Title: To Those Who Wield

Author: CN Winters and Susan Carr

Fandom: Buffy fanfiction, Willow fanfiction, Buffy slash fanfiction, Willow Tara fanfiction

Disclaimers: Joss owns ‘em. I’m just borrowing ‘em.

Rating: NC-17 for grown up stuff like sex, language and violence.

Paring: Will and Tara; Vamp Will and Vamp Tara

Feedback: CN Winters (cnwinters71@yahoo.com) or Susan Carr (skeeter451@mysticmuse.net)

Synopsis: Takes place during season six after Tara and Willow’s break up and Willow’s recovery. We took the liberty of letting Vamp Willow live when she returned to her world just because we can. Anyway, seems Vamp Willow has returned to ‘Buffy’s Sunnydale’ again, this time with her new lover, Tara Maclay, to wreck a little havoc.

Special thanks: To Chris Cook for the ultra-cool banner

When no one started to move, Tara found herself running after Willow. She paused at the entrance of the Bronze, looking around before spotting her ex-lover walking toward the open street.

"Willow!" she shouted.

Instead of stopping like she hoped, Willow continued to walk and Tara gave chase. A few moments later, she was at Willow’s side grabbing her arm, making her stop.

"Hey," Tara began, her heart pounding - not so much from the jog but from her nervousness regarding what to say.

"What?"

Okay. Say something Tara, she chastised herself silently. Tara wasn’t sure where to start. Sure she succeeded in stopping Willow but now what? When she didn’t speak immediately Willow began to walk away again and Tara reached for her once more.

"Don’t leave."

It wasn’t so much the words but the pleading tone Willow heard in Tara’s voice that made her feet stop. Slowly, she turned around to face her.

"There’s nothing you can say," Willow told her.

"Yeah there is," Tara answered, taking a few steps closer. "She’s evil Will. She said all the things that she knew would upset you. And you played right into her hands."

"She didn’t lie," Willow told her.

Tara considered the comment. That was true. "But she didn’t exactly tell the truth either," Tara remarked.

"Oh so you’re not scared of me? I didn’t use my power to take you against your will? You know…the way I see it, she’s right. I’m not evil like she is - I’m worse."

"How do you figure?"

"Because she’s soul-less and I have no excuse."

Willow began to walk away again and Tara paused a moment, trying to put her thoughts together. Quickly, she caught up to her again as they walked along the sidewalk.

"Being addicted to something doesn’t make someone evil," Tara told her. "You tapped into stuff that…t-that was bigger than you. Bigger than both of us actually a-and…"

"It’s pointless," Willow told her.

"What’s pointless?"

"Me. Us…You don’t understand Tara."

"Then help me understand."

"I know what I did was wrong. I see that now."

"I feel a ‘but’ coming on."

"But…you were gonna leave me if I didn’t give up the magics."

Tara’s confusion showed on her face. "Will, I wanted you to give up the magics. I don’t understand. Are you saying you wanted me to leave? Is that’s why you didn’t quit?"

"No." Willow bit her lower lip, wondering how much she should confess. "You would have ended up leaving me anyway."

"How can you say that?"

"Because without the magics I’m…nothing…"

"Oh Will," Tara sighed.

"Tara, you fell for a someone who was special; who could work spells. You didn’t know what you were asking by trying to get me to quit."

"You think I wouldn’t have loved you?"

"I know you wouldn’t."

"Willow-?"

"No Tara. You don’t know what I was like. What I am like - just some computer geek, nobody really. Hell, Xander dated a woman he hated before he ever noticed me. What’s that tell ya?"

"Tells me that Xander’s pretty blind. And if memory serves-."

"Memory?"

"Sorry. Poor choice of words," Tara cringed. "…Point is, he did notice you eventually and it wasn’t because of magic. He opened his eyes and he found a woman who was sexy and funny and loyal. He realized that maybe he could have the whole world if he took the time to notice."

Willow shook her head. "No, I don’t think so. The rush of the ‘forbidden’ is what he found titillating most of all. It wasn’t me."

"Fine then. Forget Xander. I know I loved you for a lot more reasons than just the magic. You had a magic all your own. It’s still there."

"Oh really? Then why do I feel so worthless?"

Tara sighed in frustration. She had to make her ex-lover see the truth.

"Willow, it wasn’t magic that made sure Dawn was taken care of after Buffy died. Magic didn’t see to me after Glory’s destruction. It didn’t make you pour over books researching or cracking secret government files on a computer. And it wasn’t Willow Magic that made me shudder every night. It was Willow Hand," Tara said with a half-smirk. She realized instantly that perhaps flirting wasn’t the best thing at the moment but Willow just pulled it out of her. Quickly she added, "You have to realize that was all you; not the magic."

"Gee and still you left?" Willow answered flippantly.

"Yes I did leave. I left because OF magic. You took my memories. You didn’t trust me enough to love you for you. I left because…I loved you too much to watch you destroy yourself. I tried Will," Tara sighed. "I really tried to make you see the path you were on but…I failed…Lots of failure issues here for both of us."

"Yeah," Willow muttered, her toe kicking an imaginary rock so she could avoid looking up.

"But going on a suicide mission doesn’t solve them. The world still needs you Willow Rosenberg. Buffy still needs you - just like Xander and Dawn do too."

"But you don’t," Willow told her, unable to still look Tara in the eye. "And you mean the world to me." Suddenly Willow felt more uncomfortable and began shifting her shoulders. "I’m not fishing for affirmation," she added quickly. "I’m just telling you the truth. At least the truth as I see it."

You have no idea how much I need you. The impulse to kiss Willow, to reassure her that she still loved her and would always love her, was overwhelming, but Tara held back. She didn’t need to confuse Willow or herself for that matter. She wanted to be a part of Willow’s life again. She truly did. But she needed to know that her mind would always be her own. She still couldn’t say she felt certain of that. So instead she took Willow’s hand cautiously in hers and her heart skipped a beat when she felt the redhead return the gentle squeeze.

"I miss you," she offered instead. "I do."

"I feel a ‘but’ coming on," she said mimicking Tara’s earlier comment.

Tara grinned warmly before growing serious. "But…I need to know you can give up the magics. And that I’ll be safe with you…And for the record, yeah I need you too but I’m still scared."

"I’m sorry you’re scared of me." Willow said sincerely.

"To be honest I’m more scared of myself I think."

Willow cocked her head in wonder, which prompted Tara to continue.

"I mean…You may not believe it but when I fell for you I fell hard. Harder than I ever fell my whole life...I’m scared that next time around I-I won’t be strong again. If you start with the magics, I might not have the s-strength to leave again. I’m not sure I can w-watch you destroy yourself. A-And until I know that you can give it up…I can’t come back."

The last sentence came out more like a strangled cry. The thought of Willow’s demise and how much she wanted to return touched a part of Tara she kept locked away ever since she’d left. Unable to keep her emotions at bay she began to cry, hiding her face in her hands.

Willow was at a crossroads. Did she comfort her ex-girlfriend? Or did she just let her cry it out in silence? With an uneasy stutter step, Willow moved closer and put her arms around Tara, half afraid of what the reaction might be, the other half longing for the closeness. She wondered how Tara would interpret the gesture and braced herself for a slap to the face or a boot to the shin.

When Tara’s arms encompass her instead of pushing her away, Willow relaxed. Her hand began to absently stroke the back of Tara’s head. The rush of how soft it felt swept over Willow and she tightened her hold.

"Gods, I love you more than life," she whispered. "Why did I lose sight of that?"

Tara tried to still her sobs but she still remained wrapped in Willow’s arms. "Power," Tara sighed.

"Power?"

"You got caught up in the thrill of it, being able to bend things to your will," Tara said pulling away, wiping her eyes. "It’s trite but true - absolute power does corrupt absolutely Willow. That power’s like a drug. Some people can experiment and go on to lead normal lives. Other people…well…"

"Become crack ho’s?"

Tara nodded sadly before trying to show a bit of optimism.

"But that doesn’t mean you can’t change," she said quickly. "You’ve been changing so much over the last few years. A-and I…I think you can do it. Anything that you set your mind to becomes reality - and not through magic. If you’ve truly decided to give it up Willow I know you will. I do. But it’s a lot of power to give up and like I said. Power is seductive…but it’s not what made me notice you."

Willow gave a grin. "What did you notice first?"

Tara looked bashful. Oh boy, do I really want to have this discussion? "Ahh, I don’t know," she chuckled.

"I know that look," Willow tisked. "You know but you’re just not saying. ‘Fess up. I can use a bit of levity here now."

"The red hair," Tara said with a grin.

"Really?"

Tara chuckled again and put her head down, hoping her blonde locks would hide her crimson cheeks.

"That’s it?" Willow asked, full aware there was more Tara considered adding but stopped herself.

Tara paused a moment. She had to admit she was enjoying this remembrance for the moment. Oh what the Hell. Go on and say it.

"This is not a come on," she prefaced herself. "But…I wondered if all your hair was red."

"I am a natural redhead, you know?" Willow teased, making Tara turn even brighter.

"Believe me. I haven’t forgotten," Tara chuckled nervously.

A small quiet passed between them before Willow spoke. "I’m sorry Tara. Honest I am."

Tara considered the apology. There was a sincerity there she hadn’t heard in a very long time and she gave a nod. "I know you are Will."

"A-and if I could have some way to prove it to you, to show you that I’m gonna get straightened out, that I don’t need the power, I would."

"Willow," Tara sighed. "I know that things are pretty tense. But it’s gonna take-."

"Time?"

Tara nodded.

"Yeah I get it. Buffy and Xander have pointed this out on countless occasions, I should add."

"They’re good friends Willow and they still need you for things other than suicide missions."

"Yeah as my rational side takes over again I see that but…things are just so topsy turvy. I think it’s from coming down off the magics - like the shakes. I go from total optimism to total despair but…I’m getting there I think. Not just for you but for me too. I want to be someone I’m proud of. I’m not sure if I can say I’ve ever felt that way unless I was with you."

"What do you mean?"

Willow paused to collect her thoughts. She didn’t want to lay any big love confessions on Tara. They finally seemed ready to talk to each other and Willow didn’t want to jinx that somehow.

"I loved Oz but with you…it’s deeper; it’s like you’re a part of me. I know I can’t explain it really well but I remember times when you didn’t only say I was special but I could feel you meant it. Even if it was just a glance or smirk or…I’ll shut up now. Point is, I still love you and I wanted you to know. That’s all Tara. Nothing else. I just…I thought you should know."

Feeling uneasy with the confession and what Tara’s reaction might be Willow took a sudden interest in her shoes so she wouldn’t have to look eye to eye with Tara. That’s when she felt Tara reach out and stroke her face.

For the moment Tara decided to take Buffy and Dawn’s advice and allowing her guard to drop for a moment and look at Willow as she stood this very moment. Tara had to admit that Willow showed amazing restraint in the Bronze going to so far as to risk injury from Vamp Willow by not using magic. She was grateful when Willow looked up at her.

"I’ve made tough choices in my life," Tara told her. "I’ve faced some not so pleasant things but…leaving you really was the hardest one Will. I remember packing that night and just looking around the room. I spent most of the time wondering if I was making the right choice. Later at the dorm, I just felt numb… For days on end I just shuffled through life, not paying much attention to anything around me. I won’t lie to you about how it hurt but that doesn’t mean-."

"I know you can’t come back. You need to be able to sort through everything," Willow said stopping her ex-lover who was on the verge of tears again. "A-And I’ve figured out if you want me in your life you have to be able to trust me. Stupid but I didn’t stop to realize that if you had done the same thing to me - the forgetting spell - I’d be upset. I wouldn’t have left…" Willow added in a mutter with a grin before continuing in a clearer voice, "But that’s me and not you. A-and I can’t compare my thoughts against your actions. You felt you had to go so I respect that. I don’t like it but…I really wish you’d say something here to stop my babblefest because I have the overwhelming feeling that I’m gonna stick my foot in my mouth real soon a-and I-."

"Okay," Tara said with a grin. "We’re not making any great strides forward but it’s better than the two steps back we’ve been doing …Maybe the key to a truly happy life is dying and becoming a vampire. I mean we seem pretty happy leading the life of evil in vamp form," Tara quipped.

"Don’t remind me," Willow answered with a grin. "That was scary."

"Well Vamp Will only said those things to upset you. And even though she knew…" Tara stopped and cocked her head at Willow. "She knew," she added in a firmer voice. "How did she know?"

Willow immediately picked up on what Tara was thinking.

"Maybe they’ve been here awhile. Been watching us - no," she shook her head, discrediting the idea before continuing. "Even if they were watching they couldn’t know all the detail about the forgetting spell. It’s not like you can witness that, you know?"

"Yeah but none of the Scoobies would be chatting them up. It would have to be…."

They both knew the answer. It had to be someone within their circle that would offer up their personal information to the vampires; someone that also knew them on a personal level.

They looked at each other and at the same time said, "Spike!"

"Oh that son of a bitch," Tara sighed.

"Well this sucks," Willow said despondently.

"You don’t say?" Tara added sardonically.

"Well yeah for obvious reasons but think about it. He came so far. Taking on Glory. Helping us…It’s sad in a way…A-and besides, what’s in it for him? Why help them? Vamp kinship?" Willow asked.

"I’m not sure but let’s get back to the gang and compare notes. Come on," Tara said as she briefly pulled Willow toward the Bronze again.

XXXXX

The vampires were walking down the back alley nearly joined at the hip, their arms around each other’s waists when they heard a small clap of applause from the shadows.

"Good show. I have to admit I liked that," Spike commended as he stepped into their view.

"Baby really let Fuzzy have it," Tara giggled.

"Yeah but I noticed that Baby had both of them in the room and didn’t do your spell. What was it again? Cortisone spell?"

"Cortisone is a cream that gets rid of itching. If we had poison ivy, then, yes. But the spell is called akor tures," Willow answered.

"Whatever," Spike sighed. "Point is you had your shot and you didn’t take it."

"Far too many people there, you ass. It’s not like this is a quick in and out procedure like your sex life."

Tara chuckled softly against Willow’s neck. "Now Sweetie," she chastised in a playful voice. "No offending Spike’s stamina. Not everyone can be as blessed as us."

"Too true Kitten," Willow answered pulling Tara closer for a long tender kiss. With a contented sigh she turned back to Spike. "When the time is right," Willow told him, "we’ll take care of the spell. You just take care of the Slayer. Understand William?"

Okay I’m really starting to hate this bitch. Chip or no chip. "Oh yes mistress," he teased. "Anything you say mistress. Harder. Harder mistress." He ended his rant with a smirk and lit a cigarette. "When you birds get tired of partying, the crypt’s open. ‘Night ladies," he called over his shoulder.

Willow glared at him a bit, not used to being talked to by a vampire in such a disobedient nature, even by one of Spike’s status. Even the Drusilla of their world was her equal. She was convinced. This truly was a stupid world – even her doppelganger had the audacity to challenge her.

Tara felt her lover’s emotions and squeezed her gently. "Don’t fret, Will," she soothed. "He’s not worth it. Just a tool, you know."

"I’m not so worried about Spike. He’s just another ‘wanker’ as he would say. No, I’m still more rankled at what Fuzzy said."

Tara frowned, playing over the encounter in her mind. "What did she say?"

"Said I’d made you into an animal," Willow growled. "You’re not an animal, Baby. I made sure of that."

"Of course I’m not," Tara said. "You’re the best sire anyone could have, Willow. You’ve proved that over and over again."

Willow smiled sweetly at her companion and as they continued on their way. Willow remembered the hard, and - at times - painful steps she took to ensure that Tara’s awakening would be as easy as possible for her and her mind drifted back to that evening.

The redheaded vampire sat at the edge of her bed and gently picked up the cold, alabaster hand of the still form lying on the coverlet. So peaceful, she thought, so beautiful, even in death. Willow stroked the stiff hand. She was anxious for the blonde to rise, but since her preparations were not yet complete, she hoped for a bit more time.

With a final squeeze, she laid the hand over the still chest and moved across the bedroom to a large, ornate cabinet and opened it. She selected fresh clothing for herself and with a glance at the blonde, she frowned at the contents of her cabinet…nothing in here would do for her childe.

"Worm!" she called in her most commanding voice.

A smallish dark-haired human scurried into the bedroom, careful to keep his eyes cast down at the floor. As he approached Willow, he slumped closer to the ground until he managed to fall to his knees at her feet.

"Mistress?" he whispered in a high-pitched voice. "How may I serve you?"

"I need clothes," she said. "Go to that new store over on Main. I noticed some suitable things the other night."

"Yes, Mistress," he said. "Your usual style?"

"Not for me, Worm!" she said. "For her. Make sure you get the sizes right. 8 or 10, I’d say."

The man darted a glance at the bed and Willow stomped on his hand with one booted foot.

"Don’t you dare look at her!" she hissed. "You are not worthy enough to look at her."

"Yes, Mistress!" he cried. "I’m sorry, Mistress!" he clutched his wounded hand to his chest, his eyes not daring to look any higher than her toes.

"When she awakens, you will treat her with as much respect as you do me. Is that understood, Willy-boy?"

The man shivered in fear as the vampire whispered his name. She only used it when she was preparing for some particularly horrible torture. Too frightened to answer, he could only nod his head as he continued to grovel.

"Go now," Willow continued. "Be back before nightfall. Make sure I’m well pleased with your selections for her or else I’ll let you be her first meal…but not before I demonstrate a few of the more pleasant aspects of your training."

Pleasant for you, maybe, Willy thought to himself glad she could not read his mind. He bowed in obeisance to the vampire towering over him. Still on his knees, he scurried backwards towards the bedroom door, trying to imprint the brief image of the figure lying on the bed firmly in his mind so he could get the right sizes. Only when he softly closed the door behind him did he breathe a little easier.

Willow turned back to the bed, once again gazing in wonder at the sight before her. A small smile graced her lips as she remembered taking the blonde’s life…taking her, being taken by her. She thought about her own turning…of the night Xander had come to her. She had welcomed him into her room, but not into her bed. That didn’t matter to Xander though…he took her anyway, awakening in her a passion she never knew existed and seducing her until she begged him to give her release. Only after he first drank from where he broke her hymen and then from the pulsing artery high on her thigh did Willow understand what was happening to her and her pleas changed...not for her life, but for her death. She wanted the eternal life he was offering and she gladly accepted his gift of his own blood to her in return as she lost consciousness.

Xander had left her body there to be found by her parents the next morning. Buried before nightfall according to Jewish tradition, Willow had come awake in total darkness, gasping for air until she realized she didn’t need it and reveling the new strength in her limbs as she pushed her way past wood and dirt, clawing through to her rebirth. Xander and the Master had been waiting for her, her sire and grandsire ready to teach her all they knew so she could take her place at their side in this brave new world filled with possibilities now that the Master had escaped from his prison.

And now all the work the three of them had accomplished lay in possible ruins. The Master’s hold on Sunnydale had slipped. The surviving white hats were regrouping and making serious progress against them. No new slayer had arrived, but the Master felt it was only a matter of time before one did. And despite numerous attacks on them, it galled them both to know the librarian and his werewolf sidekick were still alive.

With Xander and most of his other childer and minions dusted in the factory battle, Willow was becoming even more important to the Master. To his delight, he discovered in her a shrewd tactician and strategist. Willow knew that in the aftermath of the disaster at the factory, were it not for her organizational skills, the white hats would have completed their task in eliminating them from Sunnydale. The Master knew this and rewarded his grandchilde accordingly. He was the only demon in Sunnydale that she answered to…all others leapt to do her bidding.

"No filthy grave for you, Kitten," Willow whispered to her beautiful childe, stroking the outline of her stiff cheekbones. "Willow’s gonna take better care of you than that."

The thought of her Tara waking up inside a coffin made Willow’s insides clench in fear and anger. She wanted to do anything she could to protect this wonderful gift she had been given. She hadn’t felt this happy since before Xander was destroyed. No, she thought in wonder, I’m happier than I was with him. I think with her at my side, I can do anything…we can do anything. The possibilities are endless."

Remembering her own awakening, Willow thought of the insatiable bloodlust that had come upon her. Xander had brought a treat for her for when she rose. She remembered falling upon the bound woman as if she had been reborn an animal. It was only later that she learned to control her savage instincts. Willow hated the memory of that time…she may be a demon, but she wasn’t a creature. Looking at Tara, she realized she didn’t want her lover to have to go through that…she didn’t want to see her beautiful goddess like that…and an idea began to form in her head.

Rising from the bed, she made her way toward the vaulted ceiling living room of her suite the Master had given her. Several minions were sitting around the room, but quickly jumped to attention upon her entrance. One who had been playing a video game was slower than the others and Willow casually stalked forward as she pointedly did not look at him.

"Round up a group of humans…at least a half dozen," she ordered. "Bring them here and chain them in the cage."

"But…it’s daytime, Mistress," the video player spoke.

Willow smiled.

XXXXX

As midnight approached, Willow found herself pacing the space of her bedroom. After gorging herself on two of the humans from the cage, she was filled with energy, the fresh blood rushing though her veins like sweet nectar. Every few seconds she would glance at the blonde still lying peacefully on the bed, but Tara did not stir.

What if I did it wrong? she fussed at herself, checking the clothes Willy the Worm had brought for the dozenth time before finding something she thought was suitable. What if I’m not strong enough? What if she does rise, but as nothing more than a brainless minion…no better than that piece of waste I shoved out into the sunlight this afternoon? What if…

Willow’s thoughts were interrupted by the soft whisper of cloth sliding on the silk of the bedspread.

"Kitten?" she cried as she rushed for the bed. Even before she reached it, she could feel the bloodlust pouring off of Tara. As she watched in wonder, the blonde’s human features were replaced by the demon’s - the eyebrows pushing upwards as the brow ridges protruded and the canines lengthening into their deadly shape. A low, feral growl slowly emerged from Tara’s chest as it filled with the air needed for speech, not life. The growl continued to rise in volume until Willow felt as if her eardrums would burst from the pressure.

"Willoooooooooooooooooow!!" Tara screamed and opened her eyes.

Willow grabbed Tara as the newly risen vampire arched off of the bed and into her arms. Willow clung to her childe in a fierce embrace; her arms around the naked blonde’s back pulling her close. Tara struggled to free herself, but Willow held on.

"Shhh, Baby," she soothed. "It’s okay. I’ve got you. I’ll always have you. Always."

Tara’s animal growls continued. Willow ignored the stinging pain as Tara’s nails clawed at her back. "Fight it, Baby," she whispered into the blonde’s ear. "Control it. You’re stronger than that. I know you are…you’re mine!"

After a few more minutes, Willow could feel Tara relax in her arms.

"Willow?"

Willow loosened her grip, but didn’t let go completed. She shifted Tara around until she could look into the yellow eyes of her lover, her forehead pressed into the other woman’s.

"Welcome back, Kitten," Willow smiled.

"Willow?" Tara repeated and Willow felt a pang at Tara’s pain. Resurrection is so hard on the body, she thought.

"Shhh, Baby," Willow said again. "I know what you’re feeling. All us feel it when we rise."

"Don’t wanna talk," Tara whined in a small voice. "Hungry."

"I know, Kitten," Willow said. "Soon."

"Now!" Tara insisted, trying to pull away.

Willow grabbed Tara’s wrists and forced the blonde back to the bed as she held them tightly over her head. She pressed her body down, reveling in Tara’s new strength, the hardened muscles rippling provocatively as Tara tried to free herself. Willow looked deep into Tara’s eyes and felt her own features shift as she brought her will to the fore. "You will when I say, Tara!"

Tara stopped struggling and returned Willow’s look. The redheaded vampire could feel the intense emotions surging through the blonde. It was Tara’s instinct to feed…to replenish the body of the sustenance it so desperately needed to survive, especially after the painful process of death. Willow knew that Tara could not hold off for too long, but she knew that she had to force Tara to her will.

"Think, Baby," Willow said, allowing her own emotions to surge forth through them both, replacing Tara’s hunger. "Do you remember what it was like? When I fed from you? When you fed from me?"

Willow felt Tara’s lust for blood change into lust for her. Arousal swept through her body as Tara arched up to meet her.

"Please, Mistress," Tara cried.

"Oh Tara," Willow responded as she felt Tara’s gift of submission wash over her and through her. "My love," she purred as she ground herself into Tara. "Tomorrow I will let you hunt. But tonight…" She leaned down traced Tara’s lips with her protruding fangs, reveling in the danger. "Tonight, you’ll feed from me."

As Willow loosened her grip, Tara used her newly born strength to flip the redhead over on her back. Willow grinned as she waited for Tara’s next move. Having given her permission, she waited to see what Tara would do.

"You’re enjoying this, aren’t you, my sire?" Tara asked as she sat up and straddled Willow’s hips. Willow grinned as she realized that Tara was at last in control of her emotions, just as she had wished.

"Oh yeah, Baby," Willow replied. "I have a feeling I’m gonna enjoy this for a very long time to come. Eternity, even."

Tara’s hands moved sensuously over Willow’s body as she teasingly removed the redhead’s maroon robe. "I’m way ahead of you."

"Vixen," Willow gasped as in one swift move, Tara’s fangs latched onto her neck and began slowly sucking. Oh gods, she thought feeling wave after wave of pleasure roll through her body. Heaven could not possibly be any better than this!

As Tara drank, Willow felt the blonde’s hips begin to rock against her upper thigh. As a result she let her own hand wander down to her center rubbing her clit rhythmically in time with Tara’s sucking, straining for her own orgasm. Although it had only been a few moments, Willow could feel the blonde ready to burst with sexual excitement and that in turn aroused her even more than her own hand. Oh yes, the Master will like this one indeed, Willow thought as Tara continued to take all she could from the red head. And if not, I’ll stake him myself.

Willow knew at that moment she would not let this prize get away under any circumstance. As Tara’s orgasm began to course through her, Willow watched the blonde pull up, arching her back.

"Grrrarrrrgggggg," Tara cried out.

It was music to Willow’s ears - a mix of sexual and feeding satisfaction. Her lover collapsed next to her well fed and sexually spent. Willow on the other hand…

She wasn’t finished, not yet. She rolled Tara’s exhausted body over and began to slide against Tara’s thigh, burying her fingers in Tara’s hair at both sides of her temples as she rode the woman. Tiny droplets from the bite dripped down to Tara’s chest. Willow began to lick them off, tasting the mix of her blood and Tara’s undead flesh. Watching her sire above her created a new arousal within Tara and soon she flipped the redhead onto her back. Without comment or permission she shot to Willow’s center, her tongue lapping wildly.

Willow’s hands moved to the back of Tara’s head, praising her, coaxing her. The waves began to build higher and higher until Willow too crested, her hips coming off the bed, straining for every bit of pleasure she could get.

"Oh Kitten," Willow sighed, reaching down to pull Tara beside her, even as she still felt the contractions deep within her.

The blonde complied and cuddled next to her sire as if waiting for her next command. Willow was pleased with the feeling of contentment that she felt oozing from her lover just as the life-force that feeding her did moments before.

"Thank you," Tara said softly, snuggling closer into Willow’s arms. "For letting me feed. For keeping your promise. For giving me life for the first time."

Willow found herself kissing the crown of Tara’s head with a feeling she hadn’t known for ages - real contentment and peace. This woman was the one, she was sure.

"No Kitten," Willow said sincerely. "Thank you."

Hours and five orgasms later, Willow left Tara sleeping peacefully in their bed, gently slipping from the hold that Tara had on her.

Our bed. The thought made Willow smile. She was never much of a cuddler but she loved being cuddled. She was grateful that once more Tara fit the bill by wrapping her arm around her before drifting off to sleep.

As Tara slept, Willow went to feed one last time before she too succumbed to exhaustion. Tara had left her feeling weak, but strangely energized. Each time they came together, Willow could feel the bond between them growing stronger.

"Are you alright, Mistress?" one of the minions asked softly from the shadows of the basement.

Willow allowed the corpse to drop to the floor and wiped her lips as her face shifted back to normal.

"Clean up this mess," she ordered, knowing never to reveal herself to anyone. Except for Tara. She felt giddy at the thought.

"Yes, Mistress," he replied, and then stepped forward, his posture bowed. "I have a message from the Master, Mistress."

"Oh?" Willow asked, her eyes narrowing as possibilities ran through her mind.

"The Master wishes you well with your new childe, Mistress. He bids you to bring her to him when you feel she is ready for polite society. Mistress Drusilla has arrived this very evening back in Sunnydale and wishes to also meet her."

Willow’s mind raced with the information. So…the Master’s spies have already informed him of Tara’s existence. And Dru’s back in town. Why now?

Willow nodded at the minion. "Inform the Master that we shall attend him at the mansion tomorrow night. And send Drusilla my regards along with something pretty as a welcome gift."

"Tomorrow night, Mistress?" he asked, the surprise clear in his tone.

Willow thought about taking him to task for questioning her, but decided the rumors this one would undoubtedly start would serve her better. Even among demons, legends are more feared than facts.

"That’s right. Go now before the sun rises."

Polite society indeed, Willow fumed as she made her way back up the stairs and to the bedroom. How dare he? My Tara has style and grace and a much better teacher in the ways of vampirism than I ever had I must say.

She pulled the heavy drapes closed in anticipation of the coming dawn and then allowed the silken robe to slip from her bare shoulders as she joined her beautiful blonde under the covers.

So sweet, she sighed, wrapping her arms around Tara and pulling her into a close embrace as she settled back against the pillows. Tara even in her unconsciousness understood what Willow wanted and likewise wrapped her arms around her lover’s waist. Willow knew that as her grandsire, it was within the Master’s rights to stake Tara in an instant should he find her unworthy. Of course she would never let that happen.

By presenting Tara to him earlier than was expected, Willow was showing off her prowess as a sire…strutting before the Master like a cock in a hen house. If the Master found Tara unworthy, then Willow’s standing would slip considerably. But Willow knew different. She knew Tara. And chances were he would be as smitten with her as she was.

You’ll be ready, Kitten, she though. First you’ll hunt and then we’ll go see the Master. He can’t help but find you worthy. You’re my everything.

Finally relaxing after such an eventful night, Willow drifted off to sleep as the sun began to show on the horizon.

XXXXX

"Tara?" the girl said as she opened the door. Willow recognized her from the image in Tara’s mind.

"Tracy," Tara said, her voice low, a small smile gracing her lips. "Hey. This is Willow. Can we come in?"

"Ummm, I was just going out for some dinner," the girl said. Willow could feel the girl inspecting her, sizing her up as a potential rival. Willow felt a flash of anger at how this one had treated her Tara, but she carefully controlled her expression, simply returning the girl’s look.

"So were we," Tara answered. "We won’t take long. Just wanted to pop in for a short visit. What d’ya say?"

Tracy hesitated a moment more and then swung the door open. "Okay. Come on in."

Willow smiled as she entered the room. Her kitten had passed the first test. She could feel Tara fighting her instinct to simply grab the woman and sink her teeth into her. While fun, that method was sloppy and only drew attention, especially in such a public place as a dormitory. Willow silently applauded Tara’s restraint and success in getting an invite.

As Willow moved to sit in the only armchair in the small room, Tracy looked at Tara curiously.

"Are you okay, Tar?" she asked. "You look like you’re feeling better. A little pale, but I guess that’s expected after you were sick."

"Oh yes," Tara answered, moving slowly around the woman as if sizing her up. For a meal, Willow thought giddily, Tara’s actions were unconsciously reflecting her inner sensuality. Willow had recognized that hidden trait in Tara the first time she had laid eyes on her, but now it was bared for all to see. Tracy obviously saw it also, but Willow could sense it was a little frightening to her. She must like Tara meek and mild.

"I’m much better now," Tara said, moving around to face Tracy again. "Thanks to Willow. She made me allllll better."

"Oh yeah?" Tracy asked. "You’re a healer?"

Willow smiled lazily. "Something like that. Tara herself had a lot to do with it, didn’t ya, Baby?"

"Um hm," Tara hummed.

Tracy frowned. "What…what can I do for you? Do you need notes for the classes you’ve missed?"

"No," Tara answered. "Willow’s gonna be teaching me everything I’ll need to know from now on. And…I think there’s a few things I can teach her, too."

Tara spared a look at her lover and Willow felt body responding.

"Then what?" Tracy asked. The young woman wasn’t sure what to make of this change she felt in Tara and it showed on her face. Willow only grinned at the private joke - she knew the answer and soon enough Tracy would find out too.

"I want…you," Tara turned back to the other girl.

Tracy frowned at Tara’s words. Willow could smell the fear escalating from the girl. And something else as well. Willow giggled to herself. Oh, my baby is good. Very good. Not only is she turning me on, she’s turning the girl on.

"Uh Tara…I don’t…" Tracy looked uncomfortably at Willow who blew her a kiss.

Tara laughed. "Oh Sweetie. Did you really think after all the nights you spent teasing me…leaving me frustrated and having to get myself off all alone I’d really want you now? That after tasting the wonderful goddess sitting over there, I’d still want you?"

"Tara, I think you better go now," Tracy said, beginning to move towards the door.

"Not yet."

Tara stalked her prey softly, yet swiftly as her demon face emerged. Tracy let out a small scream that was quickly cut off by Tara’s hand pressing against her lips. Willow felt her own demon’s face rising out of excitement at the scene before her.

"I’m going to take you, Tracy," Tara whispered to the terrified girl. "But not the way I wanted to before. I’m going to sink into your flesh and suck you dry. It’ll hurt and you’ll die, but that’s your gift from me. Payback’s a bitch, ain’t it?"

With that, Tara pulled the girl’s head back, exposing her juggler vein. Letting free a feral growl, Tara sank her fangs deep into the girl. Willow found it to be too much and she darted from her chair to join in Tara’s feast on the other side of Tracy’s neck.

As the blood poured down her throat, sweeter than any wine she ever tasted, Willow felt Tara’s hand stoke the back of her head and she began to do the same to her lover. As they consumed the last of Tracy they unceremoniously let the young woman fall lifeless to the ground as their faces contorted back to their human forms. Tara wiped her lips on the back of her finger, cleaning up the remaining trail. Willow watched as Tara put the finger in her own mouth, sucking it clean, thinking it was the most erotic thing she’d ever witnessed in her life.

"You’re right," Tara told her. "Making amends with my past can be fun."

"You’re a natural Kitten. Well done…Doesn’t matter if it is an orgy of death, there's still such a thing as a napkin." Willow remarked, stepping over Tracy’s limp body to pull Tara over by the waistband of the leather pants that clung to her curves. "And now you’ve got nowhere to go but forward."

Tara leaned down capturing Willow in a demanding kiss, which Willow responded to in kind. Soon the kissing led to undressing and naked they tumbled to the unmade bed.

Willow pulled back for a brief moment. "Did she tease you on this bed Kitten?" Willow asked in a child-like, sympathetic voice. "Leaving you high and not so dry?"

Tara pouted and nodded.

"Well don’t worry," Willow said with a seductive smirk. "Like you said, Willow’s gonna make it alllll better. Tonight…Before we go to meet the Master…I’ll make sure you come in her bed."

All Tara could do was sigh her desire as Willow began to grind against her.

Continued