The Masters of New York, Miami and Houston sat in the banquet room underneath the Circus. Everyone wore their finest silks, satins and leather as befitted the occasion. Bodyguards, armed to the teeth, stood at attention behind each chair. They each had different flavored weres sitting beside them, along with a human servant or pet, whichever the case might be, occupying the other side.
Jean-Claude looked like something from a sixteenth century painting. He wore midnight blue velvet from head to toe. Somehow on him it worked. He stood with Anita beside him decked out in a seemingly plain mid-thigh black velvet dress. Although, with her abundant charms Anita could never appear plain. It wasn't until she turned that the dress became startlingly sensuous. Her bare back gleamed under the dull lighting, as did the rest of her through the skirt's shear panels.
Jamil and Rafael arrived with their bodyguards. They wore their leadership much like the fine clothes adorning their bodies. Jamil's butter cream leather and white shirt turned his rich brown skin into a creamier cafe au laut confection. He had pinned his ever-present braids into an intricate design, which looked remarkably like a small crown. Rafael stood beside him, and anyone looking at him could never doubt he was anything, but what he was - the Rat King of his Rodere. His Spanish ancestry showed in this carriage, while skintight black leather complimented his tall muscular build.
Anita turned to survey their guests. The Miami Master was an American Indian, with waist length blue-black hair and hawk-like features. His animal to call was the eagle, which seemed only fitting. The man's golden eyes seemed to encompass everything with a single glance. Anita thought the woman beside him carried some hint of magic about her. It wasn't the normal sense she had felt from other magic users, but a soft thrumming. Her dark golden skin, sheet straight blue-black hair, willowy body and large doe eyes had an unearthly beauty.
The Master of Houston was a tough looking cowboy, perhaps an original, whose animal-to-call was the bear. Anita's lips quirked into a quick smile, because the man sitting beside him looked like Grizzly Adams from the TV show. A small timid woman sat beside him. She had her hair pulled into a tight bun, and kept her head cast down, refusing to meet Anita's eye. She didn't join in any tableside conversations, which Anita thought odd. Most human servants were their Master's mouthpiece.
The last Master hailed from New York. Anita found her more interesting than the others. She appeared as an Upper East Side maven, with her mahogany hair cut into short bob to compliment her large brown eyes, and her modern, high-fashion attire. It was evident from the woman beside her that she could call rats. The features and actions clearly showed the animal that lay beneath her skin. Her too skinny face, beady eyes and inability to remain still kept her from passing as human. Anita's brow rose thinking at first glance New York's Master had only brought one companion. A movement caught her eye, and she glanced under the table. A man wearing leather pants and a dog collar sat at her feet, where she continuously stroked him from neck to shoulder.
Buffy's group arrived, just as the others started getting restless. Warwick waited for everyone to enter the room then took a position at the door. She and her mates were a study in black. Asher and Damian wore low-rise leather pants with matching vests. Their vest lay open showing off their alabaster torsos. Not to let her mates out do her, Buffy's leather skirt slit up either side nearly to her waist. It hung low across slender hips framing the diamond-filled belly button that sparkled when she walked. A handkerchief black silk halter wrapped around her breasts in a lover-like embrace, leaving her arms, chest and back bare. Buffy had swept her curled hair into an updo that looked ready to tumble at any moment.
She smiled at Jean-Claude, kissed his cheek, hugged Anita (much to her surprise), then moved on to hug Jamil and Rafael.
Rafael leaned closer to whisper in her ear. "Carida, is the offer for Cancun still on the table?"
Buffy's laughter filled the room causing the guests to shiver with the unexpected pleasure.
They took their seats across from the visiting Masters. Silence blanketed the room as the occupants took each other's measure. Buffy gazed about the room, taking in the different people, and wondered at this night's outcome.
Jean-Claude stood at the head of the table. Anita couldn't stop glancing at him. She sat beside him, trying to focus on what was happening, but found it nearly impossible to keep her thoughts on the matter at hand. They hadn't seen each other for several days, and she realized that she had missed him, more than she thought she would
"My honored guests, I invited you tonight to partake in an exciting step in our future."
He raised his blood-filled goblet. Everyone mirrored his salute.
"Let me introduce my city's Were leaders." His hands swept toward his right, and they stood in one smooth move.
"Rafael."
The Rodere nodded his head, and took his seat. Jean-Claude nodded appreciatively.
"Jamil."
The new Ulfric barely tilted his head, which caused Jean-Claude to smile. Jamil bonelessly slumped onto his chair.
"Of course we mustn't leave out, ma petite - Anita Blake."
He drew her hand up to his lips. The soft kiss barely grazed her skin, and Anita fought not to visibly shiver. She smiled politely at the visitors then quickly took her seat. Jean-Claude elegantly bowed his head at them, before his gaze turned to those further down the table. The Masters automatically followed his gaze.
"I'm sure you remember Asher and Damian." Neither vampire rose to their feet, they simple nodded across the table. Jean-Claude hastened to complete the invitations, before anyone could take offense. "And now, the person everyone wants to meet, the one responsible for destroying the Council, Buffy Summers." He blew her a kiss, which earned him dark glares from her mates.
"What kinda crap you trying to pull here, Jean-Claude?"
The Houston Master's loud voice rang with a heavy southern accent. He sent Jean-Claude a furious glance, before releasing his power into the room. The other Masters immediately joined him. Buffy rolled her eyes. This wasn't starting well. They concentrated the power waves at her with increased intensity. Her bored expression faded as she shot the big Texan a friendly smile.
"You must be Bobby-Lee, Adam and Sarah, nice to meet ya. Bet Houston's hot this time of year."
She looked around the room, and then straight into the New York Master's eyes. Buffy swallowed the snort desperately trying to escape, while the clueless woman attempted to enthrall her. It wasn't that she could know it wouldn't work; it was simply rude to attempt it at a meeting, while under treatise rules. Rather than show offense and turn the entire meeting into a vampiric pissing contest, Buffy winked at her.
"That means you're Marie, Zoe and," she glanced under the table to wave at the kneeling man. "Blaine." Her brow puckered with objection. "For goodness sakes, you can let him sit at the table. We don't mind."
Buffy ignored the hard look her comment elicited. She smiled brightly at the last group.
"And, you are none other than Spotted Owl, Winged Woman and Eagles Claw."
Nine faces stared at her, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and intrigue. They looked at this strange blonde, trying to figure out who or what she was - human, vampire, were. What?
Buffy stood up, pushing back from the table. She skirted the table and moved into the open area Jean-Claude had set aside for her. Bobby-Lee bristled with anger, and shot to his feet. Sarah quietly told him to sit down and listen. Buffy watched their auras while this interaction took place. Bobby-Lee gently cupped Sarah's face while he stared into her eyes. He turned back to Buffy and quietly agreed, as did Spotted Owl.
Maria refused, saying she would never give up her power. She demanded that Zoe and Rafael attack Buffy. Rafael flatly ignored and never moved a muscle. Zoe changed mid-jump, reaching for Buffy with her claws outstretched.
Several things happened at once; Buffy held out her hand to stop Zoe. The wererat floated several feet above the ground, frozen in midair. Buffy's eyes softened as she leaned forward to touch her chest. Marie screamed when amber light burst from her chest into Buffy, who sent it racing toward Zoe. Time returned to normal. Zoe tucked into a roll, smoothly landing on her feet. She stared down at Buffy caught within her glowing blue eyes.
"What did you do, BITCH!"
Marie held onto the table as she shakily stood. She glared at the blonde, who ignored her.
"It was a onetime offer. The ones who willingly agreed will receive the gift of a bound soul, those who don't lose everything."
Buffy never took her eyes away from the newly freed were. Zoe fell to her knees and hugged Buffy's legs. She turned her face upward, when Buffy reached down to run her fingers through the dark brown hair. Marie's hands curled, while she angrily flashed her fangs. She took several steps in Buffy's direction, but stopped when Buffy turned those glowing blue eyes in her direction.
"How am I supposed to survive? You have left me defenseless."
"Not my problem." Buffy shrugged uncaringly. She turned back to cup Zoe's cheek with her hand. Buffy smiled at kneeling woman. "A true leader would have weighed every option. Sometimes, you gain a lot by giving a little. If you lose your City or your life, I will repeat my offer to the next Master. This only works for those willing to put others best interests before their own."
Jean Claude had Marie escorted from the room. They heard her cursing Buffy long after her forcible exit.
The other Masters happily agreed to the ceremony. Buffy left them to discuss their new lives with Jean-Claude. She heard him speaking about the proposed militia.
Several days later, Buffy went to visit Jean-Claude. He welcomed her into his private sitting room, and waited for her to start talking. She knew she couldn't put this off any longer.
"What can you tell me about the Master of Los Angeles?"
Jean-Claude noticed the haunted look in her eyes. He couldn't stop the worry from leaking into his voice. "Not much is known, although there are numerous rumors. He won't allow other Masters in his territories. Some say he has demon servants. Which I'm sure he started just to scare off his rivals. Everyone knows demons don't exist."
He racked his brain to remember the numerous stories.
"His human servant is supposedly some type of seer. Her visions warn him about any impending personal danger. Angelus controls the law firm that handles every supernatural on the East Coast. It's rumored he controls the entire city populace, including the humans. I know no one whose opposed him and lived to tell the tale."
Buffy shot up from her seat. It was worse that she thought. Unable to remain still, she started pacing the room.
"That's what I was worried about. I need to see him. What do you suggest?"
She turned to look at him. Her bright eyes pleaded with him for his help. He found he couldn't resist her. Not after everything, she had done to help him since arriving in his city.
"I know someone who helped him when his human servant wouldn't wake from a coma. He owes her a boon. Knowing Marianne, as I do, she refused anything he offered." Jean-Claude paused unsure whether he wanted to get any more involved than he already was, but knew he couldn't deny her. He let out a slow sigh and continued. "I have known Marianne for many years, and could ask her to get you an appointment with Angelus." Concerned for her safety, Jean-Claude asked about her travel plans. "Who will you take with you, other than your mates, of course ? I will need to negotiate immunity for your envoy."
"Warwick, Nathaniel, Benito and Carlos." The names popped out without any hesitation.
"Nathaniel, I understand." The auburn haired wereleopard practically lived with Buffy; only going back to Anita's to run with the pard on the full moon. "I wouldn't think Benito or Carlos would travel so far from their rodere."
Buffy squirmed in her seat, hating to explain the bodyguards' dedication. "I was visiting Benito and Juanita, when she told me that she was pregnant. She feared miscarrying, since she hasn't carried past her first trimester with her previous pregnancies."
She blushed, remembering the pregnant were falling to her knees in gratitude each time they met. Jean-Claude found her pinkened cheeks intriguing.
"I brought her some herbs I thought might help. She's almost into her third semester, and Lillian says she'll carry to term. Carlos is Juanita's big brother. They swear I can't go anywhere without them along to help Warwick protect me."
She pouted at the thought of needing not one, but three men to guard her. Jean-Claude threw back his head laughing at his friend.
"You've gathered quite a little collection of protectors." He pulled her into his arms to kiss her forehead. "I've never met a woman who needed it less."
"It makes them feel good." She shrugged and refused to look at him. "So, I let them. At least I know they can take care of themselves in a fight. I worry about Nathaniel though. Warrick started teaching him sword play." Her smile gentled when speaking about the knightly vampire. "I think it's good for both of them. Warwick needs something else to focus on other than my safety." She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Don't tell Anita, but I'm teaching Nathaniel Tai Chi, along with some defensive moves." She smiled remembering their last lesson. "It's helping build his confidence, at least enough not to let someone beat the crap out of him."
"Buffy, how many hours are in your days? There are usually only 24 in mine." He chuckled when she stuck her tongue out at him.
"I just don't want him to feel defenseless. He is such a lost little boy." She whispered almost to herself. "Please, call your friend for me. Where does she live?"
Her quicksilver mind always left him feeling dizzy. "She lives in New Mexico."
"Great, we can fly down, meet her, and then fly on from there. I'm sure she wants to see that we mean Angelus no harm."
"I'll let you know as soon as I contact her. My private jet is at your disposal," he offered, leaning down to kiss her hand.
Buffy realized it couldn't appear as if she had an alignment with Jean-Claude. "That's okay, we have the travel covered."
I hope.
She heard her mother's voice in her head. You will have what you need, little star, never worry.
Buffy smiled at Jean-Claude, kissed his cheek then left the Circus. She had to admit her new life came with much larger problems, but the perks were way cool.
Buffy stared out the jet window lost in thought. A smile graced her lips as they led to Marianne. The sweet Wiccan reminded her of the perfect grandmother. Her power couldn't diminish the gentle soul that powered it. Within minutes, they became instant friends.
Marianne explained how she had met Angel. She had helped Angel when he was suffering the loss of his soul mate. His sorrow deeply affected her, and she didn't want him to lose another person he cared for while still coming to terms with his grief. Buffy didn't have the heart to tell Marianne that Angel had used a compulsion spell to induce her to break the magics keeping Cordelia in the coma. Her gently manner and overflowing compassion gave Buffy the idea to ask her to consider going to St. Louis to work with Anita. She hoped the older woman might have better luck getting through to the stubborn Executioner.
Buffy had realized that she wasn't the right person to help the Executioner how to handle her anger. It was a hard pill to swallow, but one she had to accept. Anita's anger issues only seemed to fuel Buffy's own anger, and she knew that was no way to help her come to terms with her power. It was times like this that she very much wanted to give back Zierra's powers, and runaway with her mates. Her brow furrowed at the thought and she released a heavy sigh. There was no more running away for Buffy. Growing up sucked!
The private jet prepared to land in LA. Who would ever imagine that she, Buffy the Vampire Slayer would have her own jet? It certainly wasn't on her radar when she was working at the Doublemeat Palace. The only thing she had to look forward to back then was more bills than she could pay, and her next death.
Buffy couldn't stop the giggle that escaped when she thought about the jet's name - Little Star. Its royal blue exterior, with silver stars and moons shooting back in streams down the sleek sides created a perfect chariot for the Moon Goddess' daughter. The interior could carry twenty people comfortably. Large seats in blue leather lined the sides leading to a full bedroom in the back. Buffy smiled as she curled up on her mate's laps thinking she couldn't fault Selene's taste.
Damian brushed his hand along her side, reveling in the feel of the smooth golden skin.
"Are you ready for this, little moon?"
His eyes filled with concern at the thought that this trip could cause her pain. Buffy took his hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"It will work out fine, my love. I'll tell you the same thing I told Daddy, the Angel I knew died long ago.
Her smile turned wistful as the memories came back to her. "Spike replaced him in my life and in my heart. My time with Angel is nothing more than memories, with the bad outnumbering the good." Her other hand unconsciously went to her neck, where his bite once marked the now smooth skin. "His mark disappeared when Dracula bit me. That should tell you more than anything that nothing remains between us."
She sighed at the thought her mates couldn't mark her. Sometimes all this extra power was a big ole pain in the ass.
"Stop worrying, babe, he can't hurt me anymore."
Angel sat behind his desk staring at his team. The former Fang Gang remained quiet, unable to gage his mood. Some days they got Angel and others well, they had an idea what awaited them in Hell. Soft sighs filled the air when someone knocked on the door. They could only hope it was important enough to stop the meeting. When Angel/Angelus went on a tear, they could end up listening to him for hours. And, pray all they had to endure was his wicked tongue.
A burly vampire stuck his head inside the office. "Boss, Tony's back from the airport. Do you want to see him now, or have him wait till your meeting's over?"
"Send him in, John, but no one else, no matter what."
Angel's brow wrinkled, while his eyes flashed amber. John visibly swallowed, nodded his head and made a quick exit. The door opened moments later to allow a thin vampire to enter the room. Vampires normally kept a normal body weight neither overweight nor overly thin. Tony was the exception to the rule. He looked downright emaciated, as if he barely took enough blood to maintain his undead status. He hurriedly started his report, knowing Angel expected immediate response.
"Mr. Angel, sir, they arrived by private plane. I was unable to find out who owned it though; even using your name didn't help." Tony kept his eyes down after saying this. He knew along with everyone within the Kiss the triggers that could set off the unstable vampire. "Please forgive my incompetence." He waited for the usual outburst or flying stake whichever the case. When none came, he lifted his head and continued his report. "I observer one woman and six men depart the plane." A large smile spread across the stick thin vampire's lips. He had enjoyed this part of his assignment. "The woman's very beautiful. She's a tiny little thing, with long blonde hair and golden skin."
He smiled at the memory then cleared his throat when he noticed Angel's frown, and hurried to finish his report. "The men, accompanying her, included three vamps and three weres. The weres were a mixed bag of rat and leopard. Pretty odd if you ask me, since those two don't usually mix too well. From what I saw, she's involved romantically with two of the vamps, but they all treated her like royalty." His brows lowered in concentrated confusion. "One looked an awful lot like Asher; except, this one didn't have any scars. Never heard anything about Asher having a twin, though. They checked into the penthouse at the Four Seasons. The rats stayed outside to guard the doors, but I distinctly smelled magic coming from her room. Couldn't get close enough to tell you anymore, boss." He looked pensive, unsure whether he had told his Master what he wanted to hear. Mr. Angel wasn't a vampire that accepted failure from anyone.
"That's fine, Tony." He visibly sighed with relief. It was short-lived though. "I want round the clock surveillance. Post vamps at night, weres during the day. And, Tony..." Angel vamped into his full vampiric face. His words came out graveled and harsh. "Don't screw this up. Anyone loses them dies and you go in your coffin for a month!"
"Y-yes s-sir, Mr. Angel." Tony wisely retreated from the room, bowing his way out. Knowing from experience not to turn his back on the recalcitrant vampire.
Angel turned to his team and started giving orders. "Gunn, choose the best from your pard to cover the day shifts. Send them to Tony for instructions. I'll allow you to handle punishments for failures."
Gunn nodded and left the room. Happy to escape with a simple assignment, and Angel deciding torture wasn't necessary to prove his point.
Angel stood and turned to look out the window. A memory tickled the edges of his mind. One he hadn't allowed himself the luxury of thinking for some time.
"Tiny and blonde, with men falling all over her, sounds like a bitch from our past," Cordelia snarked, from her place on the couch.
Angel spun around to growl at her, sending waves of power flowing over her. She fought to remain upright, and not slide to the floor in a heap.
"You would do well to remember your place."
Cordelia glared at him and through clenched teeth and gave him the only answer she would accept. "I know my place, Angel. It's by your side, and in your bed. The same as it's been for the past twenty years, Angel."
His name sounded like a curse as she spat it through her clenched jaw. She sighed with relief when he released his hold on her. Cordelia straightened her clothes, and sent him a dark glare. Angel turned back to the window, ignoring her completely.
"Calm down, princess, no need to turn your blood rancid," Lorne advised, swirling his near empty cocktail glass. He wondered if Angel would notice him pouring another.
"Angel, what do you think this woman wants?" Wesley looked to his boss for answers to this newest puzzle.
When the worlds merged, Angel's group survived because they were inside Wolfram and Hart. The building's heavy wards excluded them from Buffy's wish. The Sr. Partners found their gateway from Hell locked, while other demons met total annihilation. Vampires and weres transformed into their current forms. Sadly, the power the AI team had accepted resulted in a strange combination of the two worlds. They underwent numerous changes over the last twenty years and barely resembled their former selves.
Angel merged with Angelus into a horrible parody of the two vampires. The souled vampire who had strived for his redemption by helping innocents was no more. Angelus, the Scourge of Europe, once the most feared vampires known on two continents stood outside the Council's lines. He ruled LA and its surrounding areas, but would never obtain the true power he craved. Vampires no longer carried the face of their demon, every vampire except Angel. He kept his demonic face, and unhappily lost his ability to remain awake during the day. It caused his bitterness to turn ruthless, and grow more Angelus-like with each passing year.
Cordelia woke from her coma, with Marianne's help. She happily retained her part-demon status. Unfortunately, it entailed only the negative aspects. Whether this was due to her time as Jasmine's host, or not, no one knew for sure. The positives changes she had worked so hard to make in her life had simply disappeared. The selfish, self-centered girl that had ruled Sunnydale High had returned tenfold. Unfortunately, she lost her unerring ability to see and speak the truth. She was still tactless, but with a mean-spirited edge that had many fearing her as much as Angel.
She considered those under his control her personal slaves. Cordelia still received visions, but the Sr Partners had drastically changed her 'gift', before Buffy's wish destroyed them. The demonic power mongers wanted to ensure the seer aided in Angel's fall from grace. They had no idea the long-term repercussion that would befall them, and those they corrupted.
Angel had sired Wesley, unwilling to lose such a valuable asset. The former bumbling Watcher turned Demon Hunter was fast approaching Master level, which was unusual. No other had ever attained such standing in so short a time. Angel disregarded it, since stranger things had happened in their lives. He was considering allowing Wesley to become the Master of San Francisco. The offer hadn't fooled the former Watcher into thinking he would ever become stronger than Angel, or that Angel would give him complete control. No matter how powerful he got, Angel would remain stronger, or so he thought.
Wesley couldn't bear living an immortal life without Fred, and she happily became his human servant. She turned her meticulous scientific mind to magic rather like a former redheaded nerd.
Lorne was frozen somewhere in the middle, between the old world and the new. He could only use his anagogic powers to read good people, which no longer included Angel and W&H's clients. This added fuel to the fire of the former PTB champion's anger and bitterness.
The panther from the White Room infected Gunn. He became the LA pard's Nimir-Raj. The Sr Partner's representative kept its vindictive nature by becoming Angel's animal-to-call. Gunn retained his knowledge of the law, which he applied mercilessly for whoever could pay his enormous fees. The former street fighter turned vampire hunter took out his frustrations on the other weres in the city. He couldn't fight Angel's hold over him, but he could pass his anger along to those beneath him.
"I don't know what this woman's after, but I promised Marianne to listen to her, and provide her safe passage. There was no mention about her condition when she left LA. Safe, as far as I'm concerned, means still breathing." Angel mused over the coming meeting. "Perhaps, she's having some legal troubles. We can happily help her with that by relieving her of any over abundance of funds." His lips twisted into an Angelus-like smirk.
"You just want to check her out, because she's blonde - just your flavor."
Angel pounced on her, slapping her face and busting her lip. "I will do who or what I want, and you'll happily wait for me to fuck you whenever I feel like it." He loomed over Cordelia, causing her to shrink away from him. "That's all you need to know about my preferred flavors. Never forget that I keep you for your visions and willingness to allow me to do whatever I wish to you. That's it!" He growled, morphing as his eyes turned gold.
"You know you love me, Angel. Hurting me wouldn't cause you pleasure otherwise." Cordy used her best Queen C voice.
"Keep telling yourself that, Queenie." He shoved her away and headed for the door, speaking over his should. "Gunn, set up an appointment for eight."
Angel exited the room with his coat sweeping behind him. The others looked at one another, unsure what to think about the day's events.
Angel's team awaited their 'guests' in his private conference room. Warwick entered first, and checked out the room, before sizing up its occupants. He returned to the open door to give the all-clear signal.
Nathaniel came inside, and quietly took his seat. Benito and Carlos visibly armed to the teeth, entered and took up their posts. Benito remained beside the door, while Carlos stepped mid-way between Angel's team and the area relegated to Buffy's people. The two wererats placed one hand on their weapons, keeping the other free and ready to change should it become necessary.
Asher walked into the room, followed by Buffy, and then Damian. The AI group caught a glimpse of blonde hair and green silk. Asher stepped to her left as Damian took her right side. Buffy faced the room without any hint of emotion showing on her face. She heard gasps followed by frantic whispering, with every other word an exclamation of disbelief, magic, voodoo; the list went on and on.
Several pairs of eyes raked over her, trying to pick her apart for different reasons. They took in the expensive green silk dress that perfectly complimented her eyes. She looked beautiful, confident, powerful and sensual.
Buffy moved further into the room, with her mates beside her. They moved together in an age-old dance, the dance of lovers. Their bodies were so in tune to one another that they moved in perfect harmony as if flesh moved against flesh even when they weren't touching.
"Buffy," Angel said her name the same way he did when she was sixteen. He said it like it was a prayer, as if his soul depended on it.
"Hello, Angel." Her voice held none of the inflection it used to. It wasn't harsh or angry or caring or indifferent, just polite, as if he were anyone she knew from the past.
He visibly flinched, before reining in his emotions. His eyes went hard and cold, leaking amber around the edges.
"They said you died."
Angel leaned back in his chair. He crossed him arms, and calmed his emotions. It didn't work too well, since Angelus was roaring in his head. Anger quickly overtook caution. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her.
"You haven't aged." It was a simple statement, but the words held an accusatory tone. "Did you run away and become someones human servant?"
Buffy's people tensed ready to pounces. Her mates flashed their fangs as their nails lengthened. Buffy simply smiled, entwining her small hands with theirs. When they relaxed under her touch, she turned back to Angel, holding his eyes with an almost hypnotic pull.
"Relax guys. Angel's used to me fawning over him whenever we happen to meet. He simply expected me to fall all over myself." Buffy rolled her eyes telling them what she thought of her ex. "Makes him prissy when the girls don't swoon."
Lorne snorted trying not to laugh. "Uh, I need a drink. Anyone need a drink? It's definitely cocktail hour."
Buffy smiled brightly at the green-skinned demon, immediately liking him. His aura was as beautifully colorful as his appearance.
"I'd love a drink, Lorne, isn't it? Champagne, if you have it, if not surprise me." She turned to the others and asked, "Guys, would you like anything?"
"Champagne is fine, little moon." Damian kissed her temple.
"For me as well, cher amour."
Nathanial requested a coke, but the others refused anything. They wanted their hands free in case of trouble.
"So, Buffy, you've become an even bigger vamp whore than when I knew you. Taking them on two at a time, or do you do them all?"
Cordelia smiled maliciously at the chance to tarnish Angel's precious Buffy publicly. The warmth left Buffy's eyes as she stared at Cordelia, leaving no doubt that she found the other woman wanting. The smug look slowly melted from the former brunette's face.
"Cordelia, I'd say it's nice to see you, but why lie? Although it's not your business it's just the two, and I don't consider myself a whore for, sleeping with my husbands."
"HUSBANDS! They dare challenge my claim! You're my mate!"
Angel started around the table toward her. Buffy moved closer to Damian and Asher. Warwick stood at their backs, while Nathaniel scooted closer. Benito and Carlos left their posts to create a solid wall of muscle between the LA Master and Buffy. Their arms started to shift as they clutched their weapons.
"Stop right there." Buffy's cold voice shocked everyone into stillness. "You don't abandon your mate for any reason. You should know better than anyone that you nullified your claim by leaving me. Even if you wanted to argue over it, my death marked it invalid, and it sure as hell is since I died again."
"You died twice?" Fred stared wide-eyed at Angel's Slayer. She remembered the others talking about this woman, before the world had changed.
Buffy smiled at the shy woman that reminded her of Willow. "Four times," she replied, with a soft shoulder shrug. "I got over it, and think I've finally got the hang of this living thing."
"ENOUGH!" Angel slapped his hands on the table. "Who are these people, Buffy? Start with your MATES."
"Well, since you asked soo nicely." She glared at her former lover, and then turned to smile at her current mates. Buffy caressed their faces, ignoring Angel's growl. They automatically pressed their cheeks into her hand. "This is Asher and Damian." Refusing to release her mates, she nodded her head at the others. "That's Warwick, Nathaniel, Benito and Carlos." She looked in Fred and Gunn's direction. "I don't know those two."
"That's just Fred and Gunn," he answered shortly. Angel decided to take back control of the conversation. "What did you want to talk to me about? If it's about working for the Powers again, forget about it."
Buffy started laughing. Lorne watched her closely. Her laughter was music to his ears. He caught her eye and she winked at him.
"Angel, the Powers have no use for you. You sold out for all this." She waved her hands at her surroundings. "This came to you through no work on your part. This is the life you chose, buddy – enjoy."
Cordy jumped up, mad enough to spit. She was part demon, not to mention Angel's human servant, and planned on teaching Miss Saves the World a thing or two. Stalking toward Buffy, her temper flared even higher when the blonde looked at her with a bored expression.
"Go sit down, Cordelia."
"You don't tell me what to do, bitch. You don't know anything about how things work here; so don't think to come in here as if you're better than we are. News flash, this world doesn't have Slayers, and I've waited a long time to kick your ass."
"I won't allow you to harm Lady Buffy." Warwick stepped forward, with his sword already drawn.
"Lady Buffy, that's a laugh," Cordelia snorted unbecomingly.
"It's all right, Warwick. We've needed to settle this for quite some time." She motioned for him to move aside.
"You know Angel's trained with me for over twenty years in fighting...and in his bed. He says that I'm the best he's ever had."
She waited to see the other woman's pained expression. Cordelia was sadly disappointed. Buffy's expression remained calm, and relaxed. It didn't stop her from giving tit for tat.
"Exactly, why did you dye your hair blonde then?" Buffy's nose wrinkled in disgust. "Are you attempting to live the LA lifestyle?" Her eyes wandered over the shoulder length, strangely yellowish locks. "You might want to think about increasing your workout routine, cause you're getting some junk in your trunk, although the boob job balances it out some. I'd give you maybe five more years before you go from voluptuous to chunky. Unsure how you're gaining weight if your working out as much as you implied." She tapped a finger against her chin as if she was deep in thought. "Oh, I got it! It's that the human servant eating food for your Master thing, right?"
Buffy's eyes went wide with feigned innocence, but her smile was far from it. She thought she had matured enough to handle this confrontation. Sometimes habits died hard. Buffy felt as if she was suddenly back at Sunnydale High, except then she took Cordelia's barb in silence. She wasn't about to let her old nemesis chip away at her. Buffy had never understood what she had that the other girl coveted. Her life was far from her own, while Cordelia came and went as she pleased. She normally pleased whenever the danger put her in personal peril. Buffy really couldn't blame her for that, though. If she could have left the immediate danger that was her former life, she would have happily done so. But, wishes weren't horses, and even after dying in her old world, she had somehow landed in another world for which she had no one to blame but herself. Her mates came to mind, and she admitted that the larger amount of responsibility was completely worth it.
Buffy's mind came back from her wandering in time for Cordy's anger to spill over. Queen C lunged for her, and Buffy saw Angel's training in every move. She easily blocked each strike and kick as if they were playing a child's game of slap.
"That all you got, Cor? If you're through, I've got things to do." Her tone sounded bored and maybe just a little spiteful.
She lashed out with blurring speed, hitting Cordelia soundly in the chest. The blow threw her into the wall across the room. The AI team jumped to their feet, with Gunn preparing to pounce onto Buffy's back.
Fire suddenly danced in Warwick's hand as he warned the wereleopard. "Do not go near her." Gunn shrunk back whimpering.
Buffy patted the knightly vampire's arm on her way back to her seat. "Lorne, where's that champagne?"
"Here you go my little glowing beauty." He handed out the drinks, swallowing his own in one large gulp.
"Buffy, what is this about?" Angel skirted around Cordy as she stumbled back to her seat.
"I've come with an offer. If you willingly give up your power to call…"
Angel's anger rose higher; he lashed out with his power. The AI group shrank back, while Lorne grabbed his head. Nathaniel barely stopped him from hitting the table. Buffy had provided her team with talismans for protection prior to entering the building, and her mates were immune thanks to their bond. They felt the pull, but remained standing. Buffy raised an eyebrow at Angel counted to ten then blasted him. He hit the floor on his hands and knees. The others were nearly unconscious with the overwhelming power burst.
"If you would allow me to finish, since you so rudely interrupted."
Angel crawled back to his chair. The others had collapsed to the floor, and were attempting to sit upright.
"Buffy, how did you become this powerful?" Wesley looked at his former charge, with equal parts admiration and curiosity.
"You could say I got an upgrade." She sent him a small smile. It melted away when she turned back toward Angel. "Like I started to say prior to all the foolishness, Angel, should you willing give up your animal to call, complete control over your soul will return to you. It will remain bound to your body, with no way to happy, curse, or shaman it out." She saw Angel glance over at Gunn, confirming that his animal to call was the panther. "Your coffin will no longer bind you, and your ability to stay awake during daylight hours becomes yours again." She watched the news sweep over the others." Ready to get this over with, Buffy continued, "It passes through you to your kiss, and anyone they or you sire. Only the young will require their coffins, and extended sleep."
Buffy was happy to have everything on the table. She watched Angel play different scenarios over in his head. He looked at the woman he would always love. His thoughts shouted at her from across the room.
If something were to happen to her people, I could force her to bind my soul. She would give me everything I wanted, and then I'd do away with her mates. If she's a good girl, I'll think about letting the others live. I could use a vampire who controlled fire in my kiss.
"Your Angelus is showing." Her toe started tapping, letting everyone know her patience was running thin. "For the record, those plans…not going to happen."
Angel stared at her in shock. He didn't know what to think about this new Buffy. How could she read my thoughts? She couldn't do that even when that demon infected her. Where, the hell, is all this power coming from? "I'll have to think this over and get with you later. If you'll excuse me, I have another meeting."
He grabbed Cordy pulling her from the room. Gunn followed, giving Buffy an odd look.
"It was nice seeing you again," Wesley said, wrapping his arm around Fred's slender waist. They walked out, talking softly about everything that had transpired.
Lorne was the last to leave. He raised his empty glass in Buffy's direction. "Well, creampuff, I understand why he went crazy when you died."
She smiled at the green-skinned demon. "We need to talk away from here," she whispered when she hugged him goodbye. Lorne nodded as he escorted them from the building.
"Can you believe that bitch? She comes to our town and attempts to take away part of your power. I bet she brought those guys to try to look like she's over you," Cordy continued to rant, while pacing the room. "There's no way we're going to give up any power."
"Cor, shut up and get on the bed." Angel went to his armoire to pull out cuffs attached to a chain and a whip. He snapped the cuffs on her hands. "Hands and knees, bitch."
Cordelia readily complied. She never uttered a sound as Angel attached the chain to the bed frame. She barely had time to take a single breath before, he started to brutally whip her back, buttocks and legs.
With each powerful strike, he ground out his frustration, "You have no power, and I will do whatever I want. Who did you think you are attacking her? I don't need you to fight for me. Ha, as if you could fight Buffy."
He grabbed her hair, yanking her head back, until she could barely swallow. Angel then leaned down and growled in her ear. "She's right your hair looks like shit. Change it tomorrow, or I'll shave it off."
"Angel, I'll be good. Whatever you say; tomorrow, I'll change it, tomorrow," Cordy cried, hoping he'd stop his brutal punishment.
"Say it."
Angel stood back to view his handiwork, admiring the lashes marring her skin. He wasn't seeing Cordelia's dark California tan; instead, he saw golden skin, long blonde hair and green eyes flash before his eyes.
"Master," she said the words that would end her torment, and hopefully bring her pleasure.
He roughly mounted her from behind, grinding into the slashes. "That's right, don't forget it again."
Angel quickly found his release, with Buffy's image filling his mind. He wouldn't allow Cordelia the same pleasure, only more pain. He unlocked her hands then kicked her off the bed. "The floor's where you belong."
Cordy curled up where she landed, crying silently. Her anger and jealousy toward Buffy grew as the pain increased with every breath.
I'll find a way to kill that bitch, and this time she'll stay dead. Angel's mine and Queen C holds onto what's hers.