D^ark R^ansom

by Inell

Buffy fell to the ground, her back hitting a rock. She heard fabric tearing and frowned. Her new shirt had been ruined. She stood, her eyes blazing with anger.

"You ripped my favorite shirt, you jack ass."

The demon looked at her in surprise. They were fighting and she was discussing her laundry? He was caught off guard when she kicked him. Soon, she had killed him, getting yellow liquid on her shirt. She sighed as her eyes caught hold of a book that he had been carrying. She looked at the title but it wasn't familiar.

She picked up and decided to take it to Giles. Maybe he'd know what it was. She would also tell him about her shirt being ruined. Maybe he'd make the council buy her a new one. She headed to the library, hoping to catch him before he left.

Spike moved out of the shadows, his eyes staring daggers at her back. He moved to the demon and kicked it hard.

"Bloody sot. Told you meeting in the cemetery wasn't good. Do you listen? Nooo. Now the damn slayer has my book. Stupid little bitch. Think Spike. How can you get it back from her....."

He left the cemetery, following the girl at a leisurely pace. He saw her head into the school and cursed.

"If the watcher gets it, I'll never get it back. Why the hell did I come back here?"

He turned, making a face. He suddenly smiled. In the darkness, he could see red hair moving up the street, towards the school. He glanced at the door the slayer had entered in. Maybe she'd be willing to negotiate: the book.....for her friend's life. He chuckled softly as he moved with purpose towards the unsuspecting girl. He could have fun with this. Hell, he was just thinking how boring things had been.

**********

Willow loved the night. She always had. When she was younger, she would often sit outside on her swing and just enjoy the peace. After Buffy had come to Sunnydale, she'd realized just what went bump in the night. That hadn't changed her appreciation of the darkness. If anything, it had taken away the fear of the unknown. She was free to enjoy the night because she was prepared for what she might find in the shadows.

She knew that she should be like Xander. He rarely left his house after dusk unless they were all meeting for research or a battle. She used to be like that. Only venturing as far as her backyard. The last two years had changed her. She was still shy, but she knew she had a confidence that she had been lacking before. Neither Buffy nor Xander knew of her habit of walking around Sunnydale at night. If they had, she'd have never been free of one of them. They seemed to think she was unable to take care of herself. Wouldn't they just die to know that she had killed several vampires that had dared impose on her walks. Almost as much as if they knew about her and Faith's friendship.

Faith. Surprisingly, the brunette slayer was the only person who didn't treat her like a helpless ninny. She had hated Faith in the beginning, not trusting her. But, she'd stumbled upon the girl on one of her many wanderings around the city. They had struck up a rather tentative friendship that had escalated into a very close bond. Willow had seen more of Faith lately than she had of Buffy. Buffy was always busy with Angel now. Xander still had Cordelia. She had had Oz, but he had gone on to college after the summer. So, she had Faith and her night time jaunts.

She wasn't on one of those walks tonight. She was on her way to the library. Giles had recently discovered yet another prophecy that he didn't understand. She was growing tired of prophecys. From what he had told her, this one wasn't even suppose to happen for years. He wanted to get as many of them deciphered and documented as possible. So, she had prophecys coming out her ears. So far none of them had been an immediate danger. This was sounded like a good one anyway, so she was in no hurry. She was meeting Faith for a late dinner after 11 pm so she hoped she'd be able to get it done quickly.

She saw the school and slowed down. She knew Buffy would be there. Her first patrol was usually over by now. She grimaced wondering if Angel would be there. She really didn't have anything against the dark haired vampire. She knew that all the mayhem that had been caused was not done by him. He was very regretful. Anyone could see that. She just hated how he had changed everything. Buffy had been different since she had run away. Just when she had started to be a bit back to normal, Angel had returned. She had lied to them all to conceal his re-appearance. Willow couldn't fault him returning. He had saved her after all. She just felt betrayed that Buffy had lied to them.

She got closer to the school. She could see the lights shining from the library. She glanced at her watch. She had almost three hours before she was supposed to be at Faith's motel room. That should be enough time to figure out that prophecy. If not, she'd claim a headache so she could leave. After dinner, Faith was going to train her some more. The slayer had been teaching her self defense. To both of their surprise, Willow had picked up the techniques rather quickly. She lacked the slayer strength that Faith had, but she was doing remarkably well. The two had taken to patrolling together. They made a good team in their fights with vampires.

She started up the path to the side entrance. She kicked several rocks off the path as she walked. She paused when she heard leaves being crunched behind her. "Buffy?" she called out turning. She froze when she made out the tall, lean blond man standing beside the tree. He was leaning against it, a smirk on his handsome face. "Spike."

"Pet." He said calmly, amusement in his voice.

She thought through her options. She could scream for Buffy, she could run, she could try to fight him, or she could wait and see what he was planning on doing. She had learned that with Spike you couldn't ever try to anticipate his actions. Buffy had told her about his helping her defeat Angelus. Willow had thought he had left Sunnydale with Drusilla, vowing never to return. He now stood in front of her acting as though he had not a care in the world. He was wearing his familiar leather duster. She saw the big black boots, the tight black jeans, the red shirt with the black t-shirt underneath. She briefly wondered if he had any other clothes. Shaking her thoughts, she remembered the situation she was in.

"Uh...what do you want?"

He laughed, the sensual sound filling the night air. "Do you really want to know, luv? I could tell you, but we don't have a lot of time. It could take all night. You want to know?"

Willow began to walk backwards as he moved towards her. She found herself backed against a tree, the rough bark rubbing against her clothes. She didn't like the evil twinkle she saw in his eyes.

"No" she said, shaking her head.

Spike caught her head in his large, cold hand. His blue eyes burned into hers.

"The damn bitch has something that belongs to me. I want it back."

"Buffy? Uh, why don't you just ask her?"

She cringed as he tightened his hold on her hair. She jerked away, her green eyes flashing. "Exuse me, but I don't have your stupid thing. I can ask Buffy for you if you want. Just quit taking out your anger on me."

Spike looked at her in amazement. She was a spitfire. He was surprised. She'd always seemed so timid. This could be fun.

"I don't think so, Red. You see, I think she'd be more inclined to trade with me. Oh, and just pray that my anger is all I take out on you, my pet."

"What?" She tried to keep the fear from her face.

As she knew, Spike was definitely his own man. She had no idea what he had planned.

He ran a finger over her face. "So simple, really. Something she loves for something I want."

Willow was confused. "You have Angel?"

He laughed, "Not likely. That poof would drive me crazy. No, I have something that they will all be willing to bargain for."

Willow closed her eyes. She knew he was talking about her. She felt his finger travel down her face and outline her lips. A wave of heat spread through her. She felt a desire that she had never felt before. Maybe if she went along with him, he'd leave her alone. He might not kill her.

"Are you going to kill me?"

Spike felt himself harden as her mouth opened, his finger feeling the moisture from her bottom lip. The slight trembling in her mouth. The flash of fear in her eyes. It was turning him on. He cursed himself silently for allowing her to affect him that way. He reached behind her head, grabbing her neck tightly.

"We'll see, luv. We'll see."

He saw her eyes widen and smiled. Good. Fear was good. He couldn't handle that strength he had seen flashes of. It through him off guard.

"Come with me. If you scream, I'll rip out your throat."

Willow gulped and followed him. He moved quickly, almost pulling her arm out of the socket. She ran to catch him, soon walking in step beside him. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Damn, he was gorgeous. Angelus knew how to pick them. She could see what had attracted the dark vampire to the younger man. He radiated self confidence, sexuality, and power. She felt a shiver of anticipation and fear at what was going to happen to her.

**********

"No answer. She must be on her way." Buffy said, putting the phone back in its receiver.

She moved to sit beside Angel. Their relationship still needed a lot of work, but both were willing to try to make it work.

"She said she'd be here by 8 o'clock. It isn't like her to be late."

"Maybe she's sick. Or maybe her parents actually came home and she just couldn't call us to let us know she'd be late. I'm sure it's nothing. This is Willow after all."

Giles sighed. "I'm sure that you're right. Xander, why don't you and Cordelia begin reading through these books. Look for anything that mentions a faceless demon. Buffy, you and Angel look through those. When Willow gets here, I'll have her do a search on that infernal machine."

Everyone reached for a book and began to read. Giles glanced again at the clock, surprised that they still hadn't heard from Willow. It was almost eleven. She was three hours past the time she'd said she'd be there. Sighing, he again looked through the stack of prophecys. Soon they'd have all of them organized. He would be thankful, but he knew that more would eventually be discovered.

**********

Faith frowned as she looked out the window. Willow was late. She was rarely late. It was one of those annoying traits she had that drove Faith crazy. Faith smiled slightly as she thought of the red head. Who would have thought that it would be Willow out of all of them that ended up being her friend. When she'd first arrived in Sunnydale, she hadn't liked any of them. She still wasn't crazy about them, but she could tolerate. Buffy was annoying. Always whining and making herself the center of everyone's universe. Xander and Cordelia were just a waste of space. Angel she didn't know. Willow had told her about him, but they hadn't spent time together. Especially after she had tried to kill him. Didn't make for a good first meeting.

Willow had told her all about Sunnydale over the last few months. She had heard about all of the adventures that the gang had had. She still couldn't believe that they had accepted Angel back so easily after what Angelus had done. Just goes to show how weird some people could be. She had enjoyed the stories about Dru and Spike. They had sounded like some real characters. She again looked outside. No red hair coming up the walkway.

Damn it. Where was she? Faith had called the school at eleven with some excuse. She'd asked if she was needed to patrol or not. She'd brought up names to see if Willow had left yet. She'd heard that Willow had never arrived. That brought her more worry. It was midnight. Something had happened. She felt it. Her intuition was screaming at her that something was wrong. She cursed as she grabbed her leather coat. She would walk around and see if Willow was in trouble on the streets. She'd then check her friend's house. If she still didn't find anything, well, she'd have to go ask them for help. She really didn't want to do that, so she'd keep her fingers crossed that Willow had just gotten side tracked somewhere. Faith left the motel, slamming the door shut behind her. She walked into the darkness, her eyes darting into the shadows for signs of red hair.

**********

Willow couldn't see anything. Spike had stopped her about five minutes into the walk. He'd ripped the bottom of her shirt and used the dark material as a blindfold. She was following behind him, unaware of where he was taking her. She was frightened. She hoped that he meant to hold her until Buffy returned whatever it was he was looking for, then let her go. She felt his finger run across her palm. Thoughts went through her mind that weren't good. She had the wish that he would decide to keep her....use her for sex.

She'd often had that fantasy last year. Of Angelus and Spike taking her and doing all sorts of naughty things. She'd kept those thoughts to herself. Wouldn't do for Buffy and the others to find out that she was wanting to be their enemie's sex slave. Nope, not all. She was the quiet one. She'd actually hated to see both of those men leave. Then, when Angel came back, it had been bad. She wasn't attracted to Angel the way she had been to Angelus. Of course, the blond leading her through the dark streets had always starred in those fantasies. She had always prefered Spike to Angelus, often wondering what the hell Dru was thinking. Spike was evil, but he still had something about him that made her think he wasn't as bad as he wanted them to think. Hell, he could love. He wasn't bent on world destruction. He was usually amusing, in the sarcastic way that she loved.

She stumbled on a break in the pavement, falling forward. She hit her knees, pain shooting through her. She heard soft cursing and felt strong hands on her shoulders. She was soon on her feet. She cringed as she felt the slight burning in her knees.

"Damn it Red. What the hell were you doing?"

"Trying to keep up with you, you bleached moron."

She heard him chuckle. "Damn spitfire. Come on. We're almost there. I can't see how bad it is in this darkness."

Willow knew her face had to show her puzzlement. "You're being nice. Why?"

She heard him sigh loudly, "Because, I just want my book back. I don't want the slayer killing me because I did something to her little shadow. So, you have the perfect host until this little episode is concluded."

"Oh" she said, not hearing the disappointment.

Spike stood, his eyes on her face. He heard the tone in her voice. She should be thrilled that he was on his best behaviour. Yet, she sounded like someone kicked her puppy.What the hell was going through that red head of hers? She had been surprising him all night. She had changed in the months that he had been gone. Before, she'd always stood in the background. The support. Angelus had regaled them all with tales of the slayer and her friends. In fact, it was Angelus that first brought Spike's attention to the shy girl. He had felt an empathy with her. He knew what it was like to be second best with the one he loved. Now, she had grown up. He liked this version more. She was feisty.

He wondered if she would be that sassy in his bed. He smiled at the idea of having her in his bed. That wasn't something that he had first planned when he had decided to take her. Now, it was looking very appealing. Do a little shagging while he waited for the slayer to deliver his book. Who said he had to contact the little bitch immediately? He could wait. Right now, shagging rated higher than the book. His eyes swept over her, noting the slight differences. Her hair was shorter, a bit more red. Her body was still thin but more developed, her breasts slightly fuller. She appeared healthier, more confident in her own body. He began to move forward, pulling her behind him. He kept to the shadows, not wanting to be seen. He didn't want anyone to know he was back. The slayer could wait. He had more important things on his mind right now than that stupid book. He smiled as he thought of the shagging that awaited him. He couldn't wait to feel more confident inside her body.

********** "I can't find anything." Buffy said, closing the book in disgust.

"Me either." Cordelia said.

"This is pointless. Didn't you say that this one won't even happen for years?"

"Xander, just shut up." Cordelia said.

"Actually, Xander is right. We don't have to spend the time on this one. There are dozens more." Giles frowned at the groans that met his statement.

"It's late. Can't we work on your little prophecy project some other time?" Buffy begged, her eyes looking at Angel.

"She's right. I need some sleep. Is this over?" Cordelia asked.

Giles sighed, "I hadn't realized what time it was. I apologize for keeping you all so late. Of course you can go now. I would like the opportunity to look at that book Buffy found this evening anyway. It appears quite old....."

His statement was interrupted as Faith came in, her face worried. She scanned the room, demanding, "Is she here?"

Buffy stood and stretched, "Is who here?"

Faith looked at them all. She saw not one ounce of worry. "What the hell am I doing here? None of you give a shit."

"Faith, please explain what you're talking about." GIles said tiredly.

"She's suppose to be one of you, yet no one was concerned when she didn't show up?"

"Willow" Angel said softly, understanding what the girl was talking about.

He had been a bit surprised that the redhead hadn't shown up. She had always been good about keeping her word.

"Bingo. Give the vampire a cigar. Willow. She isn't at home. She isn't here. Where the fuck is she?" Faith demanded, sitting on one of the tables.

"What do you care?" Buffy asked. She then paused. "She isn't at home?"

"No, she isn't. She was supposed to be at my place at eleven. It's after one. Willow is always early, never late."

She ran a hand through her dark hair, letting it cascade down around her face. She looked up, her face looking vulnerable for the first time in months, "I'm really worried."

"I thought you hated Willow." Cordelia said pointedly.

Faith rolled her eyes, "You don't know every thing Prom Queen."

"You and uh Willow were suppose to meet this evening?"

"Why the hell is that so hard to believe? Red and I are friends. Have been since shortly after I arrived. Can we move on to something important? Like Willow being gone!"

"I don't know where she could be" Xander said, perplexed.

"I checked the city while on patrol. No Red. Her house is dark. That means she left before dark."

"Why do you say that?" Buffy said.

"Willow always leaves the back porch and kitchen lights on when she leaves after dark. It's one of those weird little things I noticed about her. I never understand why she doesn't always leave them on. She's never home before dark. But she never turns them on if she leaves during the daytime. That means she left this afternoon sometime, or at least before dusk."

"Good lord. How do you know all that? Are you serious?" Xander said.

Faith stood, "Why do I bother? All you all do is talk it to death. Willow could be dying somewhere" She paused, smiling slightly, "Of course, she could have met some hunk and run off with him. Either way, I want to make sure she's ok. Can't fault her for not calling if she's getting laid. I think she would have called though to let me know she'd not be coming over."

"Faith, I know you're upset. I agree that this doesn't seem like something Willow would do. But, you've said you searched the city. I don't see what else you can do tonight. Why don't you go back to the motel and give her some time. I'm sure that there is an explanation for this evening. As you suggested, maybe she ran into someone she knew and got sidetracked. She could be home as we speak."

Faith just shook her head. "Whatever. Fine. I'll go, but if I don't hear from her in the morning I'm not going to sit around. Got it?"

"We've got it, Eff." Buffy said snidely. She didn't like the fact that Faith seemed to care more than she did. She was worried about Willow too. She definitely didn't think Willow had run into some guy and got distracted. She glanced at Angel and saw the worry in his dark eyes. He'd remained quiet during Faith's speech. She knew that they would be doing a patrol for the remainder of the evening. She wanted to reassure herself that her friend was ok.

"Good, then we're all by 4 by 4. See you in the AM."

They watched Faith leave, letting the doors swing shut behind her. Giles saw the worry on the teens faces and sighed. He had the feeling that something must have happened to Willow. He just hoped that they found out what soon.

********** "Blimey." Spike said in amazement.

Willow sat up, pushing the hair from her flushed face. She used the back of her hand to wipe the sweat from her brow. She took a few seconds to catch her breath.

"Didn't think I could do it did you?"

"Nope. Must say, you surprised me. Most amazing thing I've ever seen. And in over a hundred years that's saying something."

"What can I say? I'm flexible."

"I can see that" he lowered his voice, sending shivers down her spine.

"Uh...your turn," She squeaked.

She didn't like the way he was looking at her. Hell, who was she kidding. She loved the way he was looking at her. All male admiration and lust. She saw his eyes wander over her body, leaving a heated trail wherever they touched. She struggled to hold her position. He wasn't making it easy.

Spike saw her arm start to waver as he continued his slow perusal over her delectable body. His cock was hard against his pants. His shirts were laying on the floor where he had tossed them. He saw her eyes widen as he watched her.

Willow felt liquid shoot through her down to her panties as she watched him lick his lips. The need in his eyes was overwhelming. All of that was because of her. She felt a cold rush of air over her bare shoulders. Her socks and shirt lay beside his on the floor. Her nipples strained against the material of her bra. Her ragged breathing making her breasts more pronounced. She watched as he leaned over her, his arm touching her throbbing breasts gently.

Her eyes followed the motion of his hand as he ran a finger over the black arrow. She felt his cheek against hers ever so lightly. Her arm struggled for the strength to keep her up. She watched as his thumb and forefinger met and flicked the arrow. Her eyes followed the arrow as it spun.

"Blue" he said huskily in her ear. "Hand" his mouth wettened her lobe before he moved, putting his hand on the blue circle underneath her.

This left him on top of her, his hard erection against her stomach. She struggled to keep her balance. The feel of him against her was too much. Her arm gave out, not equipped to hold both of their weights. They toppled to the mat, his body pinning her.

"I win that round." He said smirking. Sitting up on his heels, he let his hands caress her warm body before moving to the waistband of her jeans. "Lose the pants, Red."

Willow closed her eyes, breathing deeply. She never would have guessed a game of Twister could be such a great device of foreplay. Of course, she never would have imagined that she'd be kidnapped and forced to play strip Twisted with Spike either. She sighed as she began to unbutton her jeans. Much more of this and she'd rip his damn clothes off of him.

"Winner chooses." He said, fighting the urge to take her there on the mat.

His cock throbbed as her pale blue panties came into view. He took an unneeded breath and said through clenched teeth, "You first."

* * * * *