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Chapter 48
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The sounds from the back cell were increasing in volume, awakening the lovers. "Seems Lassie’s a bit peckish. Good thing I brought more than one helping of meatsicles for the poor beastie." Spike got up and rummaged in the supply bag they had brought into the hiding place, retrieving a packet of brisket and heading for the cell.

"Don’t get too close, baby. That’s the wrong Wolf to get a bite out of you." Buffy wasn’t really worried about the werewolf, but she was nervous about the upcoming battle with Wolf. "Of course, I’m hoping nothing gets a bite out of you except me."

"Oh, offer to bite me now! Careful what you offer a vamp, love. I might just go a bit primal next time we make love if you go nippin’ on me. Back in a tick." With that, Spike headed back to feed the captive.

The werewolf was in a corner of his cell, eyes glowing red and panting as if he’d run for miles. Spike tossed the meat towards the hulking figure. "Here ya go, fella. Don’t know how long you’re gonna be all wolfy here. Hard to tell in this dimension, but I don’t think there’s a full moon happenin’. Too bad you got the demon runnin’ the show for now or you’d be able to tell us a few things about this place, I’m thinkin’."

The werewolf stopped ripping into his dinner and cocked its head, as if listening to what Spike had to say. The creature drew closer to the barred wall and sniffed in Spike’s direction, emitting a low growl.

"Hey, lover, you okay in there?" Buffy came back into the cell area to check on why Spike hadn’t returned yet. "Spike? You all right?"

"Safe as houses, pet. Just havin’ a chat with the nice puppy’s all." The werewolf’s ears had gone up in attention at the sound of Buffy’s voice. The sniffing continued, this time with Buffy as the prime target. Suddenly the Wolf let out a small whine and moved to the middle of the cage.

"This beastie seems to recognize the Slayer in you, pet. Don’t seem too afraid, acts more like it knows you. Wolfie seem familiar to you? You have only dated humans and vampires, right?" Spike couldn’t help but tease slightly. "Looks like he’s not wantin’ to rip out your throat at least."

"Very funny! You know my whole dating history! Are you going to get jealous of every male from here on? ‘Cause cute as a little jealousy can be, I so don’t want to deal with you going all green-eyed. I like them blue." Buffy and Spike were looking at each other as they teased.

"Bu..bu…buBuffy? That you?" The sound of a pain-filled but completely human voice coming from the changing beast in the cell took them both by surprise.

Buffy stared, wide-eyed, at the transformed werewolf. He was huddled, self-conscious and naked in the cell, bright orange hair standing up in spikes. He looked small and lost and suspicious, glancing from Spike to Buffy and back.

"Oz? Is that YOU?" Buffy reached into the cell before Spike could try to pull her hands back.

"Careful, pet, don’t know why he was all wolfed out. He could turn again and you’d make a tasty morsel," Spike cautioned.

"Wolf’s under control. Not hungry now." Oz was never one for too many words, but you could still understand his meaning.

"So they WERE starving you! Is that why you didn’t recognize me yesterday?" Buffy’s heart broke to think of her old friend being mistreated in any way. She felt a bit guilty for not doing more for him while she and Spike were safe and comfortable in the next room.

"Only saw food." Oz looked at Spike and nodded. "Thanks. Blanket, maybe?"

"Oh, sure. Hang on, Oz, I think we can find something for you to wear. God, I can’t believe it’s you!" Buffy headed to the other room to find something for her naked friend to cover himself.

"Buffy!" Spike called, "Laundry room’s around the corner. Might be some clothes in with the bedding. I can’t see the Partners doing their own laundry."

"Good idea." Buffy headed for the door to the rest of the basement, leaving Spike to answer any questions Oz might have.

"So…you changed sides?" Oz stared at the vampire. His last real memory of Spike was helping rescue Angel from a torturing vamp that Spike had working on him. He had heard Spike had been tinkered with by the Initiative and wasn’t a threat any longer, but it didn’t necessarily follow that he was playing for the good guys now.

"Yeah, long story. Lot’s happened. Even got a shiny soul now to keep me in line. What about you? Seein’ how you’re in a cell, I gotta figure you pissed off the Senior Partners in some way. That pretty much makes you on the same side we are. How’d you get mixed up in this business?" Spike hadn’t unlocked the cell yet, wanting to be sure Oz did indeed have the demon under control.

"Tibet. Pack there like me. Control the wolf, teach others. Good life, comfy den. This guy, kind of a cowboy, shows up looking for mystical symbols to block detection. Old Zen master that worked with us finally caved and helped him out." Oz shivered, either in memory or from the chill of the room. Spike couldn’t tell which.

"Must’ve messed up, got detected anyway," Oz continued. "Team of commandos showed up at the den, killed the Master and the pack. Decided to take me for some reason. Woke up here." Oz lowered his head on his crossed arms.

"Bloke likely was Lindsey McDonald. Used to work for this lot." Oz looked up at Spike’s words. "Yeah, he got caught. Tried to off Angel and the Partners sent him to the Leave It To Beaver Hell of Eternal Heart Removal. He eventually fought against them in Angel’s little war. Killed in the line of duty and all." Spike tilted his head and looked at Oz thoughtfully. "Any idea why they didn’t just kill you too? Is it ‘cause you know Buffy?"

"I don’t think they know much about me except that I can control the wolf unless I’m starved. Think they planned to play science guy on me, got sidetracked," Oz shrugged.

"So, a Zen den, huh?" Spike grinned at the idea. "Bad for business, I reckon, if all sorts of demony types learn some self-control, yeah?"

"I found these. They may be a bit big, but I think they’ll work." Buffy returned with a pair of tuxedo trousers and a tee shirt.

"Hart’d be my guess. Liked to dress the part of a playboy," Spike said at the sight of the tux pants. "He won’t be needin ‘em anymore."

Buffy turned her back as Oz dressed. "So…Oz…how’ve you been? We haven’t heard from you at all since you left Sunnydale the last time. I kind of thought you’d show up after Tara died and Willow went all scary witch."

"Didn’t know. Living the simple life at the top of the world. Bit out of touch." Oz finished rolling the cuffs on the trousers and carefully approached the bars. He could see that Spike was tense and not too quick to trust. Neither was he. "So…Tara’s dead? Is Willow holding on?"

"She had a really bad time for a while, but she came back; you know Will. This all happened a couple of years after you left." Buffy went to the wall holding the cell keys and came back to unlock the one holding her friend.

"You sure about that, pet? Don’t think the boy’d hurt you by choice, but you can’t know how strong that demon might be, how much control he’s really got." Spike was worried that Buffy’s blind spot for her friends would get her maimed or killed before he could act.

"I’m sure. Oz was learning to control the wolf years ago." Buffy thought a minute and continued, "We might want to hunt up some more food, just to be sure." She really did trust Oz but knew that Spike was on his last nerve where her safety was concerned.

"I’m a small guy; not hungry now," Oz looked from Buffy to Spike and then nodded. "Looks like you learned to love a soul into a vampire. Nice trick." He smiled at Buffy in approval.

Buffy smiled back. "He did that on his own. Went out and fought for it! He’d already started down the road to redemption before the soul though."

Spike looked as if he would blush if he could have. "Could only go so far without the spark though, love. Had to get it for that last leap."

"Looks good on you." Oz nodded his approval. His eyes flashed red for a moment as he took careful sniffs of the area. "Am I right to smell more than one souled vamp around here?"

"Yeah. The Poof’s off playing with the granddaddy of all big bad wolves right now. He’s trying to make it look like he’s changed sides, get up close and personal-like so I can finish off the last of the Partners and we can all get out of here." Spike relaxed a bit seeing Oz deliberately use aspects of his wolfie parts without losing control.

"I’m up for that. Where do I sign on?" Oz had no idea how long he’d been in that cell, but he knew it was long enough already.

Spike looked at Buffy before answering. "I have to do the actual kill. Kind of a prophecy thing. You want to help watch Buffy’s back, it’d make me a happy vamp. See, I know she’s the best Slayer that ever was, but this is their playground and she’s just one person. Glad to have you aboard." He put out his hand to shake and found it in the surprisingly firm grasp of the smaller man. "I’m going for some more supplies and to scout around a bit," he said to Buffy, "Why don’t you catch Day-Glo up on what’s happenin’."

Buffy leaned in and kissed Spike, drawing him into an embrace that would have bruised ribs on a mortal man. "Keep safe. Not losing you now!"

Spike chuckled a bit and headed for the door. As he passed Dilby’s cell, he tapped on the bars and asked, "Any special requests? Only gonna play room service this one time, so speak up."

"Th…thanks, Mr. Spike. I’m easy to please. I’d love whatever you bring to eat," the clerk answered in gratitude. "Except pizza…I get indigestion. Or salami…I hate salami. Oh, and nothing with peanuts…allergies. Maybe no cheese either…irritable bowel issues."

Spike tilted his head at the "easy to please" captive. "Anything about you workin’ right? It’s soundin’ like you need the Mayo Clinic. Used to bleed people with lots of sicknesses…no leeches, but I think we can think of a substitute." Spike flashed a glimpse of fang to further tease the man.

"Oh, no, really, I’ll be fine with whatever you bring." Dilby cowered in the far corner of his cell.


Spike stopped at the door and turned his head back to his sweetheart. "Buffy, they sent me in here with a thermos of Slayer blood. When the soddin’ Ram trussed me up, they took everything I had on me except the orb. I didn’t see it when we picked the swords up. I’m gonna see if I can find it. Little pre-battle pick-me-up wouldn’t be a bad idea. ‘Sides, who knows what kind of mischief the bad guys could get up to with Slayer blood for a ritual, yeah?"

"You can always drink from me again." Buffy didn’t see the startled look on Oz’s face at what she had said.

"No! You need to be at top strength too. Not gonna use you like my own personal keg to tap. Was different when I was paralyzed and had to have it, I’ll make do with Dilby here if I can’t find the thermos, but I’m not takin’ any more from you." Spike was firm as he rejected her offer. He looked at the now trembling Dilby and rolled his eyes. "Not gonna drain you either, so don’t go loosenin’ those irritables. Plenty of minions still around for quick take-out."

He turned back and looked at his three companions once more before leaving. "Angel wanted a full day to worm his way into Wolf’s good graces. We need to use the time to get ready. This fight is our last shot at getting out of here alive, or undead anyway.

~~~

Angel woke in comfort. The facilities provided by Wolf were top drawer and made the apartment Angel had been given in L.A. look like a slum in comparison. There was a girl of about fourteen tied to the bedpost. She looked complacent as only the drugged can.

"Thought you might want a little snack, maybe a bit of slap and tickle along with it. Cute little thing, isn’t she? I tried to pick one out that fit your tastes. Hope I didn’t go too old. These girls today, they grow up too fast, don’t you think?" Wolf was sitting in the corner of the room smoking a cigar and watching Angel carefully.

"Thought you said you didn’t need me to turn into Angelus for this little partnership to work?" Angel could hear the blood rushing in the young girl’s veins, making her skin a delicious soft pink. His dreams were still haunted by the hunt and kill. To waken to this offering was requiring all his strength not to succumb. "I’m off the human. Ever tried otter? Not
too bad really, even if it does take quite a few of the little vermin. Might as well cut her loose, unless this is some kind of test."

"Hospitality, that’s all, hospitality. Don’t want the little girl, fine. Otter it is." Wolf picked up a telephone and barked an order for a fresh pint for Angel and a rare burger for himself. "Just remember, we can get rid of that pesky guilt issue. Don’t have to kill the kid, but no harm in having a sip or two. Hell, she’s doped up enough; she’ll just chalk it up to a bad trip. Learn a lesson about not taking pills offered at raves. You might even be saving her worthless life by driving home the point. Help the helpless while helping yourself, just like a regular charitable organization."

"Look, you want proof I’ve decided to take your offer? You’ll get it when I get rid of that pest Spike for you. Believe me, that will give me so much pleasure I might just lose my soul after all." Angel tied the belt on the silk robe made available to him and untied the girl. "Why don’t you just put this one back where you found her? You could just say my tastes have
changed. I’m saving myself for Buffy. Maybe keep Spike alive long enough to hear her beg me for it." Angel’s smile managed to cause a chill to run up Wolf’s neck.

"So where is your girlfriend and her annoying vampire puppy?" Wolf sauntered toward the door, girl in hand, and tossed her to his minions waiting outside.

"Well, they were supposed to be in the basement. Little hidden spot you’ve got there. If I know Spike though, he won’t keep to the plan. Since our little tiff, my guess is they’ve found another hiding place by now. Our best bet is to lure them out of hiding. It shouldn’t be too hard since Willie Boy has to get your blood to do that ritual to get out," Angel
reminded Wolf. "He’ll come to you."

~~~

Spike returned after a short time, finally ending Buffy’s nervous pacing. He had even managed to return with a bundle of supplies. He had found the small duffel bag that he had initially brought into the dimension was going through the few items inside it as everyone else ate.

"God, I can’t believe you found chocolate! If I didn’t already love you, I would now." Buffy rolled her eyes back in her head as she savored the Belgian truffles Spike had packed just for her.

Spike smiled fondly at her as she moaned her pleasure. "Know what my girl likes, now don’t I?" He set aside the thermos, saving it for just before the battle. He had found a container of blood in the bar area and used it to slake the hunger. "Oh, I’ve got a toy for you, compliments of young Andrew." He tossed a taser over to Buffy. "Careful how you use that, it
packs quite a few volts.

"Followed my nose and found the kitchen. They were puttin’ together a tray. Looks like Angel’s in, ‘cause there was a nice bit of otter blood bein’ readied. The Poof loves that stuff. Was tempted to take the tray, but I don’t really want to show up on their radar, yeah. Had to settle for what I could get from the pantry and fridge while they were busy getting the tray ready for the boss."

Dilby was happily devouring the cold cut sandwich Spike had given to him, having removed the salami and cheese before biting in. "This is good," he admitted as he stuffed himself.

"A picnic, less the ants." Oz had used the supplies Spike brought to construct a nice sandwich for himself as well.

"Buffy, love, you should probably have something with a bit more nutrition than just the chocolate," Spike smirked. He had lifted the tray of chocolatey goodness as a last minute decision. It had been a good one. "Have a sandwich and some crisps at least, love." He handed her the bag of potato chips and quirked a brow in amusement at the look of joy that crossed her face.

"You brought all the good stuff. Salty goodness even. Oh, it seems like forever since I’ve had simple stuff like this! Eddie was all about the five star restaurants with weird-looking stuff I can’t pronounce. Half the time it looked like some kind of art on a plate and there’d only be a couple of bites of whatever it was. I can’t remember the last time I had bologna and cheese!"

It made Spike happy to see Buffy with a healthy appetite. The last couple of years after she had been resurrected were not filled with memories of Buffy eating well. Fast food brought home cold from the Doublemeat Palace had passed for balanced meals for far too long. This might not be a dietician’s dream, but at least her appetite was back. Once they were out of there, Spike was determined to make sure his girls had the sort of life they deserved. Before, he’d tried to die to give that to them, now he’d try to live to ensure it.