FIC: Designation: Hostile 17, 3/4
Masterpost
Part 1
Part 2
Max was right, getting in was the easy part.
By the time they pulled up to Manticore’s front door, Ash and her teams were in place, staggered throughout the woods on the north side and hidden hopefully just outside of X7’s radar. At the gate, they were expected and were allowed to drive in. Alec smirked and waved to the camera, acknowledging Renfro, letting her know he knew she was watching them. Once they opened the gate, he drove through, pulling to a stop in front of the south side entrance to the control room where Renfro waited inside. Max jumped out and got Logan’s chair ready as he moved around, and lifted Logan and placed him in the chair.
Once inside, they had little time to make it to the command room, to distract the guards long enough to get in, and transmit a sonic order to send the X7’s to guard the north side. Working together with Logan as their decoy, they were able to get in and out.
From there, he and Max split up. Max continued on and wheeled Logan down the corridor to the medical center where Renfro was waiting. Alec headed toward Section D.
The schedule was tight. Max had less than fifteen minutes to get Logan’s second dosage before Logan’s message as Eyes Only would trigger and play live, giving out Manticore’s address. Simultaneously, Asha’s teams would set off a series of charges to occupy and cut off the X7 soldiers. Alec had to pass two stations to get in section D; once Alec heard Manticore’s alarms going off that they were under attack, it’d be his cue to get ‘em the hell out there.
At the first station, Alec greeted the guard. His demeanor informal as Alec slouched against the door and smiled, pouring on the charm. Alec knew a good percentage of the guards throughout Manticore, and those he didn’t know, knew him by reputation. He glanced behind the guard, taking note of the monitors; cameras were placed in strategic places surrounding Section D, including the corridor where Spike was located however at this post there were no cameras monitoring inside of the cells. He casually informed the guard he was under Renfro’s order to get his twin, 493, and escort him to the infirmary for invasive tests, while the anomaly was to starve for a few days, to be reminded it was her orders that it needed to remember and follow to the letter. Alec hit the right inflection as he rolled his eyes accusing the anomaly of being stupid that he’ll be dead if he doesn’t figure out how to follow Renfro’s simple orders.
The guard snorted in agreement even as he pushed the button and buzzed Alec in.
Inside of Section D, Alec made his way to the elevator and pushed for the third floor and waited as the doors closed. Once the doors opened, he headed straight for the second station. There was only one guard, his job to monitor the prisoners inside their cells. After Alec approached, he started to talk, spewing a similar set of lies to the guard as he had for the first guard. Simultaneously, Alec searched the monitors behind the guard until he found Spike. The vampire sat on the floor with Ben curled up over his lap. Spike looked the same, only he was wearing a long black jacket over the medical gown, threading his fingers through his doppelganger’s hair.
Relief and jealously collided and warred inside of himself, neither emotions he had time for. Silently, Alec called out to Spike to let him know he was coming-there was no response.
Unplanned, he blurted out some sound that the guard turned around to see what had caught his attention. Alec didn’t waste the opportunity as he grabbed the guard and held him in a head-lock, and then quickly twisted, breaking the man’s neck. Dropping his body, Alec quickly disabled Spike’s cell and the alarmed lock of the door. He glanced at the monitors to Spike then eyed the man at his feet and bent down, shucking his pants off. He folded and pressed them flat before tucking them in his waist band under his shirt, then buzzed himself in to enter the corridor. When the door behind him closed, he inclined his chin to the camera where the guard at the first station was monitoring, making it appear everything was normal.
Now he only had to wait for the alarms.
Maintaining a causal gait, Alec continued down the corridor, making his way toward Spike. His stomach tightened in anticipation. He was nervous and couldn’t stop the unwanted image or the jealousy he felt as he replayed the unwanted memory of Spike feeding from his clone. With every step bringing him closer to Spike, Alec had to shake his hands; the itch to clench his fists in anger-to beat his clone, soared to new heights. His jealousy heightened and spiraled as strongly as Alec’s need to stake a claim over the vampire, to make him his.
All he wanted was to have Spike hold him, the way Alec saw he held Ben. To once again feel Spike’s teeth sinking into his skin, the suction Spike created as he fed, as a need started to build and collide with his want and desire to be taken. Intellectually, Alec knew the full extent what that meant, what he was willing-wanted-Spike do, to take him sexually.
However now wasn’t the time. To occupy his mind, Alec took stock of the anomalies being held prisoner. From the monitors, Alec had a clear indication only half the cells were occupied, compared to the full occupancy he had observed when he had been escorted out. He could only guess on whether or not the anomaly’s had been terminated or were indoctrinated. Of those present, most of the anomalies were indescribable, creatures similar to those in Manticore’s prison basement. The only difference was these anomalies were not created and manufactured by Manticore. There were also a few that were humanoid. Whether they were vampires like Spike or something else, Alec didn’t know.
Most of the anomalies didn’t give him more than a passing glance as he walked by. Judging from the last time Alec had walked down this corridor, it was evident they were docile and weak from starvation that Renfro broke their spirit. His passage caused no response-other than mild curiosity from a few as he passed their cell.
Half way down, he felt eyes on him. Looking up Alec noticed someone standing at the edge of his cell, waiting for him to approach. Under the anomaly’s blatant gaze, Alec slowed his step. He easily stood out by his attire alone. Unlike everyone else, he was wearing actual clothes and not a white medical gown like the others. Alec quickly took inventory, outside of the fact he had no shoes, the anomaly looked like he had been captured right off the street. He wore dark blue jeans and an oversized flowered buttoned down shirt with a tee-shirt underneath. More importantly, unlike the others, he appeared strong and defiant. He was young, Alec guessed close to his own age, an inch or two shorter, broader with waves a brown hair, and brown eyes that suddenly glimmered green.
For a moment, Alec thought he had made a mistake, and that the anomaly was another vampire like Spike. However, when he didn’t go into game-face with fangs dropping in hunger, Alec adjusted his assessment. The anomaly met Alec’s gaze, then tilted his head up and sniffed the air.
Alec thought the gesture was ridiculous since there were no openings between him and the glass cell. However, it didn’t stop the young man who a moment later appeared to be pleased, as if he had indeed collected some sort of information. The corners of his bow lips spread up and out into a hideously wide grin.
A tremor crept up Alec’s spine under the anomaly’s intense stare. There was something about the anomaly that made him uneasy. Not allowing the anomaly to get the better of him, Alec tipped his head in acknowledgement, his own smirk settling into place as he passed the man’s cell.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw the anomaly’s grin erupt into giggles, like Alec had done something funny. The volume increased, following Alec until it turned into a boisterous laugh. Alec grimaced at the oddity and belatedly realized the glass had to be cutting off half of the sound. Irrationally skittish, Alec increased his step under the weight of the anomaly’s laughter.
Alec concentrated as he stared ahead to the four cells in front of him, where Spike’s cell lay. It seemed to take him forever before he stood in front of the cell. He ignored when Spike looked up at him expectantly. He waited a moment and glared down the hall to keep up the façade for the guard monitoring the hall that he was waiting for the cell to unlock. A moment later, he nodded and opened the cell to step inside.
Spike stood, with Ben following suit right beside him. Alec didn’t think before he moved and attacked his clone. He had only gotten one good punch in before Spike grabbed and manhandled him, bodily crushing him up against the wall. Even within Spike’s embrace Alec struggled, his eyes still on Ben. He hadn’t even known he was screaming telling Ben that Spike was his.
Spike finally got his attention by doing what Alec needed, sinking his teeth deep into his neck. At the first pull, Alec’s anger crumpled as he felt the euphoria of Spike’s dominance. ‘Better?’
Alec opened his eyes when he heard Spike’s voice. Once he realized Spike was still feeding, he knew they had their connection back. Spike chuckled, ‘Missed you too pet.’
‘Don’t worry pet, I like your brother, but he isn’t you. Don’t have this with him, only you. Now, you here to get us out, or just wanted a taste?’
Lamely he answered out loud, “Alec. Max named me Alec.”
Spike stopped suckling. After a couple of gentle swipes to close the punctured wounds, he pulled back the ridges of his face gone as he searched Alec’s face. The tone of Spike’s words cut into Alec as he spoke out loud. “Alec? You drop me for another bloke?”
Alec shook his head, his throat suddenly dry. “Max is female.”
Pushing him away, Spike stared up at the camera feed. “They break you again, pet?”
“No; and he’s dead, but I brought you his pants. We’re here to break you out.”
Spike took the pants, but held Alec’s gaze demanding, “We? Who? This bint, Max?”
It was irrational, but Alec’s stomach fluttered in pleasure when he heard Spike’s jealous anger.
It was Ben who responded. “X5-452 my unit sister, I told you about her.”
Spike’s tone dipped low, his vehemence elevating. “The one who killed you?”
Unfazed, Ben declared, “I begged her to. I couldn’t return…” Ben trailed off like he suddenly heard what Alec and Spike heard, and knew he sounded ridiculous, especially now since he was standing there alive, a prisoner in one of Manticore’s cells.
Aggravated, Spike headed toward the door, pulling on the pants as he did then ripped the medical gown off. “We can talk about that later pet. We should leave.”
Alec cringed, hearing Spike use the endearment on his twin. Despite his resentment, before Spike could reach the door, Alec grabbed his hand and pulled him away. “Wait! I got the guard who was monitoring inside the cells, but not the one watching the corridors and entrances at the first station, it was too public. We have to wait for the signal.”
“How long?”
Alec shrugged, “Soon. We’ll hear the alarms go off. There are a couple of teams just outside the perimeter with explosives ready to go off right after Eyes Only’s broadcast. It’ll reveal Manticore’s location.”
Ben suddenly stood in front of him, demanding, “What? They can’t do that.”
Still reeling from his jealousy, Alec didn’t bother to hide the disgust he felt toward his clone, snickering he told Ben. “You can stay if you want, but we’re out of here.”
Ben flinched at his tone and cocked his head as if he was trying to figure out what he did wrong.
Annoyed, Spike just rolled his eyes and stated, “Enough, no one’s staying…”
An explosion interrupted, followed by a few more; underneath them the ground rippled from the effect. A blast resonated, this time the entire building shook from the impact; obvious the building was hit. Overhead a loud buzz sounded as cell doors locked and alarms flared to life. Seconds later they heard screams of panic from the neighboring cells throughout the corridor. It wasn’t long before they realized why, and could smell the smoke for themselves. Spike rushed the cell door and was painfully zapped for his effort.
Snaring in game-face, Spike spat out. “That the signal? Bint, betray you?”
Ben spoke up first, “Max wouldn’t.”
For once Alec agreed with his twin, Max was a white hat. If nothing else she’d never betray or leave her brother behind-not again. Screams of fear heightened as the walkway filled with smoke. Ben stared at the glass, then the ceiling. “We have to get out of here or they’ll burn us alive.”
“I think that’s their plan pet.”
Ben nodded. “It’s Manticore they’d destroy everything before it could ever get out.” Then he pointed up, to the ceiling. “There.”
Alec looked to see what his twin had spotted, then kicked himself for not thinking of it sooner. The electric force field had a line wired into the cell. If they could disable the force field, then they’d be able to break through the glass. They didn’t talk, each understanding what they needed to do. Working together Alec let Ben step up into his clasped hands and lifted him so Ben could reach the ceiling. Ben didn’t waste any time as he punched through the ceiling and felt around for the cable wires that powered the force-field and yanked. It dangled from the ceiling, but he wasn’t strong enough to sever the connection.
Spike told him, “Try again.”
He did, causing it to hang further down from the ceiling.
Spike gestured for him to get down. “Good job pet, but let me try now.” With that they traded places. Grunting Spike used his full strength and pulled, bringing half the ceiling down on them-the cable was still intact, but now it hung almost to the floor. Spike jump down and tested the cell, and yelled obscenities; the power was still engaged.
Bouncing, Spike shook the pain off. “Right, you two take this end,” he said, and handed one half of the cable to him and Ben while Spike grabbed the other half and pulled. Under the pressure of their combined strength the cable frayed and sparked. In his head, Alec heard Spike groan out, ‘more’ before the cable snapped in half. Dropping it, Spike moved to the cell door. This time he was cautious and tentatively touched the glass before he spread his fingers out and laid them flat against the glass, then twisted around, grinning as he looked at them. A moment later, he whipped back around and punched through the glass with his other hand.
The glass shattered at Spike’s feet; he laughed and did it again. Alec moved to Spike side, angled and kicked the door of remaining glass of the door.
Stepping outside of the cell, Spike arched back and roared, claiming his freedom. He grinned wickedly; his excitement contagious as he moved down the hall.
As they passed, anomalies screamed. Several hurled themselves at glass and were zapped by their cells’ force field. Spike ran and didn’t stop until he came up to the odd anomaly Alec had passed by earlier and did a double take, skidding to a stop.
He sauntered over, “Well, well, well, who do we have here. Slayer’s donutboy.”
Unfazed, the anomaly nodded, “Spike. Had a feeling that was your mark I smelled on him.” Then he looked behind Spike, catching Alec’s gaze.
“Wot?” Spike’s eyes glanced back and forth between them, then erratically pounded against the cell wall, even as he yelled through the pain of being zapped. “Stop that!”
Ben was the first to react, and pulled Spike away. Immediately the anomaly’s eyes followed and settled on his twin. Where Alec was uncomfortable and shied away under the anomaly’s intense gaze, his twin returned the stare-with blatant interest.
Spike repeated himself and placed his hand over Ben’s eyes. “I said stop that. What’d they do to you? Let you grow a pair? Might not have recognized you at all ‘cept for Hawaiian atrocity you’re wearing.”
The anomaly appeared to have a hard time diverting his eyes away from Ben, and Ben, for his part, just stood in place with Spike’s hand over his eyes. Still, Alec noticed the corners of Ben’s lips arching up as if he was pleased. The anomaly finally directed his gaze at Spike, and snickered lewdly when he looked him up and down. “Shirtless, it’s easy to see why deadboy wanted you; you’re strong, compact and well muscled.”
Spike’s eyes bugged in disbelief then narrowed and snorted. “Huh, suppose Slutty and snacketts will be coming to your rescue, so we’ll leave you to it then, yeah?” Spike removed his hand to usher Ben along, but Ben refused to budge. “Pet we have to go.”
Immediately, Alec cringed at Spike’s use of pet to Ben. Then watched as Ben just looked at Spike with expectation.
A moment later Spike caved, “Aw, bloody hell” and started to pace, cursing under his breath, staring at the ceiling inside the anomaly’s cell. Alec hadn’t even realized he had silently voiced his objection, but Spike quickly responded out loud. “Don’t have time for this, but I told you, pet, I don’t have that with him, but he does look like you, yeah? Besides we don’t need the damn slayer breathing down our backs. Have any ideas to get the git out?”
Turned out they didn’t have to do anything as each cell door throughout the corridor opened. Alec realized it must have been Max, and uttered her name.
Spike whipped around, glaring at him, with an emotion Alec didn’t recognize.
The anomaly didn’t waste any time as he stepped out and grabbed Ben’s hand, running toward the exit.
Stunned, Spike muttered. “Ungrateful-did you see that? He just grabbed Ben’s hand and took off…”
Alec didn’t wait for him to finish and did the same, pulling Spike as they joined the chaos of all the other anomalies racing for the door. Beyond the door there was even more smoke as it blurred their path, flames licking out from the walls. Someone yelled, “Stairs”. This time, it was Spike that was leading as he yanked Alec forward toward the stairwell.
They quickly caught up to his twin, and reached the main floor together, bursting through the door only to be greeted by pandemonium. It only took seconds to realize the exit was blocked by a wall of fire forcing them further inside searching for another exit. Everyone appeared to be running blindly: soldiers and anomalies alike scattering in fear. Others were fighting.
Anomalies were attacking G9s-Manticore’s military true blue lap dogs, humans who serviced as their guards. Although not genetically created like the X series or any of Manticore’s anomalies, they were humans with a tweaked DNA through their daily vitamin regimen, making them weaker than any X series, but stronger than a typical human. They were hated by almost everyone, leaving them with no alternative other than to run or die fighting. A few of them stood their ground and fired their guns at anything that moved up until they ran out of ammunition and the anomaly caught and killed them.
During the mayhem, Alec was shoved and lost his balance, falling to the ground as a large anomaly was pushed through their group in the midst of a fight with two X7s. The anomaly, Joshua, was followed by a larger group of soldiers firing their weapons. He heard a thunderous roar in his head, but didn’t pause as he physically popped back up and immediately engaged in the fight, utilizing all of his training. Alec caught a brief glance of his twin and suppressed his surprise to see Ben fighting and holding his own, side by side with the anomaly Spike had called donutboy.
A moment later, though he didn’t stop fighting, Alec felt a burn graze his arm then the heat of another burn inside his leg. Due to the adrenaline it took him a moment to realize he had been shot. Ignoring the pain, Alec quickly adjusted his stance to protect his leg. It didn’t matter as someone in his blind spot kicked out with purpose, hitting his injured leg, knocking him to the ground. Alec started to move when the barrel of a gun came into view. He heard, ‘Duck!’ and immediately reacted. The gun was suddenly knocked out of the man’s hand, and he felt a gust of wind pass over him. Looking up, he only saw a blur of black leather and white rolling on the ground with a soldier’s body-it was Spike.
Sounds of Spike’s screams quickly followed.
During the chaos someone yelled out his name, but Alec ignored them calling after Spike. He fought to make his body work, to get up and stand. Alec watched helplessly, his eyes glued on the scene, as the soldier took advantage of Spike’s vulnerability and continued to pummel his fists into Spike’s body. Each time Spike did anything, even to defend himself, the chip went off, making him grab his head against the pulsing pain.
Abruptly, doing what he wasn’t able to, Ben tackled and pulled the soldier off. Ben used everything he had to keep him from Spike; unfortunately he was no match for the G9. However, Spike’s friend intervened and lifted the G9 off of Ben and bodily threw him.
He landed at the feet of a young kid who flinched at seeing the fallen soldier. The G9 shook his head catching the young man’s gaze, and in turned seemed to recognize him as well. Grinning, when the young man froze in fear, then spotted his gun and scrambled to reach it. Out of the smoke and shadows, an anomaly moved forward and pulled the young man back and him. Joshua.
Joshua moved and easily kicked the gun out of reach as he pulled the soldier up, roaring in his face. Glancing from the kid to Joshua, Alec gathered from Joshua’s response he knew this particular G9 as he repeatedly hit his body against the wall, hard enough the wall cracked, each hit resounded with a dull thud.
Suddenly, Max was there, blocking his view as she helped him up, with Logan and Asha behind her. Alec didn’t question where she came from, but got to his feet with her help. After he was standing, he turned toward Spike only to see Ben was there and had helped Spike up.
“Spike?” he yelled out.
Distracted Spike answered, “I’m all right pet.” Alec nodded then realized he didn’t hear something and looked over to the wall. The G9, what was left of him, lay in a pile heap on the ground, dead.
Although the smoke was getting heavier, and bodies littered the floor, Alec watched as Spike stalked toward him with purpose, saying, “You’re not.” His fingers were gentle as he inspected Alec’s injuries.
Behind him he heard the anomaly, donutboy, address the kid. “Oh my God, Oz?”
“Xander. Hunters?”
“No, Initiative. New military in Sunnydale.”
Max snapped, “Sorry to break up your reunion, but we need to get the hell out of here.”
It was Spike who answered Max, even as Spike swept him up off his feet. Alec protested. “Not walking anywhere with that leg. Besides the bitch is right, we have to go. It’s not healthy for any of us.”
Alec cringed as Max started to protest against the insult, “Hey!” but Logan cut her off, drawing her attention. “Come on Max, you were right the first time, we have to go.”
She sent Logan a pissed glance before she nodded and ordered, “Joshua take the rear. Let’s blaze.” then took off.
Alec watched as Asha and Logan turned and followed her. Spike didn’t slow down while carrying his weight and was right behind them. Alec glanced behind him and saw Ben with his shadow, the donutboy, hot on his heels-the young kid, Oz, had called him Xander-with Oz and Joshua trailing the ranks behind them.
The heat of the fire roared around them, crackling as they made it through the remains of Section D. Minutes later, they were outside, through an exit that someone had improvised-by driving the van through the wall.
The area around them was deserted. Anyone that could get away had and had scattered, abandoning the compound.
Asha opened the van’s driver door ordering, “Let’s go. Logan you better sit in front in case we’re stopped.”
At the back everyone climbed in. Spike gently put him down and got in beside him. Max had offered to help Spike, but he'd only growled in response as he took a look at Alec’s arm. The bullet had gone clean through just above his elbow, and wasn’t deep as only a trickle of blood seeped through. Spike lifted his arm and leaned in to swipe his tongue over the wound and in the process wiped up excess blood. It wasn’t painful, but felt odd as Spike’s tongue wiggled firmly over the grazed skin that Alec started to pull away. Spike held him, but spoke silently, ‘Had to clean it pet. Now I need to do your leg.’
Carefully Spike lifted the material around his wound at his leg then started to rip. At first it was to expose the wound, but then Spike continued ripping until he was able to push the excess pant leg down his ankle. Inspecting the wound, his fingers gingerly touched the inflamed area. Abruptly he turned around and reached out until he had a grip on Xander’s shirt ripping it cleanly from his body. Xander yelped in surprise, that Spike threw a meek offer of, “Thanks mate.” over his shoulder, but Spike’s eyes were focused on his task in front of him as he applied a tourniquet around Alec’s wounded leg.
Silently, Alec tried to ease Spike’s mind. ‘Spike, it’s all right I’m an X5 remember? We’re really hard to kill, just look at Ben. Trust me I’ll be just fine.’
He couldn’t tell if Spike was too upset to wordlessly return his thoughts, or he if just didn’t give a shit about their audience when he spoke out loud. “I say when and if you’re all right. ‘sides you’ll heal even faster once you get a taste.” Alec didn’t have long to wait to understand what Spike meant. Once he finished the tourniquet Alec watched him dig his thumbnail deep enough to cut and slice through the skin on his wrist, sharp enough to create a steady blood flow. Blue eyes met his, imploring him not to argue. Alec licked his lips in anticipation.
Enjoying his response Spike’s eyes twinkled in mischief as he offered up his wrist.
Neither saw Max move as she slapped Spike’s wrist away and blocked his view as she pushed Spike from Alec. “What the hell do you think-”
Spike reacted, ignoring their cramped space as he gripped Max by the throat, pushing until he slammed her body against the van’s wall, hard enough that it rocked the van. The van swerved, and Spike growled out, “He’s mine! You don’t touch him.”
Someone-the driver, who Alec realized a moment later was Asha, screamed: in one breath, for them to stop fighting, that she was trying to drive; in the second breath, was yelling at Logan to do something before they crashed.
Alec was stunned, although he couldn’t deny the sliver of pleasure he felt. No one had ever fought over him, let alone tried to protect him-until today. At Manticore he was never part of a unit like Max or Ben were. He had been singled out and isolated for most of his training. A soldier trained from the moment he could walk to contain his emotions, to be stoic. Yet right now he was ecstatic and couldn’t even hide his emotions or the lopsided grin as he watched Max continue to fight in vain against Spike.
Max gasped out, “No!” and struggled against Spike’s hold, but he only leaned in and held her tighter, not leaving any room for her to maneuver and kick out, making any impact she might have made against him ineffective.
Logan brushed Asha off, telling her to just keep driving. Logan turned in his seat leaning toward Max, as he tried to defuse the situation. Logan’s voice lowered as he calmly talked. “It’s Spike, right? You need to know they’re like family where he’s her brother. She was being protective. Max only stopped you because she thought you were going to hurt Alec.”
It was Ben who added, “Spike, please… he’s right, she’s my sister. She doesn’t know what your blood can do.” Then Ben addressed Max. “Max, what’s in his blood-it heals better than our universal blood.”
Reluctantly Spike eased his grip, but shifted into game-face to clarify his point. “Blood’s life and my blood’s going to help ‘im…”
Her hand lifted to touch his distorted face, her voice breaking in awe, “What are you?”
Spike flinched, avoiding her hand. This time it was Logan who leaned over swatting her hand away, demanding, “Max don’t! He’s a vampire.”
Spike sneered and leaned back, leaving her with a warning. “Listen to your boy there.” Even as he spoke the ridges on his face smoothed out.
“A vampire? What, like the ones in books? Dracula, Lestat those?”
Alec shivered as he heard a familiar cackle coming from beside Max.
Obviously annoyed, Spike glared at the source before he turned around to face Alec and scooted closer to gently offer his wrist again. Emotionally Alec was still riding high, his smile widened and he didn’t hesitate when he took Spike’s wrist and licked, cleaning the trail of blood back to the cut before clamping his mouth over the wound to draw long pulls, greedily swallowing Spike’s blood.
Spike hovered protectively over him, blocking the others from watching too closely. Still, they couldn’t escape their reactions. From gawking stares to Max’s gasp, or when she started to argue with Logan and speculate what Spike’s blood could to do him. The attention added to Alec’s escalating euphoria. However, Spike kept him calm, physically and emotionally anchoring Alec as Spike’s free hand carded through his hair.
A moment later, Spike’s voice filled his mind as he forcibly pushed Alec away. ‘That’s enough pet, any more and I’ll want to return the favor and do more than just have a taste myself.’ He chuckled, ‘still want to work on your stamina, though I think our first time might be better without an audience.’ Dazed, Alec slowly opened his eyes, startled by the desperate need he felt, and tried to make sense of what Spike had said.
Reluctantly, Alec pulled back with a nod and licked his lips, his eyes fixated on Spike, making it obvious with the gesture that he was enjoying the lingering taste of Spike’s blood. Though it was too low for a human, Alec heard a whimper and recognized that it had come from Ben.
Alec’s lips slid into an easy grin even as his eyes shifted and locked with Ben’s. Alec didn’t bother to hide his feelings-not the pleasure or the superiority he felt that Spike was his. Silently he challenged Ben, stating his claim over the vampire and watched his twin deflate even as he pleaded. Just as Alec didn’t hide his feelings, neither did Ben as he stared, revealing every emotion. Ben’s attachment and need were palpable; he wanted to be sitting at Alec’s side. Not to replace Alec at Spike’s side, but to join them. Alec stared into familiar green eyes, only they simmered with unshed tears, and Ben’s shoulders shook in distress with each breath, his eyes wide, imploring. With each passing second, his hope diminished that Alec would do something to recant his rejection.
Spike reprimanded, ‘Play nice pet.’ Alec ignored and snorted at Spike’s warning. Maybe he should have been gracious or even upset when Ben curled into himself, reeling from Alec’s cold-shoulder.
Heady from the heat of Spike’s blood that continued to pulsate through his body, Alec didn’t care.
Sitting beside Ben, Alec watched as the anomaly, Xander, reached out and pulled his twin to his side, an offer of comfort. Startled, Ben stiffened at Xander’s first touch. His eyes shifted, then quickly looked back to Alec, his hope palpable. He wanted something from Alec, for him to say something, to interfere, anything.
Ben got his answer when Alec kept his silence. Defeated, Ben collapsed against the man beside him and willingly accepted his embrace and allowed Xander to pull him closer, before he shut himself off by closing his eyes.
Alec met the anomalies’ stare, his eyes shimmered green and danced in amusement. Alec recognized Xander’s possessive air and dominance toward his twin. Not that he was about to interfere, he’d made his position abundantly clear-Spike was his.
Although as he took in the scene in front of him, Alec was surprised to feel a measure of comfort that his twin was cared for. Enough that his jealousy toward Ben started to dissipate as he acknowledged, at least to himself, that maybe he didn’t hate his twin; he just wasn’t willing to share Spike.
Fact was, Ben wanted someone to need him. It just couldn’t be Spike, and he didn’t trust Max. Though she was Ben’s unit sister, she had already killed him once. The others, like Xander, he didn’t know, but the dog-man, Joshua, who quietly looked on appeared about as possessive over the little guy next to him as Alec felt about Spike.
He caught Xander staring at him like he had back at Manticore, seeing every nuance like he was under a microscope until it gave him chills.
Suddenly Spike objected and demanded, “Oi, stop that.”
Xander didn’t acknowledge Spike’s protest other than his smile got broader.
At first Alec thought Spike’s protest was about the way Xander was staring him down. However, when he tilted his head, Alec saw Spike’s attention was actually on his twin where Xander had been running his fingers through Ben’s hair.
Spike didn’t notice Alec’s reaction or even when his smile faded.
No, Spike was far too engaged snarling and throwing insults at Xander. Alec watched in dismay to see Ben perk up as each was vying for his attention. What Alec didn’t understand was why? Spike had seen and tasted him first-wasn’t he good enough? Was Ben somehow better? Was it because Ben was born first? Renfro repeatedly told him he was born two minutes later, it had been one of the reasons she had harped on why they had to watch him so closely, that Manticore worried he could develop the same psychotic flaws as his twin. But maybe that was why Spike wanted and preferred Ben over him? Maybe he wasn’t crazy enough. Spike had told him about his Sire Drusilla, had said his dark princess was off the deep end, how he had taken care of her over the years, how much he loved her. Maybe Ben was reminiscent of her, giving Spike someone to take care of. But where did that leave him?
As soon as he asked the question Alec knew the answer-alone.
He wanted to be sick. To move and get away from Spike’s side, but there was nowhere to go. He’d just have to wait and ride it out.
He saw Max shift in her seat. She couldn’t get any closer, but it was Max’s voice that broke through to him as she asked, “Alec, you okay?”
Relying on years of training, he glanced at her without really seeing her, the corner of his lips curled up. “I’m always all right.”
Whether it was what he said or how he said it, Alec suddenly seemed to have everyone’s attention, but it didn’t matter, not now he knew who Spike really wanted and why.
Spike nudged him, silently demanding Alec answer him. He looked away, and tried to block out Spike’s voice.
A moment later, Alec realized he had succeeded and had truly blocked Spike out from their connection. Spike turned, ignoring everyone else as his silence erupted, his voice strained in agitation. “Answer me, pet! You all right?”
For once, Max’s interference rescued him from answering. “Hey, knock it off. You and everyone else just heard him, said he was fine. Now give him some space to rest, he needs to heal. You said so yourself.”
Spike growled under his breath, less to what Max had to say and more in warning to him. Alec disregarded the warning and Spike as he settled back sitting next to him, his eyes never leaving Alec.
For the rest of the night, the long ride was deathly quiet as they used back roads until they passed Seattle’s border and illegally crossed into their sector before heading downtown to Logan’s apartment building. After parking in the garage, Logan and Max got out first. Max quickly disabled the camera before anyone moved to get out of the van.
Once it was safe, Max opened the back door. Spike was the first to hop out and moved to pick him up, but this time Alec rejected his offer and called out for Max.
She turned around surprised, but didn’t question his request as she made her way to his side allowing him to lean on her as they got in the elevator.
Once everyone was out of the van, Asha waved them off and pulled out to go meet up with the rest of her team.
Spike snarled his displeasure, but like everyone else, got in the elevator. Unfortunately, the elevator was as slow as Alec remembered, their space even more confined as he bore the intensity of Spike’s gaze as they made their way up to the penthouse. Overly anxious, when the doors chimed open, Alec hobbled out in his rush to get away from Spike. Spike, his twin, and Xander were at his heels, only to stop and wait for Logan to unlock his door.
Logan quickly responded and opened his door, telling him he should go sit on the couch while he went and got his medical kit. As Logan moved, he kept talking, trying to break the tension, saying it was too late to call Dr. Carr without alerting authorities, but they could call him first thing in the morning.
Spike announced, “Get your kit, but we don’t need you to call anyone,” as he walked into Logan’s kitchen only to return with a knife, a glass and a few other utensils including a bottle of Jack.
Spike sat down on the coffee table in front of him, setting the utensils down at his side. Opening the bottle of liquor, Spike openly glared at Alec, daring him to protest, then poured a generous amount over a knife he held in his hand. When he finished, instead of using the glass at his side, Spike took a long swig before he put it down.
When Logan returned, he stopped in his tracks as he took in the scene. “Shit, you’re not going to…”
Taking the kit from Logan, Spike answered, even as he rummaged through the kit. “Not going to wait for your friend, need to get that bullet out now.”
“But…”
Setting aside what he would need, Spike answered, “No buts. Once the bullet is out he can heal proper.”
Max was about to protest, but suddenly her gaze fixated on Alec’s arm, searching for the wound. Her voice was steady, but Alec caught the curious inflection of Max’s interest. “Like his arm?”
Someone whistled and Alec cranked his neck to see as he followed Max’s gaze and saw the wound had completely healed. The only evidence that something had even been there was the tint of pink from freshly knitted skin.
Alec couldn’t deny he was impressed, but he also remembered exactly what Spike did to aid the flesh wound to heal: licking it clean and making Alec drink Spike’s blood. However, since he needed to pull away from Spike, Alec was certain he couldn’t allow Spike lick his leg. The gesture was too intimate, his reaction to Spike unstable. He was afraid he’d lose control, and crave more. It was something he wanted, but not at the cost of being second to Ben.
Worriedly he glanced up, ready to object, but everyone had gathered around them, eager to watch. Spike suddenly moved and clasped his leg, holding him tight.
“No, don’t,” Alec protested.
“Have to, pet. Be as quick as I can.” Spike looked above him and added, “Hold ‘im down.” Without waiting any further, Spike used the tip of the knife and created an incision at the edge of his wound to create a wider opening and proceeded to dig the bullet out.
The pain seared through Alec. Involuntarily, he started to bolt upward in his seat, but felt the heavy weight of someone’s hands on his shoulders to hold him in place. He was about to look up to see who it was, but he couldn’t take his eyes off of Spike.
It was amazing how steady Spike’s hands were as they worked, deftly wielding the knife, embedding it deeper into his skin. A moment later, Spike announced, “There’s the bugger, we’re almost there pet.”
Alec nearly jumped again when he felt the intrusion of Spike’s fingers digging around creating a larger hole, pushing flesh aside as he tried to reach the bullet. Alec closed his eyes, fighting against the increased pain, panting through his nose, when he heard Spike’s voice, “Got it,” followed by a clink, and he realized what the glass was for.
He felt the person behind him move; their fingers eased up, offering comfort instead of restraint, their thumbs caressing his neck. Dazed, he looked behind him to see it was Ben. He didn’t get a chance to say anything as Spike abruptly picked him up and asked Logan, “Where’s your bedroom?”
Logan seemed almost as startled as he was and just pointed.
Spike headed in the direction Logan indicated. At the door, Spike paused half a second before he announced, "Tonight, once it’s dark, we’re leaving.”
Spike didn’t say 'he', but 'we'. It wasn’t a question but a statement; Spike expected Alec to go with him. When Alec didn’t say anything, still in shock over Spike's words, Spike continued, “We’ll head toward LA.” Alec did catch the look Spike threw at Xander and Oz. It was full of meaning as he silently communicated a question. Xander was the first to nod what Alec interpreted as a yes.
Yet Oz turned away like he was conflicted for some reason. Alec didn’t understand the issue, but somehow Joshua did. He stood behind Oz, a hand-paw on Oz’s shoulder, and possessively pulled the young man flush against him. Whatever reassurance Oz had needed had been received from Joshua and Spike, because he nodded his consent to Spike, who replied with his own curt nod.
Then Spike’s gaze turned to his twin. Alec watched dumbfounded as Spike lowered his eyes with regret before he turned away. It was then Alec understood the question; Spike had asked Xander and Oz if they were going to accompany them to LA where Spike’s grand-Sire, Angel, lived. Oz had been going to reject the invite to stay with Joshua. Spike understood and had extended the offer to Joshua where Oz accepted the invite for both of them. However, for whatever reason, Spike had just excluded Ben.
Ben didn’t say a word, but Alec knew he could see the truth in Ben’s eyes. Ben clearly knew what Spike had asked the others, knew he hadn’t been asked to join them. Ben met his gaze. Alec saw his eyes water, knew Ben wouldn’t stop the tears from falling, but what shocked him the most was that Ben didn’t beg him to go with them. To say Ben was distraught was an understatement, but Alec could see that, for some reason, Ben had accepted Spike’s rejection.
Spike closed the door just as a single tear fell from Ben’s eyes.
Next~
Part 1
Part 2
Max was right, getting in was the easy part.
By the time they pulled up to Manticore’s front door, Ash and her teams were in place, staggered throughout the woods on the north side and hidden hopefully just outside of X7’s radar. At the gate, they were expected and were allowed to drive in. Alec smirked and waved to the camera, acknowledging Renfro, letting her know he knew she was watching them. Once they opened the gate, he drove through, pulling to a stop in front of the south side entrance to the control room where Renfro waited inside. Max jumped out and got Logan’s chair ready as he moved around, and lifted Logan and placed him in the chair.
Once inside, they had little time to make it to the command room, to distract the guards long enough to get in, and transmit a sonic order to send the X7’s to guard the north side. Working together with Logan as their decoy, they were able to get in and out.
From there, he and Max split up. Max continued on and wheeled Logan down the corridor to the medical center where Renfro was waiting. Alec headed toward Section D.
The schedule was tight. Max had less than fifteen minutes to get Logan’s second dosage before Logan’s message as Eyes Only would trigger and play live, giving out Manticore’s address. Simultaneously, Asha’s teams would set off a series of charges to occupy and cut off the X7 soldiers. Alec had to pass two stations to get in section D; once Alec heard Manticore’s alarms going off that they were under attack, it’d be his cue to get ‘em the hell out there.
At the first station, Alec greeted the guard. His demeanor informal as Alec slouched against the door and smiled, pouring on the charm. Alec knew a good percentage of the guards throughout Manticore, and those he didn’t know, knew him by reputation. He glanced behind the guard, taking note of the monitors; cameras were placed in strategic places surrounding Section D, including the corridor where Spike was located however at this post there were no cameras monitoring inside of the cells. He casually informed the guard he was under Renfro’s order to get his twin, 493, and escort him to the infirmary for invasive tests, while the anomaly was to starve for a few days, to be reminded it was her orders that it needed to remember and follow to the letter. Alec hit the right inflection as he rolled his eyes accusing the anomaly of being stupid that he’ll be dead if he doesn’t figure out how to follow Renfro’s simple orders.
The guard snorted in agreement even as he pushed the button and buzzed Alec in.
Inside of Section D, Alec made his way to the elevator and pushed for the third floor and waited as the doors closed. Once the doors opened, he headed straight for the second station. There was only one guard, his job to monitor the prisoners inside their cells. After Alec approached, he started to talk, spewing a similar set of lies to the guard as he had for the first guard. Simultaneously, Alec searched the monitors behind the guard until he found Spike. The vampire sat on the floor with Ben curled up over his lap. Spike looked the same, only he was wearing a long black jacket over the medical gown, threading his fingers through his doppelganger’s hair.
Relief and jealously collided and warred inside of himself, neither emotions he had time for. Silently, Alec called out to Spike to let him know he was coming-there was no response.
Unplanned, he blurted out some sound that the guard turned around to see what had caught his attention. Alec didn’t waste the opportunity as he grabbed the guard and held him in a head-lock, and then quickly twisted, breaking the man’s neck. Dropping his body, Alec quickly disabled Spike’s cell and the alarmed lock of the door. He glanced at the monitors to Spike then eyed the man at his feet and bent down, shucking his pants off. He folded and pressed them flat before tucking them in his waist band under his shirt, then buzzed himself in to enter the corridor. When the door behind him closed, he inclined his chin to the camera where the guard at the first station was monitoring, making it appear everything was normal.
Now he only had to wait for the alarms.
Maintaining a causal gait, Alec continued down the corridor, making his way toward Spike. His stomach tightened in anticipation. He was nervous and couldn’t stop the unwanted image or the jealousy he felt as he replayed the unwanted memory of Spike feeding from his clone. With every step bringing him closer to Spike, Alec had to shake his hands; the itch to clench his fists in anger-to beat his clone, soared to new heights. His jealousy heightened and spiraled as strongly as Alec’s need to stake a claim over the vampire, to make him his.
All he wanted was to have Spike hold him, the way Alec saw he held Ben. To once again feel Spike’s teeth sinking into his skin, the suction Spike created as he fed, as a need started to build and collide with his want and desire to be taken. Intellectually, Alec knew the full extent what that meant, what he was willing-wanted-Spike do, to take him sexually.
However now wasn’t the time. To occupy his mind, Alec took stock of the anomalies being held prisoner. From the monitors, Alec had a clear indication only half the cells were occupied, compared to the full occupancy he had observed when he had been escorted out. He could only guess on whether or not the anomaly’s had been terminated or were indoctrinated. Of those present, most of the anomalies were indescribable, creatures similar to those in Manticore’s prison basement. The only difference was these anomalies were not created and manufactured by Manticore. There were also a few that were humanoid. Whether they were vampires like Spike or something else, Alec didn’t know.
Most of the anomalies didn’t give him more than a passing glance as he walked by. Judging from the last time Alec had walked down this corridor, it was evident they were docile and weak from starvation that Renfro broke their spirit. His passage caused no response-other than mild curiosity from a few as he passed their cell.
Half way down, he felt eyes on him. Looking up Alec noticed someone standing at the edge of his cell, waiting for him to approach. Under the anomaly’s blatant gaze, Alec slowed his step. He easily stood out by his attire alone. Unlike everyone else, he was wearing actual clothes and not a white medical gown like the others. Alec quickly took inventory, outside of the fact he had no shoes, the anomaly looked like he had been captured right off the street. He wore dark blue jeans and an oversized flowered buttoned down shirt with a tee-shirt underneath. More importantly, unlike the others, he appeared strong and defiant. He was young, Alec guessed close to his own age, an inch or two shorter, broader with waves a brown hair, and brown eyes that suddenly glimmered green.
For a moment, Alec thought he had made a mistake, and that the anomaly was another vampire like Spike. However, when he didn’t go into game-face with fangs dropping in hunger, Alec adjusted his assessment. The anomaly met Alec’s gaze, then tilted his head up and sniffed the air.
Alec thought the gesture was ridiculous since there were no openings between him and the glass cell. However, it didn’t stop the young man who a moment later appeared to be pleased, as if he had indeed collected some sort of information. The corners of his bow lips spread up and out into a hideously wide grin.
A tremor crept up Alec’s spine under the anomaly’s intense stare. There was something about the anomaly that made him uneasy. Not allowing the anomaly to get the better of him, Alec tipped his head in acknowledgement, his own smirk settling into place as he passed the man’s cell.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw the anomaly’s grin erupt into giggles, like Alec had done something funny. The volume increased, following Alec until it turned into a boisterous laugh. Alec grimaced at the oddity and belatedly realized the glass had to be cutting off half of the sound. Irrationally skittish, Alec increased his step under the weight of the anomaly’s laughter.
Alec concentrated as he stared ahead to the four cells in front of him, where Spike’s cell lay. It seemed to take him forever before he stood in front of the cell. He ignored when Spike looked up at him expectantly. He waited a moment and glared down the hall to keep up the façade for the guard monitoring the hall that he was waiting for the cell to unlock. A moment later, he nodded and opened the cell to step inside.
Spike stood, with Ben following suit right beside him. Alec didn’t think before he moved and attacked his clone. He had only gotten one good punch in before Spike grabbed and manhandled him, bodily crushing him up against the wall. Even within Spike’s embrace Alec struggled, his eyes still on Ben. He hadn’t even known he was screaming telling Ben that Spike was his.
Spike finally got his attention by doing what Alec needed, sinking his teeth deep into his neck. At the first pull, Alec’s anger crumpled as he felt the euphoria of Spike’s dominance. ‘Better?’
Alec opened his eyes when he heard Spike’s voice. Once he realized Spike was still feeding, he knew they had their connection back. Spike chuckled, ‘Missed you too pet.’
‘Don’t worry pet, I like your brother, but he isn’t you. Don’t have this with him, only you. Now, you here to get us out, or just wanted a taste?’
Lamely he answered out loud, “Alec. Max named me Alec.”
Spike stopped suckling. After a couple of gentle swipes to close the punctured wounds, he pulled back the ridges of his face gone as he searched Alec’s face. The tone of Spike’s words cut into Alec as he spoke out loud. “Alec? You drop me for another bloke?”
Alec shook his head, his throat suddenly dry. “Max is female.”
Pushing him away, Spike stared up at the camera feed. “They break you again, pet?”
“No; and he’s dead, but I brought you his pants. We’re here to break you out.”
Spike took the pants, but held Alec’s gaze demanding, “We? Who? This bint, Max?”
It was irrational, but Alec’s stomach fluttered in pleasure when he heard Spike’s jealous anger.
It was Ben who responded. “X5-452 my unit sister, I told you about her.”
Spike’s tone dipped low, his vehemence elevating. “The one who killed you?”
Unfazed, Ben declared, “I begged her to. I couldn’t return…” Ben trailed off like he suddenly heard what Alec and Spike heard, and knew he sounded ridiculous, especially now since he was standing there alive, a prisoner in one of Manticore’s cells.
Aggravated, Spike headed toward the door, pulling on the pants as he did then ripped the medical gown off. “We can talk about that later pet. We should leave.”
Alec cringed, hearing Spike use the endearment on his twin. Despite his resentment, before Spike could reach the door, Alec grabbed his hand and pulled him away. “Wait! I got the guard who was monitoring inside the cells, but not the one watching the corridors and entrances at the first station, it was too public. We have to wait for the signal.”
“How long?”
Alec shrugged, “Soon. We’ll hear the alarms go off. There are a couple of teams just outside the perimeter with explosives ready to go off right after Eyes Only’s broadcast. It’ll reveal Manticore’s location.”
Ben suddenly stood in front of him, demanding, “What? They can’t do that.”
Still reeling from his jealousy, Alec didn’t bother to hide the disgust he felt toward his clone, snickering he told Ben. “You can stay if you want, but we’re out of here.”
Ben flinched at his tone and cocked his head as if he was trying to figure out what he did wrong.
Annoyed, Spike just rolled his eyes and stated, “Enough, no one’s staying…”
An explosion interrupted, followed by a few more; underneath them the ground rippled from the effect. A blast resonated, this time the entire building shook from the impact; obvious the building was hit. Overhead a loud buzz sounded as cell doors locked and alarms flared to life. Seconds later they heard screams of panic from the neighboring cells throughout the corridor. It wasn’t long before they realized why, and could smell the smoke for themselves. Spike rushed the cell door and was painfully zapped for his effort.
Snaring in game-face, Spike spat out. “That the signal? Bint, betray you?”
Ben spoke up first, “Max wouldn’t.”
For once Alec agreed with his twin, Max was a white hat. If nothing else she’d never betray or leave her brother behind-not again. Screams of fear heightened as the walkway filled with smoke. Ben stared at the glass, then the ceiling. “We have to get out of here or they’ll burn us alive.”
“I think that’s their plan pet.”
Ben nodded. “It’s Manticore they’d destroy everything before it could ever get out.” Then he pointed up, to the ceiling. “There.”
Alec looked to see what his twin had spotted, then kicked himself for not thinking of it sooner. The electric force field had a line wired into the cell. If they could disable the force field, then they’d be able to break through the glass. They didn’t talk, each understanding what they needed to do. Working together Alec let Ben step up into his clasped hands and lifted him so Ben could reach the ceiling. Ben didn’t waste any time as he punched through the ceiling and felt around for the cable wires that powered the force-field and yanked. It dangled from the ceiling, but he wasn’t strong enough to sever the connection.
Spike told him, “Try again.”
He did, causing it to hang further down from the ceiling.
Spike gestured for him to get down. “Good job pet, but let me try now.” With that they traded places. Grunting Spike used his full strength and pulled, bringing half the ceiling down on them-the cable was still intact, but now it hung almost to the floor. Spike jump down and tested the cell, and yelled obscenities; the power was still engaged.
Bouncing, Spike shook the pain off. “Right, you two take this end,” he said, and handed one half of the cable to him and Ben while Spike grabbed the other half and pulled. Under the pressure of their combined strength the cable frayed and sparked. In his head, Alec heard Spike groan out, ‘more’ before the cable snapped in half. Dropping it, Spike moved to the cell door. This time he was cautious and tentatively touched the glass before he spread his fingers out and laid them flat against the glass, then twisted around, grinning as he looked at them. A moment later, he whipped back around and punched through the glass with his other hand.
The glass shattered at Spike’s feet; he laughed and did it again. Alec moved to Spike side, angled and kicked the door of remaining glass of the door.
Stepping outside of the cell, Spike arched back and roared, claiming his freedom. He grinned wickedly; his excitement contagious as he moved down the hall.
As they passed, anomalies screamed. Several hurled themselves at glass and were zapped by their cells’ force field. Spike ran and didn’t stop until he came up to the odd anomaly Alec had passed by earlier and did a double take, skidding to a stop.
He sauntered over, “Well, well, well, who do we have here. Slayer’s donutboy.”
Unfazed, the anomaly nodded, “Spike. Had a feeling that was your mark I smelled on him.” Then he looked behind Spike, catching Alec’s gaze.
“Wot?” Spike’s eyes glanced back and forth between them, then erratically pounded against the cell wall, even as he yelled through the pain of being zapped. “Stop that!”
Ben was the first to react, and pulled Spike away. Immediately the anomaly’s eyes followed and settled on his twin. Where Alec was uncomfortable and shied away under the anomaly’s intense gaze, his twin returned the stare-with blatant interest.
Spike repeated himself and placed his hand over Ben’s eyes. “I said stop that. What’d they do to you? Let you grow a pair? Might not have recognized you at all ‘cept for Hawaiian atrocity you’re wearing.”
The anomaly appeared to have a hard time diverting his eyes away from Ben, and Ben, for his part, just stood in place with Spike’s hand over his eyes. Still, Alec noticed the corners of Ben’s lips arching up as if he was pleased. The anomaly finally directed his gaze at Spike, and snickered lewdly when he looked him up and down. “Shirtless, it’s easy to see why deadboy wanted you; you’re strong, compact and well muscled.”
Spike’s eyes bugged in disbelief then narrowed and snorted. “Huh, suppose Slutty and snacketts will be coming to your rescue, so we’ll leave you to it then, yeah?” Spike removed his hand to usher Ben along, but Ben refused to budge. “Pet we have to go.”
Immediately, Alec cringed at Spike’s use of pet to Ben. Then watched as Ben just looked at Spike with expectation.
A moment later Spike caved, “Aw, bloody hell” and started to pace, cursing under his breath, staring at the ceiling inside the anomaly’s cell. Alec hadn’t even realized he had silently voiced his objection, but Spike quickly responded out loud. “Don’t have time for this, but I told you, pet, I don’t have that with him, but he does look like you, yeah? Besides we don’t need the damn slayer breathing down our backs. Have any ideas to get the git out?”
Turned out they didn’t have to do anything as each cell door throughout the corridor opened. Alec realized it must have been Max, and uttered her name.
Spike whipped around, glaring at him, with an emotion Alec didn’t recognize.
The anomaly didn’t waste any time as he stepped out and grabbed Ben’s hand, running toward the exit.
Stunned, Spike muttered. “Ungrateful-did you see that? He just grabbed Ben’s hand and took off…”
Alec didn’t wait for him to finish and did the same, pulling Spike as they joined the chaos of all the other anomalies racing for the door. Beyond the door there was even more smoke as it blurred their path, flames licking out from the walls. Someone yelled, “Stairs”. This time, it was Spike that was leading as he yanked Alec forward toward the stairwell.
They quickly caught up to his twin, and reached the main floor together, bursting through the door only to be greeted by pandemonium. It only took seconds to realize the exit was blocked by a wall of fire forcing them further inside searching for another exit. Everyone appeared to be running blindly: soldiers and anomalies alike scattering in fear. Others were fighting.
Anomalies were attacking G9s-Manticore’s military true blue lap dogs, humans who serviced as their guards. Although not genetically created like the X series or any of Manticore’s anomalies, they were humans with a tweaked DNA through their daily vitamin regimen, making them weaker than any X series, but stronger than a typical human. They were hated by almost everyone, leaving them with no alternative other than to run or die fighting. A few of them stood their ground and fired their guns at anything that moved up until they ran out of ammunition and the anomaly caught and killed them.
During the mayhem, Alec was shoved and lost his balance, falling to the ground as a large anomaly was pushed through their group in the midst of a fight with two X7s. The anomaly, Joshua, was followed by a larger group of soldiers firing their weapons. He heard a thunderous roar in his head, but didn’t pause as he physically popped back up and immediately engaged in the fight, utilizing all of his training. Alec caught a brief glance of his twin and suppressed his surprise to see Ben fighting and holding his own, side by side with the anomaly Spike had called donutboy.
A moment later, though he didn’t stop fighting, Alec felt a burn graze his arm then the heat of another burn inside his leg. Due to the adrenaline it took him a moment to realize he had been shot. Ignoring the pain, Alec quickly adjusted his stance to protect his leg. It didn’t matter as someone in his blind spot kicked out with purpose, hitting his injured leg, knocking him to the ground. Alec started to move when the barrel of a gun came into view. He heard, ‘Duck!’ and immediately reacted. The gun was suddenly knocked out of the man’s hand, and he felt a gust of wind pass over him. Looking up, he only saw a blur of black leather and white rolling on the ground with a soldier’s body-it was Spike.
Sounds of Spike’s screams quickly followed.
During the chaos someone yelled out his name, but Alec ignored them calling after Spike. He fought to make his body work, to get up and stand. Alec watched helplessly, his eyes glued on the scene, as the soldier took advantage of Spike’s vulnerability and continued to pummel his fists into Spike’s body. Each time Spike did anything, even to defend himself, the chip went off, making him grab his head against the pulsing pain.
Abruptly, doing what he wasn’t able to, Ben tackled and pulled the soldier off. Ben used everything he had to keep him from Spike; unfortunately he was no match for the G9. However, Spike’s friend intervened and lifted the G9 off of Ben and bodily threw him.
He landed at the feet of a young kid who flinched at seeing the fallen soldier. The G9 shook his head catching the young man’s gaze, and in turned seemed to recognize him as well. Grinning, when the young man froze in fear, then spotted his gun and scrambled to reach it. Out of the smoke and shadows, an anomaly moved forward and pulled the young man back and him. Joshua.
Joshua moved and easily kicked the gun out of reach as he pulled the soldier up, roaring in his face. Glancing from the kid to Joshua, Alec gathered from Joshua’s response he knew this particular G9 as he repeatedly hit his body against the wall, hard enough the wall cracked, each hit resounded with a dull thud.
Suddenly, Max was there, blocking his view as she helped him up, with Logan and Asha behind her. Alec didn’t question where she came from, but got to his feet with her help. After he was standing, he turned toward Spike only to see Ben was there and had helped Spike up.
“Spike?” he yelled out.
Distracted Spike answered, “I’m all right pet.” Alec nodded then realized he didn’t hear something and looked over to the wall. The G9, what was left of him, lay in a pile heap on the ground, dead.
Although the smoke was getting heavier, and bodies littered the floor, Alec watched as Spike stalked toward him with purpose, saying, “You’re not.” His fingers were gentle as he inspected Alec’s injuries.
Behind him he heard the anomaly, donutboy, address the kid. “Oh my God, Oz?”
“Xander. Hunters?”
“No, Initiative. New military in Sunnydale.”
Max snapped, “Sorry to break up your reunion, but we need to get the hell out of here.”
It was Spike who answered Max, even as Spike swept him up off his feet. Alec protested. “Not walking anywhere with that leg. Besides the bitch is right, we have to go. It’s not healthy for any of us.”
Alec cringed as Max started to protest against the insult, “Hey!” but Logan cut her off, drawing her attention. “Come on Max, you were right the first time, we have to go.”
She sent Logan a pissed glance before she nodded and ordered, “Joshua take the rear. Let’s blaze.” then took off.
Alec watched as Asha and Logan turned and followed her. Spike didn’t slow down while carrying his weight and was right behind them. Alec glanced behind him and saw Ben with his shadow, the donutboy, hot on his heels-the young kid, Oz, had called him Xander-with Oz and Joshua trailing the ranks behind them.
The heat of the fire roared around them, crackling as they made it through the remains of Section D. Minutes later, they were outside, through an exit that someone had improvised-by driving the van through the wall.
The area around them was deserted. Anyone that could get away had and had scattered, abandoning the compound.
Asha opened the van’s driver door ordering, “Let’s go. Logan you better sit in front in case we’re stopped.”
At the back everyone climbed in. Spike gently put him down and got in beside him. Max had offered to help Spike, but he'd only growled in response as he took a look at Alec’s arm. The bullet had gone clean through just above his elbow, and wasn’t deep as only a trickle of blood seeped through. Spike lifted his arm and leaned in to swipe his tongue over the wound and in the process wiped up excess blood. It wasn’t painful, but felt odd as Spike’s tongue wiggled firmly over the grazed skin that Alec started to pull away. Spike held him, but spoke silently, ‘Had to clean it pet. Now I need to do your leg.’
Carefully Spike lifted the material around his wound at his leg then started to rip. At first it was to expose the wound, but then Spike continued ripping until he was able to push the excess pant leg down his ankle. Inspecting the wound, his fingers gingerly touched the inflamed area. Abruptly he turned around and reached out until he had a grip on Xander’s shirt ripping it cleanly from his body. Xander yelped in surprise, that Spike threw a meek offer of, “Thanks mate.” over his shoulder, but Spike’s eyes were focused on his task in front of him as he applied a tourniquet around Alec’s wounded leg.
Silently, Alec tried to ease Spike’s mind. ‘Spike, it’s all right I’m an X5 remember? We’re really hard to kill, just look at Ben. Trust me I’ll be just fine.’
He couldn’t tell if Spike was too upset to wordlessly return his thoughts, or he if just didn’t give a shit about their audience when he spoke out loud. “I say when and if you’re all right. ‘sides you’ll heal even faster once you get a taste.” Alec didn’t have long to wait to understand what Spike meant. Once he finished the tourniquet Alec watched him dig his thumbnail deep enough to cut and slice through the skin on his wrist, sharp enough to create a steady blood flow. Blue eyes met his, imploring him not to argue. Alec licked his lips in anticipation.
Enjoying his response Spike’s eyes twinkled in mischief as he offered up his wrist.
Neither saw Max move as she slapped Spike’s wrist away and blocked his view as she pushed Spike from Alec. “What the hell do you think-”
Spike reacted, ignoring their cramped space as he gripped Max by the throat, pushing until he slammed her body against the van’s wall, hard enough that it rocked the van. The van swerved, and Spike growled out, “He’s mine! You don’t touch him.”
Someone-the driver, who Alec realized a moment later was Asha, screamed: in one breath, for them to stop fighting, that she was trying to drive; in the second breath, was yelling at Logan to do something before they crashed.
Alec was stunned, although he couldn’t deny the sliver of pleasure he felt. No one had ever fought over him, let alone tried to protect him-until today. At Manticore he was never part of a unit like Max or Ben were. He had been singled out and isolated for most of his training. A soldier trained from the moment he could walk to contain his emotions, to be stoic. Yet right now he was ecstatic and couldn’t even hide his emotions or the lopsided grin as he watched Max continue to fight in vain against Spike.
Max gasped out, “No!” and struggled against Spike’s hold, but he only leaned in and held her tighter, not leaving any room for her to maneuver and kick out, making any impact she might have made against him ineffective.
Logan brushed Asha off, telling her to just keep driving. Logan turned in his seat leaning toward Max, as he tried to defuse the situation. Logan’s voice lowered as he calmly talked. “It’s Spike, right? You need to know they’re like family where he’s her brother. She was being protective. Max only stopped you because she thought you were going to hurt Alec.”
It was Ben who added, “Spike, please… he’s right, she’s my sister. She doesn’t know what your blood can do.” Then Ben addressed Max. “Max, what’s in his blood-it heals better than our universal blood.”
Reluctantly Spike eased his grip, but shifted into game-face to clarify his point. “Blood’s life and my blood’s going to help ‘im…”
Her hand lifted to touch his distorted face, her voice breaking in awe, “What are you?”
Spike flinched, avoiding her hand. This time it was Logan who leaned over swatting her hand away, demanding, “Max don’t! He’s a vampire.”
Spike sneered and leaned back, leaving her with a warning. “Listen to your boy there.” Even as he spoke the ridges on his face smoothed out.
“A vampire? What, like the ones in books? Dracula, Lestat those?”
Alec shivered as he heard a familiar cackle coming from beside Max.
Obviously annoyed, Spike glared at the source before he turned around to face Alec and scooted closer to gently offer his wrist again. Emotionally Alec was still riding high, his smile widened and he didn’t hesitate when he took Spike’s wrist and licked, cleaning the trail of blood back to the cut before clamping his mouth over the wound to draw long pulls, greedily swallowing Spike’s blood.
Spike hovered protectively over him, blocking the others from watching too closely. Still, they couldn’t escape their reactions. From gawking stares to Max’s gasp, or when she started to argue with Logan and speculate what Spike’s blood could to do him. The attention added to Alec’s escalating euphoria. However, Spike kept him calm, physically and emotionally anchoring Alec as Spike’s free hand carded through his hair.
A moment later, Spike’s voice filled his mind as he forcibly pushed Alec away. ‘That’s enough pet, any more and I’ll want to return the favor and do more than just have a taste myself.’ He chuckled, ‘still want to work on your stamina, though I think our first time might be better without an audience.’ Dazed, Alec slowly opened his eyes, startled by the desperate need he felt, and tried to make sense of what Spike had said.
Reluctantly, Alec pulled back with a nod and licked his lips, his eyes fixated on Spike, making it obvious with the gesture that he was enjoying the lingering taste of Spike’s blood. Though it was too low for a human, Alec heard a whimper and recognized that it had come from Ben.
Alec’s lips slid into an easy grin even as his eyes shifted and locked with Ben’s. Alec didn’t bother to hide his feelings-not the pleasure or the superiority he felt that Spike was his. Silently he challenged Ben, stating his claim over the vampire and watched his twin deflate even as he pleaded. Just as Alec didn’t hide his feelings, neither did Ben as he stared, revealing every emotion. Ben’s attachment and need were palpable; he wanted to be sitting at Alec’s side. Not to replace Alec at Spike’s side, but to join them. Alec stared into familiar green eyes, only they simmered with unshed tears, and Ben’s shoulders shook in distress with each breath, his eyes wide, imploring. With each passing second, his hope diminished that Alec would do something to recant his rejection.
Spike reprimanded, ‘Play nice pet.’ Alec ignored and snorted at Spike’s warning. Maybe he should have been gracious or even upset when Ben curled into himself, reeling from Alec’s cold-shoulder.
Heady from the heat of Spike’s blood that continued to pulsate through his body, Alec didn’t care.
Sitting beside Ben, Alec watched as the anomaly, Xander, reached out and pulled his twin to his side, an offer of comfort. Startled, Ben stiffened at Xander’s first touch. His eyes shifted, then quickly looked back to Alec, his hope palpable. He wanted something from Alec, for him to say something, to interfere, anything.
Ben got his answer when Alec kept his silence. Defeated, Ben collapsed against the man beside him and willingly accepted his embrace and allowed Xander to pull him closer, before he shut himself off by closing his eyes.
Alec met the anomalies’ stare, his eyes shimmered green and danced in amusement. Alec recognized Xander’s possessive air and dominance toward his twin. Not that he was about to interfere, he’d made his position abundantly clear-Spike was his.
Although as he took in the scene in front of him, Alec was surprised to feel a measure of comfort that his twin was cared for. Enough that his jealousy toward Ben started to dissipate as he acknowledged, at least to himself, that maybe he didn’t hate his twin; he just wasn’t willing to share Spike.
Fact was, Ben wanted someone to need him. It just couldn’t be Spike, and he didn’t trust Max. Though she was Ben’s unit sister, she had already killed him once. The others, like Xander, he didn’t know, but the dog-man, Joshua, who quietly looked on appeared about as possessive over the little guy next to him as Alec felt about Spike.
He caught Xander staring at him like he had back at Manticore, seeing every nuance like he was under a microscope until it gave him chills.
Suddenly Spike objected and demanded, “Oi, stop that.”
Xander didn’t acknowledge Spike’s protest other than his smile got broader.
At first Alec thought Spike’s protest was about the way Xander was staring him down. However, when he tilted his head, Alec saw Spike’s attention was actually on his twin where Xander had been running his fingers through Ben’s hair.
Spike didn’t notice Alec’s reaction or even when his smile faded.
No, Spike was far too engaged snarling and throwing insults at Xander. Alec watched in dismay to see Ben perk up as each was vying for his attention. What Alec didn’t understand was why? Spike had seen and tasted him first-wasn’t he good enough? Was Ben somehow better? Was it because Ben was born first? Renfro repeatedly told him he was born two minutes later, it had been one of the reasons she had harped on why they had to watch him so closely, that Manticore worried he could develop the same psychotic flaws as his twin. But maybe that was why Spike wanted and preferred Ben over him? Maybe he wasn’t crazy enough. Spike had told him about his Sire Drusilla, had said his dark princess was off the deep end, how he had taken care of her over the years, how much he loved her. Maybe Ben was reminiscent of her, giving Spike someone to take care of. But where did that leave him?
As soon as he asked the question Alec knew the answer-alone.
He wanted to be sick. To move and get away from Spike’s side, but there was nowhere to go. He’d just have to wait and ride it out.
He saw Max shift in her seat. She couldn’t get any closer, but it was Max’s voice that broke through to him as she asked, “Alec, you okay?”
Relying on years of training, he glanced at her without really seeing her, the corner of his lips curled up. “I’m always all right.”
Whether it was what he said or how he said it, Alec suddenly seemed to have everyone’s attention, but it didn’t matter, not now he knew who Spike really wanted and why.
Spike nudged him, silently demanding Alec answer him. He looked away, and tried to block out Spike’s voice.
A moment later, Alec realized he had succeeded and had truly blocked Spike out from their connection. Spike turned, ignoring everyone else as his silence erupted, his voice strained in agitation. “Answer me, pet! You all right?”
For once, Max’s interference rescued him from answering. “Hey, knock it off. You and everyone else just heard him, said he was fine. Now give him some space to rest, he needs to heal. You said so yourself.”
Spike growled under his breath, less to what Max had to say and more in warning to him. Alec disregarded the warning and Spike as he settled back sitting next to him, his eyes never leaving Alec.
For the rest of the night, the long ride was deathly quiet as they used back roads until they passed Seattle’s border and illegally crossed into their sector before heading downtown to Logan’s apartment building. After parking in the garage, Logan and Max got out first. Max quickly disabled the camera before anyone moved to get out of the van.
Once it was safe, Max opened the back door. Spike was the first to hop out and moved to pick him up, but this time Alec rejected his offer and called out for Max.
She turned around surprised, but didn’t question his request as she made her way to his side allowing him to lean on her as they got in the elevator.
Once everyone was out of the van, Asha waved them off and pulled out to go meet up with the rest of her team.
Spike snarled his displeasure, but like everyone else, got in the elevator. Unfortunately, the elevator was as slow as Alec remembered, their space even more confined as he bore the intensity of Spike’s gaze as they made their way up to the penthouse. Overly anxious, when the doors chimed open, Alec hobbled out in his rush to get away from Spike. Spike, his twin, and Xander were at his heels, only to stop and wait for Logan to unlock his door.
Logan quickly responded and opened his door, telling him he should go sit on the couch while he went and got his medical kit. As Logan moved, he kept talking, trying to break the tension, saying it was too late to call Dr. Carr without alerting authorities, but they could call him first thing in the morning.
Spike announced, “Get your kit, but we don’t need you to call anyone,” as he walked into Logan’s kitchen only to return with a knife, a glass and a few other utensils including a bottle of Jack.
Spike sat down on the coffee table in front of him, setting the utensils down at his side. Opening the bottle of liquor, Spike openly glared at Alec, daring him to protest, then poured a generous amount over a knife he held in his hand. When he finished, instead of using the glass at his side, Spike took a long swig before he put it down.
When Logan returned, he stopped in his tracks as he took in the scene. “Shit, you’re not going to…”
Taking the kit from Logan, Spike answered, even as he rummaged through the kit. “Not going to wait for your friend, need to get that bullet out now.”
“But…”
Setting aside what he would need, Spike answered, “No buts. Once the bullet is out he can heal proper.”
Max was about to protest, but suddenly her gaze fixated on Alec’s arm, searching for the wound. Her voice was steady, but Alec caught the curious inflection of Max’s interest. “Like his arm?”
Someone whistled and Alec cranked his neck to see as he followed Max’s gaze and saw the wound had completely healed. The only evidence that something had even been there was the tint of pink from freshly knitted skin.
Alec couldn’t deny he was impressed, but he also remembered exactly what Spike did to aid the flesh wound to heal: licking it clean and making Alec drink Spike’s blood. However, since he needed to pull away from Spike, Alec was certain he couldn’t allow Spike lick his leg. The gesture was too intimate, his reaction to Spike unstable. He was afraid he’d lose control, and crave more. It was something he wanted, but not at the cost of being second to Ben.
Worriedly he glanced up, ready to object, but everyone had gathered around them, eager to watch. Spike suddenly moved and clasped his leg, holding him tight.
“No, don’t,” Alec protested.
“Have to, pet. Be as quick as I can.” Spike looked above him and added, “Hold ‘im down.” Without waiting any further, Spike used the tip of the knife and created an incision at the edge of his wound to create a wider opening and proceeded to dig the bullet out.
The pain seared through Alec. Involuntarily, he started to bolt upward in his seat, but felt the heavy weight of someone’s hands on his shoulders to hold him in place. He was about to look up to see who it was, but he couldn’t take his eyes off of Spike.
It was amazing how steady Spike’s hands were as they worked, deftly wielding the knife, embedding it deeper into his skin. A moment later, Spike announced, “There’s the bugger, we’re almost there pet.”
Alec nearly jumped again when he felt the intrusion of Spike’s fingers digging around creating a larger hole, pushing flesh aside as he tried to reach the bullet. Alec closed his eyes, fighting against the increased pain, panting through his nose, when he heard Spike’s voice, “Got it,” followed by a clink, and he realized what the glass was for.
He felt the person behind him move; their fingers eased up, offering comfort instead of restraint, their thumbs caressing his neck. Dazed, he looked behind him to see it was Ben. He didn’t get a chance to say anything as Spike abruptly picked him up and asked Logan, “Where’s your bedroom?”
Logan seemed almost as startled as he was and just pointed.
Spike headed in the direction Logan indicated. At the door, Spike paused half a second before he announced, "Tonight, once it’s dark, we’re leaving.”
Spike didn’t say 'he', but 'we'. It wasn’t a question but a statement; Spike expected Alec to go with him. When Alec didn’t say anything, still in shock over Spike's words, Spike continued, “We’ll head toward LA.” Alec did catch the look Spike threw at Xander and Oz. It was full of meaning as he silently communicated a question. Xander was the first to nod what Alec interpreted as a yes.
Yet Oz turned away like he was conflicted for some reason. Alec didn’t understand the issue, but somehow Joshua did. He stood behind Oz, a hand-paw on Oz’s shoulder, and possessively pulled the young man flush against him. Whatever reassurance Oz had needed had been received from Joshua and Spike, because he nodded his consent to Spike, who replied with his own curt nod.
Then Spike’s gaze turned to his twin. Alec watched dumbfounded as Spike lowered his eyes with regret before he turned away. It was then Alec understood the question; Spike had asked Xander and Oz if they were going to accompany them to LA where Spike’s grand-Sire, Angel, lived. Oz had been going to reject the invite to stay with Joshua. Spike understood and had extended the offer to Joshua where Oz accepted the invite for both of them. However, for whatever reason, Spike had just excluded Ben.
Ben didn’t say a word, but Alec knew he could see the truth in Ben’s eyes. Ben clearly knew what Spike had asked the others, knew he hadn’t been asked to join them. Ben met his gaze. Alec saw his eyes water, knew Ben wouldn’t stop the tears from falling, but what shocked him the most was that Ben didn’t beg him to go with them. To say Ben was distraught was an understatement, but Alec could see that, for some reason, Ben had accepted Spike’s rejection.
Spike closed the door just as a single tear fell from Ben’s eyes.
Next~