CHAPTER 31
A/N: For detail-oriented readers…Yes, I have badly mangled the timeline and the facts from canon Charmed. Mea culpa.
“Looks like the Council will need to move West again,” Faith murmured. The room was quiet as everyone tried to grasp the impact of Leo’s statement. “What about Wolfram and Hart? I thought the Senior Partners and Angel were the movers and shakers?”
With a tiny shake of his head, Leo disagreed. “What you know as a law firm is only one of many large partnerships among the demon elite.”
Faith rubbed a shaking hand over her face. Wolfram and Hart
ruled the
“Not necessarily.” Wesley stood and began pacing in front of the window. “I’m only postulating; however, if Cole represents a power too great for the Senior Partners to defeat, they might be trying to curry favor. Perhaps Angelus is their emissary? A way for the firm to find a place in the new hierarchy?”
“That’s bad.” Piper pressed into Leo, shoulders slumped. “Cole as the Source was bad enough. We had every demon in the area trying to kill us to make him happy. If he’s suddenly in charge of the West Coast, I hate to think what it would be like this time.”
***
Struggling with growing nausea, Phoebe looked at Piper. “You’re forgetting the worst part, Piper.” She gripped Faith’s hand crushingly. “Remember what followed Cole’s coronation?”
Piper frowned. “Lots of bowing and scraping from the assembled demons?”
Maybe she’d never told her sisters about the ceremony. Phoebe’s own memories were distorted by the drugs the Seer had fed her. “Um, that, too.” She raised her eyes, staring into Piper’s. “There was also a sacrifice.”
“That ain’t happening, Moonbeam,” Faith vowed immediately. “We’re getting your sister out.”
The words helped, a little. However, Phoebe remembered the price Faith might have to pay for her promise. Hand clapped over her mouth, Phoebe bolted for the stairs.
She was so focused on reaching the safety of the bathroom, she didn’t realize Faith was right behind her until a warm hand swept her hair from her face as she heaved over the basin. “Easy, Phoebe. I’m right here.” Faith’s husky voice wrapped around her, easing her spasming muscles and burning throat. “Everything will be fine, Moonbeam. I may not be as good as B, but I can stop one arrogant demon and his plans to rule the world.”
“At what cost?” Phoebe rasped out, voice rough and tight from the vomiting. “I saw you die!” She forced herself erect, spinning to look at Faith.
“You had a vision, Moonbeam. That ain’t like seeing it happen.” Faith pulled her into her arms, kissing the top of Phoebe’s head. “I bet the Elders give you those so you can keep what you see from happening. It’s why Cordy has hers.”
The strong arms and the comforting words eased a little of the remaining sickness. “What if we can’t?”
“Then we can’t.” Faith’s answer was matter of fact.
It was too much. Wrenching away, Phoebe braced her back and hands against the sink and stared at Faith in disbelief. “That’s it? That’s all you can say?”
She wasn’t expecting the smile – or the pained acceptance in Faith’s eyes. “Phoebe, I told you when we met what a Slayer’s life was like. Either Cole gets me or some other demon does. I can’t stop doing my job because I’m afraid of dying.”
“That sucks.” Wrapping her arms around herself, Phoebe ground her teeth.
A warm chuckle filled the bathroom. “Well, yeah, it does.” Faith shrugged. “It has benefits, though. I get to kick evil’s ass and meet sexy as hell witches who can fly.”
Phoebe smiled reluctantly, not ready to give up her mad. It was better than the depression or the vomiting. “Sexy, huh?”
“Yep. Sexy.” Faith sat on the toilet seat, reaching out a hand to stroke Phoebe’s leg. “Brush your teeth, Moonbeam, and then pretty yourself up. We have some planning to do before our big night on the town, and I ain’t going out with anyone that looks as bad as you do right now.”
Squealing in mock outrage, Phoebe yanked the hand towel off the rack and smacked Faith with it. “Just for that, maybe I will go like this. I bet you’d love to kiss me right about now.” She threw herself into Faith’s arms, pressing her lips to Faith’s.
The lips under hers opened, and Faith’s tongue slid into her mouth.
No way. Phoebe pulled away, making gagging sounds. “Faith, that’s so gross. I just threw up.”
“Yeah, you did. So what?” Faith looked unimpressed with her comment. “If you think that’s gonna keep me from kissing you, you better change your mind.” She stood up and smacked Phoebe on the butt. “Get brushing, Moonbeam.” Then she stepped out and closed the door, leaving Phoebe alone.
***
The gang was still sitting in the living room when Faith trotted downstairs.
“Everything alright?” Piper was the first to ask. She looked pale and strained, and Faith saw Leo gently stroking her arms in comfort.
It wasn’t the time for complete honesty. “Yeah, I think she’s freaking over Cole being the Big Bad.” Faith grabbed a chair and spun it around, straddling it. “She’s getting ready for our night out.” Left leg twitching restlessly, Faith got back to business. “I want to fuck with Cole, if he’s watching. Is there someplace I can take Phoebe that will hit him hard? You know, someplace they used to go?”
The question got a short laugh from Piper. “They didn’t exactly hang out like a normal couple. There’s a crypt Cole used when he first left the Underworld.”
“Some place a little more public, Piper,” Faith responded dryly. “You know…a restaurant or club. Didn’t they ever go out to eat?”
“Not often.” Piper moved away from Leo, rolling her head as if she needed to loosen her neck muscles. “When they did, we usually went as a group to the club”
Faith frowned. P3 wasn’t what she had in mind. It wasn’t intimate enough to really hurt. “I’ll see if Phoebe’s got a better plan, then.” Shrugging off the setback, she rested her chin on her folded hands. “What about something for me to take Underneath with me in the morning? I put Cole off with news of Leo’s return, but…I want something bigger. We’ve been on the run from the start. I want to put him on the defensive.”
“Why not the truth?” Faith’s head snapped around, and she stared at Wesley. He smiled slightly and continued, “Most rituals must take place at a specific time or place. As it stands, Cole holds the advantage. He knows exactly when the ceremony must occur.”
“So you want me to tell him what?” Faith was confused. “That we know he wants to be King of California?”
Wesley’s smile widened. “Precisely. Tell him you overheard Phoebe and Piper talking about his coronation. Let him think we know the date and time for the ritual.”
It was perfect. Faith couldn’t wait to see his expression when she unveiled that information. “He’ll go crazy. If I can find a way to get at him through Phoebe, too, he might make a mistake.” She bared her teeth in a cold smile, excitement replacing her earlier anxiety. “Time to get the ball rolling.” She jumped up, ready to find Phoebe and hit the town.
Striding to the doorway, Faith stopped abruptly as another thought occurred. “One more thing.” She spun. “We’ve got to take care of Wolfram and Hart. Think you can spread a little bad information yourself?” she directed at Wesley and Fred.
***
Phoebe sat on the second floor landing, listening to the conversation below. Still shaky from earlier, she was impressed by Faith’s ability to stay focused on Cole. She needed to do the same. Pulling her cell phone from her pocket, Phoebe placed a phone call and then slowly climbed to her feet. She picked her way down the stairs and walked toward Faith’s spot in the entryway. “Let Piper and the gang worry about the information, Faith,” she said as calmly as she could. “We need to go rattle Cole’s cage.” Meeting the warm brown eyes Faith turned in her direction, she went on, “I know the perfect spot.”
She watched Faith’s eyebrows shoot up and her mouth open.
“It’ll be a surprise.” Phoebe forced a smile.
Faith’s mouth snapped shut, and she nodded, eyes watching Phoebe intently.
Her obvious concern turned Phoebe’s smile into something more genuine. “Come on. You promised to make me scream, earlier. We had to skip that part.”
A husky laugh followed her teasing comment. “Hey, Fred,” Faith called over her shoulder, “Phoebe’s complaining about your timing. Next time, wait until after we make love to knock, OK?”
A horrified shriek sounded from the living room.
“Ready, Moonbeam?” Faith stepped forward and took Phoebe’s hand.
“Yeah.” Leaning her head on Faith’s shoulder, Phoebe kissed the tanned and muscled arm revealed by the muscle shirt. “Let’s go have some fun and piss off my ex.”
***
Directing Faith into a private, underground parking garage, Phoebe wiped sweating hands on her pant legs. “Park over here.” She pointed to a numbered spot right next to a bank of elevators.
Faith did as she’d instructed, turning off the engine. Phoebe waited for her girlfriend to get out and come around. She didn’t. Instead, Faith turned sideways in the seat. “Phoebe, what’s going on?”
“Nothing.” It didn’t sound very convincing, even to Phoebe. Dropping her head for a second, Phoebe took a calming breath. “I’ll be fine. It’s been a long time since I’ve been here, and there are a lot of memories.” She put a hand on Faith’s thigh. “You wanted to get to Cole. Well…doing that means it gets to me, too.”
“Moonbeam-“ Faith grabbed the keys, restarting the engine.
Phoebe didn’t wait for her to put the car into gear. She simply opened her door and stepped out. “I can’t run from this, Faith, and you can’t make it hurt any less. We have to do this. A few bad memories aren’t worth more than your life.” Her voice shook on those final words. “Get out of the car and let’s do this.”
She could see Faith’s jaw clench even in the dim light. The car went silent; the sound of the driver’s side door opening loud in the nearly-deserted garage.
“We need to take this elevator.” Ignoring the anger radiating from Faith, Phoebe walked to the steel doors and pressed the call button. They slid open immediately. “Coming?” she asked, stepping inside.
Faith hesitated before striding purposely into the elevator. “I don’t like this, Moonbeam.”
“I know,” Phoebe acknowledge. “You want to take all the risks and do all the dirty work.” Taking Faith’s hand, Phoebe kissed the palm. “I’m not letting you do it all alone, Faith. We’re a team, a couple,” she said forcefully.
She got a resigned nod as the elevator slid to a gentle stop. “Got it, Moonbeam. I’ll deal.” Dimples peeked out. “Just don’t expect me to be happy about it.”
“I’m not that stupid,” Phoebe shot back. Her grip tightened, and she was glad Faith’s Slayer healing would help with her mangled fingers. The elevator doors opened, and Phoebe stepped into the carpeted great room. Across the large space, the setting sun reflected off the glass of the French doors leading to a large patio.
Faith stepped in behind her, arms wrapping around Phoebe’s waist. “Where the fuck are we? Some private club?”
“Not exactly.” Phoebe smiled grimly. “Welcome to my home, Faith. The home I shared with Cole.”
CHAPTER 32
“Your place?” Faith let go of Phoebe and moved around her. “I thought you lived with your sisters.”
Watching Faith explore the large penthouse, Phoebe nodded. “I do. Cole and I…we moved here right after the wedding. It’s mine, now, though. He gave it to me when we got divorced.” Recalling the tense scene in her office at the Mirror, Phoebe rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “I haven’t been here since we signed the decree.”
“We don’t have to stay, Moonbeam,” Faith was quick to reassure. She turned to face Phoebe. “I have enough to hit Cole with –“
“No,” Phoebe interrupted firmly. “We just had this conversation.” She met Faith’s eyes, not willing to budge. Not now. Everyone else was giving up so much. It was time she did more than merely look through the Book or have visions. “I called an old friend of Piper’s. Dinner’s warming in the oven.”
An ominous silence filled the room.
Planting her feet and crossing her arms, Phoebe refused to back down. “Do I have to tie you to a chair and force feed you?”
That broke the mood. Faith’s dimples popped out, and she laughed. “Not this time.” Moving closer, she stroked a warm and callused finger over Phoebe’s lips. “We can play bondage games when this is all over. I’ll even tell the Slayer you’re the Top.”
“Promises, promises.” Nearly sagging in relief that the argument was over, Phoebe pulled away. “I seem to remember someone promising to make me scream, too. So far, there has been no screaming. I think you’re all talk, Faith. All talk and no action.”
***
“You think so, do you?” Eyes narrowed, Faith regarded Phoebe. “Careful, Moonbeam. You’re playing with fire.”
Pouting lips twitched into a smirk. “No, Faith. That’s the problem. There is no fire. I’m here.” Phoebe’s hands stroked the air along her body. “And you’re way over there.”
Faith grinned, not mentioning the distance between them was less than six inches. “That’s a problem, huh?” Taking an exaggerated step forward, Faith made sure she was pressed firmly against Phoebe. “Is this helping?” Her hands “accidentally” landed on Phoebe’s jeans-clad butt.
“Maybe a little.” Voice a husky purr, Phoebe rotated her hips. “It’s hard to tell, though. Is there something else you can do?”
Glancing around the room, Faith decided against using the off-white designer couch. She lifted Phoebe off the ground. “Bedroom?” she asked, lips poised over Phoebe’s.
“Behind you. Down the hall, last door on the left.” Phoebe wrapped her legs around Faith’s waist. Her hot breath blasted Faith’s neck. “Hurry.”
“No. Not this time, Moonbeam.” Smiling at Phoebe’s adorable pout, Faith started toward the bedroom. “We’re always about speed.” She raised her head, kissing Phoebe softly. “Tonight we’re all about slow.”
Once they were at the foot of the massive bed, Faith gently sat Phoebe on the comforter and knelt at her feet.
Unease flitted across Phoebe’s face. “Faith-“ she started.
“Shhh, baby.” Pressing her index finger against Phoebe’s soft lips, Faith stopped the outburst. “I…I’m sorry, Moonbeam.” Faith cursed when Phoebe’s eyes widened and the lips under her finger tried to open. “I’m pretty sure I’m supposed to have a ring and a nice speech.” Ignoring the roiling in her stomach and the sweat slicking her palms, Faith pressed on. “I ain’t got either of those.”
“Faith,” Phoebe jerked her head back, avoiding Faith’s finger, “I’ve done marriage. Believe me, you don’t have to propose.”
Tears blurred Phoebe’s features. “I’m not, Moonbeam. I’m not.” Fuck, this was so hard. “If we get out of this in one piece, it might be an option. Right now…right now, I just want you to know I love you.” The last three words came out in a rushed mumble, and Faith froze, waiting for Phoebe’s reaction.
“You do?” came the stunned response.
Not sure what that meant in terms of accepting her declaration, Faith stiffened. “Yes.” It didn’t sound right. She’d sounded afraid. Faith was done being afraid of her emotions. “Yes,” she said again, more confidently. “I love you, Phoebe.” This time was easier, and she spoke clearly.
A brilliant smile greeted her second effort, and Phoebe hurled herself off the bed into Faith’s arms. “I love you, too.”
Enthusiastic kisses rocked Faith. Grunting under the onslaught, she leaned back on her heels for balance. “Slow, remember?”
***
“I remember,” Phoebe answered. “We’ve been in the bedroom for over five minutes. We both have all our clothes on. That qualifies as slow for us.” She did, however, let go of Faith and wiggle back onto the bed. Faith had requested – numerous times – a slow down.
She knew she’d made the right decision when Faith smiled, brown eyes soft. “I’ll make it worth your while, Moonbeam.”
“I’m not going to give you a grade, Faith.” It popped out before Phoebe could censor it.
Warm laughter rolled through the room. “Good thing. I sucked at school.” Faith surged to her feet, hands working on her heavy leather belt. Her expression sobered some, but the warmth remained in her eyes. “Lay back on the bed, Moonbeam.”
Slowly, Phoebe followed Faith’s request. The comforter was cold and stiff under her. Trying to relax, she kept her eyes locked on Faith.
One piece of clothing at a time, the brunette slowly stripped, revealing her tanned and muscled frame.
Hands fisted at her sides, Phoebe fought to remain still. She managed to stay in place, but her hips moved restlessly.
“I’m tired of playing to the crowd, Phoebe.” Faith crawled onto the bed.
The words drifted over Phoebe, barely penetrating the haze of desire. She stared at Faith’s breasts, bobbing each time the Slayer’s knees slid across the comforter.
Smooth skin pressed against her, and Faith’s arms slipped under her back and shoulders. “Every time we make love, or go out on the town…it’s never really for us. We say it is. We pretend we’re on a date.”
Faith’s lips brushed Phoebe’s for just a second. Lifting her head, Phoebe strained to keep contact.
“You brought me here because I wanted to make Cole mad. I’m sorry.” The lips were back. Soft, warm, insistent. They didn’t stay for long. “I want to make love to you, Phoebe. Not for Cole or the Elders. For us.”
“Yes,” Phoebe whispered back. “Make love to me, Faith.” The shrine to her mistake with Cole faded into the background. Her world narrowed to a pair of copper-tinged brown eyes and the warm body pressed to hers.
***
Faith heard Phoebe’s benediction and smiled slowly. This was so different from the other times. Faith could feel the emotion in the room. Leaving Phoebe’s lips for the moment, Faith leaned up on an elbow and began unbuttoning Phoebe’s blouse. “Make love,” she repeated softly. “Before I met you, I’d only had sex.”
The body-warmed silk slid open, revealing Phoebe’s bra and tanned stomach.
Faith left the fabric gaping, flicking the front clasp of the other woman’s bra open. She resisted the temptation presented by Phoebe’s breasts and shifted down the bed. “Lift up a little, Moonbeam.”
Slim hips rose from the comforter, and Faith quickly unzipped Phoebe’s skirt. Pulling gently, she removed the tight skirt and the barely-there panties.
She returned to her previous spot at Phoebe’s side, raising her hand and teasing one of Phoebe’s nipples with a finger.
A pressure deep inside signaled the Slayer’s desire to join in.
Faith resisted. She didn’t want this to turn rough.
The inner voice purred. Phoebe was their mate. The Slayer would never harm her.
Giving in to the internal plea, Faith opened herself to the Slayer. Strength and confidence flowed through her. No longer afraid of the primal essence stretching and uncoiling inside, Faith knew it was time for them to make their commitment to Phoebe.
Faith’s palms replaced the single finger idly stroking Phoebe’s nipple. Cupping and cradling the weight of Phoebe’s breasts in her hands, Faith rolled until she could straddle the other woman’s hips. She bent, her own breasts swaying between them until her nipples brushed Phoebe’s.
A sharp intake of breath sounded in her ear.
Back and forth, she dragged rapidly hardening flesh against Phoebe’s already pointed nipples. “I love you, Phoebe,” Faith whispered. A growl rumbled in her head. “We love you,” she corrected. “Me and the Slayer.” Raising her head, she peered at Phoebe through a copper-coated haze.
Crystalline tears sparkled in Phoebe’s eyes. “I love you, too, Faith. Every part of you.” Her fingertips touched Faith’s lips. “Don’t hide from me anymore, Faith. Let me see you, all of you, no matter what.”
Swallowing hard, Faith nodded jerkily. “All of me, Moonbeam.” She bent her head, latching on to the skin over Phoebe’s heart. For now, they’d have to be content with a hidden mark. Anything visible might cause questions from her “employer.”
Strong legs rose to wrap around her waist. Phoebe writhed under her mouth and hands.
There was an audible pop when she released the now purple skin. “Mine.” The voice was Faith’s. The sentiment belonged to the Slayer.
“Yours,” Phoebe breathily responded. Her fingers tangled in Faith’s hair, dragging her head down for a deep, probing kiss. As their tongues tangled and dueled, Faith reveled in the gasps and broken whimpers torn from Phoebe’s throat.
Faith kept her lips pressed to Phoebe’s as she slid her body up slightly. A hand wiggled between their sweat-slicked bodies, separating her labia and exposing her swollen clit. With careful movements, she worked until her clit rode Phoebe’s equally distended bundle of nerves.
The legs around her middle tightened in response. They flexed and released in a driving rhythm.
Heat built from the increasing friction. Pulling her head away, Faith gasped and strained. For a long, nearly painful second, she hung on the edge of orgasm. Sharp teeth nipped her throat. Her cry of ecstasy mixed with the primal roar deep inside.
CHAPTER 33
It was still dark when Faith’s eyes popped open. She stayed still, not immediately recognizing where she was. After a second, Phoebe’s soft breathing and the features of the room clued her in. The penthouse. Faith closed her eyes, content to stay there with Phoebe wrapped around her.
As she soaked up the other woman’s presence, however, Faith planned. She needed to meet with Cole. Soon. The ‘news’ she was going to deliver was important. It would look odd if she didn’t rush to his side to tell all. Cracking open a lid, Faith peered at the clock. It was just after four.
Mentally grumbling, Faith slowly wiggled out of Phoebe’s arms. The Slayer growled a sleepy protest. Faith ignored the grumpy comment and dragged on her clothes. Her uniform and weapons were at her apartment. That meant a trip across town before heading for the Underworld. Turning to leave, Faith stopped.
The Slayer wasn’t happy with her choices. They were not leaving their mate like this.
Faith growled back. They didn’t have time for this. Everything depended on Cole believing her loyalty. Loyal minions didn’t stop to cuddle.
Power uncoiled through her, freezing her muscles. They weren’t going anywhere unless Faith said a proper goodbye.
Writhing against the Slayer’s hold, Faith fought to regain control. She failed. Panting and disbelieving, she stared at her feet…and gave in. The power drained away slightly, just enough for her to stalk to the bed and sit down. “Moonbeam,” Faith murmured.
Phoebe stirred, eyes blinking dazedly and hands rising to scrub at her eyes. “Faith? Is something wrong?”
“No, Phoebe. I just have to go.” Faith reached out, cupping Phoebe’s sleep-flushed cheek. “Cole’s gonna want to know about your gang ‘discovering’ the date for the ritual. Thought I should be there first thing.”
“Fuck Cole.” Faith grinned at Phoebe’s pithy comment.
Chuckling, Faith shook her head. “I don’t think so. I got you, remember? He’d be a shitty fill in.” Then, just to see Phoebe’s reaction, she continued, “Besides, I already offered. He turned me down.”
Her plan backfired. Phoebe smirked and stretched. “Of course he did, sweetie. No one can replace me. Just ask him.”
Faith bent and kissed Phoebe softly. “He’d be right this time, Moonbeam. You’ve ruined me, too. I’ll never want anyone but you.”
“Are you sure you have to leave now?” Phoebe pleaded beguilingly.
Staring into desire-darkened brown eyes, Faith wavered. Cole would still be there later. She closed her eyes, fighting the warmth of Phoebe’s lips and arms. No. She had to go. “I…I have to…” she stammered.
Phoebe frowned and stroked a finger over Faith’s lips. “I’m sorry, sweetie. You have to go.” She leaned up and kissed Faith softly. “Go on. Before I forget we both have jobs to do.”
Faith stood, taking a quick step to the door. “Love you,” she announced before striding out the door to the elevator.
***
The trip didn’t take as long as Faith had thought. She’d managed to flag down a cab just a couple of blocks from the penthouse. Now, in uniform and wrapped in her cloak, Faith stepped into the portal near her apartment. Her skin tingled, and her stomach lurched.
When the feelings faded, she calmly stepped into the underground corridor leading to the arena. Pausanias was already there. Faith smiled. Good. She’d need his help to make this part of the plan work. “Yo, General.” Cloak swirling, she trotted across the sand. “I need to see the Boss this morning.”
A narrow brow rose over yellowed eyes. “Good morning, Lieutenant. What a pleasure to see you here this early,” Pausanias replied.
The unspoken rebuke brought an unaccustomed heat to Faith’s cheeks. “Uh…yeah. Good morning.” Faith sighed dramatically when Pausanias began to chuckle. “Great, now I’m comic relief. Listen, Soldier Boy, I’ve got big news. That’s what got me here so fucking early. I need to talk to Cole – yesterday.”
Pausanias’ laughter stopped abruptly at her words. “Indeed. I am not sure he has arrived yet.”
“Then we need to be waiting at the door when Daddy comes home.” Faith wasn’t going to back down. This was her chance to not only convince Cole of her loyalty but to get the ball moving so the sisters could save Paige.
“One day, Slayer, we will discuss your colorful way of expressing yourself.” Pausanias signaled one of the other officers, a vampire Faith had not yet met. When the tall, muscled man joined them, Pausanias tersely told him to take care of the recruits. “Let us go, then, Slayer. I would not wish to delay your message.”
Faith had to nearly run to keep up with his long stride. “Gonna be big, General,” she promised. Very big.
***
Phoebe stepped out of the elevator and fished for the keys in her purse.
“Ms. Halliwell,” a soft voice called.
She spun, dropping into a defensive stance.
A young girl stepped from behind a cement column, hands held
away from her body. “Please, ma’am, relax. I’m one of the Slayers stationed
here in
Not relaxing at all, Phoebe kept her eyes glued to the girl. “Spit it out,” she ordered.
“More Slayers and Watchers are arriving from other cities.
The rest of Angel’s crew from
“And I’m just supposed to trust you?” No way. Phoebe eyed the paper being held her way. “Leave it on the ground. I’ll get it after you’re gone.”
A slight smile greeted her statement. “Sure.” The girl bent and placed the paper on the cement, stepping away immediately. “Faith can vouch for me. Ask her about meeting Debra Clark. I’m sure she’ll remember.” A chuckle broke the girl’s serious mien. “I know I’ll never forget.”
“You met Faith?” Straightening, Phoebe prepared to get more answers. She never got the chance. With a wave, Debra took off. She moved so quickly, Phoebe lost sight of her in seconds. “Damn it!” Snatching the paper off the ground, Phoebe glared at the ceiling. “Once, just once, could you stop with the intrigue?” She stalked to the car, stuffing the contact list into her purse.
***
Faith paced the antechamber like a caged animal. One, two, three, four… She counted each step. Twenty-three. Spinning on her heel, she began the return trip. On the way, she scowled at Pausanias. The General lounged indolently against the raised altar. “Can’t you at least look like you’re awake?”
He barely acknowledged her question. “I believe you are more than awake enough for both of us. Were we on sentry duty, you would soon be too tired to lift your sword.” Pausanias stretched to his full frame. “I think I have been remiss in your training. You lack patience, Slayer. It is the hallmark of all good soldiers.”
“Well, there’s your fucking problem. I ain’t a good soldier,” Faith snapped back. Where the hell was Cole? She’d left a warm and willing Phoebe to bring this information. The least he could do was be here before noon.
She spun around for another pass of the room – and felt Cole’s entrance.
“About fucking time,” Faith
mumbled. She stopped pacing and pulled her uniform straight. As soon as Cole
walked in, surrounded by guards and flanked by
Faith flinched back when Cole turned to face her. His eyes glowed a solid black, and unbelievable power radiated from him. “More tales of returning family members?” he asked with a mocking edge to his voice.
“Not exactly.” Faith managed to ignore the crawling in her senses and stood her ground. “I did like you wanted. Me and Phoebe spent time together last night,” Faith forced a smirk onto stiff lips, “ya’ know?”
If anything, Cole’s eyes grew colder, and he tapped a hand against his thigh impatiently.
She had to be careful. This wasn’t a good time to lose her touch. “Anyway, she took me to some swanky penthouse. Hers.” Faith winked at Cole. “I shoulda asked for one like it when we were talking payment. Great view.”
Slayer hearing picked up the nearly inaudible growl from her employer. She was getting to him.
Letting out a slow breath, Faith pressed on. “I’d just gotten off my favorite ride in Phoebeland. She’s all over me. ‘Oh, Faith…you’re the best…I love you’ and crap.”
Cole’s growl grew louder.
Maybe she was doing too good a job poking at Cole. The Slayer woke up, an answering growl trying to leap from Faith’s throat. Fighting to hide that response, Faith followed the plan. “Then her fucking cell phone rings. We’re all hot and sweaty and her sister calls. Lucky for you, I got some pumped up hearing. I didn’t just get the ‘uh huhs,’ and ‘reallys.’ I got the good stuff, too.”
“And what might that be?” Cole’s normally smooth voice was tight and rough.
“You’ve been busted, Boss.” Faith let it go at that. Muscles quivering from the strain, she paced forward, hopped onto the altar next to Pausanias, and waited.
She could almost see the wheels turning in Cole’s head. First, he frowned, eyes dropping to consider the floor. Then he glanced at her, and the frown grew deeper.
Come on, little fishy, Faith cajoled him silently. Take the bait – and the big fucking hook hiding there.
She was watching Cole so intently,
Faith forgot all about his coterie. “She’s lying, my liege.”
This had the potential to get very
ugly. Faith looked at
“Tell the witch to back off, my
Lord.” Faith dared to glance away from
Now everyone watched Cole and waited for his answer.
“What do the sisters know?” he finally asked curtly.
Faith stopped pushing. She concentrated on providing pure information with no posing. “It was Piper on the phone. She said she and Leo had found a reference to a ritual. Phoebe asked what it was. I didn’t understand a lot of it.” She shrugged. “Something about you and a Seer and something called a Grimoire.”
CHAPTER 34
Cole’s jaw clenched. “This…complicates things,” he ground out. The room exploded with the sound of his fist slamming the altar. “Damn them. They always-“ As if suddenly remembering he wasn’t alone, he cut off the words.
“Sounding a little out of sorts there.” Faith looked up. Angel slouched in the entryway, hands in the pockets of his black leather duster. “Maybe you should try relaxing. A little torture and bloodshed usually does the trick for me.” His fangs gleamed in the flickering torchlight.
Cold fingers scraped over Faith’s nerve endings when Dru’s tinkling laughter broke out. “Daddy’s home,” she crooned, coming alive with no warning. “Such power now…Miss Edith is afraid.” Dru clutched the doll protectively to her chest, swaying slightly.
Faith glanced at Angel. He strode toward the small group,
face expressionless. “That’s right, Dru. Powerful.”
Sidestepping her grasping fingers, he wrapped an arm around
Keeping her eyes on all the players, Faith tried to figure
out what was happening.
Before she could begin to decide, Pausanias tried to steer the conversation back to business. “Should I increase your personal guard, my Lord?” He stood a few feet away from Cole and his admirers, and Faith saw the way his hands gripped the hilt of his sword tightly. The General was not relaxed, despite his indolent stance.
“No,” Cole answered immediately. “The sisters won’t come at me directly.”
Faith wondered how he could be so certain. Phoebe certainly hadn’t shown any reluctance over taking out her ex. In fact, she’d occasionally seemed determined to vanquish him.
“Their target will be elsewhere. I have a bargaining chip.” Cole had to mean Paige.
Faith feigned a yawn and started listening carefully. Maybe Cole would slip and tell her where the other Halliwell was.
He moved away from the altar and began to pace. “I am more concerned about the ritual.”
“We could move it forward, my liege.”
Faith went on alert. Was this the break they needed?
Cole paused. “Are we ready?”
Tilting her head,
“I don’t care about moons!” Eyes glittering pools of darkness, Cole raised his hand. Fire blazed from his upturned palm.
Faith shuddered. The increase in Cole’s power pulled at her. She fought the sudden rush of excitement.
“I won’t care, ever.” Cole moved until he stood nearly
pressed into
“Unfortunately, my Lord, they can vanquish you now.”
He shouted and jerked his hand away, and the fire disappeared.
The flames reformed – in Cole’s eyes.
Faith yanked her sword from her sheath without realizing it. A nearby scrape of metal on metal indicated Pausanias had the same reaction.
“Remember that, my liege. You are not so powerful as you
believe. Not yet.” Unbelievably,
Cole’s deep inhale was loud in the still chamber.
Faith ignored him. Her attention was all for
Dropping onto the wide stone seat,
“The party…” Dru’s voice lilted. “So many people.”
Everyone watched her dance to some inner tune.
“Daddy and his Mistress.” She held Miss Edith up, crooning to the doll. “The King and the General.”
Pausanias shifted and the joints on his armor creaked.
The sound caught Dru’s attention. Faith gripped the sword still clutched in her hand as the vampire slithered their way.
Dru stopped right in front of the gleaming tip of Faith’s spatha, a slender finger caressing the steel. Blood stained the sharpened edge of the blade.
“So much blood,” Dru whispered. Faith couldn’t move as Dru pressed closer. Her vision dimmed and her body shook violently. Fangs raked her neck. “Another Childe. Naughty Slayer and her Bride.”
Lungs burning, Faith sucked in a shallow breath. Suddenly, scenes from her past came back to her. She remembered all of it. She could smell the blood. Feel it coat her hands again. Dru’s voice whispered in her mind. Promising her…power and darkness and more pleasure than she’d ever known.
Her body responded. Faith’s sword slipped from her grasp; the loud clang was only a mild distraction from Dru’s pull. “Yes,” Faith murmured. She wanted what Dru offered. She wanted…
The Slayer roared inside. Faith blinked dazedly, and the antechamber solidified for a second.
She wanted… Faith tried to follow the thread of thought. She wanted…
A cold tongue traced a path over Faith’s pulse point, and the Slayer faded into the background.
Faith hung there, Dru’s lips and fangs teasing her throat. Desire coiled hot and heavy, and her eyes drifted shut. “Yes,” she said again.
A sharp pain echoed the feel of Dru’s fangs piercing her skin. Faith burned from the inside out, each pulse of her heart sending a new rush of fire through her veins.
The Slayer raged against the blaze. Frenzied howling battered her mind.
Dru’s voice faded against the noise.
Slowly, a softer voice spoke up, and Faith’s lips lifted in
a smile. Phoebe. I love you, Faith. I’ll
be waiting when you get home, Phoebe’s warm and sultry tones purred. A waft
of cool breath blew against the conflagration Dru had
built, and the fire burning in her blood eased.
Energy poured from the Slayer, steadying Faith. She stiffened in Dru’s embrace. The fangs slipped from her neck, and Dru’s caressing fingers faltered. Now that the thrall had been broken, she wanted to kill her. Right here. Right now. She couldn’t. The game wasn’t over. Skin crawling with revulsion, Faith let her lips lift in a smirk. “I ain’t Buffy, Doll Lady. No vamp gets a ride on the Faithtrain.”
With a convulsive movement, Faith shoved Dru away and into the altar. The stone vibrated from the force of her landing.
Shaking from the raw power inside, Faith struggled to focus. She’d been so close to the edge. So close to giving in. She had to pull back and complete her mission here. Phoebe needed the information about the coronation.
Faith smoothed out her uniform and met Cole’s impenetrable eyes. “You finally ready for me to do my job, Boss? I can make sure the witches aren’t a threat.” Hooking her foot under the sword she’d dropped, Faith kicked it into the air and caught the hilt.
Cole watched her intently, seeming to gauge her actions and words. “No.”
He finally looked away, and Faith sheathed her blade.
Something wasn’t right. She’d been hired with a little assassination in mind.
Why didn’t Cole want her to take Phoebe out? Her eyes sought out Angel. Had he
or
Angel’s eyes gave nothing away.
Needing answers, Faith stepped forward. “Why not? You hired me to do a job. Why the fuck won’t you let me do it?” she demanded angrily.
Cole’s head turned in her direction.
Ignoring the silent threat in his gaze, Faith pressed on. “If you ain’t bright enough to see the problem, let me spell it out for you. The witches have your number. And if Red…or the freak formerly known as Red is right, you need them out of the way.”
“The lieutenant is correct, my Lord.” Pausanias moved to stand next to her. The powerful vampire towered over her, his presence helping to ease some of her tension. With his backing, even Cole would listen to reason.
Faith waited for her orders and her chance to get the information to Phoebe.
They didn’t come. “I said no.” Cole waved a hand at them. “I have other plans for the sisters.”
Only Pausanias hand shoving against the small of her back kept Faith from interrogating Cole. “And the guards, my Lord?”
“Increase them if you must,” Cole said indifferently. “I’m telling you there will be no problem.”
Bowing stiffly, Pausanias conceded the comment. “As you wish, my Lord. Come, Lieutenant. We have work to do,” the hand on her back shoved her toward the archway, “protecting our overconfident and ignorant employer,” he finished in a soft growl.
CHAPTER 35
Phoebe was still seething when she parked in the driveway and stalked up to the front door. “Faith can vouch for me,” she mimicked Debra’s voice. “I know I’ll never forget.” Unlocking the heavy door, Phoebe strode inside and slammed it behind her. “What the hell does that mean? Like I think Faith did anything other than kick her ass.”
“Have a bad night?” Piper’s voice drifted out of the living room.
Spinning in that direction, Phoebe automatically smiled at the memory of the previous evening. “Definitely a no to that question. Last night was unbelievably good.”
With a chuckle, Piper sat up and dropped the book in her lap to the floor. “Then why did you try to tear the door from the hinges on the way in?”
Instead of answering directly, Phoebe dug in her purse for the list of names. “I had another mysterious visit from one of our bodyguards. She gave me this.” Walking into the living room, she perched next to Piper. “It’s a list of contacts in the area in case we need more muscle.”
“I don’t know why they gave you a list. It’s not like we’re single-handedly facing an army or anything.” Piper peered at the names. “Wow!”
“Is that a good wow or a bad wow?” After the scene in the parking garage, Phoebe braced for the worst.
Holding out the list, Piper pointed to one name. “Mike
Giovanni. He runs a bookstore down in
Phoebe wasn’t sure why that was such a big deal. “At least these people are locals.
She got a level look in return. “Phoebe, it’s more than just that.” Piper sounded exasperated at her comment.
“You want to fill me in?” Phoebe barely avoided snapping. She took a calming breath. “I’m feeling a little slow right now.”
“I’m pretty sure the names I recognized are all business owners. Influential people.” Piper ran a hand through her hair, and Phoebe willed herself to stay calm. Her sister would get to the point…eventually. “Faith’s friends are tied to the community and powerful. They have money. Resources. Just giving us this list – it shows a lot of trust in us. A word in the wrong ear... One hint these people are tied to us…the demons would be all over them.”
Phoebe thought about that. It made sense. However, she still wasn’t convinced. “If they’re so powerful, why did some kid,” who’d claimed to know Faith, “deliver the message? Why not someone we’d recognize and trust?”
“Did Faith drop you on your head last night?” Piper demanded.
Hands gripping the edge of the sofa, Phoebe made sure to simply shake her head. If she tried to say anything, she’d only make things worse.
“That ‘kid’ was a Slayer, wasn’t she?” Piper waited until Phoebe jerked her head up and down. “We’re being protected, Phoebe. Do you really think a book store owner is up to Cole or an army of vampires? They sent you someone you should trust while still keeping you safe.”
Phoebe’s fingers tightened on the cushion before relaxing. “Oh.” She cleared her throat and shifted uncomfortably. Maybe Debra hadn’t been taunting her. “I hadn’t thought of that.” She hadn’t really been thinking anything; she’d been imagining Faith and Debra.
“Have you had breakfast? You do get a little ‘off’ when you don’t eat.” Piper hopped off the couch and held out her hand. “Come on. I’ll cook, and you can tell me where you took Faith last night. I got the distinct impression you had somewhere very special in mind.”
No way. Phoebe wasn’t sharing those intimate details. To avoid answering, she said, “I took her to the Penthouse for dinner.”
“Phoebe!” Piper’s rose nearly to a shout. “What were you thinking? That’s like Cole Central. There are even pictures of the two of you there.”
Letting that thought penetrate Piper’s rant, Phoebe met her eyes. “That was kind of the point, remember? Finding the one place that would hurt him the most.”
She saw the dawning understanding in Piper’s eyes. “I’d love to be there when Faith spills that little secret.” Tilting her head, Piper examined Phoebe. “You sure you don’t want anything? You guys left pretty early. Dinner was a long time ago.”
Phoebe knew her smile closely resembled a smirk, “We were a little too busy to eat last night, so I worked on some of the leftovers this morning.”
One of Piper’s eyebrows rose. “Too busy, hmmm? What were you busy doing?” She grinned and nudged Phoebe’s thigh with her knee. “Knitting? Scrabble?”
“I’d tell you…but then I’d have to kill you,” Phoebe intoned before starting to laugh. Faith and knitting. Yeah, like that was going to happen. “How about a rain check on the food and talking? I want to get this list to Dawn and Company and see if they’ve found anymore information on this coronation.”
“You head on up. I’ll fix the rest of us something to eat and be there in a few.” Piper pulled Phoebe off the couch and pressed the contact list into her hand. “If anybody has a special request, let me know.”
Giving Piper a brief hug, Phoebe sprinted up the stairs to the attic. Wesley, looking haggard and sprouting more whiskers than before paged through a large book. Piles of others littered the floor around him.
Soft snores drifted around the room from the two bodies sprawled on the sofa across from him.
“Morning, Wesley,” Phoebe whispered. She cocked a head at Dawn and Fred. “How long have they been out?”
Rubbing a hand over his chin, Wesley peered at her blearily. “Not long, I’m afraid. We’ve been through all of the resources we have here.”
“Anything?” Phoebe tried not to sound too eager even though they needed a break.
“No.” Wesley didn’t try to sugar coat the blunt reply. “Nothing.”
The normally spacious attic closed in and pressed at Phoebe. A trickle of panic uncoiled inside, cramping her stomach. “Maybe one of these people can help.” She held out the list in her hand. “A Slayer, Debra Clark, gave it to me this morning.”
“What is it?” Peering at the list, Wesley answered his own
question. “Ah. The
“So this
Wesley nodded. “Oh, yes.” He tilted his head. “Fairly new, I believe; however, the reports from the Academy were flattering.”
A low groan drew their attention to the couch. “Next time I decide to sleep on the couch, Wes, remind me I’m too tall.” Dawn stretched and rolled her neck. “I feel like I just went a few rounds with the Juniors – without the pads.”
“You could have used Paige’s or my room,” Phoebe commented with a grin. With her hair rumpled and the pattern of the sofa stamped into her face, Dawn wasn’t as scary as she’d been the day before. In fact, she looked about twelve.
“That meant a trip down the stairs,” Dawn replied with a yawn. “By the time we gave up on the books, I was afraid I might not make it that far.” She gazed at them questioningly. “Any good news for once?”
Phoebe looked at Wesley. “You want to tell her or should I?” Sleepy Dawn might be cute, but she thought that might disappear quickly.
“I think I’m going to see if Piper has any tea.” Wesley stood and hurried from the room.
“Coward,” Phoebe called after him. She took his abandoned seat and met Dawn’s eyes. “No news at all. According to Wesley, there’s nothing remotely useful in any of the books we have here. Faith’s back in the Underworld spreading misinformation. No word from her yet. I haven’t seen Leo; I’m assuming he’s up with the Elders.”
Dawn slumped back on the couch. “Damn.”
“Exactly,” Phoebe agreed. Then she saw the list Wesley had left on the small table next to her. “Well, I do have some names of the local Slayers and their Watchers. Wesley wants to see if they have anything we can use.” Her mind finally started to work. “And I heard from one of the Slayers protecting me and Piper. The rest of Angel’s people from LA will be here tonight.”
Getting up from the couch, Dawn took the list. “Some of our best Watchers are stationed here. One of them, I can’t remember which, has a book store.”
“Giovanni,” Phoebe said helpfully, silently thanking Piper for that information.
“He’s our best bet. The store is just a front. The real books – the demon-y ones – are in the basement. That’s where the Slayers and the other Watchers meet when there’s something on the radar here.”
Dawn checked her watch. “I’ll give him a call.” Grinning, she winked at Phoebe, “And see if Piper has something less British than tea to get me ready for more research.” On her way to the attic door, she tapped Fred on the shoulder. “Come on, Fred. Rise and shine.”
Fred’s only reply was to roll over and put the accent pillow in her arms over her head.
“More coffee for me, then.” Dawn poked Fred one last time before leaving the room.
Phoebe heard her clatter down the stairs. Walking to the windows, she looked out at the bright morning and wrapped her arms around her stomach. They were running out of time. She could feel it. No time and no information.
The pages of the Book rustled.
Spinning, Phoebe looked at Fred. She was still sleeping on the couch. There was no one else in the room. “Grams?” Phoebe asked softly. She took a step toward the lectern, holding the large tome.
A sudden strong breeze swept through the attic. Loose papers and the contact list blew onto the floor.
That wasn’t Grams. “Fred,” Phoebe called urgently. Something was wrong. “Fred!” she tried again.
“Hmmm?” Fred rolled in her direction, blinking owlishly.
“Get up. I think we have company coming.” Phoebe grabbed an athame from a side table and tossed it at Fred. “You’ll need this more than I will.”
The breeze picked up speed, and a funnel cloud developed in the middle of the room.
Creeping toward it, Phoebe tried to see into the center of the wind storm.
A crack of thunder exploded through the room, and the funnel disappeared.
“Phoebe. Just the witch I needed to find.” Angel smiled, and Phoebe jerked back at the fangs he displayed. His hand shot out to grip her shoulder.
She found herself pinned in his arms, back pressed to his chest. No matter how hard she struggled, Phoebe couldn’t get free.
Angel’s cold lips pressed into her neck. “Keep struggling, Phoebe. It makes this so much sweeter for me.”
A cry escaped Phoebe when two sharp objects embedded themselves in her neck.