Glancing around the room she saw women dressed in their finest gowns of silk and satin, brilliantly set in rich deep hues that clung to their bodies like second skins and fell to the floor in ripples of silky opulence. Their hair was no less spectacular in their arrangements of perfect coifs and coiled ringlets that framed their faces and kept their necks bare to the evening breeze and the appreciative gazes of the men that surrounded them. Those same men were richly gartered in velvet and leather jackets of the deepest colors of the rainbow. Form fitting to their hard warrior frames and offering a woman the most drool worthy specimens of the male species she could ever hope to encounter.

It was these thoughts that ran through Buffy Summer's head as she stood under the chandelier of the hall, gazing out into a sea of strangers, who at one time in her life, she would have staked dead then share a glass of champagne with.

With said glass of champagne in hand she smiled at a lovely woman who had the face of a twenty year old who Buffy knew had most likely lived for more than half a century. Her name escaped Buffy, she had been introduced to so many people already that it was hard to keep track of everyone and keep her sanity to boot. Of course if she'd be allowed more then one glass of champagne that would help too but she wasn't. That was why she had been holding on to this one for so long, taking slow sips and savoring each and every one since it was handed to her an hour ago.

Fighting back a yawn, she reflected that the evening was turning out to be more taxing then she originally thought it would be. She had been excited to come here. The prospect of meeting so many people and of so many different species was something she had been looking forward to. Vampires, and Humans, Fey and Demons too, were all amiably mingling with each other. For Buffy it was a spectacle to see and if that was all her night consisted of then it would have been fantastic. But she wasn't here as an observer nor was she here as Buffy Summers Vampire Slayer. No, she had a much more esteemed title now, The Queen of Shikars and the Overlord's mate, and those, as she soon learned, came with all the pomp and circumstance of royalty.

Normally Buffy loved being the star of the show, let's face it she had a big ego, but all the attention she was getting was starting to become too much even for her. She almost laughed at that but as it was her face hurt too much from the tolerant smile that was glued in place to actually conjure a true smile. She couldn't help but think that it had to look phony. She was surprised that Ms. Chatty-Cathy hadn't noticed that it was her 'bearing it like a champ' smile as she chatted on and on about how happy and honored she was to meet the new appointed Overlord's mate. She wasn't the only one either.

Since the moment they arrived Buffy had been gawked at like she had ten purple heads. Not to mention that most of that ogling was angled at her small rounded belly. You'd think these people had never seen a woman pregnant before, they were that excited to touch her little mound. While it was slowly getting on her nerves she couldn't really fault them. After all it had been centuries since any woman either immortal or mortal had become pregnant. Taking that into account she guessed she really was a freak. Well it wouldn't be the first time she'd felt like that and some how she doubted it would be the last.

It was so different here then what she was use to that lately more then ever she'd felt out of place. On the outside everything seemed the same. Kids played their Game Boy's and listened to their IPods. Cell phones constantly rang and vibrated. Modern technology was in full swing here just as it was in her world. It was everything else that was different. Society and people in general seemed to be caught in the eighteenth century. Their attire and their overall mannerisms reminded Buffy of an old Errol Flynn movie she once watched with her mom. It was definitely not the way she talked or acted, and there had been many times when she glimpsed a look of puzzlement on someone's face when she was talking to them, like they had no idea what she was saying. Either that or they thought she was ill-mannered and crude.

The funny thing was that while they didn't really seem to get her they still hailed her. She found it nice but uncomfortable too. She had never been treated with such reverence before. In her world she felt more like a slave to her calling than anything else. Everyone had expected her to save them and do everything for them. Compliments and gratitude was a rare thing. And all the times that she had saved the world no one ever once threw a 'hail Buffy' party. Here it was the complete opposite. She wasn't allowed to do anything and she often times found herself going stir crazy. If it weren't for the constant flow of love and admiration that she basked in from her mate, and Willow's friendship, she would surely have lost her mind by now.

She'd been in this dimension for almost eight months and so far settling in had not been easy. She was pretty certain that it wasn't going to get easier any time soon either. But she really wanted to fit into this world and she wanted so much to please Angelus and make him proud that she dutifully kept her thoughts, concerns, annoyance, and most importantly, her sarcastic quips to herself.

Like the one that almost spilled out of her lips upon meeting the woman that even now stood to the side of the room shooting daggers at her. The woman was beautiful there was no doubt about it. She had lustrous mahogany hair that was piled high atop her head with two perfect ringlets framing her face. She had a bosom that would put Pamela Anderson to shame as well as the cinchiest waistline that Dolly Parton would be jealous of but it was her eyes, small black pin points of evilness, which revealed the true nature of the woman - psycho whack job. Actually now that she thought about it, the woman's eyes reminded her of the Gnarl demon she once ran into. Involuntarily Buffy shivered at the recollection, definitely one of the most disgusting demons she had ever faced. Well, for some reason the woman seemed to have a serious problem with her and Buffy had no idea why. She hadn't had a chance yet to ask Angelus but as she would soon find out she wouldn't need her mate to answer that question.

The possessive grip on her shoulder drew her attention to the man that stood next to her. Well hovering was more like it really, as if he either expected her to get molested by one of the men whose hungry eyes had ravished her own gowned frame of deep red, or that she would be the one molesting them with her new and improved Mr. Pointy - she scoffed, like she could even if she wanted too. She was allowed to carry a knife but Angelus always took her stakes away, and without them she felt naked.

That was one thing she had found hard to chew. Not staking anyone. She was made to kill vampires. It had been her job for five years and she did a damn fine job of it too. Here she wasn't allowed to kill anyone, well except the sporadic demon that popped up every now and then intent on some kind of mischief. Not being allowed to kill anything mad her realize just how much she missed it. Killing a demon with a knife or a sword just wasn't the same thing as ramming a wooden stake through a vamps heart and watching them turn to dust. The thrill of the kill, the adrenaline pumping through your veins was a high she didn't even know she had become addicted too, until now. Now she felt like she was going through withdrawals. Most nights she felt restless and irritable, almost fidgety. Instead of hunting she'd find herself pacing the bedchamber with too much energy that made her stir-crazy. Thank God for Angelus because he had so many delicious ways to expend all that excess energy that left her too tired and spent to do much of anything let alone lift her head off the pillow.

"Excuse me Madam Bouchard but I must steal Buffy from you there is someone I would like her to meet."

The deep and utterly sexy voice that spoke was so refined and respectable that if it weren't for the tingles of sexual awareness that were sparkling up and down her spine Buffy never would have recognized her mate. It was another example of how different this world was compared to her own, or at least how different her demon was because he definitely never used that tone of voice with her. He sounded so civilized and regal that she took a peek at him from under her lashes just to be sure that it was him.

He was dressed like the other men, all in black, looking both dashing and debonair…sexy. The smile on his face was his seduction smirk that she knew so well. The twinkle in his eyes told the woman he spoke to that she had his complete attention. The school girl giggle that came next told Buffy that Madam Bouchard was not immune to her demon's charms.

"Of course milord, I did not mean to overspend my time. She is just so lovely and I am so honored to meet her that I got carried away."

"As she is most certainly honored to spend time talking with you Madam."

Buffy's eyebrow rose at Angelus' answer which was so un-Angelus-like, at least to her ears. She expected a cutting remark but instead he was all about the suaveness.

For a brief moment she got perturbed because he never showed this side of himself to her before. Nope, usually she got the rough and tumble voice, and the mocking snappy comments that made her want to rip his head off. Though to be honest she kind of liked the rough and tumble voice, she always ended up flat on her back with that one.

"You are too kind milord." Madam Bouchard blushed, her pale skin turning a lovely shade of pink just before she turned her attention back to Buffy. "Perhaps we can do lunch one day milady, I would be very humbled to dine with you."

Doesn't she mean, dine on me, Buffy thought. Angelus must have sensed her thoughts because his hand squeezed her forearm in warning.

Buffy smiled and took the delicate hand that was offered to her. "That would be lovely Madam. I look forward to it. Excuse me."

"Of course."

Before she could even catch a breath Angelus nodded at Madam Bouchard and then briskly steered her away and through the now wide open path the people made for them the second they saw Angelus coming their way.

Any other given day this treatment by her mate probably wouldn't have bothered her too much. She would have either just pushed him back or yelled at him. But since she was at a place where she wasn't supposed to do anything that might make her look - shiver - indelicate, as Angelus had told her over and over again before they even got to Scotland - a fact which now served to aggravate her already thin patience only more - she opted for the serene ladylike appearance with the subdued bitchy attitude.

"Hey, there's no reason for the manhandling bub, I wasn't going to be rude." She sneered out between clenched teeth.

Angelus' smile was strained as he nodded at the numerous people they passed on their way to the private parlor. He could feel her patience running out and he sensed that she was tired, he wished he could just carry her upstairs make love to her and then make her rest, something she rarely ever wanted to do, but this night was too important.

It was their first public appearance as the Overlord and Queen. Delegates from all the magical houses were here to meet the woman that changed their world and brought hope back to them and their people. Most importantly, the ones that objected to him being anointed Overlord to begin with were present too, and those people would like nothing better than to see the Overlord's mate acting in a way unbefitting of a Queen. He hadn't been Overlord long enough to prove himself a good and fair leader. All they needed was a little ammunition to get a few more people on their side to turn the tables on him. He didn't want to give them shit which meant Buffy had to be on her best behavior.

Knowing how his Ioniun tended to speak her mind, a trait that he admired and loved, he made a point never to be too far away from her. He had also browbeaten her with the dos and don'ts, which he knew she didn't particular care for. So he was fully aware just how close she was to her breaking point.

The Goddess knew he loved his mate to death but that didn't retract from the fact that they were apples and oranges. They argued - a lot - and they weren't quiet about it either. He loved that too, arguing with her. She was so damn good at it, she didn't take any shit from him and she easily put him in his place. Their arguments never lasted long though, mostly because he couldn't keep his cock in his pants. When Buffy was pissed he got so aroused he had to take her. Since here was definitely not the place to throw his mate down and fuck her mindlessly, he had to keep his eyes and ears open and be ready for anything, and keep both of their capricious tempers at bay. Subsequently, all those worries left him in as much of a foul mood as she was in.

"One never knows with you Buff. Your mouth has a tendency to run wild."

The errant comment brought a perfectly sinful image to Buffy's mind and she showed it by letting her hand run down his thigh where she squeezed him roughly. "I thought you liked it when my mouth ran wild." She whispered roughly then followed it up with a slow wet lick of her bottom lip.

Angelus could be clear across the room and he would still see that little pink tongue doing the sexy swipe that he now glimpsed from the corner of his eye. The effect was the same. His entire body tightened with lust, his eyes turned a shade darker and his cock felt like a rock, but the composed smile was still on his face. "You'll pay for that later Ioniun."

"Promises, promises." Buffy huskily replied with a lilting note of a chuckle spilling from her lips, but as it was lately with his hormone driven mate her mood quickly swung back to irritation. "So what's the rush lover? You do know I'm wearing five inch heals don't you. Yanking me across the room like this just might leave me with my face in the floor and your impeccable manners, that are a bit scary by the way, right out the window."

Angelus snorted as his fingers started to slowly caress her arm in an attempt to calm her down. He just couldn't stop himself from being affectionate with her no matter where they were or what they were doing. Oz once told him that showing emotions wasn't a curse, considering Angelus had no control over it, he was beginning to think that Oz had lied.

"I've seen you run a mile, jump over trees and tombstones, and attack five demons at one time wearing six inch heels. I think you can handle a brisk pace in five inchers."

Captive to yet another rapid mood swing, Buffy's smile glowed with happiness as she looked at her mate with watery eyes. "You notice my shoes? That is so sweet."

Angelus rolled his eyes and prayed for patience. Talk about having to be on your feet, keeping up with her swings was taxing. Goddess they came like lightening and he wondered if she was going to be this unpredictable with every pregnancy, a grueling challenge no mistake about it but he wouldn't have it any other way. Buffy fat with his child made his cock painfully hard. He turned toward her and his eyes were blackened with love and his heightened arousal. "I notice everything about you Ionion."

"Oh…" Buffy's soft voice hitched with the blinding emotion that squeezed her heart and caused one single tear to roll down her cheek.

Angelus reached up and took that tear with his forefinger and brought it to his mouth. Licking it off, he smiled tenderly at her. For one brief second they shared an intimate look that was so deep and soulful that the people around them sighed with longing. Hearing it snapped Angelus out of his arduous mood and back to the uptight staunchness that was really starting to get on Buffy's nerves.

"Come, Circinn has requested an audience with you."

Buffy didn't say a word as he yanked her back into motion setting a brisk pace once again across the room because her heart was lodged in her throat. God she was nervous and that irked her. She was not a nervous ninny but she was about to meet the most important person in this dimension and she really, really did not want to screw this up.

The Master, who she was surprised to learn actually had a first name, Ignatius, had explained to her on one of their many talks before he passed away that Circinn The Consul was older than anyone else in the realm. He was a vampire turned millenniums ago who was chosen to be the Goddess Anaya's liaison to the inhabitants of this realm. He unlike all the other vampires still had his soul. The legend was that Anaya had blessed him with the gift of sight along with his soul so he could look out for all her children, that of mortal and immortal, and be their negotiator. Basically he was the peacemaker between the two species. He was older then time and treated with the respect due a man of his stature. Circinn's word came from the Goddess herself and no one ever questioned him or his reasons.

Since arriving in Scotland Buffy had been treated like royalty by everyone she met and it made her feel uncomfortable because she wasn't anything special, she was just Buffy Ann Summers, but not here. Here she was called The Queen of Shikars and she wasn't sure if she would ever get use to that. The thing was though while her own reverence made her uneasy she was downright panicky to meet a man of Circinn's importance.

Considering her hormones were already messing with her emotions and the fact that she was pretty damn tired to begin with, she started to freak. The small hand being held in Angelus' tightened as softly spoken yet rapid fire words came out of her mouth revealing just how distressed she really was.

"I'm scared Angelus, what if I screw up? What if I say the wrong thing? Do the wrong thing? What if he doesn't like me? Oh God I'm going to make a complete ass out of myself. Do I look alright? Is my hair a mess? It is isn't it? You can tell me. I won't cry I swear!"

They reached the hallway that lead to Circinn's private parlor, it was empty and the lamplights burned low. Angelus stopped walking and pulled Buffy in close to him. Wrapping his arms around her he gently lifted her downcast face up to his eyes which were soft and full of confidence and love.

"Hush Ionion, don't worry. He's going to love you how can he naught?"

Buffy snorted, "Because you said yourself, just yesterday as a matter of fact, that I am not the easiest person to love. Besides what if that wild mouth of mine cracks and spits out something totally stupid. God, I'd be so embarrassed."

Angelus smiled at her softly then kissed her forehead. "Buffy you're just overly emotional right now because you're pregnant and you're tired. If you'd taken a nap earlier instead of wondering all over the God damn mountain like I told you…"

"Oh God, please don't lecture me now!"

She whined so sadly that Angelus smiled.

"Ioniun, you have nothing to worry about. Circinn is not a condemning man, you'll see for yourself when you meet him. He will accept you for who and what you are, just as I have. Just as everyone has."

"Yeah right, like that red-headed hussy that kept looking at my stomach like she wanted to stomp on it."

Angelus frowned at her words, but thinking about that woman tried up Buffy's tears and anger returned.

"And why is that exactly? What the hell did I ever do to her?" She said it a bit too loudly for Angelus' peace of mind.

"It is not always easy for people who have lived one way for hundreds of years to openly accept something new and different lass. Penny St. James is one of those people I'm afraid. She is very much living in the past and finds it hard to see anything other than what she knows."

The brogue that filled Buffy's ears immediately calmed her nerves. Angelus turned them toward the now open door and the man that stood grandly inside. Buffy gasped a small sound that only Angelus heard, for she was taken aback by what she saw.

Circinn the Consul was indeed divinity in itself, standing only a few steps away from him Buffy felt like she was in the presence of a God. It was awe-inspiring and for once in her life she was left completely speechless. He was tall and extremely handsome for a man that no one really knew just how old he actually was. The kindness and warmth that radiated off of him instantly reassured her.

Angelus took a step closer and he and Circinn clasped hands. They spoke in a language that Angelus had told her was that of the ancient ones. A language spoken by the Pure Bloods, like Ignatius had been. A race of beings that were born vampires not turned into them and who had all died out. Since she was still learning Gaelic, which was the primary language of the realm, they quickly reverted to English for her benefit.

"Angelus it's good to see you. You look amazingly well." Those kind steel grey eyes turned to Buffy, "and I can see why. She is quite stunning lad. If I were a young man I might just fight for her hand."

He smiled and Buffy actually blushed, she felt so adored that she almost didn't know what to do with herself. So she just smiled back and said…"Ah…yeah, that would be great." Ah, ha that was intelligent - way to go Buffy!

Circinn chuckled, Angelus actually growled. Circinn slapped him on the back. "Relax my friend I joke with you. It is very amusing to see the usual impassive Scourge show so much emotion."

Angelus' frown darkened, clearly he was not use to that yet and was still having a hard time dealing with the love that he felt for his mate.

Circinn just kept on chuckling at Angelus expense. "This is good thing. Trust me you'll get use to it. As for someone stealing her away I don't think you need to worry overmuch about that. She is well and truly marked by you, is she not?" Those grey eyes skimmed down Buffy's body, briefly landing on the ever present mark on her neck and then resting on the slight swell of her belly just as he laid his hand gently on the mound.

All evening people had been ogling her stomach like it was a pot of gold. If Buffy counted the number of times people had reached out and touched her bump she'd be rich. It was really annoying and she was soon ready to snap the wrist of the next person that touched her. But when Circinn did it, Buffy felt nothing but love and comfort, warmth.

Angelus puffed up like the proudest peacock, a sure smirk on his face full of pride. "With a bit of luck she will always be Cinn."

The men chuckled, Buffy's eyes crossed with anger. That comment was definitely her breaking point. She ripped her hand out of Angelus' hold and turned to him with her hands on her hips.

"I'm not a breeding mare you know. You better remember that…Angel." She called him that because doing so always pissed him off and right now she wanted him as upset as she was. He was still jealous of his souled doppelganger from her world, so it seemed like the fastest way to get a reaction, and it worked.

Angelus' smile disappeared and a fierce glower speared her resentment. Circinn watched the interplay with amusement, and then laughed out loud.

"Yes, she is a fitting mate for you Angelus. " Seeing Angelus' face turn even redder as the lovers continued to kill each other with their eyes, Circinn mellowed his voice and continued. "You should heed your own words lad. Buffy is new to our realm and still has much to learn, you must be patient with her and with yourself. Feeling so much emotion for one person can be exasperating as I'm sure you are learning, together. It is not always easy learning to live with someone that can at times be the complete opposite of you." Circinn closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Opening them back up his smile was assured. "Yes, there is a deep bond that flows between you. Accepting and forgiving, it thrives on the love that you each have for the other's intricate qualities. We are all unique individuals, do not attempt to change what makes Buffy who she is, the woman you fell in love with."

Angelus' eyes softened and he cleared his throat, his features once more of a man unaffected by anything around him but her.

"No. I would not. "He reached out and grabbed her hand, raising it to his lips he placed a gentle yet full of sexual heat kiss to her palm. "I love her just the way she is."

Once again Buffy found herself blushing and her eyes brimming tears of happiness. Circinn smiled, "good that is better. That is the way newly mated couples should look at each other. Now tell me Buffy, how are you finding our world?"

Within the loving embrace of her mate, Buffy settled down and smiled. "Well it's a helluva lot different that's for sure. It hasn't been too hard adjusting, some things are harder than others, but I'm sure I'll get a handle on it…at least I hope I do. Though I have to admit that sometimes it feels like I'll never get use to it entirely."

"I understand your uncertainty but I am confident that in time you will meld into our society as if you were born here. I know you have the White Wicca and Rupert Giles, and of course your supportive mate all helping to make your transition easier, still I trust that you will count me as one of those people as well. "

Buffy smiled then made a curtsey just as she had been taught to do. "I would be honored Consul."

Circinn gripped her elbow to help her rise. "No lass, none of that please, we are speaking as friends there is no need for such formalities. When we are in such situations I insist you call me Circinn or Cinn."

"Okay, Cinn." Buffy leaned in and whispered, "I like that by the way it has a very dashing yet naughty quality about it." She winked at him and while Circinn found her to be a breath of fresh air and chuckled at her comment, Angelus' famous frown reappeared.

"It's running wild again Buff. Try to tame it will you."

Buffy sensed Circinn's pleasure with her so she didn't take her mate's comments to heart. Instead she completely relaxed and gave him a little shove with her elbow. "Oh, lighten up lover." Turning back to Circinn she said, "I swear since we've gotten here he's been nothing but uptight and proper. Meanwhile at home he's all growly bear and a wise ass."

While Angelus continued to frown Circinn laughed again. "Yes, well my long time friend has difficulty accepting the fact that he actually has a destiny and always did. I would suspect that he will need time to adjust as much as you lass."

Angelus opened his mouth to rebuff that but didn't get one word out before he was rudely interrupted.

"A destiny that is perhaps a disingenuous one, is it not Consul?"

The change that came over her mate's manner told Buffy exactly who had just spoken. She turned and faced the vamp who had opposed Angelus' anointment as Overlord since it took place two months ago.

There was a deep meaningful sigh from Circinn and a long and angry rumble from Angelus who took a step forward clearly intent on violence, but he was stopped by Circinn's strong yet gentle grip that rested on his shoulder.

"No person's destiny is misleading Arnost it is only the foolhardy that deem it so."

Black malcontented eyes blazed back at Circinn but then just as quickly they settled and he smiled. Well if you could call that a smile. It was cruel and cold…void of anything but hatred and violence. Buffy's hands automatically rose to her arms rubbing the sudden goose bumps on her flesh as those black eyes abhorrently raked down her frame and rested on her belly.

Since arriving in this world her vampy senses were always active but they were never hurtful, it was more like a steady drone that as time went by she didn't even notice anymore. That wasn't the case now. The moment Count Arnost Moravec joined them in the hall Buffy's vamp senses kicked in with an almost excruciating spasm that she had never before experienced and it wasn't his revolting face that caused it either. She had never felt such immorality before and there was no doubt in Buffy's mind that she was standing in the face of pure malevolent evil.

Instantly her guard was up and her body tensed for a fight as her hand gripped the hilt of her dagger that sat on the side of her hip. Everything inside of her screamed to kill the evilness that stood before her.

"Perhaps or perhaps it is the truly wise that recognize when some things are not meant to be and never were. Some things die out for a reason and should remain so. Mayhap your visions have failed you Circinn. Perhaps you have fallen out of favor with the Goddess. It is quite conceivable Circinn the Consul, that for once in your overlong and gallingly astute life that you are wrong." Arnost mockingly replied.

Buffy's eyes widen in surprise. After hearing how much Circinn was regaled it was shocking to hear the Count's scathing retort and spoken right to the man's face. She looked over to see Angelus' reaction; she wasn't surprised to see his face contorted in rage.

Angelus stepped up to the grotesque Count. His fists were clenched at his side, his own voice biting with contempt and disbelieve. "You overstep your place Arnost. You dare speak so impertinently to the Consul."

Arnost maliciously smirked, completely unfazed by his show of disrespect. "I dare many things boy, as you know. If you have forgotten that then perhaps you need a reminder."

Arnost's eyes blackened and Buffy could see his fingers twitching in preparation of a strike. He might look decrepit and weak but Buffy had been forewarned by Ignatius not to let her eyes deceive her. Arnost had tremendous power, power that came from years of using black magic.

She looked at Angelus expecting to find him in a state of pure rage instead he seemed at ease. He had a smile on his face and his eyes were twinkling with glee almost as if he were daring Arnost to do exactly what he threatened.

"He hasn't forgotten he's just a stubborn Mick Arnost, that has never changed and undoubtedly it never will."

The man that stepped up to Arnost's side and spoke so derisively could only be one person, Konstantin Kotova. They had never met before but from what Buffy had learned from Ignatius he was another one that she had to be wary off.

Arnost and Konstantin were thick as thieves and brothers in their evil deeds, Konstantin was another person who refused to accept Angelus as the Overlord. Buffy was completely aware of the animosity between the two belligerent vamps and her mate. It was because of them that she had to be on her best behavior.

She had been astonished to learn that the deep political history of this world was in fact longer, bloodier and much more intricate then her own. Here vamps have been around since the dawning of time. War was ever present and they were not short either, they lasted millenniums. She didn't find that out of the ordinary considering mostly everyone, with the exception of humans who were not involved in the earlier battles, was immortal.

The first war and the longest war took place between the Vampires and the Lycanthropes, and it was called The Three Thousand Year War. The images in the history books that Ignatius had given Buffy to study were pictures of gory massacres and malicious cruelty that even sickened Buffy. Of course nothing good could come from such carnage and in the end both sides paid the price. The Lycanthropes had been wiped out by the Pure Bloods, and the Pure Bloods saw their numbers deplete drastically.

It was during this time when there had been three distinct Pure Blood Vampire Houses. One of them had been the House of Ignatius hailing from Europe, while Arnost, a first generation turned vamp, came from the House of Halvard, the Scandinavian branch of Pure Bloods. His sire was Master Halvard himself. It was a very distinguished heritage to have and it was also Arnost's assertion.

While Angelus himself was a first generation turned vamp, it wasn't until the year 754 AD that Ignatius turned the then thirty-two year old son of a High Celtic King into a vampire. Arnost meanwhile had been turned sometime during the Three Thousand Year War. The Count believed that since Ignatius had been the last Pure Blood alive and was now dead, that he was now the oldest and therefore the rightful heir to be Overlord. Being pushed aside by the prophecy of the Book of Nahajan did not sit well with the sadistic vamp who was determined to get his way no matter what.

"And the gang's all here." Buffy mumbled jestingly but her body moved to attack mode. Ready and able to defend her mate if need be.

Arnost's eyes turned to slits hearing her comment and as he watched her prepare for battle he snickered, his beady black eyes expressing just how humorous he found her intentions to be.

Circinn stepped in between the men, the power coming off of him subduing the thick tone of hatred in the air - just slightly.

"Enough gentlemen, this is my home, it is a sanctuary for one and all. " His voice suddenly shifted, almost echoing off the walls and filling the hallway with a deep don't mess with me tone. "I will not tolerate violence. Do we understand each other?"

Seconds ticked by then the air shifted again, becoming somewhat more subdued. The men stepped back from each other, their frames though still rigid with hatred for one another relaxing slightly in the demanding and ominous tenor of the Consul. Immediately following, there was another shift in the air. It was sweet and harmonious, and felt like pure vivacity.

Buffy turned to the sound of heals clicking on the stone floor and was once more taken back by the untainted perfection of a human form.

Circinn was the first to greet her.

"Ah Sasha, it has been too long. Your beauty is as stunning as ever."

The woman smiled and Buffy felt her mouth drop to the floor. Were all the people in this realm breathtaking? Talk about gorgeous. Holy hell-fire this woman would give Angelina Jolie a run for her money.

"It's good to see you Circinn. And you as usual are too kind to an old woman like me." Her voice was articulate and smooth. It was a Russian accent not that much different from Konstantin's but much more refined and melodious to the ears. When she turned and looked at Buffy, her eyes were the most astounding shade of blue Buffy had ever seen. They practically glowed at her with an unseen knowledge, as if the mind behind those eyes saw everything that Buffy did not.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Summers or should I call you my Queen." She seemed utterly happy and almost grateful to say that, like she had been waiting a lifetime just to shake Buffy's hand.

Buffy held her hand, her own smile open and friendly. She sensed no evil in this woman, on the contrary, Buffy was filled with a keen sense of sisterhood, a kinship of some sort that her soul seemed to know, understand, and reach out toward. "Oh Gods please don't I'm not really comfortable with that. Just call me Buffy."

Sasha smiled and grasped her hand with a strength that surprised Buffy coming from such a feminine and graceful form. "As you wish Buffy, and you will call me Sasha."

"Buffy, allow me to introduce Lady Aleksandra Volynski Kotova." Angelus said.

Sasha turned to him, still an utterly beaming smile gracing her face as her palm lifted and rested on his cheek. "My, my so formal Angelus, I remember the days when you affectionately called me Mama."

Buffy looked over to see Angelus actually blushing in embarrassment. Then she looked over to gage Konstantin and Arnost's reaction to Sasha's warm and friendly demeanor. The red and angry faces clearly showed that they were not feeling the love - at all.

"That's enough of that Sasha. Come we need to get you to our apartments to rest, it has been a long journey."

Konstantin grabbed Sasha's wrist and practically ripped her hand off of Angelus. The moment he touched her Buffy could swear she saw a look of out-and-out revulsion cross Sasha's striking face but she did not jerk back as Buffy expected nor did she refute what he said, she simply smiled at him and nodded her head. "Yes I am a bit tired. The journey from Moscow to Scotland does indeed seem longer these days."

"Then of course you must rest. The evening's activities will be a joyous occasion and you must be at your best." Circinn said.

Arnost's cold dead eyes pinned Angelus with all the loathing he felt. "Yes, joyous indeed."

Sasha smiled at Circinn and they shared a look that was a bit strange but Buffy dismissed it when Sasha turned and looked at her once again.

"I look forward to speaking with you again Dragotsennaya. It is with much happiness and great adulation that I welcome you to our world."

Buffy felt Sasha's affection and openness and she smiled her thanks, knowing in her heart that she had just gained a dear friend for life.

Konstantin and Arnost nodded with tense faces. Each one took a hold of Sasha's arms, guiding her down the hallway and around the corner.

The moment they disappeared Circinn addressed Angelus. "I wish a private word with you Angelus, if you don't mind that is Buffy. I won't keep him for long."

Angelus frowned; he didn't like the idea of Buffy being far away from him especially now that Arnost and Konstantin were in the castle. Buffy on the other hand felt like she was going to throw up and took advantage of the opportunity for a little alone time.

"No that's fine, I think I'll just step outside and get some fresh air."

Instantly brown eyes turned toward her, searching her face, concern set deep in the chocolate orbs that watched her very carefully. "Are you alright Ionion, perhaps you should rest."

Buffy smiled at him, as her hand automatically rose to her belly where she rubbed it gently. "No I'm fine Angelus really. I just need a little air that's all. Go ahead and do what you need to do. I'll meet you in the great hall."

He looked torn and unsure and Buffy quickly gave him a reassuring smile. She leaned up and cupped his cheek, leaning in she kissed him, a slow lingering kiss right on the lips. "Don't worry about me. I might be pregnant but I can still kick ass when I need to."

Sighing, Angelus kissed her back. "Don't kick anyone's ass, I like that dress and would hate to see it stained with blood." He winked at her and Buffy chuckled, feeling a bit better now that Arnost and Konstantin were gone.

"I won't be long Ionion." He kissed her one last time and then turned and walked into the parlor.

Circinn stepped up and gently taking her shoulders turned her toward the opposite end of the hall.

"There is a set of doors at the end of the hall that will take you directly out to the gardens Buffy. Take as much time as you need. You are perfectly safe here in my home."

She nodded and with one slight nod Circinn turned back into the parlor and closed the doors.

Buffy practically ran down the hall and out the double glass doors to the patio that overlooked the gardens of the estate. She really was not feeling well. Her encounter with Arnost and Konstantin had turned her stomach up side down. It felt like even the baby was distraught to have been in their presence. She calmly rubbed her belly. "You're telling me kiddo, those two freaked me out too."

It was a beautiful night as Buffy stood at the railing and looked out. She never dreamed of being in Scotland. It was a breathtaking land. Strong mysterious mountains stood tall and invincible. The sky seemed bright with stars yet endless in its darkness. Standing there finally feeling at ease and relaxed really did not make the prospect of going back inside that much fun.

"Maybe I can just hide out here for the rest of the night."

"I am quite certain that Cinn would not mind another beautiful rose to adorn his gardens."

Unsure of what she would encounter when she turned around, Buffy stiffened when she heard the deep husky timber of yet another Russian accent coming right behind her. However instead of the hostility she felt from Konstantin she sensed nothing but kindness coming from the man that spoke.

Slowly she turned and her eyes met a rock hard chest covered in a black leather vest. Her head tilted back, her eyes appreciatively gazing over the mammoth that stood before her. Of course, she was so off kilter to begin with that her mouth once again ran amok. "Well aren't you a big boy. Are you here to bust my nuts too?"

The man with the sinfully gorgeous mouth smirked. Full lips quirked up in amusement and deep midnight eyes glimmered with delight. He took a step back, and then raked those eyes slowly down her frame stopping at her bosom, which was a bit bigger since her pregnancy, and then roving down to her belly and finally settling on the vee between her legs.

"I was not aware that you had a set as well milady." He looked back up at her. There was such a glint of devilish delight shining bright in his orbs that her own smile threatened to spill from her lips. "Is the Overlord aware of this? Strange, I always thought he was a breast man not a nut lover."

His light teasing comment was so unlike the other commentaries she had received thus far that it threw Buffy for a loop. It also relaxed her and she couldn't stop herself from laughing. She laughed so hard that she got a sudden ache in her back and she leaned back grabbing the railing for balance.

"God, I wish he was here to hear that. I'd love to see his reaction."

Straightening she held out her hand, instinctually knowing exactly who this was. There was absolutely no resemblance to his father but he most definitely had the uncanny beauty of his mother, though his was a rugged manly hotness that was oozing pure sexuality. And big! Good God the man had to be at least six-seven. Here was a man that would make any woman wet in the panties. She shifted, suddenly uncomfortable with her thoughts but no less able to stop them from coming. He just radiated pure sexual stimulation and she found it very hard to ignore herself.

"You must be Nikolai." She said, her voice sounding a tad husky to her own ears and her face flamed again.

Nikolai Kotova smiled that knowing smile of a man who knew the exact affect he had on women. His feet clicked together as he bowed gracefully toward her, his arm coming out in a wide polished arc. "And you are too gorgeous to be anyone else but Buffy Summers."

"You can tell who I am by just my looks eh?" She teased and Nikolai flirted back.

"Well if you aren't Buffy Summers then I must be slipping because I thought I had already tasted all the beauties in the land."

Buffy chuckled, "somehow I don't doubt that."

Nikolai reached out and took her hand in his, raising it to his lips, he kissed the back of her hand with slow intentions, winking up at her through long thick inky lashes.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Buffy, Angelus is a lucky man. I must admit that I am quit tempted to try and seduce you away from him. Unfortunately for me I may be a scoundrel but I do have honor. You will keep me in mind though should he ever fail to keep you satisfied the way a woman of your beauty demands."

Nikolai's voice was deep and smooth, hitting every womanly part of her like an arrow hitting the bulls- eye. Buffy could only stand there speechless and…growing as hot as Hades. She found herself inundated by stark fiery images of lovers tumbling together in the throes of pleasure and hearing their heated cries of orgasmic bliss, a bliss created by the voice and enhanced by the aura of the man himself.

Buffy was powerless to not feel it, to not want what she instinctively knew the man before her could provide, and she felt a bit disappointed that she would never get to test that arrogant statement of his. She probably shouldn't be standing there lusting for a man that was not her mate but she didn't feel guilty about it, in fact she seriously doubted there was any woman on the face of the planet that could stand in Nikolai Kotova's presence and not feel the need to be everything he wanted her to be. Still, she really had to get grip. This was after all her mate's most trusted ally and friend, and the realty was that while Nikolai was indeed a walking porn movie there was no man or vamp who turned her on more than Angelus.

Buffy's smile was pure contented female as she purred back her answer. "You are a smoothie aren't you."

"Too smooth for his own good." The irritated comment was followed up by the arrival of her mate.

Buffy looked at Nikolai who was smiling from ear to ear. "You knew he was there, didn't you?"

Nikolai's smile only grew as he winked at her again.

"Of course he did. Koyla has always taken great pleasure in pushing my buttons." Angelus harshly said though his eyes clearly spoke of the affection he had for the Russian vamp. They turned to each other and clasped their forearms in greeting, both of them smiling with a camaraderie that tugged at Buffy's heart in a strange almost sad way for some reason.

"I always knew those beguiling powers of yours would one day be your down fall. And here you are, using them on my mate. Now I have to kill you."

Nikolai chuckled, "I would expect nothing less mo dheartháir."

Angelus' grin spread across his face with ease and affection. "It's been too long Koyla. I was expecting you in Sunnydale what happened."

Buffy stood there listening to their exchange and feeling more like a woman then she ever did before. They were both alpha males, strong and sure, confident of who and what they were. Powerful, sexual creatures that should really come with a warning sign for poor unsuspecting women like herself. It was almost too much maleness to endure at the same time.

"Mikhail and I were in Romania, there were some…things that required our utmost attention." Nikolai smoothly answered.

"Things ah? I'm sure those things had long legs and heaving bosoms."

Angelus sniggered as did Nikolai after he flashed him a rakish grin. Then they switched to the ancient language talking about God only knew what. Frankly Buffy wasn't paying their conversation much attention she just couldn't stop staring at Nikolai Kotova.

Unexpectedly she felt the strangest sensation that briefly baffled her. As she continued to study him she felt an almost paternal affection for him which was slowly filling her heart. The more she stared the more it grew. Silly really considering that he was a helluva lot older then she was and that they'd just met, and for the obvious reason that this man most definitely did not need anyone looking out for him. He was steaming with self-confidence and strength. She could tell just from their short interaction that he had a fun easy going nature, someone that lived life to the fullest. Yet she also sensed that underneath all that charismatic charm and grace that Nikolai Kotova could be a dangerous predator. It was different then what she sensed from his father. She wasn't afraid of him nor did she feel like she had to be wary of him. She just had the oddest feeling, almost like she had to fight for him.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts, it was peculiar she felt like she did when she had one of her prophetic dreams yet she was standing here and she was wide awake. Then without warning she was hit with a wave of obscure images and emotions.

The images were fuzzy but the emotions that pounded into her were all too real. They came at her rapidly making her feel completely immobile as they flowed through her one after another. Emotions that were deep and ragged, intense feelings of pain and lifelessness, empty souls and deep yearnings, and a fiery intimate fervor that made her toes curl in her heals. They were all mixed together as one, and they were topped off by the sudden consciousness of stubborn bitterness, anger, lies and betrayal…hurtfulness, they all hit her like a freight train. She was rooted to the spot, seeing and feeling more than she ever should. It was frighteningly candid.

Without being told Buffy knew that she was experiencing something that had yet to come. Something that evolved around the two men that stood talking to each other as close as too people could be. Something that was not entirely clear yet at the same time it was thundering in her ears. She had the sinking sensation that these emotions were just the beginning, and that later when she went to sleep she would be bombarded with the entire show in 3D again.

Ignatius had warned her that when she slipped through the portal that most likely then naught her prophetic dreams would strengthen and become that much more precise. Getting just a little taste of that now made her feel unsteady. She wasn't sure if she wanted that or not.

"Ionion are you alright?"

Angelus' troubled voice broke her out of her thoughts. Her vision cleared and she saw two sets of eyes watching her intently.

Was she? She honestly didn't know. What she did know was that it seemed like her world had just shifted. Waking visions? Having prophetic dreams was bad enough, was she now going to be cursed with having them while she was awake too?

Suddenly feeling drained and tired, Buffy longed to speak with the vampire she had looked upon as her guide these last few months. She never would have thought that she would have built a strong relationship with the man she had known as the Master. But in the short time they had spent together they had indeed become close. She had learned many things from Ignatius about this world, about her mate, and about her own self and destiny. Now that he was dead she felt a frisson of wariness, almost frightened from this new ability and unsure of whom she could turn to for counsel. But then she thought of the kind Scotsman she had just met and decided that she would take Circinn up on his offer of help. It would have to wait though. For now she didn't want to tell her mate, he worried so much about her and the baby's welfare, not to mention the political intrigue he now found himself in, and Buffy didn't want to add to his burdens.

She smiled at them. "You're such a worry wart. Of course I'm alright. I'm just more tired then I thought I was."

Angelus grunted as he pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. "You're doing too much Ionion, I know you're strong but you must think of the baby." He looked up at Nikolai, "we ran into Arnost and Konstantin in the hall." He said it as if that explained everything.

Nikolai's face hardened so quickly and revealed such open hostility that it appeared that it did indeed explain everything.

"Those two would make Chernobog, the black devil, blanch. It's no wonder you're not feeling well. You should rest. There is plenty of time to get acquainted later."

Buffy couldn't stop staring into his eyes. She couldn't stop the sensations that were once more flooding her, and she couldn't stop the compassion she felt for him from coming. If she knew what it was she would have voiced it because it felt ominous, it felt like it was something that was going to change everything for him. And that left her feeling accountable to tell him something but she was so uncertain of exactly what she was seeing and feeling that she didn't say anything.

She didn't have to speak. Nikolai looked into her green eyes and saw it all. His smile faltered only slightly as he cleared his throat feeling ill at ease with her empathy.

"My friend Mikhail Rumianova will be arriving shortly from his holdings in Norway with his family and my sister who was visiting them, I know they have been looking forward to meeting you. I hope you can spare a few moments to greet them."

Looking into his kind face, Buffy's heart swelled with raw heartbreaking emotions and all she wanted to do was weep. She grasped his hand and held it in her own, tightly, yet her voice was soft when she spoke. "I would love too Nikolai, as well as spending more time with you, I would be honored."

"Come Ionion I'll take you to our room."

Angelus took her arm but Buffy stopped him.

"No, I can get there myself. Stay and finish your talk with Nikolai. I know you were anxious to speak with him."

She gave him no room to argue with her as she smiled at them both, nodded, and then walked back into the house.

Angelus watched her go curiously. He sensed her heightened emotions and he knew she was on the verge of a serious meltdown. While he was deeply concerned he chocked it up to her raging hormones. Well he wasn't going to worry about her sudden mood swing, if he did he'd put himself in the loony bin because the Gods knew that's all he'd been doing lately. She would rest and she would wake up and once more be the lively quirky women that he loved more then life itself.

"She's an amazing woman Angelus, I am truly envious. She's perfect for you. She is just what our world needed." Nikolai softly said as his eyes followed Buffy into the house.

Angelus turned to him, "that's what I need to talk to you about Koyla."

The tone of his voice brought Nikolai's attention back to him. His body tightened. He knew what was coming he had know it before he even arrived, and to be honest, it was the main reason why he didn't go to Sunnydale as planned. He had wanted to avoid this particular conversation but he knew that was not now nor ever was an option to him.

"I'm listening."

"Arnost and Konstantin seem determined to undermine my rule. I don't trust them. I know they're up to something and I know that it doesn't bode well for anyone least of all me and mine. "

He took a step closer, his voice lowering an octave as he continued. "Nikolai we've been brothers for hundreds of years. You came to the House of Ignatius as a scrawny little kid. I trained you. I taught you everything I knew and I watched as you soaked it all up like a greedy little sponge. The man that stands before me today is a force to be reckoned with. A powerful man, probably more then you are even willing to see. You know that I look upon you as my brother. I'm proud of you and I always have been. You have more honor than any man I know. You have always done what you feel is right and I respect that, I respect you." Angelus took a breath, the words that were to come were hard for him to say but he felt that he still needed to say it. "You know that is how I feel so I hope that you are not insulted when I ask you. When the shit hits the fan do you stand by my side? Can I count on you to be my second?"

Nikolai was utterly taken aback by the praise he just heard coming from a man who never once showed the slightest bit of sentiment unless of course it was his wraith. Nikolai knew that Angelus was proud of him he just never expected to hear it. He actually felt affection coming off the big oaf and that made Nikolai feel good. He suspected he had the little spitfire that just left to thank for that, and silently he did. For a man that had never experienced an overabundance of that particular sensation in his life, to feel it now was indeed a miraculous thing.

Though he knew what this conversation would lead too it didn't seem to matter anymore. Nikolai held Angelus gaze for a few silent seconds. He was asking him to betray his own blood, to fight in the battle that Nikolai knew just as Angelus did was upon them. He would give his life for the man that had at one time stood up to Konstantin when Nikolai was too young to do so himself. They were family in every sense of the word.

There was no question. There was nothing to ponder or figure out. Nikolai would do anything Angelus asked of him even if that meant going against Konstantin, he had no problem with that. In Nikolai's mind it would not be disloyal to Konstantin because the man never had his loyalty to begin with.

He grasped Angelus' shoulder believing unconditionally with his heart and his soul the absolute genuineness of the words he spoke.

"You have always had my loyalty Angelus, you know this, and you always will. No matter what happens I will stand by your side. I would never betray you my brother."