Epilogue

"Here you go."  Titia handed Angel a glass of brandy.

"So you managed to find someone for the position."  He took the offered drink and sank gracefully into the leather couch opposite her.  The Claim marks on her neck made him feel edgy.  Over the smell of the many beings that had recently been in her study, he had a tingle of a familiar scent.  The whole combination put him off.  He didn't like it.  He had come to consider Titia a friend and he didn't have many of those.  "Is it the vampire who Claimed you?"  He hoped it wasn't too personal a question.

"Yes.  Actually, that's how he took over."  Her mouth drew into a secret smile.  "A deceptively simple plan.  And very affective.  He really has them terrified."  Her smile was proud when she met his eyes.

"Claiming is a very powerful thing.  A dangerous thing, especially for a human."  He eyed her.  He knew she was brilliant in business, and called by the PTB.  Stronger than a normal human, sort of like Buffy, if Buffy ever adopted a adult attitude.  He couldn't keep the smile from his lips as images of the last couple of days danced in his memory.

"Angel?  Where did you go?"

He tuned back in to 'reality FM'.  But, couldn't stop the memories behind the smile.  "You were going to tell who Claimed you."

"Before that is revealed, I have to tell you a little about my little journey to self-discovery at Camp Sunnyhell.  Those pesky Powers are the thrifty sort.  I see their point, why use unique tricky way to boost a human to champion strength?"  She looked away from him.  Then turned back to him, smiling to reveal elongated canines and her ridged brow.  "When you can use what you already understand."  She said, as her demon mask slowly slid away.

It took a few seconds before he could collect himself.  A vampire's demon in a living body!  Angelus shuddered within him, but Angel's  thought it a better deal.  She was rubbing her brow where to ridges had been. "Does it hurt?"

"Yah.  And needless to say it's not one of my preferred looks.  And before you ask.  I haven't developed a thirst for blood.  I'd don't feel any different, I'm just a little stronger especially with it in the fore.  It explains a lot actually. "  Sighing, she looked at the ring on her finger. "Are you ready for the next thrill?  I'll warn you, he's the sort of guy who really brings the demon out in a girl"  She jumped up and walked out in the door.  "Show time, baby!"

When she returned, he knew the look of evil glee was at his expense.  The familiar scent coalesced as the all too familiar voice said.  "Hello, Peaches."  All he could think of as his eyes framed the patented cocky grin under the shock of white-blond hair, was why in his unlife.