When I was a new fledgling, Angelus loved to drag Dru and I to society parties. He got some twisted pleasure in draining the blue bloods at the very functions they begged him to attend. Angelus' every action in those days revolved around 'outwitting' everyone, playing elaborate psychological games with his victims in order to break them down, destroy them. Even Dru and I were not immune. The vampire with the face of an angel; I started referring to him as the vampire with the face of an asshole ...

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

"Angelus . . . you know I hate these bloody things . . . sucking up to the aristocrats, strapping yourself into one of these uncomfortable . . .damn it!" I fumble with the cravat. Even after several decades, I still haven't a clue as to how to do it properly.

Drusilla shoots a look of fear at our sire and immediately comes to my assistance. Bless her. She always tries to be a buffer between he and I, always sensing when his impatient temper is about to manifest. It's difficult because he's so unpredictable. One minute he'll be smiling and the next . . . he'll snap, hands at your throat trying to strangle you as he hisses the vilest insults. Words soft enough that only you can hear, words that cut all the way through to my undead heart, words that would've knocked the breath out of me, if I'd had any that is.

"Here Will," she offers in a placatory tone. "You're just being grouchy because you haven't the skill for it yet. You'll learn." She smooths the lace with a gentle hand and furrowed brow-working quickly to avoid fanning the wrath of Angelus. She's too late.

"Out of the way girl," he barks, shoving her to the side. "Tonight must be perfect. I'll see to this myself."

I feel his fingers at my throat and lower my eyes in the submissive gesture that I've learned to emulate. It grates on me to subjugate myself to anyone, but I've experienced the consequences of standing up to him and I don't think I was able to walk for a week after that little fiasco. Still, that doesn't stop me from fantasising about slashing his face to ribbons with the razor I keep in my boot-a throwback to my pre-vampire, human ruffian days. Someday I'm going to kill him.

"Too good for drinking blood are ya' William?" A sharp tug on the material at my throat brings my eyes back up and I know that I'm unsuccessful in hiding the resentment and hate that linger there . . . or the desire. " Or are you so used to drinking the filthy bile of the whores and lowlifes you came from? Sometimes I think you're hopeless boy, no sophistication in you whatsoever."

I'm not ignorant, or gutter trash as he so often refers to me. He just likes to goad me by reminding me where we first met and I always take the bait. "I just can't stomach the bloody ponces that attend these things," I snap back in a moment of reckless abandonment, knowing that it'll get me a beating and not caring anymore. "Plus, I can't stand those uptight matronly bitches and their sodding . . . boring . . . anaemic . . . whelps. Give me some more robust stock any day."

He can't believe that I would defy him, even though I have everyday since he changed me. No amount of beating or fucking is ever going to change that, no matter how hard he tries. That's what really makes him angry; when he loses whatever tenuous control he has over me- because he's all about control. His eyes narrow and his grip tightens.

Dru clings to his arm, always conciliatory. . "Please, let's not fight. It'll be so much fun . . . we'll dance . . . and we'll drink . . ." she reaches up on her tiptoes and kisses Angelus on the mouth, distracting him. She reaches over to me and slaps me lightly on the arm in warning.

He runs his hand over her waist, up to cup her breasts in his palms and rub her nipples to life with his thumbs. The soft whimper in her throat elicits a rougher response and he rips the pretty silk shift she's wearing, guiding her to the floor in front of him. It's not a new scene for me as he bends over her, licking the smooth skin of her abdomen and then moving down to enter her with his tongue.

She looks at me and shakes her head slightly, admonishing me for standing up to him and consequently making us all late to the party she was looking forward to attending. But I'm sure she's happy to have averted a full-blown thrashing for me.

Angelus looks up at me. "Aren't you going to join us Will?"

It's not a question; it's a command. It's a command from the king of manipulation and I know that he expects my compliance. And fuck me, I may hate him, but I never could resist that gleam in his eye. I kneel next to him and he rises to his knees, momentarily forgetting Dru. Leaning closer, I kiss him and push my tongue into his mouth, mimicking his actions of the past few seconds, penetrating *him*- see how he likes that. His answer is to destroy the cravat he just tied and rip open the buttons of my shirt, sending them clattering to the floor around us.

"Oh look, it's raining," Dru, giggles, turning herself over and crawling to our sire. She proceeds to unbutton him and start sucking his cock, ignoring 'us'.

Angelus breaks our mouth's contact and looks at me. "I tolerate your little outbursts William, because you're young and you amuse me . . . ." He follows Dru's lead by unbuttoning and freeing me, gripping me with his hand. ". . . .and you've got a cock like a horse . . ." but here his face turns serious- that expression that always stops me in my tracks in fear as it burns through me. ". . .but I warn you William, don't ever defy or betray me."

Because you'll what-kill me? Oh, you already did that? I know- you'll beat the shit out of me or fuck me 'til the blood runs out of my ass? Wait, you've already done those things too. Maybe you'd like to fuck my beautiful Drusilla, the only one here who keeps me sane. No, I guess you've got that covered-every god damn day. Tell me Angelus, what else could you do to me? What other little tricks do you have up your sleeve huh? Do your worst you piece of shit bastard, because I can take whatever you've got. I've had a lot of practice these last years with you and I've a feeling we haven't even begun to sink to the true depths of your depravity.

The silence and tension in the air alert Dru to an impending disaster and she tugs at my trousers, trying to pull me down. I glare at Angelus for a moment, then bend down to her, kissing her and tasting *him* on her lips. It's a taste that's familiar to me and not just by proxy. As always, his essence is everywhere in our lives.

+ + + + +

My sire is busy wallowing in the 'game'. Surrounded by a small throng of admiring females, he delivers every practiced smile, every wink, every 'innocent' touch to bring his audience in. He'll have his choice of victim tonight, possibly more than one. That's one thing he's forbidden me. I am to be punished-no hunting for me. I get to watch and learn how important it is to cultivate Angelus' benevolence. Fucking bastard.

Even Drusilla has snared a young lovely, a young redhead in a green dress. They're whispering conspiratorially in the corner. So now I won't even have Dru to keep me company tonight. I'm stuck here in a crowd of stupid, worthless humans and I can't even feed. If one more boring halfwit tells me how glad they are to see me here tonight or orders me to smile - I may have to ignore Angelus' instructions and begin a bloody rampage.

I push my way past the tangle of humans dotting the dance floor and make my way to the veranda. The buzz of conversation, the sweat of deception and shame, the pounding of a hundred plus hearts beating are starting to make my head swim-I need a cigarette.

I pass the threshold and rejoice in my freedom, I may spend the rest of the night out here. Passing a small bench, I settle near a hedge. It's quiet here, secluded, but I can still see the door-if Angelus should notice my absence. It's a slight stretching of his rule to 'stay and watch', but not exactly ignoring it. Yea, how much will that logic get me later? I'd better pray he has a good night's hunting and is feeling gracious.

I roll a cigarette and look at the doors I just exited. The redhead in the green dress has just slipped outside, she looks around to see if her escape is noticed, then runs for cover of tree. I don't see Dru, but I don't think she'll let this one get away. The girl waits expectantly, eyes glued to the door.

"She's pretty . . .waiting for you?" He' s young, thin, dressed all in black-with that smug look the rich always have. And he's not human . . . he's one of us.

I take a drag off my cigarette. "Not tonight mate."

He smiles mysteriously. "Hmn, she's waiting out here all alone-meeting a secret, forbidden lover?"

I may be a fledgling, but I'm not completely clueless. He's not talking about the girl. Out trolling is he? "She's waiting for a girl . . . beautiful brunette. She'll be out shortly."

He's able to look scandalized. "I don't believe you."

I take another drag and end up squinting as the smoke wafts into my eyes. "Want to wager?" At least I can make some money tonight off the bloke.

His gaze sweeps over me, and he smiles slowly. "I don't have any money." He fumbles in his pocket , counting mentally and then smiling sheepishly. "All I've got is eleven pounds."

His smile just touches the corners of his dark eyes and I find myself laughing softly. "Done."

Like clockwork, Dru arrives, sweeping the seemingly deserted courtyard with her eyes, then running to meet her little tart.

I drop the end of my cigarette to the ground , grind it out with the toe of my boot and look at my companion with a satisfied smirk.

He leans back and crosses his arms over his chest. "I think I've been had," he accuses lightly as his lips turn up in amusement. "What's your name?"

"William"

He takes a step toward me, resting his hand on my arm. He rubs my bicep for a moment, and then slides his palm up until it comes to rest on my chest, over my undead heart. The slightest pressure on his part guides me back a step until the hedge obscures the door.

He leans in closer, until his lips are inches away from mine. "It was very nice to meet you . . .William" He licks my bottom lip as he says my name, then kisses me, proving that tonight might not be a waste after all.

I return the kiss and reach down to touch his balls, fondling them through the fabric of his trousers hesitantly. This is a game I like to play with Angelus.

I love to pretend to be the starry eyed innocent with my sire, driving him to the brink of his control and then watching him lose it. I don't think he knows that I do it just to feel like I have the upper hand, after all, I get so few opportunities to feel that. I'm sure he'd be furious if he knew the truth-Angelus is the only one who gets to play games.

It seems to have the same effect on this one as well. His elegant manners crumble as he shoves me up against the prickly background of the hedge, his tongue insistently wedging itself between my teeth and shoving it's way into my mouth. He's already freed me and is tugging at my cock, encouraging it to swell in his hand.

I grind into the back and forth motion of his fist as it slides up and down the shaft of my penis and wondering if he's going to toss me off right here in the gardens-not that I'd object. In fact, Angelus and I have had quite a few romps in the great outdoors. I've always kind of gotten off on it- you know, *anyone* could just walk by.

As if merely thinking about him could invoke Angelus' presence, I hear, "William!" He's angry. I pull away and fumble with my clothes in panic.

"Coming," I yell back, praying I can erase any traces of my disobedience.

"Why do you let him dictate so to you my William? Come with me, I will never speak to you in that way."

He reaches out to me again and I step backwards. "He's my sire . . .I can't . . ."

"William, where the hell are you!"

I take another step back in fear. "I have to go . . . I never did get your name."

He looks at me in disappointment. "You can call me . . . Vlad."

"I'll see you around." Even to my own ears that sound phony. I really would like to see him again, but I know it's impossible-it would never be allowed. I move quickly around the hedge and I can hear him say softly to my departing figure . . .

"Oh yes William. I'll be seeing *you* around."

+ + + + +

"I'm here Angelus," I call, not in the least deluded into thinking that he's concerned about my welfare. He's upset. He's pissed that one of his pawns is not in the proper alignment, and now he has to stop the game and reset the board. This is what he usually feels towards me-annoyance, very often anger and the undercurrent of sex that always surrounds us. Our interactions are a war that's growing harder and harder to concede everyday. I can't imagine what the future holds.

When he sees me, Angelus jumps at me, latching onto my arm and swinging me around until I slap into the side of the building. The impact knocks my skull against the rough bricks, stunning me. I can feel my shoulder dislocate under his force and my arm hangs limply at my side. He doesn't stop there, because that's not enough; that could never be enough for him.

His fist twists into the fabric of my coat and slams me a few more times into the wall until he realises that I'm not struggling. I'm sitting quietly, waiting for my punishment -just like the good little boy he's teaching me to be. Just like the opposite of everything I was before I met him.

That's what grates on me the most, the ways I'm changing to please him, to avoid his anger. I'm losing a part of myself slowly and I don't even know where to look for it anymore? It still surfaces occasionally, but I think that even that rebellion will me cut from me eventually. Then I will truly be the creature he strives to create.

"Where were you?" His lips are compressed in suspicion and his nostrils flare as the adrenalin of violence pumps through him. He's furious that I ignored his instructions

I guess he hasn't picked his prey yet, because I recognize this sneer. It's the expression he adopts when he's well and truly pissed, the one that screams: William, you've fucked everything up again, you've ruined my plans and now I have to beat the shit out of you in punishment.

Of course I should have the shit beat out of me, I should be punished for thinking for myself, because of course minions should never have an independent thought.

"What are you doing out here all alone?" My sire questions, loosening his stranglehold slightly, but not so much that I would think that I'm out of danger.

Why, are you worried that someone will harm me? Is there anyone in this world who could hurt me more than you have? Is there anyone who could take more pleasure in breaking my will than you do? You don't need to worry about the big bad world Angelus, my danger lies a little closer to home.

I stare at a spot on his chest, refusing to meet his gaze. It's a small defiance, but it's one of the few I've left. "I had to take a piss," I reply sullenly.

I can hear his laughter and I take a trick from Dru's repertoire - look up at him from under lowered lashes and part my lips. It's so amazing when she does it; it makes me forget everything-even my own name. I'm sure that it must look stupid when I do it, but I give it a try.

Every trace of his laughter drops from the air and I can hear his sudden inhalation as one hand comes up to cup my face. His thumb rests at the corner of my lips. "Why do I let you get away with such insolence," he wonders aloud.

I don't know why and something warns me not to toss out any flippant replies, as would be my usual response. This time I do raise the focus of my gaze and meet those dark eyes- eyes that belie the battle of his desires: one to kill and one to fuck me.

He shakes his head slightly. "It doesn't matter . . .did I see Dru come out here?"

I nod over his shoulder. "There, in the trees. She's found a little scrummy to entertain her.

"Hmn . . . yes, I saw. Come, its time we joined her." He backs away and makes an elaborate show of smoothing out the wrinkles he put in my coat.

I follow him warily, convinced that he will snap at any moment. I mean, he couldn't let me get off that easily could he? But he makes no further violent overtures. He strolls lazily in the direction I've indicated as I pop my shoulder back into joint and scurry to catch up to him.

"Drusilla," he sings softly into the night air. I have no choice but to follow him.

A soft rustling of leaves gives away Dru's position and we stumble upon quite the little scene. The redhead stark naked, on her back with her legs spread. Her eyes are rolled back up into her head and she's making little wounded noises in the back of her throat. Drusilla is kneeling between her thighs, head twisting and bobbing furiously. I can hear the sucking sounds and soft growl that emanate from my dark haired goddess and I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. Dru lifts her head at the sound of our approach and I see a thin line of blood streaming down her chin.

"Well, I see we're just in time. That's enough Dru. William-get over there."

"Uhh," Dru opens her mouth in protest.

"I second her outburst, "What?"

Angelus looks at me and says coldly, "I said get over there!"

I clamp my jaw shut to prevent the 'sod you' that nearly escapes me and shake my head. So this is to be my punishment. I should have known better than to think I could remain unscathed. I woodenly make my way over to the girl and silently curse my sire.

"Drusilla get over here. William is going to finish up for you." Dru scrambles to obey, letting the redheads knees flop outward , which for some reason brings to mind a dead fish.

I stand hesitantly over the body, unsure of exactly what he wants me to do. The girl isn't long for this world; I can hear the unsteady, weak beating of her heart. Dru's nearly drained her.

"Turn her over," Angelus orders, pointing to a log a few feet away.

I wrinkle my brow in confusion and then understanding comes. I drag her the short distance and flop her over the limb, all the while questioning the sanity of my sire.

"You know what to do."

That's the problem - I do. I wish I could feign ignorance, but his meaning is clear. He wants to see me fucking the girl. Don't get me wrong. I love pussy as much as anyone, but I'm really not into necrophilia and this is only one short step removed from that.

"William, I gave you an order. Do it."

I close my eyes and unbutton. This may take a miracle. I try to think of anything to get hard enough to enter her: Dru, Angelus, donkeys . . . anything to get it up enough to 'perform' his wishes. Is this what I'm reduced to- a circus freak in his fucked up sideshow? Nothings working and I know I'm in line for a beating 'cause nothing is going to make my cock hard.

That is, until I start thinking about a mysterious vampire dressed in black and a hedge. What did he say his name was . . .Vlad?

It works. I feel myself swell and if I keep my eyes shut, I can convince myself that the friction is Vlad, not some half dead cunt sprawled over a log. I can almost pretend that I'm not subjected to the scrutiny of an obsessive asshole who wants to control me so totally, he even dictates what I have sex with. I recall the scratchiness of the foliage that dug into my back and the strength of his hand touching me in such a vulnerable place. It works so well, I'm pumping and imagining his face and I'm so very near to cumming.

"Now, feed."

He doesn't have to tell me twice. I grab her by the hair and hoist her torso up against me. My features morph into game face and I drain that bitch of every last drop of blood.

+ + + + +

The fire is roaring as usual. Angelus has that smug self-satisfied smirk as usual. The one that says he believes that he will always get his way and that everyone will bend to his wishes. And I guess I haven't given him cause to think any other way, as evidenced by his ease as he lounges on the velvet settee reading a book

Drusilla sits at one end of the couch with his feet on her lap. She's massaging them with a whimsical, dreamy expression on her face. "Is Miss Darla coming tonight?"

Angelus pays no more attention to her than he would to any faithful hound. He doesn't bother to look up from his book as he answers her, "She should be here at any moment."

His last sentence is directed at me and he does deign to fry me with a warning glare. "And you had better be on your best behaviour. I don't want to have to deal with Darla when she's annoyed."

Yeah, well who the hell would. That woman is the biggest bitch I've ever met. Once, when I was newly turned, she felt my greeting wasn't respectful enough and proceeded to beat me with a riding crop. In spontaneous reaction, I attacked back, viciously backhanding her. My satisfaction didn't last 30 seconds until Angelus punched me so hard blood began pouring over my broken jaw.

Darla makes a special point of goading me whenever she sees me, I can't tell you how many times I've gotten my ass kicked over it. I'm beginning to suspect that she considers the sight of my blood the first stages of foreplay.

"I am the soul of impeccable manners," I assure my sire with hands raised in surrender.

"That wouldn't be my first choice of description for you my boy, but please do try not let your vulgar nature show tonight."

A maid enters with tea. "Miss Darla's here sir." The woman can't relieve herself of the tray fast enough as she scurries back out of the room. We've been known to drain a few of the servants during Darla's visits and I wouldn't be surprised if every bit of the help had deserted the house in the next five minutes.

"We're vampires, why the hell do we have tea? It's not like we even drink it." I'm dreading the promise of a truly long and not enjoyable evening.

"It denotes an air of elegance and sophistication William, but that's not something I'd expect you to understand." The voice of uber bitch assaults my ears and I try not to switch to defence mode as she waltzes into the room.

"Angelus." A smile lights her face and she walks to him. "I've missed you terribly," she confesses, running a finger up his thigh. She's forgotten about Dru and I, funny how that always happens when Angelus is in the room.

"My darling, you've finally made it." He reaches for her hand and brings it to his mouth, sucking on one of her fingers.

"Unfortunately, I'm not . . .alone." the last is said on a sudden intake of breath as Angelus increases the pressure of his mouth on her digit.

"Got an invisible friend have ya?" I inquire, since she did come in alone.

That earns me a frown and a furrowed brow from Dru-a silent warning.

"No, he's with the carriage still. He's a count. . .Dragilia . . .Draiculio . . ." She brings her other hand up to massage her forehead with her fingers. "Oh damn, I can't remember. Dracula! That's it. Anyway, Lady Grenfell personally asked me to introduce him around. But the man is Dense. I've been trying to get rid of him the entire evening, but he won't

take the hint."

Angelus neglects her finger for a moment to ask in amusement, "A Count dear? I'd have thought you would have added him to your trophy case, or at least drained the poor sap by now."

"No darling, he's ONE OF US. Besides, I don't think he swings from that tree, if you know what I mean. I'm sure that he'd find *you* delicious though."

"Hello." A male voice echoes in the foyer and with a sigh, Darla disappears momentarily and returns with a thin man dressed all in black. Her introductions begin to blur as I see the face of the one person I thought I'd never see again-Vlad. There is no hint of surprise on his features and I wonder if he persuaded Lady Grenfell to ask Darla to take him under her wing with exactly this outcome in mind?

Blah,blah, blah and "Oh that's William," Darla adds as an after thought. "I know this is incredibly rude, but we . . ." she inclines her head to my sire,"... have some very pressing business that simply must be concluded tonight . . but please feel free to stay, William will *entertain* you."

I look at Angelus in surprise; he shrugs and nods as he rises from the

couch.

I can't believe it, now they're pimping me out!

"We'll need the girl to assist us." Darla bows graciously and exits with Angelus- and Dru scrambles off the settee to catch up with them.

My lovely goddess pauses at the door, executing a charming curtsy. "Goodnight William. Goodnight Count Dracula, it was very nice to meet you." Then she slips from the room, leaving us alone.

"Where do you want me to start?" I ask bitterly as I unbutton my shirt and toss it on the floor.

"William, that's not why I came here. Please believe me.."

"It doesn't matter why *you* came here, don't you see that. . . . sit down in that chair," I order, indicating a place opposite the settee.

"As you wish William," he agrees quietly. He takes off his coat and gloves, lays them on the sideboard and then obeys my command.

I drop my trousers and lay back on the settee. "Is this what you had in mind?" I snap as I roughly grab my penis and begin manhandling it.

"Don't William . . .you'll hurt yourself."

"Oh right, I should know that by now." I lean over and grab the honey container off of the tea service and dribble some over my crotch. "A little lubrication always helps, that was so stupid of me to forget that." My hand easily slides up and down my shaft with the help of the thick goo coating it.

"Please, William . . ."

"Please what?" I snarl. "Aren't you enjoying yourself, don't you like the show? Please what?"

"Please move that table, I can't see," he chokes out, leaning forward in the chair.

That makes me chuckle as I realise that he's not the one I should be mad at. I reach out with my foot and kick the table to the side; the tea and all the dishes fall on the floor with the tinkle of breaking china.

I begin to enjoy the sensation of my hand's pressure and the squidge of golden fluid that oozes from around my fingers every time I move my hand and I feel myself swelling. "You know, this is awfully sticky. I don't have any idea how I'm going to clean this mess up."

"I could help you . . .let me help you William?" The desperate edge of pleading has entered his voice and his eyes are wide, waiting for my permission.

Dru's the only one who ever begs me and I never could resist her when she does. I realise that I like to hear him say it. It feels good to be in control of something for once. "Well, come over here and see what you can do."

He jumps from the chair and is in front of me in an instant. His palms rest on my upper thighs and he wastes no time- licking the entire length of my cock and taking it in his mouth. He circles the meatus with his tongue and traces the ridge of skin that hoods my prick. His saliva mixes with the thick honey and I feel like I'm going to burst as he begins moving his head up and down. I have to close my eyes against the sight of his lips stretched

around my cock .

Oh heaven.

Wheelbarrows . . .grandmothers . . .crowded pubs thick with the stench of fat sweaty alcoholics . . .I must distract myself or I won't last long.

I don't last long anyway. I feel my cock jerk and shoot out my semen. He swallows most of it, but a tiny trickle dribbles down his chin and he sighs, waiting several moments before letting my now limp flesh slide out of his mouth.

"I find you delicious in everyway William. Come away with me," he adds impulsively.

"I -I can't," I stutter in disbelief. The thought never occurred to me. You just don't *leave* your sire, it's not done.

"Please. He treats you atrociously, like a dog or a slave. I will cherish you always my William, I will give you anything you ask. I will strive for eternity to only bring you pleasure. Say that you'll at least think about it."

That's what I'm afraid of. I'm afraid that if I think about it, it'll start to make sense.

+ + + + +

I've been thinking about it lately.

Leaving Angelus.

I always get into trouble when I think too much.

Dru and I are sitting in the gardens, underneath a million stars that could give a shit about the decisions I'm wrestling with. Drusilla is staring with rapt fascination at a small, white neighborhood terrier that is shamelessly tearing a rat to pieces before our eyes. The rodent has ceased all movement- long since dead- but the dog continues shaking it. The animal only stops long enough to set its prey down, bark furiously at it (for dying too easily?) and then picking it up to renew it's vengeful assault. There's a painfully obvious metaphor in there somewhere, but I'm too bloody tired to ponder it right now.

Bark . . .bark . . .grrr . . .grrr . . .bark . . .bark . . .

"Shut up you little bugger. Can't you see it's fucking dead for Christ sake!" Yea, that helped. The little pecker ignores me and continues shaking.

(Sigh.) "How would you feel about going away Dru?" I ask, safe in the knowledge that Darla has enticed Angelus into joining her in 'the hunt' and we won't be overheard.

"A vacation?" She asks, tearing her gaze away from the killing in front of her. Her dark eyes shine with excitement. "Angelus never mentioned a vacation to me."

"He wouldn't be coming with us."

"He'll join us later?" Her head turns and she laughs as the dog shakes the rat again.

"No pet. Just you and I . . . from now on."

She forgets the dog and swivels her head, looking at me as if I'd just announced I was going to deliver Mass next Sunday. Her expression is a cross between questioning my sanity and being convinced that I have a death wish. "Leave Angelus . . . forever? Leave our sire . . . it just isn't done Wil, how can you even think of it?"

"Look how he treats us Dru- how can you *not* think about it."

She can't completely hide the shock she feels. "Wil, he loves us-he loves *you*"

"Dru, I HATE it here! He makes my life miserable and I can't bear to see the way he treats you."

She's horrified and I realise that no matter how much she loves me, she loved him first and she always will. She'll never leave him and I can't leave her here with him, unprotected and at his mercy- so I'll never leave either

"Forget I mentioned it Poodle, I was just kidding." I'll have to stay here and see that she's safe-as safe as I can guarantee, which isn't much.

"Well, it wasn't very funny," she replies peevishly.

"No, it wasn't."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The wolf leaps off of the high wall to the right, cornering the poor cowering bastard in the alley. Its silver fur shimmers for a moment, and then reassembles into a familiar form. Vlad sways slightly in front of his victim and hell if the stupid git doesn't offer his jugular to the vampire. Vlad takes the bite and lets the body fall when he's finished.

"See Wil, it's like that," he says to me.

"Yeah!" Dru claps her hands. "Do it again!"

"It's a little too elaborate for me. I'm a simple bloke with simple tastes. Jump out. Scare 'em. Quick kill. Finish line. It's brief, that's the inherent beauty. Your way's too much of a fuss-I don't see the point."

"I think it's brilliant," Dru says, leaning over the corpse and sucking

the blood from her fingertips after she's touched the puncture wounds. "Show

me how to do it."

"Of course my dear. What ever your desire . . . I endeavor to create it." Vlad assists Drusilla to her feet. "Go on ahead and pick someone who strikes your fancy."

"All right," she replies gleefully, already skipping out of sight.

"She's taken a fancy to you . . . and you seem smitten with her."

He reaches over to rest his palm against the nape of my neck and pull me close for a kiss. "I love her because she is the only light in your bleak existence. I have so much to teach you- the both of you. When can we leave?"

"We can't."

He leans back about six inches and asks in confusion, "Why not?"

"Dru won't leave." I can do nothing about the flat, miserable tone of my words.

"I know that you love her, that you feel responsible for her-but William, I beg you to save yourself. Come with me today."

"I can't leave her-you don't know what he's like."

"*I DO * and that's why I can't believe that you would even consider staying."

"What can I say-I'm a sick fuck."

"No, you are the most noble, loyal man I've ever met."

"Yeah, I'm a God Damn fucking prize."

"Sshh." He pulls my face down and brushes my forehead with his lips. "You know how I hate to hear you talk like that."

"Well isn't this the most precious thing I've ever seen?"

I know that voice anywhere; it's the same one that haunts me when I close my eyes. It's the last thing I heard before I died. It's the voice of my sire. If I thought death was a bitch the first time, I'm sure that the next few minutes will do a lot to supplant that ridiculous notion.

"Angelus." I move to stand in front of Vlad in a protective stance, similar to what I would do with Dru. I know what a utter bastard Angelus can be and I'm sure he hasn't been honing his compassionate nature. How the hell did he find us?

I have my answer as I see Dru wavering behind him. "God Damn it Dru. Did you have to tell him?" What- was she gone for two minutes? How did he find her that quickly-it must have been the swiftest torture session in history.

"Planning a little get away William," he asks coldly.

Shit, she told him more than I thought. How did he get that much out of her in such a short time?

"I'm sorry Wil, he made me tell him, he made me bring you here." Drusilla wails in apology.

And then it sinks in fully. This whole bleeding night was a set up. Drusilla was a shill. "Dru, you bloody Jezebel. How could you set me up?"

"I'm sorry Wil, he . . . made me."

I'll bet he did too, that bastard. Drusilla could never stand up to his more brutal tortures-not like me. She had her breaking point and I'm sure he delighted in finding it.

"Forgive me," she pleads with those dark eyes.

"Get the hell out of here." Angelus shoves her away and she lands on her backside. "I'll deal with your collusion in this escapade later bitch, but you better get out of my sight right now."

She whimpers in fear and slowly picks herself up, with one last apologetic glance over her shoulder.

"So who's the little cur you're hiding William. Who's the jackass that

thinks he can cuckold me and get away with it?"

Vlad steps around me. "You sir , are a rude and boorish pig. William is free to do as he pleases."

"W I L L I A M belongs to me, I am his sire, he is my property-until I tell him otherwise. That is the end of the story. I cannot believe I invited you into my home, and this is what I am to expect?"

"You'd best get used to a lot more. William is coming with me-tonight."

"Is that a fact?" Angelus turns his attention to me and my knees start to quiver. "I shelter you . . .I give you the gift of eternal life . . .I love you- and this is how you repay me?"

Angelus walks towards us, stopping along the way to retrieve a broken plank from the filth that litters this alley. "Get out of the way Wil or you're going to get hurt."

Oh, I'm sure I will, whether I get out of the way or not.

Vlad shoves me aside; just as the plank connects with the side of his head - that blow was meant for me. Angelus gets two more swings in before I can shake myself out of my shock. And the side of Vlad's face caves in with the force of the bash, blood sprays over the wet cobblestones.

"Aaarrgghh." I throw myself at my sire, pummeling his head in a blind rage. I feel my fist strike his cheek and hear the crunch of bones breaking. "I'm going to kill you, you bastard."

"It'll take a bigger man than you William," he warns, pushing me off of him and wiping his bloodied nose on the back of his sleeve. From now on, he'll be ready for me

"I hate you Angelus," I hiss as I circle him and seek my next opening.

"Well at least that's something, isn't it?" He keeps his arms up in defence, but reaches out and kicks Vlad's body as he lies moaning on the filthy bricks. "Looks like your girlfriend's calling it an early night. No stamina I guess?"

I can't help it; I attack him again in a blind, impulsive panic.

It 's a bad move; I should have planned more. Very soon, he beats me so badly that I don't remember any more.

+ + + + +

______________________________________

Dear William,

You must realise that we can never be together.

Good luck in your future endeavours

Love, Vlad

______________________________________

That's how it ended. A dear 'fuck you loser' letter.

"Look who's been dumped? Like I said, the old boy had no stamina." Angelus was happy to grind the salt into the wound. He tilted his head and got that God Damned smirk on his face - the one that whenever I saw it, made me want to slash it off.

"You're just fucking loving this aren't you?

"No William. I just want you to realise that no one will love you like I do." Angelus came up behind me, nuzzling the back of my neck and pushing me face first into the wall.

(I never loved anyone after Vlad, except Dru and look where that got me.)

"We'll be happy here Will, you'll see. Just give it a chance." He whispered the promises into my nape as he mashed my cheek into the wall. I could feel him spreading me, could feel the knot at the tip of his cock entering me. My body stretched to accommodate him. And there you have Angelus' and my relationship in a nutshell- *I* was always the one that adapted to accommodate *him. *

As the wall braced me against his furious pounding, I saw the crashing destruction of every future dream I had. All I was left with was the bitter reality of my circumstances.

It was Just like Angelus had told the Count 'W I L L I A M belongs to me; I am his sire. He is my property-until I tell him otherwise.'

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

[Riley and Spike]

So it's come down to this has it? Whenever anyone hasn't a fucking clue, they send soldier boy over to shake Spike down. I'm a bit player in a bad B movie detective flick and pussy whipped here is the sympathetic protagonist? I'm immensely glad that no one I've ever known can see what I've slipped to-except for the damn Slayer and her pals. I amend that- no one I give a flying shit about.

"What can you tell me about Dracula, " Iowa says.

I can tell you plenty, but it's none of your fucking business. "Dracula? Poncy bugger owes me £11 for one thing." Don't get into this now old boy.

"You know him?"

I laugh bitterly. "Know him-we're old rivals." I light a cigarette and try to stop my hand from shaking. "But then he got famous, forgot all about his foes. I'll tell you what- that glory hound's done more harm to vampire's than any slayer. His story gets out and suddenly everyone knows how to kill us." I sit down because my legs have gone all wobbly. "The mirror bit-"

"But he's not a regular vampire. He has special powers though-right?"

I used to think so. "Nothing but showy gypsy stuff. What's it to you?"

"He's in town making his presence known."

I try not to let this pimply- faced nancy boy see how his news has affected my usually intact piece of mind. I kick up my feet. "Drac's in Sunnydale way? I guess the old boy needed closure after all."

"Actually he's gunning for Buffy and I'm out to find him before he gets another shot at her."

Oh, look who's all puffed up and manly? "Tough talk cowboy, but you won't catch him napping in a crypt. No. The count's got to have his luxury estate and his bug eaters and his . . . special dirt-doesn't he?"

"So you're suggesting I check out mansions, that sort of thing?"

Yeah, if it'll get you killed. I stand up. "No, I'm saying you should go home - to your super honey. Have a nice, saafe snog." I drop my cigarette to the floor and grind it out with the tip of my boot. " You're out of your depth on this one boy."

"You've helped Buffy in the past, so she has a problem with killing you now that you're helpless . . . I don't"

Threatening me in my own home? Of all the cheeky nerve. I walk over to the lad. "I'd like to see you try."

He stands up. Damn he's tall. Did the initiative have a sign that said: you must be this tall to enlist? "Would you?" He threatens.

I can't do anything to him. That's what galls me the most. I would've kicked his ass before this chip. Now I'm weak, vulnerable. It brings me back to a place I never wanted to visit. It takes me back to a time when all my dreams for the future were crushed . . .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hmn, an enormous mansion that just suddenly popped out of nowhere? I know that this is the place, so out of a sick sense of self hate-I enter.

I run into droopy boy, who is acting freaky-well, freakier than usual. Bugger me if he isn't under the thrall of the Dark Prince- I mean I should know right? Old Xand's a bug eater huh? It's a fitting end for the lad in my opinion. "I think I passed a moth back there, you might want to check it out."

"Our Dark Lord isn't receiving callers this evening."

"Oh, he'll want to see me." I push past the little basket case and open two heavy wooden doors.

It's a huge, cavernous room. "Yeah, I think I saw this movie-Count Cheesula."

"William!"

I turn in the direction of the voice. "Don't call me that - no one calls me that anymore. My name is Spike." I like to think that I've erased every trace of William, but I know I'm kidding myself. This last year with the chip has brought all the old memories full circle and no amount of alcohol has been able to shut them up-believe me, I've tried.

He hasn't moved. "I thought you were dead."

"Well technically I am-have been for over a century-but I seem to recall that you know that. Loved your letter by the way."

"What letter?"

Vlad takes a step towards me and I back away in equal measure. He sighs and frowns. "Angelus told me that he'd killed you, staked you for your infidelity. I roamed Europe for over a half a century in a haze of grief."

"Did you." Is that sarcastic disbelief in my voice-you bet it is baby. So Angelus faked the letter, I can't say that I'm surprised. Vlad takes another step and this time I don't back down. He's not human and I feel the sudden need for some violence.

"I tried to snatch Drusilla one night, as a last gift to your memory. I thought that would have pleased you . . . he didn't tell you, did he?"

"He must have forgotten to mention it."

My coldness is affecting him, I can see the hurt in his eyes. "Why are you here, are you still . . .with him?"

"No. Gypsies cursed him ,they gave him a soul. Now he's Super Broody Man - righting the wrongs of the world and other idealistic crap like that."

"Angelus with a soul?" The words seem to choke him as he struggles incredulously with such a profound reversal of circumstances. "So you're free of him?"

"We're not together anymore." But I'm never free of Angel's memory.

"Are you and Drusilla here in town?"

Is he hopeful? "No, Drusilla is gone too."

"She's good as well?"

I laugh-because *that would never happen* "No, quite the opposite in fact. She's on an evil rampage and I'm not bad enough for her anymore."

"So you're all alone- My poor William. I know that my leaving hurt you so and I curse Angelus for his deception. It kills me to think of all the time I've wasted cherishing your memory when I could have been cherishing you instead."

Are you going to make up the abuse I suffered at Angelus' hands? How about the pain of losing Drusilla-being rejected by her after the perversions I've suffered trying to protect her? Are you going to reverse the effects of this fucking chip in my head, you going to make me whole again?

" You can't even begin to comprehend the nightmare my life has been ."

He hasn't moved." Let me make it up to you William." His face softens as I walk over and stop a foot from him.

One punch in the face knocks him down. "William's dead. My name is Spike." I bend over him and rifle through his jacket until I find a wad of bills. Smiling, I put it in my back pocket and stand up.

Bug eater races in and throws himself over the Count, shielding the vampire from any more blows from me. I turn and walk towards the door. At the threshold, I look back over my shoulder. "I'm sure you and Xand will be very happy together-he really is a nummy treat."