Go TeamC/A
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Title: Love Bites
Author: Califi
Posted:
Rating: N-17
Category: fluffy smut
Content: C/A.
Summary: Someone receives an unexpected Valentine's card…
Spoilers: Season 3 of BTVS- post LW
Disclaimer: The characters in the Angelverse were created by Joss Whedon & David Greenwalt. No infringement is intended, no profit is made.
Distribution:
Notes: This was written on the fly. sorry if you think it's crap or rambly.
Thanks/Dedication:Thank you Hely for helping with added spice to the smut. Lick!
Feedback:
Part 1
Angel stared unblinkingly at the piece of card in his hand, leaning back in his chair and bringing it up for closer perusal.
"Buffy? Nope!" He discounted it almost as soon as she popped into his head. For one, She'd ended it between them the night Spike turned up and caused mayhem [as usual!]- Plus, Angel reckoned a card from the Slayer would most likely be smothered in flowers and hearts, and smudged with a few tears for good measure.
"Shit!" As soon as the thought entered his mind, the vampire instantly felt the familiar guilt that always followed whenever anything to do with the petite blonde came into focus.
He was supposed to love her; yet there he was, ridiculing her tragic demeanour and irritating habits. What did that tell him?
He already knew.
From the moment he'd returned from Hell and laid eyes on the girl he'd been unable to stop thinking about for over a year… Angel's heart had moved on, and except for a twinge of 'what could have been', he no longer felt crushed by this revelation.
Oh, he'd played along with her, and been Joe Stoic whilst she seemingly struggled with various emotions- I love you, I can't; I miss you, wanna be with you, but… Angel had followed her lead; ignoring his growing realisation that lip service was all he gave in return.
How would Buffy have reacted if I'd responded the way I'd wanted to that night? He mused; then cringed at the imagined fallout: "You're right, Buffy. This is getting pretty old, isn't it?" a tight smile curled his mouth for a moment before turning his wandering attention back to the card.
On the front, a male angel half knelt; his sorrowful face turned to the sky- and the sender had drawn fangs peeking from his mouth, and the words: 'Love Bites' was written across the front in gold ink. Angel couldn't help the chuckle that escaped him as he once again read the single line written inside: "Fancy a nibble?"
The faint scent of cinnamon captured his sensitive nostrils, and a flutter of familiarity hit his memory; then escaped him- only for the moment, he promised himself.
He'd found the lilac envelope pushed under the front door when he'd woken late that afternoon, and had, at first been apprehensive opening it. Once realising it must be Valentine's Day, Angel had instinctively cringed, at first thinking it was from his ex girlfriend, but as soon as he'd seen and read it, it rejected that idea instantly.
The card was too cutely funny for the over-serious and dramatic Slayer. And there he'd sat for the rest of the day, turning it over and over in his large hands, rereading and attempting to figure out the unique scent all over the thick cream card.
Feeling the setting of yet another day, Angel rose to his feet surprised that time had passed so quickly- he'd been sitting there for nearly six hours! Groaning to himself in irritation, he remembered that he was supposed to be attending a 'meeting' at the school library regarding the Mayor's Ascension.
Once showered and dressed, the vampire retrieved the card from where he'd dropped it on his bed and brought it to his face again, inhaling the gentle fragrance that still lingered- then slid it under his pillow before leaving the room…***
"Angel! I-we thought you weren't coming after all" Buffy's rather high, tense voice grated his ears as he entered the library; his dark eyes scanning the large room before resting on the Slayer.
Tragic blue eyes stared back for a long moment, then skittered away; a hint of tears in their depths. Instantly, irritation filled him- rapidly followed by that old enemy, guilt. He sometimes forgot how young the blonde was; how young all the occupants of the library was, except for the two Watchers…though the way Wyndham-Pryce was acting around the brunette Cheerleader- Angel tore his narrowed eyes from the young man who hovered around the lovely girl like a dog on heat, and refused to take notice of his unexpected reaction to the sight.
"So, now we're all here, what have we got?" Buffy turned away from the vampire, obviously not expecting him to reply, and he shrugged to himself; nothing really changed.
The conversation rolled around him as he hovered near the steps leading to the upper portion of the library; shadowed enough for him to pretty much blend in, whilst still looking like he was taking part. His eyes were drawn to Cordelia Chase as she rose from her place at the long table, leaving the young Watcher's adoring eyes to follow her graceful walk across the room as she approached the stairs, after Giles had requested she obtain a book for him.
As she drew level and began the ascent, her shoulder brushed against Angel's, who hadn't made any effort to move aside. He didn't think too much about why he hadn't. As Cordelia invaded his space [or he invaded hers] her scent surrounded him; and he tensed with disbelief.
Cinnamon- blended with green apples and something indefinable; but the scent of cinnamon was the most prominent.
By the time Angel's motor functions kicked back in, the brunette had disappeared into the depths of the upper stacks. Before he could consider how it would look, he swiftly followed her. The other occupants were too involved in discussion to notice, and he breathed a small sigh of relief on not hearing anyone ask what he was doing.
Again, nothing had changed.
He found her at the far end perusing the shelves. For a long moment Angel watched her silently; flinching himself when she reached higher and instantly hunched and cradled her side. Buffy had told him blithely of the events that led to the brunette being impaled on a rebar- at the time almost growling at the Harris boy's behaviour and the Slayer's almost casual dismissal of it.
Cordelia again reached for the book on the top shelf; "trust my luck!" she muttered under her breath- nearly yelping when an arm reached over her and a large hand plucked the heavy tome from the shelf. She instinctively spun round, to find herself caged in by the vampire with the soul.
Wordlessly he held onto the book, but didn't make any attempt to step back. Unnerved by his close proximity, Cordelia pressed her back against the bookcase, a small perplexed furrow forming between her delicate brows.
"Unlike some I could mention, I do need to breath ya know!" she huffed, swallowing uncomfortably when he still didn't move but pinned her nervous gaze with darkened chocolate brown eyes.
"It was you." Cordelia knew instantly what he meant, but still tried for confusion; the vampire only stepped in closer until her breasts brushed his sweater-clad chest with each breath she took. "You sent me the card. Why?" his voice low and husked, slid down her spine like a caress and she shuddered uncontrollably.
"Look, I don't know what your mental damage is, buddy; but why would I, none-lover of all things creepy send you a stupid Valent-" crap! Cordelia cursed inwardly; she might just as well have said yes! The fiery glint in his eyes made her gulp with growing nervousness and embarrassment, her full mouth opening to dig herself out of the hole she'd just thrown herself in.
"Okay- yeah, I did. It was meant for lame brain over there- why waste a perfectly good card?" she babbled, "I knew you probably wouldn't get one and would most likely think it was from Miss Slayhappy- everyone's peachy and I didn't waste my time or money on that loser, see?" Her words faltered at the rare sight of a smile on the vampire's face; well, a small quirk of those chiselled-yet-full lips of his.
"You bought a card with a picture of an angel on it for Harris? Somehow I can't see that, Cordelia." Angel was literally purring with delight by now. Her heart rate had trebled and he could have sworn he picked up the faint stirring of arousal emanating from her at his close proximity.
Angel perused her face carefully- really looking at her now, and was surprised by the true beauty he'd obviously missed before. That beauty went further than just the surface, he realised. Unlike Buffy or Willow, Cordelia Chase lacked that trace of youthful rounded cheeks, revealing the blossoming of pure woman and maturity beyond her years. Although noticeably nervous, the brunette faced him bravely- with a distinct hint of disdain, and the vampire felt the irresistible urge to shatter that disdain and replace it with passion.
"Yeah, well, I like angels- of the heaven variety, anyway!" Cordelia pressed even further back, half praying that one of the others would appear, or at least call to see what the hold up was- but no such luck!
God, what had possessed her to send that damned card? Your undeniable, though none-mutual attraction, that's what her inner voice whispered to her, and she whimpered in response, unaware that the vampire towering over her had heard that betraying sound.
"I'm sure I could manage the 'heaven' side of it." Her mouth gaped at the blatant sensuality that hit her square in the solar plexus. This wasn't Angel, Buffy's lapdog- more like something she could imagine Angelus saying. "I've still got my soul- and I'd be very careful about the name calling, sweetheart."
At his unexpected reply, part assurance, mostly dark warning, Cordelia realised she must have thought out loud. What's with the 'sweetheart'? she wondered dazedly, as she again mentally kicked herself for sending that damn card.
Cordelia had never really gotten over her crush for the dark man pressed against her- yes, the creepy revelation that he was a vampire hadn't been a pleasant one, but he'd more than made up for it in good deeds [and looks!]; until he'd got groiny with the Slayer, that is, and become Evil Incarnate- plus, she couldn't for the life of her stop her attraction from growing for the soulful hunk of salty goodness!
But she really hadn't expected- even if he'd ever found out she'd gone out and bought him a Valentine's Day card- that the attraction might unbelievably be mutual. And unless she was very much mistaken, that was no stake digging into her hip right now! Raising her hands, Cordelia pushed against his hard chest attempting to put some kind of distance between them, but it was like pushing a brick wall.
Angel resisted her attempts to push him away, and perversely leaned into her further until their fronts were literally plastered together. Although she was nervous, he couldn't sense any real fear coming off the hot body pressed between him and the bookcase.
His mind went back over times when he'd actually looked at the young woman, and realised, on occasion, that a little bit of lust [rapidly quenched] usually went hand in hand with the perusals. But he'd put it out of his mind due to being in love with Buffy.
Cordelia wasn't that far from the truth, he admitted to himself wryly; lapdog was as good as any derogatory title when it came to his, sometimes-humiliating behaviour around the Slayer. All he'd seen was his redemption- a link to the light.
He'd let those initial puppy love emotions rule him; pushed down his true nature to appease the girl- for what? Someone who had and never would be able to accept he was a vampire inhabited with a soul; still a vampire. Angelus was what you got with or without the soul- the addition only activating human conscience and emotions never normally found in a demon such as him.
Now this girl… how many times had she treated him like a person- whilst seeming totally accepting of his demon? Blunt, maybe, but she always said what she thought…he remembered her defence of him that fateful night of Halloween; and she hadn't even realised it was true.
No cringing when his true face came to the fore – and no discomfort being around him. And last, but no means least: the only one who really made an effort to talk to him. Not only when he was needed for brawn or knowledge…or regarding his status as a vampire… Plus he had to admit, her almost exotic looks and lush body were more his type of woman, regardless of what people thought.
Brushing Cordelia's long, luxurious hair over one shoulder, Angel tilted her chin to one side and openly stared at the golden length of her flawless throat, watching with fascination as the muscles worked when she swallowed audibly.
"The others are gonna wonder where I am- can I go now that I've admitted to sending you that stupid card?" Cordelia wasn't afraid of Angel, but when his attention went to the Vampires' favourite spot on a human body, she did get a lot anxious.
Angel lifted his dark eyes to hers; wide with uncertainty, the hazel jewels almost engulfed by dilated pupils. " 'Stupid' doesn't come to mind- in fact, Cordelia, thanking you for such a lovely gesture doesn't seem enough, so..." a wide, calloused thumb followed the rail of her jugular, which surged under his gentle touch; " How about I just follow you're sweet request?" before the words sunk in, his dark head dipped and cool lips pressed against her pulse point.
"Angel!" his name came out in a shocked whisper, melting to a moan when those lips opened and suckled her flesh. Her knees nearly buckled when she felt the edge of blunt teeth clamp onto her throat; although relieved they weren't fangs.
The vampire was lost in the warm taste of her, and the urge to change and penetrate her flesh to see if that taste intensified when her blood coated his mouth was almost irresistible. Instead, he made do with nipping and sucking until the blood vessels under that creamy skin broke and darkened to form a love bite.
Giles' impatient voice broke through the tense silence, causing them both to break apart. Angel watched as she straightened tousled hair and smoothed down the dark green suede skirt she wore, with shaky hands. He bit back a smile when she gasped as he again invaded her space, relaxing fractionally when he held out the book and straighten the roll neck of her sweater- to hide his temporary mark from prying eyes.
Taking a deep breath, Cordelia made to walk past him only to be pulled back, his body behind hers as he stooped low and whispered in her ear. "We'll finish this another time" cool lips touched her ear softly, "with no interruptions- then I can thank you properly." A large hand slid round to press against her taut belly, flexing long fingers briefly before releasing her fully. Cordelia shot forward, desperately trying to control her high colour and rushed breathing as she made her way towards the stairs.
Angel remained where he was for a while, allowing Cordelia time to settle back at the large table; and his body to calm down before going back to his usual lurking spot. For the rest of the evening, Cordelia steadfastly refused to lift her eyes higher than the table.
She wanted to run out of there screaming hysterically; even though deep down a little devil told her to take him with her. After an hour or so, Cordelia finally dared to raise her eyes and look around the room, surprised to find that Buffy and Xander had left for patrol-, which meant…
"Damn it!" she growled under her breath. The vampire was still here. Why is that? He always goes with Buffy. On espying the obviously ancient heavy book he now cradled on thick, well-muscled thighs as he lounged like a big cat on the stairs; Giles must have needed him in some other way.
Most likely some unheard of language only decrepit old men can decipher she inwardly groused, feeling the need to remind herself of the age difference- regardless of him looking like some twenty something God! Angel was a no-no, and not just because of a certain blonde who'd probably forget she was human and kill her quite happily- there was that curse they all found out about the hard way; and last time she heard, nothing had changed there. Not that she'd actually heard anything, but Cordelia doubted Buffy Summers would be so jumpy and whiny around the vampire if she was getting some groin-time with him!
"Jeez, I'd definitely be doing cartwheels after even an hour in his bed!" she muttered under her breath; some deep instinct suddenly telling her to look up- Please don't say he heard me! groaning inwardly, Cordelia blushed a fiery red at the heated stare and the appearance of the tip of his tongue running along his full bottom lip. Just great; way to make it worse, Cor! tucking her chin in, she attempted to concentrate on the cramped text of the page in front of her.
Angel had been relieved when the older Watcher had asked for assistance in translating a chapter relating, he hoped, to demon Ascensions, mentally shrugging at the instant pout on his ex's face. What did she want? One minute telling him in no uncertain terms that they had to keep apart, then asking him to go on patrol and come here. He was more than willing to keep things at a light friendship; though the vampire couldn't see that happening, but her mixed signals were irritating the hell out of him.
>BR> For once, he wished Buffy had meant what she'd said that night. He felt sorry for the poor sap she was now dating. The guy didn't stand a chance; a relationship with a girl whose thoughts were on another. Angel had moved on, and he really wished Buffy could do the same.
On hearing Cordelia's whispered thoughts, he figured she too was thinking of the Slayer as well as him, and if he was right, the brunette was wondering too what was going on between him and Buffy – he wondered what both girl's reaction would be to the news of the permanence of his soul now? Buffy obviously would be hurt that it hadn't come up in conversation. Her thinking was really pretty simple; latch onto one single problem between them, and forget all about the many others.
It was something Angel knew he'd have to confess if he intended to remain in Sunnydale- for the peace of mind it would give the others, that the evil side of his character could no longer be unleashed on the world- but then he would be expected to explain why he hadn't taken advantage of the ability to have a 'normal' relationship, as Buffy put it, with her?
Somehow, he didn't think she'd take kindly to his "Sorry, Buffy, but I don't feel that way about you anymore" speech. –And he could quite easily see a stake being somewhere in the scenario if she knew his attention had now been caught by Cordelia Chase! Angel was stunned by how rapidly it had happened; from a few lustful glances over the time he'd been in Sunnydale, to now, where all he could think about was how her mouth would taste, or how her softly rounded body would feel crushed under his whilst he took her over and over…
"Found anything relevant?" Angel jolted from his gradually heated thoughts at the sound of the cool English voice above his head. Lifting his eyes, he took in the frumpy, too-old tweed suit that encased the younger Watcher.
"So far, no." he replied just as cool, his pale face expressionless. Wesley attempted to hold the vampire's gaze, but quickly dropped his eyes and cleared his throat.
"Well, we have plenty more for you to look at." Wesley felt uncomfortable calling the vampire by his first name, but not having a surname made it difficult. Omitting any title felt rude, but seemed easier. He turned and walked over to the main table; "I'm sure Mr Giles will seek them out for you" he threw over his shoulder, smiling warmly towards the-now sole occupant of the table; "May I escort you home, Miss Chase?" flushing slightly at her answering grin.
"Cordelia, please" she chastised, ignoring the faint growl emanating from the dark hulk on the stairs behind Wesley; "And I have a car- but you're welcome to a lift?" she assured brightly on seeing his face fall, relieved when he agreed with a smile.
The brunette would have been lying if she denied feeling more than a little anxious about leaving alone. The glances thrown her way by the silent vampire had literally devoured her whole; she doubted he'd been kidding about thanking her, and all kinds of 'thank yous' skittered through her mind- until she all but wondered what he scented from her most; fear or arousal.
"Very well- I'll just grab my coat and inform Mister Giles that we're leaving; excuse me a moment?" Wesley waited until Cordelia nodded before walking over to the office.
Cordelia, nervously aware that it left herself and the vampire alone turned and busied herself with checking her bag for her car keys- almost jumping a mile on feeling the cool slide of skin against her face.
"Come over when you've dropped him off- I have a valentine present for you." Angel briefly rubbed his slightly rough cheek against hers before disappearing just as quickly. Turning around at the sound of the office door closing, she found Angel back in his spot on the stairs seemingly engrossed in his book, and Wesley rushing to join her.
As they made their way to the exit, his brown eyes burned into her back. Did he seriously think she'd go to that dark creepy mansion- and equally dark-vampire?
Not in this lifetime, buddy She assured herself.***
"Tell me again why I'm here?" Cordelia asked herself shakily as she stood outside the imposing building.
After getting home just shy of midnight, the brunette had stubbornly prepared for bed and settle for the night. But after tossing and turning for hours, she found herself climbing out of that selfsame bed, pulling a full-length coat over her pyjamas and getting into her car, not even aware of her attire until getting back out of the car now parked in front of Angel's mansion.
Peaking under her coat, Cordelia was glad that at least that they were full pyjamas and not the usual tank and shorts she wore. "I can always say they're leisure wear" she thought; being a dark red silk with Japanese embroidery on, they reminded her of a lounge suit her mother wore on occasion.
"Arrgh, who am I kidding? -. I so need to get out of here." with a groan, she turned away, gasping when the door abruptly opened behind her.
"Um, hi" she stuttered a little, which made her annoyed with herself and continued with a stronger tone: "look, I've made a mistake, so I'll just be-eep!" before she had taken more than one step away, a bare arm reached out, the attached hand wrapping around her wrist and pulling her over the threshold.
The heavy door closed behind her and Cordelia turned to face it, finding the dark figure of the vampire leaning against it with his arms folded. Her wide eyes took in the low black sweats her now wore, and the white muscle shirt that clung to his heavily muscled upper body, leaving his equally heavily muscled arms bare. Oh, crap!
Cordelia had never seen him dressed so casually- or in so few clothes before, and had to refrain from openly drooling. what a hottie! her mind screamed, even as she pulled her long coat around her defensively as his eyes took their own tour.
"It was last a minute crazy madness" she defended uncomfortably at the raised brow and surprised- yet seemingly pleased expression on his face as they rested on her silk-clad ankles; which was the only part of her, besides her face that was visible un the enveloping coat.
"God know what the hell I'm doing here" Cordelia added breathlessly, taking a step back for every step forward the vampire made. She didn't stop until her back came up against a doorway.
"I'll hang that up for you" Angel finally spoke, gesturing to the coat, which she instantly held in a death grip. "Those pyjamas most likely cover more than some of the things people wear nowadays Cordelia" he reassured the nervous brunette, who worried her bottom lip as she debated parting with her protective shield.
To be honest, Angel had given up any hope of her turning up after the first hour- God know why he gave in to the urge to ask her- or should he say, 'dare' her?
After pacing the mansion restlessly for a few hours, and cursing his big mouth, fearing he'd read her wrong and scared her off, Angel had showered and changed, deciding to rid himself of tension by practicing Tai Chi. He'd heard the car first, and practically raced to the front door- and waited.
After hearing her talk herself out of knocking, the vampire had almost pulled the door off the hinges to stop her, not thinking past his need to keep her here, yanking her in and closing the door before she could run away.
Once done, he took time to appraise her. The coat screamed "Don't touch"- but the heavy blood red silk that hid her ankles told a different story altogether. Going by her reaction now, he could tell it had been a spur of the moment thing rather than a conscious effort to tease his senses, and if not for the way her beautiful eyes had burned like a physical caress when she'd perused every inch of him, Angel would have let her leave.
But it was too late now; she was here- and she would be his before the day was over, or he wasn't the former Scourge of Europe.
Part 2
Hesitantly, Cordelia removed the coat; Angel kept his expression deliberately blank and polite as he reached out for it, and then turned away to hang it up in a nearby closet.
Jeeeesus! He groaned inwardly, squeezing his eyes shut for a second.
Although the pyjamas swallowed her frame, the dark red silk clung to every luscious curve to the point where the vampire felt insanely jealous of the fabric. Bare toes peeked from under the leg cuffs, and the neckline gaped a little, giving a tempting hint of what lay beneath. That delicate throat, bared to his hungry gaze flowed from the soft silk, a column of perfection- only marred by the mark he himself had deliberately placed over her pulse point.
How he didn't ravish her on the spot was beyond his ken! Looking down, he cursed under his breath. The sweats he wore did nothing to hide his painful arousal- how the hell was he supposed to turn round now? Feverishly, he tried to visualise anything that would possibly calm him down, finally, the image of Buffy walking in on them both in his bed did the trick; and also reminded him to lock the main door.
"Go on through; take a seat and I'll join you in a minute." Indicating the doorway behind her- couldn't let her see him lock that door; God knows what she'd think!
After frowning at him, thrown by his sudden change from intense to genial, Cordelia turned and entered the softly lit room, finding a lounge with sparse furnishings and a roaring fire. Standing uncertainly next to one of the two couches, she hesitated on sitting down, spinning round to see if the vampire was joining her-
"Gah! Angel! will you stop with the creepy sneakies? Geez, you nearly gave me a heart attack!" she groused shakily on finding him directly behind her.
"Sorry" It had taken him half a second to lock the door and follow the brunette in, watching her silently as she'd hovered nervously.
"You need a bell, buddy" glancing at the couch; "So…shall we sit?" she asked.
"No"
"No?" her brows raised at his reply. Did he expect her to just stand there all night?
"No; this wasn't exactly what I had in mind" Angel stepped a little closer and Cordelia instinctively stepped back, coming up short when the arm of the couch pressed into her hip.
"Stop doing that" She was beginning to feel like livestock, he frowned, confused and she indicated both their bodies; "You- herding me here and there like a-a cow or something; haven't you heard the expression 'personal bubble'? "
"Why did you come here?" Angel cut in softly. That got her. Why the hell had she? "possible smoochies" that evil little voice in her head whispered to her, causing a soft flood of pink to heat her cheeks, darkening when his intent eyes narrowed in on her reaction.
"Um- well" Cordelia floundered, then pulled herself together poking him hard in the chest: "You asked me to- a valentine present you said, remember?" feeling a little more in control, she crossed her arms giving him a 'the ball's in your court' look- then swallowed hard at the beginnings of an unfamiliar smile that curved his beautiful mouth.
-Unfamiliar as in rarely seeing the dark vampire smile- especially in such a wickedly sensual way. Her heartbeat picked up even as her lower belly tingled.
"Can you guess what it is?" Angel was actually enjoying himself, even as a small part of him felt guilty when her face reflected surprising innocence as she frowned, perplexed.
"How am I supposed to do that? you bought it, and I haven't a clue what an old vampire like you would think appropriate for someone like me!" she replied, a slight pout puffing out her lower lip. Angel bit his own to stifle the urge to capture that temping plump flesh with his teeth.
"Who said I bought anything?" he returned smoothly, smiling again at the disdainful rise of those expressive brows when she repeated the action of poking him hard.
"Ewwwe! It isn't something you took off one of you're not-so-pleasant self's victims is it? Cos you can forget that right now!" She warned him hotly, sighing in relief when he instantly shook his head.
"Well, I suppose that makes some sense- when would you be able to buy anything without even knowing you would feel the need to reciprocate- though god knows why you'd do so anyway- you have some valuable antiques in this house of perpetual doom and gloom, but I hope it isn't something like that, cos that would be so insulting." Cordelia knew she was babbling, but the unreadable expression on his face-unnerved her – plus the nagging suspicion that her initial guess at what her 'present' may be would be right- and, boy, was she way out of her depth.
"Look, Angel, It's great that you wanted to give me something, but could you hurry up? It's getting pretty late…or early, depending on how Yphh-" a long cool finger pressed against her mouth stifling the rest of her words, and for the first time in a little while, she remained silent.
Watching her grow slowly more and more nervous, and realising she had an idea what his gift was brought home to Angel something that hadn't even occurred to him.
Was it possible that, along with the others, the vampire had assumed Cordelia Chase had 'been around the block' as he'd once heard that Harris boy state with defensive venom not too long ago, and had been wrong? Angel had lived a long life and once boasted to Spike that he could spot a virgin a mile off.
Guilt ate into him for two reasons: for assuming the worst and being willing to add to the list- and then, for wanting to be the first to taste her- and hopefully the last if it worked out.
Mentally kicking himself, Angel instantly revised his plans for the day-
"Two things, actually- the first is; I want to cook you a meal" Cordelia's mouth dropped open in shock- and he was gratified to see more than a tinge of disappointment in those hazel depths.
"And the second?" darn it, most likely a can of soda with a red ribbon round it she grouched inwardly. Although her nerves had settled- actually, more like numbed! - A big part of her was totally gutted.
Assuming the handsome but broody vampire had wanted her in his bed, Cordelia had still turned up- to say she was relieved now would be laughable. Although never going far in previous relationships- the furthest a little groping in maintenance cupboards with Xander Harris, the thought of being initiated into sex by Angel made her quiver to her bones. With his love for the Slayer, she'd doubted she herself would give him perfect happiness- maybe it's for the best; so why do I feel such a loss? Cordelia wondered morosely. She was pulled out of her depressing thoughts by that same finger tilting her chin. At the soft touch of his mouth on hers, she froze.
"Um- I was a bit lost in the thinking thing there…could you do that again?" she asked breathlessly when his head lifted.
"Anything for a lady" Angel murmured softly and settled his lips back on hers with practised ease, sipping gently from her open ones so as not to scare her.
Cordelia felt a soft purr vibrate against her chest bone and realised with dim surprise that it was coming from her. She gave a startled jump when she felt the soft sweep of a cool tongue, then opened her eyes when he lifted his head.
With the taste of her on his lips making them tingle with need Angel gazed down into dazed hazel. Cordelia licked her lips, tasting the essence of male and just in that instant decided to throw caution to the wind.
"Forget dinner" she told him huskily, reaching up to cup his neck with her hand, pulling him back down to her. "Just kiss me". The vampire's strained chuckle was cut off her by her lips sealing his. So much for a change of plans!
Angel took control after a few seconds, sliding his tongue in and wrapping it around hers, drawing both into his own mouth before biting down gently then suckling the tip. Cordelia's hands wind milled for a moment then twined themselves into the soft fabric of his top until it pulled up.
He groaned with pleasure when those warm hands slid lower and latched onto his naked waist. Slanting his mouth across hers, he forced her lips wider and investigated every silky inch of the warm wet cavern, only releasing her when she finally struggled for breath. Dipping his head he trailed open-mouthed kisses along her throat, pausing momentarily on his earlier mark. His fangs itched to make it more permanent, but with a grunt he moved on, lapping her exposed collarbone with a rough tongue.
As she panted for air, Cordelia was half aware of his wandering mouth and revelled in every long swipe of his cool tongue and nibble of blunt teeth- gasping when the hands holding her close slid around her sides before hooking fingers into the hem of her pyjama jacket. Before she could react, the top whipped over her head leaving her bared from the waist up.
Instinctively, Cordelia raised her hands to cover the naked breasts, halted by larger ones before she could accomplish the task. Overwhelmed by an unaccustomed shyness she tugged and hunched her shoulders.
"Don't. You're so beautiful, Cordy." The hushed words froze her struggles and her eyes rose to his rapt face. His dark eyes drank her in, and her breath panted out when the vampire slowly dropped to his knees in front of her, releasing her hands and cupping her full, firm breasts reverently.
Gentle fingers moulded her golden flesh then ran slightly roughened pads around the dusky areolas before tweaking the rapidly peaking rosy nubs. Her knees almost buckled when cool lips surrounded one, drawing it deep into the moist cavern of his mouth, alternating between suckling and gently nipping until Cordelia gasped out loud. One palm cupped a hip firmly whilst fingers of the other hand tugged and moulded her unattended breast.
Alien yet entirely pleasurable sensations washed over her as he worshipped her flesh until her upper body hung over him, then just as quickly he rose to his feet and retook her mouth, devouring her almost savagely.
So lost in his kiss, Cordelia was only half aware of a soft surface cushioning her back seemingly seconds later. When his mouth once again left hers to explore her throat and torso her dazed eyes flickered open, her breath instantly becoming choppy at the realisation that they'd left the lounge behind and were now ensconced in what was obviously his bedroom.
"Angel." Her soft exclamation paused his descent of her partially clothed body, quickly rising to eye level at the renewed nervousness in her husky voice.
"Do you want to stop?" he asked after gracing her reddened lips with gentle yet searing kisses, holding a useless breath as he waited for her answer. Reaching up, she ran her fingers along his lower lip, sucking in a breath when he captured the tips and nipped them playfully.
"No- but this…well this is kinda new" a self depreciating smile touched her mouth even as she avoided his intense gaze "I know what the others think about my morals, Angel, but-"
"Shhh. I know, and that's all that matters." Angel responded firmly, planting an equally firm kiss on her mouth. "If you want to wait, we can do that," he reiterated even as a certain part of his anatomy threatened to explode if she did.
"I want to- very much; but I don't want to disappoint you," her cheeks flushed even as he smiled in disbelief.
"Not possible, Sweetheart" Angel wanted more than anything to drown in her at that moment. Despite his roughly voiced yet heartfelt assurance her face still mirrored uncertainty and he abruptly decided to show her just how much she affected him.
Cordelia gasped and sucked in a breath when Angel pressed her captured palm to the hard, throbbing length pressing urgently against the fabric of his sweats. "God! Is that for me"? She asked then blushed at the dumb question.
Unknowingly the hot rush of liquid between her legs spiced the air, making the vampire's nostrils flare with undeniable hunger. "Yeah" he answered wryly and leaned over her, bracing himself on his hands next to her head.
Once anchored he lowered his brow to hers, and gazed deeply into her honeyed eyes, his own gaze smouldering with tightly leashed desire; "right now I'd do anything in my power for a chance to have you. But-". He faltered and sucked in an unneeded breath.
"If you're not sure, say so now, Cordy" he didn't want to frighten her, it was the last thing he wanted but at the same time, there was a limit to how much self-control he had and she seemed the one person that could strain his just by being in the same room with him.
The pulse at the apex of her thighs seemed to a develop a life of its own at his gruff admission and yet another offer to stop that was so obviously wrung from him. Right then she was sure of at least one thing; his need for her was real and wrought a similar need in her for him.
"I'm sure, Angel. Make love to me. Make me yours, even if it's just for tonight". She'd think about tomorrow…tomorrow.
"Oh, baby, tonight is just the beginning" he groaned, finally lowering himself onto her welcoming warm body. After taking her mouth in an explosive yet restrained kiss, Angel proceeded to retrace every delectable inch of bared flesh. By the time he'd reached her belly, Cordelia felt like a human sized puddle in an electric storm.
Long fingers curled into the waistband of her pyjamas bottoms, and at his silent request, she lifted her bottom slightly, instinctively drawing her knees in when the soft silk slid off her feet. Noting the shy move, Angel rose from his kneeling position at her feet to loom over her and slide a palm along her dewy cheek
"Cordy, do you trust me?" he asked softly, resting his forehead against hers as they gazed into each other's eyes. After a tiny hesitation, her anxious expression cleared and she nodded.
"Always." Angel snatched a drugging kiss from swollen lips then drew back to his original position on his knees.
As he did so, his hands followed the line of her lightly sheened body, spanning her flaring hips before sliding along the back of her thighs. When he got to her knees, he applied gentle pressure, lifting them until they bent, sliding his hands until they rested on her knees and then eased them open.
Cordelia tensed instinctively at such a move, and sought his face, the anxiety creeping unbidden to the surface. On finding his eyes still fixed intently on her face, she drew a deep breath, relaxed and allowed him access. His eyes didn't stray from her face until her open thighs rested either side of his hips, then they dropped to her exposed core.
Her face burned with a mixture of mortification and arousal; the arousal pushing aside all else as she watched his jaw work, the muscles clenching and flexing as he scented her virginal centre, and when he finally raised his dark head, burning brown eyes ringed with gold met hers.
"Good enough to eat" the soft words purred deep from within his chest and sent a bolt of sheer pleasure along her spine. Then he surprised her by reaching up and clasping her hand, pulling it towards him.
"Do you ever touch yourself, Cordy?" colour flooded into her cheeks at his blunt husky question, and without realising it nodded. "Show me" twining his fingers with hers he drew both their hands to the apex of her thighs.
Shock widened her eyes and she hesitated. Angel made no move to force her, handing temporary control over to her. The smouldering heat from his eyes and tight sensuality of his expression melted her reservations, and with a shaky breath she ran her fingers down and along her centre. The added stimulation of his cool flesh alongside hers caused her to shudder with ecstasy.
Delving between the delicate folds, she stimulated her rapidly engorging clitoris, her breath coming out in little pants when a finger twined with hers pressed the sensitive bud until she bucked. Still he followed her lead, and feeling braver, Cordelia dipped the tip of her finger into her now soaking core, gasping when his joined in the exploration.
Lifting her hips a little she pressed in deeper, crying out when her hand was finally released and he took control. Her hips jerked off the bed completely when he speared a thick finger into her up to the knuckle, twisting and hitting a spot that had the breath whooshing out of her lungs.
Angel lifted his fascinated gaze from his finger's slick entry and exit into her untried flesh and instead watched her pleasure-wracked face. She was even more beautiful, if that were possible, and his whole body tightened at the prospect of seeing her in the throes of orgasm.
Her body clutched and squeezed his finger with arousing strength and his sex ached to feel that grip personally. Withdrawing his finger, Angel brought it to his mouth, catching and pinning her dazed gaze as he slid the juice-slicked digit deep into his mouth before slamming his eyes shut as her taste engulfed him.
He had to taste her properly. Scooting down, he lifted her high and set his mouth to her, his lips ravenous in his hunger. Cordelia wailed and arched up half in pleading for more and half in protest at the unbearable intimacy of that tormenting caress.
Angel spread the soft folds with his fingers and lapped at the moist, flushed flesh, inhaling her musk like perfume and revelling in the sweet warmth of nature's truest nectar. He felt frantic fingers spear into his hair, gripping in spasms of burgeoning arousal that kept pace with his darting tongue.
Pleasure whipped along her body, while her head lashed from side to side, cries falling from her lips in ragged pants as a terrible tension built inside her body, spiralling and tightening to such a degree she had no idea how much her hips were writhing in his now restraining hold.
Sexual need and carnal desire prodded the vampire, while he gorged painlessly on the gloriously alive girl in his bed, and his already painfully aching erection throbbed with the need to sink and plunge into her, possessing her irrevocably.
For Cordelia the tension broke in an explosive release, hurling her screaming into an orgasm that ripped away every conscious thought, except feeling. Before the spasms had a chance to finish, she screamed again as her drenched core was pierced by something hard and smooth.
"Easy, baby" Angel crooned, brushing back her sweat soaked hair and staring into her glazed eyes as he rocked into her, pushing the broad head of his sex into her with every flexing nudge.
Her inner walls, still slicked with orgasmic fluid eased his entry to a degree, but Angel knew pain would still be a part of her initiation. Whilst her body still shook with post-orgasmic tremors, he eased in an inch at a time, gritting his teeth as her tight quivering muscles flexed and literally crushed him. When the tip of his sex nudged the gossamer thread of her innocence, he braced her body before surging through, not stopping until he was buried to the hilt.
Cordelia bucked and strained to pull away from the spearing pain and thick, hard intrusion that threatened, in her dazed mind, to tear her apart; her eyes glazed with both aftershocks of her powerful orgasm and the pain of penetration, she was temporarily blind to his concerned face, and deaf to his soothing words.
Gradually, the gentle hands that smoothed her from neck to thigh, and soft butterfly kisses that rained over her face and lips registered, and by degrees her body relaxed and softened under his heavier frame. Although Angel's hard pulsing length remained deep within her body, the vampire lay still; seemingly content to wait now that he was where he wanted to be.
As Angel brushed delicate kisses across her trembling mouth with almost casual ease, he inwardly thanked the Gods for his control over his facial expressions and body. The real urge to plunge hard and repeatedly into her hot tight sheath was the most exquisite torture. He felt completely surrounded, inside and out- and if he had his way, he'd never leave.
As their mouths duelled for supremacy, her arms relaxed their death grip on his shoulders and slid around his thick neck, her hips instinctively rocking into his. With a heartfelt groan, Angel returned the deep caress, a strained smile touching his kiss-reddened mouth at her gasp of surprised delight.
Cordelia repeated the move several times before Angel took over, guiding the erratic jerking of her hips until they flowed together smoothly. He kept the pace leisurely with slow deep thrusts and retreats until Cordelia attempted to speed up. Tilting her pelvis, Angel changed the angle of his penetration and the intensity of his movement until the soft moans escaping her mouth escalated into high-pitched cries.
Locked together they surged in a mating dance older than him- older than recorded time, and transcending the difference between mortal and immortal, demon and human.
Passion soared as they both came to the brink of a towering peak as that awful tension built once again, only this time sucking them both into that soaring vortex before throwing them over into a splintering orgasm that had her body clamping down in panicked ecstasy on his lunging shaft. Milking him of everything but the need to drive deeper and harder in a last attempt to instinctively meld their bodies.
Afterwards lying under his sweat sheened body, Cordelia ran her hands over his slick back, feeling the press of his face as he nuzzled into the crook of her neck and she smiled.
"Wow, I can see how that can get addictive". She felt the vibration of his chuckle from his chest to hers before he lifted his dark head.
"I'm glad you feel that way, because I don't think I'll ever get enough of you" Angel nuzzled her throat for a moment before making his way to her waiting mouth. After a long, lazy kiss, he caught her sleepy gaze and ran a cool finger over the mark on her throat.
"So… exactly what kind of 'nibble' did you have in mind?" he asked with a dark sexy grin…
written to clear up some unanswered questions that arose in the first two parts. Thanks, Hely, for checking it over for me and giving the thumbs up- Mwah! Love ya!
Epilogue
Cordelia sat at her desk chewing the end of her pen absently as she recalled the night- and day before.
After a highly productive discussion on various types of 'nibbles' allowed with the ever-attentive vampire, Cordelia had eventually decided against the ultimate- all in all, it wasn't as though she could hide something so obvious from a certain Slayer and her cohorts for long, and school was still, unfortunately order of the day. Angel growled and whinged in a deliciously cute way, but eventually – and reluctantly, he agreed.
Although a part of him wanted to proclaim to the world both physically [by marking her] and verbally that the beautiful brunette was now a part of his life, his worries of the Slayer's sometimes-unpredictable reaction to the news- aimed towards his woman, gave him pause. Doubting that his ex would even consider physically harming Cordelia, Angel had to consider the possibilities regardless.
The first thing that had happened after turning up this morning was Xander Harris, sidling up as she collected books from her locker; asking where she'd disappeared to the day before. A freezing look and accompanied disdainful "And it's your business, why?" had him backing off pretty quickly amid the snorts of the nearby ex-Cordettes, who, although not deigning to give her the time of day any more [such a loss-not!]; still found Xander-humiliation worthwhile watching.
To be perfectly honest, she hadn't really been in any condition to get out of bed, never mind make her way to Sunnydale High- not that Angel would have let her, anyway!
Boy, could that vampire work her! Even now, her thighs trembled, muscles she never knew she had, pulled, and her core ached, bordering on tenderness due to his extremely eager ministrations.
Cordelia's cheeks flushed a fiery red as the all-too recent memories bombarded her mind and inner vision. She didn't think there was one single inch of her that hadn't received his minute deeply sensual attention; also being intensely grateful for her cheerleading flexibility – and last, but not least the nibble she'd eventually allowed that still throbbed deliciously…***
"Angel! I really don't think that's such a good idea." She'd half protested/moaned, coming down from one of many explosive orgasms he'd wreaked with his intense and remarkably agile mouth, tongue and teeth; his natural face emerging even as he slid those hot/cool lips less than an inch to the side and latched them hungrily onto her inner thigh.
"Who's gonna see it?" He'd purred, voice rasping and lisping slightly through those dangerously sharp teeth, adding, "no one better had, anyway." Angel nipped the flesh he lapped leisurely, a warning growl accompanying it, his sex hardening painfully at her instinctive shudder of both mild apprehension and hotly renewed arousal.
Raising gold, burning eyes that captured her melting honey unsure ones, he wordlessly awaited permission. Angel knew he could quite easily go ahead and be damned with her agreement, as, in his mind Cordelia Chase now belonged to him, as he did to her. But, as much as he wanted to brand her flesh with his mark of possession, he also wanted her full blessing. After all, weren't they a couple now?
The moment she'd tilted her lovely face to his, begging for his kisses, her fate had been irrevocably linked to his. His undead heart flexed and clenched in triumphant joy when that flicker of uncertainty extinguished to wholeheartedly acquiesce, and with a deep growl he'd dipped his head and slid those wickedly razor-sharp fangs deep into her inner thigh, sipping greedily as her orgasm-rich blood slowly slid down his welcoming throat.
Eventually retracting his fangs, face melting back to human, Angel took time to lave the twin puncture wounds, sealing them as well as embedding his scent permanently into her flesh, revelling in the passionate way she writhed in his all-encompassing grip. Scooting up he again sank into the welcoming hot sheath that clutched and burned, imprinting onto his cooler pulsing flesh; revelling in every pant and moan that tore from her kiss-swollen lips, swallowed by his devouring mouth- only fully satisfied once Cordelia had screamed his name as she again flew apart beneath him, taking him with her…***
"Are you with us today, Miss Chase?" the wearily impatient voice jolted her back to the present; her startled, heavily dilated eyes shooting up to meet the irritated glare of her class Tutor.
"Um, yes, Mister Barrett", flushing even more, if that were possible, as for once no sharp, witty comeback was available to her presently hazy mind.
Tucking her chin into her chest and letting the loose silky strands of her hair partially obscure her heated face, Cordelia made an attempt to pull herself together and cool down her heated thoughts of a certain insatiable vampire, and concentrate on the book opened in front of her.
"Darned vampire" she muttered under her hitching breath, shooting a nervous glance at the blonde she'd forgotten was sitting directly to her right, whose cool blue eyes were levelled on her with mild curiosity
"You okay?" Buffy asked with a whisper, wondering at this strangely new, flustered version of the bitch from hell. A small glimmer of pity in those scrutinising depths revealed her thoughts as to whom she attributed this change in the girl to- or so she thought.
If she only knew! Cordelia shuddered inwardly as she imagined various scenarios if ever her relationship with Angel ever came to the attention of the blonde- and all scenarios involved copious amounts of blood; hers! Nodding briefly, she managed a faint, cool smile and again turned to her work.
Buffy eyed the dipped head of the brunette for a minute, then shrugged, losing interest; her mind going back to her original thoughts of how her own life was limping tragically along, and what she could possibly do to change it…not that there was much chance of that, considering her overwhelming responsibilities that weighed heavily on her deceptively fragile shoulders.
Cordelia's mind wandered again, this time recalling with a secretive grin the intensity and rather dominating tone that laced the vampire's voice when he'd demanded she return directly to him once school had finished for the day. Her mouth quirked even more in amusement still picturing the adorable [and hot!] pout on those firm, full, yet chiselled lips at her determination not to lose another day of study.
"We only have a few weeks to go, Angel, and I'm going to need my Diploma before I leave this hellhole," this revelation hadn't gone down well, and had started another 'discussion'- which she refused to dwell upon right now; needless to say, it ended with her agreeing to almost everything he'd passionately demanded (how can you say no whilst under that cool, naked body and strangely heated lips?) - Although the smaller details were still to be ironed out.
Any insecurities she'd had about her new place in his life were soon put to rest on finding out, not only that, no; it wasn't due to her being unable to make him blissfully 'happy' that kept his soul firmly in place, but the revelation that it had been permanent since his return from that hell dimension. But the warm, fuzzy feeling she'd felt when he'd gone on to reveal that she was the only one aware of this fact, was still glowing within her.
That in itself put paid to any lingering doubts, that she, Cordelia Chase, was in any way second best in the vampire's affections.
They still had to explore those affections, and the 'L' word had not, as yet, been spoken between them. One step at a time, and his uninhibited warmth and desire displayed at present was enough for now. In her book, real, lasting love grew through the joys [and woes] of getting to know each other, and this was just the beginning of, she hoped, that long and sweet journey.
All in all, the last two days and nights had been a wonderful, exciting roller coaster of a ride- and Cordelia wouldn't change it for anything!
Hell, if I'd known that all it would take was a Valentine's card to get his attention, I'd have done it long ago! the blinding grin on her face that could have surpassed the sun for warmth and brightness, drew every dazzled eye in the class.
But Cordelia, completely unaware of the impact jumped to her feet the second the bell sounded, and bounced jauntily out of the room; all previous aches forgotten as another, more demanding one curled low in her belly and eclipsed them in a shuddering heartbeat.
It had felt like the longest day in her life- and she couldn't wait to get 'home'.
FIN
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