for zanita
Night Vigil part two.
Cordy/Angel
nc-17
previous chap can be found here
Night Vigils sequel
Angel waited for the door to open as usual, a frown growing on his brow, as it remained firmly closed. He knocked as loudly as he could without disturbing her, but still nothing happened. Cold realization slithered through his mind and for a moment he considered forcing the lock. It seemed his nightly vigils were at an end- but who had made the decision? Dennis or....
"Dennis, it’s me; let me in," Angel knew his voice sounded pleading and stopped abruptly. Silence greeted him, and then a slight rustle drew his eyes down. He stooped to pick up the slip of paper that had appeared under the door, and opened it with slightly trembling fingers.
"Sorry. What she wants." Angel swallowed thickly, crumpling the piece of paper in his fist abruptly. Irrational anger filled him as he stared at the closed door.
What about his wants? Didn't he deserve to be part of this decision? Even as his mind raged, his mouth twisted wryly. The moment he'd been dreading had finally come; trouble was, Angel had thought *he* would eventually be the one to end this torture. But he knew deep down that he would never have been able to put a stop to it. His visits had become an obsession; something he needed almost as much as the blood he drank.
Cordelia had done the right thing, Angel told himself, repeating the words like a mantra in his head.
But he didn't have to like it.
His skin suddenly felt too tight for his body, and the urge to kick the door open and rage at her had him stepping back rapidly. It was for the best. As he turned away and walked down the hall, Angel deliberately cleared his head of all thought.
Once in his car and pulling away from the building, his anger poured back in, increasing by the second. The vampire had his limitations, yeah, he knew that- but the nights he spent at his seer's bedside made his unlife more bearable. Was it wrong to have a taste of what he could never have? The further he moved away from her the hotter and more irrational his rage became.
What right did she have to do this? His hands clenched around the steering wheel, the plastic protesting against the growing pressure, and it took all his self-control to relax his grip. The soul struggled for supremacy but his demon was too enraged and powerful to ignore and his soul, to be honest, wasn’t fighting too strongly. Thoughts of punishment rolled through his seething mind.
By the time he returned back to the hotel, his head felt full and heavy. His footfalls echoed his mood as he made his way up to his room, and once there, flung himself onto his bed fully clothed and rolled onto his back, staring sightlessly at the ceiling.
"Tomorrow," Angel murmured softly to himself; the amber glow in his eyes strengthening and taking form, until his natural face took over, showing the demon within.
Tomorrow... it was finally time to confront his seer and ... what? He shifted with irritation and clenched his jaw tight, even as his body hardened at the image of her beautiful terrified face. It fed the empty ache in his gut and gave him a modicum of relief… and then let out a ragged breath.
Maybe tomorrow he would feel calmer; see things differently and realize that it *was* for the best. But right now, right now... for now he'd dwell and, for a time, hate Cordelia Chase with every fiber of his being.
~*~*~*~*~*
Sleep wouldn’t come. But she knew Angel would.
As Cordelia huddled against the headboard, she again listed the reasons why this was for the best. The past few weeks had been hard, so hard, and yet… so dangerous. Each night had become a trial. Her eyes wanted to open, her arms wanted to reach out.
The gentle touches had gradually become possessive, the soft kisses firmer, as if the vampire *wanted* her to acknowledge him, and each night she kept her body still and desperately ignored his unspoken plea. She knew he could scent her arousal, her need, and finally she’d come to the decision that the game they were playing had to stop.
It wasn’t an abrupt decision. It had taken a series of nightmares to push aside want. Standing watching as Angelus bathed in the blood of their friends; the expressions of betrayal in their eyes as they died in ways that still made her break out in a cold sweat. Yes, they were only dreams- but a part of her wondered if they really were?
The ache in her head after each one reminded her unpleasantly of the pain of post-vision. Fair enough, not as agonizing or debilitating, but still… And that afternoon she’d decided to end it. Time to push aside selfishness and consider the repercussions.
Cordelia tensed and curled her legs closer to her body; he was here. One minute Dennis was hovering around her attempting reassurance, the next, her bedroom door opened and his presence left the room abruptly.
Although not a sound was heard, Cordelia knew he was behind the front door. She could almost feel his confusion, helplessness- and rage. Her mouth curled in self-derision; maybe those emotions were her own, who knew? She hoped they were. The last thing Cordy needed was an angry, vengeful vampire pissed off at her and unable to accept that this was the right thing to do.
Dennis eventually returned and hovered around her and she slowly eased herself down on the mattress, a trembling sigh tearing from her chest. The door remained intact and silence continued. The brunette hoped to God that meant he *had* understood her decision; had realized hopefully that it had to end. Closing her tired eyes, Cordy prayed for the oblivion of sleep and the rapid approach of dawn, of rational thought, even as her body ached for his now-absent touches and the palpable caress of his beautiful eyes.
Could she hate herself any more right now? Cordy doubted it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The following day, Angel acted like nothing untoward had happened, but Cordy still couldn’t relax. Each time he walked passed her, or asked her a question, her whole body would tense waiting for some kind of comment to follow. By the time early evening crept its way in, every muscle ached.
Angel’s demeanor had changed; she couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was a subtle difference in him. He would stay too close too long, tiny touches that were not quite felt but she knew were there. And she could of sworn once of twice through the day he scented her.
Little things Just enough off kilter to get her hackles up, but not enough to pinpoint anything specific. It was driving her crazy. Until finally, when Wes asked Gunn to pick up some blood for the vampire, she found herself shooting to her feet and volunteering; anything to get away for a while.
Angel watched her leave through thoughtful eyes, and a small smile touching the edge of his pale mouth. He’d known what he was doing, and just couldn’t find it in himself to feel guilty. Didn’t want to back off- in fact, he wanted to push and push until Cordy clued into exactly how furious he was.
No… not furious; merely wanting a conclusion to the game they’d been playing for months. As far as he was concerned, the gloves were off. If She could change the rules, why couldn’t he do the same?
When shortly after Cordy had left, Gunn grabbed his denim jacket and muttered something about hanging with his crew for the rest of the night, Angel suggested casually that Wes might as well go home too. The man lingered indecisive until Angel reassured him he’d make sure Cordy got home safely once she’d returned, and to call if them both if she had a vision. Wes relaxed and agreed, collecting his things and hurrying off in the hopes to catch a bookshop he frequented before it closed for the night.
For the first time in what had been a hell of a long stretch, Angel embraced his demon. Sitting in the chair vacated by the ex Watcher, he sank into himself and prepared for Cordy’s return. He would force Cordy to face what they are both feeling, he decided grimly. All thoughts of repercussions left his mind in his need for revenge… but was this revenge? He chuckled quietly to himself.
No, if Angel were brutally honest this was something he’d wanted to do from that very first night, but the soul had always been there, pushing reason and rationale to the surface, and tamping down ruthlessly the baser urges of his demon. Oh, the soul was still there, yeah; but for now, this was between the demon/man and his woman.
Didn’t Cordy get it? From the moment she consciously continued the game instead of putting a halt to it then and there, she had mutely given herself into his hands. She had no one to blame but herself for the situation they were now both in.
He sat back and waited, letting the shadows of night slither and creep around him until his large hulk was hidden from view; watching the main doors from beneath hooded eyes from the dark office.
*~*~*~*
Cordy pushed the door open and frowned upon finding the lobby deserted. Only a few scattered lights were on and they cast an eerie glow over everything. As she descended the short flight of stairs, a shudder of unease crawled up her spine, but she shrugged it off; in their business, feeling creeped out by their place of work was a bit silly.
“Wes? Gunn?” she called, looking around before heaving the bag of containers more securely into her arms and quickly making her way to the mini fridge behind the desk.
Just as she placed the last container in the fridge and closed the door, she felt that shiver run along her spine again. All of a sudden, she could feel him, like a whisper of breath right behind her, nothing physical, but it made her skin bump and prickle
“Christ!” Cordy straightened rapidly and turned around to face Angel, words of chastisement on the tip of her tongue; but something in his eyes, flashing gold and whiskey, stopped her from doing the usual slap on his chest and tell off, instead she leaned back
"God, Angel," she clutched her chest with a trembling hand. "Stealth much?" He smiled and remained silent. “Um…where are Wes and Gunn?” she asked a little breathlessly. Angel rocked on his heels and looked down at her silently for a long, uncomfortable moment. She shifted nervously under his unreadable gaze and swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat.
“They’ve gone for the night,” he finally replied, leaning forward just enough to crowd her and whispering," It’s just me and you." and he began taking tiny sips of air, not quite breathing, more like he was drinking champagne. Cordy sidestepped and took a step back; he moved a step forward and she swallowed again, hard. A slight frown marred his pale brow as his eyes scanned her face.
"You okay, Cor? Kinda jumpy today, ain’t ya," His pale lips curved into a parody of a smile, causing a chill to creep up her spine.
"No, no, just... you *so* need a bell, creeping around like that," Cordy forced a smile onto her tense face.
"What; to go with my leash?" The smile widened, and an image of a Great White abruptly slid into her mind. She edged along the counter, attempting to put some space between them, breathing a silent sigh of relief when he remained where he was.
"Well... gee, look at the time!" Cordy glanced down and blindly looked at her watch, an over bright smile widening her lips, "better make a move; busy busy, ya know?" Taking a breath, Cordy lifted her chin, walking forward to brush past him- then he moved.
An involuntary gasp left her as he once again mirrored her movements with ease.
"It's still early, Cordy." Angel's voice whispered along her nerve endings, setting off tiny electric charges along her body. "I'm sure we can find... stuff to do," he added softly.
All of Cordy’s internal alarm bells went off in an inward cacophony of noise, and her eyes narrowed as her worst fear crept into her mind.
“A-angel?” His name stumbled out on a tremor and she cursed her growing inability to deal.
“Don’t fret; still got the soul, Cor.” A dark brow rose even as a slow grin stretched his mouth; a grin that made her shudder.
"Find that hard to believe right now” Her chest felt tight with lack of air.
"You're still alive ain’t ya?" He countered, the smile disappearing as quickly as it had come.
“This…this isn’t you!” She responded, searching his dark eyes anxiously. Angel let out a short bark of laughter.
“Oh, but it is, honey,” That shark like smile returned. She shuddered visibly and Angel watched her reaction with amused interest.
“Stop it, you’re scaring me. Stop acting like- like a- a…”
"Like a demon?" He cut in roughly. "Say it, “ Sighing deeply, he glanced away briefly before turning back to capture her frightened gaze. “It’s what I am; not a pet, Cordy, or some pimply-faced jock. Its time you realized that”
Her breath caught in her throat and she glanced behind her, working out how far she was to the door. He was a good few feet away from her now; she could probably make it if she ran like fuck- her head turned back and a shocked gasp left her mouth on finding him inches away from her.
"Master vampire, Cor, speed comes with the gig." 250 years of hunting had honed his skills and he had stayed true to form. His main advantage always surprise. The face of an angel, to keep them in his sights, and the heart of a devil, to keep them off kilter
“Angel, please…” Words failed Cordy as she backed away, desperately praying for some kind of rescue, but she doubted that would happen; Wes and Gunn would have gone straight out for the night. Darts at their drinking hole usually ended with one crashing at the other’s home.
“Please… love that word,” Angel purred, his voice like velvet dragged over gravel as he deftly herded her back until she stumbled on the stairs. A glimpse of soft, inner thigh momentarily distracted him and Cordy took that moment to get to her feet and turn to run up the stairs.
The vampire grinned with satisfaction, seeing her falter as she reached the top, as if suddenly realizing her mistake.
“Run, rabbit, run,” His voice whispered behind Cordy and panic set in. Her head swiveled from side to side, trying to figure the best way to go.
Rational thought crept in for a second and she turned to the left- away from his rooms.
Angel tilted his dark head, listening and breathing in deep. Her fear coated the back of his throat, and even as the soul looked on helpless yet accepting; the demon lapped it up and roared within.
He moved at a casual pace up the stairs, whistling softly to himself. Oh, he wasn’t going to hurt her, but his seer needed to know she couldn’t shut him out like that. No one shut him out- especially her.
She had no one to blame but herself for this; should have known better than to push his buttons. Sometimes she forgot he wasn't a man. Angel shook his head for a moment; no, that wasn't exactly right. Cordy knew exactly what was under his skin, but thought she was immune to that side of him. Big mistake.
Like all the others, Cordy misunderstood. Angelus wasn’t the demon who escaped now and then, pushing out a separate entity; Angel *was* his demon. When would she get that? An anticipatory smile curled his mouth, knowing that after tonight there would be no more doubts.
Tonight, his demon would have his fun, and tomorrow…. Angel wouldn’t think about tomorrow until tonight was over and done with.
~*~*~*~*
Cordelia ran along the hallway, glancing at each door as she passed. None of them would work; the last thing she wanted was to be trapped. Not being able to hear him didn’t help, but she just *knew* he couldn't be far behind. Bastard! The familiar sensation of being prey settled in her bones.
The stairwell loomed ahead of her. She picked up her pace and reached out trembling hands to pull open the door, letting it swing shut behind her, wincing at the dull thud.
Glancing briefly down the shadowed stairwell, she froze in her descent. A pale hand a blur on the handrail below. How the hell did he get there so quick? Angel released the rail, grinning with satisfaction when he heard the clatter of heels as she instead climbed the stairs. He melted back into the shadows.
Too many corridors later, Cordy looked around almost blindly- then her vision cleared: 217. Fuck! How had that happened? She turned to run- and slammed into a wall of hard flesh and muscle.
Angel grinned into her stunned face. “But you just got here, baby. Why the rush to leave?” Adopting an air of confusion, he looked at her enquiringly.
Anger temporarily pushed aside her fear, “What the he-hey!” Angel swooped, caught and carried.
Cordy was in his bedroom before she had chance to say more; the quiet snick of the lock echoed in the lush darkness. She found herself being dropped abruptly and pushed away; the move so unexpected, she stumbled.
Cordy regained her balance and straightened, backing away a little more, and eyed the vampire warily. His back still to the door, just...standing there with his arms folded. Think, Cor! Think, for God's sake! her mind a whirl. "Look, Angel... you gotta start thinking straight; this thing; you know the thing?"
She knew she was babbling but couldn’t seem to stop the words flying out of her mouth even as she continued to back away,. "We couldn't keep doing that- we had to… *I* had to-" He appeared like magic directly in front of her, a cool finger pressed firmly against her parted mouth, stilling any further words.
"Shhh, I know, Cor," His voice was pitched low, expression momentarily understanding, but then his face smoothed out until she could no longer read him.
"I *am* thinking straight; in fact, I'm thinking a lot clearer than I have in a long time, and what you did..." he paused, pale face tightening ominously, " It was the wrong call." A sliver of steel laced his low voice and she shuddered.
"Angel, stop this-" He lifted a hand sharply, cutting her off. Then Angel was behind her, blowing soft puffs of air across her neck before Cordy realized that he moved. She damned him for his preternatural speed.
"You want this.” Cordy felt the cool damp press of his mouth against her nape for the barest moment. "Don't deny it.” His whisper lifted the hairs on the back of her neck.
"I’m not," She tilted her head away, "This yes, I want this. Its what happens tomorrow that scares me." Cool hands crept around her waist and applied the slightest pressure, just enough to make her tense.
"You don’t get it, Cor." His heavy sigh vibrated through her spine, "You disappoint me."
"Cos I don't wanna be your first victim?" Cordy turned her head in an attempt to see his face. "Thanks but I'll pass." Angel didn't miss the 'your' and his demon purred. His Cordy had him pegged.
"That won’t happen,” He quickly responded; Cordy pffted and shifted against him restlessly. “What would it take to make you trust me?" Angel nuzzled into the crook of her neck and it took everything she had not to lean into his mouth.
"Let me think..." Cordy attempted to pull out of his firm hold, then sighed and gave up. "Letting me go would be a start."
"And after that? How far would you run?" His voice sounded almost casual -and a little amused. He seemed to be content just to stand there, and slowly, her nerve crept back.
"Like I'd tell the crazy vampire" She felt rather than heard the soft chuckle that left his mouth at that.
"So, besides letting you go, what would it take?" He finally asked. Cordy sighed heavily.
Angel seemed a little more relaxed, and a little less... psychotic, so she pulled the remains of her courage around her and turned in his arms. "Angel..." Her voice softened to a plea as she reached up and cupped his face between her hands. "We need to get past this. Don't throw away what we've got just to have something we can't."
"What about If I want it all?" Under the lightness of his tone, Cordy could hear a thread of anger and desperation. She locked eyes with him and attempted to read exactly what was going on in his head, but even as she stared, a wall of ice descended and hid his thoughts from her.
"Angel, please don't shut me out," She could feel him closing off to her and the earlier panic welled up in her gut. “Not again,” She whispered, a slight catch in her voice. He shuddered, and then hardened his heart. The need was just too strong.
Cor, you talk too much." Angel decided he'd had enough with the listening. His lips stretched into a chilling grin, "I know of a better use for that pretty mouth.", He slid his hands up her sides, using the softest touch he knew. Down her arms, to wrap around the fragile bones of her wrists; a quick tug was all it took to get her hands behind her back, pinned in the hollow of her back.
For a brief moment he missed the warmth cupping his face, but that was only a taste of the heat he wanted to revel in.
He dipped his head like a snake going in for the kill and Cordy sucked in a sharp breath of fear. The firm grip on her wrists wasn’t tight, but she knew there’d be no point attempting to struggle free. The Angel in front of her was an unknown quantity; not quite Angelus, but nowhere near the vampire she’d grown to know and love.
Angel smiled against the flesh of her throat at the frightened sound. He’d never hurt her, but at the same time, he really wasn’t in the mood to reassure her. Reassurance meant talking, and that activity no longer had a part in his plans for his seer. Opening his mouth, his tongue darted out and lapped at the jumping pulse skittering under her skin. The salt of faint sweat exploded on his taste buds and drew his mouth nearer until his lips sealed over her flesh.
Though the fullness of her breasts, her heartbeat vibrated from her chest to his, giving him an echo of life he didn’t possess, and he pressed closer. Cordy squeezed her eyes shut at the sensation of the vampire’s mouth fixed firmly over her jugular, her whole body tensing. Was this it? Was he going to taste her…or drain her?
A hysterical giggle bubbled in her chest but melted away before it reached her throat. Of all the times she’d been close to death at the hands of a vampire at one time or other in her short life, it had never, ever occurred to her that it could be taken by Angel, the only souled vampire on the planet.
At least her death would be poetic one; a tragic, sick joke, yeah, but definitely poetic.
Soft cotton slid down her arms and she jolted. Cordy hadn’t even been aware that he’d unbuttoned her top. The fabric draped over her hands and his, and for a moment he released his grip; just long enough for the blouse to drop to the floor. Her back arched at his physical insistence and those lips lowered until they brushed against the lace of her bra.
This time she was all too aware when he removed the last barrier. The thin fabric holding the cups together snapped like candy floss- and she blushed. The vivid colour spread from her face to her chest and Angel paused. “Not like I haven’t seen you before,” he muttered softly against her flesh; then his mouth engulfed a rigid nipple.
OhGodohGodohGod… this was nothing like the almost reverent touch she’d become used to over the last month or so- this was encompassing. The faintest whisper of fang brushed the sensitive tip and she tensed in his arms. “Angel…” His name echoed softly in the room and he chuckled low in his throat at the fearful question laced through it.
His face shifted until once more smooth and a shuddering breath wracked her body. Her skirt pooled at her feet and Cordy was once more reminded of the fluidity of the vampire who gracefully fell to his knees in front of her. Wet open-mouthed kisses trailed along ribs and abdomen, her wrists abruptly released and hips captured in those powerful hands.
Her own automatically lifted and rested on his dark head; slim fingers sliding through his soft hair and clutching at the thick strands. Looking down at him, the protest died in her throat as he rubbed his face against the lace of her thong not unlike a cat wrapping itself around ankles and she trembled.
This was so, so wrong, and yet she couldn’t stop him; not because of his strength, but because of her own weakness. She wanted this; and the want temporarily eclipsed the fear of repercussions. Her fingernails scraped his scalp gently and the beast purred.
Angel’s hands curved round her hips and cupped her bare ass, squeezing the firm globes before sliding down and wrapping around the back of her trembling thighs, pulling her closer and opening her up. Blunt teeth nipped her clit through the sodden material and her legs buckled. Fabric stretched tight and a sharp snap, and then moist flesh against flesh. She moaned aloud and it was his turn to tremble.
His tongue darted out and flicked against the swollen bud and the honeyed taste of her bathed his taste buds. He growled low in his throat and the vibration almost undid her. Those cool, dangerous lips opened more and sucked her sensitive flesh into his mouth. At the same time one hand traced the crevace of her ass and lingered over her puckered opening before skittering past and sliding lower.
“Angel!” Cordy gasped aloud as a thick finger speared her core, and the vampire loved the way she said it. Another finger joined the first, curling and pulling slowly out, his lips suckling her clit in a gentle rhythm that made her shake with want. In and out, in and out. Her legs gave up on standing and it was only the strong arm that wrapped around her hips that prevented her from falling. The pace of his fingers quickened and his mouth applied almost punishing pressure. She wailed; he reveled in the sound.
Tight, hot, wet and like raw satin. His cock ached to replace his fingers, but for now he was content to play. He could almost taste the blood that engorged the nub he sucked hard and his fangs itched, elongating. At the first flutter of her hot walls against his invading fingers, Angel gently scraped the tip of one razor-sharp fang against her swollen flesh- and relished her short, sharp scream even as he greedily lapped at the drops of blood that touched his tongue.
White light exploded behind her eyes and she blindly clutched at his head as her world shrunk to that place between her legs. She folded forward and her feet left the ground as brief oblivion swamped her mind.
When Cordy opened her eyes she became aware of the soft fabric against her back and Angel on all fours caging her in on his bed. Her rapidly blinking eyes ran from his taut face and along his pale body, now as naked as she. They lingered on his exposed sex, huge, hard and jutting proud from a nest of dark curly hair and she swallowed tightly.
“Touch me,” his whispered request ran like a dark velvet caress along her nerve endings and without coherent thought, she reached out and encircled his flesh. Cool. Marble. Soft. And strangely alive in her grasp. His cock jerked at her touch even as his hips bucked. Her grasp tightened; a touch of mean in her as she squeezed him cruelly. Dilated eyes met and clashed and Angel grinned wolfishly.
Her nails pressed into the rigid flesh and amber streaked through his intent gaze. Tiny drops of blood glistened against the pale flesh and the grin sharpened; blood for blood.
Cordy's inexperience shone in the depths of hazel, and that made her clutching, firm grip all the more erotic- in that passion drove her. He bathed in it like a tiger after a satisfying kill. The beast roared and he swooped to conquer his mate.
*~*~*~*~
He filled her body with his cool seed, taking her hot blood in exchange. And fought the urge to continue drinking, reminding himself of his promises. Orgasm-rich blood flooded his mouth. Blistering heat raced along his veins, even as wrenching pain and loss blended with rich pleasure ripping through the gossamer threads of his very essence.
The demon roared in triumph; a silent apology from the soul a bare whisper in the air.
Reluctantly, the reborn vampire retracted his fangs and laved the twin punctures with care. Cordy sighed contentedly, even as her body trembled with aftershocks of pleasure.
For a long moment she clutched his large body tight, unbearably close to her own; almost as if reassuring herself that he was still with her. Silence blanketed the dark room, and he waited.... then; "A-Angel?" His eyes slammed shut and he wrapped his heavy arms around her slight form. Time to play.
Cordy tensed and she waited for a response. Slowly, his dark head damp with sweat, lifted and after a moment a sob wrenched from her chest as familiar soft brown eyes gazed into hers. ThankGodThankGod. for a minute…
Without a word, Angel eased his softening cock from her heat and rolled to the side, reaching out to pull her tightly against him.
Both were beyond words and clung to each other, one aching with intense relief, the other with a deep satisfaction that would have terrified her very soul.
As he threaded gentle fingers through her tangled damp hair, he stared up at the ceiling, a smile tilting his firm mouth.
It couldn't be that difficult, he decided, rather amused at the enormity of what he was about to pull off. As long as he kept in mind that this family was off the menu, and continued with the mission, none would be any the wiser- and he'd get to keep the girl.
At the end of the day, that was all Angelus wanted. And what he wanted, he invariably got. His woman; his mate. The vampire's hand slid along her side and cupped her hip possessively.
For today, this was enough. He’d think of tomorrow...tomorrow.
FIN
Cordy/Angel
nc-17
previous chap can be found here
Night Vigils sequel
Angel waited for the door to open as usual, a frown growing on his brow, as it remained firmly closed. He knocked as loudly as he could without disturbing her, but still nothing happened. Cold realization slithered through his mind and for a moment he considered forcing the lock. It seemed his nightly vigils were at an end- but who had made the decision? Dennis or....
"Dennis, it’s me; let me in," Angel knew his voice sounded pleading and stopped abruptly. Silence greeted him, and then a slight rustle drew his eyes down. He stooped to pick up the slip of paper that had appeared under the door, and opened it with slightly trembling fingers.
"Sorry. What she wants." Angel swallowed thickly, crumpling the piece of paper in his fist abruptly. Irrational anger filled him as he stared at the closed door.
What about his wants? Didn't he deserve to be part of this decision? Even as his mind raged, his mouth twisted wryly. The moment he'd been dreading had finally come; trouble was, Angel had thought *he* would eventually be the one to end this torture. But he knew deep down that he would never have been able to put a stop to it. His visits had become an obsession; something he needed almost as much as the blood he drank.
Cordelia had done the right thing, Angel told himself, repeating the words like a mantra in his head.
But he didn't have to like it.
His skin suddenly felt too tight for his body, and the urge to kick the door open and rage at her had him stepping back rapidly. It was for the best. As he turned away and walked down the hall, Angel deliberately cleared his head of all thought.
Once in his car and pulling away from the building, his anger poured back in, increasing by the second. The vampire had his limitations, yeah, he knew that- but the nights he spent at his seer's bedside made his unlife more bearable. Was it wrong to have a taste of what he could never have? The further he moved away from her the hotter and more irrational his rage became.
What right did she have to do this? His hands clenched around the steering wheel, the plastic protesting against the growing pressure, and it took all his self-control to relax his grip. The soul struggled for supremacy but his demon was too enraged and powerful to ignore and his soul, to be honest, wasn’t fighting too strongly. Thoughts of punishment rolled through his seething mind.
By the time he returned back to the hotel, his head felt full and heavy. His footfalls echoed his mood as he made his way up to his room, and once there, flung himself onto his bed fully clothed and rolled onto his back, staring sightlessly at the ceiling.
"Tomorrow," Angel murmured softly to himself; the amber glow in his eyes strengthening and taking form, until his natural face took over, showing the demon within.
Tomorrow... it was finally time to confront his seer and ... what? He shifted with irritation and clenched his jaw tight, even as his body hardened at the image of her beautiful terrified face. It fed the empty ache in his gut and gave him a modicum of relief… and then let out a ragged breath.
Maybe tomorrow he would feel calmer; see things differently and realize that it *was* for the best. But right now, right now... for now he'd dwell and, for a time, hate Cordelia Chase with every fiber of his being.
~*~*~*~*~*
Sleep wouldn’t come. But she knew Angel would.
As Cordelia huddled against the headboard, she again listed the reasons why this was for the best. The past few weeks had been hard, so hard, and yet… so dangerous. Each night had become a trial. Her eyes wanted to open, her arms wanted to reach out.
The gentle touches had gradually become possessive, the soft kisses firmer, as if the vampire *wanted* her to acknowledge him, and each night she kept her body still and desperately ignored his unspoken plea. She knew he could scent her arousal, her need, and finally she’d come to the decision that the game they were playing had to stop.
It wasn’t an abrupt decision. It had taken a series of nightmares to push aside want. Standing watching as Angelus bathed in the blood of their friends; the expressions of betrayal in their eyes as they died in ways that still made her break out in a cold sweat. Yes, they were only dreams- but a part of her wondered if they really were?
The ache in her head after each one reminded her unpleasantly of the pain of post-vision. Fair enough, not as agonizing or debilitating, but still… And that afternoon she’d decided to end it. Time to push aside selfishness and consider the repercussions.
Cordelia tensed and curled her legs closer to her body; he was here. One minute Dennis was hovering around her attempting reassurance, the next, her bedroom door opened and his presence left the room abruptly.
Although not a sound was heard, Cordelia knew he was behind the front door. She could almost feel his confusion, helplessness- and rage. Her mouth curled in self-derision; maybe those emotions were her own, who knew? She hoped they were. The last thing Cordy needed was an angry, vengeful vampire pissed off at her and unable to accept that this was the right thing to do.
Dennis eventually returned and hovered around her and she slowly eased herself down on the mattress, a trembling sigh tearing from her chest. The door remained intact and silence continued. The brunette hoped to God that meant he *had* understood her decision; had realized hopefully that it had to end. Closing her tired eyes, Cordy prayed for the oblivion of sleep and the rapid approach of dawn, of rational thought, even as her body ached for his now-absent touches and the palpable caress of his beautiful eyes.
Could she hate herself any more right now? Cordy doubted it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The following day, Angel acted like nothing untoward had happened, but Cordy still couldn’t relax. Each time he walked passed her, or asked her a question, her whole body would tense waiting for some kind of comment to follow. By the time early evening crept its way in, every muscle ached.
Angel’s demeanor had changed; she couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was a subtle difference in him. He would stay too close too long, tiny touches that were not quite felt but she knew were there. And she could of sworn once of twice through the day he scented her.
Little things Just enough off kilter to get her hackles up, but not enough to pinpoint anything specific. It was driving her crazy. Until finally, when Wes asked Gunn to pick up some blood for the vampire, she found herself shooting to her feet and volunteering; anything to get away for a while.
Angel watched her leave through thoughtful eyes, and a small smile touching the edge of his pale mouth. He’d known what he was doing, and just couldn’t find it in himself to feel guilty. Didn’t want to back off- in fact, he wanted to push and push until Cordy clued into exactly how furious he was.
No… not furious; merely wanting a conclusion to the game they’d been playing for months. As far as he was concerned, the gloves were off. If She could change the rules, why couldn’t he do the same?
When shortly after Cordy had left, Gunn grabbed his denim jacket and muttered something about hanging with his crew for the rest of the night, Angel suggested casually that Wes might as well go home too. The man lingered indecisive until Angel reassured him he’d make sure Cordy got home safely once she’d returned, and to call if them both if she had a vision. Wes relaxed and agreed, collecting his things and hurrying off in the hopes to catch a bookshop he frequented before it closed for the night.
For the first time in what had been a hell of a long stretch, Angel embraced his demon. Sitting in the chair vacated by the ex Watcher, he sank into himself and prepared for Cordy’s return. He would force Cordy to face what they are both feeling, he decided grimly. All thoughts of repercussions left his mind in his need for revenge… but was this revenge? He chuckled quietly to himself.
No, if Angel were brutally honest this was something he’d wanted to do from that very first night, but the soul had always been there, pushing reason and rationale to the surface, and tamping down ruthlessly the baser urges of his demon. Oh, the soul was still there, yeah; but for now, this was between the demon/man and his woman.
Didn’t Cordy get it? From the moment she consciously continued the game instead of putting a halt to it then and there, she had mutely given herself into his hands. She had no one to blame but herself for the situation they were now both in.
He sat back and waited, letting the shadows of night slither and creep around him until his large hulk was hidden from view; watching the main doors from beneath hooded eyes from the dark office.
*~*~*~*
Cordy pushed the door open and frowned upon finding the lobby deserted. Only a few scattered lights were on and they cast an eerie glow over everything. As she descended the short flight of stairs, a shudder of unease crawled up her spine, but she shrugged it off; in their business, feeling creeped out by their place of work was a bit silly.
“Wes? Gunn?” she called, looking around before heaving the bag of containers more securely into her arms and quickly making her way to the mini fridge behind the desk.
Just as she placed the last container in the fridge and closed the door, she felt that shiver run along her spine again. All of a sudden, she could feel him, like a whisper of breath right behind her, nothing physical, but it made her skin bump and prickle
“Christ!” Cordy straightened rapidly and turned around to face Angel, words of chastisement on the tip of her tongue; but something in his eyes, flashing gold and whiskey, stopped her from doing the usual slap on his chest and tell off, instead she leaned back
"God, Angel," she clutched her chest with a trembling hand. "Stealth much?" He smiled and remained silent. “Um…where are Wes and Gunn?” she asked a little breathlessly. Angel rocked on his heels and looked down at her silently for a long, uncomfortable moment. She shifted nervously under his unreadable gaze and swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat.
“They’ve gone for the night,” he finally replied, leaning forward just enough to crowd her and whispering," It’s just me and you." and he began taking tiny sips of air, not quite breathing, more like he was drinking champagne. Cordy sidestepped and took a step back; he moved a step forward and she swallowed again, hard. A slight frown marred his pale brow as his eyes scanned her face.
"You okay, Cor? Kinda jumpy today, ain’t ya," His pale lips curved into a parody of a smile, causing a chill to creep up her spine.
"No, no, just... you *so* need a bell, creeping around like that," Cordy forced a smile onto her tense face.
"What; to go with my leash?" The smile widened, and an image of a Great White abruptly slid into her mind. She edged along the counter, attempting to put some space between them, breathing a silent sigh of relief when he remained where he was.
"Well... gee, look at the time!" Cordy glanced down and blindly looked at her watch, an over bright smile widening her lips, "better make a move; busy busy, ya know?" Taking a breath, Cordy lifted her chin, walking forward to brush past him- then he moved.
An involuntary gasp left her as he once again mirrored her movements with ease.
"It's still early, Cordy." Angel's voice whispered along her nerve endings, setting off tiny electric charges along her body. "I'm sure we can find... stuff to do," he added softly.
All of Cordy’s internal alarm bells went off in an inward cacophony of noise, and her eyes narrowed as her worst fear crept into her mind.
“A-angel?” His name stumbled out on a tremor and she cursed her growing inability to deal.
“Don’t fret; still got the soul, Cor.” A dark brow rose even as a slow grin stretched his mouth; a grin that made her shudder.
"Find that hard to believe right now” Her chest felt tight with lack of air.
"You're still alive ain’t ya?" He countered, the smile disappearing as quickly as it had come.
“This…this isn’t you!” She responded, searching his dark eyes anxiously. Angel let out a short bark of laughter.
“Oh, but it is, honey,” That shark like smile returned. She shuddered visibly and Angel watched her reaction with amused interest.
“Stop it, you’re scaring me. Stop acting like- like a- a…”
"Like a demon?" He cut in roughly. "Say it, “ Sighing deeply, he glanced away briefly before turning back to capture her frightened gaze. “It’s what I am; not a pet, Cordy, or some pimply-faced jock. Its time you realized that”
Her breath caught in her throat and she glanced behind her, working out how far she was to the door. He was a good few feet away from her now; she could probably make it if she ran like fuck- her head turned back and a shocked gasp left her mouth on finding him inches away from her.
"Master vampire, Cor, speed comes with the gig." 250 years of hunting had honed his skills and he had stayed true to form. His main advantage always surprise. The face of an angel, to keep them in his sights, and the heart of a devil, to keep them off kilter
“Angel, please…” Words failed Cordy as she backed away, desperately praying for some kind of rescue, but she doubted that would happen; Wes and Gunn would have gone straight out for the night. Darts at their drinking hole usually ended with one crashing at the other’s home.
“Please… love that word,” Angel purred, his voice like velvet dragged over gravel as he deftly herded her back until she stumbled on the stairs. A glimpse of soft, inner thigh momentarily distracted him and Cordy took that moment to get to her feet and turn to run up the stairs.
The vampire grinned with satisfaction, seeing her falter as she reached the top, as if suddenly realizing her mistake.
“Run, rabbit, run,” His voice whispered behind Cordy and panic set in. Her head swiveled from side to side, trying to figure the best way to go.
Rational thought crept in for a second and she turned to the left- away from his rooms.
Angel tilted his dark head, listening and breathing in deep. Her fear coated the back of his throat, and even as the soul looked on helpless yet accepting; the demon lapped it up and roared within.
He moved at a casual pace up the stairs, whistling softly to himself. Oh, he wasn’t going to hurt her, but his seer needed to know she couldn’t shut him out like that. No one shut him out- especially her.
She had no one to blame but herself for this; should have known better than to push his buttons. Sometimes she forgot he wasn't a man. Angel shook his head for a moment; no, that wasn't exactly right. Cordy knew exactly what was under his skin, but thought she was immune to that side of him. Big mistake.
Like all the others, Cordy misunderstood. Angelus wasn’t the demon who escaped now and then, pushing out a separate entity; Angel *was* his demon. When would she get that? An anticipatory smile curled his mouth, knowing that after tonight there would be no more doubts.
Tonight, his demon would have his fun, and tomorrow…. Angel wouldn’t think about tomorrow until tonight was over and done with.
~*~*~*~*
Cordelia ran along the hallway, glancing at each door as she passed. None of them would work; the last thing she wanted was to be trapped. Not being able to hear him didn’t help, but she just *knew* he couldn't be far behind. Bastard! The familiar sensation of being prey settled in her bones.
The stairwell loomed ahead of her. She picked up her pace and reached out trembling hands to pull open the door, letting it swing shut behind her, wincing at the dull thud.
Glancing briefly down the shadowed stairwell, she froze in her descent. A pale hand a blur on the handrail below. How the hell did he get there so quick? Angel released the rail, grinning with satisfaction when he heard the clatter of heels as she instead climbed the stairs. He melted back into the shadows.
Too many corridors later, Cordy looked around almost blindly- then her vision cleared: 217. Fuck! How had that happened? She turned to run- and slammed into a wall of hard flesh and muscle.
Angel grinned into her stunned face. “But you just got here, baby. Why the rush to leave?” Adopting an air of confusion, he looked at her enquiringly.
Anger temporarily pushed aside her fear, “What the he-hey!” Angel swooped, caught and carried.
Cordy was in his bedroom before she had chance to say more; the quiet snick of the lock echoed in the lush darkness. She found herself being dropped abruptly and pushed away; the move so unexpected, she stumbled.
Cordy regained her balance and straightened, backing away a little more, and eyed the vampire warily. His back still to the door, just...standing there with his arms folded. Think, Cor! Think, for God's sake! her mind a whirl. "Look, Angel... you gotta start thinking straight; this thing; you know the thing?"
She knew she was babbling but couldn’t seem to stop the words flying out of her mouth even as she continued to back away,. "We couldn't keep doing that- we had to… *I* had to-" He appeared like magic directly in front of her, a cool finger pressed firmly against her parted mouth, stilling any further words.
"Shhh, I know, Cor," His voice was pitched low, expression momentarily understanding, but then his face smoothed out until she could no longer read him.
"I *am* thinking straight; in fact, I'm thinking a lot clearer than I have in a long time, and what you did..." he paused, pale face tightening ominously, " It was the wrong call." A sliver of steel laced his low voice and she shuddered.
"Angel, stop this-" He lifted a hand sharply, cutting her off. Then Angel was behind her, blowing soft puffs of air across her neck before Cordy realized that he moved. She damned him for his preternatural speed.
"You want this.” Cordy felt the cool damp press of his mouth against her nape for the barest moment. "Don't deny it.” His whisper lifted the hairs on the back of her neck.
"I’m not," She tilted her head away, "This yes, I want this. Its what happens tomorrow that scares me." Cool hands crept around her waist and applied the slightest pressure, just enough to make her tense.
"You don’t get it, Cor." His heavy sigh vibrated through her spine, "You disappoint me."
"Cos I don't wanna be your first victim?" Cordy turned her head in an attempt to see his face. "Thanks but I'll pass." Angel didn't miss the 'your' and his demon purred. His Cordy had him pegged.
"That won’t happen,” He quickly responded; Cordy pffted and shifted against him restlessly. “What would it take to make you trust me?" Angel nuzzled into the crook of her neck and it took everything she had not to lean into his mouth.
"Let me think..." Cordy attempted to pull out of his firm hold, then sighed and gave up. "Letting me go would be a start."
"And after that? How far would you run?" His voice sounded almost casual -and a little amused. He seemed to be content just to stand there, and slowly, her nerve crept back.
"Like I'd tell the crazy vampire" She felt rather than heard the soft chuckle that left his mouth at that.
"So, besides letting you go, what would it take?" He finally asked. Cordy sighed heavily.
Angel seemed a little more relaxed, and a little less... psychotic, so she pulled the remains of her courage around her and turned in his arms. "Angel..." Her voice softened to a plea as she reached up and cupped his face between her hands. "We need to get past this. Don't throw away what we've got just to have something we can't."
"What about If I want it all?" Under the lightness of his tone, Cordy could hear a thread of anger and desperation. She locked eyes with him and attempted to read exactly what was going on in his head, but even as she stared, a wall of ice descended and hid his thoughts from her.
"Angel, please don't shut me out," She could feel him closing off to her and the earlier panic welled up in her gut. “Not again,” She whispered, a slight catch in her voice. He shuddered, and then hardened his heart. The need was just too strong.
Cor, you talk too much." Angel decided he'd had enough with the listening. His lips stretched into a chilling grin, "I know of a better use for that pretty mouth.", He slid his hands up her sides, using the softest touch he knew. Down her arms, to wrap around the fragile bones of her wrists; a quick tug was all it took to get her hands behind her back, pinned in the hollow of her back.
For a brief moment he missed the warmth cupping his face, but that was only a taste of the heat he wanted to revel in.
He dipped his head like a snake going in for the kill and Cordy sucked in a sharp breath of fear. The firm grip on her wrists wasn’t tight, but she knew there’d be no point attempting to struggle free. The Angel in front of her was an unknown quantity; not quite Angelus, but nowhere near the vampire she’d grown to know and love.
Angel smiled against the flesh of her throat at the frightened sound. He’d never hurt her, but at the same time, he really wasn’t in the mood to reassure her. Reassurance meant talking, and that activity no longer had a part in his plans for his seer. Opening his mouth, his tongue darted out and lapped at the jumping pulse skittering under her skin. The salt of faint sweat exploded on his taste buds and drew his mouth nearer until his lips sealed over her flesh.
Though the fullness of her breasts, her heartbeat vibrated from her chest to his, giving him an echo of life he didn’t possess, and he pressed closer. Cordy squeezed her eyes shut at the sensation of the vampire’s mouth fixed firmly over her jugular, her whole body tensing. Was this it? Was he going to taste her…or drain her?
A hysterical giggle bubbled in her chest but melted away before it reached her throat. Of all the times she’d been close to death at the hands of a vampire at one time or other in her short life, it had never, ever occurred to her that it could be taken by Angel, the only souled vampire on the planet.
At least her death would be poetic one; a tragic, sick joke, yeah, but definitely poetic.
Soft cotton slid down her arms and she jolted. Cordy hadn’t even been aware that he’d unbuttoned her top. The fabric draped over her hands and his, and for a moment he released his grip; just long enough for the blouse to drop to the floor. Her back arched at his physical insistence and those lips lowered until they brushed against the lace of her bra.
This time she was all too aware when he removed the last barrier. The thin fabric holding the cups together snapped like candy floss- and she blushed. The vivid colour spread from her face to her chest and Angel paused. “Not like I haven’t seen you before,” he muttered softly against her flesh; then his mouth engulfed a rigid nipple.
OhGodohGodohGod… this was nothing like the almost reverent touch she’d become used to over the last month or so- this was encompassing. The faintest whisper of fang brushed the sensitive tip and she tensed in his arms. “Angel…” His name echoed softly in the room and he chuckled low in his throat at the fearful question laced through it.
His face shifted until once more smooth and a shuddering breath wracked her body. Her skirt pooled at her feet and Cordy was once more reminded of the fluidity of the vampire who gracefully fell to his knees in front of her. Wet open-mouthed kisses trailed along ribs and abdomen, her wrists abruptly released and hips captured in those powerful hands.
Her own automatically lifted and rested on his dark head; slim fingers sliding through his soft hair and clutching at the thick strands. Looking down at him, the protest died in her throat as he rubbed his face against the lace of her thong not unlike a cat wrapping itself around ankles and she trembled.
This was so, so wrong, and yet she couldn’t stop him; not because of his strength, but because of her own weakness. She wanted this; and the want temporarily eclipsed the fear of repercussions. Her fingernails scraped his scalp gently and the beast purred.
Angel’s hands curved round her hips and cupped her bare ass, squeezing the firm globes before sliding down and wrapping around the back of her trembling thighs, pulling her closer and opening her up. Blunt teeth nipped her clit through the sodden material and her legs buckled. Fabric stretched tight and a sharp snap, and then moist flesh against flesh. She moaned aloud and it was his turn to tremble.
His tongue darted out and flicked against the swollen bud and the honeyed taste of her bathed his taste buds. He growled low in his throat and the vibration almost undid her. Those cool, dangerous lips opened more and sucked her sensitive flesh into his mouth. At the same time one hand traced the crevace of her ass and lingered over her puckered opening before skittering past and sliding lower.
“Angel!” Cordy gasped aloud as a thick finger speared her core, and the vampire loved the way she said it. Another finger joined the first, curling and pulling slowly out, his lips suckling her clit in a gentle rhythm that made her shake with want. In and out, in and out. Her legs gave up on standing and it was only the strong arm that wrapped around her hips that prevented her from falling. The pace of his fingers quickened and his mouth applied almost punishing pressure. She wailed; he reveled in the sound.
Tight, hot, wet and like raw satin. His cock ached to replace his fingers, but for now he was content to play. He could almost taste the blood that engorged the nub he sucked hard and his fangs itched, elongating. At the first flutter of her hot walls against his invading fingers, Angel gently scraped the tip of one razor-sharp fang against her swollen flesh- and relished her short, sharp scream even as he greedily lapped at the drops of blood that touched his tongue.
White light exploded behind her eyes and she blindly clutched at his head as her world shrunk to that place between her legs. She folded forward and her feet left the ground as brief oblivion swamped her mind.
When Cordy opened her eyes she became aware of the soft fabric against her back and Angel on all fours caging her in on his bed. Her rapidly blinking eyes ran from his taut face and along his pale body, now as naked as she. They lingered on his exposed sex, huge, hard and jutting proud from a nest of dark curly hair and she swallowed tightly.
“Touch me,” his whispered request ran like a dark velvet caress along her nerve endings and without coherent thought, she reached out and encircled his flesh. Cool. Marble. Soft. And strangely alive in her grasp. His cock jerked at her touch even as his hips bucked. Her grasp tightened; a touch of mean in her as she squeezed him cruelly. Dilated eyes met and clashed and Angel grinned wolfishly.
Her nails pressed into the rigid flesh and amber streaked through his intent gaze. Tiny drops of blood glistened against the pale flesh and the grin sharpened; blood for blood.
Cordy's inexperience shone in the depths of hazel, and that made her clutching, firm grip all the more erotic- in that passion drove her. He bathed in it like a tiger after a satisfying kill. The beast roared and he swooped to conquer his mate.
*~*~*~*~
He filled her body with his cool seed, taking her hot blood in exchange. And fought the urge to continue drinking, reminding himself of his promises. Orgasm-rich blood flooded his mouth. Blistering heat raced along his veins, even as wrenching pain and loss blended with rich pleasure ripping through the gossamer threads of his very essence.
The demon roared in triumph; a silent apology from the soul a bare whisper in the air.
Reluctantly, the reborn vampire retracted his fangs and laved the twin punctures with care. Cordy sighed contentedly, even as her body trembled with aftershocks of pleasure.
For a long moment she clutched his large body tight, unbearably close to her own; almost as if reassuring herself that he was still with her. Silence blanketed the dark room, and he waited.... then; "A-Angel?" His eyes slammed shut and he wrapped his heavy arms around her slight form. Time to play.
Cordy tensed and she waited for a response. Slowly, his dark head damp with sweat, lifted and after a moment a sob wrenched from her chest as familiar soft brown eyes gazed into hers. ThankGodThankGod. for a minute…
Without a word, Angel eased his softening cock from her heat and rolled to the side, reaching out to pull her tightly against him.
Both were beyond words and clung to each other, one aching with intense relief, the other with a deep satisfaction that would have terrified her very soul.
As he threaded gentle fingers through her tangled damp hair, he stared up at the ceiling, a smile tilting his firm mouth.
It couldn't be that difficult, he decided, rather amused at the enormity of what he was about to pull off. As long as he kept in mind that this family was off the menu, and continued with the mission, none would be any the wiser- and he'd get to keep the girl.
At the end of the day, that was all Angelus wanted. And what he wanted, he invariably got. His woman; his mate. The vampire's hand slid along her side and cupped her hip possessively.
For today, this was enough. He’d think of tomorrow...tomorrow.
FIN