Title: VampSmack Down
Author: Anne
Disclaimer: ATS, BTVS, Stoker's Dracula, not mine...
Spoilers: Mentions definitely to WIW- Groo as come and gone with little effect- as for BTVS- don't know where to really place it but Buffy and Spike are having sex and Buffy is being 'oh' no but still going to Spike.
Comments: Thank you for all the great feedback- this started out as a simple challenge and I've seemed to have made it longer than planned. Blame Alice, not me.
Chapter 21
Cordelia pushed at the lock. Damn thing kept sticking. She pounded and turned the key, finally the apartment door opened. “Some help next time, Dennis.” She grumbled shoving her keys back in her pocket. “Dennis…. What the hell?”
Roses that had been floating dropped suddenly to the ground. Cordelia looked around, roses were everywhere. Some still in glass vases. Cordelia stared. There were roses by the dozen on every surface. Others were strewn on the floor leading to the kitchen. Cordelia stunned followed the petals and stems. She stopped. The trashcan was stuffed to the brim with roses and glass. “Dennis, explain.” Her eyes never leaving the mangled blood red flowers in the trash.
More roses floated through the air only then to be pushed in the overstuffed trash. “Okay, I can see you don’t like them. How did they get here?” Petals and flowers came flying out of the trash. “I’m getting confused here.” A card floated up from the shower of petals. “You will be Mine.” Reading the words of the card out loud. A cold shiver traveled up Cordelia’s spine, squeezing her like a vice. “Was Dracula actually here or hopefully was it just his hoity toity flunky?”
A broken wooden stake as well as a crushed crossbow came flying into the kitchen. Cordelia watched the destroyed weapons crash to the ground. The vice in her chest was starting to strangle her. “Dennis, this is not good.” Cordelia took a deep breath trying to remain calm. She took another one. “Dennis, please, pack a bag, I’m….” Cordelia paused as her duffle bag was immediately shoved against her. “Thinking ahead, I really like that about you, Dennis. How did he…..” She stopped again as the duffle bag left the kitchen and flew out the open front door. “You’re right, I should leave now. Expect a visit from Angel and please feel free to trash every single hideous rose. Throw them out the window, if you can’t find anywhere else to shove them.” With the card still clutched in her hand, Cordelia ran.
**************
Deep breath. Deep breath. Cordelia was angry, but even more than that she was scared. Deep breath. Cordelia would not freak until she was safely back with Angel. Angel would have a rational explanation as to how the Count had entered her apartment in the middle of a bright sunny day.
****************************
“ANGEL,” Cordelia yelled running into the lobby. “ANGEL” she called again, ignoring Wesley and Gunn’s scramble towards her. She looked around for the vampire. Cordelia started to yell again, when Angel tore out of the basement, Spike immediately behind, their swords still in hand.
“Cordy, what happened?”
“You tell me, how in the hell did Count Dracula get into my apartment. Doesn’t the invitey thing work with him? The sun’s out.” Pointing back to the door as if it was the bright vampire-burning ball itself. “Here. Explain it.” Shoving the card into the still vampire’s hand.
A deep growl resounded in Angel’s throat as he read it. “Where did you get this?”
“Weren’t you listening? My apartment. That and tons of roses, roses everywhere, stinking up the place.”
“Cordelia, why do you think that Dracula was in your apartment? Did you see him?” Wesley moved closer.
“Gee, Wes, as popular as I am, I don’t think that pimply face geek next door spent his allowance dressing up my apartment to look like a high rent florist shop or send me ‘Be Mine valentines’. It’s not even February.”
“Cordy.”
“Dennis, told me.” Cordelia shot back to Wesley, her eyes never leaving Angel. Angel hadn’t said a word, his eyes clued to the words on the card.
“Hey cheerleader, release the tightened panties, he’s just trying to scare you.” Spike said snatching the card from Angel’s grip, ignoring his grandsire’s growl.
“Well, duh and guess what it worked. How dare he come into my apartment? How could he? It’s daylight.”
Angel tried to beat down his rage and fear that Dracula had been in Cordelia’s apartment that he could have been there when she walked in. Angel tried to think rationally and not on pure violent instinct. Dracula was powerful, but not all powerful, he still had the same limitations as other vampires. Sun, fire, stakes, crosses, holy water and a need to be invited into a human’s house. Angel studied Cordelia. Realization hit him like a ton of bricks. None of them had thought about it. Months had gone by of Cordelia spending nights alone in her apartment and they never even considered it. Angel hadn’t. “You’re part demon, now. He doesn’t need to be invited in.”
Cordelia’s eyes widened. “You mean, any old vampire could’ve wandered in, can wander in.”
Wesley nodded. “Yes, of course. We should’ve thought about that sooner. Cordelia, you will have to do a barrier spell.”
Cordelia nodded. “Whew. I knew you would have a rational explanation.” Smiling in relief at Angel. She felt a lot better. Except. Cordelia scrunched up her face. “How did he know? You said you couldn’t smell it on me. You, too.” She swirled around to Spike. “And how did he know where I lived? And what about the daylight thing.”
“There’s sewer access to your apartment, Cordy, you know that. Or maybe he came before dawn, do you know when the flowers showed up?”
Cordelia thought about it, she didn’t, she just freaked and assumed. “I asked Dennis, but he just threw my bag outside, I took the hint and left. I told him you would around later.”
Angel nodded.
“The other stuff. You’re doing good so far.” Cordelia waved her hand at Angel urging him to continue to explain away her fears.
“Obviously, he found out by asking around, I guess, researching.”
“Researching that I was part demony? Is that written down somewhere?”
“No where you lived. As for how he knew you part demon, I don’t know. Maybe he didn’t.”
“Um, Angel, if he didn’t then he came prepared to override the whole invitey thing. You’re losing points in the calming thing.” Her voice started to rise again.
“Cordy, it doesn’t matter, if he figured it out or just got lucky, Dracula is just another vampire that’s lived longer than most. He can be killed, he will be.” Angel never wanted someone's death so much.
“Peaches is right, pet. Drac isn’t the invincible boogey vamp, he’s just a charlatan with a chest full of parlor tricks.”
“What if tries that mind thingy on me?” Wiggling her fingers out towards the vampires.
“He would have to get close to you and that IS NOT ever happening.” Angel growled.
“Right. Sorry. It was just really creepy knowing that he was in my apartment. I think he scared Dennis.” Cordelia bit her lip.
Angel had her in his arms in an instant. “He will never touch you. I promise.” Angel whispered into her hair taking in the sweet unique scent of Cordelia that surrounded him. Angel closed he eyes as her arms tightened, praying that what he said would remain the truth.
“Angel,” Cordelia pulled away. “I think that we should move Connor into Fred’s room for the time being. You’re ‘grr’ and I’m part demon, if Dracula comes here, he can enter your suite.”
Angel slowly nodded. “Fred?” Looking over to the other young brunette.
She blinked rapidly. “Of course.”
“Angel,” Wesley rubbed at his glasses. “I feel it might be wise if Gunn and I also stay here until the threat of Dracula is gone, if he does show up we all should be ready to meet him. Gunn?”
“You’re askin? Hell yeah, I’m staying.”
Wesley nodded. “Also, I believe that a barrier spell should be enchanted around the hotel, it can be done in such a manner to allow you and Spike to come and ago.”
“Do it.” Angel placed a kiss on Cordy’s hair and released her. “Spike, you coming?”
“To the chits? Sure why not, want to meet Casper.”
“His name is Dennis.” Cordelia said.
“Dennis, Casper, a ghost is a ghost by any other name.”
“Uhuh.” Rolling her eyes. “Angel, can I talk to you a minute before you go?”
************************
Angel followed puzzled, trying to figure out what Cordelia had to tell him out of the hearing of the others. Cordelia suddenly turned on him once Wesley’s office door was closed, lunging her body into his grabbing his face and kissing him. The suddenness of her actions startled Angel and pushed him against the door. His surprise turned instantly into desire, the desire turning into as rage as the warm lips molded over his and the heat of Cordelia’s body seared through him. The rage wasn’t at the beautiful woman who’s very being could hold him spellbound, but towards the vampire that had embarked on his campaign to take her away from Angel. His demon instinct cried for him to prove that she was his completely. Angel’s rage and need flared in intensity. Angel growled. Cordelia was now up against the door. Angel’s mouth became hard and possessive, capturing her breath just has his fingers were soaking up the moisture he found pooled between her thighs. She was life and she was his, there would be no doubt. Angel’s lips moved, his tongue and mouth attacking the hollow of her throat, his eye’s glowed yellow as his demon’s need threatened to become paramount.
“Angel,” Cordelia clutched at his head jerking her hips and locking her legs around his waist trapping his strong circling fingers to her center. “Angel,…do you think,” she gasped, “Wesley would,” Cordelia tried to make words out of her moans. “ Mind if we used his desk for two minutes.” It took a full minute for Angel to register her words. Angel laughed and groaned into Cordelia’s neck, the golden glow gone from his eyes.
“Angel.” Cordelia asked. The vampire had stopped kissing her, his hand that had been causing just wondrous sensations had stilled. Cordelia hadn’t wanted him to stop.
Angel leaned her further against the wall, the strength of his upper body keeping her secure, his hand moving again rhythmically against her center. With his free hand he brushed her hair back staring at Cordelia. “God, I need you so much.” He whispered his lips brushing hers.
“Desk.” She moaned into his lips.
“No, Cordy.”
“Okay, wall. Wesley would probably mind.” Wiggling her hips closer.
“I’m sure he would.” Angel chuckled into her lips. “But, no Cordy.” He slowly released her, stopping the fumbling hands on his zipper.
“Angel?” Aching need clear in her questioning expression. If Cordelia pouted, Angel knew that he would have her on the floor. He needed to stop it from forming. Cordelia was once again pressed against his body; her back nestled into his chest, one hand cupping her breast through the material of her shirt, the other going back under the waistband of her pants. Angel was beginning to believe that low-riding stretchy pants were beating out buttons as a favorite. The pants were perfect for moments like this. Angel nuzzled at her neck, the scent of her blood still was beckoning but his demon was firmly contained that particular want overshadowed by the knowledge that he didn’t have to prove to Cordelia that she was his. The beautiful and wonderful young woman had already given herself and her love to him.
His lips traveled up to her ear lope, tugging at that fleshy tissue. Cordelia gasped, her body tensed, her hands clutching at the strong forearms that held her. “Angel.” Her head burrowing into his chest, small shudders vibrated throughout her body.
Angel slowly brought his hand back up fixing her pants as his other pulled down her shirt.
Cordelia opened her eyes, hazel staring into deep brown. “You?’ She reached out.
Angel caught her hand, bringing it to his lips. “I need to go find out what Dennis knows.” He smiled. “And you can make it up later, no desks, and longer than two minutes worth.”
“Um, Angel.” Cordelia said as the vampire reached for the door. Angel looked over his shoulder; happy to see she wasn’t pouting or glaring.
“I did have something to say to you before you left.”
Angel cocked a brow.
“I love you, stupid.”
Angel smiled. “I got that.”
********************
Spike rolled his eyes as Angel then Cordelia exited the office. He didn’t bother to even comment; sometimes the obvious was just plain old obvious no reason to red flag it.
“Spike.”
“Sure, Peaches.” Spike followed the other vampire down into the basement.
“I’m…I’m going to go check on Connor.” Cordelia smiled at the others and quickly headed up the stairs.
“In my office? In my office?” Wesley glared at Gunn and Fred.
Gunn shrugged showing some sympathy for his glowering friend. “It used to be his. Maybe, he just forgot.”
“It better have not been on my desk.” Wesley strode to the door, trying to figure out what areas he would need to avoid.
Fred stared back in forth from the two men, wondering what they were talking about. Slowly, the click formed. “Oh. OH.”
Chapter 22
“What?”
Angel and Spike were moving swiftly through the sewers to Cordelia’s apartment. Angel knew that Spike was choking the words that he wanted to spill out. The unsaid comments were vibrating throughout the air. Angel shook his head. He had forgotten. It had been so long that Spike and he had traveled together with the same goal. But the memories were coming back quickly. Angel, Angelus could be still and silent, Spike never could. Even in a motionless state, the younger blonde vampire radiated motion and energy. And now it was ringing in Angel’s ears.
“Roses. Roses, that’s how it started with Dru.” Spike rushed. “He knows the cheerleader’s address, so we can assume the stalking has begun. Next, is the teasing, he will contact her, seduce her then….”
Angel stopped swinging around, wondering why even bothered to ask. Spike never said anything anyone wanted to hear. Even if what he said was the truth. “It won’t happen.”
“He’s re-playing your game with Dru. Once he seduces the cheerleader, he’ll kill her family, you know those humans that we just left, then insanity, then he’ll turn her…Wait, she’s already part demon, can’t be a vampire, she’ll just be insane. And I don’t think the cheerleader will wear it as well as Dru did.”
Angel growled. “It won’t happen.”
“Okay, it won’t, but it will.” Spike rolled his eyes at his grandsire. Spike clutched at the hands that were suddenly around his throat. “Hey, I’m not the one that’s poaching.” He knocked Angel’s hands back. “I’m on your side.” Spike struggled up from the ground. “Bugger, I can’t believe I just said that.” He shook his head standing straight up. “You’ve got some serious issues to work out. Shit. Angel, you are a vampire, soul or not. You can stand there and pretend that you aren’t sniffing your hand trying to taste the chit’s juices. But you are. Face it. You're a vampire. And as sweet as that taste is, you still want the blood, you want to change that wimpy poof mark on her delectable neck into a real one.” Spike pushed off from the wall past a silent Angel. “You’re going have to deal with it at some point. Bastard.” Spike turned back towards a silent Angel. “Do you even know how lucky you are….Angelus, shit….you had Buffy’s love, now you have the cheerleader’s, a chit that seems to be more than willing to accept the vampire in you. Cinnamon in your blood? And a kid?” Spike shook his head. “One fucking undeserving lucky bloke.”
“I know.” Angel said quietly from the shadows.
The vampires that never liked each other, but were connected by a blood bond, only to later be separated by a soul, stared at each other. Angelus and William the Bloody were nullified, nothing was left but Angel and Spike, two vampires that could understand one thing about the other – they were vampires that loved amazing women and were scared as hell about it. Angel lifted his hooded eyes to Spike. “He can’t touch her.”
Spike slapped Angel on the back. “He won’t. Look on the bright side- we’re the only ones that know that we’re pathetic, everyone else thinks were bad ass demons. So, let’s go be bad asses.” Spike shrugged moving again further into the sewers whistling as he blended into the darkness.