Lovers Walk

Chapter Twenty-Six: Jealously


Spike carried Ravyn down the steps to the lower level and gently laid her on the bed. She hadn't made a sound all the way back from the warehouse. He had tried several times to rouse her, but she was either out cold, or in to much pain to respond.

Spike looked her over and sighed heavily before taking her dirty clothes off and pulling the sheet up over her. She was thin and pale and he figured she hadn't eaten since she'd left 2 nights ago. He quickly ran upstairs and heated her something to eat before returning, hopefully he could wake her long enough to feed.

Sitting her up, he sat behind her and leaned her up against his chest and put the cup to her lips.

"Ravyn...Ravyn, you need to feed." he told her quietly, only to get no response out of her. He tilted her head back slightly and parted her lips with the edge of the cup and slowly poured the liquid in.

Coaxing her throat so she would swallow, he slowly feed her till the cup was empty.

Spike sat the cup aside and placed his head atop of hers and held her tightly to him. He had heard her whispered words of her head hurting and wondered how long she had laid there in pain. He knew he had caused this. He closed his eyes and tried to push his pain away for all the heartache he had caused. *I promise I'll make this better* he thought, as he tried to figure out a way to undo the hurt he had caused her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike didn't sleep much thelowilowing day, worried at the fact that Ravyn still hadn't woken up. He continued to feed her periodically, crushing the pain pills into a powder and mixing it with the blood before feeding it to her. As the sun began to set, she started coming to.

Ravyn tried to open her eyes, but found the tiny movement to send her head spinning. She lay there quietly wondering where Spike was. She knew she was back in the crypt...no mistaking the smell of that place. She thought of calling out to him, but wasn't sure she wanted to talk to him yet. She was still hurting over what he had done and was in to much physical pain to argue at the moment.

Opening her eyes slightly, she saw him, sitting in the chair next to the bed. His eyes were open, but he was staring at the wall....completely lost in thought. Sighing softly, she turned her head completely to the side to look at him.

She wondered what he was thinking. Or better question...who he was thinking of. She laughed bitterly to herself. *Stupid question..who else would he be thinking of.* She closed her eyes briefly willing her tears away. She had cried enough over this. *No more* she told herself.

Opening her eyes back up, she tried to move, but found she was to weak to even move her arm.

"Ravyn" Spike asked softly as he looked over at her. He stood from his chair and approached the bed.

Ravyn looked over at him and felt her eyes stinging with tears and shut them quickly. She couldn't even look at him.

"Hey, you okay." he asked as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"No" she replied softly. She almost wished he hadn't found her. At least she wouldn't have to look at the man she thought loved her. Clenching her eyes shut tightly, she tried to focus on his betrayal, to bring her anger forward and stop the tears. She wouldn't let him see her cry. Not over this.

Spike reached up and pushed her hair away, only to have her move her head away. He sighed lightly as his shoulder's slumped.

"Don't touch me" she said quietly. "You have no right."

"I'm sorry Ravyn" Spike said as he stood from the bed and went upstairs.

Ravyn's tears fell despite her efforts to keep them away. Staring at the crypt wall, she let all the emotions go...one last time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Well, this orta do the trick" Xander said as he placed a big box of explosives on the research table. "Just some extras I found laying around over at the site. Think it'll be enough?"

"Yeah should, but...this is dynamite. Don't you have to actually light it to make it go boom? Someone will have to be there to set it off." Willow said staring at the contents of the box.

"Yeah, well..I figured we could let Spike do it." Xander said, earning him a glare from both Buffy and Willow. "What..he was the one that said he'd go in."

Buffy sat down and put her head in her hands. "I'm not even sure he can get in there. That Trull guy looks a lot smarter than your average vamp. I'm sure he'd see through Spike. And how's he going to get those in there anyway?"

"Good question?" Willow said as she also sat.

"Maybe he knows someone who could rig up a timer for it. A bomb maybe?" Xander said as he rummaged through the box, picking up various pieces of the explosives.

"Yeah, that could work. Surly he knows some demon or another who could do it." Willow stated.

"Well, I guess we can ask him, if he ever comes back around." Buffy said sadly before giving her friends a little smile.

"He will" Willow told her quietly, smiling back at her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike carried another mug of blood downstairs for Ravyn. It had been almost 3 hours since he had left her. He had heard her crying softly and he almost left, unable to hear her and not feel pained for what he had done.

Approaching the bed, he sat the cup on the bedside table before sitting on the edge of the bed. She had turned over, her back now facing him. He studied her form, before venturing what he knew would be a painful conversation.

"I brought you something to eat." he said softly.

"Not hungry" she replied just as quietly.

Spike sighed and ran a hand over his face. "Ravyn, it was just a kiss. That's all."

"Oh, I feel so much better now. Thank you for clearing up my confusion." she said sarcastically.

Spike hung his head. This was gonna be worse than he thought.

"What do you want me to say? I said I was sorry. What more do you want?"

"I want to know that it won't happen again." she said rolling over to look at him.

Spike reached down and wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly to him. "It won't...I promise." he said burring his head in her shoulder.

"It better not" Ravyn said softly. *I'll kill her if it does* she said to herself as she wrapped her arms around him.

"I love you" Spike told her.

"I love you to"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy was making her way through Spike's cemetery on her patrol. She wanted to go see him, but knew it was a bad idea. She hadn't seen him in two days and wondered why he hadn't come back around.

She could see a faint light coming from the crypt up ahead. She knew he was there, just wasn't sure if she had the courage to walk the short distance to the door.

Deciding she could always use the lame excuse of Trull and the explosives, she took a deep breath and walked forward.

Standing at the door, she almost had second thoughts but, noticing the door was ajar slightly, she pushed it open and entered.

Buffy pushed the door shut behind her and looked around. *Must be downstairs* she thought. *And where the hell did he get that TV?*

Buffy scrunched up her face and took in the site of the crypt. It was actually clean. Well, as clean as a crypt could be. And had real furniture to. *Definitely has a woman's touch* she thought sarcastically.

"Spike" she called out softly as she walked to the lower level entrance.

Buffy descended the steps and made her way quietly into the sleeping chamber only to come face to face with...Ravyn.

"Well, well....if it isn't the Slayer" Ravyn said with smirk on her face, as she stood at the foot of the bed.

Buffy's eyes widened as she looked at Ravyn. She glanced around, Spike wasn't there.

"He's not here" Ravyn said as she grabbed a T-shirt from the end of the bed.

Buffy looked at Ravyn with wide eyes. *When did she come back?* Her mind was racing as she watched Ravyn dress.

She turned her head as Ravyn stood there in only her underwear. She 'knew' she shouldn't have came.

"Where's Spike?" Buffy asked.

"Not here, but I'm glad you came by. Been meaning to have a little chat with you." Ravyn said as she finished dressing and moved closer to Buffy.

Buffy turned her head and saw Ravyn approaching and quickly turned to face her. "Where is he?" she asked as she straightened her back and glared at Ravyn.

Ravyn smiled as she stopped in front of her. "Defensive, aren't we?" Ravyn said as she took in Buffy's posture. "Don't worry Slayer, don't have any intention's on killing you...at least not in here." she added flashing yellow eyes at her.

"Is that some kind of a threat, cause....really not scared here." Buffy said crossing her arms over her chest.

"That's good....makes the fight that much more interesting." Ravyn said, leaning her head to one side grinning.

Buffy glared at Ravyn as she stood there smiling at her.

"So, tell me Slayer." Ravyn said as she walked to the chair and sat down. "You come by for a reason or were you just in the neighborhood?"

"I need to talk to Spike about Trull."

"Ah....well, he's not here, like I said."

"Where is he?" Buffy asked, getting tired of Ravyn's banter.

"Not really any of your business, now is it."

"Cut the crap Ravyn, I'm in no mood for this" Buffy spat out irritated. "Just tell me where I can find him."

Ravyn chuckled at her. "And 'why' would I do that?'

Buffy rolled her eyes at Ravyn. "Fine....just tell him I came by" she said hatefully as she turned to leave.

"Don't think so Slayer."

Buffy stopped and turned to face Ravyn. "You know, whether you like it or not, Spike does help me, and there's not a whole lot you can do about it." she said smiling.

Ravyn laughed and stood up from her chair. "Now see, that's where your wrong. All I have to do is ask him not to......and he won't."

Buffy let out a half laugh as she looked at Ravyn. "Oh, like that would stop him. I think I know Spike well enough to know he does what he likes."

"Yeah, and what he likes to 'do' is me." Ravyn said grinning as she walked closer to Buffy. "I think I give him hours of reason to stay here."

Buffy felt her blood boiling as she stood there staring at Ravyn. She wanted to slap that smirk off her face so bad she had to bite her tongue to keep herself calm.

"Oh, what's wrong...Buffy." Ravyn laughed. "Didn't think we were just rooming together to split the power bill did ya?"

"Shut up Ravyn! I could care less what you do down here."

"Really, so is that why you felt the need to grope my mate." Ravyn said sarcastically. "He's mine Slayer, I suggest you remember that in the future." she added angrily.

"Yours...since when did he become your property?" Buffy asked leering at Ravyn.

"The same night I became his." Ravyn said leaning her head to the side and pulling at the collar of her shirt. "See that Slayer....his mark. And he wears mine." she added looking up straight at her. "You look like a smart girl, I'm sure you know what that means. Let's hope you don't forget it in the future."

Buffy's eyes went wide when realization of what Ravyn had said hit her. That's why Spike said he couldn't leave her. He had claimed her as a mate.

"Wow...that didn't take long" Ravyn said with a smile. "You're a lot brighter than you look Slayer."

Before Buffy realized what she was doing, she reached put and punched Ravyn, causing her head to snap back with the blow.

Ravyn slowly turned her head to see a very pissed off Buffy glaring at her. She ran her tongue across her bloody lip and smiled. "Now see, that's what I've been waiting for" Ravyn said as she swung out and punched Buffy, causing her to stagger back a few steps. Ravyn grabbed her head as a jolt ran through her skull. She closed her eyes and clenched her teeth as the pain sent a shock wave through her body.

Straightening up, she turned her eyes to Buffy who was staring at her, cheek bright red from her blow. "That was fun, care to go again?" she asked grinning.

"You can't fight me" Buffy chuckled. "That chip would fry you before we even got started." Buffy said advancing on Ravyn a few steps.

"You'd be surprised what I could do Slayer" Ravyn hissed at her.


Ravyn and Buffy heard the crypt door open, but never stood down from there defensive stances. They both stood there staring at each other when Spike came down the ladder and rounded the corner. He froze when he saw them.

"What's goin on?" he asked as he saw them both in a defensive stance.

"Nothin...just a little girl talk" Ravyn said smiling at Buffy as she relaxed her posture.

Spike looked at both of them and saw Ravyn's busted lip and Buffy red cheek. He sighed and shook his head.

"Did you need something Buffy?" he asked, as he walked over to where they were.

"Needed to talk to you about Trull. Got distracted when you weren't here." she said never taking her eyes off Ravyn.

Spike looked over at Ravyn and could see the predatory look in her eyes. He knew she'd fight Buffy chip or not. Running his hand through his hair he wondered if things could get any worse.

"So, did ya get it?" Ravyn asked him as she finally looked over at him.

"Yeah, upstairs." he said.

Ravyn smiled at him before looking back over at Buffy. "Well, I've enjoyed our little chat Slayer...we'll have to do it again sometime....when there's less distraction." she said before walking past them and went up the ladder.

"So, what happened?" Spike asked when Ravyn had left.

"Nothing I couldn't handle" Buffy said, looking at him.

Spike took off his duster and threw it across the chair before reaching for his smokes. "So, what'd you wanna talk about?" he asked as he pulled a cigarette from it's pack and lit it.

"Xander got a hold of some explosives. We were wondering if you knew anybody who could figure out a way to set them off without one of us actually having to physically be in there with it."

Spike took a draw off his smoke and blew the smoke out before giving her a grin. "Yeah, but not sure your gonna like the answer though." he said, leaning his head to one side.

"Who?" Buffy asked him, confused by his answer.

Spike motioned upstairs with his head. "Ravyn"

Buffy felt her eyes roll before she could even stop it. She 'so' didn't want 'her' help with anything.

"She can make a bomb?" Buffy asked sarcastically.

"Yeah...believe it or not. She knows more about explosives than most demons I know."

Buffy sighed heavily. She hated having Ravyn involved in this. Why couldn't she just go away. Shaking her head she looked at Spike and sighed again. "You think she'd do it?" she almost gagged on her words.

"Yeah, probably. Girl likes a bit of violence. Blowing up stuff seems to give her the warm fuzzies."

"Well, ask her and let me know. The stuff's at the shop if she decides to do it." Buffy said before turning. "I guess I better go."

"Yeah, it's pretty late. Come on, I'll walk you out." Spike said as he started for the ladder.

Spike led Buffy to the door and keep his eye on Ravyn. She was to damn unpredictable to not think she might try something. Not that Buffy couldn't defend herself, but he really didn't need the added pressure of taking sides right now.

"Well, I'll see ya around." Buffy said as she opened the door.

"Yeah, night." Spike said as she stepped out the door.

"Thanks for stopping by Slayer..how bout waiting till your invited next time." Ravyn said from her position on the couch.

Buffy rolled her eyes. "Night Spike." she said quietly before turning at stepping off the landing.

Spike shut the door and walked over to the couch. "What the bloody hell happened in here?" he asked as he stared down at Ravyn.

"Nothing...just a little girl talk, like I said."

"Which led to punches being thrown?" Spike asked her sarcastically.

"Oh damn, never was much good at playing hostess. Maybe I'll offer her tea next time." Ravyn added getting angry that he was being so snotty about it.

Spike sighed and sat down on the couch with her. "You can't go fighting her every time you see her." he said looking over at her.

"Hey, she threw the first punch. I just returned the favor." Ravyn said looking over at him.

Spike stared at her and knew she was probably telling the truth. Even though she had hit Buffy, he knew she wouldn't deliberately set that chip off unless provoked.

"So, you gonna give me some of that?" he asked scootinoseroser to her.

Ravyn smiled at him and moved away. "No, should have got your own."

"It's the only one they had in that flavor."

"So"

"So, I like that kind." he said grinning.

"I care." Ravyn said sarcastically grinning back at him.

Spike pouted at her until she finally rolled her eyes at him and handed him her ice cream. "You eat all of it, I'll stake you in your sleep."

Spike chuckled at her. "Remind me not to sleep so heavy then from now own, okay luv."

Ravyn smiled at him and laid down. Things weren't perfect, but at least they were talking. *It's a start* she thought as she watched him eat the last bit of her ice cream.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next evening, Spike and Ravyn walked to the Magic Box. She had agreed to fix up the explosives for them, with strict instructions NOT to start anything with Buffy.

"Remember what I said" Spike told her as they approached the door.

"Yeah, yeah, no hittin the Slayer." Ravyn said rolling her eyes at him. "But if she starts it, I'm making no promises."

"Fair enough" he said as he opened the door and followed her in.

"Hey" Xander said quietly, smiling lightly at Ravyn. He actually liked her. Well he liked her distracting Spike away from Buffy. The longer she was around, the less likely things would happen between the two.

"Hey Xander" Ravyn said smiling back at him. "So what kind of toys did you find me to play with" she asked him, walking over to the table where he was.

"The kind that go boom" he said showing her what he had gotten.

Ravyn smiled big when she looked in the box. "Don't ya just love dynamite. Makes me feel all tingly." she said grinning at him.

Xander raised one eyebrow at her and grinned a little. "Uh yeah, guess so. So, what do you need to fix this up?"

"Not much, need to make a little trip to get the things I need."

Buffy stood there watching Ravyn and Xander talking and had to control herself from just walking over and staking her. She didn't want her here. The only time she had to spend with Spike was when they patrolled and if Ravyn got involved...then that cut into her time.

Spike saw the look on Buffy's face and walked over to where she was sitting on the steps. "So, any ideas on how we're gonna get those things inside?" he asked her as he stood in front of her, blocking her view of Ravyn.

Buffy looked up at him and smiled. "No, not really. Guess we could put them in the loft we've been hiding in, but I'd really like to get Pratt out of there."

"Well, I think a demon is the least of our worries." Spike told her. "But, I think they need to be on the ground level. Wouldn't want to miss and not actually get him."

"Yeah, I know. It's just to dangerous to walk in there."

"I could get in there. Don't think he'd suspect anything if I showed up." Spike said, thinking another vamp wouldn't ring any alarms with Trull.

"Yes he would" Ravyn said as she continued making a list of things she needed.

Spike and Buffy both turned to look at her.

"You just walk in there, and he'll know something's up. He's been here for weeks right? He's gonna wonder why you just showed up out of the blue wanting to help him in his cause." Ravyn said finally looking up at Spike. "You'd be dead inside twenty minutes of showing your face in there."

"You know...she's probably right" Willow said as she finally got into the conversation. "How would you explain the bag of explosives? I mean, I'm sure the guy's not stupid."

Buffy shook her head at Willow. "Yeah, we can't under estimate him. Not to mention he's got at least thirty vamps in there." she said looking back over at Spike.

"So, how are we gonna get these in there?" Xander asked as he looked over Ravyn's list of supplies.

Buffy sighed and ran her hands through her hair. "I have no clue. But we need to figure it out soon. We're running out of time."

"Not that I want to help in your merry little gang of misfits, but I could get'em in." Ravyn said as she leaned back in her chair.

All eyes turned to her before Spike let out a half laugh. "Like hell you will."

"What, he'd never know" Ravyn said looking over at him.

"You're not going in there." Spike told her flatly turning to face her.

Ravyn rolled her eyes at him. "If I can get in and out of 3 Initiative Complexes, I'm sure a Master's lair isn't gonna be a problem."

Spike gave her a hard look before Buffy stood up from the steps.

"So, how exactly would you manage it." Buffy asked walking closer to the table.

"Well, I don't know...walk through the front door I'd imagine." Ravyn said sarcastically.

"You think maybe you could stop being a bitch for two seconds?" Buffy asked, getting irritated with her.

"But it's so much fun, watching your face turn all red." Ravyn said grinning at her.

Buffy rolled her eyes and looked over at Spike. "How do you put up with her?"

"It's not easy" Spike mumbled, earning him a grin from Ravyn.

"You know, I could care less. If you don't want my help, then find a way in there yourself." Ravyn said looking from Buffy to Spike.

Everyone just looked at everyone else, trying to figure out the best way to approach the Master.

"So, what makes you think the Master would let you in and not Spike?" Buffy asked her as she sat at the table.

Ravyn grinned at her. "I'm sure I can think of something to keep him occupied enough to distract him from my motives."

Spike clenched his jaws tightly as he looked at her. Ravyn smiled to herself knowing at least he didn't like the idea. *Maybe he does care after all* she thought.

"So what, you're gonna hit on the guy and make yourself at home?" Buffy asked after glancing at Spike.

"If that's what it takes."

"No" Spike finally said, not happy with the thoughts of her going in. "It's to dangerous. If he finds out what you're doing he'll kill you."

"Yeah, but at least I have a better chance than you do."

Ravyn and Spike stared at each other while the rest of the group watched. They almost seemed to be communicating as their intense ss has hardened.

Ravyn finally sighed and shook her head. "Fine, whatever. I'll just make your little bombs and watch you all get yourselves killed." she said before standing up. "Xander, want to help me go get this stuff?" she asked, picking up the list.

"Yeah, sure." Xander said quietly as Spike kept his gaze fixed on Ravyn.

Buffy saw the intense look on his face and knew he cared more for Ravyn than she would like. Sighing heavily she stood up from the table. "Well, I guess we need to get over there and see what's going on."

Ravyn glanced over at Spike briefly before looking at Buffy. Turning around she headed for the door. "Let's go Xander..stores don't stay open all night you know!" she yelled over her shoulder as she opened the door and went out.

Spike watched her leave and knew what she was thinking. "Be right back" he said quietly and followed Ravyn out.

Buffy looked over at Willow who had been unusually quiet. "So, what ya think?" she asked her quietly.

"I think she'd probably be able to pull it off...that is if you could convince Spike to let her do it." Willow said, looking at her friend.

"Yeah, but I don't think he's gonna let that happen." Xander commented as he stood by the table. "I mean, sure she's broke into all those Complexes, but this is way different. This is more 'personal' if you know what I mean."

"Yeah, hard telling what she might have to do to get Trull to trust her." Willow added.

Buffy folded her arms across her chest and looked towards the door. "Well, it may be our only shot. I'll see what I can do."

~*~*~

"Ravyn..stop" Spike said as he walked in behind her.

Ravyn turned around to face him. "What?"

"I know what you're thinking." Spike said as he moved closer to her. "Nothing's gonna happen."

"Yeah, well it better not." she said a little more hatefully than she had intended. She sighed heavily beforokinoking at anything but him.

Spike smiled at her. She looked cute being all jealous. He almost had the notion to be excited at the thoughts of two women fighting over him...if it weren't for the fact that they'd probably kill one another over it.

"Look, I've already told her nothing could happen. Don't worry so much." he said smiling at her. "

Ravyn turned her head and looked at him. She could tell he was serious. Still didn't make her trust Buffy.

"Can't help it. I don't like her." Ravyn told him whining a little.

"I know you don't. You don't have to, just don't go starting anything with her is all I'm asking." Spike said as he walked up to her. He kissed her forehead before smiling at her and brushing her hair away from her face. "Sides..this whole jealous routine is doing wonder's for my ego."

Ravyn rolled her eyes at him and chuckled softly. "I'm sure it is. Surprised your head hasn't exploded yet." she said wrapping her arms around his neck.

Spike laughed at her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "I love you" he told her quietly.

Ravyn looked at him, not completely sure he meant it anymore. She still had to many question where Buffy was concerned.

"I love you to." she said before kissing him softly.

Xander and Buffy chose that moment to exit the store. Buffy froze when she saw them kissing. Xander saw the pained look on her face and wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gave her a little squeeze. "Cheer up Buff." he said quietly as Ravyn and Spike slowly pulled away from each other.

Buffy smiled up at her friend. She knew he didn't like the fact that she was in love with Spike, but was glad he was at least supportive of her feelings.

"I'll be okay" she said smiling at him.

"So, we going or not?" Ravyn called out to Xander as she moved to stand beside Spike.

"Yeah, let's go." he said, walking over to her.

Ravyn turned and started down the sidewalk, but gave Buffy a hard look before doing so. *Girl better watch herself* she said to herself as Xander caught up with her.

Spike smiled at Buffy. "Ready Slayer?" he asked as she just stood there looking at him.

"Yeah, let's go." she said, returning a smile to him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ravyn slipped her knee high boots on and stood to adjust her shorts. She looked down at herself and smiled. *This orta do the trick* she said to herself taking in her appearance best she could. *So, duster or no?* she asked herself, picking up her long white duster and looking at it. "Definitely yes" she said grinning as she slipped it on over her white leather shorts and halter top.

"Well, Trull...let's see what kind of man you are" she said to no one as she headed out of the crypt, towards the warehouses.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"I still don't know why you have to go in." Buffy said as her and Spike approached the warehouses. "I mean, I think Ravyn's idea would have worked."

Spike stopped and looked at her. "Yeah, I'm sure it would have." he said looking angry that everyone wanted Ravyn to risk herself for their cause. "But the girl acts before she thinks...hard telling what she'd get herself into going in there. You don't know what kind of man Trull is. Ravyn gets herself mixed up with him, she'd never get away." he added before turning and continuing on his way.

Buffy sighed lightly before following him. "Well, let's just keep an eye on him for a few more days before you go in." she said. She didn't like the idea of him going in alone. She was worried that Ravyn was actually right about Trull seeing through Spike's motives.

Buffy and Spike made there way up the crates and into the side window of the warehouse and took their usual hiding place. The warehouse was full of activity. There were more vamps than at first suspected. They wondered how the Master had acquired so much help. Crawling close to the floor, they sat back and listened to see what Trull's next move was.

"Master, we have acquired the location of the Hellmouth." a small little vamp said nervously.

"Very good" Trull said smiling as he rose from his seat. "Then everything is going as planned?" he asked as he walked down infront of his scouts.

"Yes Master. All the components of the spell have been gathered. All we need now is to wait for the New Moon."

Trull smiled at his minions. "Well, now that the hard part is over...what do you say to having a little fun while we wait?" he asked looking out over his throng of followers. "I think a little celebration is in order."


"You're not having a party and not inviting me are you?" Ravyn asked as she stood in the open door way smiling. All heads turned to look at her as she walked slowly towards where Trull was standing and knew that wherever Spike was hiding he was probably breaking his jaw clenching it so tight. She smiled bigger as she stopped in front of the Master.

"So, what's a girl gotta do to get into your little.....party" she asked looking up at Trull smiling.

Trull looked at Ravyn and gave her an appreciative look from head to toe. He smiled at her and licked his lips as he took in the site of her. "I'm sure I can think of.......something" he told her grinning.

_____________________________________

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Playing With Fire


Ravyn kept her fake smile plastered to her face as she was surrounded by more than forty vamps. She knew as long as she played this out, everything would go smoothly...at least until she got back to the crypt, that is. No doubt it'd be a bad nighen Sen Spike got ahold of her.

"So tell me...where have you been hiding at in this nasty little town?" Trull asked Ravyn as he continued to smile down at her.

"I've been around" Ravyn replied looking him over. He looked to be in his thirties with a very large build. Black wavy hair adorned hea head, with large brown eyes. He was dressed in an expensive suit and Ravyn thought he looked very out of place for the destruction he was trying to create.

Trull walked slowly around Ravyn, running his hand through her long hair. "You're not hiding any weapons under that coat, are you?" he asked her suspiciously. "Can't be to careful about who just walks in here." he said stopping behind her.

Ravyn reached up and pulled her coat from her shoulder's and let in fall he ghe ground behind her. "No weapons...I'm no threat to you." she said to him, looking back over her shoulder at him.

"I wouldn't be to sure of that." Trull said with a smirk as he ran his hand down her back. "You look quiet dangerous to me." he whispered in her ear.

Buffy sat and watched as Spike clenched his jaw and spat out words she had never heard him use quietly under his breath. She had a firm hold on his arm, keeping him from giving them away. It was all she could do to hold htilltill when Ravyn had walked through the door. And as much as she despised Ravyn, she actually felt sorry for the girl...well, when Spike got his hands on her that is. Buffy had never seen him so mad.

"Spike, calm down before they hear you" she whispered hatefully to him. "You're gonna getall all killed."

"Well, if they don't kill her, I will" he whispered back to her pointing at Ravyn, never taking his eye off her. "Bloody stupid woman never listens."

"Well, maybe not, but I think this will work if you'll just calm down." Buffy told him. "She'll be all right." she said, hoping she wasn't lying. Why she cared whether Ravyn made it out or not, she had no clue...but seeing how Spike was reacting, she knew he cared for her. For his sake, she hoped Ravyn knew what she was doing.

"So tell me..." Trull said as he walked back around and stopped in front of Ravyn. "What is your name?"

Ravyn smiled at him best she could. She didn't like the look in his eye and for a brief moment wondered why she hadn't listened to Spike.

"Ravyn" she answered him.

"Ah yes...suits you perfectly." he said softly, running his hand down the side of her neck, slowly making his way down the front of her chest.

"And you are?" Ravyn asked him.

"You can call me Trull." he answered her.

"Well Trull, what kind of business are you conducting around here?" she asked him, giving the room a good look. "Quiet a few followers to just be setting up house."

Trull smiled before breaking his gaze from her chest and looking up at her. "Well, I guess you'll just have to stick around to find that out...now won't you?"

Trull looked away from Ravyn and motioned for one of his minions. "Go find us something..fresh.. to eat. Bring it to my chambers." he said before looking back over at Ravyn. "Let's take this somewhere more ..private.....shall we?"

Ravyn continued to smile and took the arm he had offered her, before Trull led her away. She glanced up at the loft she knew Spike and Buffy were hiding at as they turned, hopeing to at let get a glimpse of Spike before she left. Taking a deep breath, she let Trull led her away to his sleeping chamber, hoping this would go as well as she had hoped.

Spike made his way to the window and climbed out, leaving Buffy sitting. She sighed heavily before following him out, knowing 'she' would be the one to hear his rants until Ravyn was there to get them. As she hopped down off the crates, she had to jog to catch up with him.

"Spike, hold up" Buffy said as she neared him. He was stomping down the street, hands clenching into fist, mumbling to himself.

"Spike" she said as she grabbed his arm to stop him.

"What!" he yelled as Buffy swung him around to face her.

"She'll be okay" she told him. "I don't think Trull suspected anything."

Spike let out a harsh laugh and looked around before looking back over at Buffy. "You have NO idea what that guy is capable of!" he said angrily. "I've heard things that would make a grown man hide at the mention of his name. She has no idea what she's messin wit the there!"

Buffy ran her finger's through her hair and sighed lightly. "Well, we'll just have to hope she knows what's she doing. She seemed to be pretty sure she could pull this off. I think you're just worrying about nothing at this point."

Spike gave her a concerned look. "Buffy, he'll never let her go. He'll keep her there till he's through with her, and kill her when he's done." Spike said, his anger shining in his eyes. "The things this man has done are legendary in the vampire community. He control's people to satisfy his own needs and puts them down when they've served there purpose."

Buffy felt panicked, whether it was for Ravyn, Spike, or herself she wasn't sure. All she knew is that Spike looked more scared than actually mad at the moment. "She'll be okay" Buffy reassured him, placing a hand on his arm.

Spike looked down at Buffy and gave her the best smile he had. He knew she didn't like Ravyn, but her trying to ease his mind about her safety made him grateful she was there.

"I'm going back up there. See if anything happens. You coming?" Spike said after he had calmed down a little.

Buffy smiled weakly at him. "Yeah, let's go."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Ravyn walked slowly into Trull's sleeping chamber's and was impressed. It was lavishly decorated compared the rest of the building. She had to give the man credit for his taste. He may be an evil vampire...but he had style.

"So, Ravyn...would you care for a drink?" Trull asked as he shut the door behind him.

"Love one" Ravyn said smiling as she sat on a large sofa. "This is quiet nice" she told him, looking around the room.

Trull smiled at her as he made their drinks and joined her on the sofa. "So, what brings you by. I'm sure it wasn't for the atmosphere." he said grinning at her.

"No reason. Just noticed all the activity and was curious."

"Ah, well you know what curiosity got the cat...don't you?" Trull asked her with a evil smile.

Ravyn felt a chill run up her spine as she looked at him. She smiled inspite of the fact she was starting to worry about acting before thinking things through. *Will I ever learn?* she asked herself, still smiling. "Yes, well....a girl has to keep herself occupied somehow."

~*~*~

Spike made his way back through the window and crouched down beside Buffy. "So, what's going on?" he asked her quietly as he looked around the room.

"Not sure. They're doing something...can't make out what though?" she told him as they watched the vamps huddle in little groups. "Can you make out what they're saying?" Buffy asked him.

Spike listened. He could only make out bits and pieces. Mostly about Ravyn and what Trull was probably doing with her...just enough to piss him off again. "They're not mentioning anything about the spell. Just scattered remarks about Ravyn." he told her.

"We could try to follow this loft around, maybe get closer to where he took her." Buffy said to him, as she looked at the way the loft wrapped around the building.

Spike looked at the loft and shook his head. "No, to risky. One of those gits is liable to see us. Best off if we stay here."

"Okay" Buffy said shaking her head. "We'll just hang out here for a while."

~*~*~*~

Ravyn had been listening to Trull talk about himself until she was ready to stake him for being so dull. To look so impressive, he was probably the biggest waste of space she had ever met. Still, she knew he was much more dangerous than she had anticipated.

"Well, enough about me...I want to know all there is to know about you Ravyn." Trull said, sliding closer to her on the couch.

"Not much to tell...lived, died, still here to remember it." she said, not about to tell him anything about her.

"I see" Trull said giving her a sideways glance. "So, a woman of mystery....makes me wonder what your hiding."

Ravyn chuckled nervously. "What would I have to hide? Nothing exciting ever happens around here." she stumbled through. "Was just looking for an entertaining evening is all. Looks like I found it." she added smiling.

Trull looked at her hard. He wasn't about to trust her so quickly. He hadn't lived as long as he had by letting a pretty face catch him off guard. "Well, if excitement is what your looking for...I think I can show you that."

Ravyn smiled and glanced around the room quickly, noting the exit in case she needed to make a run for it. "Yeah, what did you have in mind?" she asked him, dreading his answer.

Trull licked his lips and leaned in closer to her. "I can think of a few things." he said, deepening his voice. "I can think of alot of things actually." he added running a hand up her bare thigh.

Ravyn smiled at him and knew she was in deep shit. There was no way she was getting out of this one. "Well, sounds like fun.......but I'm not quiet as easy as all that." she said putting her hand on top of his, to stop it's climb up her leg.

"Ah, yes." Trull said smiling at her and removing his hand from her leg. "Didn't mean to insinuate that you were...please forgive me."

"No harm." Ravyn said, relieved for the moment. She sat and stared at him as his eyes were fixed on her.

Trull sat back on the sofa and stared at her. He couldn't figure out what game she was playing at but knew she had one. He could see a hint of fear in her eyes. Deciding to play along with her game, he left the ball in her court.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"How long is she gonna be in there?" Spike asked as he started to get twitchy.

"You wanna go back out for a while. Nothings happening in here." Buffy asked him.

Spike sighed before shaking his head and headed for the window. Once outside he paced around while Buffy watched him.

"You do realize you may have to leave her here for the day...unless you plan on hanging out in that loft until tomorrow." Buffy said to him as she watched him.

"Yeah, I know. Just not sure if I want to." he said as he continued to pace. "I'm gonna wring her neck when I get ahold of her." he said angrily, getting mad all over again.

Buffy took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Well, I don't think there's anything else we can do here." she said, ready to go.

Spike looked over at her and saw how tired she looked. "Why don't you go on home, I think I'll hang around for a little while longer." he said smiling at her.

"Are you sure...I don't mind"

"Yeah, I'm sure...you go on..get some rest." he said, smiling at her.

"Alright...I'll see you tomorrow then?" she asked him.

Spike smiled at her. "Yeah, tomorrow."

"K...night" she said as she turned to leave.

"Night Buffy"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike was pacing the crypt. He had reluctantly left the warehouse and had been waiting for Ravyn to return. Stubbing out his last cigarette he sat down heavily on the sofa when he heard movement outside. Jumping from the couch, she reached the door as Ravyn walked in.

Ravyn tried to smile as she saw him, but was shocked when he grabbed her and slammed her up against the wall.

"What the bleedin hell do you think you're doin!" he yelled as he held her. "You have any idea what you've gotten yourself into!"

Ravyn felt tears stinging her eyes as the back of her head made hard contact with the wall. She knew he'd be mad, but this was something she wasn't expecting.

"I'm fine Spike. Nothing happened. I didn't have any problem getting out." she said as she looked up at him. He was practically shaking he was so mad.

"You're never gonna learn are you! The one time you needed to actually listen to me to keep from getting your stupid self killed and what did you do? You ran off and pulled a Ravyn special and did exactly what I told you not to!" Spike said, getting right up in her face.

Ravyn felt a few tears slid down her face, she wasn't sure if it was from the pain in her head or Spike yelling at her. "You're hurting" sh" she said calmly, trying to break the hold he had on her arms.

"Yeah, you're lucky that's all I'm doing! I could kill you right now." he spat out as he released her arms and backed away from her.

Ravyn watched as he started pacing the floor of the crypt, mumbling to himself. She wiped at her face and felt the back of her head. "I'm sorry." she told him softly.

Spike laughed bitterly at her as he stopped to face her. "Sorry....well, a little to late for that, now innit it?"

Ravyn ran her hands through her hair as she looked at him. "Look Spike, I only did it so you wouldn't have to. He would have cut you down before you even got a foot in the door. I was just trying to protect you...that's all."

"Protect me! I'm 137 years old...I don't need anyone to protect me! Especially a infuriating, hard headed woman who don't know what real danger is! I'm surprised you've managed to survive as long as you have!"

Ravyn looked at him and knew it was useless to try and make him see why she had done it. He was to mad to listen. She stood there, and let him scream at her until he was red in the face before he grabbed his duster and stomped out the door.

As the door slammed shut, Ravyn looked around the room and wondered how she always managed to get herself into these situations. Ever since they had arrived in Sunnydale, Spike was either mad at her or drifting off in thought thinking of the Slayer. When would he ever see her for who she really was? Straightening herself up, she slowly made her way to the lower level, tears slowly falling once again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike stomped through the streets of Sunnydale, cursing every step of the way. He knew if he'd had stayed, he would have ended up doing something he'd regret later on. He walked the familiar path to Buffy's house and stood across the street. He had asked himself a hundred times how he had come to be where he was. How he had managed to mess things up so badly for himself and everyone he knew. Sighing heavily, he turned and continued down the street, trying to figure out what to do next.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike woke the next day, still on the sofa in the crypt where he had crashed. He was still to angry at Ravyn to actually look at her when he had returned. Running his hands through his hair, he noticed the sun would be setting soon and decided if he were going to keep Ravyn from going back to Trull's he'd better go try to set her straight, once and for all.

Making his way down the steps to the lower level, he stopped and looked around at all the clothes strung about the room.....Ravyn was gone. He walked slowly into the room and saw that her bag was missing and the bed hadn't been slept in. Apparently, she had left last night shortly after he did. Sighing heavily he turned and ran back up the steps. Hopefully he could find her before she did something more stupid. Grabbing his boots, he slipped them on and waited for the sun to set.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"What now?" Willow asked Buffy and Xander as the three sat around the research table. "Do you think maybe Spike has them?"

"Do I have what?" Spike asked as he walked in the door.

"The explosives." Buffy answered.

Spike stopped at Buffy's answer. "Please don't tell me there gone." he said, knowing the answer before hearing it.

"Yeah, the back door had been broken into and all the explosives are missing. That's all that was taken, as far as we can tell." Willow told him.

Spike sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Ravyn was gone when I woke up. Some of her clothes are missing to. I'm guessing she's got them."

"So, she made it out last night?" Buffy asked him suprised.

"Yeah, she made it out fine. Why she'd go back, I'm having a hard time figuring that one out."

"Maybe she knew she could actually get back in without a problem. If she managed it last night, then maybe...I don't know, Trull trusts her enough to let her come and go." Willow said looking optimistic about the whole thing.

Spike turned and headed for the door and left with Buffy fast on his heels. "Spike, wait" she yelled out to him as he headed down the sidewalk.

"Spike, what's wrong?" she asked as she caught up with him. The look on his face wasn't one she was expecting. "What happened?" she asked him softly.

Spike looked at anything but her. "I said some really terrible things to her last night Buffy." he told her sadly. "What if something happens to her?"

"It won't" she said smiling weakly at him. "I think she's proven she can manage her own. If she got out last night, then she'll do it again."

Spike shook his head and took a deep unneeded breath. "I'm not real sure she's gonna care if she makes it out."

Buffy looked at him and saw the pained look on his face. "What did you say?" she asked him quietly.

"Alot I shouldn't have. She said she did it so I wouldn't have to and I nailed her to the wall for it. I didn't even care what her motives were at the time, I just screamed at her and stood there and watched her cry."

"Well, I'm sure she knew you were just upset. It's not the first fight you've ever gotten into is it?"

"No...but I've never hurt her before." he said quietly.

Buffy looked at him a little wide eyed. "You didn't hit her did you?"

"No, not like I didn't want to." Spike said, not willing to tell her he had slammed Ravyn up against the wall, "I can still see the look on her face." he said, wincing slightly as her remembered. "God, I'm so stupid!"

"It'll be okay Spike. Let's just grab some weapon's, get over there and see what's going on."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ravyn stood outside the warehouse, looking nervously at it. She knew this would either work...or not. Sighing heavily, she looked around before she slowly made her way to the building.

Stopping in front of the door, she made sure her clothes covered the explosives in her bag and fumbled in her jacket pocket for the detonator before reaching for the door and opening it.

"Ah, well if it isn't the lovely Ravyn." Trull said as Ravyn aacheached him. "And may I say, red is definitely your color my dear." he added as he took in the red leather she had chosen to wear.

Ravyn smiled at him as she stopped right in front of him. "I was hopeing this would please you."

"Oh, and please me it does. Your more tasty than I previously thought." he said as he stood to admire her.

"So, shall we......leave the watchful eyes of the others?" she asked him, giving him a sideways glance.

Trull smiled at her and took her hand. "Yes, let's do." he said as he led her away to his room.

Spike and Buffy just did make it through the window to see Trull and Ravyn turn the corner. They also saw the bag and knew things were going to play out, whether they wanted them to or not.

"What now?" Buffy asked him quietly.

Spike didn't answer. He just watched the corner Ravyn had disappeared around and hoped this would all go well. Putting his head in his hand, he sat for a moment before heading back for the window.

Buffy followed him and wondered what he was doing. They were just going to watch and only get involved if they needed to. Jumping from the crates, she ran over to where they had stashed their weapons and watched as he loaded the crossbows.

"What are you doing?" she asked him worried about what he was thinking.

"Just getting ready"

"For what? We don't even know what's going on in there." she told him.

"Exactly the reason to be prepared." he said as he started putting stakes in every pocket he had.

"Spike, you're over reacting." Buffy said nervously. "You can't just bust in there. You'll get yourself killed and her."

"Well, I can't just sit by and wait." he said as he stood and looked at her. "If she's going down in there...then she's at least gonna have a fighting chance. I can't just leave her to do this all alone."

~*~*~*~*~

Ravyn sat her bag down at the door as Trull led her into his chamber. She walked into the room and turned to him smiling. "So, what's on the agenda for tonight?"

"I have special plans for you." he said walking slowly up to her.

Ravyn knew if her heart could beat she would have went into cardiac arrest at the look in his eyes. He wasn't the same calm poised man she had met the night before. What she saw now....was something she knew men feared.

Trull smiled wickedly at Ravyn before reaching out and grabbing the back of her neck. "I think it's time to stoph thh the niceties and get down to business. Don't you?" he asked her, glaring at her as he spoke.

"And what business would that be?" she asked, trying to stay calm.

Trull's smile widened as he jerked her forward to him. "I don't like being teased, and I don't like being lied to." he said harshly to her. "I had you followed. And I wonder how your boyfriend is going to feel when he finds your broken bloody body on his door step."

Ravyn looked up at him wide eyed and tried to pull away from him only to be grabbed by his other arm. "Let me go." she said, knowing this was not going as she had hoped.

"Oh, I don't think so...we're gonna have a little fun first." Trull said as he crushed his lips to hers.

Ravyn struggled and tried to break the grip he had her in, only to be held tighter as he forced his tongue inside her mouth. She bite his tongue and pushed him away and ran for the door, only to be caught.

Trull grabbed her around the waist and carried her over to the bed, ignoring her screams as he threw her down. "I'm gonna show you how I deal with lying traps such as you." he said as he held her down.

Ravyn screamed as he tried to hold her still, slapping her hard for her efforts.

"This won't hurt a bit, if you'll just cooperate." he said grinning down at her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike looked towards the warehouse when he heard Ravyn scream and ran, leaving Buffy standing. Grabbing as many weapon's as she could carry, Buffy quickly followed.

Spike reached the door and readied his crossbow as Buffy reached him. "You don't have to go in Slayer......this isn't going to be easy." he told her as she stood there looking at him.

"I know...let's just get in there, find her and get out."

Spike gave her a nod with his head and opened the door. As he entered, heads shot in there direction as the crossbow bolts wizzed through the air, dusting all they came in contact with.

Fist and stakes flew as they were slowly getting out numbered.

"There's to many" Buffy yelled as she staked another vamp and grabbed another.

"Get out Slayer!" Spike yelled as he punched and kicked his way through the mass of bodies.

~*~*~*~*~

Trull heard the commotion outside and looked up from Ravyn. "Well, seems we have company." he said with a smile as he rolled off of her. "I suggest you stay" he said hatefully as he stood from the bed. "We're not finished ."

Ravyn fixed her shirt and reached for the stake she had in the back of her pants. She jumped from the bed and tackled Trull as he went for the door.

Trull slung her off him and pinned her underneath him. "A girl with spunk...I think I'll keep you after all." he said grinning at her. He stood and jerked Ravyn off the ground by her hair and drug her to the door. "Let's go see what all the fuss is...shall we?"

Trull opened the door and drug Ravyn along behind him into the main room. Stopping at the corner as he saw the fighting.

Spike caught the flash of red out of the corner of his eye and staked the vamp in front of him, trying to make his way to Ravyn only to be tackled by another. Buffy saw him fall and ran, staking the vamp who had jumped Spike, staking him quickly, allowing Spike to stand.

"Enough!" Trull yelled out, causing his men to freeze in place, giving Spike and Buffy the upper hand as they continued to dust a few more as they had all stopped.

Trull jerked hard on Ravyn and pulled her to the center of the room and stopped. "What is the meaning of this?" he asked as his men moved away from him, giving him a good look at the intruders.

Buffy and Spike stood side by side, still in a defensive stance as they watched Trull drag Ravyn forward. He stopped a short distancom tom them and grinned before he spoke.

"Let me guess...the boyfriend?" Trull asked as he looked at Spike.

"Let her go!" Spike said through clenched teeth.

Trull laughed and pulled Ravyn up close to him. "Oh, no...I think I'm gonna keep her. Real firecracker this one is....wouldn't you agree."

Spike looked over at Ravyn and saw the bruises that were now present on her face. She was staring down at the floor, not making eye contact with anyone.

"Ravyn...are you okay?"ke ake asked her.

Trull jerked on her slightly. "Oh, she fells just fine...don't you?" he asked rubbing the side of her face with his free hand. "We were just about to have a little bit of fun until you interrupted."

Ravyn stuck her hand in her pocket and slowly pulled the detonator out, holding it close to her body. She glanced up at Buffy and Spike and noticed Buffy was looking at her. She motioned down with her eyes hopeing Buffy would see.

Buffy was watching Ravyn and saw she was trying to signal her. Looking down, she saw the detonator and knew what Ravyn was thinking. She had to find a way to get Spike and herself out. Giving Ravyn a little nod, she smiled weakly at her before returning her attention back to Trull.

"Let her go Trull!" Spike yelled, not sure how they were going to get out of this one. "I'm not leaving here without her."

"Well, see your half right. You won't be leaving at all." Trull said smiling at Spike. "And as for the temptress here....I think I'll keep her."

Ravyn looked back over at Buffy and nodded to her when she looked up before raising her foot and planting the heel of her boot into Trull's foot. The action was enough to distract him enough for Spike and Buffy to both jump, as they continued to fight they're way out.

Ravyn broke free of Trull and ran towards the door. "Go!" she yelled to Spike and Buffy as she neared them.

Buffy saw her running to them and grabbed Spike. "Come on...she's coming!" she yelled as she started pulling him with her.

Spike looked and saw Ravyn following them before turning and running for the door.

"Get them!" Trull yelled as he saw all three making for the door. As Spike and Buffy cleared the door, Ravyn fell, tackled to the ground by two of Trull's minions. Kicking at them, she righted herself and turned back to the door.

Spike and Buffy ran away from the building, but were both knocked down as a shock wave from the blast of the explosives hit them. Rolling a few feet away, they both looked up wide eyed as the building was rocked with explosion after explosion. They watched, horrified and red flames shot from the building and black smoke billowed out around them.

Standing best he could, Spike looked at the burning building as tears filled his eyes. Gasping for unneeded air as he saw the destruction before him.

"RAVYN!!!!!" Spike yelled as Buffy tackled him to the ground as he ran for the building. Holding him tightly, all she could do was hold him while he screamed out Ravyn's name, as the warehouse blazed with a blinding heat of destruction.