What did she want? He was going to make her ask....beg. She hated him. She hated his stupid games.

"I want to not feel this way." she said quietly.

She cried out in pain as he grabbed her wrist tightly. "Do Not Ever Say That." he said through clenched teeth, his eyes angry.

"You're hurting me."

Angelus loosen his grip, but did not let go. "Why?"

Willow took a deep breath. "You don't understand. I should feel guilty. Angel is gone. I killed him. My love killed him. I betrayed my best friend. I turned my back on her. Everyone is going to hate me. More so when they find out that I am with Angelus. You killed Giles' love. He will never forget that. Xander? Don't even get me started on him. Buffy? She will try to kill you. She won't believe that you aren't plotting terrible nightmarish things...."

Angelus listened to her, his anger fading as he realized just how scared she was. He didn't have his soul, but he loved her. He was honest when he said that he would never hurt her. She was his mate. He never intended to let her go. He pulled her into his arms and ran his hand over her back. "Willow....Angel loved you. It took him longer to realize it, but he is inside me. You didn't kill him. You set him free."

She looked at him, her eyes curious.

Angelus sighed unconsciously. "Angel and Angelus are the same being.  True, Angel had a soul and I don't. I am an evil bastard, I will admit that. I was even while human. I tend to be sadistic and I love to play games with people's emotions and thoughts. It was always there. The demon just brings it out more. Before, with the slayer, due to the conditions of the curse, I was freed with the intent purpose of killing the one who brought me happiness. This time, I was able to just come back. I have no lust for the slayer's blood, unless she takes you away from me. Know now, I will never let you go. If you try, I will get you back. I may even kill people you love if need me. NOTHING will come between us." he said forcefully.

Willow shook her head. She understood now the subtle differences in him.  This Angelus was what was always there. She actually felt reassured at his words. "You don't understand."

"What don't I understand?"

"I don't want to leave." she said softly.

Angelus waited. Of all the words she could have uttered these were not what he expected.

She looked at him and smiled wryly. "I loved Angel for years. It was that intense longing for someone you knew you could never have. He was Buffy's. When you came back, I felt that usual love but it was accompanied by this incredible lust. You tried to kill me, and I wanted you. I hated myself. When you left, and Angel was back, I still loved him but I missed you. He was back to being Buffy's brood boy. On Friday, I thought I was dreaming. I had to take the chance and get what I could.
I would have hated myself if I hadn't confessed my feelings. Over the weekend, I fell deeper into love. Now I understand why. It was you. I feel guilty that I am glad you came back. I mean, Angel was Buffy's, but Angelus was mine. You're mine."

He felt pleasure at her words. She had chosen him over Angel. He knew that he was actually both men, but he couldn't help feeling the victor.

"I'm yours." He confirmed. "You're mine."

She looked him straight in the eye. "I'm yours. You asked me what I want? Well, I want you, Angelus."

He smiled sexily as he pulled her into his arms. "Well, I did promise that I would always give you what you want" he said, bending down and capturing her mouth in a penetrating kiss.

Back