Animus
By Jules


Chapter   2
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** The next day **


Cordelia went right back to the way things used to be. She’d make the coffee, then start typing
invoices...or at least she tried to do all of that.

Wesley walked in to find Cordelia struggling to pour a cup of coffee with her one good arm. Her
hair was down, and the shirt she had on obviously was Angel’s. On top of that, she was wearing a
pair of jeans. Wesley had always doubted whether she’d even owned a pair.

He quickly went to her aid, “Can I help you with that?” he asked reaching for the coffeepot.

“NO!” Cordelia exclaimed, pulling the coffeepot away from his hand, “I want to do it myself.” She
pouted.

Wesley pulled away his hands, and held them up in surrender.

She tried to do it three more time, just sloshing coffee on the floor, then gave up.

Silently Wesley took it from her, and poured her a cup of coffee. Not saying a single word, just
handing her the mug, then pouring himself some. He added some sugar to his, and two scoops to
Cordelia’s, plus a splash of cream then stirred.

Cordelia murmured a thank you, then went to her desk and laid her head on her good arm. If
there was one thing in the world Cordelia hated, it was not being able to take care of herself. Of
course she never minded when guys took care of her, when she wanted them too, but the fact that
she couldn’t do things made her cross. She hated feeling weak, like she needed someone.


Angel had watched this from the stairs. He understood Cordelia hated feeling helpless and unable
to take care of herself. Her pride was the only thing she’d been left with once everything had been
taken away. She did everything in her power to make sure no one knew she was poor. In LA, she
had told Angel she was doing great, when actually she was living in a roach infested apartment,
and had to take food home from parties so as not to starve to death. He admired her pride, but
knew that someday, it might cause some major problems.

 
~*~
 
 
** One month later **


Cordelia’s bruises had disappeared, her shoulder healing, but the scars left on her spirit were
deep, and not even close to being healed. And the repercussions of the disastrous relation ship
hadn’t even all revealed themselves yet.


It had been decided (mostly by Angel, though Cordelia hadn’t put up much of a fight) that
Cordelia would live with Angel. They (meaning Cordelia this time) would live in the penthouse
of the hotel. And once Cordelia had finished, you wouldn’t have even recognized it if you’d seen
it before.
Cordelia had kept her mind busy by working night and day, actually scrubbing the floors, walls,
and kitchen, and then she got to the part she liked, decorating. She’d taken over the money Angel
had in the basement, and she’d gone wild. It was a mixture of her tastes and Angel’s. All the
furniture, drapes, and two king size beds were black, but the lamps, pillows, picture frames, rugs,
clocks, and two over stuffed chairs were leopard print.

Angel had no say what so ever, but it was dark enough to suit his tastes.

The money that was left, Cordelia handed most of it over to David Nabbit, and instructed him to
do anything that would make the sum bigger.

Cordelia also planned on making most of the rest of the hotel, into a hotel again. Though she didn’
t let Angel in on the plans. Instead she just took over the floor underneath the penthouse, knocked
down a lot of walls, and created a real office for Angel Investigations, as well as a first aid center,
fully stocked, and a training center, thanks to more of David’s more then willing help.

Angel let her, knowing that it was her way of not having to deal with the pain, but when she
started to forgo sleep, to work instead, Angel put his foot down.


Cordelia hadn’t told Angel about the nightmares, which were the root of her constant day and
night work schedule. At night, that’s when
his face haunted her dreams. Memories of his beating
would pulse though her mind ending with her waking up in a cold sweat, terrified of returning to
sleep. It had got to the point where she was afraid to close her eyes period.

Finally, Angel forced her to go to bed. Instead of going to bed himself, he sat in a chair in the
hallway, reading a book, to make sure she didn’t get back up.

He’d only just started to read his text when she started tossing.

Angel kept reading.

Then she started to moan every now and then.

Angel went into the room, and found her struggling in bed, asleep, against something in her
dream, when she started to cry out and beg at the person in her dream, “No! Please, don’t hurt me.
I’m sorry!”

Angel freaked; he ran over and tried to wake her up. At first, she didn’t awaken to his calls, then
finally, her eyes opened, breathing heavily, sobs working their way out of her chest. She grabbed
onto Angel, hugging him tight, desperate for his protective embrace.

It took 20 minutes of petting, soothing murmurs, and his stroking of her long her, and finally she
calmed down. Very guiltily, Angel realized he was a little glad that it had taken to so long to calm
her. Having her in his arms just felt so right.
Cordelia secretly was feeling the same way; being in Angel’s arms just felt so perfect, so natural.
She never safer, then when Angel had his strong-arms around her. She also realized how lucky she
was that her heart was already beating fast, otherwise her feelings for Angel would be revealed,
though in truth, she’d just discovered them herself.



** 1 week later **


Angel had done some research, and gone shopping.  He came back and found Cordelia in the
construction of the office, as usual. Cordelia was surprised to see him there. He typically stayed
away from it. But she soon learned he had a purpose in mind.

Angel forced Cordelia to leave, telling her the crew could work without her. Cordelia was
confused, but went with him. Finally, they were in the penthouse. Angel paced for a few moments.

Cordelia got tired of it, “Angel, what is going on? You’re acting really strange ...”

“I’m in love with you.”

Cordelia looked at him, mouth wide open, “What did you say?”

“I’m in love with you. When you were gone, I was so lonely. I missed you so much, those few
moments when we talked on the phone were never enough, and then when I found you in the
apartment....It was as if my heart had been ripped out of my chest. I’ve fallen for you hard. I want
to protect you for the rest of my life. So there’s only one solution, that would make me happy.”
Angel got down on one knee in front of the goddess before him, “Cordelia Chase, will you do me
the honor of pledging yourself to me in a ritual tonight, that would bind us forever?”

He pulls out a beautiful platinum ring, there was a two-caret diamond, on both sides were tiny
diamonds and r
ubies.  

“Oh my...Angel, yes!” Cordelia gasped, allowing him to put it on her finger, then he stood up and
hugged her.


 
** Two hours later **


Angel gave Cordelia a garment bag, “I was walking by this one boutique while I was getting
components for the ritual, and I saw this dress...it was like I was meant to find it for you, for
tonight.”

Cordelia took the bag, “I’ll go try it on while you set things up.” She was turning around then
stopped, “I almost forgot.” She pulls out an old, platinum ring (obviously meant for a man) out of
her pocket, “This was my grandfather’s wedding ring. My grandmother gave it to him on the day
they married over 80-years ago. He gave it to me after Grandmother died, telling me to give it to
the man I loved with all my heart and soul the day I married.”

Angel cautiously took it from her, as if afraid it would disappear, along with her, “You have no
idea how much it means to me that you are giving this to me...”

“Yes I do...probably the same as how much it means to me that you love me enough to pledge
yourself to me, I had thought that you would never feel the same way about me, and it was a total
shock. I know my grandfather would be proud of my choice too.” Then Cordelia walked into the
bathroom.

 
Angel set up Mari-Mari candles all around the bedroom, and lit them, except for one tall one,
which he placed on the floor at the end of the bed, with the engraved ritual bowel filled with all
the ingredients needed for the ceremony.

He changed into black button-down shirt, which he left un-tucked and unbuttoned. He had just
finished when the bathroom door opened, the dressed looked like it was made for her. She looked
so perfect, like his angel, his Goddess. The gauzy white dress contrasted her tan skin and long
loose dark ringlets perfectly. It had tiny straps, and practically see-through. The fluid skirt ended
just before her knees. The dress had a v-neck and a ribbed that tied, holding it on, beneath her
amble soft breast. Angel’s heart was in his throat, he could feel the borrow blood rushing his body.

Cordelia stood self-consciously in the bathroom doorway, starring at the muscular physic across
the room, the man who held her heart. His shirt was unbuttoned and was barefoot too. She bit her
lip nervously as his eyes swept over her body, studying her. He held out his hand in invitation to
her. Cordelia slowly walked over to him, swinging her hips.


Angel could see the longing and devotion in Cordelia’s eyes as she provocatively came to him.
She was a Goddess, and he couldn’t believe she wanted him, or that he’d been so blind before
now.

Cordelia too was in shock, the brooding souled-vamp actually wanted her, her Cordelia, not
Buffy, and the ritual they were about to perform would join them, their hearts, and spirits forever.
And if somehow he ever lots his soul again, even though they wasn’t any clauses this time
around, Angelus wouldn’t kill her either, because the joining made them one spirit, killing her,
would feel like he killed part of himself.  She watched him, the looks in his eyes were ones of
untold love and desire.


Cordelia placed her hand into his outstretched, then together they kneeled near the bowl where
they put their most precious possessions in, both put in the rings they had given each other that
very day.

The first thing they had to do, was speak from their hearts. They joined hands, and starred into
each other’s eyes.

Angel went first, “I fell in love with you Lia, I couldn’t help myself, you’re just so beautiful and
alive. Always saying what you think, it’s tactless, but cute. I don’t know why I was so dense for so
long, but I know that you were created for me, and I was created to love you.”

Cordelia sniffed, “Oh Angel, I wanted you from the first moment I saw you, those years ago. It
was another lifetime, and it took a lot too finally get where we are today...but for you it was worth
it. You are the most wonderful, caring, protective, devoted person I’ve ever met. When you asked
me to do this, I was so surprised, and happy. I don’t think I’ll ever be happier, then when I’m with
you.”


They chanted as one, “To each other, we bind ourselves together.”

The candles in the room start to burn brighter, and the flower petals and herbs start swirling
around and floating up in a spiral from the bowl between their joined hands.

“That on our immortal lives, the love we share transcends time.
To each other we vow to protect and cherish.”

The candle between them starts to smoke, and the rose and orchid petal’s swirl encircling their
bodies while wind whips around them as well, but does not disturb the flames. Angel and
Cordelia take the rings from the bowl and place them on each other’s fingers as they continue the
chant.

“I promise you as you promise me
That we will be linked throughout eternity.
Forever she shall be joined as one
You are part of me just as I am part of you
In our hearts, forever young.”

A bright light flashed between their hands, and both felt a surge of energy with in them. Cordelia
stared into Angel’s eyes, Angel stared right back, his eyes dark with desire.

“Wait here.” He ordered in a husky voice.

Quickly he grabbed a remote from the dresser and turned on the CD player. Cordelia’s heart leapt
as the song from her favorite movie began to play.


~*~*~*~*~*~

When it’s love you give (I’ll be a man of good faith)
Then in love you live (I’ll make a stand, I won’t break)
I’ll be the rock you can build on
Be there when you’re old
To have and to hold
  

~*~*~*~*~*~


The ceremony was said to magnify passion and desire, and the final part was secret. If it worked,
you’d know.


Angel put the remote down and went back to his love. He pulled her to him, plundering his hot
mouth with his cold tongue. Cordelia eagerly responded. His hands traveled to the bow on
Cordelia’s dress and untied it, it slipped to the ground. Cordelia eagerly pushed off Angel’s shirt.
Her hands rushed to unbutton his pants, and they were soon heaped on the floor next his shirt and
her dress.


~*~*~*~*~*~

When there’s love inside (I swear I’ll always be strong)
Then there’s a reason why (I’ll prove to you we belong)
I’ll be the wall that protects you
From the wind and the rain
From the hurt and the pain
    

~*~*~*~*~*~


Angel lifted her up, Cordelia wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

Neither noticed the tall candle burst aflame, as a result of their obvious passage.

They fell on to the feathery mattress of the bed, Cordelia sinking into it, loving the feeling of
Angel’s weight on top of her. Their pelvis’s rubbed together through the thin fabric of what little
was left. Cordelia felt Angel’s growing appendage on her leg and was in more of a hurry finish
getting their clothes off.

Angel kisses down Cordelia’s neck, she moans when he reaches a magic spot.


~*~*~*~*~*~

Let’s make it all for one and all for love
Let the one you hold be the one you want
The one you need
‘Cause when it’s all for one it’s one for all

When there’s someone that should know
Then just let your feelings show
And make it all for one and all for love
  

~*~*~*~*~*~


Cordelia bit her lip,
Oh my god, I can’t believe this is happening, he loves me! ME! He had his soul forever,
and he wants to be with me, he committed the rest of his eternity to me. I love him so much....’


Cordelia flipped Angel and straddled him, “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this.”

Then she started kissed a path down his chest slowly.

Angel watched her in awe, ‘
It’s happening, it’s finally happening. She’s a Goddess, and she’s mine, all
mine, forever. It never felt like this with Buffy, Buffy was forbidden fruit, Delia, she’s my mate, my intended...I
love her with all my heart. Cordelia Chase is the reason I was put on this earth.


Angel growled, “Cordelia ...” when she started paying a lot of attention to his stomach.

She grinned at him, then returned to his lips.


~*~*~*~*~*~

When it’s love you make  (I’ll be the fire in your night)
Then it’s love you take  (I will defend, I will fight)
I’ll be there when you need me
When honors at stake
This vow I will make:

That it’s all for one and all for love
Let the one be you want
The one you need
‘Cause when it’s all for one it’s one for all

When there’s someone that should know
Then just let your feelings show
And make it all for one and all for love  
 

~*~*~*~*~*~


Angel flipped her over, pinning her underneath him, her arms above her head with one hand, “I
love you Delia.”

Then he claimed her lips once more. His other hand traveled down her body and disposed of her
panties.

He looks deep into her eyes, “Are you ready?”

She nods her head, “Make love to me Angel.”


~*~*~*~*~*~

Don’t lay our love to rest
‘Cause we could stand up to your test
We got everything and more than we had planned
More than the rivers that run the land
We’ve got it all in our hands
  

~*~*~*~*~*~

 
Angel gently slipped into the hot, velvety depths of the woman he loved more than anything in
the world.

Cordelia’s heart was soaring, her body experiencing more pleasure than she’d ever thought
possible.

Angel’s nipped at the area around her neck, and kissed her all over. Cordelia’s hands ran all over
his body, her mind was quickly becoming lost as the waves went all the way to her head. She just
started gasping and calling out, “Angel, oh my...ANGEL!”

Cordelia pulled Angel to her neck and he bit in, tasting her coppery blood for the first time. It was
the sweetest thing he’d ever tasted. Both came at once, then finally collapsed in a sweaty
exhausted mess, neither wanting to part, legs intertwined.  

 
~*~*~*~*~*~

Now it’s all for one and all for long  
(It’s all for love)
Let the one you hold be the one you want
The one you need
‘Cause when it’s all for one it’s one for all (It’s one for all)
When there’s someone that should know
Then just let your feelings show

When there’s someone that you want
When there’s someone that you need
Let’s make it all for one and all for love
 

~*~*~*~*~*~


The ability to think finally returned to Cordelia and she gasped, “Oh my God, Angel! You’re
soul!”

She was about to get up and run, but Angel quickly soothed her fears, “Shhhh, don’t worry. The
oracle’s anchored my soul. I’ll never turn into Angelus again. And that last moment there was
plenty to do it. Actually, if that clause was still in place I would have lost it the moment you
agreed to marry me.”

“Oh Angel!” Cordelia kissed him, and snuggled closer to him, “I love you so much.”

“I love you too Delia, forever.”        


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Please reply!
Post questions, comments, requests, or just tell me what ya think! You know, give me feedback!


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