Backfire - Spander Files

“Plan B is this,” Angelus carefully explained through a shit-eating grin. “Xander
comes here to me, I let this lady go, and we do what it takes to ease this pull. Then
the boy and I leave town, and I keep him around for as long as it suits me. Oh, and
Spike dies. No negotiating that.”
Buffy pushed passed the group and stood several feet in front of Angelus. “Not
gonna happen.”
“One more step and I’ll snap her neck.“ The vampire’s grip tightened, but the
Slayer stood her ground. “You prefer to let this innocent woman die? Didn’t think
you had it in you, Buff.”
Buffy turned to Mrs Franklin. “You’re not going to die.” But the woman was
already growing weaker and her eye lids were starting to droop.
“First she’ll die,” Angelus was saying, “then another, and another. I’ll kill one an
hour until Xander comes to his senses. And it will be your fault. All of you.”
The woman went limp. Angelus held tight.
Xander stepped forward. “I’m here. Let her go.”
Mrs Franklin fell to the ground, and Buffy was by her side in an instant checking
for breath and heartbeat. Both were there but faint. While carrying her into Giles’
apartment, Buffy paused by Xander. “Don’t do this,” she whispered. “I’ll fight
him.”
Xander turned toward his friend. “Game over, Buffy. The fight’s done.”
“No-”
“It’s done.” Xander stopped hesitating and went to Angelus. The vampire gripped
the boy’s arms and both hissed as the contact sent electric bolts across their skin.
Angelus leaned forward and licked his scar, causing a loud moan to escape from
Xander. The vampire’s voice was dark and angry against his ear.