Disclaimer: The characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer are owned by Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and Fox studios. This story is not meant to infringe upon anyone's rights, only to entertain.

**


Chapter 28- Come back

A soft knock on the door roused Spike from Buffy's embrace. He moved cautiously towards the door. He sniffed the air, determining by his sense of smell who was on the other side. He opened the door to reveal a pretty brunette smiling up at him.

"Hey Spike. Antonio told me you were here. But it's not Wednesday and I don't have any kittens with me."

"Hey Marissa. I was hoping you'd stop by, pet." he said stepping back to allow her access into the room. He closed the door quickly once she was inside the room. "Don't need kittens right now. I need your help for something else."

"Something else?"

"Magic."

"Magic? Okay. What trouble have you got yourself into this time, handsome?" she said crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Nothing I can't handle. Just need a little help is all. Maybe a teleportation escape spell and some cloaking or glamour spells?"

"That seems like a tall order."

"Oh, come now pet. Those should be nothing for you."

"So what's in it for me?"

"I'll pay you. You know I'm good for it."

"Yeah yeah. So, where is she?"

“Where’s who?”

“Oh stop playing games Spike. Antonio told me that you had a pretty hot blond with you tonight. And I‘m assuming based on all the rumors I‘ve been hearing that it could only be the Slayer.”

Spike turned his head towards the bedroom. "She's sleeping. It's been a pretty rough night. I think the damn Council of Wankers is after her."

"The Council? Say no more. I'll help. I want to give them a piece of my mind." she said closing her eyes as if trying to push down some emotion.

"I didn't mean to bring up anything painful Marissa."

"That's alright. I just miss him is all. Henry was my life and a damn good Watcher. But when the Council found out about us, they ... " her eyes shut even tighter.

Spike put a hand on her arm trying to comfort her. "It's alright, pet."

"I'm sorry. Well let's meet the Slayer." she said rubbing her eyes to dry the tears that were starting to form.

"I'm here." Buffy said with a slight yawn from the doorway of the bedroom. "Thank you for helping us."

Marissa smiled. "Well it will cost you a pretty penny." she said moving towards Buffy looking her over from head to toe. "I can do both the glamour spell and cloaking spell. Knowing them, they'll try to locate you no matter what. But Spike, what's the transportation spell for?"

"I have to go somewhere and get some answers but I ain’t going without an ace up my sleeve."

"You're leaving?" Buffy asked worried.

Spike made his way towards her and took her hand in his. "It’s just for a little bit tomorrow, love. There’s some business that I have to attend to. Marissa's spell should keep you safe."

Marissa watched vampire and Slayer and smiled. She could sense the difference in Spike. She had known him for a few years now, helping him with his supply of kittens for poker. Spike always had an air about him, a certain cockiness and confidence that drew you to him. He was always pleasant company as long as you don't get on his bad side. But lately, he seemed genuinely happy and she now understood why. She had heard the rumors that he was fighting alongside the Slayer, but the rumors never mentioned anything else beyond that. The body language between them said everything. They were in love. She had seen Spike with Dru before but the way he acted with this blond haired beauty was different.

"I'll see the two of you tomorrow then. Both of you get some rest." she said turning around towards the door. "And if I see any suspicious looking Watchers lurking around I'll keep them busy for you."


**
... the next night ...

Spike fingered the small amulet Marissa had given to him just moments ago. He waited patiently outside the bedroom as Marissa performed the glamour spell on Buffy. Minutes later the door opened and two brunettes stepped out.

Spike smiled at seeing that even he didn't recognize the Slayer. "Marissa, one of your best work yet. I can't even smell her." Aside from her hair, her eyes were now a shade of brown, her skin paler and she even looked a bit taller.

"I added an extra layer onto the spell. Actually, I made her look like my cousin." She said with pride.

"How about the cloaking spell?"

"It's there but I was thinking of taking her to my place if that's alright with you. I'll keep her safe Spike. You know me."

Spike thought about it for a minute then nodded. He walked over to where Buffy was and pulled her into his arms. He looked at her tenderly for a minute, caressing her cheek with his fingers. "I'll be back soon, love. Watch your back." he whispered into her ear.

**

Spike stopped walking about a block away from the mansion. He wasn't sure what was going on and wondered why the Master would even want to meet with him. For all he knew, this could be his last night. But if it was, then why did they go to all that trouble having Darla talk to him. At least he had an escape plan. He took in an unnecessary deep breath, stood up to his full height and strode of towards the entrance to the clan's lair.

He didn't even bother to knock, striding in like he owned the mansion. Normally minions would be all over the place but it seemed like the lot of them got out of his way. He used his senses to pick up Darla's scent and strode through the hallways until he stopped in front of one of the rooms. He could sense someone else in there with her and he could only assume it was the Master.

The door soon opened and Spike saw the Master sitting down in a large chair. He tentatively walked into the room, while Darla excused herself and closed the door behind her as she left. He knew it would have been more appropriate to kneel in front of him and kiss his ring but that just wouldn't be his style. Instead, he stopped a few paces from his sire and bowed. "You summoned for me, sire?"

The Master clasped his hands together in delight at seeing the stubbornness in his child. "Ah yes, my dear William. So young and so impetuous. Your terror across Europe with my daughter was quite impressive and the deaths of two Slayers under your belt bodes far for the clan's honor."

"I'm glad you are pleased, sire."

"Though I have heard news that is quite troublesome to my ears. It seems that you have taken a Slayer under your wing. Or maybe it is she that has taken you?” he said pausing for a second.

Spike raised an eyebrow questioning his remark.

“Though I am not surprised. She is lovely, this Slayer of yours ... and quite strong. But it does lead one to wonder where your loyalties lie." The Master continued.

"I take care of my own. But I do not hesitate to dispatch those that would go against me."

"Such bold words to say in front of me my child. But I like your honesty. With guidance you will go far within the clan. This foolishness with the Slayer must end though. It would not look good for my general to be consorting with one such as her."

"General?"

"You heard me correctly, William. I need strong children to do my bidding. Though you may be considered young, you have proven yourself quite resourceful."

"You honor me, Master."

"And as a reward for doing my bidding, I will be kind to you. I will allow you to turn your precious Slayer and I will let you keep her."

"You wish me to turn the Slayer?" Spike asked a little dumbfounded.

"Why yes. I believe she will be a great asset to this family. I have plans for her. With her blood William, we can further strengthen the line. And we can protect her. I know the Watcher's Council is after her. What you and this Slayer have is quite ... unusual. You should have known that it was only a matter of time before the nosey little mice found out about your relationship. I, on the other hand, am more tolerant to these things. You must think of the future William. She is mortal. Do you not wish to preserve her beauty and strength?"

Spike couldn't deny that that is what he wanted -- eternity with the woman he loved. But to turn her? It just doesn't seem right. It never seemed right.

"Sire, I ... "

“You wish to see her age and her beauty fade then? Are you prepared to keep on running away from the Council?”

Spike thought about that for a moment. If he turned her, she would be immortal like him and being part of the Aurelius Clan, she would be protected. But turning her would mean destroying who she was now. And he wasn’t prepared to do that to her.

"Now dear child. You misunderstood me. It is not a request." the Master said standing up from his chair. He moved towards Spike, placing a hand on his chin to force him to look into the Master's eyes. "You will take her into you. You will turn her and make her part of our family."

Spike felt a comforting feeling wash over him while the sound of the Master's voice echoed inside his head. "She will be yours forever. ... The Slayer in your arms. ... Immortality your gift. ... Protected from all that will harm her. ... Loved for all eternity. ... " Spike smiled hearing those words in his mind.

"Good. ... Now, show me your hand dear William." The Master ordered him.

Spike complied without hesitation, lifting his right hand, palm side up. The Master took his pinky finger and with his long nail placed a gash across Spike's palm. The younger vampire didn't even flinch as blood dripped from the wound. The Master moved quickly, catching Spike’s precious blood into a chalice. A devilish smile was painted across the Master’s face as his plan seemed to fall into place.