Buffy. "So, Miss High-and-Mighty, you came here to destroy the Council and pass judgment on us. What gives you that right?"
"The Powers," Buffy responded sadly. "I'm here to protect innocents in whatever way the PTBs require of me. Should I have trusted you, Anita? You can barely trust yourself. I've tried to help you, even be a friend to you. I didn't do anything to harm you or anyone you care about. So, you tell your inner bitch to sit down and shut the hell up."
Buffy stepped closer to her, and Anita stepped back, she always used her anger in situations like this. It was all she knew, an immediate reflex for her. She wondered if this time it would get her killed.
"I'm getting tired of your bullshit. There were other people involved here, besides you and the people you're having sex with or are considering it. Namely, your pard, Nimir Ra" she spat the name. "Do you even remember them? While you were busy running around with your guns, shooting first and playing musical boyfriends, your entire pard was hurt. Lady, I'm not the one that thinks I'm Miss High-and-Mighty. Now, get out of my way. We're going home, I'm tired," Buffy growled, causing those still in the room to jump.
Anita stayed put with her arms crossed over her chest. Her eyes turned an empty black as the feelings drained away.
"Don't force me to move you, not tonight. You won't like it, I promise," Buffy warned in a voice that literally cooled the room to arctic temperatures.
"Ma petite, come away." Jean-Claude pulled Anita out of harms way.
Buffy, Damian and Asher walked past as Anita glared at them. Jean-Claude respectfully inclined his head in Buffy's direction. Rafael and the wererats bowed as Buffy walked by them. Even the vampires performed this act of respect.
"Do you believe this shit? She acts likes she's the fucking queen of the world. Did you see them bow? They practically kissed her feet," Anita hissed as she watched the others responses to Buffy.
"Tell me, ma petite, are you angry because they honor and respect her, or because you're no longer the most feared woman in St. Louis?" Jean-Claude purred beside her.
Anita spun around to look at him. "You think I'm jealous of her? Why should I be?"
"Indeed, ma petite, indeed." Jean-Claude's eyes wandered to the door as Buffy left. An almost wistful look lit his eyes.
"You want her too? That's it right. Then go after her. She already has two men in her bed. I'm sure she could handle one more."
"Non, ma petite, I want you. Buffy is beautiful, and any man would be lucky to have her. What I want is what she has with Asher and Damian. I had that once and I want it again. I thought I could have it with you, but that is up to you, Anita," Jean-Claude said softly. He turned and headed toward the others, motioning for his vampires to gather Gretchen's broken body.
Anita looked around her, and realized that she was alone in the mansion. What, the hell, just happened here? How did my life get so out of control
Zane and Carlos stuck their heads inside the door, but waited patiently for her. She walked over to them with a tired smile.
"Let's go home, boys. I hear we might be having company next week."
The End.