and "family"

There was a loud crack followed by Alex face planting on the table. "I'm so glad that my 'White Knight' thinks so highly of me."

Alex was trying to determine if the back of his head hurt more or less than his face, his pride however was definitely hurt the most. "Good morning Vic. I see you've been practicing."

"Care to tell me why my girl was late to work this morning?"

Spike seemed surprised, Demon was bristling.

"She woke up in my bedchamber," Alex was mildly amused, "The lamp that wakes her up in her room is still in her room. It was a small oversight, perhaps we can rectify for the future?"

"Like hell," a hand motion and Alex felt her backhand across his face, "I ought to castrate you for taking advantage of a girl like her. Do you have any idea how traumatized she was when we first brought her?" She pointed an accusing finger at her husband, "And don't even try to tell me you didn't tell him to have at her! I know you, mister, we're married!"

Spike put his hands up defensively but Alex cut back in first, "She told me her past. She's not as fragile as you think. Also, I left the door open for her, but she chose to spend the night with me. You can ask Demon." Alex pointed to the table.

"Ask the cat?" Vickary was defused by that.

"Yes human," Demon was definitely miffed, "I was there for the whole event." She fixed Vickary with a **** glare that seemed out of place on a cat's face. Which was quite a feat considering how human many feline expression can already seem.

"Oh," the realization began to dawn of Vickary, "You're THE demon...so Alex is just himself again."

"Yes, Human." Demon was still bristling, "Perhaps you mistook a girl who had a great night as a girl under some sort of spell. But as a witness to the pointless practice, Marium was woed, not corrupted."

Vickary turned to Alex, "I might have over reacted."

Alex crossed his arms and rolled his jaw, "Maybe you did."

"If you're waiting for an apology you're not going to get one."

"You've never given me one in the past, why would you now."

She shifted a little, "I would however like to thank my 'White Knight' for taking good care of one of my girls."

Alex and Spike knew that was as close to an apology as Vickary would give. She was a truly self-made woman who carved her self a path through life to where she was now. Overcoming incredible obstacles, including her own illiteracy to learn magic. Her most tragic flaw was her aggressive rejection of assistance in any form. Despite that prickly personality she was a good person...for a criminal at any rate.

"Well," Alex suggested, "How about we start over. How have you been Vic? I see you've been practicing."

"I've been better. We're walking a knife's edge right now in terms of the guild, but we'll manage."

"I told him about that." Spike said.

"And I'm here if you need to use my skills." Alex added.

"That would be messy," Vic joined them at the table, "You're a butcher, not a surgeon."

"True, but I make a good bodyguard."

"Fair point," Vic replied, "Next time I go shopping I'll take you with me."

Alex made an off handed gesture, "All the more reason for me to get my shield repaired today."

Vic looked at him quizzically, "What happened to your shield?"

Alex proceeded to elaborate on the Chimera from the day before, and to tell about the two boys he'd begun training.

Alex and his friends continued to share events and stories until lunch was brought. Realizing the time that had passed Vickary excused herself and went off to see to her responsibilities. Alex ate with Spike and then excused himself, returning to his room only long enough to don his armor and grab his shield.