Christmas Mate

Angel finished his evening meditation, struggling to hold on to the necessary concentration for the exercise. The dinner with William had disturbed him greatly, putting a dent in his usual routine. He had worked hard to reach the level of competence he had and he needed to keep working at it. The dinner had shown clearly that this mating thing would only slow him down.

He showered and changed into his sleep pants, mind whirring busily despite his meditation. He was going around in circles, trying to find a way out despite the obvious futility. Angel had been raised on warrior stories and more than once he’d been told that when a psychic was chosen, he could not refuse his mate without a grave and important reason.

Unfortunately for Angel, he couldn't even claim to be sexually uninterested, his predilections were widely known in the city. When he finally drifted off to sleep it was with a frown on his face and William's picture floating in his head.


*

From the moment he'd laid eyes on Angel, William wanted him in every sense of the word. The bed was as good a place to start as any, and important one as Angel would be key to anchoring him in the future and helping him to control the heat cycles.

Glass of amber liquid in hand, William stared into the fire pit at the restaurant... stared and searched for his link to Angel... sent him thoughts of bed play ... of hands touching, legs rubbing, of hearts banging.... of desire and need born of their link.

Angel snapped awake, body rolling a little as the bed shifted under someone's weight. He opened his eyes and found the Captain perching at the end of his bed. It didn't seem quite right though. The cocky attitude so obvious earlier in the evening had disappeared and William just sat there, looking at Angel expectantly.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, voice husky and low with sleep.

William looked up and tried to tame the loose white shirt so it wouldn't expose so much of his chest. "Your men... they said you want me."

"Did they?" Angel smiled at the uncertain look on the man’s face. "Come here, sit next to me," he said gently, wanting a closer look at this new version of William.

William warily moved a few inches closer. "What do you want? This is wrong... you can't just order me around," he whispered.

Angel’s smile widened. Oh he liked this, liked it very much.

"Oh, you must know what I want," he said, "Come here William, I promise you won’t regret it."

William scooted just a little closer, only because he felt compelled to. "It's not right. You can't do this... just pick a person out and... and that's it. I don't want this." He dragged his gaze away, afraid Angel would know the effect he was having on him.

Angel reached out and traced a finger down William’s face. "Yes you do, I can feel it," he whispered. "Remember the bond, William? You can lie to yourself but you can’t lie to me."

Angel’s breathing quickened as he thought of all the things he could do to this man, all the pleasure he could find in him. He tilted William’s head up and leaned close to kiss him. Just a soft touch of lips at first, then once more and again, deeper and harder every time.

William wanted to fight this... to show him he wasn't like the others. But when Angel's mouth descended over his, he was lost. Lord and master... he was fucked, he couldn't even pull away... he'd start to, but then he'd turn back and let Angel kiss him again... and again. A groan broke out of him as he ran out of breath.

"I know you want me William," Angel whispered dropping soft kisses on William’s lips. He tugged the shirt out of the blond’s waistband, eager to feel William’s skin. "You must know I want you too. Just give in, let yourself feel the pleasure I can give you."

Heat... like he'd never felt before, washed over William and had him whimpering softly. He was like putty in this man's... this warrior's hands. If he let himself go, he'd never find himself again... he knew that much. "I'd rather not," he said weakly, shivering under Angel's warm palms. "It isn't fair you can do this. I should be able to cho--" his gaze dropped down to his lap as Angel's hand brushed over him, immediately drawing a visible response.

"Hush now," Angel pulled William closer, until the blond was straddling his lap, "You can’t deny this," he said, his hands curling around William´s hips and pushing him down just as he thrust up, making both of them moan in pleasure.

"No... no..." His lips were saying no, protesting, but William had already wrapped his arms around Angel's broad shoulders and was rocking himself against his arousal. He couldn't help it, they were made for each other and their bodies recognized it. He started panting as thoughts of snaking his hand under Angel's clothes tormented him. He couldn't fall this quickly to the man's charms... he couldn't!

"Yes," Angel countered, "just like that, don’t stop."

He pushed his hands under William´s waistband, feeling the blond´s muscles flex as he moved. Overcome with the need to feel more, Angel leaned forward and captured William´s lips for another kiss, taking as much as he could from him.

Stop... that was exactly what he ought to do, but the way Angel was kneading his ass... sending thrilling shockwaves through his system and making William want to do anything but stop. Oh God, the warrior knew how to kiss... his lips were firm, possessive... and yet his tongue was soft and stroked him just so...

William shifted, sliding himself more fully up and down Angel's body, gripping his shoulders for support. This warrior was turning him into a lap dancer! How... how was he doing this to him? He wanted to cry and fuck and be fucked... all at the same time. "Give me a month... I need to find myself first," he begged against the bigger man's mouth. "Please... Oh please..."

"Hmmm...whatever you want William," Angel agreed. Still he didn't stop touching the man, unable to drag himself away. "No reason you can't enjoy this while you think things over," he whispered against William's neck.

"You said yes? Oh..." He liked that... he liked Angel's hands on him like that. "You're not going to make me..." He rose up on his knees, but instead of dismounting, found himself rubbing his cock against the warrior's hard chest. What was he thinking? Angel was making him do this... wasn't he? What else could it be... he was in the grips of desire, so desperate, so needy that he couldn't even walk away to test the warrior's statement.

"Let yourself feel it, William." Angel found himself face to stomach with his mate. He immediately pulled the shirt up, leaning forward to drop kisses on the soft skin, "Let yourself feel it," he whispered as he pushed the trousers down William's hips, leaving them to pool around his knees.

The shock of his mate's lips against his sensitive stomach made William shiver with pleasure. Mate. When had he started to think of him as that? Was it between the time his lips moved from his ribcage to his belly button, or was it when his hand strayed under his ass and so close... Or when the tip of his cock brushed against Angel's cheek. Heat inched through his system as he rhythmically moved back and forth, arching his back in an effort to get closer.

"Yes," Angel encouraged him. He licked at the tip of William's cock, delighting at the sounds he caused. He teased William with phantom swipes of his tongue, never hitting the same spot twice, never applying more than minimal pressure. "Do you like this?" he asked breathlessly, "Do you want more?"

Squirming, he found himself chasing Angel's elusive mouth and tongue. Every stroke drew him deeper into the mad web of desire his mate was weaving. He tried not to answer... not to beg pitifully... but his body screamed for satisfaction. Desperate, he held Angel's head in place, encouraged him to give him more pressure. "More... please... more.... oh God... please..." he was moving his entire body in an attempt to fuck that teasing mouth.

"Anything you want, my mate," Angel murmured. He gripped William´s hips, holding him still as he finally stopped teasing and lowered his mouth over the head of William’s cock.

< i>Mate. William's heart kicked up a notch but before he had time to think, warm lips closed around him and sent jolts of electric heat up his shaft. Groaning, he mindlessly thrust into his lover's mouth, crying out when Angel swirled his tongue over his tip just so. He leaned back, still holding on to strong shoulders, and thrusting up into the warrior's mouth.

Following Angel's gaze, he saw their reflection in the mirror. One of them half naked, the other fully dressed. Angel playing him like an instrument... oh God, it was so erotic... it was like nothing he'd ever seen or done. Drowning in uncontrollable hunger, he stared at the reflection and mindlessly chased his release, unknowingly calling his mate's name over and over...

Angel´s eyes snapped open as he jack-knifed to a sitting position on the bed. He breathed in, trying to calm himself but the dream refused to let him go completely. As he remembered the look in dream William´s eyes, the feel of him against Angel´s tongue, he couldn´t stop himself from reaching down and wrapping a hand around his own erection. It only took a couple of firm strokes before he was moaning his release.

"This isn´t good," he muttered once he had himself under control again.

"Oh... that was good... not what I expected, but good," Captain William drained his drink, and tossed the glass into the fire pit before getting up to head for his hotel room. If he hadn't been in public, he would surely have known his hand several times over. His mate had the most interesting dreams.

* * *

William's crew was very resourceful. In the early morning hours, they quietly entered Angel's apartment and decorated it for him. Much of Gaia celebrated Christmas, and the idea of giving his mate gifts over the course of their twelve day courtship, with the last gift being in the form of his own person on the twelfth, really appealed to the Captain. His brother might not have a sense of humor, but William did.

A small red package, with a golden bow was left on Angel's dining room table, together with a note written in the bold strokes of William's distinctive handwriting. And there was music of course...

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... a partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love...

Angel was awakened by music. At first he barely heard the humming voices but then the music swelled and the voices grew louder and he could swear they were singing about golden rings. He shook his head to clear his mind and left his bed to investigate. He stepped out into the living room and stopped, frozen by the sight before him. His previously spartan apartment was now filled with Christmas decorations and knickknacks littered every available surface. The music was coming from the music centre where some people were belting out lyrics about their true love giving them birds and milkmaids.

"I’m going to kill him," Angel said and stalked over to turn off the infernal noise. Then when he saw it. A wooden box, lying innocently on top of the fireplace mantle. He approached warily and flipped open the lid. A glance at the contents and he was fuming. A look at the accompanying card and he was absolutely enraged. "I’m going to kill him!"

* * *

On the stroke of eight, the Captain arrived and used 'his own key' to Angel's quarters. "Ah, they did a good job of it." Of course he had no clue whether the Christmas decorations were right, but it did add some character to the otherwise sparse furnishings.

He strode up to his mate, who was sitting and staring at him as if this was the first time they'd met. Without a qualm, he bent and kissed Angel firmly on the mouth, refusing to take no for an answer.`

Angel immediately pushed the blond away and stood up, towering over him. "I. Am. Going. To. Kill. You." he stated surely, taking a menacing step towards William.

"If you keep this up, you will." William didn't budge. "Are you wearing my gift? It may come in handy tonight. After your dream... I knew I'd best make sure you're prepared. Angel?" He gave the man a magnanimous smile. "I am not averse to role play in the bedroom, if that is what you want. You can be me..."

"You gave me...it was a...AURGH!" Angel stomped off only to come back again seconds later. "One, you can´t just invade my dreams! Two, what the fuck did you do to my apartment? And three, lube ? On a string? Are you completely insane?"

"I didn't want to hurt you and it will come in useful. This way you will always have it on you." Did his mate not realize how necessary it was for him to take care of details like that? "In a few days, my heat cycle will begin. There are things that are beyond my control during that period... hence you will have this with you or I will assign a crew member to walk alongside you with it. It is your choice."

"You are." Angel nodded, earnestly. "You are, in fact, completely insane." He sat down on the couch, rested his head on the back and closed his eyes.

"When does your heat cycle start, exactly?" He´d read all about heat cycles and the effect they had on people. He wanted some warning before he found himself wanting to hump the Captain. That way he could at least build up his control over his own body and maybe, just maybe, he wouldn´t make a total fool of himself.

"Exactly?" He followed his mate and sat next to him. "Impossible to tell. Being around you might trigger an early start." He stared at his profile. "You're very handsome. I do wish you'd wear more open garments. Shall I send some to you tomorrow? Perhaps you didn't like the colors I chose yesterday? Would you like white... like in your dream?"

"Please stop talking about my dream," Angel said through gritted teeth. "I like my clothes. You don´t get to choose what I wear."

"No. But I request you do what appeals to me," he whispered, running his hand down Angel's closed shirt, feeling the planes of his muscular chest. "I am taking you out tonight, but you're tense. Would it help if we fucked first... got that out of the way so you're not nervous?"

"No it would not," Angel snapped and got up, removing himself from William´s immediate vicinity and the temptation it posed. "Why can´t you just back off ? I like my clothes, I will not wear what appeals to you and I have a previous commitment tonight that I have to honour. Now leave."

"Don't be ridiculous. I am courting you... you will not have engagements which do not include my presence." William didn't understand this at all. It was clear Angel was attracted, but why was he fighting this? Slowly, he got up. "If you wish me to change our plans and go elsewhere, I will consider it. Otherwise... we are seeing a play. One of your favorites."

"You may go wherever you want. I´m going to Cordelia´s party," Angel said with an air of finality.

He'd purchased the tickets at near ten times their cost but if his intended was going to be difficult, he wasn't going to quibble over it. "I will escort you, and meet your friends. Are you dressed..." he gave him a doubtful look. "You shouldn't hide your charms."

Angel stared at him coldly. Maybe if he just stopped talking altogether the man would decide to leave.

William stared right back at him, but his eyes were anything but cold as he mentally re-dressed him in clothes that would suit him much better and make him look less like someone who had flaws to cover.

They were having a staring contest. Angel absolutely refused to believe that he was standing in his own living room, having a staring contest with this man. Especially as for William, staring involved a lot of leering!

"Has a feline got your tongue? Never fear, I'll find it for you." One step, and he had his arms around Angel. A few more steps, and he had him up against a wall. It happened too quickly for his mate to resist, the warrior was both strong and fast. Then they were mouth to mouth, William refusing to give any ground whatsoever. Before they left the house, Angel would know what it was he was thumbing his nose at. Intent on giving him something to think about all night, he pulled out all the stops... touching Angel exactly where and how he knew he liked to be touched.

Knowledge was power and a warrior always stocked up on it, gained it. In this case he knew from the link between them, from the dream, and the survey performed this morning. He knew he had to show Angel his strength, and that he was worthy of winning him. He pinned his arms to the wall, still kissing him, his neck and jawline, but always coming back to that unsmiling mouth. He pressed his hip against Angel's groin. Reconize me.... know me...

Angel remained stoically still, submitting to the caress but not responding to it. He hated being caught off guard and William kept doing just that. It was unnerving to say the least. Still, despite his determined stillness, he could not stop his body's response to William's touch. A response that was painfully obvious and undeniable.

"Don't fight so hard... this isn't a battle," William spoke against his lips, moving one hand down Angel's side, and stroking him... up and down, running his thumb over his nipple. "It's a life partnership... yours and mine." He pushed his tongue inside Angel's mouth, claiming what was his again, His mate would recognize him.

His resistance eroding with each passing second, Angel whimpered in denial. This was not happening to him, not happening. But then William's taste filled his mouth and he could no longer deny the effect the blond had on him. Once he gave up resisting he found that he had no control over his reactions and he kissed William back passionately, devouring his mouth in the process.

Angel's responsiveness thrilled him like nothing else could. He ought to strip his mate right here, right now. Make love to him, show him how it could be between them. But he'd promised a courtship... and he would give him that. Even if the impulse to take him was growing stronger with every kiss, every groan he drew out of his mate, and every touch. Angel wasn't shy... fuck... pulling away was very difficult.

Steeling himself, he broke the kiss and stepped away. Though his body was burning with desire, he took some satisfaction in seeing Angel in the same state, his face flushed, his lips swollen... almost making it look like he was smiling. And his ragged breathing made William's stomach clench with thoughts of being in bed with him and hearing that sound against his ear. Taking a breath, he finally spoke. "I won't be ignored, Angel. If you're ready to go..." he put his hand out.

At first Angel just stood there, looking at William, wondering what the fuck had happened and why wasn't he still being kissed. Deprived of the sensations that caused the loss of control in the first place, he was able to regulate his breathing, get himself back to earth. As he realised what he'd done, embarrassment and anger quickly replaced the lust that had consumed him. He'd been brought to the edge again and this time William had managed to push him right off, stealing all his hard won self-control away.

Without a word, he stalked past William and out of the apartment, slamming the door behind him.

"Clearly, the warrior/psychic match database needs strong warnings for warriors choosing their mates from Gaia," William muttered. It was a good thing he was a patient man.

Striding out, he left the door open. His men would take care of it, while he took care of one very touchy psychic.


* * *

William had offered to arrange for a driver, but Angel had wordlessly walked along the side walk, not quite trying to lose him, but not acknowledging his presence either. If the psychic needed time to assimilate what had happened, how tightly they were bound, and all of its ramifications, William would allow it. He didn't like it, but short of forcing the bonding ceremony upon him before completing his courting, there was no pleasant way to deal with his unreasonable fears.

The party was in full force when they arrived at the house of one Cordelia Chase. Partial to the sea, William approved of the house and spectacular view of the ocean. He would have preferred it if his mate had seen fit to introduce him to people, but instead, Angel basically abandoned him.

No matter. William introduced himself and quickly had a gathering of interested people surrounding him. His black jacket trimmed with the gold insignia of his rank alone were enough to cause a stir, and the fact that he was a full blooded warrior with good war stories helped. And it wasn't only the war stories they were interested in, the sexual nature of the warrior was a topic that captured the imagination of many. Confident and not in the least embarrassed, he answered their questions and told them he'd chosen Angel and that the psychic was bucking against the irresistible pull of his mate.

There was laughter, and many offers to replace his errant mate. William smiled and joked, but always used the link to ascertain his mate's location.

Angel was well aware of the fact that he was sulking, he just refused to do anything to change that fact. As far as he was concerned he was entitled to a good sulk so he sipped his whiskey and stared morosely at the bar counter, refusing to acknowledge any of the people that tried to strike up a conversation with him. He could hear William laughing and chatting with people, he could even hear said people flirt shamelessly with him.

"If it isn’t the soul of the party." Cordelia perched on the stool next to his. "Oh no wait, that’s William! You are the black hole of the party. You just suck the fun right out."

Sometimes ignoring something would make it go away. It was a time-honoured tradition and Angel was all about tradition.

"You know I´m not leaving so you might as well talk to me."

On the other hand, sometimes the ‘something’ didn’t give a shit about tradition and was named Cordelia Chase. Angel signaled the bartender for another drink. If he was going to talk to Cordelia he needed some liquid help.

"I don´t like him," he said, still staring at the counter.

"And so you decided to spend my birthday brooding? Haven´t we had this talk before?" Cordelia asked, eyebrow arched just so.

So much for expecting sympathy. Angel looked up at her, then back at the counter.

"Angel..." Cordelia sighed. Great, she was going to be all serious with him. "Look, sweetie, I know you have control issues, right? It´s painfully obvious to everyone who so much as says hello to you. But you know you can´t resist this. You know that! You read all the books. Hell, you explained them to me and I´m not even a psychic. He seems like a nice guy."

Angel refused to respond.

"He wouldn’t stomp on your heart and goad you into attacking some poor schmuck."

"Cordelia," he growled in warning.

"He wouldn´t even cheat on you and laugh about it in your face. The bond takes care of that."

"Cordelia, stop it."

"No." She reached out and grabbed his face, turning him to look at her. "I saw you close yourself off and become all..." she gestured at him. "I´m not about to watch as you make your life even harder. Angel you need this."

Knowing someone else was touching Angel, William turned his face to stare at them. It was a woman... the birthday girl. He decided she was no threat, and went back to talking.

This was all wrong... they should be at each others' side, they should be touching each other with their eyes, with mental brushes of their minds, they should be connecting on all levels, physical and otherwise. This rejection bewildered him, even as he made light with these strangers... friends of Angel who were more willing than Angel to spend time with him.

"I don´t need anything," Angel said, fighting to ignore another burst of laughter from behind him. "And he doesn´t seem to need me either."

"Oh for God´s sake...men are idiots." Cordelia declared and stomped off.

Angel went back to sulking and staring at the counter, trying to ignore Cordelia´s words. Unfortunately they kept dancing around his head, dragging his attention to them over and over again. He didn´t see her approach William and he certainly didn´t see her taking him outside the house. If he had he would probably have followed them and dragged her back.

William leaned back his hands resting on the railing on either side of his body, and his back to the ocean. "If he's sent you to talk me out of my choice, don't waste your time. On the other hand, if you've come to wish us a happy life..." he smiled. "Then you'd best wish me luck."

"Oh you´re gonna need all the luck you can get," Cordelia grinned for a moment, thinking fondly of her stubborn friend. "If he knew I was talking to you he´d probably aim his glare of death at me and stalk off to go brood somewhere else. I personally think you should stick to him like glue."

"Really?" he drawled. "You think sticking to him will put him into a better mood?" He rather doubted it. "Though I do think he's amusing when he wears that glare and stubborn look. You'd think I'd confined him to a life with Attila the Hun. Tell me... have you ever seen him smile? I haven't. Not once... other than in a dream."

"Oh I think it will irritate him to the point where he will lose his temper," she replied breezily. "Angel used to smile a lot you know back when we were kids. Then, things happened and he stopped. I´m counting on you to fix that. Nobody ever got under his skin like this before." She sipped her drink, "Of course if you hurt him I will be forced to castrate you with a dull blade," she added thoughtfully, "but I´m sure you won´t do that," she concluded, smiling brightly at him.

"If you were to do so, you would be doing your friend Angel a great disservice," he countered with an answering smile. He took a sip of his own drink and thought upon what she'd said. "I asked if he'd had... negative experiences. He denied it. Would you care to elaborate as to who I should be castrating for stealing his smile?"

Cordelia smirked, "Oh, that's been taken care of, trust me. But the damage has already been done." She sighed and looked towards Angel, still sitting at the bar. "It's not what you think. He wasn't physically hurt or anything. Just, don't give up on him, okay?"

"Did you know the phrase 'give up' isn't in the Traxidian dictionary? There is no giving up." From what she was saying, it seemed that Angel's heart had been broken or he'd been disappointed. One day his mate would tell him for himself. "Well... I'd best get inside and force him to deal with me." He reached the glass doors and turned to her. "He doesn't strike me as someone who likes to dance but...I think they're playing our song."

Cordelia grinned as she watched William walk up to Angel to demand a dance. She had a good feeling about this one. He seemed nice and like he cared about Angel. The fact that he was rich didn't hurt, of course, she thought.

William didn't have to look to know exactly where Angel was, but seeing his serious expression and the practiced look of disinterest in everything that surrounded him, in the middle of a party, that had him shaking his head. It was a bit disturbing that Angel didn't feel him coming up from behind, but he used his mate's refusal to use their connection to his advantage. Surprise was, after all, a universal tactic for gaining advantage in battle.

Pressing up against Angel's back, he slid his hands around his waist and lay his palms on his flat stomach. Feeling Angel tense, he made sure to pull him up hard against him so that they touched from ankle to hip, back to chest, and fuck... Angel didn't have to do a damned thing to give William a hard on. Leaning forward, he kissed the side of Angel's neck, then whispered in his ear. "Dance with me."

Suddenly Angel’s nerve endings were on fire and his mind snapped into focus. Unfortunately the focus was William. "No."

Paying the answer no attention, William moved to the music, kissing Angel's neck again, and stroking his chest... gently forcing him to move from side to side as well. "Fine. I'll lead, you follow."

"I thought I said 'no'," Angel muttered, trying hard not to show how the kiss affected him. He tilted his head to shield his neck and rubbed at the spot.

"Mmm," William merely went to the other side, this time dragging his tongue along Angel's jaw. "Anyone ever call you pretty?" He doubted it, because Angel looked every inch the man. But to Spike, he was pretty... he took his breath away.

"Nobody who lived to tell the tale," Angel growled. He shifted restlessly as the air hit the wet skin following William's tongue. "Stop it," he snapped, whirling around to face William.

One step, and William had his arms around Angel again, one leg inserted between the taller man's legs. "No." Pulling Angel with him, he started to move to the music. "Dance with me. Here, or on the dancefloor."

"Must you always be so trying?" Angel asked with a glare. "Why can't you just take no for an answer!"

"Why must you deny me at every turn," he countered, staring into his eyes. "Why do you resist what you want?" This time, his voice took on a silky quality.

Angel glared. "Just...go away," he said. He drank the rest of his whiskey in one swallow and moved to leave. He didn't want to deal with this right now. He'd make his goodbyes to Cordy and go away.

William's jaw hardened. He'd never in his life met a more stubborn man. Well he had, but one didn't count themselves, did they? Following close behind Angel, he made a loud announcement as they walked through the dance area. "Raise your glasses for my first dance with my life mate," he said.

Those who knew what he was talking about turned, and smiled and raised their glasses.

There was a lot William had to learn about his mate, but one thing he'd realized was that Angel hated to be the center of attention or cause a scene. If he left him on the dance floor now, it would be nothing less than a scene. Putting both hands out, he gave Angel a heated look. "Come dance with me, Angel-luv."

"I hate you," Angel said through gritted teeth. Still, he stepped forward and took William's hands. His fingers tightened around William's and in his anger he didn't care if he hurt the other man. "And don't call me 'love'," he snapped after a moment. He noticed people looking at them and tried to make his face look a little less angry but he wasn't sure that the stilted smile he ended up with was any better.

William looked down at Angel's hands over his... if this was what it took to release the other man's stress and anger, he would allow it. Instead of squeezing back with his own tremendous strength, he merely ran his thumbs across the back of his mate's hands and danced close to him, brushing against him. "Alright. Sweetheart."

"You're really not helping the situation," Angel said, still smiling fixedly. People were still looking after all.

"What situation. Tell me precisely, because I don't understand. I only wish to court you as is your due, and you're making it very difficult." He nodded at someone who wished them well.

"This situation."

Angel stiffened as he was drawn closer to William's body. They were touching now and he was disturbed to find out that William felt exactly like he had in his dream. "You're making this situation much more difficult."

“I don’t understand.” He brushed his mouth across the side of Angel’s neck. “What is it you object to? You said you didn’t find me unattractive. I don’t think you find my touch unpleasant,” he said, running a hand over the curve of Angel’s ass as if to prove his words.

Angel immediately stepped back and out of William's embrace. "Stop that! Why can't you just do what I ask? How hard is it to give me some time, damnit!" he snapped.

“The way you gave me time in your dream where you were my warrior?” Unused to rejection at these levels, William gave a tight smile. “I will give you this night. See that you come around.”

Moving away, and immediately feeling the loss of the closeness of his mate, he informed Angel that he would walk him back.

"That was a dream," Angel hissed, moving away from the dance floor and the people who were looking at him speculatively. At that moment he didn't care whether William followed him, and he moved as fast as his long legs could carry him.

(A/N: this is my first attempt at Spangel, tho Nash has written others. Please let us know whether you like this pairing, we usually write Spander)