Xander woke rather earlier than usual, “Just past the yard arm” as Spike would have put it. He edged up the dial on the electric blanket and left his lovely partner to sleep on. He smiled lovingly as the blonde snuggled toward the middle of the bed then sighed in his sleep as his Consort sent love through the link.

Spike always looked like a small child when sleeping alone in their big bed. Xander contemplated, not for the first time, that a large soft teddy bear would be a natural addition… and wonderful for the ‘extortion’ value considering their new digital video would even record the purring should the vampire really take to the snuggle toy. He had seen Spike hugging a pillow in the past… the possibilities were endless and the payment for his silence regards teddy hugging would be… he hoped… very private and quite delicious. He grinned at the thought, resolved to purchase said soft toy on his next shopping venture to Basel, then quietly departed the room leaving his lover to sleep on in the warmth of their shared bed. It had been a hard few days.

Xander, now clad in a simple pair of old jeans and loose knit old cotton sweater, padded down the hallway en route to obtain an early afternoon snack, but stopped as he spied the door to Connor’s suite being opened tentatively.

Surprisingly he ‘felt’ Connor – not a strong pull like their Sire, Anton, or the absolutely addictive pull of his mate, Spike, but it was still unmistakable. It was a magical signature, it was ‘family’, and there was no denying it. He wondered if Connor felt it too. As the young man turned and stared wide eyed at Xander he had his answer.

“Morning… well just afternoon really.” Xander stopped himself before babble mode took full hold. For some reason this younger man set him on edge, yet there really was no reason for the nerves. It just seemed that it was terribly important that Angel’s son felt ‘at home’, and Spike’s angst over the last few days had touched hard on his own old insecurities.

Xander was normally comfortable in the knowledge that those around him viewed the High Master’s Consort with a sense of awe and admiration, but at some level could never really internalize the impression he gave others, so new comers of the Connor variety were somewhat daunting. Academically he acknowledged his rather extraordinary reputation in the vampire community, and his success in the business world, so many years of change, but at times, like now, *that* Alexander Harris felt like another person.

But for all Xander’s discomfort, Connor looked far more disorientated and nervous.

“Um… Hey.”

“Sleep well?”

“Yeah… Yeah sure… bed was great and um… Nice view… from the room, I mean.”

There was an awkward pause before Xander the confident host, ‘reentered the building’. “You hungry, ‘cause Jon always makes sure there’s something for me in the early afternoon – Spike too usually, but I’ll let cook know the Master is still sleeping.”

Xander ushered their guest down the stairs and toward the sun drenched first story balcony. He nodded to Gregor as they passed Anton’s office, the loyal assistant moving forward to quietly inform Xander, “Master Anton will join you shortly.”

They wandered through a pair of enormous french doors to find a fully laden luncheon table waiting.

“Help yourself.” Xander handed Connor white china plate then held up the pot of freshly made coffee, “You want…?”

“Umm yeah, thanks.”

Xander poured a cup for his guest then himself, and proceeded to pile his plate high with fresh fruit, cold meat, cheese and his favorite heavy sourdough rye bread.

Connor took a couple of strawberries and a thin slice of bread and sat facing the scenery as they ate in silence (Strictly speaking Xander eating while Connor picked at his food and made furtive glances toward his host).

Xander was a puzzle to the young full blood. For ten plus, long years, Connor had deliberately ignored/denied his vampire heritage. But it never truly went away. There had been times when he ‘felt’ individuals in nightclubs or simply walked home from a late night lecture and chose to ignore it all. Yet now he could distinctly *feel* another human… on a visceral level. He had expected to ‘feel’ Spike, but Xander was something he struggled with. He had assumed that on the previous evening, it was the blood of the Immortal and the tug of Spike in particular that had caught his particularly honed senses – assuming that Xander’s ‘feel’ was to do with his relationship to Spike, rather than he as an individual.

But as Connor sat to take luncheon, his own vampire nature had responded to the Consort so strongly that the young man was utterly confused. Xander’s magical signature was virtually as strong as Spike’s.

The silence that ensued at the dining table was rather awkward so Xander was relieved when Anton joined them. “Sire!” Xander’s extreme relief and deference was not lost on ‘the Destroyer’.

The Consort stood to welcome the Immortal and Connor did not miss Xander’s automatically offering his neck, the reciprocally opened wrist of welcome from the ‘Sire’, nor the easy exchange when both accepted a quick sip of welcome and familial comfort. What surprised Connor even more was that his own mouth was watering, and the gut level longing that had been ever present in the background for as many years as he could remember, now seemed to be a burning need.

As Anton and Xander released each other, the young man stared ever more confused, “Sire? But surely?? You’re… oh… I’m… sorry. I know you explained it all but it’s still a little…”

Anton was about to speak but it was Xander who answered, “’S OK, Connor – took me a bit to deal as well – but Anton here is our Sire – adoptive or surrogate Sire if you like.

“Spike is only a century and a half old, he adored his Sire, your dad Angel, but he is still young and needs someone older to support him especially in the new role. He and I would very much like you to accept Anton’s role also – it will make you so much stronger! But hey realize you may need time.”

Connor turned directly to the now seated Anton, and in the process spied Spike standing at the doors to the balcony trapped inside by the sunlight and too far away to comment. The vampire condemned to watch powerlessly as his full blood relative made a critical decision. If he could not accept Anton, Spike was at a loss as to how the Court would view the young ‘freak’ offspring of the Aurelian line.

Anton had opened his wrist as the Consort concluded his worried explanation. The young man answered the blood and something more, feeling a familial instinct tugging him toward the figure that had already been accepted as Sire by the High Master and Consort, by the favorite Childe of his true father. Connor moved with all the preternatural speed Xander had come to expect of vampires and knelt by Anton’s chair then surprised even himself by whispering words that came to him without effort, “I, Connor, full blood of the Aurelian line accept you as our Sire in all things.” before latching on and beginning to take three long drafts. Connor’s own arm snaked up to offer his wrist to complete the exchange and Anton accepted, “I welcome you, Connor of the Aurelian line, as my Childe in all things, to guide and protect you as best I might.”

Immediately the exchange was complete, the High Master and Consort felt a shift in their links to both Anton and Connor. It was suddenly a clear connection between all four. Something that was expected but still surprising when it occurred for the first time. Connor’s eyes went wide as he felt the love and devotion to family flowing freely.

Anton had to depart by late afternoon, but even so, a definite calm had descended the castle – all the tension of the previous night seeming to have dissipated as Connor now felt the profound connection with family and knew he truly belonged. Unlike his ‘dual memories’ or the confusion and terror of the last time he saw his father at W & H, he felt that this was a very real opportunity to forge his own way in a life that straddled demon and human worlds comfortably, embracing his special status in the Aurelian court.

Following Anton’s departure (which included promises of his return within the month and ongoing  updates re Wolfram and Hart), the next few evenings found Spike and Xander introducing Connor to the general day to day business of the Aurelian Court, and allowing him insight into their own rather vast business dealings.

Connor had not yet been introduced at Court, but was privy to a couple of meetings with their local canton clans and was initially surprised by the formality of the encounters, and the deference given the Consort.

Connor was fascinated by the closeness of the Consort and High Master – even when not working on the same project or issue, they seemed able to swiftly switch to an advisory or supportive roll for their partner in the blink of an eye. Almost as though they knew what the other was thinking. It wasn’t until the fourth night that he discovered that his perception was all but true. Over dinner the other two grinned when Connor commented then Spike admitted that in such close proximity the mating link coupled with their now intimate knowledge of all aspects of each other made it a naturally fluid process of give and take without needing a great deal of chit chat,

Angel’s son felt extremely connected to Spike and genuinely enjoyed any time spent with his… brother, in particular working out – honing sparring skills, and testing his own vampire abilities. Spike also tutored him in some of the Vamire Lore and customs – particularly as it pertained to Europe and the various international Courts. But it was Xander who took him quad bike riding and advised on the ‘touristy’ things for daytimes – occasionally accompanying him and keeping up an easy banter more akin to one of Connor’s old college buddies than the revered Aurelian Consort with a worldwide profile in vampire society and in the business world.

There was no word from Anton regards Wolfram and Hart – though Spike was a little suspicious that if his Sire was using the Rome branch of the law firm there would be little reliable information anyway. On one of their regular calls Spike expressed his reservations and his reasons. Anton dismissed the ‘incident’ with Spike and Angel regards the Cappa di

Familia’s head as ‘unfortunate’, the mirth in his voice evident when Spike growled a little as he was reminded that it was in fact, Anton who had delivered the head to LA in the end. Spike realized he was being rather precious about an incident over a decade ago and in the end he laughed sheepishly, and affectionately added, “Bloody hell, how things change ‘ey?”

Connor tendered his resignation from his workplace on the tenth day of his visit. He was glad he had brought his laptop – even though intending to use it on his journey for little more than a convenient way to access his Email. Now he used it to complete as much of his current project as he could manage prior to resigning - virtually handing his replacement a guaranteed bonus for tidying up some of the grammar and reviewing a couple of details that Connor was concerned were still needed checkinge. He then forwarded the entire report digitally along with his letter of resignation.

He listed one of Anton’s UK company’s PO box numbers and a Swiss cell phone number as the contact. He expressed his thanks to his old boss and disappointment at giving such short notice. In the letter he stated he had been given an offer he simply could not refuse and was to start immediately. He also added that clearly he did not expect any severance pay or the like given the short notice and wished the company and all staff well.

Twelve days later the regular bi monthly meeting of the Masters of the European Court was extended to two days – the second to include delegations from the Watchers’ Council and European covens and a variety of friendly demon nations. Connor was rather concerned that the ‘fuss’ was all about his arrival in the Court, but quickly learned that the primary reasons were a regular six month convening of the full Court and the long awaited eighteen month report and review of the progress of the Alliance.

Spike arranged for some ‘appropriate’ attire for Connor. The full blood pleasing the High Master immensely by choosing a traditional, black, long leather duster with a high collar and ease of movement, dark grey leggings and black calf length boots. The exception to the ruling couple’s outfits being the color variation of the pants, lack of claim mark flaps and the striking blue/silver lining of his coat.

It was well past midnight on the night before the meeting and Connor was busy worrying that he would not remember all the delegates, so was busy ‘swotting’ with a full list of names, locations and bio’s complete with digital photos when Xander knocked on the door of his private suite.

“Hey buddy… you OK?”

Connor looked up from his studies with a rather glazed expression, “Huh?? Oh, sorry Xander, just kind of… brain overload you know? I *so* don’t want to screw this up – not just for you guys but, you know… for Dad too – both of them really. Although I figure both might struggle with all the formality and Hoo Haa don’t you think? And do you really think they’d like the earring I mean Anton gave it and all but it’s still – then again I guess… Jeez Xan I am *never* going to remember all these names and stuff by tomorrow!” It was babble almost worthy of Xander of Sunnydale fame… almost. But Consort Alexander was currently in the building.

“Just came to make sure you *don’t* worry. Gregor, Anton, William aka Spike, and I will be with you all the way… no feeling inadequate for you! There’s a meet and greet, then all you need do for the meeting (s) is to be polite and introduce yourself formally if asked to do so.

“If there are any challenges (which I cannot imagine there will be), they will be addressed by all of us as a unit The Immortal – the Surrogate Sire, the ensouled Aurelian High Master of Europe, his deadly Mate - the Consort, and the legendary full blood Aurelian – the Destroyer”

“Sh#&! We sound like cartoon heroes!”

“Better – We’re the real deal. Now come on shut the books and get some shut eye. Booked a round of golf for us mid morning tomorrow – get our minds off things before lunch – meet you at ten downstairs?”

Connor swiftly followed instructions, sheepishly grinning at his golf partner as Xander watched him snuggle down into the bed in a fashion so reminiscent of Spike that the Consort had to wonder just how deep family traits really ran.

Golf game had, Anton greeted and preparations made for the evening, they all relaxed just a little, focusing on making a good impression.

The Consort and the Full Blood flanked the High Master on the way down the stairs to greet their guests for the traditional refreshments before the meeting. Even those in the room regularly in contact with the strength of the ruling couple were still taken aback by the addition of a third extraordinarily powerful, magical signal, and the image of the three powerful beings greeting their Sire at the bottom of the stairs with all the deference expected of a traditional vampire dynasty.

As always Anton made the perfect host, introducing his youngest ‘Childe’ to all in the room save the Mistress Minna – he left the High Master to guide Connor over to meet the extraordinarily beautiful and capable ruler of the Aurelian clans of Northern Europe.

Unlike the other clan leaders – Minna seemed instantly at ease and struck up a jovial conversation with the young American full blood. She too had studied in the USA, was well traveled and blindingly intelligent. Anton smiled at Spike and Xander from the opposite side of the crowded meeting room, indicating with his eyes the result of the first greeting. Connor and Minna were in deep conversation regarding the clan issues in the north, with Connor asking numerous questions – obviously attentive and full of deserved praise whilst trying not to stare too obviously at the stunning blonde female vampire with whom he spoke.

The meeting of the full court went without a hitch – all clan masters acknowledging Connor’s right to a place at Spike’s left hand, and rejoicing in the prestige that a full blood afforded the Aurelian line – and by default their own.

General business was tabled and the representatives for the following day’s meeting with the ‘alliance partners’ selected – it seemed vital that the areas still struggling to ‘keep the peace’ were able to be heard, along with the most successful regions. In the end there was little debate.

The ensuing meeting with the Watchers, wiccans and demon groups seemed equally amicable. All were still struggling with a few recalcitrant members but the consensus was that the alliance was strengthening not waning after eighteen months – and that other areas of cooperation were fast being explored and the alliance terms broadened.

The High Master William wrapped up the two days by personally congratulating all present, then announced figures for the previous year’s economic growth in all the clan regions directly attributable to their actions, along with the human population statistics and glowing forward projections that even accounted for the erratic global climate conditions.

Willow and Andrew approached after the meeting to greet Connor, the young man remembering the witch vaguely from the before life at the hotel when she arrived to restore his father’s soul. He didn’t remember the white hair though. That was new but not unattractive. She exuded power but was so obviously good friends with Xander and Spike that he forgot the magic ‘prickles’ within moments.

The following day began for most guests with a late brunch, then short private audiences or activities whilst waiting. Xander guided the other sunlight resistant guests around the property on a leisurely walk for an hour or so. Eventually the last of the guests departed.

……………..

Lilah Morgan had her spies. It took but three days following the meeting of the Aurelian Court for Wolfram and Hart to have reports of Connor’s whereabouts. But Lilah knew better than to threaten Connor or ‘draw him out’ directly. To challenge the full European Court or move against the Immortal who never really fitted in any comfortable category of good or evil (and seemed utterly incorruptible), would be foolish to say the least.

Instead Lilah decided on patience and a rather delicious plan of lies, jealousy and treachery in the extreme. She engaged a few renegade vampires to ‘stir up’ trouble with the members of the Fl’aath demon clan in the Bernese Oberland (specifically Lake Thun) region. Allegedly they were from the Aurelian clan in that area.

Despite regional rulers of both the Fl’aath and the vampires agreeing that it was an anomaly, trouble continued to escalate. Master Pepe who controlled the western cantons of Switzerland dealt with the problem, but the F’laath were being ‘advised’, so continued to agitate to make a finite agreement with the High Master.

Initially Spike resisted the proposition that he ‘sign off’ on such a trivial matter but after a desperate delegation including Master Pepe himself appealed in person to the High Master, Spike agreed and the meeting was set to occur in a neutral venue near the Fl’aath’s territory.

Closer to the day the Fl’aath reduced their demands from a full meeting of clans to one of simply meeting with the ruling couple and the ‘prince’ as observer, just as they would send their two supreme leaders along with an interpreter/negotiator.

It seemed a reasonable compromise and Willow recommended the Interlaken Coven might have an appropriately neutral meeting venue. It was accepted.