Chapter One

Emily Winchester sat down at her kitchen table, having just discovered that she was the last single one of the Winchester siblings. She popped open a bottle of Jack Daniels and took a drink directly from the bottle. She'd accepted the fact, long ago, that true love was just a figment of humanity's imagination, but still, she wondered if maybe, there was someone who was as perfect for her as the girls (what was their names…Zoey and Aurora?) were for Sam and Dean. However, she liked her life. A bartender at Captain Cajun's on Bourbon Street by night and a hunter by day, she wouldn't change a thing. She finally had a home and friends who, like her, were a bit odd. And, excluding the problems with her dad, she'd never been closer to her family.

She glanced at the clock, wishing she wasn't off work that night. However, going in on her day off wouldn't sit well with Jacob, so she put in the first Harry Potter film, made some kettle corn, and sat down on her worn, suede couch to relax. Almost finished with the movie, there was a weak knock on her door. Grabbing the dagger she kept 'for decoration' above the table by the front door, she slowly opened it. Michael, still possessing Adam Milligan, leaned against the walls for support. He was pale, sweaty, and there were small cuts and bruises everywhere she could see. "Michael? What's going on?" She pulled the archangel inside without hesitation, replacing the knife on its holder.

He gripped her shoulder for support. "Need rest." He managed. "Please."

She helped him to her guest room. "Stay as long as you need." She said quickly, watching him worriedly as he collapsed on the bed.

He fell asleep instantly and she went back to her movie, her thoughts straying to the sleeping angel. Angels usually don't sleep, and that's what was bothering her. Granted, she should've been concerned about the fact she had an archangel in her house, the very one that wanted the Apocalypse, but Emily didn't care. She'd been the Winchester to stay out of the fights; she sought the diplomatic solution unlike Sam and Dean, and because of that, she was the one demons and angels alike spoke highly of and respected.

She passed out on the couch halfway through Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, waking up disoriented. She rarely fell asleep on her couch, and as she remembered Michael showing up the previous night, she groaned. She could practically hear Dean in her head: son of a bitch, Em, he's a freaking archangel! Why'd you let him in?

"He's right, you know." Michael's voice scared Emily and she jumped, falling off the couch. "I'm sorry." He held out his hand, helping her up. "It's just, I can read minds and Dean's right. You shouldn't have let me in."

"It's not the first time I've done something Dean thinks I shouldn't have." She answered. "You're better now?"

"Thank you for the shelter." He smiled gratefully at her.

"Michael, what happened to you?"

"I broke out of the cage and used most of my grace to do so. There's a war coming, and if I hadn't, Heaven wouldn't have a chance." His ocean blue eyes were sad. "But, that's another thing. How can I repay you for this?"

"You don't have to." Emily said. "I was just doing my duty to a broken angel."

"Broken indeed, and more like Lucifer than I could have imagined." Michael said quietly and Emily wasn't sure if she was supposed to hear that. "Do you mind if I stay here a few more days, just to make sure my grace is completely restored?"

"Fine by me." She rewound the movie back to where she stopped watching it and pushed play. "I have to leave for work at five. Think you can manage a few hours by yourself?"

"Emily, I'm the oldest angel God created. I'll be fine." He sat down beside her. "What movie is this?"

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets." She answered. "It's really good, but you should really read the books first." Emily pulled the first book from the bookshelf she kept in the living room. "Here."

He took it carefully. "This book can't kill me, can it?" As an angel, the right book could and would kill him.

"No, Michael, it won't. Trust me."

He gingerly opened the pages, and before long, the archangel was immersed in the world of Harry Potter. Emily smiled happily and settled back to watch the movie. When it was over, she got up and started the hot water for a quick shower before work. As she worked the shampoo into her light brown hair, she closed her eyes, relaxing. Usually, she was tense during showers, but the knowledge that Michael was in the apartment, however focused on the book he was, eased her fears of someone breaking in unexpectedly.

She dressed in a pair of black skinny jeans, black combat boots, an Eagles tee, and applied the basics: eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss. Then, upon exiting her bathroom, she found Michael in the same position she'd left him. "I'm going to work. It's Captain Cajun's just a block east of here if you need anything." She said, knowing he heard her even if he gave no indication, and left, locking the door behind her out of habit.

Jacob was waiting for her when she arrived, fifteen minutes early like normal. His long black hair was in a ponytail at the base of his neck; his warm gray eyes smiled at her. Vampire or not, she knew she thought of him as family. "Busy day today, darlin'." His sweet southern accent made her grin. "Mardi Gras brings out all the freaks."

"Explains why we're both out." She teased, wiping down the counter.

"Think you can open up? I gotta make a supply run and go pick up my brother." He tossed her the key ring.

She caught it unerringly, tucking the keys in her pocket. "No problem, Jake."

"Thanks, sweet thing." He saluted her, walking out the door to his old Ford pick-up.

Three hours later, most of the regulars were sitting around the counter, with a few new faces at the tables, and Jake walked in with his brother, Benny, dragging him to Emily. "Hey boss." She grinned, eyeing his equally handsome brother.

"This girl right here is amazing." Jake winked at her. "Her name's Emily and she'll hook you up with whatever you need." Turning to her he said, "Take care of Benny, capiche?"

"Now, Benny, what can I get you?"

"Whatever's on tap." His easy grin matched Jake's and she set a mug in front of him before going to take care of the others.

Even with the unexpected divine guest at her house, that night was turning out to be the same as all the others.