Birthright

Chapter 11

The blast took out both doors and some of the surrounding wall, sending vampires and humans alike hurling the distance. The vampiress seated on her throne didn’t even flinch, smirking at the figure in the wake,” William, it’s been an eternity.”

Spike stepped inside casually, dressed in his usually leather coat and cigarette dangling unlit from his lips. His eyes flashed as startled vampires climbed to their feet and hissed at him, growls rumbling in their chests. His glamour worked like a charm, right down to the bleach-blond hair and a familiar feeling of power and cockiness swarmed him. But he kept it in and contained. He’d learned that much,” Not too long I hope, Rebecca.”

Hissing, muscles tensing,” You dare to utter that name.”

Glowering at her,” An act of respect must be reflected, luv. You’ve yet to respect my moniker.”

Smirking and leaning back,” I see you’ve matured in the time since we last met.”

Giving a slight nod,” I’ve kept myself busy.”

Sneering just so,” So I’ve heard. Made yourself the pet of the slayer for a time...something about being helpless against humans...” A burly guard wrapped an arm around his neck, holding him in a headlock,”...how delicious.”

Eyes flickering gold, annoyed,” You don’t know the half of it, luv.” He broke the hold easily with his given strength, pivoting and sending the guard flying back with a spin kick. Four more took his place and with a soft growl he instinctively brought out his sword, leaning back into a defensive posture and waiting for them to attack.

“ Wait!”

The afore mentioned Rebecca rose to her feet, hand half covering her mouth as she walked almost in a dream state the distance and stopped just shy of touching the sword. Her state broke when Ariana walked in with deadly intent, the two elves on either side of her. With a strangled cry she dropped to her knees, startling her childer. With tears pouring down her face, giving Spike a beseeching look,” Please take us with you.”

Spike gave Ariana a look, the elf sighing,” She was banished quite some time ago-...”

“To this wretched hovel of a world. Condemned from the forest and the light for all eternity for such a trifle of a crime-...”

“You burned down a village-...”

“I’ve changed!”

Snorting, arms crossed as she took a look around,” I highly doubt that.”

Back stiffening,” I pledge my oath to the current lord. I do not break my vows. You know this Lord William.”

Spike ignored the vampires whispering to one another in surprise and doubt, addressing this proud
vampiress. She was a Queen in the vampire world, yet she would easily grovel at his feet for a chance to go home. Tilting his head a little to consider the possibilities before nodding to himself,” You will swear an oath of fealty directly to me and my family name.” Leaning in closer to her, his blue eyes locking with her own green ones,” And understand me on this pet. You won’t answer to some banishment if you betray me. I’ll stake you after I’ve made a prime example out of you...we’re clear on that, yea?”

Nodding almost demurely,” Yes, sire.”

Spike slid his sword back into it’s holder and took a look around,” Send the humans packing, luv. Unless they want a servants job I’ve got no use for ‘em. Any vamps dumber than a brick can join ‘em but I want all of your childer.”

She rose to her feet, head down submissively,” All that you see are my childer...I cannot abide minions.”

Flicking away his cigarette now that the facade was no longer necessary,” Makes two of us.”

“ How will we be of service to you, milord?”

Walking to the throne, kicking his feet back and relaxing while Ariana did a quick round up of the ones coming back, making sure to banish all the humans on their way,” The forest and the elves go hand in hand. Not enough elves so the forest won’t thrive. I plan on changing that. Wanta set things to right like they were in my father’s time.”

There were quiet murmurs amongst the vampires at the mention of elves, none of them understanding what was going on. But, none of them were stupid enough to actually voice outloud that question, “ I do remember some of the old teachings.”

Nodding slowly,” That’s where you and my guard over there come in. Gonna train up your childer here. Put things back.”

Quiet glances were exchanged, one and all confused but Rebecca ignored them, “ We will follow you, milord.”

Smirking,” I know it.”

***

Giles climbed to his feet, shock in his eyes as he moved around the book covered desk to hug his slayer,” Buffy?”

Giving him a weak smile,” Hey, Giles. How’s the whole Council thing going?”

Adjusting his glasses, clearing off two chairs to see Xander accompanying her,” Very well, actually. Well, I’m rather surprised-“

” I’m not here for a social visit, Giles. I need your help.”

Sitting on the edge of his desk and leaning forward,” Buffy, you know I am completely at your disposal.”

Wincing to herself,” I’m quitting.” At the look on his face, “I know, I’ve said it before but this time
it’s for keeps...and I need a favor.” A strange look crossed his face as she pulled in a breath, “I need Willow to send me to another dimension.”

Shaking his head before sighing and removing his glasses, “A particular one?”

Nibbling on her lower lip, “The one Spike and Dawn went to.”

Looking startled, putting his glasses back on his nose, “Dawn was kidnaped? This wasn’t one of that blasted vampire’s plans that backfired on him, is it?”

Shaking her head slowly, “No. Spike went home and Dawnie won’t come back with me.” He tilted his head at her, “He came from that dimension and grew up here.”

Standing up, “Buffy, you know I’ll do anything to help you get Dawn back but why on earth-...”

“I won’t be coming back, either.”

Giles paused before moving around his desk and slowly sitting down, “Tell me everything from the
beginning, please.”