Buffy licked her lips, her pupils dilated. “Hmm, sounds good!” she slipped her hand between them and roughly massaged Spike’s rapidly hardening cock through his jeans.

“Ah, now none of that. When I said bed, I meant sleep, you must be knackered.” Spike groaned.

“But Spike, I wanna play!” Buffy pouted up at him.

“Are you trying to seduce me, Ms Summers?”

“Is it working?” Buffy asked. She wanted to reconnect with Spike, being snuggled up on the plane for some long and unable to indulge herself had played havoc on her hormones. She wanted her vamp now!

Spike’s eyes flashed gold and he growled at the coy young thing in his arms.

“Ohh, is the big bad wolf gonna get me?” Buffy squeaked and pulled away as she back-pedalled away from Spike.

“Too right he’s gonna get you, luv.” Spike prowled after Buffy as she ran into the bedroom. “And he’s gonna eat you all up!”

“Promise?” Buffy called as she leapt onto the massive oak four-poster bed that stood in the centre of the room. She kicked her shoes off and wriggled out of her jeans. She tossed them at Spike and then yanked her halter-top off and threw it to the floor.

Spike easily caught her jeans and raised them to his face and sniffed appreciatively. He had been aching for her from the moment she had snuggled up against him on the plane, but had managed to resist out of respect for Tara. Also he knew if they had tried to join the Mile High club then the entire plane would have known. His girl was a screamer!

“Spike, why are you sniffing my jeans when you could be over here sniffing me?” Buffy slid under the crisp linen sheets; she wriggled around and then twirled her panties on her finger.

“Aren’t you a little minx, all hot and flushed waiting for me,” Spike rumbled as he rapidly stripped. He ran his hand down his chest and wrapped his fingers around his erection. He pumped it idly as he approached the bed.

“Why don’t you let me do that, honey?” Buffy flipped back the sheets revealing her naked form to his appreciative eyes.

Spike pounced onto the bed and playfully bounced up and down. He eyed Buffy’s breasts as they jiggled up and down as she was jostled by his playful antics. She giggled loudly at Spike’s antics.

Spike’s eyes darkened with desire and he pulled Buffy into his arms. His hands ran over her curves as he kissed the hollow of her throat.

Buffy pushed his hands away and flipped them over so that she was straddling him. Spike looked up at his siren and tucked his hands under his head. His actions stretching and defining the muscles in his torso, his pale skin contrasting with the dusky pink of his nipples. Buffy eyed the delicious feast stretched out under her and sighed happily.

She reached down and ran her nails over his pecs, leaving faint red welts in their trail.

“Slayer…” Spike growled and shifted restlessly under her. His eyes rolled up at the sensation of her wet folds rubbing against his stomach. His cock hardened even more and rubbed insistently against Buffy’s soft backside, trying to find her warm depths. Spike slid one hand out from under his head and reached for Buffy’s waist.

“My turn to play, Spike!” Buffy batted his wandering hand away and leant over and sucked gently on his Adam’s apple.

Spike gritted his teeth and tried to lie still under his lady’s ministrations. He began to pant softly as Buffy’s lips trailed up and down his throat, kissing and biting as they went. A groan escaped his parted lips and Spike’s eyes fluttered shut. Buffy paused at the hollow of his throat and sucked it hard. She was desperate to claim the vampire who was between her legs and purring like a wild cat, but she wanted it to be perfect. Right now was about them reconnecting, nothing more. Well that, and she wanted to see if she could drive him wild!

“Aren’t you glad Whistler cleared up any worries about Dawn seeing you like this?” Buffy teased as she ground down on his twitching stomach, smearing her wetness against him.

Spike’s eyes snapped open and he growled; Buffy squirmed against his body as she felt the vibrations against her core. “Don’t even joke about it, Slayer…that’s just rank!” Spike glared up at the giggling mess of a girl on his stomach. “C’mere,” he reached up and grabbed Buffy’s shoulders and pulled her down to face him. “Don’t.” He kissed her forehead. “Ever.” Spike ran his tongue down her cheekbone. “Do,” he kissed the tip of her nose. “That…again.” Spike captured her soft lips and kissed her hard.

His hands slid down her back, mapping the soft skin with his calloused fingers, until his hands rested on her round backside. Spike gave the silken globes a teasing squeeze. Grasping her hips he gently slid her down until the tip of his cock was pressed against her clit.

His fangs began to push through and his eyes darkened with lust as he forced his fangs to behave.

He shivered as Buffy’s fingers teased his nipples- scratching and circling them with her sharp fingernails. Her mouth was busy nibbling Spike’s earlobe. Her small white even teeth tugged on it and then released the soft pink flesh with a loud slurp. Buffy ran her tongue along Spike’s cheekbone, lingering in the hollow of his cheek.

Spike rumbled happily as she caught his lips in a deep kiss, her tongue dancing erotically with his. Spike rocked his hips upwards gently. The mushroom shaped tip of his erection rubbed against Buffy’s aroused nubbin, sending sparks of pleasure up both their spines.

“Rock back against me, luv,” Spike whispered against her full lips.

“I love you, Spike,” Buffy whispered back as she slowly rolled her clit against his cock. Buffy could feel Spike’s cock spreading her soaked lips and slid back and forth between them, with each stroke teasing her erect nubbin. Looking down, she watched mesmerised at the sight of his cock between her inner lips, clear drops of precum bubbling out and mixing in with her juices.

She could feel a burning warmth in the depth of her stomach building up. Until she threw her head back and sighed as a gentle but strong climax shuddered through her body, now slick with sweat.

Spike watched her come undone through slitted eyes that were darkened with lust.

“That’s it, luv, come for me…” he trailed off as Buffy collapsed on his chest panting. He shifted slightly and tried not to whimper as his hardening cock slid between Buffy’s soaked folds. He wanted…no needed to sink into her welcoming depths.

Buffy lifted her head and blew her hair off her face; her eyes were slumberous with spent passion. “You okay down there?”

“Buffy…luv…let me in please…” Spike was not above using Dawn’s patented puppy dog eyes, and he used his baby blues to devastating effect on the still shuddering woman sprawled over him. Spike’s hands rubbed up and down her spine, his long elegant fingers rubbing her ribs and occasionally sliding around and teasing the plump sides of her breasts.

Buffy wriggled slightly as he caught a ticklish spot, pressing her hard nipples into his chest.

“Stop squirming around and hop on, pet,” Spike growled impatiently.

Buffy propped herself up on Spike’s chest and gave him the hairy eyeball, “crude much?”

Spike curled his tongue against his teeth and waggled his eyebrows. “Yep, and that’s why you love me!” He thrust his hips upwards against Buffy’s heated core.

Buffy struggled up and sat down hard on Spike’s groin and slapped him hard on his chest. “Ick!”

“That’s right, just lift up a bit and lemme in woman…ouch!” Spike yelped as Buffy twisted his erect nipples hard.

“Just for that!” Buffy reached over Spike’s head to grab something. Her movements offered Spike’s mouth two tasty targets, which he happily began to suck on. “Ooohhh…” Buffy moaned happily as Spike licked and sucked her reddened nipples, her hands were busy above his head, as she pressed her chest against Spike’s more than willing mouth.

“Ah ha! Got ‘em.” With that Buffy straightened and her left nipple slipped out of Spike’s ravenous mouth with an audible pop.

“Oi! Gimme…” Spike pouted up at Buffy as his hands dropped on either side of his head.

Buffy eyed his pouting face. “Big baby!”

She leant over him; Spike mouthed the underside of her breasts, savouring the soft white flesh. He licked and sucked his way back to her erect nipples and began to feast on them with a happy rumble.

Buffy’s eyes crossed at his enthusiastic ministrations and tried to focus on her plan. Her fingers shook as she caressed Spike’s inner wrists; his fingers clenched and released sporadically. She tightened her legs against his waist and ground down on his twitching abdomen.

Spike inhaled deeply, taking in Buffy’s arousal and the sweet scent of her flesh, which was coated with a fine sheen of moisture. Distracted by these heady aroma’s, Spike didn’t feel the silk cords wrapping around his wrists until Buffy tightened the knots, securing him to the posts.

Spike’s eyes opened at the sensation of the silken tiebacks securing him to the posts at the head of the bed. He peered up between Buffy’s breasts and arched an inquisitive brow at his grinning lover. “What are you up to, my naughty l’il Slayer?” His sapphire blue eyes twinkled with wickedness and anticipation; his hips rocked upwards in anticipation.

Buffy slid off Spike’s body with a whimper.

“Buffy, where are you going?” Spike wrapped his hands around the cords and pulled them experimentally. He could break out of them easily but decided not too. The vampire wanted to see where she was leading with her games. Until now they had not really played any games and to have Buffy initiate one was titillating and filling him with excitement. “Come back, sweetness. S I’m cold without your heat wrapped around me…” he purred, trying to entice her back.

“Stop with the seduction, Spike! I’m a sure thing,” Buffy grinned impishly. Her eyes ran appreciatively down his stretched torso, the lines of his muscles were curved as he pulled playfully against the ropes.

“You are? Good, then hop on the not-so-little Spike, nice and gentle though, don’t want to bruise the goods.” Spike thrust his hips upwards. His cock was coated in Buffy’s arousal and curved upwards onto his stomach.

Buffy shook her head, “No uh! I wanna play.” She pointed her finger accusingly at Spike. “And with no interruptions, this is my turn to see if I can make you squeal!”

“Well, you just sound so cute when I make you squeal- that’s why I like doing it so much,” Spike teased. He settled back onto the soft mattress and wriggled his eyebrows. “Do you worst, Slayer!”? He taunted.

Buffy’s eyebrows shot up. “Well, that’s a challenge I really, really am gonna have to take you up on!” With that she leapt off the bed and pattered across the bedroom then disappeared into the sitting room.

“Hey, come back, no fair!” Spike craned his neck to watch her lush backside wriggle as she ran. “What are you doing?”

“Need supplies.” Her muffled response came through the doorway. Spike saw her run past the open doorway holding something. “Ah ha! Got ‘em!” Buffy reappeared in the doorway holding an ice bucket in one hand while her other hand was hidden behind her back. She sauntered back to the bed and climbed on. Buffy dropped the ice bucket on the bedside table, but she still had her other hand hidden behind her back.

“What yah got hidden there, Sunshine?” Spike’s curiosity was peaked. He wondered what his girl had up her metaphorical sleeve; seeing that she was as naked as the day she was born.

Buffy sucked her lower lip coyly and blinked innocently down at Spike. “Something for later…”

“Okay then, tantalise away…” Spike closed his eyes with a sigh.

Buffy crawled to the foot of the bed and tucked away her surprise behind her. Reaching out, she grasped Spike’s right foot and began to massage it, working her way slowly upwards until she reached the crease of his hip. She deftly avoided his inner thighs. Spike moaned happily as she began on his left foot and worked her way upwards again. She savoured the sensation of his soft hair against the palms of her hands as she slid inwards and began to rub Spike’s now shaking inner thighs. His cock jerked upwards and a drop of cum smeared on his stomach. Buffy ran her hands around his groin enjoying the sensation of Spike’s soft skin under her hands.

Spike shivered as Buffy began to gently rub his sides, her touch was soft and gentle as she explored every inch of his twitching skin. Buffy straddled his thighs and began to gently massage his chest. Her fingers lingered on his erect nipples. Unable to resist, she leaned over and sucked gently at one and then the other. Lifting her head she blew on them and watched as they tightened even more. “That feel nice?” she asked curiously. Buffy knew that she enjoyed when Spike teased her breasts and nipples and wanted to know if it felt as good for him as it did for her.

“Luv, you’re killing me…don’t stop…” Spike panted. His eyes were screwed shut and the cords in his neck stood out in relief.

“You likes?” Buffy teased as she rubbed herself against his furred thigh. The friction against her hot core was wonderful.

Spike nodded his head. “You know you could try that technique a bit lower, though…” he asked hopefully.

Buffy eyed his engorged cock and her mouth watered. “Maybe later.” She rose and reached her hand into the bucket and fished out a handful of ice. The cold water ran down her forearm and dripped onto the bed linen.

Spike cracked his eyes open slightly to see what she was up to.

Buffy’s face was a study in concentration as she ran the ice cubes down his bound arms and swirled the cube in the hollow of his neck. Buffy leant over and licked the water up, lapping at him like a kitten. “You taste sooo good…” she cooed as her tongue ran across Spike’s collarbone. Buffy reached over and grabbed a handful of melting ice cubes and rubbed them across and down Spike’s torso. She watched fascinated as goose bumps appeared in their wake.

“Wow, I didn’t know you could feel the cold like that!” Buffy leant over and kissed Spike’s open mouth- he whimpered and then tangled his tongue with hers. She lingered for a long time, exploring his lips and mouth with her warm tongue.

Buffy pulled away reluctantly and watched the satisfied expression on Spike’s face. She wryly noted his clenched fists around the silken ropes; his knuckles were white under the pressure. ‘Time to make him squeal…’

Buffy slid between Spike’s legs; her hands urged them further apart as she settled on her knees. Buffy reached out and cradled Spike’s balls in one hand; she cupped them gently enjoying the feel of them against her skin. Spike’s heels scrabbled against the mattress and then he bent his knees.

“Oh luv, please stop…” he whimpered.

Buffy ignored him as she carefully rolled them in her hand. Unable to resist, she leant over and pressed an open-mouthed kiss on them. She had never had a chance to explore any of her previous lover’s bodies; Spike’s openness in the bedroom had been a revelation to the young woman.

‘Oh Christ, she’s trying to swallow me whole…’ Spike nearly screamed at the sensation of Buffy sucking and licking his balls. His eye’s snapped open when the finger’s holding his balls inadvertently rubbed behind them. The electric sensation caused him to arch his back and pull against his bonds.

Buffy watched his reaction through half closed eyes as she savoured the rough texture of the skin in her mouth. She wriggled her fingers experimentally and watched in awe as Spike gritted his teeth and groaned loudly. His back arched even more, thrusting his balls into her welcoming mouth.

Spike was caught up in the heat of her mouth and the erotic tongue bath Buffy was giving him. His buttocks clenched as he spread his legs further apart to allow her access. “Don’t stop…god, don’t stop…” his cock jerked with every stroke of her tongue. He gazed down his body; Spike’s eyes were locked on the blonde head between his legs.

Buffy reluctantly sat up and licked her lips. Her fingers tickled Spike’s inner thighs as she eyed her next target. Briefly their eyes locked and Buffy gasped at the golden flecks that shot through Spike’s lust darkened eyes. “You enjoying this?” she asked unnecessarily.

“You’re trying to dust me, aren’t you?” Spike panted.

Buffy rolled her eyes at the tense vampire spread out below her. “Relax, Spike!”

“Relax? Are you insane woman…argh!” Spike yelped as Buffy’s hot tongue ran the length of his cock. His eyes crossed and he finally gave in and squeaked but in a very manly way.

Buffy sat up and did a victory jiggle, “I win, you squeaked!”

Spike opened his eyes, “I’ll tan your pert little bottom if you don’t…gah!”

Buffy wrapped her fingers around the base of Spike’s cock, and in an expert move, swallowed his length down her throat. It had taken several attempts in the past for her to be able to take his entire length down her throat, but now she could if she concentrated and relaxed her throat muscles. Buffy looked up at Spike’s face through her lashes and was transfixed by the bright blue eyes staring back at her. Spike’s mouth worked soundlessly as she began to move her head slowly up and down.

Buffy could feel Spike’s cock pulsing against her tongue as she rolled it against the underside- she pulled back until only the head was in her mouth and Buffy teased it with the tip of her tongue.

Spike growled and his fangs dropped slightly as he pulled his hands free. Reaching down he pulled Buffy away from his cock and flipped them over. Spike nestled between Buffy’s thighs, his cock brushing against her opening.

“No fair, I was playing…” Buffy whispered against his cheek after nibbling Spike’s sharp cheekbone.

“Play time is over, luv,” Spike moaned as his cock nudged against her inner lips. Shifting slightly, he slid home. Buffy rocked her hips upwards until Spike sank into her soaked depths. He stretched her inner walls as he wriggled his hips from side to side, trying to sink even further. The feather Buffy had dropped at the foot of the bed floated to the floor forgotten.

Spike mentally counted backwards, trying to control himself. Buffy’s games had pushed him to the limit and he was about to explode in her welcoming channel.

Buffy stared up at her beloved demon- even in game face he was handsome- there was something leonine about his vampire face, feral and wild. She reached up and ran her fingers over his furrowed brow and down his nose, which she pushed slightly. Finally her fingers reached their target, his fangs. Spike shuddered as she rubbed down his sensitive incisors and then he roared as she pricked her index finger on one and slipped it into his gaping mouth. Her rich blood hit his tongue and he swallowed, he could feel her inside and out now. His cock hardened even more with the aphrodisiac Slayer blood that pooled in his mouth.

He swallowed with a shudder. Her gift of her blood had humbled him.

“Spike, you still in there?” Buffy whispered. Spike was frozen on top of her and, to be honest, she was aching for him to move. Her arousal had been peeked by their blood play and the teasing from earlier and if Spike didn’t move she was worried she may die from anticipation.

Spike blinked and looked down at his Slayer, who was spread out under him and impaled on his cock. Her eyes were glittering with lust and her mouth was open as she panted and wriggled under him. He couldn’t move- if he did he was worried he’d come like a spotty git, without seeing to his girl. “Gimme a sec, darling…” he muttered and then winced when her muscles gripped his cock and he arched his back, thrusting in deeper.

Buffy huffed and slid her hand between them and searched for her clit. With a sigh of relief she began to rub it with her still bleeding index finger. Sparks of pleasure filled her as she began to climb towards her second orgasm.

Spike sniffed the air and then looked down. He gasped at the sight of Buffy pleasuring herself while she was impaled on his cock. He could see her blood coating their joining and that was it for him. With a muted snarl he began to thrust in and out of her soaked channelled.

He caught hold of her hair and gently pulled her head to the left, revealing her tanned throat to his gaze. Dipping his head down he raked his fangs over the unblemished skin, making it redden. He could smell her blood and arousal and his demon took over.

Buffy twisted her head to one side and let Spike nip at her throat, the sensation of his fangs arousing her even more. She wrapped her free hand around Spike’s neck and held him close. Her other hand was still busy between her legs, instead of rubbing her clit she now slid further down and felt Spike’s cock pistoning in and out of her. His smooth skin slick with her juices and blood felt incredible.

Spike pulled back with a snarl and then, ignoring Buffy’s groan of complaint, he pulled out of her welcoming depths and knelt between her splayed thighs. His golden eyes darkened at the sight of her laid out before him. He could see her blood mixed in with her arousal and unable to resist he swooped down and ran his tongue over her cleft and cleaned it thoroughly with his tongue. Happy rumbles escaping his throat as he gripped her soft backside and pulled her hips up off the bed to his mouth. His tongue stabbed into her quivering opening and savoured the taste of her excitement as he feasted on her.

Buffy arched her back with a gasp and gripped the pillow under her head. But before she could come, Spike stopped. He pulled his mouth away and licked his lips, then nipped at her soft inner thigh lovingly.

“Hey…don’t stop!” she complained and glared down her body at him.

Spike chuckled and ran her finger over her twitching opening and then cocked his head.

“Be patient luv, Spike’ll do right by you.” With that he flipped her over onto her stomach and slapped her backside. He watched appreciatively as it reddened from his love pat, leaning over he pressed an open-mouthed kiss on the pink area and, unable to resist, he had a nice little nibble as well. Spike ran his hands over her heart-shaped backside and gripped her hips, pulling her up onto her knees.

Buffy pushed up and smirked wickedly over her shoulder at Spike. Before she could say anything, Spike moved up behind her and slid his cock into her. Draping himself over her back he began to thrust. All gentleness forgotten as the sight and scent of her overwhelmed him. With a growl he bit down on the nape of her neck with his lips and sucked hard. His hands wrapped around her torso and cradled her shaking breasts in his palms, her puckered nipples crushed against his hands.

Buffy dropped her head and whimpered at the sensations Spike was evoking in her body. She pushed back with each thrust and screamed when Spike’s cock hit her g-spot over and over. Her arms shook and her belly clenched as she came, collapsing under Spike she lay stunned as he continued to thrust into her, her face was mashed into the pillows and her breath escaped her with each thrust with a grunt as she came over and over.

Spike bit down, his fangs slipping into her skin briefly and then withdrawing. A small amount of Buffy’s blood seeped out and that was all he needed…he succumbed with a groan and his cock twitched, flooding her soaked depths with his seed.

Spike collapsed on Buffy’s sated form and then he rolled onto his side, pulling her thigh over his.

They slept spooned together, with his limp cock still cradled in her.

************

“Mr Travers?” Nigel hesitated at the door to the Head Watcher’s office. He clutched a folder to his chest and gazed nervously at the portly man who was absorbed in a book.

“What is it, Nigel?” Travers gestured for the nervous junior watcher to come in. He marked his page and closed the ancient tome carefully.

“I thought you might want to see this?” Nigel handed the folder he held over to his boss.

“Sit down, boy.” Travers gestured to a chair and opened the folder.

Nigel perched on the edge of the chair and waited anxiously for Mr Travers’ reaction. “Mr Travers? Sir?”

Quentin Travers pushed the photographs aside and steepled his fingers under his chin.

“These were taken from surveillance cameras at Heathrow?” He pointed to the black and white shots of Buffy, Spike and Tara standing in line at immigration.

“Indeed sir, we were alerted when the Slayer’s passport was checked. We managed to pull these off the cameras. As far as we can tell, they were headed to London.”

Travers looked down at the picture of Buffy and Spike arm in arm. “What is her fascination with the Aurelian line?”

“Sir?” Nigel cleared his throat.

“Nothing, Nigel. Thank you for bringing this to my notice.” Travers shuffled the images and slid them into the folder.

“Why would she come here with the Wiccan and that…that…thing?” Nigel pointed at the folder, his lip curled in disgust.

Travers sighed and leant back in his armchair. “Well, I imagine they are searching for the rogue Witch, Miss Rosenberg. Our Intel shows that she attacked a Mr Harris and has joined forces with some revolting magic peddler.”

“But she has left the Hellmouth unguarded!” Nigel exclaimed. “Her sacred duty is to guard it, not chase after her friends.”

“Nigel, I really wish you would think before you speak. Don’t you recall the meeting we had last week?” Travers tutted impatiently at the agitated younger Watcher. “She has recruited Wyndam-Pryce and some warrior to protect Sunnydale, our observers are still trying to establish who the latter is. While I don’t agree with Miss Summers’ methods as a rule, I have to give her credit for ensuring that the Hellmouth is protected before flitting off with the vampire…” Travers was intrigued and wanted to know exactly what was going on with his errant Slayer. He had a grudging respect for the girl and her unorthodox ways were a credit to her.

“What about William the Bloody?”

“What about him, indeed,” Travers smiled enigmatically. “I think we should set a couple of the special ops men to track them.” He turned and picked up his phone; barking a few orders into it he turned back to face the insufferable twit in front of him.

“Sir, is there anything else I can do?” Nigel leant forward eagerly.

“Where is Mr Giles situated at the moment?” Travers asked.

“I believe you mentioned he had returned home to Bath.” Nigel knew that the Head was aware of Rupert Giles’s location and wondered why he had asked.

“I want you to go and bring him here. I envisage that he will resist, so Nigel, please be polite and do mention that his ex-charge is here in London. That will be enough incentive to bring the fool here.” Travers stood, signalling the end of the conversation.

Nigel nodded and beat a hasty retreat.

Once Travers was sure that the twitchy Junior was out of earshot he reached for the phone.

“Mr Cavanaugh, I need for you to track down some people for me. Shall we meet at the usual spot? In an hour…excellent…until then.”

Travers turned and faced the large window behind him and stared out at the square below and pondered the latest situation.

*************

The phone rang, waking Buffy from a deep sleep. She rubbed her nose on the pillow sleepily and leant forward to grab the receiver. She heard Spike groan as his limp cock slipped from her and she looked over her shoulder at the snoozing vamp behind her. She hissed as the bitemarks on the nape of her neck reopened. The soft sound woke Spike and he propped himself up on one hand and reached over to dab at the small wounds. As she moved she winced, her inner thigh muscles were sore and aching from their passionate lovemaking earlier.

“Hullo…” she muttered sleepily into the receiver. “Wes!” a broad smile split her face and she sat up and leant against the pillows. Spike eyed her pert breasts that were exposed as she moved. He snuck closer and rested his head on them. Closing his eyes he savoured their warmth and the soothing beat of her heart against his ear. He frowned as he heard it speed up and sat up looking quizzically at his girl.

“Buffy? What’s wrong?” he rumbled sleepily as he rubbed the back of his head, tousling his curls even more.

“What happened to him? Is he going to be okay?” she whispered into the phone. Her face ashen, tears filled her eyes and she thrust the receiver into Spike’s startled hand and ran to the bathroom with her hand clapped over her mouth.

“Watcher, what the ruddy hell is going on?” Spike barked out. He slid to the side of the bed and sat up. “The whelp’s wot? Buggering hell…where is he now, hospital?” Spike listened to Wes’s strained voice, which was raspy with exhaustion. He could hear Buffy weeping in the bathroom and ached to go to her, to comfort her.

“Spike?” Buffy reappeared, her small frame engulfed in a white terry robe, her hands twisting the ties. “Is he…”

Spike held out his hand and Buffy came over and took it, she sat down next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. He squeezed her hand reassuringly as he listened to Wesley talking. “Right mate, I’ll tell her. You’ll keep in contact, won’t you? Is Anya coping okay?” Spike frowned as he listened and then blinked in surprise. “Oh…so when did this happen? Yesterday…okay, well tell her that Buffy and Colomba’ll call her…thanks for calling us…”

Spike put down the receiver slowly and shifted to face his girl. She refused to look up at him, tears dropping unchecked onto her robe and hands. “Pet, look at me…”

She shook her head and then threw herself into his arms, great sobs shuddering through her. “It’s my fault! I left him…and now he’s dead!”

Spike hauled her close and rocked her gently, pressing kisses to the top of her head. “Shhh, luv, none of that…Watcher Boy said Harris was going to be okay…he’s not dead, I promise!”

Buffy tilted her head up and stared hopefully up into Spike’s concerned face, her eyes puffy and reddened. “He okay? Really?” a shudder of relief ran through her slender frame.

“Yeah luv, bashed up badly and no, it wasn’t your fault! Wes is sending him off with Amy to recover, and he will recover. One thing I’ve learned about the whelp, he’s a tough sod!” Spike leant down and kissed her softly on the lips, giving her all his love and reassurance in that soft sweet meeting of their lips.

Buffy pulled back from the kiss and looked steadily into Spike’s eyes- trying to see if he was lying to her- and a brief smile ghosted across her lips when she saw he was telling the truth. “He’ll be okay?”

“Yeah pet, Harris’ll be around to piss me off for many a year!” Spike bent down for another kiss, unable to resist her luscious mouth.

“If I had been there…”

“No luv, there will be no ‘if I, would I or what not’…He knew you had to leave to find Dawn and Red and he wouldn’t expect you to do anything else.” Spike cradled Buffy against him. He knew that his Slayer would blame herself but he wanted her to understand that it wasn’t her fault.

*********

“Travers, good to see you again.”

“Mr Cavanaugh, as punctual as ever.” Travers sat down on the park bench next to the rough looking man dressed in black. He looked out over the Square and grimaced at the tourists clambering over the plinth at the base of Nelson’s column.

“So what does the head of the council need with a tracker, I ask myself…especially after the way we parted.”

Travers looked over at the disreputable man and frowned, “Need unfortunately yes.…I never envisaged that our paths would cross again.”

“So, who is it and what do you want done?”

Travers reached into his coat pocket and extracted a photograph and handed it to the self-acclaimed tracker. “I have my own men searching for her, but I imagine that she will elude them. I want you to find her and kill her.”

“Seek and destroy mission?”

“Yes, be warned. Her travel companion…he’s reputed to be a very wily individual. Kill him as well. I don’t like loose ends.” Travers folded his hands in his lap. “This will not be traced back to me or the Council, are we understood?”

Cavanaugh nodded and looked at the picture of the young woman and then tucked it away in his coat pocket. “It’ll cost you.”

Travers waved his hand. “Money isn’t the issue, just get it done.” He stood and brushed off his coat. “A word of warning- she has supernatural powers and will defend herself ably.”