Chrysalis: Part five
Oct. 21st, 2007 12:41 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bookaddict43Title: Chrysalis: Part five
Author: Bookaddict
Fandom:Angel Marcus Hamilton
Characters: Marcus/Thace
Rating: NC17
Word count: 4114
Comments: This chapter seems to have taken me ages to write. Lots and lots and lots of thanks go to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
ladytalon1 who helped me by listening to me whine and offering constructive criticism *hugs her*. Also, as usual, I’m nervous about the sexing – tell me what you think? Previous chapters here.
“Round up anyone still alive,” Marcus ordered. “I want Wolfram and Hart up and running by start of business Monday. Use whichever of our alternative locations that is still standing,” he answered the squawking at the other end of the phone. “And when you’ve done that, start researching anything and everything you can find about the Necromancer.”
Closing his phone against anymore questions, Marcus frowned impatiently. The pool of reliable minions left after the current debacle appeared to be woefully inadequate. He’d have to start recruiting again. He looked speculatively at Thace’s demon friends and they moved uncomfortably, distancing themselves from him. Casting them a dismissing glance Marcus turned and watched Thace talking to the priest.
How, in the chaos following a failed holocaust, had she persuaded a priest to even come out here? If Thace really were The Necromancer what was she even doing knowing a priest? As usual the girl was producing more questions than answers, a few of which he directed at himself.
Why had he come with her? His injuries weren’t severe and were already healing. He should be dealing with the failure of the Black Thorn’s plans and changing his suit; not standing here waiting for the difficult thorn in his side to finish whatever course she was currently pursuing.
Tired of waiting, Marcus walked into the cemetery. Coming up behind Thace just as she made an arcane movement with her fingers, he stopped in his tracks to study it more closely. The jolt from the magic that followed was so powerful he was nearly rocked back on his heels.
Intrigued all over again, Marcus considered Thace thoughtfully. If she could command that amount of power, what was she doing living and working where she did? Why wasn’t she using her skills instead of the conventional means he’d seen her bring into play? Of course maybe her abilities came only sporadically, or she hadn’t learnt to wield them properly. Marcus shook his head to clear his thoughts. Whatever her skills, he shouldn’t be constantly thinking of her. He was tired of it and of standing here.
“Are you ready to go then?”
“No,” Thace looked at him as if he were mentally deficient. “I’m staying for the service. You can wait in the truck with the others if you like.”
“I don’t like,” Marcus growled. Being relegated to the background with non-essential demons was not his style and well should she know it.
“Fine,” Thace turned back to the graves and signalled the priest to begin. “They died well; they deserve some respect, some consideration.” She blinked rapidly and swallowed.
“Were you good friends?” Marcus diverted her attention.
“No,” she shrugged. “I really only knew Angel and Spike. Angel asked me to look after the others if things went badly.”
How like the vampire to ask that of her, Marcus frowned darkly. He never had understood why anyone followed or even listened, to Angel; least of all independent, strong-willed Thace. He didn’t understand why she should be mourning these people she hardly knew either. But she was – and with an intensity that surprised him.
Marcus sighed impatiently and clasping Thace’s hand with his, stood and waited for the priest to finish the interminable service.
“Is the mourning over now?”
“The mourning is never actually over,” Thace sighed. “Especially for the people left behind, it just sort of gets shuffled to the background.”
“I wouldn’t know.”
“Lucky you,” she remarked wryly.
“Yes,” Marcus agreed. It seemed to him that grief was an extremely uncomfortable and unnecessary emotion. Once someone or something died, they were gone and it was time to move on.
**************
“Tim says everything is fine,” Thace closed her phone and sagged against the seat. “It was worrying me, I let way too many in and they aren’t all to be trusted.”
“You shoulda tested them first,” rumbled the Behemoth demon from the driver’s seat.
“There wasn’t time.”
“Wait a minute,” Marcus glared at her. “I thought everyone who went into your library was screened.”
“Normally they are, but I wasn’t going to leave them outside just because they weren’t.”
“Even your enemies?”
“Even them,” Thace agreed. “None of what happened was of their making, so they didn’t deserve to die.”
“How altruistic of you,” Marcus remarked sourly.
“It’s my besetting sin,” Thace agreed.
“I was under the impression you’d be safe in your library,” Marcus returned to the subject at hand. “I believe I told you to stay there.”
“I was safe,” Thace glanced sideways at him. “As safe as I ever I am, that is,” she amended. “And remember the part where you can’t order me around? I made a promise to Angel that I’d help, so that’s what I did.”
“I hope I don’t fall under the category of someone Angel asked you to help.”
“No. You fall under the category of someone I want to help.”
“Why?”
“Who knows?” Thace shrugged. “Maybe it’s the suit or something. You just do. So deal with it.”
She hopped down from the truck and headed toward the book shop and Marcus followed her through the door. He was glad to hear that Thace was as bemused by this situation as he was, perhaps she would be amenable to discussing ways to end it…
“Hammy!” an unwelcome voice jolted him from his thoughts. “You’re alive!”
“Hammy?” Thace questioned. “How inappropriate,” she rolled her eyes and grinned at him as Harmony dashed over and started babbling.
“I headed straight here, I remembered about the awards. Did you win? Can we go now?” the blond vampire frowned at Thace and complained. “There are so many rules here. It’s worse than school.”
“You can go anytime you want,” Thace resisted the urge to stake the creature and raised her voice to the rest of the throng. “It’s safe enough out there. Those of you who haven’t signed the contract have to leave. If you want to sign it, give Tim your name.”
“Great!” Harmony grabbed Marcus’ arm and tugged. “Let’s go. Is your place still standing? It doesn’t matter we can find…”
“What if we don’t wanna?” The bellow from a Quinitos demon caught everyone’s attention, as he grabbed for Thace’s arm. “I don’t see much opposition here and it’s sure safer than outside.”
Several members of the demon’s clan moved forward menacingly but fell back as Thace stabbed him in the neck and drew her guns. Around her, the members of her staff tensed and Marcus growled warningly.
Two of the demons leapt toward them, claws extended and Thace fired, exploding one into little pieces. Marcus grabbed an outstretched arm and ripped it off, sending the second demon howling to the ground. Moving forward, he swung his boot and connected with the demon’s chin, cutting off the annoying howls permanently.
“No-one else has to die,” Thace glanced at the bodies on the floor and kept her guns levelled. “Like I said, anyone who I haven’t vetted can leave. If you want to come back you have to sign the contract.”
“Great,” Harmony butted in. “I can’t wait to leave.”
“Me too,” another vampire added. “The blood thing bugs me.”
Thace lowered her weapons and stood aside as he walked out the door, followed in quick succession by a gaggle of demons, witches, werewolves and vampires. “How quickly they forget,” she sighed theatrically and turned to Big Sexy who still had the vacuous vampire stuck to his side. “Are you going or staying?”
“Going,” Marcus seized the opportunity to leave before he got more entangled with her.
“Thanks then,” Thace nodded, stifling the urge to ask him to stay.
“You let him go?” Tim came up beside her and watched Hamilton depart with dismay. “He might have stayed if you asked.”
“Well I didn’t,” Thace answered crossly.
****************
“I don’t get why you helped her,” Harmony returned to the subject at hand. Much to Marcus’ chagrin, she hadn’t stopped talking since they’d left Thace’s shop. “She looks down her nose at people like us. Ooooh,” she broke off as he opened the door. “Your place is awesome; much better than my apartment.”
Kicking off her shoes and leaving them in the middle of the floor, she opened the fridge and peered in. “We’re going to have to get some blood. Are you going to have the same rules Angel had? I’m so hanging out for the real human stuff, it just tastes better you know. How come you’re so quiet? Am I talking too much?”
“Yes,” Marcus ground out.
“I’m sorry,” Harmony looked at him warily. “I’m just kinda glad I didn’t get killed and real happy to be out of that place. It reminded me of Giles’ library. Oh,” her attention shifted again and she moved over to examine a display of weapons on the wall. “You’ve got even more than Angel and isn’t that sword cool?” She pointed at the curved scimitar that was the focal point of the collection.
“It’s a beautiful weapon,” Marcus agreed, hefting the sword in his hands and swinging it in a casual arc. He watched Harmony’s astonishment in satisfaction as he swept the glittering sword purposely straight through her neck. “It’s been used for many successful beheadings.”
Enjoying the ensuing silence, Marcus brushed the small scattering of dust from his suit and hung the sword carefully back into position. He picked up the discarded shoes, deposited them in the kitchen bin, and headed purposefully to his wardrobe. It really was time for him to change this suit.
****************
“Sir?”
“Yes?” Marcus glanced up at the nervous man standing in front of him and went on writing.
“Um. I’m Michael – from research. I’ve got some info here about the Necromancer,” he waved a sheaf of papers in his hand.
Marcus put down his pen and tried not to appear too eager. “Read it to me.”
“Um.”
Marcus rolled his eyes and wished for someone who didn’t preface every sentence with an um.
“The first real historical reference to someone who may have been The Necromancer is from the Phoenicians. There are some vague legends and myths before that…”
“Spare me,” Marcus snapped. “I’m not interested in your historical inferences.”
“Okay,” Michael gulped. “It’s the Greeks that really start writing about her. It’s always a her, by the way. But unlike the Slayer, it isn’t random girls; the Necromancer always came from the same familial line.”
“It’s genetic?” Marcus was surprised.
“Yes. I haven’t found the family name; it must be buried deep in the Triumvirate somewhere.”
Marcus shrugged. Since he was reasonably sure he had a descendant nearby, the family name was unimportant.
“As soon as the child was born, she was taken from her family and sequestered. Apparently she had so much power that it was judged dangerous for untrained and unprotected people to be around her. It’s believed one of the early Greek Kings appointed a group of guardians for the child. I couldn’t find a Greek name for her guardians, but the Romans called them…”
“The Triumvirate.”
Michael nodded. “They were in charge of her training every step of the way and she was always the tool of whoever was in control of the group. Sometimes her abilities were used for good and others for evil.”
“What kind of abilities?”
“The original meaning of Necromancer was someone adept in magic; many forms of magic that is. She could have been capable of anything. There are instances mentioned of healing, telekinesis, shape changing, weather manipulation, it’s rumoured that it was a Necromancer that caused the eruption at Pompeii, but that’s unsubstantiated. Of course not all the Necromancers were able to do those things, and some were more powerful than others, but that’s the gist.”
“Good,” Marcus nodded toward the door. “Leave your notes here; you can finish for the day.”
“Um thanks Mr Hamilton,” Michael risked a nervous smile. “But I haven’t told you about the prophecies.”
“Prophecies? There’s more than one?”
“Several,” the researcher nodded vigorously. “All the early ones correlate to some disaster or another. It’s the later ones we should be interested in.”
“Why?”
“Because according to my research, the Necromancer is supposed to stop some sort of cataclysm that is due to occur before the year ten in the twenty-first century.”
“Do we have the prophecy?”
“No. No-one does. The last copy was sighted back in 1752. The details I’ve found are sketchy at best. All of them agree on the year though.”
“Great,” Marcus sighed.
That sort of prophecy was meat and drink to Wolfram and Hart and, in the interests of their continual survival; they should at least know what was in it. He doubted very much that no-one had access to it. Either Thace or the Triumvirate would have a copy, he was sure.
Since he had no wish to signal his interest in the Necromancer to the Triumvirate, Marcus supposed a visit to his annoying abstraction may be in order.
****************
“Thank God that’s over,” Thace came through the door and slumped against the counter. “It’s lucky the others didn’t have any family. I don’t think I could do that again.”
“I should have gone with you,” Tim was worried about her.
Her friends dying had upset her, and the tasks Angel left hadn’t helped. Thace always felt guilty for surviving when others didn’t, so she was knocking herself out trying to keep her promise. He hadn’t wanted her to meet the Birkle girl’s parents, let alone take them to the cemetery. But of course she had. “They didn’t blame you did they?”
“No, they were nice,” in spite of herself, Thace’s voice trembled. Pulling her body upright, she deliberately changed her tone. “How’s business been today?”
“Fine,” Tim sighed. “There’s a big demand for occult lore since this last debacle.”
“Good,” Thace knew he was worried about her, but she was too tired to deal with it right now. “I’m going to try and get some sleep.”
“Good idea.”
Tim watched Thace walk up the stairs and sighed. She was distressed about her friends’ death and her constant efforts to keep her magic under control tired her more than she would admit. If she would let someone close enough to help or even to talk things would be better. But she wouldn’t; and he didn’t have enough strength of will to argue with her.
The only ‘person’ who did argue with her had left a week ago and hadn’t come back. Tim was seriously considering contacting Hamilton, he really hadn’t expected him to stay away this long...
Tim’s thoughts were interrupted by door opening and a familiar shape looming over the desk. “Mr Hamilton!” Never had he been so glad to see an evil doer before. “Are you here to see Thace?”
“Why?” Marcus was taken aback by the man’s effusive greeting.
“I think she needs you,” the little man hurried from behind the counter and led him toward a flight of stairs. “Oh boy is she going to kill me…” Tim unlocked the door at the top of the stairs and ushered the immortal ahead of him. “You’re strong enough to look after her – if she’ll let you.”
Marcus raised his eyebrows at that, but followed the pointing finger to the next door. He’d come to see Thace, he may as well do it here as downstairs. Flinging the door open he moved into the foyer of the apartment.
“Tim, I really need to get…” Thace appeared at the end of the room. She caught sight of him and stopped abruptly. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to visit,” Marcus smiled and regarded the robe she was wearing with approval. It really left nothing to the imagination. “Your friend let me in.”
“Well he can just let you out again,” Thace glared at him.
“No,” Marcus shook his head. “I’ve got things I want to ask you.”
“I’m too tired to answer them. Please go away.”
“No,” Marcus said again. “Not until you tell me why you look as if you haven’t slept in weeks.”
“Because I haven’t,” Thace shrugged.
“Why not?”
“Look does it matter? Can’t you just go away?”
Thace’s voice wobbled and she was dismayed to feel her eyes fill with tears. She hated crying and the weakness it implied, and certainly didn’t want to do it while His Evilness was standing right there. But it was either cry or lose control of her powers. Thace sank down on the couch and let the tears flow.
****************
Marcus disliked crying women, they did nothing for him. He avoided them wherever possible and had been known to kill those who he couldn’t avoid when they wailed too much. Why then was he picking Thace up and cuddling her on his lap?
She was pushing him away though, not snuggling up or weeping all over him; irrationally Marcus was annoyed. He tightened his hold to pull her closer and again Thace surprised him. Instead of fighting or arguing she simply melted against him and buried her head in the crook of his neck.
Marcus sat stiffly for a moment, uncertain what to do. He could safely say this had never happened to him before. Thace didn't look up and he could feel warm tears trickling down the inside of his collar and ruining yet another suit.
“This is stupid,” she muttered against his neck. “I’m just feeling sorry for myself is all.”
Startling himself as much as her, Marcus involuntarily reached up a hand and smoothed her hair. Thace turned her head on his shoulder and surveyed him seriously, her eyes darkening as he kept up the soothing movement.
“Maybe we can do something else instead?”
“Something else?” Marcus prodded.
Thace wriggled around, and placing a knee either side of his legs straddled his lap and ground down against the bulge in his trousers. “Something else,” she tugged impatiently at his belt.
“Let me.” Marcus undid belt and zip in almost one motion, as Thace eagerly pushed his boxers aside and curled her fingers around his cock.
Marcus sat back and let her take control as she rasped her thumb back and forth over the head of his erection. Direct as always, she slid her fist up and down, stroking him firmly till he groaned. Smiling triumphantly, Thace raised herself slightly and slid down onto his penis with a hiss of satisfaction. Slowly she began to rock back and forth, breasts pressed against his chest, hands resting on his shoulders.
Pushing the robe away from her body, Marcus slid the palms of his hands over her back, down to her ass. Thace moaned as he squeezed and stroked the supple skin along her spine. Rolling her hips and wrapping her legs around his back, till they were anchored closer, pelvic bone to pelvic bone; Thace increased her pace and fastened her lips to his in a searing kiss.
Marcus returned the kiss and insinuating his hand between their bodies, massaged her clit with his fingers. Thace’s whole body shuddered and she squeezed herself tighter around him bringing him with her to climax.
They sat for a moment, wrapped round one another until, sliding out of her heat, Marcus stood and carrying her with him, strode down the hallway. “Bedroom?” he growled.
“Left door,” Thace occupied herself with undoing his perfectly knotted tie. “You’ve got to lose your clothes this time.”
“I will,” Marcus flung open the door and came to a crashing halt as he surveyed the room in front of him.
“What?” Thace asked. “I like a comfortable bed.”
Marcus shook his head, tumbled her onto the mattress of the medieval looking tester bed and regarded her for a moment. He wanted her to lose more of that control she exercised over her emotions.
Stopping his thoughts, Thace pulled his tie off and reached out to start undoing the buttons on his suit jacket. “I can do that,” Marcus moved out of reach.
“You’re not going to hang it up are you?” Thace glared at him as he carefully hung the jacket over the chair back.
“Yes.”
“To each his own,” Thace sighed and moved up the mattress, ending sprawled against the headboard of the bed, legs spread in invitation. “I guess it’s worth it,” she added as she got her first look at his body without the suit.
“Really worth it,” she bit back a moan as Marcus sat on the end of the bed and bent his head to lick the hollow beside her ankle bone. He licked the other ankle and trailed tongue and lips slowly up her legs. Thace sighed voluptuously and tugged on his short hair to bring him further up her body.
Not to be hurried, Marcus dipped his tongue into her belly button and ran his fingers through the curls at the apex of her thighs before pushing two of them into her waiting heat.
“Mmmmm,” Thace reached out to him and began to caress his nipples and stomach.
Pumping his fingers strongly Marcus kept going till he felt her walls begin to flutter and then eased them out. Moving quickly he slotted his upper legs under Thace’s and pulled her onto his cock.
Sliding one arm around her back to anchor her and ducking his head slightly, Marcus sucked a rosy nipple into his mouth, grazing the tip lightly with his teeth and began to thrust.
“Yes,” Thace moaned, and raising her legs to his shoulders, pulled him deeper into her body.
Catching her hand in his, Marcus guided it to her clit, watching lustfully as she began to stimulate it. Lowering his head, he licked at her nipples again and trailed his free hand across her back, coming to rest at her rear entrance. Mimicking her actions from earlier, he ran his thumb around the sensitive spot over and over and got some of the reaction he desired. Thace shuddered, her clear eyes clouded as her inner muscles clenched around him, and all the furniture in the room lifted off the ground.
Marcus leaned over quickly and kissed her, fluttering his tongue against hers and effectively blocking the rest of the room from her sight. The lights flashed on and off as Marcus increased the speed of his thrusts and kept up the continuous movement of his thumb. Thace moaned into his mouth and slid her free hand down to grasp his testicles. Marcus felt the tightening in his balls and drove into her strongly. His hand left Thace’s back and pushed against hers as she stimulated her clit, bringing her quickly to release and following with a shout.
Rolling over onto his back, Marcus bought Thace with him and watched bemused as she snuggled up to him and fell instantly asleep.
****************
Tendrils of silky pink hair trailed across his body as Marcus awoke. He turned his head and regarded his bed mate warily. Her head was pillowed on his arm, and she looked deceptively innocent lying there. He was tempted to stay till she woke up, but had no desire to enter into morning after recriminations. He was beginning to asses the best way of detangling himself, when her eyes fluttered open and regarded him as warily as he was regarding her.
Thace, of course was not typical, she didn’t offer any recriminations. Instead she went straight onto the attack. “Having sex with you doesn’t mean I condone your behaviour you know.”
“Or that we’re going to do it again?” he asked sardonically.
“We’re not,” she agreed.
“I believe that’s what you said last time.”
“So did you.”
“That I did,” Marcus agreed.
He could count on the fingers of one hand the number of times he’d stayed all night with a woman or had her stay. But here he was. He’d stayed the night, was having a post-coital conversation and was considering bedding Thace again. Quickly, but with dignity he rose from the bed.
“Didn’t you have questions you wanted to ask me?” Thace asked.
“I think we’ll shelve them for now,” Marcus said politely as he pulled on his clothes. The sooner he left her presence the better. He was dying to get back on the bed and bury himself inside her again and he didn’t like it. “Next time maybe.”
“Sure,” Thace grabbed the sheet and pulled it over her. “You can show yourself out. Wait,” she stopped him as he turned to go. “I wanted to say thanks. That was the best sleep I’ve had in a long time.”
“You’re welcome.”
Thace sighed as Big Sexy gave her one of his usual cold looks and was gone. She’d really wanted him to stay.
Author: Bookaddict
Fandom:
Characters: Marcus/Thace
Rating: NC17
Word count: 4114
Comments: This chapter seems to have taken me ages to write. Lots and lots and lots of thanks go to
ladytalon1 who helped me by listening to me whine and offering constructive criticism *hugs her*. Also, as usual, I’m nervous about the sexing – tell me what you think? Previous chapters here.“Round up anyone still alive,” Marcus ordered. “I want Wolfram and Hart up and running by start of business Monday. Use whichever of our alternative locations that is still standing,” he answered the squawking at the other end of the phone. “And when you’ve done that, start researching anything and everything you can find about the Necromancer.”
Closing his phone against anymore questions, Marcus frowned impatiently. The pool of reliable minions left after the current debacle appeared to be woefully inadequate. He’d have to start recruiting again. He looked speculatively at Thace’s demon friends and they moved uncomfortably, distancing themselves from him. Casting them a dismissing glance Marcus turned and watched Thace talking to the priest.
How, in the chaos following a failed holocaust, had she persuaded a priest to even come out here? If Thace really were The Necromancer what was she even doing knowing a priest? As usual the girl was producing more questions than answers, a few of which he directed at himself.
Why had he come with her? His injuries weren’t severe and were already healing. He should be dealing with the failure of the Black Thorn’s plans and changing his suit; not standing here waiting for the difficult thorn in his side to finish whatever course she was currently pursuing.
Tired of waiting, Marcus walked into the cemetery. Coming up behind Thace just as she made an arcane movement with her fingers, he stopped in his tracks to study it more closely. The jolt from the magic that followed was so powerful he was nearly rocked back on his heels.
Intrigued all over again, Marcus considered Thace thoughtfully. If she could command that amount of power, what was she doing living and working where she did? Why wasn’t she using her skills instead of the conventional means he’d seen her bring into play? Of course maybe her abilities came only sporadically, or she hadn’t learnt to wield them properly. Marcus shook his head to clear his thoughts. Whatever her skills, he shouldn’t be constantly thinking of her. He was tired of it and of standing here.
“Are you ready to go then?”
“No,” Thace looked at him as if he were mentally deficient. “I’m staying for the service. You can wait in the truck with the others if you like.”
“I don’t like,” Marcus growled. Being relegated to the background with non-essential demons was not his style and well should she know it.
“Fine,” Thace turned back to the graves and signalled the priest to begin. “They died well; they deserve some respect, some consideration.” She blinked rapidly and swallowed.
“Were you good friends?” Marcus diverted her attention.
“No,” she shrugged. “I really only knew Angel and Spike. Angel asked me to look after the others if things went badly.”
How like the vampire to ask that of her, Marcus frowned darkly. He never had understood why anyone followed or even listened, to Angel; least of all independent, strong-willed Thace. He didn’t understand why she should be mourning these people she hardly knew either. But she was – and with an intensity that surprised him.
Marcus sighed impatiently and clasping Thace’s hand with his, stood and waited for the priest to finish the interminable service.
“Is the mourning over now?”
“The mourning is never actually over,” Thace sighed. “Especially for the people left behind, it just sort of gets shuffled to the background.”
“I wouldn’t know.”
“Lucky you,” she remarked wryly.
“Yes,” Marcus agreed. It seemed to him that grief was an extremely uncomfortable and unnecessary emotion. Once someone or something died, they were gone and it was time to move on.
**************
“Tim says everything is fine,” Thace closed her phone and sagged against the seat. “It was worrying me, I let way too many in and they aren’t all to be trusted.”
“You shoulda tested them first,” rumbled the Behemoth demon from the driver’s seat.
“There wasn’t time.”
“Wait a minute,” Marcus glared at her. “I thought everyone who went into your library was screened.”
“Normally they are, but I wasn’t going to leave them outside just because they weren’t.”
“Even your enemies?”
“Even them,” Thace agreed. “None of what happened was of their making, so they didn’t deserve to die.”
“How altruistic of you,” Marcus remarked sourly.
“It’s my besetting sin,” Thace agreed.
“I was under the impression you’d be safe in your library,” Marcus returned to the subject at hand. “I believe I told you to stay there.”
“I was safe,” Thace glanced sideways at him. “As safe as I ever I am, that is,” she amended. “And remember the part where you can’t order me around? I made a promise to Angel that I’d help, so that’s what I did.”
“I hope I don’t fall under the category of someone Angel asked you to help.”
“No. You fall under the category of someone I want to help.”
“Why?”
“Who knows?” Thace shrugged. “Maybe it’s the suit or something. You just do. So deal with it.”
She hopped down from the truck and headed toward the book shop and Marcus followed her through the door. He was glad to hear that Thace was as bemused by this situation as he was, perhaps she would be amenable to discussing ways to end it…
“Hammy!” an unwelcome voice jolted him from his thoughts. “You’re alive!”
“Hammy?” Thace questioned. “How inappropriate,” she rolled her eyes and grinned at him as Harmony dashed over and started babbling.
“I headed straight here, I remembered about the awards. Did you win? Can we go now?” the blond vampire frowned at Thace and complained. “There are so many rules here. It’s worse than school.”
“You can go anytime you want,” Thace resisted the urge to stake the creature and raised her voice to the rest of the throng. “It’s safe enough out there. Those of you who haven’t signed the contract have to leave. If you want to sign it, give Tim your name.”
“Great!” Harmony grabbed Marcus’ arm and tugged. “Let’s go. Is your place still standing? It doesn’t matter we can find…”
“What if we don’t wanna?” The bellow from a Quinitos demon caught everyone’s attention, as he grabbed for Thace’s arm. “I don’t see much opposition here and it’s sure safer than outside.”
Several members of the demon’s clan moved forward menacingly but fell back as Thace stabbed him in the neck and drew her guns. Around her, the members of her staff tensed and Marcus growled warningly.
Two of the demons leapt toward them, claws extended and Thace fired, exploding one into little pieces. Marcus grabbed an outstretched arm and ripped it off, sending the second demon howling to the ground. Moving forward, he swung his boot and connected with the demon’s chin, cutting off the annoying howls permanently.
“No-one else has to die,” Thace glanced at the bodies on the floor and kept her guns levelled. “Like I said, anyone who I haven’t vetted can leave. If you want to come back you have to sign the contract.”
“Great,” Harmony butted in. “I can’t wait to leave.”
“Me too,” another vampire added. “The blood thing bugs me.”
Thace lowered her weapons and stood aside as he walked out the door, followed in quick succession by a gaggle of demons, witches, werewolves and vampires. “How quickly they forget,” she sighed theatrically and turned to Big Sexy who still had the vacuous vampire stuck to his side. “Are you going or staying?”
“Going,” Marcus seized the opportunity to leave before he got more entangled with her.
“Thanks then,” Thace nodded, stifling the urge to ask him to stay.
“You let him go?” Tim came up beside her and watched Hamilton depart with dismay. “He might have stayed if you asked.”
“Well I didn’t,” Thace answered crossly.
****************
“I don’t get why you helped her,” Harmony returned to the subject at hand. Much to Marcus’ chagrin, she hadn’t stopped talking since they’d left Thace’s shop. “She looks down her nose at people like us. Ooooh,” she broke off as he opened the door. “Your place is awesome; much better than my apartment.”
Kicking off her shoes and leaving them in the middle of the floor, she opened the fridge and peered in. “We’re going to have to get some blood. Are you going to have the same rules Angel had? I’m so hanging out for the real human stuff, it just tastes better you know. How come you’re so quiet? Am I talking too much?”
“Yes,” Marcus ground out.
“I’m sorry,” Harmony looked at him warily. “I’m just kinda glad I didn’t get killed and real happy to be out of that place. It reminded me of Giles’ library. Oh,” her attention shifted again and she moved over to examine a display of weapons on the wall. “You’ve got even more than Angel and isn’t that sword cool?” She pointed at the curved scimitar that was the focal point of the collection.
“It’s a beautiful weapon,” Marcus agreed, hefting the sword in his hands and swinging it in a casual arc. He watched Harmony’s astonishment in satisfaction as he swept the glittering sword purposely straight through her neck. “It’s been used for many successful beheadings.”
Enjoying the ensuing silence, Marcus brushed the small scattering of dust from his suit and hung the sword carefully back into position. He picked up the discarded shoes, deposited them in the kitchen bin, and headed purposefully to his wardrobe. It really was time for him to change this suit.
****************
“Sir?”
“Yes?” Marcus glanced up at the nervous man standing in front of him and went on writing.
“Um. I’m Michael – from research. I’ve got some info here about the Necromancer,” he waved a sheaf of papers in his hand.
Marcus put down his pen and tried not to appear too eager. “Read it to me.”
“Um.”
Marcus rolled his eyes and wished for someone who didn’t preface every sentence with an um.
“The first real historical reference to someone who may have been The Necromancer is from the Phoenicians. There are some vague legends and myths before that…”
“Spare me,” Marcus snapped. “I’m not interested in your historical inferences.”
“Okay,” Michael gulped. “It’s the Greeks that really start writing about her. It’s always a her, by the way. But unlike the Slayer, it isn’t random girls; the Necromancer always came from the same familial line.”
“It’s genetic?” Marcus was surprised.
“Yes. I haven’t found the family name; it must be buried deep in the Triumvirate somewhere.”
Marcus shrugged. Since he was reasonably sure he had a descendant nearby, the family name was unimportant.
“As soon as the child was born, she was taken from her family and sequestered. Apparently she had so much power that it was judged dangerous for untrained and unprotected people to be around her. It’s believed one of the early Greek Kings appointed a group of guardians for the child. I couldn’t find a Greek name for her guardians, but the Romans called them…”
“The Triumvirate.”
Michael nodded. “They were in charge of her training every step of the way and she was always the tool of whoever was in control of the group. Sometimes her abilities were used for good and others for evil.”
“What kind of abilities?”
“The original meaning of Necromancer was someone adept in magic; many forms of magic that is. She could have been capable of anything. There are instances mentioned of healing, telekinesis, shape changing, weather manipulation, it’s rumoured that it was a Necromancer that caused the eruption at Pompeii, but that’s unsubstantiated. Of course not all the Necromancers were able to do those things, and some were more powerful than others, but that’s the gist.”
“Good,” Marcus nodded toward the door. “Leave your notes here; you can finish for the day.”
“Um thanks Mr Hamilton,” Michael risked a nervous smile. “But I haven’t told you about the prophecies.”
“Prophecies? There’s more than one?”
“Several,” the researcher nodded vigorously. “All the early ones correlate to some disaster or another. It’s the later ones we should be interested in.”
“Why?”
“Because according to my research, the Necromancer is supposed to stop some sort of cataclysm that is due to occur before the year ten in the twenty-first century.”
“Do we have the prophecy?”
“No. No-one does. The last copy was sighted back in 1752. The details I’ve found are sketchy at best. All of them agree on the year though.”
“Great,” Marcus sighed.
That sort of prophecy was meat and drink to Wolfram and Hart and, in the interests of their continual survival; they should at least know what was in it. He doubted very much that no-one had access to it. Either Thace or the Triumvirate would have a copy, he was sure.
Since he had no wish to signal his interest in the Necromancer to the Triumvirate, Marcus supposed a visit to his annoying abstraction may be in order.
****************
“Thank God that’s over,” Thace came through the door and slumped against the counter. “It’s lucky the others didn’t have any family. I don’t think I could do that again.”
“I should have gone with you,” Tim was worried about her.
Her friends dying had upset her, and the tasks Angel left hadn’t helped. Thace always felt guilty for surviving when others didn’t, so she was knocking herself out trying to keep her promise. He hadn’t wanted her to meet the Birkle girl’s parents, let alone take them to the cemetery. But of course she had. “They didn’t blame you did they?”
“No, they were nice,” in spite of herself, Thace’s voice trembled. Pulling her body upright, she deliberately changed her tone. “How’s business been today?”
“Fine,” Tim sighed. “There’s a big demand for occult lore since this last debacle.”
“Good,” Thace knew he was worried about her, but she was too tired to deal with it right now. “I’m going to try and get some sleep.”
“Good idea.”
Tim watched Thace walk up the stairs and sighed. She was distressed about her friends’ death and her constant efforts to keep her magic under control tired her more than she would admit. If she would let someone close enough to help or even to talk things would be better. But she wouldn’t; and he didn’t have enough strength of will to argue with her.
The only ‘person’ who did argue with her had left a week ago and hadn’t come back. Tim was seriously considering contacting Hamilton, he really hadn’t expected him to stay away this long...
Tim’s thoughts were interrupted by door opening and a familiar shape looming over the desk. “Mr Hamilton!” Never had he been so glad to see an evil doer before. “Are you here to see Thace?”
“Why?” Marcus was taken aback by the man’s effusive greeting.
“I think she needs you,” the little man hurried from behind the counter and led him toward a flight of stairs. “Oh boy is she going to kill me…” Tim unlocked the door at the top of the stairs and ushered the immortal ahead of him. “You’re strong enough to look after her – if she’ll let you.”
Marcus raised his eyebrows at that, but followed the pointing finger to the next door. He’d come to see Thace, he may as well do it here as downstairs. Flinging the door open he moved into the foyer of the apartment.
“Tim, I really need to get…” Thace appeared at the end of the room. She caught sight of him and stopped abruptly. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve come to visit,” Marcus smiled and regarded the robe she was wearing with approval. It really left nothing to the imagination. “Your friend let me in.”
“Well he can just let you out again,” Thace glared at him.
“No,” Marcus shook his head. “I’ve got things I want to ask you.”
“I’m too tired to answer them. Please go away.”
“No,” Marcus said again. “Not until you tell me why you look as if you haven’t slept in weeks.”
“Because I haven’t,” Thace shrugged.
“Why not?”
“Look does it matter? Can’t you just go away?”
Thace’s voice wobbled and she was dismayed to feel her eyes fill with tears. She hated crying and the weakness it implied, and certainly didn’t want to do it while His Evilness was standing right there. But it was either cry or lose control of her powers. Thace sank down on the couch and let the tears flow.
****************
Marcus disliked crying women, they did nothing for him. He avoided them wherever possible and had been known to kill those who he couldn’t avoid when they wailed too much. Why then was he picking Thace up and cuddling her on his lap?
She was pushing him away though, not snuggling up or weeping all over him; irrationally Marcus was annoyed. He tightened his hold to pull her closer and again Thace surprised him. Instead of fighting or arguing she simply melted against him and buried her head in the crook of his neck.
Marcus sat stiffly for a moment, uncertain what to do. He could safely say this had never happened to him before. Thace didn't look up and he could feel warm tears trickling down the inside of his collar and ruining yet another suit.
“This is stupid,” she muttered against his neck. “I’m just feeling sorry for myself is all.”
Startling himself as much as her, Marcus involuntarily reached up a hand and smoothed her hair. Thace turned her head on his shoulder and surveyed him seriously, her eyes darkening as he kept up the soothing movement.
“Maybe we can do something else instead?”
“Something else?” Marcus prodded.
Thace wriggled around, and placing a knee either side of his legs straddled his lap and ground down against the bulge in his trousers. “Something else,” she tugged impatiently at his belt.
“Let me.” Marcus undid belt and zip in almost one motion, as Thace eagerly pushed his boxers aside and curled her fingers around his cock.
Marcus sat back and let her take control as she rasped her thumb back and forth over the head of his erection. Direct as always, she slid her fist up and down, stroking him firmly till he groaned. Smiling triumphantly, Thace raised herself slightly and slid down onto his penis with a hiss of satisfaction. Slowly she began to rock back and forth, breasts pressed against his chest, hands resting on his shoulders.
Pushing the robe away from her body, Marcus slid the palms of his hands over her back, down to her ass. Thace moaned as he squeezed and stroked the supple skin along her spine. Rolling her hips and wrapping her legs around his back, till they were anchored closer, pelvic bone to pelvic bone; Thace increased her pace and fastened her lips to his in a searing kiss.
Marcus returned the kiss and insinuating his hand between their bodies, massaged her clit with his fingers. Thace’s whole body shuddered and she squeezed herself tighter around him bringing him with her to climax.
They sat for a moment, wrapped round one another until, sliding out of her heat, Marcus stood and carrying her with him, strode down the hallway. “Bedroom?” he growled.
“Left door,” Thace occupied herself with undoing his perfectly knotted tie. “You’ve got to lose your clothes this time.”
“I will,” Marcus flung open the door and came to a crashing halt as he surveyed the room in front of him.
“What?” Thace asked. “I like a comfortable bed.”
Marcus shook his head, tumbled her onto the mattress of the medieval looking tester bed and regarded her for a moment. He wanted her to lose more of that control she exercised over her emotions.
Stopping his thoughts, Thace pulled his tie off and reached out to start undoing the buttons on his suit jacket. “I can do that,” Marcus moved out of reach.
“You’re not going to hang it up are you?” Thace glared at him as he carefully hung the jacket over the chair back.
“Yes.”
“To each his own,” Thace sighed and moved up the mattress, ending sprawled against the headboard of the bed, legs spread in invitation. “I guess it’s worth it,” she added as she got her first look at his body without the suit.
“Really worth it,” she bit back a moan as Marcus sat on the end of the bed and bent his head to lick the hollow beside her ankle bone. He licked the other ankle and trailed tongue and lips slowly up her legs. Thace sighed voluptuously and tugged on his short hair to bring him further up her body.
Not to be hurried, Marcus dipped his tongue into her belly button and ran his fingers through the curls at the apex of her thighs before pushing two of them into her waiting heat.
“Mmmmm,” Thace reached out to him and began to caress his nipples and stomach.
Pumping his fingers strongly Marcus kept going till he felt her walls begin to flutter and then eased them out. Moving quickly he slotted his upper legs under Thace’s and pulled her onto his cock.
Sliding one arm around her back to anchor her and ducking his head slightly, Marcus sucked a rosy nipple into his mouth, grazing the tip lightly with his teeth and began to thrust.
“Yes,” Thace moaned, and raising her legs to his shoulders, pulled him deeper into her body.
Catching her hand in his, Marcus guided it to her clit, watching lustfully as she began to stimulate it. Lowering his head, he licked at her nipples again and trailed his free hand across her back, coming to rest at her rear entrance. Mimicking her actions from earlier, he ran his thumb around the sensitive spot over and over and got some of the reaction he desired. Thace shuddered, her clear eyes clouded as her inner muscles clenched around him, and all the furniture in the room lifted off the ground.
Marcus leaned over quickly and kissed her, fluttering his tongue against hers and effectively blocking the rest of the room from her sight. The lights flashed on and off as Marcus increased the speed of his thrusts and kept up the continuous movement of his thumb. Thace moaned into his mouth and slid her free hand down to grasp his testicles. Marcus felt the tightening in his balls and drove into her strongly. His hand left Thace’s back and pushed against hers as she stimulated her clit, bringing her quickly to release and following with a shout.
Rolling over onto his back, Marcus bought Thace with him and watched bemused as she snuggled up to him and fell instantly asleep.
****************
Tendrils of silky pink hair trailed across his body as Marcus awoke. He turned his head and regarded his bed mate warily. Her head was pillowed on his arm, and she looked deceptively innocent lying there. He was tempted to stay till she woke up, but had no desire to enter into morning after recriminations. He was beginning to asses the best way of detangling himself, when her eyes fluttered open and regarded him as warily as he was regarding her.
Thace, of course was not typical, she didn’t offer any recriminations. Instead she went straight onto the attack. “Having sex with you doesn’t mean I condone your behaviour you know.”
“Or that we’re going to do it again?” he asked sardonically.
“We’re not,” she agreed.
“I believe that’s what you said last time.”
“So did you.”
“That I did,” Marcus agreed.
He could count on the fingers of one hand the number of times he’d stayed all night with a woman or had her stay. But here he was. He’d stayed the night, was having a post-coital conversation and was considering bedding Thace again. Quickly, but with dignity he rose from the bed.
“Didn’t you have questions you wanted to ask me?” Thace asked.
“I think we’ll shelve them for now,” Marcus said politely as he pulled on his clothes. The sooner he left her presence the better. He was dying to get back on the bed and bury himself inside her again and he didn’t like it. “Next time maybe.”
“Sure,” Thace grabbed the sheet and pulled it over her. “You can show yourself out. Wait,” she stopped him as he turned to go. “I wanted to say thanks. That was the best sleep I’ve had in a long time.”
“You’re welcome.”
Thace sighed as Big Sexy gave her one of his usual cold looks and was gone. She’d really wanted him to stay.
