Disclaimer: I don't own any of the BtVS or Angel cast members so please don't sue.
Pairings: The main couple is B/A(us).
Rating: PG13 - R
Summary: My version of Buffy and Angel love in a different time, middle 1600's.
Feedback: Gee..lemme think... hell yeah!
Authors Note: This took me a REALLY long time to write because of all the revising and I still don't think that it is that good so be gentle!
Note 1: Oh and in this story lets just say Giles's last name is Summers, so he will be called Rupert.
Note two: I know Angel is from Ireland but...I just set this story in Scotland for a strange reason.
Note 3: Buffy is NOT a slayer in this but Angel IS a vampire. *AND* I really don't like Dawn so I had to make up my own sister for Buffy, Isabella, so try to replace her with Dawn.

The sun never came out that day on the small town in Scotland, for it was safely tucked behind the thick rain clouds that threatened to cry their tears at any second. The local villagers of Lairg could hear the lash of thunder before the tempest could approach. They all knew it was dangerous after the sun set and on unlucky days like these it was impossible not to clutch your husband's hand, trying to shield yourself from the danger that lurked around every corner.

Superstition wrapped its icy fingers around the villagers' brains and kept its grasp. It created ignorance and stupidity and brung disrespect to Lairg. Everytime a knife fell it had to be them, everytime a torch went out it was them. Them, the creatures of the dark or of hell. The vampires. Almost everyone believed that. Almost.

Buffy Summers was a local. Her parents lived in Lairg, so did their parents and so on. It was her home. One that she would love to get rid of. She had a wild spirit but never really showed it, never let it loose out of the shell. She was not the prettiest girl of the village but close to it. She had long golden hair that waterfalled down her back with just the slightest wave to it. Her skin was pale as marble yet soft as pure gold or the finest silk. Her light eyes always had a sparkle of warmth in them, her lips were the color of a blood red rose, and the small dimples on her cheeks gave her a baby impression. Truth be told that she was no baby at all but a beautiful bright woman. She lived in a manor which she thought was cozy enough for her. For her was the key words. She lived with her father, Rupert, and her two sisters, Cordelia and Isabella.

Her father is a kind old man although he buckles under the burden of his wife's death. After she died his spirit was broken along with his heart. His face was wrinkled and worn and his eyes dull with years of doubt, his grey hair gave him a look of age and wisdom.

Cordelia, on the other hand, was a young girl filled with class and beauty. Her tall and skinny frame matched her dark eyes and hair that was usually piled ontop of her head. She married at age 1two and had three other husbands since then. She flared lust up in even the most loyal man and could have any man in the village.

Isabella, the youngest, seemed to be a minature Cordelia. She too also had dark hair and eyes, but her young spirit shown through her eyes and she could talk to anyone for hours. Even a total stranger! Buffy believed she had the gift of persuasion. Her beauty only whets the gift. Buffy was also afriad that Isabella would take the same path of being found in the bed of every single man of the village. Buffy wanted to shield Isabella from the lust but knew she would not stay innocent, like her.

Buffy was known as the virgin of the village. No man could touch her. Buffy had never had a husband even though she was two1 now, everyone simply shurgged her off as a lost clause. There are rumors around the men that who ever could bed her first would get a couple shillings for their trouble. Buffy ignored it all and just said that she was not going into some loveless marriage just to be ravished by some scoundrel man that would probaly die the next day.

Cordelia would just answer with "Whatever pleases you Buffy."

Part One

Buffy sighed, even though she knew the tempest was coming she all but jumped out of her skin at the first sound of thunder. She hated storms with a passion. She didn't like the sound of the rain slamming against the roof, she could almost imagine that roof collapsing ontop of her. She pulled the groceries to her chest and looked up at the sky, sending a silent prayer to whoever was listening that she didn't get the bread soggy. She continued her path to get to the manor quickly. Suddenly she stopped and looked around, she could have sworn that she heard muffled footsteps behind her. She shook her head.

"Imagining things now, Buffy?" she cursed herself and continued walking.

"Boo!" a horrid voice called out behind her.

Buffy jumped, letting out a startled cry and spun around. What she saw made her fumble the loaf of bread she was clutching.

"For goodness sakes, Alexander! Have you finally gone mad?!" Buffy exclaimed hitting Alexander in the shoulder.

Alexander held up his palms in surrender but the look of laughter in his eyes betrayed him.

"Sorry lass, I thought you were someone else." Alexander grinned.

"Like my sister, Cordelia?" Buffy taunted and continued walking back to the manor.

"You better watch what comes out of that mouth of yours, Buffy. Those old hags down the street will think you those damnable creatures the way you speak." Alexander joked.

"They think everyone is a vampire, even the cat." Buffy answered, half joking and half serious.

Alexander was a joker that everyone loved. He was a childhood friend of Buffy's as the years went on his looks improved. He grew out of his young scrawny form into a handsome man. but he also had an interest in Cordelia. Buffy caught him drooling at her once. Buffy just wished his jokes were as good as his looks.

"Speaking of Cordelia, is that lass at the manor?" Alexander said when that finally approached.

"Come inside and find out." Buffy challenged.

"Just forget I said anything." Alexander scowled.

"Aww come on, I implore you!" Buffy laughed at his sudden shyness when it came to Cordelia or any woman for that matter.

Before another word was spoken Cordelia appeared in the door way.

"Buffy! Did you get the-" Cordelia stopped at looking upon Alexander.

"Oh goody, look what the vampires dragged in."

Buffy gave him a smile and disappeared inside, she could already hear the bickering and ruckus those two made.

"Father? I'm home and I got the bread." Buffy called out. Their servant, Catriona, came down the stairs.

"Hello Buffy," she greeted. "Your father was getting a bit worried about you, its after dark." Catriona reminded her.

If Buffy had a shilling for every time she heard that she would have been rich.

"There is nothing to fear when the darkness comes," Buffy's weary sigh was a sign to Catroina to drop the subject.

"As you wish M'lady." Catriona grabbed the fresh bread from Buffy and went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Dinner was usually scones and soup, which was just fine for Buffy.

Her father came slowly down the stairs, Isabella was attached to his side making sure he didn't fall. He was starting to get old. Her father was a strong spirit and hated the pity and help his family couldn't help but give.

"God have mercy, Isabella! I could do this myself, I'm not that old!" Rupert argued.

"Actually father, you are." Isabella muttered under her breath, sending a pleading look to Buffy.

"What did you say, lass?" Rupert demanded.

"I said I met a nice lad at the bar." Isabella recovered quickly and Buffy couldn't help but laugh.

Rupert shook his head.

"Don't worry, supper will be ready in a few minutes." Buffy supplied.

Rupert moved away from Isabella and stalked off to the kitchen. Isabella shook her head.

"That man is no picnic." She whined.

Buffy shrugged.

"Well, I'll be upstairs and please don't forget to call me down for dinner this time!" Buffy called behind her shoulder. That one day Buffy was starving and little Isabella forgot about her and ate all the scones herself!

Buffy nestled into her wool blanket and grabbed a book of the shelf. She loved reading, loved seeing thing through somebody else's eyes. It just passed the days by. She could hear the rain falling gently now and could hear Cordelia shriek as her dress got wet.

She put her book down gently and walked over to the window, staring out at the village. Beyond the village was the ocean, a wonderful and fearful thing. The waves were small and calm but just below the water was the sharp rock and corals, that could kill anyone if it is threatened enough.

Just then something dark caught her attention, out on the streets. He was a tall and dark. Buffy squinted trying to see through the fog that rising about her window. Even though she couldn't see a thing she knew instantly that this man she was seeing was beautiful. But he was also aliento this village, for Buffy never seen him before for she would have memorized his face.

The dark man was just standing there across the path. Unless her mind was playing cruel tricks on her, Buffy would bet her life that he seemed to be staring right at the window, right at her. That was all she needed. She threw off the wool blanket and smoothed out the invisible wrinkles on her dress with her palm before running out of her door. She made it to the front door in record time and slowly crossed the path nonchalantly. The man's soft smile made her insides melt.

"I saw you looking through my window." Buffy said strongly, lifting her chin higher.

"That sure is strange lass because I saw you looking at me." The man said without hesitation.

Buffy peered closer desperately trying to get a glance at his face but the shadows claimed his features.

"You’re not from Lairg." Buffy countered, "I lived here all my life and I would have certainly remembered a face like yours."

"You’re not a Brit, are you?" she asked sheepishly. She received a chuckle from the stranger.

"No, I'm not a Brit nor am I from around here," His voice was soft and seemed to sing like the wind, it made Buffy's legs go numb.

"Do you have a name?"

"Why do you ask so many questions?"

"What?" Buffy said confused.

"See." The man said darkly and circled around her. He made her feel like a piece of meat the way he was looking at her. She couldn't bring herself to care.

"My name is Angelus." He answered finally.

"Angelus." Buffy whispered, letting the name roll off her tongue.

"Your name would be quite useful to me also." Angelus said, rasing an eyebrow.

"Buffy...Buffy Summers." She said quietly. Angelus stopped in front of her, reaching out tracing her lips with his fingertips. Buffy was sure that she was going to faint any second. She had to get away from his man, a man whose face she had never seen but was already head over heels for. All she wanted to do was jump in his arms and push his mouth to hers. No, bad Buffy, she told herself. No turning into a Cordelia now.

"I must go." Buffy replied quickly, a little to quickly. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Angelus." Buffy said stepping away from him.

"The pleasure is mine." Angelus said but Buffy was already across the path.

Angelus smiled darkly. This would be a fun hunt. He could still smell her skin and hear the blood pounding in her body. It took all his control not to grab her and savagely kiss her pouty lips right there. He would find out who her husband was and kill the bastard, and then come back in time to watch her sleep. His attraction to her was stronger than he thought possible. He gazed at the door which she all but fled through and unconsciously licked his suddenly dry lips.

Part Two

Isabella looked up at Buffy from the wood table where she had her scones and soup.

"Hey! I did call you down this time but it seems that you were flocking with that handsome man out there across the path." Isabella explained but sigh as she realized that she said to much.

"Handsome man eh?" Cordelia quipped, "I think I'll meet him." She decided with no one really listening.

"He would have lots of trouble meeting you then, he would have to search every man's bed to finally be able to find to you." Buffy snapped. It made her uneasy for Cordelia to talk about Angelus like that.

"Somebody is jealous." Cordelia just stated, discarding the comment with a wave of her hand.

"I'm not jealous! I just think he wants to live in a happy marriage." Buffy glared at Cordelia challenging her to say something else.

"Not my fault all my husbands get sick! What? You think I infected them?" Cordelia looked at Isabella for support. Isabella just excused herself from the table.

"I think that it is grand that Buffy finally found a man that she is interested in." Rupert spoke up, holding his cup of port up giving her his blessing.

"Thank you, papa." Buffy said smiling, taking a seat across from Cordelia.

"So what is this lads name, lass?" Catriona asked taking away the other glass of port that Rupert just poured.

"Angelus." Buffy said, then repeated. "Angelus."

"Doesn't sound familiar ... is he from around here?" Cordelia asked innocently.

"Actually, I don't know where he is from. I have not seen his face, it as if he belongs to the shadows." Buffy said softly, she had to see him again. Your being silly, Buffy told herself. He was obviously a man of some sort of class he would not want to see her again.

"The shadows you say?" Rupert said. Buffy nodded, raising an eyebrow telling him to go on.

He simply gave her a pointed look and Buffy threw her arms up in frustration.

"Good Lord, papa! You can't honestly think that he is a-" Before Buffy could finish Rupert silenced her with a wave of his hand.

"Now lass, I never said that."

"But you were thinking it. Vampires don't exist, papa. Everyone that believes that is just scared of everything outside their own home!" Buffy took a deep breath to calm down. She had never acted like this, not in front of her father anyway.

"Are you quiet done?" Cordelia asked looking at her as if she had three heads.

"Sorry." Buffy muttered and excused herself from the table.

After a small silence Cordelia shrugged.

"Vampire or not, I still think I shall meet him."

****

Isabella looked at Buffy from across the room. They shared bedrooms while Cordelia, the oldest, got her own private quarters.

"You like this man, even though I heard you have never seen his face." Isabella said, her excitement shone in her eyes.

"True." Buffy said, gazing out of the small opening in the wall, her pathetic 'window', hoping that Angelus would just suddenly appear.

"That's romantic, don't you think?" Isabella said sitting straight, leaning her back against the wall.

"Yes, it is. Aren't you supposed to be sleeping? It must be little past midnight." Buffy whispered.

Isabella just shrugged, then she looked a bit sheepish. Buffy knew she had something to tell her by the look on her face. She rolled over and grabbed the candle stick from the endtable and lit it.

"Alright, lass, who are you charming after?"

Isabella beamed. "I know that he does not wish to marry me, but...Alexander."

Buffy let out a burst of laughter.

"Alexander? My God, woman! You mustn't be serious!" But the look on her face was enough to stop Buffy's laughing.

"Sorry." Buffy said, dropping her head down.

Isabella sighed. "He likes Cordelia, it is obvious that Cordelia won't take a second look at him so I thought..." she trailed off.

"I'm supposed to meet him tomorrow by the Woods, I could take you with." Buffy supplied.

"Sure that would be splendid!" she paused, "Why the Woods? Don't you hear the stories about that horrible place? Lady Hayes, God rest her soul, died in those Woods. Something killed her, and drained her of all of her blood I remember that day when they dragged her body out of that horrid place. It was wretched!" Isabella squinched her nose up.

"I remember. But...that was just a misfortune. Alexander and I always meet by the Woods and we are still alive and well." Buffy said gesturing to herself.

Isabella nodded. "Alright, since you implore so."

"It will be the best time of your life." Buffy promised.

****

Angelus stared through the window he could hardly see anything but he could just picture his lady sleeping on her bed. He could see her quaint smile on her lips as she slept and the way her heart beat was slow as her breasts rose and fell. He had a sudden longing to be right there next to her at that second. Just so he could watch her sleep. It would have been perfect. The vampire would have to find himself a place in the Woods tonight. He shook his head and chuckled to himself and melted back into the icy darkness of the shadows.

****

Isabella squeezed into the best dress she could find and told Buffy to tie the corset as tight as possible. Buffy just sighed and tied it loosely.

"The maids are going to have to take out your squished stomach if you tie it that tight!" Buffy exclaimed.

"I want to look like the laird's mistress, she is so thin and pretty." Isabella said with a dreamy look in her eyes.

"She looks like wooden doll to me, her face is so white I could see through it!" Buffy muttered, sweeping her hair back into a low and loose bun.

"Buffy! You are evil." Isabella said with a small laugh in her tone. Buffy just shrugged.

"Ready then, lass?" Isabella nodded, her giddy mood evident.

"Alright, off to the Woods we go."

Part Three

Everyone in the village believes that the Woods are a haunted place where only drunk fools venture. Buffy only looked at the Woods as a place to meet Alexander. It was strange though, she had a dreaded feeling every time she walked past, she blamed it on the villagers and all the nonsense they were making. It was quite stupid really or so Buffy says. As they were walking to the Woods Isabella kept grabbing on her arm and jumping up and down in excitement. Buffy didn't know how she could actually like Alexander, Buffy knew he was handsome and everything but he was...Alexander. Buffy sighed and shook her head it would just have to be one of those things that she would never understand.

"Finally! We are here." Buffy said, stopping in front of the Woods.

Isabella stopped jumping and let Buffy's arm go, pausing to stare. Isabella could just feel the angry vibes radiating off this place. An icy feeling clutched at her stomach, she felt as if she was

Lady Hayes running through the Woods, lost, cold and hungry. Isabella could feel her pain as the vampire--.

"Isabella? Lass? Are you quite alright? You seem ill." Buffy said pressing her palm to her forehead.

"I'm fine. I don't like this place, I pray that Alexander comes soon." Isabella took a step back.

Buffy looked back at the Woods. It was just as anyone would expect, dark and dreary. The tall trees seem to stretch forever, extending to the heavens. The bare branches looks like ugly nails just waiting for you to turn around so they could scrape them down your back. People say that there is a swamp in the Woods along with quicksand and the works. No one ever went to find out if the statement was true and if they did, they never came back alive. Buffy stared into the Woods and for a split second she thought she saw something move out of the corner of her eye. Then a twig snapped to their right, both of them whipped around to see what was there, nothing.

"Buffy." Isabella whispered, grasping her hand. Buffy walked forward, licking her suddenly dry lips.

"Hello?" She called, her voice squeaky to her own ears. She pushed Isabella behind her, taking another step forward, suddenly wishing for a pistol and a candle, but in her nervous state she would have lighted the pistol and shot the candle. Another noise and Isabella was about to break down, whispering in Buffy's ear that it was the vampire and they had to get out of here.

Footsteps, they were walking, suddenly running the got louder and louder. Something grabbed onto Isabella’s shoulder and whipped her around, causing a scream from both of the women.

"Hello M'Ladys!" Alexander said with a wide grin.

"Aughh!" Isabella screamed, half in relief and half in hate.

"You scoundrel! You scared the heaven out of me! How dare you insult me like this!" Isabella screamed whacking Alexander on the shoulder.

"Hey, watch it, woman! I just got here!" Alexander defended. Buffy looked strangely out into the Woods, she had a feeling and she didn't know if it was good or bad.

"You swear on your life you just got here?" Buffy said, glancing Alexander a 'I-shall-kill-you-myself' look.

Alexander held up his palms.

"I swear it."

"Then lets get away from this wretched place, it is obvious that this hell does not want us here." Isabella said, picking up her dress, grabbing Alexander's arm, and started walking away.

Buffy stared out into the Woods and she knew that something was staring back. Something was lurking in the Woods. Buffy had the dreadful feeling that if Alexander had not shown up, they could have been dead.

"Lass, lets go!" Alexander yelled. Buffy quickly followed without another invitation.

****

"I'm sure it was just a deer." Alexander said, eating a scone that Buffy swiped from Catriona.

"Deer? That was no deer!" Isabella exclaimed, sending a casual smile Alexander's way.

The three of them were sitting in the field across the Laird's manor, or you could call it a castle. It was huge. They were shaded from the hurtful sun by the large willow tree that swayed in the wind. The branches drooped down sadly, when Buffy was a child she had always said that it has lost it's love.

"Deers do not toy with people, my dear Alexander." Buffy said mocking Isabella with the same smile.

"Then it was a smart deer." Alexander said, sticking to the deer theory. Buffy just dismissed the idea.

"Speaking of other things, who have you been with lately, Alexander?" Isabella asked, batting her eyelashes.

Alexander blinked, then glanced a look at Buffy who seemed to be beaming at them.

"Why no one my dear," Alexander smiled. "Why do you ask?"

Isabella moved a bit closer. "I just wanted to know."

Buffy felt a sudden longing for someone in her life to smile at her like that. That made her think of Angelus. Why was she thinking of Angelus? Stop it, Buffy, she scowled herself.

"Well, I think that this is the right time for me to leave. Isabella, I shall see you back at the manor." With that Buffy stood up and left.

Part Four

Angelus sat thinking, his beautiful prize was smarter than he expected. She was not like all the other women, that's what made Angelus so attracted to her. She was not a fake doll just looking at men so they could marry but actually looking at their personality. It was great.

"Hello, mate!" A loud British voice rang out through out the Laird's castle. Well, it was actually it was Angelus's castle now since the laird now lay dead at his feet. His neck was...well all over the carpet. His mistress was torn in pieces about what happened to her husband. Literally.

"William, do you always have to tear me from my thoughts?" Angelus said, rubbing his forehead with his fingers.

"Sorry, I could not resist, every time I see someone thinking I feel that I must make a really loud noise."

William flashed him a toothy grin. Angelus just raised an eyebrow and shook his head. He would never understand his childe and he really did not want to.

William had bright white teeth, that seemed to match the color of his hair. His personality was loud and outgoing but he hunted like a lion and killed as fiercely as one. He wielded the sword as if he was born to use it. William was a fast learner and Angelus did not need to teach him one thing about torturing.

Angelus found him writing poems about love and when William was denied by a woman he drunk himself silly then William lost all of his earnings to one of those gambling hells, which Angelus had to pay. But William was unique and he was Angelus's friend and ally. That's all that mattered.

"My Sire, what are you thinking about?" William asked. "Is it that Summers woman?"

It was Angelus's turn to grin. "That woman will be the death of me."

"That good, eh mate?" William grinned.

"Beautiful." Angelus said wistfully.

"Yeah, you know because there is not many of those woman in Scotland." William mocked.

"Smart too, you should have seen her while I was in the woods, she was staring right at me."

"So she saw you?" William asked.

"No." Angelus simply said.

"Then she is not that smart, Sire." William said, kicking the dead Laird on the ground.

"Someone should come and clean this mess up. As much as I would like to hang it in my room...it is starting to..." William looked a little closer. "Rot and be infested with those small bugs."

"Why, William, I thought you liked that smell." Angelus mocked.

"Toss it in the ocean." Angelus said with a wave of his hand. Like any good Childe, William did as he was told.

"I think I shall take a visit to my dear Ms. Summers." Angelus whispered.

****

Buffy walked around the village, she knew the paths like she knew the back of her hand. Lairg was a small village and very easy to get around. The sun faded behind the ocean and darkness settled over the village like a thick blanket. The only light that was offered was the moon and some torches on the side of the buildings. The uneasy feeling of being watched was hovering over Buffy like a dark cloud.

She grabbed the end of her dress so it didn't drag on the ground and her pace quickened. She spared a glance behind her and then she slammed right into a wall of solid muscle. She regrouped her self and looked at who she had bumped into.

"In a hurry Ms. Summers?" It was the husky voice that Buffy so wanted to hear.

"Angelus." Buffy greeted him with a small bow. "I was just walking home."

Angelus held out his elbow and after a slight hesitation Buffy linked her arm with his.

"Many girls do not wander out at night." Angelus said, looking down at her as they walked.

"I shall assure you that I am not any girl, and I shall also tell you that I do not believe in those vampires that everyone talks about. It is nonsense." Buffy said, her tone angry.

"You do not believe in vampires?" Angelus was laughing on the inside. What a foolish woman.

"Of course not, if I could see one for myself then maybe. People are giving our village a bad name, those old hags down their believe that someone who does not get married is a witch and if someone is still walking at night that they are a vampire. Its so...stupid." Buffy looked up at Angelus.

"You don't believe in them, do you?" Her voice small.

"I think you should believe in whatever you want to believe. But if you believe wrong it will always come back and bite you in the neck." Angelus said with a small smile. The way he smiled at her was enough to make her melt.

They had arrived at her manor too quickly.

"I shall see you again, Ms. Summers." Angelus said, not as a question but a command.

"Yes, you will." Buffy said smiling.

They stared at each other for a second before Angelus leaned down and captured her lips in a bittersweet kiss. Buffy felt her legs go weak and she was afraid that they would not hold her. All Buffy wanted to do was wrap her arms around his neck and pull him closer but before she could he pulled away, leaving Buffy breathless. Angelus was a little dazed also, he felt electricity burn through his blood.

"Goodbye Buffy." Angelus said using her first name for the first time and with that, he melted into the shadows.

Part Five

Buffy opened the manor's door with a large dramatic sweep of her hands. She felt like she could fly or do anything at that moment. Buffy was not going to let anyone or anything ruin her mood. Vampires and sisters be damned.

"Goodness! What on Earth made you so happy? Where have you been? Tis after dark y'know." Rupert said all in one big rush of words that Buffy could hardly make any of it out. She didn't really care, anyway.

"In heaven." Buffy answered and all but skipped upstairs. Rupert sighed heavily and shook his head.

"I should never allow her to be out after dark, too dangerous." Rupert said to Catriona who stood behind him.

"Looks like that lass is in love." Catriona replied while grabbing the cup of port away from the old man.

"I should never allow that either." Rupert stated.

"Don't be a scoundrel, Rupert," Catriona hesitated. "you can't choose who you love."

"You can't choose who you lose either." Rupert snapped, his voice loud. Catriona kept quiet, she had opened a never healed wound for Rupert. His wife, he would never talk about her but he would always visits her grave every Sunday, praying for forgiveness. Rupert just nodded his head at her and went to bed.

****

Isabella's eyes lit up and she rocked on her heels, her smile to her ears.

"He kissed you? Angelus? That's great!" She smiled at Buffy.

"That's odd, he is some stranger who just appeared in the village. He probably didn't even kiss you, he must have tripped on a stone or something." Cordelia said with a wave of her hand. She had slipped in the room to steal Isabella's brush but heard their conversation.

"I know what a kiss is." Buffy glared at her.

Cordelia just rolled her eyes. "I'm warning you, this man is a strange one."

"You’re green with envy." Buffy teased.

Cordelia glared at her. "At least I've done more than just a silly kiss."

"At least I'm not a whore who is found in every bed but her own." Buffy snapped, she knew she was overreacting but she couldn't help it. That silly kiss was special to her and no one was going to take that away.

Cordelia opened her mouth and looked like she was going to say something but just stalked out of the room instead.

Isabella looked shocked.

"I think that it is time to go to bed." She said simply.

****

Angelus threw open the castle doors and slammed them with a fierceness that made the old castle shake. He was furious. Why was he feeling like this? This horrible feeling was crawling under his skin.

"God damnit!" He shouted, grabbing whatever was in reach, which happened to be one of his favorite French vases, and lugged it against the wall. It shattered into pieces and scattered across the floor, that what his mind felt like.

"I think my Sire is home." William yelled in a singsong voice from the second story. Angelus rolled his eyes, he was not in the mood for William's mockery.

Angelus simply growled when William walked down stairs, wearing the dead laird's silk robe. Angelus looked at him, annoyed. William grinned

"I like this, thank you, mate," William stared at him for a second. "what's the bloody thorn in your side this time?"

"Summers. That stupid girl is getting to my head." Angelus growled. "I should have killed the bitch when I had a chance."

Angelus was angry, no, he was pissed. He had heard of a challenge in Lairg and he had couldn't resist. A drunken townsmen told him all about that Summers girl and he had to know about her. He was attracted to her in every sense. Her blood smelled of the elixir of life, and her body was godly. He shuddered just thinking about her. The plan had been to bed her then kill her, sire her if he pleased but everything was going awry. He yearned to watch her sleep, longed to touch her, smash his lips to hers and ravish her until she cried mercy and begged for more. That was never in the plan.

"Its just an obsession, mate. You'll get over it." William stated. "All you need is a fresh kill."

"Not now." Angelus growled. William raised an eyebrow and folded his arms across his chest. He needed to get his Sire out of that damned funk he was in. William's eyes lit up.

"Didn't you say she had a housekeeper?"

Angelus raised his head and grinned.

Part Six

The Summers family were all seated at their kitchen table doing...nothing. Cordelia sighed impatiently, Isabella looked at Cordelia then did the same thing. Rupert was starting to get angry, he had lived in this house all his life, he had built it with his own hands and never had breakfast been late. Why start now?

"Where is that woman?!" Rupert demanded. Buffy gave him a scornful look.

"Maybe she slept late." Isabella suggested.

"Catriona never sleeps late. She is an early bird." Cordelia said, hungry and bored.

"Someone should go check her room." Buffy suggested.

"All right, go ahead, Isabella." Cordelia replied, glancing at Isabella with an evil smirk.

"Me? Why me?" Isabella squeaked. She had never been in Catriona's room, she wasn't sure anyone had. It was the room right next to the kitchen and since Catriona was always in the kitchen no one ever went there.

"Will somebody just bloody go?!" Rupert snapped.

"Fine! I'll go check," Buffy got up from the table "at least I'm not a coward like some people." Buffy glanced over at Cordelia giving her an innocent smile.

Buffy walked through the kitchen. She was worried about Catriona and not her breakfast. It was Saturday and Catriona always made something special on Saturdays. Buffy asked why they didn't have something special on Sundays, the holy day. Catriona just replied, that is why is so special. Buffy didn't get it then and still didn't get it now. The kitchen was small and mostly made out of the stone counters and scones were scattered all over. Rupert's favorite bottle of port was sitting there untouched.

It seemed like forever until she finally reached Catriona's room. She knocked on the door first, careful for Catriona's privacy.

"Catriona? Lass, are you in there?" Buffy asked. No reply.

"Catriona? Time for breakfast." Buffy said a little louder. She knocked once more before she sighed and opened the door.

"Alright. I'm coming in." Buffy stepped into the room, there was a simple bed, the mattress stuffed with straw, a small window like Buffy's and an endtable that held books about cooking. There was also a closet door on the back wall. The room was small, way smaller then Buffy's and Isabella's. Buffy decided it was cozy, needed a little fixing up though. But there was no sign of Catriona.

Buffy walked across the small room and made it quickly to the closet. She knew it would be silly for Catriona to be in there, but why not? Buffy opened the closet doors and something fell on top of her, she shrieked and stepped back. Her footing was sloppy and she fell to her knees. Her breath was coming in ragged gasps. She looked down to see what hit her and almost cried in relief when it was only a broom. She sighed and shook her head. She was way to old for screaming at a broom. She suddenly felt very silly and humiliated even though no one was watching her. She briefly wondered if it was always this warm in the maid's room.

Buffy remembered her mission and quickly got to her feet. She glanced into the lonely closet, it was dark and Buffy wasn't sure that even she could fit into it since it was so small. All that was in there were Catriona's dresses that swayed back and forth gently from all the commotion. Buffy rolled her eyes and propped the broom back into the small space and closed the door. With a few long strides she was out of Catriona's room and back into the kitchen where Rupert was standing, his expression worried.

"I heard a yell. Is everything alright?" He asked. Cordelia and Isabella were still sitting at the table and were looking at her strangely.

"Yes," Buffy answered, she decided not to tell him about the broom incident. "She's not in there."

Rupert sighed and shook his head.

"What do you think happened to her?" Isabella said her voice etched with worry.

"Nothing. She probably went out for bread or something." Cordelia said, dismissing Isabella's tone with a wave of her hand. Buffy nodded then remembered the scones all over the counter.

"No, that's not right either." Buffy said, snatching a scone off the stone. Rupert welcomed himself to the port on the counter.

"She just went out then. She'll come back later." Cordelia stated, leaving no room for discussion.

"Cordelia is probably right. I was talking to her just last night. Everything's fine, dear." Rupert informed Isabella putting a comforting hand on her shoulder. Isabella seemed better and smiled at her father.

Buffy didn't feel the same.

****

"So, she took holiday for day. Who cares? Why in the hell are you so worried anyway, lass?" Alexander asked. Buffy and him were back at the Woods, their meeting place, and Buffy had told him the story about Catriona.

"I don't know. I have a bad feeling about it." Buffy said softly. The bad feeling was churning in the pit of her stomach, she couldn't quite put her finger on it but it meant something horrible happened to her dear maid.

"In other news, it seems you now have a fling with *both* of my sisters." Buffy teased. Alexander noticed the change of subject but he let it drop.

"Isabella is quite attractive but I can't help but compare her to Cordelia." Alexander replied, hanging his head in shame.

"That's what love will do to you." Buffy said, patting his shoulder lightly.

"Speaking of love, Isabella said that you met a handsome young man also." Alexander said, now it was his turn to tease.

"Angelus." Buffy said, putting a name to the face for Alexander. His name brought a bittersweet smile to her lips. She would have said it again if it wasn't for Alexander looking at her strangely.

"Doesn't ring a bell."

"Then no bells shall be rang, lad." Buffy said, it was starting to bug her about everyone saying that Angelus was not familiar or giving her warnings. Angelus is familiar to her and that is all that matters.

Alexander held up his hands in mock defeat.

"Whatever you say love, but now it is my turn to have the bad feeling."

Part Seven

After a short walk and talk with Alexander Harris, Buffy walked back into the manor. It was getting dark already and no sign of Angelus today. She hated looking around for him and finding nothing there. It occurred to her that she had no idea where Angelus lived or even his last name. She would have to ask him that next time she saw him.

Buffy opened the manor doors and half expected to see Catriona helping her father down the stairs for dinner. But she didn't see that, even though she wanted to. The meeting with Alexander helped eased her uneasy feelings about Catriona's disappearance but now that she was back home, her senses were clutching at her.

"Buffy?" Isabella called and glanced down the stairs, a hopeful look on her face. "No sign of her when you walked around?"

Buffy shook her head. She cursed herself for looking for Angelus more than she was looking for Catriona.

"Where is Cordelia?" Buffy asked.

Isabella smiled. "In the kitchen."

Buffy laughed. "You better pray to the Lord that we don't die of food poisoning today."

Isabella walked down the stairs and offered, "I'll go help her, you go help father." Buffy nodded at the deal and walked upstairs while Isabella walked to the kitchen to help her struggling sister who was trying to cook dinner.

Buffy found her father seated on top of her bed. She smiled at the scornful look etched onto his features.

"Isabella made me wait here for you." Rupert said. Buffy walked over to help him up but she found Rupert already had pushed himself up and was wobbling to the doors.

"I could do it myself, you know." He said stubbornly.

"You're an old man, father. We are here to help you." Buffy replied back without hesitation.

Rupert glared at her then finally accepted the arm that Buffy held out.

"You were always the sweet one, just like your mother." He said softly. Buffy felt a wave of pain course through her at the mention of her mother. Her father rarely talked about her. Buffy even had the courage one day to ask how she died. He gave her a sad look but never answered.

Buffy just swallowed hard and nodded. She helped the old man downstairs and sat him down at the kitchen table. Buffy glanced into the kitchen to see bread, butter and milk. Cordelia smiled proudly at the meal and Buffy feared that she was going to die if she had bread, butter and milk the rest of her life.

Buffy poured Rupert a glass of port and then poured herself one to. She didn't like milk. Cordelia was the only one that did, she said it made your skin look beautiful, after that announcement Isabella seemed to love milk more than she loved Alexander.

They all sat down and ate the small meal in silence. Isabella asking two times for more milk.

It was their first dinner without Catriona and it seemed lonely and quiet. No one had anything to say so it was just...different from before.

When dinner was done, everyone voted for Isabella to do the dishes because she was youngest. She whined for a while then finally did as she was told. Cordelia said she was meeting Ross, her newest lad that she met, but Rupert told her no and that it was after dark and that everyone doesn't need a second person to go missing.

Buffy helped Rupert back upstairs, this time he did not argue. Rupert just wanted the girls to live their lives in the daytime and not live their life by helping him go up and down those damn stairs.

"Have you seen this Angelus lad today?" Rupert asked out of the blue as the trotted up the stairs.

"No." Buffy muttered, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

"I'm sorry to say but I do not trust this fellow." Rupert decided. Buffy rolled her eyes and stopped when they reached the top of the stairs.

"You never met him! How can you say you don't trust him?" Buffy snapped. She had finally had enough with the warning labels.

"Its a bit strange that he only appears to you at dark." Rupert defended himself.

"Oh Lord! Not with this vampire talk again!" Buffy yelled throwing her hands up.

"Think about it, lass! Be smart!" Rupert said, thudding his temple with his finger. "No one has ever heard of this lad before."

"Doesn't mean he is a vampire! You think everyone is a vampire. What is stopping you from thinking that *I* am a vampire!? Demons this and demons that, its *bloody stupid*! Oh! I know what happened to Catriona... it was vampires, right father?!" Buffy shouted.

Rupert looked at her, clearly shocked.

"Never raise you voice to me, young lady."

Buffy sighed, her temper still raging. "Come on." She said stiffly. She didn't not want to talk about her personal life with her father right now. They both moved to the bedroom without say another word. Buffy opened her father's door and what she saw shocked her beyond belief.

Her father stumbled back and Buffy opened her mouth to let out a yell but nothing came out.

Blood was everywhere, on the bed, on the floor and the walls.

Right there on her father's bed was Catriona, sprawled out on the sheets, her throat ripped out.

Buffy screamed.

Part Eight

Isabella and Buffy were busy because they had thrown themselves into desperately trying to make a small memorial service for dear Catriona.

Cordelia invited everyone in the town. Not a lot of people said they would come but when the elder sister told them how she died, everyone came to Lairg's graveyard with their crosses and holy water. On any other occasion Buffy would have laughed at how the superstitious people were acting but right now she didn't mind. Hell, she welcomed it.

The small gathering at the graveyard was on a Sunday, ironically is was raining. It was as though the clouds even cried their tears for Catriona. Rupert had never kept the girls closer. He had raved to Buffy about how one of her sisters were next and that a demon was in their house. Buffy just said it wasn't a demon but some ill person. Rupert told her she was blind and Buffy was begining to think she was too.

Everyone was huddeled under their coats or their lover's arm, trying to get out of the rain and try to listen to the minister at the same time. He said blurry phrases about how tragic the passing was and that everyone would pray for her soul. Anyone could see that Isabella thought it was unfair. She detached herself from Rupert and took the few paces towards Buffy, who was standing alone. Alexander was by Cordelia, comforting her. To everyone's surprise, Cordelia allowed him. Buffy knew Alexander wanted to grieve but she also knew he was having the time of his life being by Cordelia.

"What does he know? That foolish lad wasn't even there!" Isabella whispered to Buffy.

"Hush, woman! Your talking about our minister." Buffy replied in a hush-hush tone. Isabella nodded but Buffy could tell she was about to go up there and punch the priest in the face. Buffy simply put an arm around her shoulders and hugged her close. Buffy glanced around the graveyard and for the first time she noticed how many graves were here in Lairg. Was that normal? Every year she had lived here she had been to at least 5 services. She knew *that* was not normal.

Buffy glanced over at her father and saw he was not looking at the priest either. Rupert was looking else where, the grave next to Catriona's. Her mother's. Buffy swallowed. It was the usual time of day when Rupert would go outside and grieve for his wife. But it seems that he has two people to grieve for.

It seemed life forever before the priest stopped his preaching. Everyone slowly formed a line and put flowers down by the wooden cross. People close to Catriona would throw things that reminded them of her onto the coffin. Cordelia had thrown powder that she had stole from Catriona, Isabella some freshly made scones, Rupert a small cup that Catriona had made for him. Catriona said it was molded to perfection, even though it looked like a fork more than a cup. Buffy didn't have anything to throw down. If she did it would have to be a kitchen or a broom or something that would not fit. She merely put down roses. That wasn't enough but what else would be?

Everyone slowly left, after it all it was after dark and the graveyard was not the best place to be. Buffy stayed behind, wanting to be alone for a moment. Alexander put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Cordelia stopped at the entrance to the graveyard, waiting patiently for him.

"Do you want me to stay?" He asked Buffy quietly.

"No. I'll be alright." Buffy assured him. Alexander paused.

"Cordelia is waiting for you." Buffy said, smiling softly. Alexander smiled back then hurried back to the woman of his dreams.

Buffy sat down slowly on the wet grass. Her wool coat seemed to protect her from the wetness and the soft tinkle of rain still falling. She glanced at the simple wooden cross, the old hags down the street has soaked the cross with holy water. They seemed to do that with everything. Crosses on strings hung on the 'grave.' She idly took one off the grave, it had designs engraved in it and old Scottish Gaelic, that Buffy never understood. She stared at it for a while and ran her fingers over the markings.

A sudden dreadful feeling filled her stomach and yet at the same time an emotion that she couldn't describe overcame her. Her heart started beating faster and she felt goosebumps on her skin. She licked her lips and she twisted her head around to see someone she so wanted to see. Needed to see.

"Angelus." Buffy said, gratefully. Angelus took a step closer to her.

"I heard what happened." Buffy looked back at Catriona's cross, and nodded. A feeling of nasuea, that she never had with Angelus around, hit her. Something was off.

"I'm sorry. She must have been close." Angelus said simply, taking another step forward. He put his foot out to walk again before he came to a dead halt. He was looking at her strangely.

Buffy raised her eyebrows in question.

"I thought you didn't believe in demons."

Buffy looked down at her hand where she was still clutching the cross.

"Oh. I was just looking." She put the cross back on the grave and another wave of dread filled her from head to her toes.

"How come you didn't come early? I needed you there." Buffy said softly, looking down at her hands.

"Come here." Angelus spoke in the same soft tone. Buffy did as she was told and was quickly pushed into the circle of his arms, flush up against him. Buffy's breath caught in her throat and her beat quicken, if that was even possible. Some crazy part of her brain was telling her that she was moving away from safety. Away from the cross. Buffy was wondering where these feelings and thoughts were coming from but she had no time to wonder because every rational thought flew from her mind as Angelus lowered his lips to hers. He stopped just short of her lips. His eyes dragging across her features, memorizing them.

"You’re so beautiful." He murmured. Buffy felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. Buffy suddenly couldn't take anymore. Her arm snaked into his hair, and smashed his lips against her. Basking in the bliss of the kiss, Buffy pushed him closer, loving the feeling of being near him. Angelus let out a small rumble in his chest and wrapped his arm around her waist. He was tempted to take her right there, he wanted to, Gods he wanted to. But no. Not here, not now. He felt her tongue flick out to taste his lips and he groaned, opening his mouth a little wider. Their tongues dueled in a fury of dominance.

Angelus planned to kill her tonight before the little chit could drive him totally insane with need but everything went out the window as soon as he saw her sitting there. He had to kiss her, touch her do anything but do what was planned. He could hear her heart pounding and could smell her blood ... damn this Summers girl.

Angelus slowly pulled away, if he had not he would have just taken her right there. Buffy's face was flush and her lips swollen and red. Her vision seemed foggy with desire and Angelus smiled.

"I should take you to bed." Angelus said then realized what he said. Damnit! Damn this woman.

"You should get home." He corrected, mentally slapping himself.

"Walk me." Buffy demanded.

"As you wish, lass." The vampire was thrown by this urgent need to protect, claim her as his.

****

Rupert watched them walk out of the graveyard. Could his lovely daughter be this blind? He had seen the whole thing. Them kissing, Angelus beckoning her away from the cross. He come back to get his cane then he saw this Angelus lad approach and couldn't help but watch. He hid behind a large stone marker. Heaven help him. His daughter was in love with a demon.

Part Nine

"Then he wrapped his arm around me and brought me back to the manor. The perfect gentlemen!" Buffy said, wrapping up her story to Isabella and surprisingly Cordelia.

Isabella looked at her as if she was a Goddess. Cordelia just huffed and looked at her nails. While Buffy couldn't seem to wipe the smile off her face. She suddenly felt wrong for giggling and being happy when one of their dearest friends had just died. The three sisters took a small moment of silence.

"Well...er... I saw you were quite comfortable in Alexander's arms, lass." Buffy said, changing the subject. Cordelia seemed to turn bright red and opened her mouth to reply but closed it again. She just gave Buffy the tell-anyone-else-and-die look. Isabella smiled sadly and Buffy felt incredibly stupid, of course Isabella still had feeling for Alexander.

"Isn't it time to brush your hair for one hundred strokes?" Buffy said half teasing and half serious.

Cordelia just gave her another glare and stood up.

"I'm not blind, I know when I am not wanted." With that, the elder flipped her hair over her shoulder and walked out of the room.

"Alright, spill." Buffy demanded, moving her glance back to Isabella.

"Er...I like Alexander, I really do but he seems happy with Cordelia, which is something I can never understand." Isabella scrunched up her noise. It would seem strange if Cordelia would ever marry again, she was a wild spirit and could not be dampened with the burden of marriage.

"Love hurts." Buffy replied while tucking herself under the covers. Isabella blew out the only candle that lit the room and laid down.

"Would you want to get married one day, lass?" Isabella asked after a couple minutes of silence. Buffy looked up at the ceiling, picturing Angelus's face.

"Maybe. When I find the right man."

"But you did! When will the wedding be?" Isabella giggled.

***

William could not have laughed harder, he felt his knees go weak and he slid to the floor. If he had been human he would have died from the lack of air, his death face would be his eyes teary and his mouth open wide.

"Oh Sire, Sire, Sire." William said in a drunken singsong voice. "You’re pathetic."

Before William knew what was happening, he was slammed up against the wall, his feet dangled off the ground and his neck being held with one large first by his sire.

Angelus loved William, he really did, but sometimes he crossed the line. He was undisciplined, which Angelus blamed himself for, and would snap back to his master when time were unnecessary. Angelus's yellow eyes gleamed and his lips were turned down into a scowl.

"No listen, *boy* I don't need this *shit* right now. I got this fucking girl in my head and this little lass is driving me to drink! All I need is your *stupid* comments about me being fucked up!" Angelus screamed.

William looked into his Sire's eyes and he couldn't help it. He burst into laughter, although it sounded muffled from Angelus's nails on his throat. Angelus snarled in disgust and let him drop to his feet.

"Face it! You’re head over heels obsessed with this little bint." William paused then looked at Angelus's suspiciously. His master's back was turned towards him and his face near the fire, a bottle of strong wine in his hand.

"I think you should bloody kill her now." William's laughter was suddenly forgotten and Angelus did not face him.

"No, its too soon."

"Well, it has been only a month of picking the right person to torture, watching her, stealing kisses, killing her maid. Might be a little soon, but it is going to slow. We need something drastic." The blonde vampire said smashing his hand with his fist as he started to pace.

"What do you have in mind, Childe?" Angelus said, his ears perking up.

"She has two lovely sisters, Isabella is the one closest to her, I'll snag that one." William said licking his lips. Angelus grinned, a small part of him felt sorry for Buffy once she found out her sister has been killed and left on her door step. Angelus pushed the feeling aside quickly. Human emotions were always a pain in the ass.

"Wait for the sister." Angelus spoke up. William turned on his heels, rasing an eyebrow at his sire and cocked his head.

"The father first, I don't trust him as far as I could throw him."

"The old man?" William sniggered.

"He is edgy and his eyes angry. The bugger is up to something." Angelus said drumming his chin with his fingers.

"Something special for him then?"

"Very special." Angelus replied with a smirk.

Part Ten

Rupert didn't picture himself as a selfish man or that superstitious at times. Well, *he* didn't think that of himself, of course. He was well known about Lairg, more so when his wife died. He had got sympathy from everyone and he hated it. He had become cruel and cold until his daughters knocked some sense into his head. Rupert had finally come to see that she was gone and she was never coming back. It was all because of those damned vampires. Creatures of hell.

He had never told anyone that vampire were the cause of his wife's death, he had said she died of natural causes. Only the priest of the town's church knew. Rupert had to blurt it out during confession, that the two holes in her neck were from the spawns of the underworld. The priest had seen this before and just said that he was forgiven. It didn't help, not one bit. Rupert had just dismissed it and went to mourn her death like he did every Sunday. Damned those demons to hell, where they belong.

Now, he slowly seated himself down at the kitchen table and looked around the house. The sun had just gone down leaving candles and torches the only light. Cordelia was, without a doubt, flocking with some man that she had met and won't be home until the morning. Rupert sometimes worried about that one. Isabella was upstairs, sleeping probably. Buffy was out with the dreaded 'man', Angelus. Rupert did not trust him and his gut feeling told him to get far away from him. Yet, Buffy would not listen to him, she believed that she loved this person. He had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, only arriving at night, and he was slowly but surely taking his beloved daughter away from him.

While Rupert went out for a drink in the evening he had asked a townsman about him and they had never seen him before in their life. Even though he has been in town for a month. Rupert sighed and shook his head. He was too old for this. His daughters should be married and filled with children, but he had no grandchildren and two dead son-in-laws. Great.

Without warning the door swung open revealing Buffy, giggling and shining with glee, and Angelus. Rupert's frown grew deeper as he stood up to greet the unwelcome guest.

Buffy flashed him a toothy grin and turned to Angelus.

"Come in, you must meet my father." She said with a dramatic sweep of her hand. Angelus just smirked and walked inside.

"Thank you, beloved." Angelus was looking at Rupert when he said it. Buffy felt her heart flutter at the pet name and she guided Angelus into the kitchen and they both sat down on the table.

Rupert nodded curtly, his suspicious eyes never leaving Angelus.

"It is a pleasure to meet you." Angelus stood up slightly, extending a hand at Rupert. Rupert just glanced at the hand, then raised an eyebrow at him. Angelus's jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed and he pulled his hand back. Buffy's eyes widened and gave her father a kick under the table. Buffy sent an apologetic smile at the beautiful man next to her and grabbed his hand and brought it to her lap, caressing his palm with her thumb. Angelus sent another smirk in Rupert's direction, going unnoticed by Buffy.

Rupert's eye widened and he kept his steady gaze.

"How did you meet my daughter?" Rupert snapped. Buffy looked up and went to open her mouth but Angelus spoke for her.

"I saw this beautiful lass across the path and decided to talk to her."

"I see." Was all the came from Buffy's father.

"Please do not mind my father, he is *very* superstitious." Buffy said to Angelus. Angelus gave a short nod, eyeing her father.

"And what of it?" Rupert demanded.

Buffy ignored her father and sent a secret smile to Angelus.

"My father, at first, believed that you were a demon." Buffy laughed softly. "It is only because he does not know you as I do."

"Did he?" Angelus asked glancing at Rupert. Rupert's eyes narrowed and he could have hit Buffy for saying that. Damn that girl and her stupidity.

Buffy could tell something was wrong with her father he was edgy and being cruel for no apparent reason, she would reason with him later. Before anyone could do anything else a yell came from the stairs.

"Buffy! Who is down there with you?" It was Isabella.

"Angelus and father, why Isabella?" Buffy asked then ticked her glance to Angelus. "My sister." She explained. Angelus nodded.

"Why not have her come down here, I would love to meet her." Angelus suggested. Of course he had already seen Isabella in the Woods.

"No!" Rupert said quickly. Angelus's angry glance slid to Rupert, he would have given anything to rip his head off right now. Just to feel his life slip away would have been so delightful...

"Buffy, go tend to Isabella." Rupert said quickly. Buffy nodded and stood up but just before she went Angelus grabbed her by the wrist and spun her back to him, giving her a quick kiss on the lips. Buffy looked a little shocked when she pulled away but her features changed into a pleased smile and she went upstairs to Isabella.

Angelus grinned and he turned back to Rupert.

"She is pure fire."

"Don't get burned." Rupert replied, his eyes shooting daggers at him.

"Don't be so sore, Rupert." Angelus said leaning back into his chair and putting his hands behind his head in a nonchalant movement. Rupert leaned forward, pointing his finger at the demon with an angelic face.

"Now you listen to me," Rupert hissed. "you stay away from my daughter or I will kill you myself."

Angelus's grin was wiped form his features and his eyes narrowed. The old bugger would pay dearly for that.

"That is only if your daughter could stay away from me," Angelus paused. "and I won't permit that, *ever*."

"If you lay a hand on her..." Rupert was cut off.

"What will you do? Hit me with your cane?" Angelus laughed at his useless threats.

"I will expose you." Rupert hissed. Angelus leaned forward in his chair, raising an eyebrow.

"To the town? What will this town do to me? Nothing. They are too afraid to lift a finger. But what will happen to your daughter when they find out she is with a demon. They would burn her at the stake. Come on old man, there is nothing you could do."

Rupert glared at him. he was right. And if he told Buffy then she would never believe him. He was stuck. As if on cue, Buffy walked into the room.

"What did I miss?" She asked.

"Nothing, my dear. Nothing." Angelus answered.

Part Eleven

Like all mornings in Lairg, it was quiet and misty. Some of the villagers went out to get the freshest bread of the morning, others were still sleeping in their comfy beds dreaming of memories past. The village was encircled in the arms of the rising sun and the morning fog. It was beautiful and peaceful...and the exact opposite of what was going on in the Summer's Manor.

"No! Never ever again! That *thing* insults me!" A deep voice boomed.

"Thing? Man, father. Insults? He barely said a word to you. If you haven't been so rude..." Another voice replied.

"Rude? Are you blind woman? He is obviously not right for you! He is not of the village!" Rupert countered.

"Why are you acting this way? You are not that possessive, father, what is it?" Buffy said, she was getting sick of this old argument. Angelus was the one for her and no one was going to convince her otherwise.

"Angelus is no good for you, you do not have my blessing and I curse him!" Rupert spat. Buffy's mouth dropped open.

"Buffy," Rupert said, his voice softer. "I have every reason to believe that Angelus is evil." Buffy threw her hands up in the air, rolling her eyes.

"Listen! I was watching in the graveyard that night. I saw him beckon you away from the cross. Why do you think he only appears at night? Damnit! Open your eyes, daughter, its going to be a rude awakening." Rupert said, pointing an accusing finger at Buffy.

"I have had it up to here with this demon shit! Why can't you understand that I'm happy. Content, father, and I love it...and I love him." Buffy's voice lowered into a mere whisper as she uttered the three words she would never thought she would have said.

"You don't know what love is." Rupert said stubbornly.

"Whatever it is that I am feeling I never want it to stop. It can't stop!" Buffy yelled, slamming down in foot to punctuate the end of the conversation. With that she stormed out of the house.

Rupert sighed and sat down slowly in a kitchen chair. He saw Cordelia looking over at him with a look of pity in her eyes. Rupert glanced at her and Cordelia just bowed her head slightly and walked back upstairs. Rupert poured himself a rather large glass of port and downed it with one gulp. For the first time in his whole life he was afraid that he had lost his daughter.

****

"I mean who does he think he is? God?" Buffy demanded, glancing over at her dark hair friend.

"Bastard." Alexander said, slamming his fist into the soft grass. As soon as he saw the look of anger on his friend's face he knew just to keep his mouth shut and agree with her.

"I'm serious, Alexander. I like spending time with Angelus. He is quite intriguing." Her voice trailing off.

"Earth to Buffy. You know it is a dishonor if you do something without his blessing." Alexander replied.

"Its not like I'm getting married, Alexander." Buffy scolded him. Alexander tapped his fingers on his chin and looked elsewhere.

"Buffy as a housewife..." He shivered. "it is not predicted in your future."

"Thanks." Buffy said dryly. She paused and rubbed her hands together, unconsciously. She hated this, hated how her father wanted to control her life and destroy what made her happy and blissful. Buffy had never thought of her father in a scornful way and she knew she would have to go to confession when this week was over. The priest would have a lot to think about after she got there.

"Rupert is just trying to protect you." Alexander said, suddenly thinking the ground was the most interesting thing in the world. "I don't even know about this chap, maybe..." The old time friend trailed off.

"Oh bloody hell, not you too." Buffy snapped, her eyes digging into him.

"Buffy, I'm not taking any sides but I beseech you to be careful." Alexander said, looking up at his friends. Hearing Rupert's side of the story from his friend made his mind churn and made Alexander think about this fellow.

"I appreciate your concern, Alexander, but you do not see him as I do."

"That's a *very* good thing, lass."

****

Angelus strolled into the Laird's castle, feeling mighty and proud. Just coming back from a fresh kill always made a vampire excited. The pounding of the blood, the adrenaline rush, it was all quite amazing. A horrified scream erupted from upstairs and it only whet his attitude. William must have brought home a friend. Angelus laughed to himself, he taught his childe well.

Angelus grabbed another boring book off the dead Laird's case.

"Damn, this guy really had shit for brains." He muttered to no one.

Hearing another scream of agony from the hall got Angelus thinking of *his* darling. Damn, his father had caught on quick. He was more then a little surprised at the forwardness of their last meeting. Angelus will have to congratulate Rupert before he died a *slow* death. Thank the Gods that Buffy was not another doll who believed in everything, he would have been done, then he would have to kill her before she exposed him. Not like there would be anything wrong with that. William had just wanted to march to Lairg and take over the town, have some slaves and dinner whenever that wanted. Angelus thought more slowly. They would take their time, feed when it was needed and kill who ever was the biggest threat.

That right now was Rupert, but the seed had been planted. But what next? Kill the bastard now or shall he wait for later? One of the sisters perhaps? Damn. So many to kill so little time.

Part Twelve

"You must forgive my father. He is old and still recovering from my mother's death." Buffy whispered softly as she leaned into the hand that was caressing her cheek.

"It seems he is a firm believer in demons." Angelus smirked slightly and brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

"You have no idea, even more so since Catriona's death."

"Your mother," Angelus grabbed her hand and continued walking aimlessly around the town. "what was her name?"

Buffy paused, ever so slightly. "Eliza Marie, Eliza, in Latin, means The Chosen...whatever that means." Angelus simply nodded, then glanced at her.

"Go on." Angelus didn't even bother to ask her if she was alright with talking about her. She just *would*.

"She was a beautiful woman, opposite of me and more like Cordelia. She had black hair, blue eyes, and white skin. I remember when she would tuck me in." Buffy gave a soft laugh. "Cordelia and Isabella were with me in the same bed. Cordelia and I would just knock Isabella to the floor when mum left the room." Buffy sighed happily.

"Your father was close to her." It was more then a statement then a question.

"They were in love." Buffy replied, giving his hand an unconscious squeeze.

"How did Eliza die?" Angelus asked.

"I don't really remember but my father says natural causes." Buffy bit her lower lip then took a side glance at the dark man next to her.

"Why do you ask so many questions?"

Angelus stopped in his walking and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I just want to get to know you, even though I feel like I know you so well somehow."

Buffy smiled softly and moved a little bit closer to him. Angelus leaned down and traced her lips with his fingertips. He parted them gently with his thumb, slipping his tongue inside, sweeping her into a searing kiss.

****

Rupert watched as Buffy quietly walked inside the front door from outisde. What was she doing home so late? He would show the bugger! He watch as Angelus walked away from the front of the house, leaving Buffy with a good-bye kiss of course. Rupert looked down at the empty bottle of port in his hands. What the hell? The damn demon stole his port too! Rupert fingered the pistol in the waistband of his pants. He looked back up and saw Angelus was gone. He frowned and blinked his eyes a couple of times. Everything was in doubles and his mind was spinning.

"Try to get away from a Summers man, now ain't ya?" Rupert muttered to himself, his voice slurred, he stumbled a couple of steps to the end of the path. He saw Angelus turn the next corner. Rupert's frowned deepened, why was demon going to the Laird's castle. Rupert bit the inside of his cheek and stumbled a couple of steps more. Angelus was not there anymore, the only thing that was saw was the swinging castle door.

"That's where the bastard is!" Rupert yelled, mighty proud of himself at the moment. He would go there in the morning, it was not safe yet. He would go there, shoot the lad but not before he would tell him that he should have stayed away from this daughter!

The next morning, Rupert kept true to his silent promise and woke early. His rampage on the castle would be a success, he told himself. It was an hour after sunrise, most of the villagers would be up so he would have help if needed. Rupert told himself that he wouldn't need it, one Summers man against a spawn of hell. He would win the quarry. His slight headache from the night before was only a minor step back. He took his pistol and slipped it into the waistband of his pants then added another gun in the back of his pants, a sword in the sheath, and he left a note on the table for the girls that said he was going to the graveyard. It was easy to believe. Rupert didn't want Buffy in the way or the other girls to worry about him. He was a grown man after all.

He stepped outside, he stood tall, and made his way to the castle. Every step he took he began to feel a little more doubt. He felt an uneasy feeling the pit of his stomach. The only other time he had had that feeling was when Eliza died. He swallowed a lump in his throat and pulled his chin up a little more. Rupert reached the castle doors a little too soon for his own liking. He took a step back, grabbing his pistol and shot at the door. Rupert didn't hesitate to give the door a might push before it collapsed.

"Demons!" Rupert yelled, he held the pistol at steady, loading it quickly. Footsteps, to the right of him. Rupert spun wildly to be greeted by a blonde haired man looking pissed off.

"Who the *fuck* are you?!" William yelled. Waking a vampire up was not the smartest thing to do, this old geezer would pay. Rupert aimed the pistol at William, his eyes were yellow and his face demonic and unnatural. An emotion of fear and panic settled in and he froze on the spot. William growled and took a couple menacing steps forward. Without warning, Rupert's finger squeezed and he sent a bullet right into William's chest. William let out a shout of surprise and he fell back.

"Rupert!" An angry yell came from the hall. Rupert dropped his gun and his fingers reached for his sword. Angelus hurried down the stairs to find William on the ground and Rupert pointing a sword at him. Angelus let out a howl of laughter.

"You fool! Do you think that you are going to come in to *my* home and try to kill *me*?"

Rupert kept his gaze on the demon steady, he felt a small tremor go through his hand that held the weapon. Angelus stole a glance at William, who was sitting up now.

"The bugger shot me!" William exclaimed. It hurt like hell but it was going to be nothing compared to what the old man was going to feel once he gathered his strength to get up! Angelus took a step forward. Rupert kept steady even though all of his instincts were telling him to run for his life.

"You *are* going to stay away from my daughter." Rupert demanded.

"Of course, Rupert. I mean, I'm sure your wife wouldn't a demon, like me, courting your daughter." Angelus taunted in a sing song voice.

Rupert glared at him. "You know nothing about my wife."

"Oh, Eliza? She was shit, she was nothing but a two-bit whore. "Angelus winked. "I know from experience."

Rupert let out a roar and anger got better of him and he jabbed the sword at Angelus's side. Angelus moved with lightening speed, twisting to the side then to the other side as Rupert struck again. Angelus reached out and grabbed Rupert's wrist, pulling him and slamming him into the nearest wall. William laughed and stood up.

"Can I kill him, Sire?"

"No, this one is mine!" Angelus slammed his wrist into the wall and the sword clattered to the ground. The vampire grabbed Rupert by his neck and held him still, with his other hand he retrieved the sword and pressed it up against Rupert's heart.

"It is too bad that I have to kill you now, you would have been your daughter's first meal." Angelus bared his teeth.

Another wave of rage and human instincts kicked in. He suddenly remembered the other pistol in the back of his trousers. Rupert reach it blindly and pressed to Angelus's chest and pulled the trigger. Angelus yelled out and released Rupert quickly, slashing him across the chest with the sword. Rupert shouted and stumbled for the door. This was not a battle he could win. William took charge and ran after him, but the bullet wound had slowed him down and before he could reach Rupert he was out the door and into the sunlight.

Part Thirteen

Rupert stumbled into the village center, cursing under his breath, he pushed a hand to the slash across his chest that was bleeding violently. The on looking villagers turned and gasped at the disoriented man.

"Demons! In the Laird's castle they are trying to take my daughter! We have to stop them!" Rupert yelled out to anyone who was listening. Alexander stared at Rupert, his eyes wide with shock. He dropped the water he was carrying and ran over to his best friend's father.

"Rupert! What the hell happened to you?!" Alexander grabbed on to him tightly.

"Call the doctor." Alexander said calmly to woman standing next to Rupert. A large crowd formed around them. Alexander laid Rupert down on the ground, taking off his wool jacket, he pressed it into the wound.

No one could really tell what the old man was saying, it was all gibberish.

"Who did this, old man?" The tall bulky man next to Alexander asked harshly. Alexander recognized the man as Luke, Isabella's new fling. He was supposed to be this big fighting hero.

"Demons." Rupert said breathlessly. The crowd around them echoed a startled gasp.

"Rupert, your ill when you get better you will tell us what happened." Alexander said slowly, as if talking to a small child.

"I'm not ill you oaf! I'm wounded, I know exactly what happened!" Rupert struggled to sit up straight. Alexander looked to the woman beside him.

"Lass, could you please get his daughters here." The woman nodded vigorously and ran off.

"Rupert-" Alexander started but was interrupted by Russell, another 'hero'.

"Bite your tongue, the man is trying to say something." Russell smacked Alexander upside the head.

"The unholy demons are trying to seduce my middle daughter!" Rupert watched at the women who made the sign of the cross and the men eagerly listening. "I followed the bastard to the Laird's castle, who has been missing for some time now. So I grabbed my pistol and sword and went off to fight them away, they will never touch my daughter again." Rupert said dangerously. Luke and Russell nodded their head approvingly.

"So you got slashed across your chest for you foolishness." Alexander spat. Rupert's angry gaze settled on the boy but he said nothing.

As if on cue Cordelia, Isabella, and Buffy ran through the crowd and kneeled down next to the wounded man.

"Father! What on Earth happened?" Cordelia asked. Buffy flashed a grateful smile at Alexander.

"Where the bloody hell is the doctor!?" Isabella asked desperately.

"Its not fatal." Alexander said softly, he was rewarded with a loving smile from Cordelia.

"Angelus." Rupert said softly and Buffy froze.

"What?" She whispered.

"He did this to me, I saw his face...it was demonic." Rupert said, his gaze piercing into Buffy's face.

Russell glared at Buffy. "You were with a demon?"

"He isn't a demon, I swear it!" Buffy practically shouted, but now she wasn't sure if she was reminding the villagers or herself.

"He has brainwashed her!" The old hag yelled from down the street. Alexander saw where this was going.

"I'm sure the lass did not know!" Alexander said helplessly.

"How could you not know a demon from a man?!" Luke shouted at her, ignoring Alexander completely.

"All right, lets settle down..." Isabella trailed off, she too was ignored.

"Because this *man* had the face of an angel!" Buffy yelled back, she was not going to let them ruin her happiness.

"Never compare an unholy creature to an angel of our Lord!" A woman shouted.

Russell grabbed Buffy's arm, and looked down at Rupert. "I'm sorry old man, you have already lost your daughter." Buffy struggled in his grasp, wishing that Angelus would come and clear all this mess up.

"A demon has taken this woman! He has seduced her into the darkness! Which one of your children will be next? We must end this, here and now!" Russell shouted. The crowed cheered.

"Buffy Summers will be burned at the stake at sunset." Russell shouted.

Part Fourteen

********

"You are all insane! Put me down!" Buffy cried but it was in vain. Luke had hoisted her over his shoulder and pushed his way through the crowd. Buffy watched as they passed, everyone made the sign of the Cross. It was unbelievable! She was going to die like this?! Buffy twisted and turned in his grasp.

Alexander desperately tried to swarm through the crowd, yelling out her name and cursing people that got in his way. As he thought he finally reached her, his way was blocked by Russell.

"You don't want anything to do with this, boy." Russell hissed.

"You are killing an innocent woman! Have you bastards gone mad?" Alexander said, standing tall against the larger man.

"She is no longer innocent, she has been blinded by the devil himself." Russell yelled, the crowd cheered in its agreement. Alexander suddenly knew why Buffy hated the people of this town so much. They were blinded by fear and tradition. Damn them.

In Alexander's rage, he winded back and slammed his fist into Russell's large face. Russell fell back unprepared and Alexander went to step over him but the war hero grabbed his foot, tripping Alexander and bringing him down to the ground. Alexander vaguely heard Cordelia scream and out of the corner of his eye he saw Rupert struggling to stand. Isabella appeared to be no where in sight. Alexander rolled and scrambled to his feet, spinning around just in time to catch a fist into his stomach. Alexander kneeled over, the air forced from his lungs, but Alexander would not stop this fight. With a swift movement, he jerked his fist up, a sickening sound of Russell's chin snapping back filled the air. As Russell hit the ground Alexander ran to Cordelia, not wanting to waste more time. Sunset would be approaching soon.

****

Angelus stood next to the shielded window, the screams and cheers of the villagers could be heard by his sensitive ears. He couldn't quite make out what was happening, being blind to the outside, but he had a very good hunch. All he knew was that if the those bastard villagers touched *his* mate they would pay. Dearly.

"Childe!" Angelus roared. William came bounding down the stairs, buttoning his shirt and wiping his lips quickly, Angelus raised an eyebrow. William shrugged and gestured to the whore scrambling down the stairs. She had light hair and dark eyes and her dress was half on. Angelus smiled at her, walking a little closer.

"Enjoy your evening?" Angelus asked, his voice husky and deep. He watched in delight as the woman shivered. William grinned, he loved watching his Sire. Angelus traced her cheek as the girl nodded. She smelled of sex and booze.

"Good." He said simply and quickly grabbed the girl by the neck and twisted it with a sickening snap. He watched as the girl hit the floor, dead.

"What is it, mate?" William asked if nothing had happened.

"Vampires, demons, collect them at the Woods. If any refuse offer a reward or just kill them. There will be a burning tonight."

Part Fifteen

*****

Buffy was exhausted from all the twisting and turning, trying to get away from Luke. Buffy was sure that Luke was tired from holding her all this way. Buffy looked up at the sky, the mix of colors signaled that the sun would be down in the next ten minutes. She saw Alexander fighting Russell and she hoped that Alexander hadn't broke his nose. She saw no sign of her family either. She wished she could see her white knight come riding down the path, scoop her away and ride her off to some castle in the sky. But apparently that wasn't going to happen.

Buffy had lost all hope of Angelus arriving here, had she been that blind? Was the man of her dreams just going to betray her love and leave her to burn? This was insane! Buffy didn't know how many time she had said that to herself.

"Damnit, woman! Would you stop moving?" Luke protested as he finally started to put her down. Buffy gasped at the familiar surroundings. The Woods? They were going to burn an innocent girl at the place they feared most. Damn this town. What shocked Buffy to the core was a long stake right in the middle of the road that the villagers managed to put up in minutes.

"You are all bloody insane! I'm not possessed by some demon, you idiot. By the Gods! I can't believe you people could be so stupid!" Buffy spat angrily and they pushed her up against the stake.

"Somebody gag her!" Someone called from the crowd that had followed Luke to the Woods to witness the burning.

"Reverend?!" Buffy yelled at the priest who had yelled the comment. Buffy was so moving away from this blasted place if she got out of this. *If* was the keyword in that statement.

"May God bless you, Buffy!" The priest called back. Buffy's mouth dropped open. The fear started to settle in as the realization struck her. No one was coming to save her. Alexander and Angelus were no where in sight. Her own *father* made this happen, her sisters were probably bawling their eyes out. Even her own priest was against her!

By this time they had her arms, middle section, and legs tied tightly to the stake. She couldn't even struggle, for the ropes were already dug deeply into her skin.

"Please! I implore you!" Buffy yelled at the crowd. Everyone ignored her. There was a torch being passed around to Luke who was standing in front of her, he turned to the crowd.

"We will always leave this here as a sign to any demon that tries to invade our village! We will hide no more! We shall rise up and slam these unholy creatures into the ground!" He yelled boldly, snatching the torch from the crowd, who had started cheering. Firewood had been taken from people's homes and placed around the stake. The sky had turned into a darkish gray. The sun had gone down.

Luke licked his lips and leaned the torch down to the wood but just before the flames touched the wood, something clicked and was pressed against his head.

"Touch the wood and I will pull this blasted trigger." Isabella said, her pistol pointed at Luke's head.

"Isabella?" Buffy cried, half out of shock and half out of relief. Luke laughed.

"You? A woman? Is going to take down me?" The crowd shared a small uneasy laugh but nobody moved.

"Untie my sister right now!" Isabella demanded, unwavering.

"This is not your sister, lass." Luke said, taking a small step forward, Isabella did not move.

"This is my sister, there are no demons in her. She is just in love, that's all it is."

"She is not feeling love, lass! She is feeling evil and hate." Luke argued.

"Thats only because your trying to *burn* me!" Buffy yelled. Luke went to take a step closer to Isabella.

"Don't move!" The young woman warned. Luke smiled tautly and took a step forward.

"What are you going to do?" He teased

"This." Isabella said and aimed the pistol at Luke's leg and fired. The crowd gasped and some women screamed. Luke cried out in pain and clutched his leg, dropping the torch and falling to the ground. The torch hit the wood as it was dropped and slowly a fired blazed at the stake. Buffy yelled out, struggling at best as she could.

"See, you couldn't kill me, woman." Luke gasped.

"Maybe she couldn't. But I will." A voice growled. Stepping out of the shadows, Angelus and William appeared, behind them were about twenty vampires.

"Anyone up for some steak?" William growled.

Part Sixteen

The fire was licking Buffy's feet as she struggled against the bonds.

"William, get the girl. I'll kill these stupid folk." Angelus commanded, licking his lips in anticipation. The adrenaline of the fight was coursing through his body. Buffy's hope of a bright future with Angelus was suddenly smashed. She was so stupid! How could she have been this blind to not even know that her lover was a demon. Now he was killing all of her neighbors and family? Hell no. If only she get out of these damn bonds...

Isabella slammed the butt of the pistol in the back of Luke's head and desperately tried to stamp the fire down with her foot. Luke fell to the ground, unconscious.

"Hurry, Isabella!" Buffy shouted.

"A full fire against a country gal, think about it Buffy!" Isabella's voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Alexander grabbed Cordelia around the arm, they had lost sight of Rupert a while ago. All the women were gone and replaced with men with torches, pitchforks, kitchen knives, anything that they can get their hands. They had to head into the Woods, everything else was blocked by moving things that punch or kick.

Suddenly something latched on to Cordelia's arm, fangs baring towards her pretty neck.

"Alexander!" She shrieked, smacking at the vampire's arm in a futile attempt to escape it's iron grip.

"Get off of her!" Alexander scream, seeing red, he pushed the vampire off the brunette. His fangs scraping the bottom of Cordelia's neck, drawing blood. Alexander ducked a wicked punch that would have probably torn his head off and pushed out with his fist, slamming the vampire into a tree branch. To the couple's surprise the thing turned into a whirlwind of dust. Cordelia yelled out again. Pushing his shock away, Alexander grabbed at her shoulder, turning him towards her.

"Are you alright?" No reply. "Damnit Cordelia, are you okay?!"

"What the *fuck* if going on!?" Cordelia finally yelled.

****

The heat was all around her, starting from her toes and slowly going up her thigh and then shooting up to her head. Her mind was going crazy with fears, doubts, pains, concerns, and numb realization of what the world is really like. She could see dead bodies scattered on the ground, blood on the walls, limbs thrown in various places, it was a mad house. Buffy suddenly knew that this was how she going to die. In an angry place of hell surrounded by demons and family and former lovers. It sucked.

Isabella whirled around when she heard a growl.

"Outta my way lass." A blonde man stood to his full height, sizing up the situation, looking at Buffy then Isabella. Isabella froze, his handsome face was contorted and shifted in demonic way. His yellow eyes following every curve of her body. He winked at her then pulled a dagger out of his waistband, advancing towards the stake.

"Get away from her!" Isabella shriek, suddenly moving into motion, she grabbed William's arm and pulled him back.

"Bloody hell, woman!" He growled at her and shrugged her off. As much as he would love to twist the pretty thing's neck, he was ordered not to harm any family. Except for the father, he was to be left for Angelus. The order had shocked William to the core. Angelus? Not wanting to hurt a family? What did this blonde woman do to his Sire?

Isabella stumbled backwards, but then jumped on his back, piggyback ride style. Buffy looked at her in disbelief.

"What in the name-" William was cut off but Buffy's short scream of pain. Her foot was on fire, the pain was buzzing in her head and panic settled in as she struggled and kicked and screamed.

Angelus could hear his mate's call for help. He grabbed the rival nearest to him and slammed him into the wall with a roar. He vision was blurry and red spots exploded around him as he sank his fangs into the boy's neck. Blood filled his mouth and he drank greedily, loving the way the red liquid slid down his throat and burning his stomach. Dropping the body to the ground, his mouth covered in the dark red liquid, the blood trickling down he chin, as he let out a roar of fury and battle rage. He saw William giving a woman a piggy back ride and he cursed him for his foolishness. His ears picked up to another painful scream from his beloved.

"Buffy!" He heard another man shout, his eyes flashed to their direction while his feet had already started working. A dark haired man and woman. Angelus had seen the man's face before but could not picture it for the life of him. His eyes focused again and he realized with a start that he was already in front of the burning stake. He could feel the heat from the flames and he felt another rush of adrenaline and danger. Just what Angelus loved.

"Angelus!" Buffy cried in relief, but with the gleam in his eyes she wasn't really sure if he would get her out of this mess.

Angelus jumped upon the firebrand moving quickly. He tore one of the ropes from her quickly, the felt the pain in his feet from practically standing upon the fire. He ripped the other ropes off with a loud growl, grabbing Buffy just before she fell. He carried her like a bride and groom on their wedding, but this was just the opposite. Angelus jumped from the firebrand, settling her down not as carefully as she wanted, but she was beyond caring.

"Fuck!" Angelus yelled swatting at the fire forming on his shoe, Buffy doing the same.

Alexander ran to where Buffy was sitting, holding her foot carefully.

"Buffy, what the hell are you doing? Get Isabella, we have to get out of here!" Alexander said, his hand tightly clasped with Cordelia's. He grabbed her arm roughly and pulled her to her feet. Buffy hissed at the pain of standing, causing a growl from Angelus, observing the scene with anger and jealousy. Angelus snatched her away from Alexander's grip, wrapping an arm around her waist, holding her back to his chest.

"The lady is staying with me."

Part Seventeen

"Never, demon." Alexander hissed and he pushed Cordelia protectively behind him. Buffy went to push Angelus away but his grip only tightened. Buffy could feel the rumble in his chest as he growled at her. Buffy was torn from leaning back into her demon lover or screaming and running to Alexander.

"Sire!" William grinned. Everyone's attention turned to William who had Isabella flung over his shoulder. She was squirming and kicking, demanding to be put down.

"Let go of her!" Cordelia shrieked, grabbing on to Alexander's arm a little tighter then he would have liked.

"Nah, thought I would keep the little bint, she is quite feisty." William looked Cordelia up and down. "You could always come if you want."

Alexander took a step forward, challenging William to say one more thing about the woman that had captured his heart.

"Enough." Angelus said simply. He raised an eyebrow at William, then he looked down at his treasure. She had a pleading look in her eye, as she looked at him. Angelus blinked, he had his vampire face on and she hadn't even blinked in eye.

"Put her down, Childe." William rolled his eyes and gently put Isabella down. As soon as she got her feet on the ground she slapped William across the face. William was dumbstruck as she quickly ran behind Cordelia.

"Bitch." William spat, but he the gleam in his eye told Angelus that he wasn't mad about the slap, just surprised maybe. Maybe William definitely had a fling for this chit. Angelus wouldn't mind the screams of pain and pleasure later from her, either.

While the bickering was going on, Buffy was stiff as a board. Her heart was beating a million miles an hour. Maybe it was because Angelus had his arm around her and that he called her *his* or it might be that a demon was holding on to her, debating if they should take her sisters and do only God knows what.

"As much fun as this has been lad," Angelus taking a second to glare at Alexander, he didn't like the possession that he showed for his woman. "we have to be going William. The children will take care of the rest, mate." The master vampire indicating to the newbie vampires at the all you can eat buffet of the town.

Cordelia gazed around the village, blood was spewed on the walls and the smell of death and decay was getting her sick to her stomach.

"*Without* Buffy." Isabella snapped, stepping out from behind Alexander she grabbed a hold of Buffy's wrist, pulling her towards the group. Angelus growled, pulling Buffy back towards him.

"Stop it!" Buffy shouted, but not daring to move out of the circle of the vampire's arms. She wasn't sure if she wanted to.

"I'm not some trophy you could show off to your lads! I'm my own person, and I'm not going with a bunch of...demons." Buffy said, the word coming out strangely from her mouth. I'm in shock, Buffy told herself quietly.

"See, lass, you don't understand. You are going to come with William and I, off to the castle and away from this bloody place. We will go somewhere new and exciting, doesn't that sound exquisite, love?" Angelus murmured into her ear, his lips brushing against her ear lobe. Buffy involuntarily shivered and couldn't help to think about how wonderful that sounded. Go to somewhere beautiful, to explore the world and be totally ignorant of everything horrible in her life.

"Buffy!" Alexander hissed, he could read her mind like a book. That look on her face was nothing to be excited or hopeful about. Luckily, her attention was adverted and she focused on Alexander.

"Oh bloody hell, mate!" William growled. "Take your bint, and I'll take the little one, kill the other two and lets get the fuck out of here!"

Buffy felt her insides turn to ice. Angelus let his arms drop from around Buffy's waist and took a small step back.

"Alright, love, you got a choice. Them or me?" Angelus's cocky grin appeared on his face in an instant. He could sense the inner turmoil and desperation on her face and he was loving every minute of it.

"She would never go with a demon!" Cordelia snapped then paused. "Right?!"

With a demon, the words repeated in Buffy's head over and over. Her heart wanted to go with Angelus and spend eternity together in a new world, yet her mind was telling her that the bastard lied to her and almost killed her father. It was not proper to court a bloody demon anyway. Her head was buzzing and she felt a familiar heartache coming on. She stepped towards Alexander.

Isabella let a cry of relief out, she didn't want to be vampire food, she also did not want to die here by these God forsaken Woods! Isabella grabbed her sister's hand tightly, never wanting to let go, who knows what might happen. Maybe another nutcase will want to burn her to the stake, just to be rescued by vampires. This was insane!

Angelus's jaw tightened, anger and jealousy blazed in his eyes. His mate had betrayed him? That little bint would pay. Angelus cursed himself, it was strange how many times he said that and yet he was too fucking soft to lay a hand on her. He only killed *one* person dear to her. He was off his game. William seemed to sense the anger in his sire, the blood lust and the adrenaline high in his system.

"What should we do with them, ducks?" William raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing." Angelus said dryly. Maybe this wasn't about Buffy's choice. It was about his. Could he just stand there with this emptiness rising in his stomach as he watched his mate leave him? Or would he throw caution to the sea and just grab the blonde and smash their lips together?

"What? Sire-" William was shocked. A chosen mate just betrayed and royally pissed off a master vampire and the poof was going to do nothing about it!?

"I said *nothing*!" Angelus shouted, glaring at his Childe. He gave his lover one last look of pity, disgust, and the odd feeling of sadness. "You don't know what you’re missing, Buffy."

Then he walked away.

Part Eighteen

*******

2 and a half years later.

Rupert had recovered quickly, he had apologized so many times that Buffy was getting very sick of it. She had told her father that it was all right, that it had been her fault for not believing him and for being so ignorant, but he would have none of it. He showered her with new gowns, jewelry, and the thing she liked best...books. Rupert was getting old and as the days go by it seemed to be harder for him to get out of bed but he still forced himself to go to Eliza's grave every Sunday. About 3 months ago Rupert had passed away in his sleep. It had been hard on all of the sisters but with Alexander in the family, it had softened the blow. At least now Rupert was with his love.

Six months ago Cordelia and Alexander had started fighting way more than usual. They would make below-the-belt comments and snide remarks, only to make it all up with hidden smoochies and wild rumps in the bedroom. Alexander finally swallowed his courage and asked Cordelia her hand in marriage. Cordelia had erupted and asked how the hell he could ask her that when she looked so wretched. In the end she ended up saying yes. The wedding was a simple but beautiful party at the village center. Before he died, Rupert had said that this will hopefully be Cordelia's *last* wedding.

Isabella had quickly grown a little bit older and more mature since the event that happened in the Woods. She had learned that she should not take everything for granted, to listen to her father more and not to believe looks and tight dresses were everything in a woman. She actually picked up one of Buffy's book. Isabella claimed that she read the whole thing, no one believed her, Buffy told her it would be an unsolved mystery. Isabella got over her crush on Alexander, and is now courting a young fellow named Ozbourne. Isabella thinks that he is the one.

Everyone seemed fine but Buffy. Her facade was slowly wearing down and her heart seemed to be shattered into pieces. She felt green with envy looking at Cordelia and Alexander. They were so much in love and yet there was no obstacles in their way. Why did they get it so damn simple? Why did the one she loved have to be a bleedin' vampire? A demon from hell, yet have the voice and body of a God.

Her thoughts kept wandering back to the day in the Woods. What if she had picked Angelus? What if Angelus was true to his word? Like he was all the other times, Buffy thought bitterly. She pushed the thought away and let her mind wander again. Would they be whisked away to be placed in a land of surpassing beauty and love? Would they make love under the moon and live happily ever after? Could demons make love?

Damnit, here she was thinking about Angelus and making love. She had to stop this. He was probably in Ireland or England, laughing at the beautiful woman who threw themselves in his way. A familiar anger resurface at the thought of Angelus with other woman. She admitted to herself that she might have given up a possible future with the man-...vampire that she loved. A week after the Woods she has ran to the Laird's castle, her hopes were set high just to be smashed down to find the castle empty and deserted. Angelus and William had left Scotland on to new adventures. It felt like they also left a large hole in her heart. It was silly after almost 3 years she was still stuck on the events.

Sure, she had dated a few guys, but it was never everything serious. Isabella was the only one who seemed to notice her constant heart ace and pain. She had told her that there were more people better then a lowly person like Angelus. Yet, she didn't want anyone better. She wanted Angelus. She wanted *her* Angelus. It was an impossible dream and his face invaded and haunted her dreams at night. Sometimes he would just appear in front of her and it would just turn out to be some other man or no one at all.

She had skipped her and Alexander's meeting by the Woods, it seemed too painful. Anyway, Cordelia was jealous, it had been more than once when she had accused Buffy for trying to steal Alexander away from her. Buffy could never stop laughing at that.

At the moment, she was walking down the path, around the whole village. The air was brisk and if Buffy listened close enough, she could just hear the ocean crash upon the rocks. To anyone else it would be a damp and sunless day. But to Buffy it was beautiful. She wished the clouds would open up and let the rain fall, then in exchange for the rain they could take her.

Her eyes suddenly caught something moving by the Lairg's castle. She squinted to see what it was. A rogue animal maybe? No. Buffy glanced around, curiosity killed the cat, she reminded herself. She never really got that saying. Oh to hell with it! Buffy picked up her skirts and headed to the castle.

Buffy made it to the door in under 7 minutes. The door was already disturbed and half open. It had to be a person, but who would go into the Lairg's castle? People say that it is haunted, but once again she had laughed in their face. She bit her lower lip and stepped inside.

"Hello?" She instantly cursed herself. Great way to get yourself killed, Buffy.

She saw a figure move to the right, by the fireplace. She spun around only to find what her eyes not dare to see. No, it couldn't be. Could it? She squinted and took a small step forward. She was sure that who ever was in the castle was aware of her presence now.

His pale fingers were gently tracing Celtic patterns on the dust atop the fireplace. He stopped then turned to face her. She couldn't help the gasp that escaped her throat. It was him. His pale face looked the same but it was the small details that Buffy found that no one else could identify. His lips were turned into a natural frown as if it hurt him to smile. His eye brows were knit in concentration and she could feel his eyes take her in. His long brown hair was tasseled and his shoulders were stiff. His dark orbs seemed so sad and full of guilt. The pain and remembrance in them scared her and she wanted nothing to soothe him.

"Angelus." Buffy breathed. The vampire sadly shook his head and looked down. Buffy felt slightly puzzled, he looked like Angelus but his eyes and attitude were different. A whole different person. She reached him and took his cold hands in her own, squeezing them. Trying to give him some sense of comfort. It seemed to work. He slowly raised his head, his sad eyes tracing her lips.

"Who are you?" Buffy asked softly, massaging his palm with her thumb. This man was her Angelus but...wasn't.

"My name is Angel."

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