Title: HEARTBEAT
AUTHOR: Mistress Ace
EMAIL: rosewood@inreach.com
FEEDBACK: Please….. (don't make me beg…. That can be an ugly thing to watch)
DISCLAIMER: Don't own the characters at all. *Sigh, wish I did though…...* They belong to Joss Whedon et al.……Please don't sue, you wouldn't get much and believe me you don't want my cat…..
RATING: R – this part, mainly for language and some m/m interaction
PAIRINGS: A/S…. Riley in his head
SPOILERS: The I in Team and Goodbye Iowa
SUMMARY: This story takes place in my universe, not Joss'. What if Adam decided on using Buffy for his little experiments instead of the human/demon population of Sunnydale…
DISTRIBUTION: FINNactics, Buffyrileyfanfic mailing list – Jen, do what you will…….anyone else, just ask
EXPLANATION: For those non-Gaelic speakers: Ruadh = Red, Seileach = Willow. Anything in ** format is internal thoughts.
DEDICATION: Yup Raine, again. For making me tea and encouraging me to let this story form itself.

Chapter 5

Her only stake was clenched tightly in her hand as Buffy shook the dust of the latest vampire from her hair. Adam had tossed her the single weapon before she was pushed into this unending maze. He said something about evening up the odds or some other such version of masculine posturing and then slammed the door shut behind her.

There was barely enough light for her to maneuver by but she extended the Slayer sense Giles had been so dili-gent in hammering into her head. The first vampire had been easy, a sidekick, a spin and poof. The next was just as simple. All of them had been young, fledglings still unable to control their human masks and she dusted each one with a graceful ease that bordered on contempt.

"Come on, come on… Couldn't you at least give me a challenge?" Leap, slide, kick, punch, poof. Slap, plunge, poof. Dust, dust, nothing but dust and no end to the maze in sight.

********

Riley was amazed at the precision of the fighting unit he was part of; he revised his opinions drastically with each shot fired, each punch thrown and each vampire or demon killed. Xander and Giles flanked the group, firing their crossbows in a careful pattern, each making certain their shots were well placed and effective. Willow and Tara had raised a small fire elemental and bound it to them so it would follow their bidding. With a crackling which sounded like laughter, it lit individual members of the Adam's makeshift army on fire, sending them careening into the night. But the most amazing sight by far was the deadly combination of Angel and Spike. The two vampires moved with a singular fluid grace; they were a unit, communicating without words and each action by one was completed by the other. Spike was hesitant to dust any of the vampires as he still felt himself to be one of them. But he was not adverse to stunning them with a hard kick or punch and spinning them into Angel's arena.

Angel had no such reservations; he staked each of them cleanly, with a minimum of effort. Spike gleefully tore demons limb from limb, causing the more squeamish members of their group to pale and retch. But they did not falter in their actions; they only swallowed the bile in their throats while continuing to fight as wave after wave of monsters poured out of the cemetery.

Riley took out his fair share, blasting some, staking others. This was a killing field, this is what he had been trained for and with all modesty aside, he was damn good at it. But even he could not hold a candle to the ferocity shown by the two vampires. They were unshakable, unstoppable and perfectly matched. Not even the mass of bodies being thrown into the fray slowed them down.

Angel switched from a stake to an axe and heads were literally rolling, piling up at their feet as the tide was stemmed. The pitiful remnants of Adam's forces regrouped for one last push but were rebuffed. They melted into the night as swiftly as they had come.

Tara and Willow thanked the elemental, then sent it home. The tiny being flirted with the tips of their fingers, not quite singeing them but more as a caress and was gone. Xander leaned his head against the tree he was perched in, sighing deeply in relief. He knew they had never fought such an intense battle in their lives, it was a miracle they had survived.

The fact their miracle went by the name of Spike left a bad taste in his mouth. The cocky vampire arrived on Giles' doorstep earlier than evening with a warning about the army being amassed against them. Willie the snitch spilled his guts once Spike leaned on him earlier in the bar. It amused him to no end how terrified the little weasel was of him, even though he couldn't lay a finger on him without his buggerin' chip going off. The group held a hurried war meeting around Giles' table before slipping into the night with their assignments clear in their minds.

But after this battle, any real doubts either Xander or Riley had about Spike's loyalty were dispelled. The blonde vampire fought just as fiercely as the others and had an impressive number of bodies strewn about him. Most of Angel's opponents had been vampires who dissolved into dust, however the tally of demon bodies scattered about him was just as staggering. He and Spike were covered in dust and gore, both of them aching for a shower when Angel felt the pull deep in his gut.

Buffy was somewhere close to them. She was fighting for her life somewhere very close to where they stood. Angel lifted his head, closed his eyes as he loosed his hold on Angelus. The demon howled, enraged that his mate was in danger and bolted away into the dark. The weary group of friends followed him as best they could.

*******

The next round was tougher; the vampires older and stronger. They were hunting in pairs, in groups and she could barely keep up with them. But she hung on with dogged determination, she would be damned before she let that over-grown pysch major's wet dream defeat her.

She couldn't let him win; she had to fight for her friends, for her Watcher, for her beloved. Buffy knew she must continue, she had to see him once more before dying. She had to sink into the warmth of his chocolate brown gaze… no, Riley's eyes were hazel….. Angel's eyes were brown. *Riley, concentrate on Riley. Angel is gone, lost to you. You have to live to see Riley again.*

Mostly she knew she had to fight long enough and hard enough to escape Adam's clutches so she could protect some unknown child. A young girl who right now was training with a Watcher somewhere in the world, waiting to be Called. Buffy would never allow another teenage girl to live the horrifying life she had been thrust into.

She was the Chosen One, she alone would bear the burden of this thankless job. Faith still languished in a coma and as long as Buffy lived, no other girl would lose her innocence or her childhood. No other girl would be subjected to the vagrant whims of the Watcher's Council, no other child would be forced to live without hope, without friends, without love…..

Buffy gripped her stake again and fought grimly on, ignoring the burning sensation rising from the mark on her neck.

*****

Angelus stopped near one of the mausoleums and reached with all of his senses. She was close, so close he could almost smell her. His fangs were distended; he flicked his tongue across his lips as he tried to catch the elusive fragrance of his obsession. Then she was gone, disappearing from his extended consciousness.

He scanned the area, his eyes peering into the darkness as he tried to find something that would lead him to her. But there was nothing… Angelus fell to his knees, closed his eyes and reached again. There… her scent…..

The abrupt pressure of a warm hand on his shoulder broke his concentration and he rose, snarling.

Riley stepped back from him, startled by the abrupt change in his demeanor. Gone was the serene vampire he had befriended during the past week. This was the dangerous predator he had met in Giles' home almost a week ago. Spike appeared behind him and spoke in a low tone. "Step away from him very carefully, soldier boy. Slowly and carefully."

"Why? What is the matter with Angel?"

"The problem here, mate, is that's not Angel…. That's Angelus and you are in danger of losin' your head right now." Spike flashed him a grin. "Not that I would mind that but the Slayer might be upset, you bein' headless and all."

Riley stood his ground, eyeing the dark-haired vampire cautiously. Angel's head was down with his eyes closed, his hands resting on the soil in front of him. "What is he doing?"

"Listenin' to the blood bond, you dolt…. Now step away from him." Spike edged closer and took Riley's arm, drawing him away from Angelus. He spoke again in that harsh, quiet voice. "You still reek of her, boy. If he smells her on you, he'll tear you limb from limb…"

"What reason have I given Angel to kill me?" Riley was watching the other vampire's movements carefully. Angel's head lifted, his human mask completely gone as he turned side to side with his eyes still closed. The air of concentration about him was a living, breathing thing.

Spike stared at Riley with his mouth half-open. He shut it with a snap and a snort. "'Cor you are a dumb one sometimes, aren't you? The Slayer is his bleedin' mate and you've been shaggin' her when he can't. Peaches won't let himself near her, too afraid of losing his soul and unleashing my sire on the world…"

"Your sire?"

"Aye, my sire, Angelus…… Right vicious bastard when he wants to be but no finer hunter ever walked this earth. If she can be found, he'll be the one to do it." Angelus stood, opening his eyes to the night. He'd lost her scent again; all that lingered of her was what clung to the young man standing beside Spike.

He assessed his mate's lover carefully, taking the measure of his rival. Taking this boy would be easy, one quick twist could snap that strong neck like it was the smallest twig. The only thing which held him back was the singular knowledge if he performed such a satisfying action, Buffy would never forgive him. And after all this time without her in his life, he wasn't willing to take that chance.

But it infuriated him that her human lover just stood there, smelling of her lightly floral perfume mingled with a musk uniquely Buffy and acting like he, Angelus, was no threat to his safety. This boy had caressed his mate, had buried his face between her thighs, had impaled her little body with his cock…….

With a roar, Angelus gave into his mindless rage and charged Riley.

Spike stepped between them, placed his hand firmly on Angelus' chest and took the brunt of his headlong rush. Riley stood behind him, his mouth dropping open in amazement that Hostile 17 had intervened on his behalf. Spike wrapped his hands around Angelus' face, forcing him to look into his eyes. "Angelus, Angelus! Stop before you do something foolish… Somethin' more foolish than takin' the Slayer as your mate."

Angelus shook his hands away, "Spike, GET…OUT….OF…MY…WAY!" Each word had been spoken as if it was a weapon. Spike flinched but held his ground.

"No, Angelus. Not this time…. Much as I hate to admit it, we need soldier boy here to help figure out Adam. He works for the damned Initiative that built the bloody thing. If big ugly has a weakness, he would know." Spike grabbed his face again, holding tightly while Angelus tried to shrug him off. Then he did something Riley never anticipated. He kissed Angelus on the mouth.

To Riley's shock and amazement, the other vampire stopped trying to move Spike out of his path. Instead, he froze for a heartbeat as if stunned, then wrapped his arms tightly around Spike's body. He tilted his head, opened his mouth and drew Spike completely into a passionate embrace. Riley tried to look away but could only stare as their bodies molded to one another, the kiss going on forever.

Spike's hands threaded the fine silk of Angelus' hair; he ground his hips against his sire's thighs. It had been too damn long since Angelus had kissed him, really kissed him. He forgot about Riley, forgot about the Slayerettes who could catch up with them any minute, forgot about everything but Angelus. His world narrowed down to the mouth glued to his, the tongue filling him, the fangs cutting his lips, the hands pulling him ever closer and the enormous hard cock pulsing against his stomach.

Riley's mouth was suddenly dry, aroused by the erotic sight presented before him. For one brief instant, Riley tossed his midwestern mindset out the window and wondered what it would feel like to be caught in the midst of that embrace. What he would experience if those obviously skilled mouths were given free reign over his body? He shivered in terror and anticipation.

The vampires broke apart, both heads turning towards him as they caught the scent of his arousal in the wind. Spike grinned and raised his scarred eyebrow while Angelus regarded Riley with deadly intent. So the boy was considering a walk on the wild side. Spike whispered to his companion. "Shall we give him a show he'll never forget, sire?"

Angelus smirked and slid his human mask into place, his golden eyes shifting back to a glittering dangerous brown. Strong hands dug into Spike's hair, pulling his mouth back into place. His tongue twined around Spike's again, caressing and coaxing him. One hand detached from his hair, wandered past his shoulders down his back until it reached his firm ass. Angelus dug his fingers in and pulled his old lover's body flush against his own, rocking his hips into Spike in a short, shallow rhythm.

They never stopped to draw breath, never broke apart but fell into a familiar syncopation. Spike's hands wormed their way past coat and shirt to stroke Angelus' chest. He scraped his nails across his sire's nipples, feeling the lust rising in his body. Angel had shared the mansion with him for a week but made no move toward him. It had been so frustrating to see his sire's body every day and not touch him.

Spike started in surprise when he felt Angelus' fingers brush against his straining cock, the other hand had left his hair and traveled to his groin. Brush, brush, brush, no lingering touch, just a light brush which left him aching for more. He broke the kiss with a growl and whispered fiercely. "Fuck, Angelus… I meant we play with him, not you play wi'me."

Angelus lifted one corner of his mouth into his patented smirk, "Playing with you is half the fun. Don't you remember, Will?"

"I remember everythin' sire. Trust me….." Their mouths were enmeshed again, the world around them no longer a concern. Their bodies molded together, hips rocked and thrust as they lost themselves in their carnal embrace.

Riley moaned, no matter how he tried he couldn't tear his eyes away from the erotic tableau laid before him. He was not naďve and far from innocent, but even his wildest fantasies had never come near this. The two vampires were as close to fucking as anyone could be with all their clothes on and he desperately wanted to be right there, sandwiched between them. It went against all of his teaching and his training, he should run screaming from the sight but he couldn't move.

He knew Spike still bothered him, he didn't trust the blond vampire any further than he could throw him. But Angel had really gotten under his skin during the past week. He was so patient, so considerate of everyone else's feelings of desperation when they had not located Buffy. Riley knew Angel was screaming inside but he never raised his voice, he shed no more tears beyond those on the first night. He exuded calm, quiet confidence and soothed them all with his actions. After witnessing the tenderness he showed Willow, the warmth with which he accepted Tara and Anya, his guarded but gentle affection for Giles and amused tolerance of Xander, Riley understood why Buffy loved him.

It wasn't just his looks, though God knows he was stunning. It was the warmth and caring that exuded from his very soul. Riley knew he would follow the vampire without question, would lay his life down to protect him just as he would for any other brother-in-arms……

But a small part of him also knew if Angel turned to him with desire in his eyes, he would have bared his body and soul to him and let Iowa, God and country be damned. Only the reality of the Angel's curse would have stopped him.

Angel was the one who broke the embrace, Angelus conceding control to him as he heard the approach of the others. Spike whimpered as he withdrew from his arms, watching him with pleading in his gold-tinged blue eyes. Angel touched a finger to his half-open mouth and whispered to him. "Later, Will. I promise."

Riley was stunned by the look Angel gave Spike. It was full of humor, chagrin, longing and barely restrained lust. He knew the details of the curse, should Angel gave in to his desires, his soul would be lost and Angelus given a free reign. From the stories the others relayed to him, that was a prospect he did not relish at all. After this display, Riley was dead certain it was not wise to leave the two vampires unchaperoned.

Willow reached them first, careening into Angel's arms and almost knocking him to the ground. She was babbling at him while she sought to catch her breath. "Angel….A-Angel… did you find her….. Is she near…. Did you, did you?"

"Yes, Seileach, she is somewhere close." He steadied her with one hand, holding her away from his body as he tried to hide the evidence of his sexual arousal from his dear friend.

Willow gulped and pushed her hair out of her face. "Good…good. Probably underground, right?…. There's not really anyplace large enough around here for them to hide her in. I can pull up the schematics of the city tunnel systems and triangulate from this spot….." She squeaked in joy, so glad that she could finally help and launched herself at him, hugging him tightly.

With a startled gasp she jumped away from him, her little face flushed. Angel had the good grace to look embarrassed. Willow searched his countenance in confusion and gave him a timid smile. "It…It's 'cause she's so close, isn't it?"

He nodded, not wanting to explain the other possible reason for his condition and she took him at face value. Willow blushed and whispered to herself. "Yup, seizing about covers it. Wow, Buff, I never suspected….Well, maybe I did, but wow!"

"Ruadh…"

She looked up into his amused brown eyes. "Oh, did I say that with my outside voice? Geez." Her face became even redder and she looked everywhere but at him. Angel lifted her chin while smiling at her delightful expression of dire mortification.

"It's all right, Seileach. I'm flattered." His words soothed the awkward moment between them and she returned his smile shyly. He kissed her forehead as the rest of the group pounded up to them. Trust Willow's witch sight to bring her to him first.

The rest of the group arrived together, panting from the effort of running full out after a determined vampire.

Giles put one hand against a convenient headstone and gasped for air, he kept forgetting he wasn't as young as the rest of them. Well, at least the children. He searched Angel's face for some hope and found it. "S-she's close…to…t-this..spot, yes?"

"Yes, Rupert, somewhere near here. She's moved on but I can tell she was very close." Angel paced away from Willow, brushed past Spike, surreptitiously trailing his fingers briefly along his thigh. Spike jumped, swallowed and narrowed his eyes at him. Angel shot him a smug look, satisfied with his reaction to the intimate caress.

"Underground. Do you think she's underground?" Giles cast his gaze towards the open door of an old crypt.

"I'm certain of it…. She was fighting, dusting vamps as far as I could tell."

"How can you be sure?"

"I can feel her adrenaline, Xander. It only pumps like that when she's fighting…… And she only feels that level of satisfaction when she's dusting." He gave a humorless laugh. "Buffy lives for that part of her job."

"Hey, Angel. Just out of curiosity, how does this blood-bond thingie work? Do you see her in your head? How do you know when she's close?' Angel was silent, too embarrassed to speak. How could he explain to Xander that part of the reason he had just responded so strongly to Spike was her closeness? His mate stirred all of him, especially his cock. When she was close he was hard as steel……always.

Spike chuckled and threw his arm over Angel. *Time to rescue Peaches.* He waggled his eyebrows at the confused teen and smiled broadly. "She makes his teeth itch, mate."

Xander was dumbfounded. "Makes your teeth itch?… What the hell does that mean?" Angel fixed him with a level stare and suddenly realization dawned in a way Xander had never wanted to experience. That part of Buffy's relationship with the vampire he so desperately wanted to avoid. "Oh, I get it. Makes your teeth itch." He shook his head and looked away. *Nope, nope, not even going there….When was Anya getting off work tonight?*

Angel and Spike shared a look of amusement at Xander's expense before leading the group away from the graveyard. Riley followed behind them, scanning the woods, watching their backs as he knew the vampires were watching from their lead positions. Time to re-group at Giles' and continue the search with their newfound knowledge.

******

Willow was successful in bringing up the city schematics; she had hacked into the city's mainframe years before and had all pertinent sites bookmarked. Under the old Shady Garden cemetery was an abandoned sewage containment facility. It had been in constant use until the mid 40's when the new above ground treatment plant had been built. There was a maze of unused tunnels down there and some huge open areas as well.

There were several access points, including the caves above the town. The cave access was not on any map. The only reason Willow knew about it was because of a report she and Xander did about the natural cave system when they were in the 5th grade. They only stumbled on the tunnel entrance when the three of them including Jesse had gone to do some amateur spelunking. Stumbled in the literal sense, it had taken them several hours and some strong rope to get Jesse out of the hole.

They discussed each option before deciding the cave entrance was probably the safest and most likely to be unguarded. It was determined the group would reconvene there the next night to scout the area out. Each of them left Giles' with more hope than they had felt in the last week.

Riley watched the casual interplay between Angel and Spike; he was relieved to note no continuation of their earlier behavior, however it paid to be cautious. Once he had taken care of his duties at the Initiative, he was going to pay a visit to the Crawford Street mansion. He prayed his concerns would prove to be unfounded.

*****