Pairing: Willow/Spike(William)

Rating: Pg-13 (still... don't think it'll go past R at the most)

Author's Name: Knightie

Author's Email: knightie@knightflyer.zzn.com  (Working on the webpage) if you want a response in the next few days use knightie@prodigy.net

For disclaimers see previous parts.... (if you're missing anything let me know) Previous parts can be found at Your Mission, SpikedWillowTree and several others that I can't remember right now <G>

A/N Sorry it took so long... I've been running like a chicken with my head cut off... and gallivanting around the country (I was in LA last week or the week before... I don't know anymore <G> LOL)
Thanks to my beta's .... and to everyone that is still reading this.... (I am expecting the typical she's evil comments and probably don't wait so dang long for the next part... I'll try not to honest... and being evil... it has it's perks <G>)

##

Chapter 31

##

Virginia stared at the empty room. Willow had gone; She noted, glancing at the open window. The curtains flipping in the light breeze acted almost like a sign saying 'She went this way'. The vampire closed her eyes. She, knowing that, had to gather some trusted minions and find her. She scanned the room, hoping the young mortal had taken something as protection.

Her eyes landed on the bed and saw the note. She picked it up and turned toward the door. That's when she felt it. The masters had returned. "Be safe," she murmured and headed out of the room to face her masters for what would, in all likelihood, be the last time.

##

"I don't trust him. We can't let Willow out of the house without protection," William insisted as he and Angelus walked into the house. "There is something wrong with him."

"I know," Angelus agreed, as he tossed his coat over a table and sank down into a large leather chair near the fireplace. "I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is something not right with him."

"You bloody well don't have to tell me," the blonde muttered.

Angelus opened his mouth to say something, then paused. "Virginia?"

William turned and frowned at the look on the woman's face. "What's wrong?" he asked, his demon coming to the fore. He reached out with his senses and heard, minions chattering throughout the house, the floor boards creaking, the wood in the fire snapping, but no heartbeat. "Where is she?" he snarled as he stormed toward the blonde female.

"Master, I-I don't know," she murmured, lowering her head as she held out the envelope. "She left this."

Angelus was there, a low growl rumbling through him. "What happened?"

"She asked me to fetch her dinner and I did," she explained, nervously. "I went back to bring her down and she-the window was open and that note was left lying on the bed."

William quickly opened the letter and read it to himself.

William,
        I'm sorry. I know you won't understand, but I have to go home. I can't stay here. I have to find a way home. If I could, I would stay. Honestly, I've enjoyed the time I've spent with you more than I can say. Except for the whole people dying. And while you're a vampire so that's part of the big fun for you, I'm mortal so... not so much.

God, I even babble in letters. I don't have time to rewrite this, so ... forgive me.

I will miss you
Willow

PS. Don't hurt Virginia. I made her leave me alone.  Please don't blame her. It's not her fault. I'd feel terrible if you killed her because of me. It's the one thing I ask, please.

Angelus sighed and shook his head. "Willow does have a way of getting what she wants."

"She's not getting away. She can't leave," William snarled, he whirled toward his grandsire and added softly, "She could be killed."

Angelus explained to Virginia what had happened and he was proud to see the protective gleam in her eyes.

"I was about to gather some of the others and go out in search of her," Virginia explained.

"Then do it," Angelus told her. "We're heading out now."

William was already gathering weapons. "Are you about bloody ready?"

Angelus stifled a proud smile at the young vampire's impatience. "Careful boy," he warned, "We'll leave when Virginia is ready."

The female vampire headed for the door, "I'll be ready in a moment."

##

Winston Giles stared at Peter Travers in shock. He stood there, with a redheaded woman unconscious in his arms. "Don't bloody well stand there all night, move so I can come in!"

Winston moved out of the way then checked to make sure no one had seen Travers enter with the woman. How he'd managed to capture the witch was beyond him. "What have you done?"

"What we've been planning the whole time. She's a witch. She's evil. It's our job to make sure evil doesn't take over," Travers reminded the young Giles.

"Now that you have her, what are you going to do?" he asked. He knew the answer. He'd seen the book. He just wasn't sure how to stop him.

"Kill her, of course."

##