Her feet were pounding down on the payment as she ran as fast as she could, away from what ever was chasing her. Suzie was trying to get to the only safe place around for miles, East Hill Teen Center.

Her lungs hurt from the lack of oxygen, but she knew if she were to stop, she wouldn�t see another day. Rounding the corner, she bumped into someone and fell to a heap on the ground.

�Oh, I�m sorry. I umm, something is after me,� Suzie cried, glancing behind her.

�Are you okay? Did you say something is chasing you?� Lindsey asked, helping Suzie to her feet.

�Yes sir. I need to get to the Center before it closes, or I�ll have no place to go,� She replied.

�Here, get in and I�ll drive you over. It is the least I can do for knocking you down. I know the Center you�re talking about, my firm donates to them,� he offered, opening the passenger side door.

Without thinking, Suzie climbed into the lawyer�s slick black BMW. She felt at ease after he mentioned working for the firm that donated money to the center. She remembered hearing Anne, Gunn, and Tara discussing how much the money had helped out.

Letting her head fall back, she closed her eyes and tried to slow her breathing down. �I thought I was going to die like Chris did last week,� she thought to herself.

---

�Okay, the band is flying in on Monday. They want to scope out the place and get set up before next weekend,� Cordy announced.

�I can�t believe we actually got Gifted Souls to play the event for us. Cordy, how did you ever manage to get them to come to Sunnydale?� Buffy asked.

�Willow and I went to high school with Xander, the keyboard player. I just called and asked if the band would be available for that weekend,� Cordy said arrogantly.

�I always forget that Xander is a big star now. When he went to high school with us he was just, well, one of us,� Willow shrugged.

�Damn, you guys actually went to high school with one of the band members? You would think that going to high school in L.A., B and I would know some famous people too. We are going to get up close and personal with the band then, right?� Faith questioned. �That guy who plays the drums is so hot.�

�Damn, Faith! Is that all you ever think about?� Buffy shrieked. �We are doing this to raise money for the East Hill Teen Center and nothing more. Leave the guys alone when they get here. We don�t need any more trouble. They need to do their show and then get gone.�

�Lighten up a bit B. I didn�t mean that they have to move in to this hellhole or anything. I was just saying that the guy�s hot and I�d like to get to know him,� Faith defended herself.

�Whatever!� Buffy barked. �You have heard all the rumors about them, right? They only play at night and they don�t play on the three nights of the full moon.�

�You know what B, you need to get laid and chill out, girlfriend. Rumors are spread all the time about big stars to try to bring them down,� Faith snapped.

�Damn F, I�m your sister not your girlfriend. I swear I was adopted sometimes because we are nothing alike. Anyway, we need to go check in with Giles before he has a coronary. I wouldn�t mention to him that you think the drummer is hot, or he might not let us go.� Buffy said sarcastically.

�Are we still meeting at the mall tomorrow to pick out our dresses?� Cordy asked.

�Yes!� all three chimed, rolling their eyes.

---

�I can�t believe you told them we�d do this. I fucking told you that we don�t have time to stop in there. We aren�t even going to get paid for this gig, so how are we going to pay for the expense of traveling there?� Angel roared.

�We aren�t getting paid, but things have been taken care of. Sunnydale is small, yes, but it has it�s own airport. We could just drive down and then fly out from there,� Xander suggested.

�Angel, chill man, we can do this. Wesley rented a house for us to stay in. We need to do this because it�s for East Hill Teen Center,� Spike interrupted.

�Damn it, why didn�t Xander just say that?� Angel yelled.

�Well Peaches, if you would have given the lad a few minutes he may have been able to explain things to you. You�re always jumping our shit about something. I think maybe you need to take one of those women up on their offer,� Spike grinned.

�You don�t know shit about me, boy. I take a different woman up on her offer every night. Hell, sometimes I take two or three a night. But unlike the jester over here, I refuse to settle for one, they �re only after our fame and fortune,� Angel smirked.

�Hey, did he just call me a jester?� Xander asked, looking at Oz.

�He did. Sunnydale here we come,� Oz replied.

---

�I believe that we have everything set up. Do you think they will figure out about each other?� Wesley asked.

�I surely hope not for all our sakes. It would be catastrophic if they should learn of each other. We just need to make sure that they have as little contact with each other as possible,� Giles said, wiping his glasses.

�You do realize that could become quite complex, being that they are going to be at the same benefit,� Wesley mentioned.

Looking around the breakfast table, Anne began to wonder just how many of her kids ended up the same way as Chris. The call had come about a week and half ago. They wanted her to go to the morgue and identify a body that was thought to be one of her kids.

She had never seen anything like it in her life, and she had seen some weird stuff in high school. Her best friends, Buffy and Faith had shown her a world that most people didn�t believe in or just ignored.

Chris�s body had been ripped open and everything was cleaned out on the inside. Her instincts that she had acquired while in high school told her that this was the work of something that goes bump in the night.

She had called Buffy and Faith and asked them to help her figure out what had happened to Chris. As they were questioning her, they realized that about five kids in the past two months had gone missing.

She had overlooked the missing kids because a lot of teens would end up going back home, moving to new cities, or to different shelters. Two of them, though, had come as a surprise because they had been with her for four years.

After a week of researching, Mr. Giles called Anne to discuss Wolfram & Hart�s connection to the Center. They had saved the Center from closing down with the donations they made in the past several months.

Giles suspected that Wolfram & Hart was connected to the disappearances, so the idea of the benefit was born so they could investigate further. Shortly thereafter, Buffy called to inform her that it would be held next weekend in Sunnydale, and to bring the kids because Gifted Souls was performing.

�Anne, have you seen Suzie?� Gunn asked, interrupting her thoughts.

�What?� she said in a daze.

�We� we were wondering if you had seen Suzie. Neither one of us has seen her since Saturday morning, which is very unusual,� Tara stumbled out.

�No, I don�t think that I have. Have you asked any of the other kids if they�ve seen her or know where she went?� Anne said worriedly.

�I asked several of the kids and they said she was supposed to come back Saturday night. Anne, she doesn�t have any place else to go. Something bad happen, I can just feel it,� Gunn stated.

�Should we call the police and see if they can find her or help us out at all?� Tara asked

�Yes, even though they don�t give a damn about these kids because they are runaways. I am going to make a phone call to see if I can get someone to help us. Gunn, talk to the kids, they still feel like you are one of them and will listen to you. Tell them not to go out on the streets alone because something is going on,� Anne pleaded.

---

�Buffy, another one of my kids is missing. No one has seen her since Saturday morning,� Anne sobbed.

�Oh Anne, I am so sorry. We just know that Wolfram & Hart is behind all this, but we don�t know how they are involved yet. We have to figure out what�s going on before we can stop them. I promise that we will get to the bottom of this and put an end to it.� Buffy assured her.

�I know Faith, Giles, and you will figure this all out. It�s just that I can�t lose another kid to whatever did that to Chris,� Anne cried.

�Keep them in until we can solve this. I will personally hunt down whatever is doing this and make them pay,� Buffy swore.

�I know you will,� Anne said feeling somewhat relieved.

---

�Giles, are you sure Wolfram & Hart is behind this? If not, we�ll be wasting our time doing this benefit and more kids could fall victim to whatever is out there,� Buffy inquired.

�As part of the Watcher�s Council for so many years I have learned that Wolfram & Hart is one of our greatest enemies. After carefully examining the evidence, everything points to them. Do not underestimate them just because they are a law office. The firm�s senior partners are evil beyond words, and they work directly for them,� Giles declared.

�G-man, we have been with you since before we could dust a vamp so we don�t need History 101 on your past. She simply asked if you were sure. We don�t want to waste our time,� Faith sassily said.

�Yes, I am sure that Wolfram & Hart is behind the missing children. Unlike the two of you, I did the research and went through everything with a fine tooth comb,� he burst back at her.

�We�re here,� Oz spoke loudly in order to wake the others.

They all got out and started unloading the van and carrying everything inside Sunnydale Hall. Angel stopped dead in his tracks as he took a minute to look around the small hall they were supposed to play in. There was no stage, dance floor, or bar for him or fans to party at.

�Where in the hell are we going to setup our equipment? And please tell me there is a bar somewhere hidden in the back, cause I need a drink,� he snapped.

�Hi, Cordelia Chase,� she said with her hand hung out in the air. I�m the organizer of this event and if there is anything I can do for you let me know.�

He looked down at her hand with disgust and quickly dismissed it. Brushing past her, he knocked into her shoulder without even a look back and continued to look around.

�First, you can tell me where you propose we set up our equipment. Then you can tell me where the hell I can go out and get a drink since I see no bar here,� he commanded.

�Okay, you can set your stuff up over there in the corner where you know, the band is supposed to setup. If you want a drink you will have to go to the Bronze. We didn�t arrange for alcohol to be served here because of the underage kids attending,� she smirked at him.

Looking around to where she pointed, he saw a very small area for his band to set up their stuff. He again wondered why they where playing this gig when there were so many other things that they could be doing right now. He was so annoyed at the situation, and the brunette standing in front of him that was acting like she was some kind of queen.

As he walked off, he called over his shoulder, �We go on Friday at midnight, and if there is a problem you can talk to Xander. Also, if for any reason you all must talk to me, you had better send someone else because I don�t deal well with spoiled brats.�

Cordelia narrowed her eyes and fury took over as he walked away before giving her a chance to retaliate. There was no way she was going to deal with the likes of him anymore. She would just send Buffy to do her dirty work if the leader of the band needed to be part of anything again. Although, she thought most things could be handled between her and Xander anyway.

---

�Since you all insist we do this gig, you can set the stuff up in the far right hand corner. I am going to The Bronze to grab myself a drink since they don�t even serve alcohol here,� Angel advised them.

�Hey, wait up mate I am coming along with you. I find that I need a drink, and maybe a hot little body would do me some good also,� Spike leered.

---

�They did it again. How do we always get stuck doing all the work while they get to go out and party,� Xander whined.

�Don�t know, but we need to get this done so grab something,� Oz answered somberly.

---

The music was deafening as they grew closer to the only nightclub in Sunnydale. The crowd parted, letting him and Spike make their way through easily. The pair gained a lot of looks from the females out of lust and the males out of loath. Angel was 6�3�, 215 lbs, brown spiky hair, chocolate eyes, and a muscular build. He looked as if he were some sex god that would bring anyone to their knees. Spike was a bit shorter, standing at 5�11�, platinum blonde hair, high cheek bones, and eyes as blue as the ocean. Both were clad in their traditional black tight leather pants, silk shirts, and black leather dusters.

Angel found a table over in a darkened corner, while Spike went to get their drinks. He was still a loner and didn't like crowds even though he was in a band He was scanning the people for a potential friend for the night or any dangers. His drink was dropped down on the table in front him with a splash.

�Damn it Spike, can�t you be more careful?� he growled

�Nope. I had to go get the blasted thing, least you could do is thank me,� he huffed.

Simultaneously, they both turned around and starting scanning the crowd, their eyes landed on a pair of girls who stole their breath. They were complete opposites of each other, one being dark and the other light. Angel always had a thing for blondes so naturally he was drawn to the lighter one, who stood about 5�3�, golden blonde hair, and a body he would love to feel. The other was just a bit taller, long dark hair, big sexy lips, and she also had an amazing body that Spike wanted under him tonight.

Both girls were wearing black skirts that hit them about mid thigh and tops that left their midriff open for viewing. They were on the floor dancing with each other, hands above their heads, and lower bodies grinding together. The picture the two made had every male in the place drooling, hoping they could get right in the middle of them. As the guys would come up to them they would get pushed back, danced away from, or just out right ignored.

�Bet that I can get the bint to go home with me for the night,� Spike smiled evilly.

�Huh? What girl are you talking about,� Angel asked as his voice took on a harsh tone.

�Angel, don�t go and get your panties in a twist. I am not talking about blondie out there. I am referring to her friend, the dark haired one,� he laughed.

Strong arms wrapped around Faith�s waist and pulled her back against a hard chest. Turning in those arms her brown eyes locked with the bluest ones she had ever seen. Looking the man up and down, she smiled suggestively and melted her body into his.

Buffy looked up and noticed that Faith had left her for some blonde guy. She was unable to see his face since it was buried into her sister�s neck. Sighing deeply, she started off the dance floor because without her dance partner the men wouldn�t leave her alone.

A tingle similar to her vamp sense sent a shock up her spine. It was a bit of a different feeling then the ordinary tingle though. Instead of sending her body into the fight it was almost as if it made her feel safe.

Feeling a tap on her shoulder brought her out of her thoughts and she turned slightly so she could brush the person off. Her sight fell on the broadest set of shoulders she had ever seen. Her eyes drifted down the man�s magnificent body and then shot up to his face. The smirk she found on his face made her blush from being caught.

�Dance with me,� his sexy voice commanded.

His hand was outstretched to her already so she laid her hand in his. He tugged her through the crowd until they reached the middle of the dance floor. Angel pulled her body close to his and placed his hands low on her hips. As they swayed around to the music both realized that they felt very comfortable in this position.

Buffy then gently laid her head against his chest and snuggled into him. His hands tightened around her smashing her body into his. As the song came to an end, Buffy raised her head up and looked into his face and finally she recognized him.

�Oh my god! You are the lead singer of Gifted Souls,� she exclaimed.

'Shit, I was hoping this girl wouldn�t know who I was.' he thought.

�Oh, umm yeah I am the lead singer of the band,� he stumbled out.

�Well, I was planning on meeting you but not until tomorrow at the hall,� Buffy announced.

�What do you mean you were going to meet me tomorrow?� he eyebrows rose.

�Buffy Summers, at your service, I am one of the people helping put this event on,� she answered.

'Damn, guess my idea of taking her home tonight just flew out the window.' he thought.

�Nice to meet you also, I am Angel,� he replied, �So the girl you were dancing with earlier is she part of the event also.�

�Faith, yes she is helping somewhat anyway. She is more into the partying then the actually work that we have to do.� turning to look at her sister, �I take it that�s another member of the band my sister is dancing with now?�

�That�s Spike and it sounds like the two of them will have a lot in common,� Angel, then felt the need to be upfront with her, �I feel that I need to warn you though, Spike is over there now planning on seducing her.�

�I am gonna go out on a limb here and tell you that he may be in some serious shit then. From the looks of it here, I would say that he is being seduced by her and she never fails.� Buffy laughed.

Seeing the smile across her face sent shivers down his spine, he had never felt like this before. There was just something about her that made his body tingle and he didn�t know why. Looking back up he noticed Spike nodding his head to him as he begun walking Faith out of the club.

�Well, I suppose one of them succeeded in seducing the other, but neither one looks as though they are complaining.� Angel smirked.

The smirk that crossed his face made her weak in the knees. She had never felt this way before and it scared her to the core and she needed to get away.

�Oh, yea someone will be happy when she gets home tonight. I just hope she doesn�t piss Giles off when she finally stumbles in,� finally looking up, �Thank you for the dance but I really need to go so I can patr�I mean get home. We have a big day tomorrow, with sound checks and trying to get last minute things done before Friday night.�

�Yeah, I need to get back so I can see if there is anything that I can do to help the guys out with sitting up. It was nice to meet you, Buffy,� He whispered in her ear.

�It was very nice to meet you also, Angel,� she said huskily.

The look in his eyes sent an ache straight to her core, and she had to bite back a moan. Turning, she headed for the exit sign, feeling his gaze on her she added an extra sway to her hips.

---

Buffy was not sure what had come over, she never acted like that around men before. Sure she had dated several men, and even had been in a couple of serious relationships but after Parker had burnt her she had sworn them off for good. There was just something about him that she was drawn to but also something that told her to stay away. She didn�t like having bad feelings about people, and that was what was bothering her right now as she patrolled.

Coming out of her thoughts, she realized she hadn�t seen a vampire all night. It was like someone was out there doing her job for her. She knew it wasn�t Faith; the only action her sister was getting tonight was Spike. At least she knew that tonight Faith wouldn�t beat her in their nightly contest of who stakes the most vamps. Heading to the last cemetery to see if she could find at least one kill tonight her thoughts again turned to the tall, dark, and handsome man she met at the Bronze.

Buffy was just about to give up and go home when she noticed a vampire leaning down looking at something on the ground. She slowly crept up behind him and as he realized someone was there the stake found its way to his heart. As the dust settled, Buffy looked down at the ground to see a young girl�s unconscious body laying there. Quickly, she scooped up the girl and ran full speed to the hospital.

---

�Pet, you little greedy thing, are you not even able to wait till we get somewhere private,� Spike sneered.

Sliding her hand up and down his chest, �No, I want you NOW!� She said huskily. Bending down he captured her lips with his own, sliding his tongue along her lips he begged for entrance.

She opened her lips allowing him in, as she reached down and started unbuttoning his pants. His hands then started to lift her shirt up so he could see her bare breast since she was not wearing a bra. His fingers then started pinching and rolling her nipple around as his other hand slid down to the waistband of her pants.

At the first brush of her hand to his member, he yanked her pants down her legs, dipped his finger in and tested her readiness. Smirking at the wetness he found there he picked her up and wrapped her legs around his waist. Turning, he slammed her into the brick wall and pushed into her with all his strength. Pumping in and out of her fast and with unbelievable power caused her back to scratch on the alley�s wall and began to bleed.

Just as Faith climaxed her powerful muscles clamped down on him pushing him over the edge. From the power of his orgasm and the smell of her strong slayer blood he vamped out as he continued to pump slowly in her.

�What the hell, you�re a damn vampire? Get the Hell off me!" Faith asked astonished.

�I am pet, but I thought as a slayer you would have sensed that earlier though,� Spike snickered.

�Oh my god, I just screwed a vamp. The damn rumors about the band are true,� Faith screeched as she pulled her pants up, �And hey why aren�t you trying to kill me like the rest of your kind.�

�A few of the rumors that are out there are true. Angel and I are vamps with souls and Oz and Xander are werewolves. They lock themselves up the three nights of the full moon so they can�t hurt anyone. We fight the good fight same as you, luv,� Spike explained.

�Good demons, you think I am really going to believe that line. Why didn�t you take me when you had the chance?� she asked.

�Faith, ask your watcher he knows who we really are. I don�t want to hurt the first girl that I have come across who is as horny as me,� he leered.

�Fine, let�s go talk to Giles right now!� Faith demanded.

---

�Hey G-man you have some explaining to do here,� Faith yelled as she walked in the door, but leaving Spike standing outside looking in.

�What? Umm sorry Faith, we don�t have time right now,� Giles said while putting his glasses back on, �Buffy just called and she found a girl in the cemetery and took her to the hospital for treatment. Spike...�

�Oh, so you do know him then! What the hell is going on here and why haven�t you told us about this before now?� Faith asked.

�Due shut up Faith. I will explain everything later but right now your sister needs us,� Giles answered in annoyance.

---

�Hi! How are you feeling?� Buffy asked.

�I�ah where am I and where is Lindsay,� the girl asked quietly.

�You are in the hospital in Sunnydale. I am not sure who Lindsay is, was she with you in the cemetery last night?� Buffy questioned.

�Sunnydale? Lindsay, he saved me from th�that thing. Well first he tried to feed me to it but then he said something snapped and he couldn�t do it so he got me out of there. I was pretty beaten up by the time he stepped in to help so I don�t remember much after he got me in the car,� she explained.

�I know you must be tired but I need to ask a few more questions so I can help you,� Buffy told her. As the girl nodded Buffy continued with the questioning.

�What is your name and where were you when this Lindsay tried to feed you�er save you from this thing?� Buffy gently asked.

�Oh my name is Suzie and I am from L.A. and that is where all this happened at. Lindsay said that if he was taking me to a guardian angel or something that would protect me,� she chocked as her throat tightening thinking of what could have happened.

Quickly pouring her a glass of water and handing it to her, Buffy continued, �Are you from the East Hill Teen Center.�

Shock covered her face, �Umm, yea I stay there from time to time.�

People were running all over the place trying to set things up for Friday nights show. The bands equipment seemed to be all together and ready, but it still needed to be sound checked. The guys were not able to do this since Angel had been out last night at the bar and then patrolling and Spike was doing who knows what. Cordy had conned Xander and Oz into taking Willow and herself to the movies.

Today, Cordy had Xander and Oz helping set up all of the tables and chairs.

�Cordy, I hope this is the last of things you need. We really need to get the equipment tested and make sure there are no bugs,� Xander asked. �

How can you test it when Angel and Spike aren�t even here yet? I suppose they stayed out partying the night away last night,� Willow shyly asked.

�We always do the testing on all the equipment and yes they are asleep still. They are what one would call night owls,� Xander explained.

�Yep, the sleep all day kind,� Oz said.

�Fine go on, check your equipment and Willow and I will just see if we can do this all by are lonesome,� Cordy pouted.

�Oh, you just had to pull that lip out on me didn�t you. Okay we will still help, there�s plenty of time to check the equipment,� Xander sighed with defeat.

He walked over and put his arm around her shoulder and leaned down to her ear, �Why did we never date in high school,� he asked.

�Because you were a loser with a capital L,� Cordy smirked at him.

�Hey!� he yelped.

---

�Okay Giles its time you tell me what is going on here,� Faith glared at him.

�We should wait until Buffy gets here so I can explain it to both of you. And aren�t you suppose to be helping them set up tables and chairs,� he asked trying to change the subject.

Looking around she saw Cordy and Xander arguing in one corner and Willow and Oz talking quietly in another.

�Doesn�t look like they are doing any work right now so stop changing the subject and SPILL,� she growled.

�Fine, yes I know the guys in the band. Their manager Wesley is also a Watcher with the Council. The guys in the band do very similar things that Buffy and yourself do. Just when there seems to be trouble in other areas we arrange for them to have a concert there so they can take the evil out,� he explained.

�So, Spike was telling the truth when he said they were good guys,� she asked.

�Yes, Angel and Spike are both vampires but they have their souls, which means they have a conscience unlike other demons. Xander and Oz are werewolves, that means that only three nights a month are they truly demons, in which they lock themselves up,� he enlightened her.

�When Buffy finds out you keep things from us you are so dead. Are we to work with them on this case? Is that why they are here? Can we trust them?� she bombarded him with questions.

�Yes we are going to work with them on this case and they are very trust worthy. They have had several run-ins with Wolfram & Hart which is why we thought we should bring them in on this,� taking his glasses off and wiping them, �And yes I presumed that Buffy would be irritated at me for not telling her.�

---

�Hey Suzie, just thought I would drop by and see how you were doing this afternoon,� Buffy asked.

�I am doing all right, just wished they would let me out of here,� Suzie pouted.

�They just want to keep you for a few days for observation. I got them to promise to let you out Friday so you can come to the show,� Buffy promised.

�They wont let me go any sooner than Friday? I swear I am fine, I just wanna go home,� she pleaded.

�Suzie, you really got banged up pretty good and I think you should stay. I need you to tell me about the thing that did this to you. And trust me whatever it was I will believe you so don�t hold back on me,� Buffy assured her.

�It was the most hideous thing I have ever seen in my life. It had to be 7 feet tall, skinny, yellow eyes the size of golf balls, rows of sharp teeth, fingers nails like knives, and was very strong,� she gave Buffy the details.

�I think that I can go on this description you gave me. Is there anything else you can tell me that might help us find this monster, or maybe where we can find Lindsay?� Buffy asked

�I don�t know. Lindsay picked me up from the street when I thought something was chasing me. I thought he was going to take me to the center but instead he must have hit me or done something �cause I blacked out. The next thing I know I woke up in a room with a bunch of other kids. The thing started beating on us and then grabbed a guy and took him into a different room. Lindsay snuck up behind me, grabbed me, and then we ran for it. I woke up here in the hospital so that�s all I know,� she recited.

�I think that is enough for today, Suzie. You look like you could use some rest and I need to try to piece all this information together so we can stop this from happening to anyone else.� Buffy replied.

�Umm, Buffy do you think you can stay with me until I fall asleep. I just don�t feel safe anymore.� Suzie pleaded with tears in her eyes.

�Of course I can Suzie. You just close your eyes and rest, I will stay here with you I promise.� Buffy answered.

Buffy was walking down the street toward the Bronze so she could do one last sweep before heading home. Lost in her thoughts of trying to piece together the information, she didn�t see the person in front of her.

�I am so sorry. I wasn�t paying attention,� She blushed as she picked herself up off the ground.

�Its okay, I didn�t mind when a beautiful lady throws herself on me,� he snickered.

Looking up ready to give this guy a tongue-lashing, she realized that it was those dark chocolate eyes she had dreamed about last night. She also noticed that the tingle in her stomach was back, but wasn�t sure why. As she looked around her surroundings to make sure that there was no danger, she grabbed Angel�s arm and tugged him into the entrance of the Bronze.

�Hey, are you okay? Is something wrong,� Angel asked worriedly.

�Oh no everything is peachy keen. Why?� Buffy answered absent mindedly while searching the crowd.

�Well, I believe you just bumped into me out on the street then you dragged me into the club. I know that you may like me and all, but you could have just asked,� Angel smirked.

Realizing her behavior, Buffy turned twenty shades of red then burst out laughing.

�I am so sorry about that. It�s just that the streets are not always safe. I thought if I had a strong man on my arm, I wouldn�t have to worry about that,� She said hoping it would work as a cover up.

�Okay. So what are your plans with me now that you have me in here?� he asked.

�Dance. I want to dance,� she smiled up at him.

Oh damn! Why did I have to go and say that? Because you think he is hot and you want to get to know him better. Damn it Buffy, think! You need to get to Giles with this information so we can figure this out. So one dance and then you head home, Buffy thought.

Angel reached down and grabbed her hand and pushed his way to the dance floor. As the next song started, he reached down and placed his hands on her hips. The feelings that were growing inside were foreign to him. He had never been so wrapped up in thoughts about a woman before, but he couldn�t seem to get this little blonde out of his head. Without thinking, he pulled her body close to his as her arms wrapped around his neck.

Their bodies swayed to the slow song that was playing. One song soon turned to into five or six but they were so wrapped up into each other that they hadn�t realized how long they had been there. They were so lost in the feelings of how right it felt to be in the others arms that everything but the two of them disappeared. All the worries and battles seemed to drift from them as they looked into each other�s eyes.

He didn�t even remember tilting his head to the side and claiming her lips. The kiss started out slowly until he nipped at her lips begging and pleading with her to open up for him. When her mouth barely opened his tongue dove into the sweetest taste he ever had. Their tongues were in a battle for dominance in which neither cared who won as long as it didn�t stop. The moan in the back of her throat drove him over the edge as he deepened the kiss, and his hands started a path of their own down her body.

A body bumping into her knocked them out of the trance they were in. Buffy looked around, realizing where they were she blushed deeply and glanced at the floor. Angel placed his fingers under her chin and lifted her face up to look into his eyes.

�I am sorry for making you uncomfortable. I shouldn�t have done that, please forgive me,� he whispered.

�Oh umm, no it�s okay. I� I just kind of forgot where we were for a minute there. You have nothing to apologize for. I was involved there too, ya know.� she smiled shyly up at him.

�I don�t think that I could forget that you were involved,� he said softly.

He leaned down barely brushing his lips against hers. She whimpered when he pulled away too quickly. He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the door. As they reached the door Buffy tugged her hand away from him causing him to stop and look back at her.

�Where are we going?� she asked.

�Home,� he answered but then backpedaled seeing the look on her face,� I meant I would like to walk you home.�

�Oh okay that would be nice. Thank you,� Buffy answered as she bit her bottom lip.

---

As they reached her front porch she noticed that all the lights were out in the house. Looking down at her watch she realized she had been out later that she had thought. Giles was already fast asleep by now so she would have to wait until morning to fill him in on what she had learned from Suzie.

�Thank you for bullying me into dancing with you tonight. I had a wonderful time with you,� Angel said with a twinkle in his eyes.

�I had a wonderful time also. And thank you for not fighting me when I forced you to spend the evening with me,� Buffy laughed.

�Turn down a beauty like yourself, I don�t think so. I was wondering if you would like to go out to the movies or something tomorrow night,� Angel asked.

�I would love to,� Buffy answered without thinking.

Looking up at him she pulled herself up on her tiptoes and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. His arms went around her pulling her closer to him as he again deepened the kiss. Buffy was lost in the sea of emotions at being in his arms once again as her hands slowly drifted down the front of his chest.

As Angel felt her hands on his chest he became aware of where they were. He slowly started nibbling on her lips to ease down the moment. She finally pulled away from him and ran her hands down her clothes to straighten them out.

�So do you want to meet at the Bronze tomorrow night, at say 8?� Angel asked gently, �We can go from there.�

�Sure, I�ll see you then. �Night Angel,� Buffy turned to wave at him from the door.

�I cant believe Giles did this to me. Of all the people why did he volunteer me to help with the decorations with the hall instead of Buffy. Its freaking 7o�clock in the morning and I never get out of bed before noon,� Faith huffed.

�Well I think Giles was thinking since this is a Rock Concert you would be better at the decorations then Buffy,� Cordy explained.

�I think between the two queens of fashion things could have been managed just fine without me,� she complained.

�Someone is awful grouchy this morning. Didn�t get enough beauty sleep last night?� Cordy asked.

�I was out late last night,� Faith responded.

�Did you guys have a rough night with the slayage?� Cordy questioned.

�Rough, yes, but it wasn�t the slayage. I was out with Spike,� Faith laughed.

�Oh my god! Spike and you, together. I so didn�t see that one coming, not,� she joked.

�I don�t seem to be the only one getting up close and personal to the band. I noticed

Willow and Oz seem nice and cozy with each other,� Faith smirked.

�You should have seen the two of them at the movies the other night. It was so sick the way they were cuddling up to each other,� Cordy said as she wrinkled her nose up in disgust.

�Well isn�t that like calling the kettle black. I have seen the looks between Xander and yourself,� Faith smiled knowingly.

�I so don�t think so. You need to get your eyes examined, Faith,� Cordy exclaimed.

�I am not blind, and neither is anyone else. The arguments, the talks about the past, and the sneaking off to the closet,� Faith smiled smugly.

�In his dreams,� Cordy then turned and put her hand to her ear, �What�s that Willow? Oh I am coming.�

Laughing Faith mumbled, �Whatever.�

---

�Good morning Giles. What is for breakfast?� Buffy asked.

�Pancakes, but you do realize that its late afternoon,� he informed her.

�Sorry, I was out late last night. Oh, I need to fill you in on the info Suzie gave me,� she rattled off.

Buffy began telling Giles everything that Suzie had said. Thirty minutes later they both had their noses in some old books. The search wasn�t going very well however.

�I am going to go wake Faith up. We need all the extra help that we can get. Even if she just has to act like she is helping,� Buffy laughed.

�She is at the hall helping with decorations for the event,� Giles stated.

�You mean she woke before me and is actually helping someone out. Pinch me, I must be dreaming,� Buffy said flabbergasted.

�She does help others out every now and again,� he said defending her.

�Okay, Faith is helping out and I heard no tantrum that woke me and your defending her. Oh God, the world is coming to an end!� she said, pretending to be scared.

�No, not yet anyway. Have you found anything of use yet?� he asked.

Buffy sighed, �Nope, just a bunch of useless information.�

�Call Anne and see if any of the things Suzie told you can jog something up from Chris�s murder scene,� he instructed her.

�On it,� Buffy said.

�I am heading out for a while. I need to check out a few things that may help us,� Giles yelled from the door.

---

�Mr. Giles, due come in,� Wesley greeted.

�Thank you. I have some information and wanted to go over it with you and the guys,� he informed Wesley.

�They should be awake in just a bit. Lets go into the office where we will be more comfortable,� Wesley said as he led Giles down the hall.

Giles sat and began, �The demon has a distinctive look so maybe that will help us to identify him. I still believe that Wolfram & Hart are behind this, but we need to connect them.�

�Yes, we need to find out their reasons behind this. Also, we need to get the demon down here so we can eliminate it,� Wesley spoke.

Walking in with Spike, Angel voiced his plan, �I think we should have a news crew interview Suzie, of course with an edited version. Wolfram & Hart do not like loose ends and will take any means necessary to tie them up.�

�I do believe that is a splendid plan. That should draw them and the demon out,� Giles said with excitement in his voice.

�Anne is inviting Wolfram& Hart to the charity event correct?� Wesley questioned.

�Yes, and they have already confirmed,� Giles told him.

�Well what else do we know so far about the demon?� Spike asked.

Wesley wondered,� Perhaps you have seen a demon that is approximately 7 feet tall, yellow eyes, rows of sharp teeth, sharp nails, and extremely strong.�

Spike and Angel turned and exchanged worried looks. Giles and Wesley both become uneasy because it took a lot to worry these two.

Spike glanced around then spoke, �I am not quite sure but that sounds like an Iramarret.�

�That�s what I was thinking also. They are very hard to kill because they are incredibly fast. They also have the ability to jump back in time and change a single moment,� Angel explained what he knew.

�That could be what Wolfram & Hart wants with it then. To fix things that they have screwed up or to try and change things they don�t like,� Giles said.

Looking up from the book he was reading Wesley recited, �Yes, here it says they feed on the insides of teenage children. The outside of the body is usually beaten but it�s the insides that are missing. And the crime scene from Chris�s murder and his body seems to match that profile. The only thing is that there is no picture and it doesn�t say what the demon looks like.�

�You two said that they are hard to kill but not impossible. How do we go about killing this thing?� Giles asked.

�A powerful witch places a spell on the Iramarret. The spell should slow it down and keep it grounded. No Time Jumping. Someone must find a way to get between its shoulder blades to cut out its spiked horn. The removal of this will kill it instantly,� Angel answered him.

�So you two have successfully killed one before?� Wesley questioned.

Spiked chuckled, �Oh no! Tried and failed. Angel and me were the only ones to survive.�

Giles winced, �How many of you were there?�

�Fifteen,� Angel answered.

Shaking their heads because this was going to be a difficult demon to beat, they had to come up with some kind of plan. The children in L.A. were in serious danger until this demon was put down.

Giles said �Willow is a very powerful witch but somewhat inexperienced.�

�Tara should be able to help her out with the spell,� Spike suggested.

�We just need to come up with a plan. Having many powerful warriors on our side should help us out though,� Wesley said smugly.

Giles smacked himself on the forehead, �Dear Lord! I forgot to explain everything to Buffy.�

�Explain what?� the guys asked at the same time.

�Everything! Faith knows what and who we all are. It�s just a matter of time before Buffy figures it all out. She isn�t that forgiving due to what happened,� Giles sighed.

�This isn�t going to go well is it?� Wesley shook his head.

�Buffy will stake now and ask questions later if she finds out that they are vampires and werewolves,� he stated.

�Stake? Damnit, why didn�t I put that together earlier,� Angel mumbled.

�You mean you couldn�t tell that Buffy and her sister were bloody slayers,� Spiked laughed.

Angel growled, �Shut up, Boy! I�ll tell her tonight since we�re suppose to meet in an hour anyway.�

�Perhaps you should wait to tell her when you arrive back to the house. This way Faith and I will be there to help you out. Buffy is far more powerful than you may think,� Giles suggested.

Nodding, Wesley added, �Yes, and the side of good can�t afford to lose you.�

Smirking Spike says, �If she is anything like Faith she is very powerful. Those legs! Wouldn�t want to stumble into her in a darkened alley.�

�I don�t think she will hurt me. I can feel a connection between us,� Angel said.

�Still don�t take any chances. Wait until she is at home to tell her tonight,� Wesley ordered.

Holding up his hands, �Fine, I will wait. Wesley set up the interview for Suzie.�

As she scanned the crowd for him, her body started tingling. Buffy had been getting this feeling for a few days but couldn�t figure out what it was. It was similar to her vamp sense but her whole body shivered. When her vamp radar went off she would get tense and ready to fight. She didn�t feel that way, but she felt something.

Shaking her head, she decided to talk to Giles about it later. For now she was on a mission to find Angel. Making her way through the crowd but not seeing him, she sat at an empty table. She could watch the door from this seat and see him come in.

Standing in the shadow he observed her every move. Angel was angry with himself for not realizing who she was. He had been so swept up with her beauty that he got sloppy.

He felt out of control and it didn�t sit well with him. Turning to walk away form her and this situation he bumped into Spike.

�Leaving so soon, mate,� he laughed.

�Shut up! You don�t understand what�s going on. I let my guard down because of these feelings,� Angel shouted over the music.

�Doesn�t matter, peaches. The good fight remember,� Spike said seriously.

Narrowing his eyes at Spike he asked, �Since when did you become the voice of reason?�

�Oh, since my sire taught me to care,� Spike answered.

�Now you listen to me. All those other times its in one ear and out the other,� Angel huffed.

�Just go talk to the chit. Have a good time, get her home, and then you can explain things to her,� Spike said.

�Its never that easy,� Angel responded as he walked toward Buffy.

Chapter 5

Buffy turned when she felt someone staring at her.

�How long have you been here?� she asked.

�Long enough,� he said as his eyes wandered around.

�I looked all over for you though,� she said puzzled.

�I know,� came his short reply.

�Are you going to sit down or stand all day?� she questioned.

His eyes shot to hers with a pleading look. As she studied him, she noticed how uncomfortable he looked. Crowds always made him feel like he was locked in a cage. When he was forced into such a situation he tried to hide in the shadows. The only time he didn�t fade into the darkness was when he stood on the stage. There, he would slip into a different reality where the songs he and Spike wrote took over. It was the only thing that made him feel, that is, until Buffy.

�Do you want to stay here or go someplace else?� she asked.

�Let�s go for a walk,� he suggested.

He stretched his hand out to help her up. She was so beautiful and petite but being a slayer made her lethal. Angel had not noticed before but he could feel the power rolling off of her.

As they exited the club Buffy became uneasy. They could run into a vampire or some other kind of demon. She seemed to be getting herself into some bad situations lately. Angel made her brain stop working except for those delicious fantasies she was having. Her every thought had moved from survival instincts to Angel. This was the first time she had ever felt this strongly about anyone. Shaking her head to stop this train of thought she realized that they were too close to the cemetery and park.

�Lets go through the park,� she said.

�Where ever milady wishes,� he said as he caressed her hand.

Buffy�s stomach was doing flip-flops. The intense feelings she was having were amazing and terrifying at the same time.

�Are you on the road a lot?� she asked to break the silence.

�Usually one week out of the month. Although sometimes it is more and others it is less,� he answered.

�I would love to travel but circumstances prevent me from being able to,� she sadly said.

Seeing the sadness in her face he quickly said, �It�s fun for a while but it gets old fast. I want to be able to stay in one place and make a real home.�

Buffy looked at him and saw the longing on his face. She asked, �You really want to settle down and have a real home?�

�Of course I do. The white picket fence, 2 kids, a dog, and all of that,� he said with a far away look.

�This place you dream of sounds nice. Normal.� she stated.

�Yeah, L.A. is extremely busy and always rushed. I like a slower paced small town. Like here in Sunnydale actually,� he told her.

�Do you have a person that you want this life with?� the question passed through her lips before she could stop it.

He sighed, �The who, that�s the hard part. Relationships have not been my best thing. Traveling has interfered with that some. I was � involved with someone for a long time. She brought the worst out in me. Since that I haven�t really had a lasting one.�

�So one bad relationship and you avoid,� she countered.

�I don�t avoid. Just � it�s hard to explain,� he told her.

�My last relationship didn�t end well either,� she stammered out.

�I�m sorry Buffy,� he told her seriously.

�It�s okay. I just wanted to let you know that you�re not alone in bad endings. You work through it and get passed it sooner or later,� she said.

�Well back to your question about the who. I kind of have someone in mind,� he smirked at her.

Quirking her eyebrow at him she asked, �Are you trying to sweet talk me? �Cause if you want me you have to catch me.�

He snapped his head around to her. His brow furrowed as he tried to understand what she meant. Buffy burst out laughing as she saw the confusion spread across his face.

�You�re laughing at me,� he said with a mock pout.

�Sure am! Now catch me if you can,� she yelled as she took off running.

Angel took off after her and quickly caught up. As he grabbed her arm she turned in surprise. Buffy lost her footing and fell pulling Angel on top of her. Quickly he straddled her and pinned down her arms.

Looking down at her he said, �Got you!�

Seeing the smirk on his face drove her to flip them over. She now had him pinned down. Her shorter body caused her to be stretched out over him to hold down his arms.

Buffy�s mouth was so close to his he could feel her hot breath caress him. All rational thoughts left his mind as he lifted his mouth to hers.

The feelings inside both of them were so overwhelming. The kiss was hard with passion and lust. Their tongues were sliding across one another. Angel then licked the roof of Buffy�s mouth causing her body to rock back and forth. A moan escaped her lips from the new sensations.

Angel groaned as he felt her heat slide across his leather covered cock. He had become rock hard the moment she turned and ran. Now this was driving him to the point of no return. She needed to stop or he was going to take her here and now.

�Buffy,� he groaned as she pushed down on him.

A twig snapping gave both of them pause.

�Well, well you got yourself a tasty treat,� came a voice from behind them.

Both realized that several vampires were around them. Angel slid his hand to the front of her pants. Buffy�s eyes went wide as he slid his hand inside. He grabbed the two stakes she had tucked away.

�Yes, but she is mine,� Angel said as he maneuvered a stake to her.

�You boys are interrupting me,� he snarled as he quickly dumped Buffy on the ground.

�Looky boys this one doesn�t like to play well with others,� the leader said.

Buffy looked around her to observe her surroundings. The leader was standing about five feet in front of Angel. The other three stood behind their leader. As the group talked to Angel she quietly stood up.

�If you boys knew what was best, you would leave now,� Angel said in a deathly tone.

�Hunter doesn�t like being told what to do,� one said as his face transformed.

�ANGEL, NO,� Buffy screamed but was too late.

The vampire jumped at Angel and landed as a pile of dust. Angel made quick work of the other two. Buffy stood in such a shock that she didn�t notice Hunter sneaking up on her. He hit her over the head with a rock, causing her to black out. Turning around to check on Buffy, Angel caught a whiff of blood. This was not just any blood it was slayer blood. His face shifted into game face as he saw her being held by Hunter.

"Let her go and I�ll make it fast,� he growled. Hunter licked a finger that was covered with her blood. �Let a slayer go? Don�t think I can pass this meal up.�

�You were warned,� Angel hissed.

----

Buffy couldn�t believe what she had just seen. Angel�s face had just changed into that of a vampire. Those strange feelings she had been having were now explained.

'He could have killed me tonight or last night. Instead he makes me feel for him,' she thought.

She flinched when she heard him growl. Just as she heard Angel say, �You were warned,� she fell on her butt. Looking around she noticed the pile of dust she was sitting in.

�Great timing,� she heard Angel say.

Her head shot up, as she heard Spike say, �No, problem mate. You know I always like a good kill before bed.�

Realizing that she was still sitting on the ground she jumped up.

�Buffy,� Angel gently said.

�Oh God No!� she yelled. S

he turned and began running full speed to her house. Their footsteps were falling heavily behind her. Buffy was in such shock from everything that happened. She knew she should turn and fight but couldn�t. The feelings she had for Angel prevented her from doing that. Buffy was not sure if she could stake him or not. The thought of his face crumbling to dust made her cringe.

Since she was afraid she couldn�t dust him a fear of failure hit her. They were close to her family and friends and could get them. She needed to survive and warn the others. They needed to plan out what to do and hopefully give her enough time to prepare to stake Angel.

She pushed herself harder so she could get to her family. Turning the corner she spotted her house.

�Buffy, please stop and let me explain,� Angel pleaded.

She yelled, �Go to hell you monster.�

As she neared her porch she jumped. Her legs stretched as she floated in the air. Landing hard against the door she grabbed the doorknob and flew inside.

Shaking her head she sneered, �Invitations are a bitch to get here.�

Turning, she slammed the door closed and yelled for Faith and Giles.

�B, what�s going on?� Faith asked.

The front door slammed open as Angel and Spike ran in.

�Buffy, please I need to explain things to you.� Angel begged.

�What the --- how the hell did you get in here? Faith, weapons!� she yelled.

�STOP!� commanded Giles.

�Giles they are vampires. Stake now, talk later,� Buffy screamed.

�Buffy! Sit. Down. Now.� Giles instructed.

�Giles...�

�Now!� he said as his eyes narrowed.

�Fine, but when we are dead you�ll be sorry,� she huffed.

�Angel and Spike have an open invitation to our home,� he tried to explain but Buffy interrupted him.

�You might want to rethink that and find an un-invite spell,� she mumbled.

�Do shut up and listen to me,� at the roll of her eye he continued, �They are good vampires, that work for our side against evil. Over a hundred years ago a gypsy clan cursed Angelus and William The Bloody for killing one of their own. The curse was a soul, or a conscience. It makes them aware of all the things they do and the things the demon had done.

�They�re still monsters who feed on blood. Taking lives of others just so they can feed and survive. Monsters just like the ones who killed Cathy,� Buffy yelled as the hatred shone through her eyes.

�Buffy, I know those who killed your best friend were vicious monsters. These two however are not like that. They help you wage the war against those monsters. Angel and Spike are very much victims of those demons also. They don�t feed from humans anymore either, they go to the butcher to get their blood,� Giles tried to calm her down.

Angel then stood and walked slowly over to Buffy. He knelt down in front of her and grabbed her hand. She looked down and noticed he had placed a stake in her hand. Angel tore open his black leather jacket and shirt for her.

�Go ahead and stake me if you don�t believe us. I would rather you feel comfortable then to stay in this damn world another minute,� Angel said. Tears started flowing out of her green eyes. Looking deeply in his eyes she could see that soul that they told her of. She had also seen the face of his demon though. Her heart and brain were having a war against one another and she had no clue which would win.

Everyone in the room was silent as they watched her face. Spike was rocking back and forth on his heels just in case he needed to pounce. He didn�t want to hurt anyone in this room but he would never let something happen to his sire.

---

TBC....