"Oh but there is." The Elder god placed the sharp piece of wood against her chest, over her heart, and pressed the tip of the stake into her skin. A small bead of blood blossomed to run down her bosom.

Drusilla, not Laibach, gasped aloud.

"You've made your soddin' point," Spike said inching closer. "Leave her alone and I'll do what you say. I give you my word."

Laibach laughed, the stake still held against Drusilla's heart. "Your word. You say that as though it meant something."

"Give me another chance." Spike bowed his head. It galled him to have to do it, but for now he had no choice. He vowed that he would find a way to save Drusilla but at the moment Laibach still had the upper hand. At length, at last, he said, "Please."

Laibach let the makeshift stake fall to Drusilla's side. "I am feeling merciful today. But understand this, vampire, the next time I even suspect treachery on your part, the pretty thing I now inhabit shall be reduced to cinder and ash. Have I made myself clear?"

Spike bit down on the inside of his cheek trying to control his rage, the taste of blood again filled his mouth. "Crystal," he answered.