The Bonds of Love pt 4
Date: 3/20/98
From: barnster

On returning from the old house, Angelique had never stopped tormenting him on Maggie's 'betrayal.' He had defended her, vigorously. Of course, Angelique had laughed in his face, and, calling him a fool, disappeared.

Despite that, he had smiled to himself. She was the fool. If only she knew how much she had helped him! The plan he had in mind, was dangerous. It could end with his own destruction, and that of Maggie, if he failed. He had no option, but to succeed.

It was to be a week before he could act on his plan. During that time, he had developed a link between he and Maggie. Since he been able to communicate with her at the old house, he had used his powers to good advantage. He had discovered that she bore him no ill feeling, for his 'attack' on her. Declaring her love for him would never die.

Though he knew she was telling the truth, he couldn't help feeling revolted at what he had subjected her to. He had promised that he would be with her again, soon. And he hoped he could keep that promise.

The chance came, when he least expected it. And he grabbed it with both hands.

Angelique was never one to give up. Her relentless pursuit of Barnabas was proof of that.

As usual when ever Angelique came to visit with Barnabas, she draped her arms around his neck, smiling sweetly. And always he would pull her arms down.

But the past week had been different. Preoccupied. At first it had amused her, but now it only served to irritate her more.

"Still pining for your dear Maggie, Barnabas?"

"What concern is it of yours?"

"She's betrayed you. She's in love with Nicholas. You should find someone else. Someone more faithful."

"Like you?" She appeared to think about it. Barnabas waited, knowing what would come.

"Yes, someone like me."

"I love Maggie."

"But she doesn't you. Give her up, Barnabas."

"She is still my wife. Regardless of what you say. I know she doesn't love him."

"I am your wife, too! Or have you forgotten that!"

Barnabas stared at her coldly. When he spoke, his voice was hard. And his words chilled her.

"You are no wife, Angelique."

Her eyes spitting blue fire, her feminine pride wounded, and despite her powers, she raised her hand as if to strike him. Quickly, he roughly caught her wrist. His fangs slipped from their sheaths, as his face contorted with his rage.

"Let go, Barnabas, your hurting me!" His smile was terrifying to see.

"I'll do more than hurt you!" he hissed as he pulled her closer to him, with fangs bared.

She knew that she had pushed him too far. And not for the first time. But she wouldn't give in. Her WOULD be hers!!

"You hurt me, Barnabas, and Maggie will die! I would have only to say the word, and she would no longer live! Is that what you want?" Her words beat home to him. If he went through with what he planned to do, then he would be defeating his purpose. Slowly, the anger drained from his face. He let her go.

Angelique was quick in turning the situation to her own advantage. "You are a foolish man, Barnabas!" she hissed. "Do you really think I'd allow Maggie to live? You should know me better than that! I promised you once, that I would kill anyone, to get you. Maggie is no different."

His eyes blazed. "Nicholas won't allow that to happen!"

Angelique laughed, haughtily. "Won't he? How little you know him! He's planning a little ritual. One that will make Maggie his, forever."

"What ritual?" demanded Barnabas. Though he knew the answer.

"You should know. The Black Mass, of course. And when he has completed the ceremony, your precious Maggie will...."

"Die" he finished, fearfully. "I have to stop it! I have to!"

"How can you, when your here, and Nicholas is at the old house?"

This was his chance!

Before Angelique had any idea of what was happening, or had any chance to react, Barnabas had moved passed her, and had grabbed one of the flaming torches, that adorned the walls. "With this!" he said, triumphantly.

Fear showed in her eyes. She raised her hands up in defense of the flame. "What are you doing!"

"Ridding the world of you!" he said, as he stepped closer to her.

"Don't come any closer! Don't!"

Barnabas advanced, a determined look on his face. Nothing would stop him, now. With contempt in his voice he said, "It's you'll who be destroyed. Burn, witch! BURN!"

And he tossed the torch, which landed at her feet. Instantly, her dress caught fire. She screamed with pain and anger, as the flames leapt hungrily higher and higher. Then with a piercing shriek, she vanished.

Barnabas watched in fascinated horror, as she was consumed by the flames. As Angelique burned, he suddenly felt dizzy.

Knowing that he couldn't stay there, he turned into a bat, and made his way to the shaft that led to Earth.............

***************************************************************************

At the old house, Nicholas was staring into the fire. Things were going wrong. Since Barnabas had somehow interfered with the spell, he had placed on Maggie, he had found it nearly impossible to reinstate it. But he had. Though how long it might last he didn't know.

The only alternative, was to perform the Black Mass. Then Maggie would belong to him completely. Thought of Barnabas, brought a frown to his face. His constant interference had put Nicholas in a bad light, with the Master. Damn the man! he thought. Then grinned, as he realized that Barnabas was already damned.

The grin vanished, as an inhuman shriek filled his head. He covered his ears, in a vain attempt to drown out the sound. It rose in volume, then disappeared.

"Angelique!" hissed Nicholas. Then as he lowered his hands, his anger grew. "Barnabas.....!" he breathed. But there was a hint of fear in his voice...

TO BE CONTINUED....