Midnight and Roses

Title: Midnight and Roses - Chapter 24
Author: Dayrunner
Email: dayrunner145@yahoo.com
Fandom: BtVS-AU
Pairing: Spike/Angel
Rating: FRAO
Warning: Totally AU with vague references to Cannon.
Summary: The Watcher Council makes plans to rescue Spike.
Disclaimer: Characters are not mine and I make no money.
This is for entertainment only.
Feedback is always welcomed.

Previous chapters can be found at: http://www.livejournal.com/users/kindredspirit75


MIDNIGHT AND ROSES - CHAPTER 24


Wrapped securely in the arms of the Hellbeast as they glided through the sky, demon Spike listened in thrall to the ancient blood song that had bound him to the vampire Arellano many years ago.

Keening softly and hard with want, the blond vampire wrapped his legs around one of the creature’s muscled thighs and gently rubbed his denim-clad arousal against it. Sire’s blood was calling to Spike’s demon with the promise of being reunited and reclaimed and he was powerless to refuse the fevered dream.

Holding demon Spike close to its chest, the Hellbeast pumped its powerful, leathery wings and moved effortlessly through the black, roiling clouds. It purred soothingly to its childe, encouraging the small demon to surrender to his own savage animal.

The creature stilled and hovered in midair as demon Spike spiraled closer and closer to orgasm, writhing wantonly against the winged beast and moaning softly. It slid one taloned hand down Spike’s back to rest against his hips and pressed him closer to its body. Wrapping its massive wings around Spike to cocoon him, the Hellbeast growled softly as the blond vampire cried out in ecstacy and shuddered his release.

*“In girum imus nocte et consumimur igni,” the Hellbeast intoned as demon Spike spilled, the words creating a howling vortex into which it, and Spike, disappeared.


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


Spike had gone missing for more than twenty-four hours by the time the Aurelian jet had finally touched down in England and all aboard were anxious to get to the bottom of his mysterious disappearance.

The arrival of the two vampires, Laureano and Gabriel, along with demon hunter Angel, caused quite a commotion among the already agitated guests at the Watcher estate. Sentiments ran high as the trio was welcomed and there was an unusually emotional greeting from Giles, who had embraced Angel on sight and broke down in tears.

Unfortunately for all, it was the middle of the night when the triad had arrived and as much as Angel and Laureano would have liked to have been briefed on Spike’s predicament immediately, there wasn’t much they could do until morning when the Council would meet formally.

The esteemed visitors were given rooms for the night with apologies and were encouraged to try to recuperate from the extreme jet lag they were sure to feel in the morning. Laureano and Gabriel were given a large, single room with a king-sized bed at the vampire prince’s request and warm blood was delivered posthaste.

Angel’s accommodations were more than adequate and quite impressive. A warm meal was already waiting in the room and smelled quite inviting, but he couldn’t eat. The big demon hunter could feel Spike’s extrasensory imprint all around him so strongly that it was impossible for him to think of anything other than his beautiful vampire. Overcome with frustration, Angel quietly broke down in tears and collapsed onto the bed to cry himself into a fitful sleep.

First thing the next morning, the Watcher Council met formally, as promised and on time. Giles’ good friend and head of the Council, Wesley Wyndam-Pryce would oversee the proceedings to approve and support any plans that would bring Spike back.

Panels were drawn up and worked to analyze what had gone wrong with the protection spells that had been cast to keep the Watchers guests safe. It was particularly embarrassing to all parties that a Master vampire, one of such high standing in the Aurelian clan and a Watcher as well, had been abducted while in their midst.

When all were settled and acquainted, Giles first introduced Prince Laureano and his consort, Gabriel. The two Aurelian vampires, who had intimate knowledge of Spike and his sire, would forge a plan to rescue the blond vampire once he was located.

Laureano stood and courteously acknowledged the table, then informed them that his minions were already scattered and gathering information and that his warriors were prepared to move instantly on his orders.

Then, hand picked by Giles for their knowledge and his confidence in their ability to get the job done, the wizard introduced High Priestess Marilyn of the White Wiccan Council to those at the table. Marilyn was one of the most powerful white witches aligned with the Watchers and had already cast several locator spells in the search for Spike.

Next was Charles Gunn, a strong, street-savvy ex-gang member who had trained with Angel. His allegiance to a cause was unquestioning, and he had readily agreed to stand with Giles and Angel.

Angel had been glad to see Gunn and to have him on their side. He had trained and fought with the big warrior and was totally confident that they could be a well-oiled fighting machine once again.

But, deep down inside, Angel was hurt and insulted that the two vampires, Laureano and Gabriel were delegated to lead the search for Spike. All at the table had ignored his status as a powerful demon hunter and Spike’s consort; he was simply recognized as Spike’s ‘boyfriend’ and would be part of the search for the missing vampire.

Angel took several deep breaths, trying hard to tamp down his growing anger. Little did he know that Laureano was watching his every move out of the corner of his eye...


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


Spike struggled hard to fight his way back from unconsciousness despite the throbbing pain pounding in his head. He was totally disoriented to time and place, not remembering much of anything.

The blond vampire attempted to raise his head and open his eyes, but that brought another round of pain and the sensation of spiraling back into the darkness that he was so desperately trying to climb out of.

He tried calling to his demon, hoping to use its knowledge and strength to pull him back to consciousness, but it was quiet... too quiet. His demon was strangely at peace and content, rather than the howling creature that was his other half.

Spike began to panic. The kind of paralyzing terror that makes you powerless and unable to function was crawling up inside of the blond vampire, threatening to suffocate him. He took huge gulps of unneeded air, his chest heaving so hard, that if he had functioning lungs, they would have burst already.

What had happened to him? Spike couldn’t think, couldn’t feel, couldn’t remember.

The pain in the vampire's head hammered louder behind his eyes and was threatening to drive him to the brink of madness.

“Bloody hell! Make it stop... please!” Spike cried out from the darkness that was smothering him.

“Sshh... do not distress yourself, my love...” a soft, soothing voice reached out to Spike.

Then, everything went blank.


~ tbc ~

*We enter the circle at night and are consumed by fire.*