Chapter 6

He couldn’t avoid her forever, but tonight William decided to patrol alone. He was starting to tire of the librarian look; it just wasn’t in his nature. Earlier that day, he decided it was time to bleach his hair again, adorning his long leather duster before heading out to the cemetery. It was like a second skin, and William never realized just how much he missed it. Three vampires dusted later, and he was starting to feel like his old self again, until he came across a dead body. William felt for a pulse, but it was too late for the poor sod. He noticed the letter ‘A’ carved into the man’s cheek, knowing exactly whose trademark that was.

“Fuck,” William cursed, heading back to town. He needed some answers.


* * * * *


Willy’s eyes widened when a familiar leather clad man entered his bar, gulping at the look of determination on his face.

“Hey, Spike, it’s been a while.”

William took a seat, deciding that he didn’t mind hearing his nickname in that moment. He wanted this lowlife to think of him as Spike, which would likely get him what he wanted even faster. “Not long enough. What do you know about these new vampires in town?”

“I haven’t heard anything,” he muttered.

William grabbed him by the collar, getting into his face. “You’re a snitch, Willy, and an eavesdropper on top of that. I know you must have heard something, and I want to know what that is. I won’t break your face if you cooperate.”

He gulped again, holding his hands up. “Okay, I don’t know much; just that it’s three master vampires. Two female, and one male. Apparently, they always travel together, and these are not vamps you wanna be messing with. I heard they’re gunning for the Slayer. Word must have gotten out about her being in Sunnydale.”

William let him go, having a really bad feeling about this. If they were in town, Buffy was in a lot of trouble.


* * * * *


If William wanted to be all with the avoiding, that was just fine with her, but she wasn’t about to stay inside and do nothing. She was going to have some fun, which was why she found herself at the Bronze later that night, Sunnydale’s only real club. Willow and Xander were out on the dance floor, having the time of their lives. Buffy told herself that she would dance later, but was finding it hard to have a good time. She hated how William was always on her mind, no matter what she did.

Suddenly, her vamp vibes went crazy, and she searched the packed club, wondering how she could possibly find a vampire in this crowd. Buffy headed to the back where the restrooms were, pulling out her stake. She felt a presence close by, and grabbed the person by the neck, stake aimed at her heart. It was then that Buffy recognized the person, snatching her stake away.

“God, what is your childhood trauma?!”

Buffy released Cordelia, shoving the weapon in her back pocket. “Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”

“You really are a mental case, you know that? I have to call everyone I know right now,” she snapped, yanking out her cell phone to do just that.

Buffy rolled her eyes, making her way back into the club. So much for thinking she could ever be popular again, not that she really cared about that anymore. Buffy shuddered to think that she used to ever be like Cordelia Chase. Maybe some good did come out of spending months in that institution; it showed her what was really important, and made her a better person in the process. Sure, she still had major issues, but at least she was no longer a snobby cheerleader.


* * * * *


William entered his apartment, but instantly knew that he wasn’t alone.

“Who’s there?”

A woman giggled, stepping out of the shadows. “A happy memory, my Spike.”

William let out the breath he’d been holding. “Not exactly how I would put it, Drusilla. Where is he? I know you’re not here alone.”

“You always were smarter than we gave you credit for,” a man said, wrapping his arms around the dark haired beauty.

“Angelus, to what do I owe this displeasure?”

“I heard some very interesting things lately. That you’ve been training the new Slayer. Now, why would you do that? In case you forgot, you’re not a Watcher anymore.”

“Someone has to look out for her,” William remarked. “Especially knowing that you and your whores are in town, but speaking of whores, where’s Darla?”

Angelus scowled. “She’s back at the lair, not that I would tell you where that is. We decided to make a home here. I mean, honestly, did you really think you could keep the girl all to yourself? That’s very selfish of you, William.”

He clenched his fists at his side. “I’m only going to tell you this once, get the fuck out of my town. You won’t be going anywhere near her.”

Drusilla grabbed her skull. “Oh, it’s so sad, our boy has fallen again. He’ll only get hurt by the sunshine.”

Angelus laughed. “Is that a fact? You fell for another Slayer? You really are a fucking idiot, Spike. What makes you think this will be any different from the last time? Sweet Aria, the taste of her blood was delicious. I wonder how this girl tastes.”

William dug his nails into his palms, trying to stay calm, but all he wanted to do was rip the bastard’s head off.

“I’ve seen her before, you know. Buffy Summers, we fought once. Well, if you could even call it that. I killed her Watcher, the poor girl was devastated. I can just see it now, you losing yet another Slayer you care for, and her losing another Watcher. It’s rather poetic, don’t you think? Does she even know the truth about you?” He shook his head, giving William a sympathetic expression. “No, of course she doesn’t. Do you really think she would love you when she finds out? You’ll be better off if you join us.”

“That will never happen.”

“Fine, but it’s your funeral. Let’s go, baby, we have more important things to do. Until next time, William.” Angelus walked out, pulling Drusilla with him.

William watched them go, running his fingers through his hair. It was getting harder for him to keep the truth from Buffy, even more so knowing that Angelus was around and could go after her at any moment. He told her that history wouldn’t be repeating itself, and was very determined to keep that promise. She was going to be the longest lasting Slayer ever, he would see to that.