A/N Okay, first fanfiction for Supernatural *shudders* so wish me luck? As far a timing goes, this begins just after the opening of purgatory where Cas has just made Crowley king of hell again, so 7x02

Full Summary: The choice was simple. Give up her Soul, or maybe be picked to be queen of hell. She never though he'd ACTUALLY pick her. Now she's doing everything she can to make the king of Hell reconsider his choice - and neither of them ever fight fair. Crowley/OC

Rated M for quite coarse swearing and some slight innuendos. Also later for violence and sexual scenes (but that's not for a few chapters).

Disclaimer: Clearly, I don't own Supernatural. Wish I did. Evangeline, the OC belongs to me.

Chapter One: Wager Slave

Crowley swirled the glass of Scotch he was cradling in his hands. The demon currently standing before his desk reeked of fear and failure. The week had been a little slow ever since he sent the Winchesters the ritual. Since he'd had no visit from the new god, he could only assume that he'd gotten away with it. Life was good.

"Let me ask you something Richie." He stood and walked to the window, seeing his employee relax every so slightly. "What would you do, if you had a scumbag idiot come in front of you, fresh from a job and tell you he'd screwed up on sealing a deal because he felt sorry for them?"

"I... I dunno boss."

"Which is why I run the show and not you Richie, understand me? Now, first rule o'being a crossroads demon is you act like a fucking DEMON" Crowley finished, turning around to face the man again. "So you make a deal with whoever turns up, you don't let them go just because they're a group of trouser sagging teenagers who thought it would be a laugh to bury that box. Word gets out that people can do that sorta thing and not make a deal we'll be up to our arses in nosey bastards, kids and lonely old women wanting a chat! Now, You're going to track down each one of those teenagers and Make a Deal."

The demon disappeared and Crowley swallowed the contents of his glass, smiling. His second in command was standing in the doorway with a package, Crowley signalled he could approach with a wave of one hand.

"I hope you have good news for me Jonathan, or I'll be forced to find my enjoyment in other ways."

"Well sir, we've just learned that the Angel Castiel is dead."

"How did he die?"

"Painfully. He exploded, we think. He was housing a new type of creature within him. Well, I say new – they're called Leviathans."

"I know 'em. Creations dead end street. God's failed DIY project. But what's the package?"

Jonathan removed the item from where it was resting under the crook of his arm. "A book. It was hand delivered. Whoever left it killed the two guards on the gate, then tied this to the railings with a bow and tag."

"How exciting. A present all for me hmm? Greek Tales of the underworld."

Jonathan nodded and left, closing the door to the study behind him. Crowley rifled through the contents of the book, looking for any irregular markings, but there were none. He looked at the contents page; sisyphus, Orpheus and Eurydice, Theseus and Piritheus, Cupid and psyche...the list was long, but one particular story caught his eye. 'Persephone, queen of the underworld', he read, before flipping through to the page indicated.

Aphrodite, long vexed by the lord of the underworld's imperviousness to love, became determined to cause Hades to fall in love. So she ordered Eros to shoot hades with one of his arrows so that he would fall in love with Persephone, the daughter of the Greek harvest goddess Demeter and Zeus. Eros did so and Hades fell in love with the girl, but did not approach her because he knew that she would spurn him.

One day, he laid a trap for Persephone, who was walking in a forest with her friends. Her gaze was caught by a beautiful flower, which she left the path to pick. Hades revealed himself from the shadows and kidnapped Persephone, taking her deep into the underworld.

Once there, he exulted in his victory. The realm of Hades was his alone and so though her mother Demeter searched the entire earth for Persephone, she could not be found. Hades bedecked his new wife in Silks and Jewels, for she was now his counterpart; the dread Queen of the Shades...

Crowley read on, bemused but strangely engrossed by the tale. After flicking through the other stories, there were none that he found that could be directed at him more than this one. But even assuming the mysterious person who left the gift was implying that he should be more like Hades, who would think it was a good idea to have a queen of hell?

"JONATHAAAAN!" he roared and the demon popped into being in front of him. "What do you think of me getting a queen. Metaphorically, like."

"Now that you say it sir, it might actually be a good idea. There's been rumblings recently, some of the demons who had leanings towards Lucifer getting all shifty. Saying you're not as powerful, blah blah blah...that you've got brute strength, but not Lucifer's cunning-"

"Not cunning? Not- I caged Lucifer and they say I'm-"

"It's the whole Lilith thing. Lucifer twisted her from a virtuous human soul into a demonic bitch and some people don't think you could do the same. Lilith was practically the queen around here. Word was she and Lucifer had a...thing...and that's how he convinced her to turn demon. Made her fall for him, then used her for his own ends right until he got put in the cage. I suppose after that she woke up to the fact that he hated her."

"Right. So they think I need to prove myself. Fine. So be it. Bring me a woman and I'll make her love me, kill people then break her heart. Actually, bring me a selection. Can't have you picking some snaggle toothed old hag...I do have standards – unlike Lucifer, clearly. Tell the crossroads demons any woman who comes to them from now on, they pay with either their soul or have a chance of being my wife for...lets say a year. It's a great offer, most of them will get off without paying anything. Call in on some other debtors too, see if they want a chance to clear their debt."

"Right away then sir."

Crowley sat back in his seat, folding his arms behind his head. How bad could a wife be anyway? It's not like he had to love the bitch, just get her to trust him, be loyal to him and serve him. Given his charms, money and power, how hard could that be?

"Be back soon, just going for my nightly jog, don't wait up."

"Okay Miss Healthy, stop guilting me and go."

Evangeline Clairmont grinned as she went out of the door, settling into a slow jog and putting in her earphones. The country lane was empty, as she'd expected. She felt half guilty about coming to visit her brother like this – he'd been so happy to see her. If he knew what she'd really gone out to do, he'd have a heart attack.

Truth was, when she decided to do this...crazy thing, her first thought had been how did she find a crossroads that wasn't paved over? The answer had presented itself in the form of her little brother inviting her up to his house for 'family comfort' after the accident. Joshua lived in a rural part of Hertfordshire, not too far from central London where she lived. It had been like a godsend. She'd checked what she needed and set off straight away.

Her father would be turning in his grave if he knew his precious daughter was about to try and summon a demon, but she honestly couldn't think of any other choice. One glance at Jason's face and she'd known he didn't have the strength. She didn't need another doctor to tell her that he had a snowballs chance of ever recovering from the coma. That was the curse of being a doctor yourself – when someone you love is sick, you know exactly what their going through. You know when there's no hope.

So that's what had led her here. The crossing point of two dirt tracks under moonlight. She crouched and pulled the small gardening trowel out of the deep pockets of her sweatshirt, shifting some earth aside and placing the box inside the tiny trench she'd made. Contained within was a very unflattering picture of herself along with some graveyard dirt and a bone from a black cat. Sorry Dad. And sorry Josh's neighbour for kinda...killing your cat. She closed the hole, patting down the Earth. Wonder how long this will take.

"Going to stay in that position? I mean, don't get me wrong, the view of your backside in those jeans is working for me..."

Evangeline jumped to her feet, turning around to face the man who'd just appeared behind her. He was attractive, she noticed with some disdain, eyeing his fussy brown hair. Guy probably uses more beauty products than I do. Actually, what am I thinking. He's a demon, they probably just roll out of bed with sexy hair unlike us mere mortals.

"Well, what'll work for me is us getting this over with as soon as possible. So here's what I want. There's a man in Whittington Hospital called Jason Peterson. He's in a coma and I want you to get him out of it."

"Okay, easily done. Now, there's your payment options. Our new king has had a little fancy cross his mind for a wife-"

"Nope."

"Now wait, I hadn't finished" The demon chided, smiling. With his red eyes, the smile just looked predatory, not reassuring. "You can choose to be part of a group of women put forward for the role. If Crowley doesn't pick you, you go back to your life soul intact. If on the off chance he does pick you, he only expects you to spend a year with him. Then you'll be allowed to leave."

"Right. Where's the razorblade in this candy coated bullshit you're stuffing down my throat?"

"No catch. The same offer is being made to any woman who tries to make a deal with us. Well, any woman under 30. Crowley was particular about that."

"If I said yes to this other deal, what exactly would happen?"

"I'd take you away to Crowley's place and take you to the ballroom. We're gathering all the women there tonight for him to pick his...shall we say lucky lady? You'll be sent into him in small groups and he'll pick one person from each group, then whittle it down. Like I said, it's unlikely you're picked; we're calling in on other people who made deals to see if they'd like to change he terms. I reckon we'll have loads of takers."

"Mmhm. So I'd just have to be his wife? Not sleep with him or actually like or love him?"

"Not so far as I know. But if I were you and I got picked, I'd hate him in SILENCE, mind you."

"I can do that. What about him? Can he hurt me? Or kill me?"

"No, he can't kill or permanently maim you. Alright then, if you're satisfied hunter girl-"

"I'm not a hunter. My dad retired and I didn't go into the business." She stated flatly, clenching her fist.

"Okay, okay...Jeez I was only kidding."

He approached and she resisted the urge to lick her dry lips. He's a demon Evan, stop getting all girly and get the deal sealed.

The demon pressed his lips to hers, snaking his arm around her waist until she quickly pulled her face away. He winked at her and pulled her tight against him. "Hold on tight and we'll be there in no time. I can't take you all the way, my teleportation ain't that great, so I'm dropping you off at the half way point. You'll transfer to another guy who will take you from there to Crowley's place."

"Where exactly is it?"

"Oh some big place in America." He replied, letting go of her. She was vaguely disturbed to realise that they'd already arrived without her even realising they'd gone anywhere. Red eyes noticed, of course. "That's right baby I'm a smooth ride-" He purred

"And I'm already taken, possibly even twice." She shoved him off and he chuckled darkly. There was another Demon nearby who was watching them with resignation. "You my flight change?" He nodded and grabbed her arm.

"You ever change your mind, go to a crossroads and ask for Richie" Her dealer called after her as the world changed again.

When things solidified again, she was in a large open room, just like her guy Richie had said. Did I just seriously think of him as 'my guy'? Next I'll be calling him pal...She thought, wrinkling her nose. Sulphur. How delightful. Definitely Demons then. There were two rows of chairs set back to back in the middle of the floor along the length of the room, on which women were perched. Some had chosen not to and were standing against the wall or pacing nervously. They were all different and there was a clear range of ages, with the youngest maybe 18 and the oldest looked to be thirty like Richie had mentioned. The one thing in common was that none of them were talking to each other. The only person who didn't avoid Eva's gaze was a woman sitting down, who flashed her a smile. She was heavily pregnant. Eva smiled back and mouthed good luck, already knowing internally that Crowley wouldn't pick the woman. The woman beckoned her over and Evan complied, grateful for a little distraction.

"Hello, I'm Tara."

"Evangeline, but everyone calls me Evan, hey. You from Ireland?"

"Is the accent that obvious? Or was it just my name."

Both women laughed and Evan nodded towards Tara's stomach "Boy or girl?"

"Both. Twins, god help me. First time pregnant. My fiance practically fainted, I think I took it better than he did" Tara giggled, clearly wrapped up in the memory.

"Still, at least they'll both have someone to play with growing up. Someone who'll always have their back." Tara smiled and nodded.

"That'll be nice. Plus it means that since I only ever wanted two kids, I only have to go through one pregnancy – RESULT!"

Both women burst out into hushed laughter again, trying to turn down the volume on their mirth. They were attracting quite a lot of attention. Evan sobered slightly when she saw the worried faces of others turning to look at them.

"So, Tara. Uhm."

"Go ahead and ask it. It's what everyone here wants to ask each other. I'm not ashamed. We've all made our deals, so why judge?" By now, every eye in the room was riveted to them. You could hear a pin drop.

"Okay, what did you ask for?"

"This gorgeous face of course" Tara pouted a little, which caused some laughter from those nearby "Kidding, of course. I heard some stories about being able to make a deal for anything. With these two on the way...well. My fiance is just a bank teller and he's got his dad's debts to pay, I'm just an artist so...I figured we wouldn't be able to support two kids on the money we have. I didn't want them to miss out on anything, not because of their silly mom who thought she'd be a successful artist and ended up making a pittance instead of going to law school like her parents told her."

"Hey, you're doing something you loved, you're with a guy you love and you're going to have two kids. Don't be hard on yourself!"

Tara smiled and gave her hand a squeeze. "Thanks honey. So...?"

"Me? My boyfriend he...had an accident two days ago. He's in a coma. Doctors said he'd probably slip away after a few days, severe head trauma. It was stupid, so stupid."

Tara gestured to the seat besides her and Evan took it before raising her voice so everyone else could hear her. "And all you eavesdroppers can gather in too. This whole pretending we're not all scared shitless thing and not even looking at each other thing is old. We may as well pass the time dishing the dirt."

Women filtered across the room into a rough circle gathered on one side of the chairs, some staying more to the fringes than others.

"He rang me late the other night, on his way home. We're both doctors – met when we were doing our foundation years. We've been dating for two years now and he's been acting all secretive and extra loving. He's been taking me out to fancy restaurants and I always think he's going to say something, then he doesn't."

"You think he's going to propose?" A girl who could only be twenty at most practically squealed "That's so exciting!"

"I know! I'm terrified though" Evan's hands fluttered. "Not because I don't love him, I do, but because he has such terrible taste, I'm partly afraid of what ring he'll have picked."

"He picked you honey, so the man clearly has some sense of taste." Tara replied and there was a smattering of agreement and people reassuring her that it'd probably be fine.

"So...yeah. He was on the phone to me and said he was coming home and that he had something important to say then I. Well, I heard a skid and crashing, then a car alarm. I was screaming his name down the phone, but there was no answer. I had to ring his mum just to find out which hospital he'd been taken to. She didn't think to ring me herself..."

"What a cow-"

"Bitch-"

"I take it she doesn't approve of you then?"

"Not in the slightest. His parents are very Christian and my family hunts demons."

There was a pause while that latest revelation sunk in before there was a general outcry of shock that was a pure wall of sound until someone near the back shouted "Seriously? Like, for real?"

"Yep. Family business. My dad gave it up after my mum's death though and forbade me from ever risking my neck like that."

"So instead you made a deal with a demon." Grinned the woman on her other side, sticking out a hand "June, by the way."

"Nice to meet you. What was yours then?"

"Well, I was dating this guy..."

Crowley watched the security feed of the ballroom with interest. So he had a hunter in the room? Well, someone with hunter blood. Always interesting. The pregnant woman was laughable – She clearly knew she was safe. Another testament to the stupidity of Demons that they had even pitched this to someone he so clearly would not want.

"Seen anyone you like?" Jonathan asked, pulling up a chair and offering Crowley some of his popcorn.

"Plenty of reasonable looking ones. But we'll have to see how they cope with the little tests we've got."

"Very refined tastes you've got there boss. Individual."

"Got my reasons. Tell the boys to stop bringing in new ones, I think we have enough for phase two."

"And then" June continued, choking on her laughter, "Then, this poor woman he's been cheating on me with says 'excuse me? But he said he was a talent agent...does this mean I'm not going to be famous' and I was like luv...he's done this to twelve other girls that I've found out about, probably more."

There were mixed hisses, chuckles and boos. "So, I thought to myself; June. You've got cancer that'll kill you in maybe a year and your 'boyfriend' is a scumbag. Why not go out on a limb? Ten years sounded better than one, and I got the demon to throw in a little surprise for my darling man. You ever hear that old wife's tale about how guys get hairy palms if they have a little meeting with rosie palm and her five daughters? Weeeeelll...Let's just say...every time he's with a different woman he gets just a little more...sasquatchy?"

Evan snorted rather indelicately with laughter. "You have a cruel sense of humour. I approve. Especially since he could easily put a stop to it if he were just to settle with one woman."

"I hoped that it would teach him to change his ways...but last I saw him he looked a little like Chewbacca's distant cousin."

This one got a bigger laugh than ever and Evan was relieved to see everyone in high spirits until she registered the sound of the double doors opening.

"Oy oy girls, we've got company. Good luck to you all. Whoever gets the short straw, just remember it's only a year." Evan said jerking her thumb to the door. People started wishing each other luck, their lines drawing back into worry. At least I distracted them for a while.

"Don't worry 'bout a thing darlings" Tara piped up "Clearly gunna pick me for my sexy silhouette"

"You're rocking that pregnant figure!" Another woman called out as everyone got to their feet, their laughter a lot more strained than it was before.

"Seriously though, good luck Evan. It's unlucky that you're such a skinny young thing."

"Yeah, makes it more likely he'll pick you" Murmured June

"I'm banking on the fact that I'm from a hunting family. He won't want someone who might kill him at any minute sleeping in his house, surely."

"Who knows with Demons eh? Masochists the lot of them. If we get out of this, we should make a facebook group."

"What the hell would it be called." Evan laughed and June's face twisted in thought.

"I'll get back to you on it. June Lansdon."

"Evangeline Clairmont."

"Tara Collins"

Evangeline raised her voice "Any other takers on the facebook friending?"

A man's voice drifted across the room and she instantly analysed the accent. British. Slightly cockney, but not fully blown. She'd have to guess that he'd spent a lot of time in London but not actually been born there. She was so caught up in analysing that she didn't even hear the words until Tara nudged her painfully in the ribs.

"Ow, fuck, what was that?"

"I said." repeated the man in a dangerously quiet voice "Are you seriously using this as an opportunity to advance your number of facebook contacts?"

"Oh yeah. I mean, who else can I complain to about next doors ghost and have them not call me crazy?"

"Amen to that, my name's Rebecca Jonstone. It was so fun talking to you guys."

"Me too, I'm Sarah White-"

"This is NOT a bleedin' MOTHERS MEETING!" The man roared, shooting Evan a death glare that made her instinctively want to shrivel up inside of herself.

"No, it ain't. Same as you ain't a proper cockney, Scottish boy. Don't try and pull a London accent on a Londoner."

He raised an eyebrow at her, then pointedly turned away, like the sight of her disgusted him. "Right. First test. Jonathan here's got a stick that you're all to measure against. If you're taller than it, you can go home. "

"Looks like our Crowley feller's got some issues over his size." Commented Tara with a certain twinkle in her eyes.

"Yeah. Maybe in more than one way. Men, huh? Damn my luck for being short though." Evan sighed. "I want to go home and watch Telly already."

Nobody had started forwards at the demon man's words. June threw her hands up. "For the love of christ, I'll go first then."

She strode forwards, removed her heels and stood beside the second demon man, who placed a stick besides her. She was easily a few inches taller than it. A few people whooped and June grinned "See you little darlings online. June Lansdon and my hometown is Liverpool." She fake blew a kiss to Evan, who caught it with a roll of her eyes.

"We'll meet up some other time. You know, when we're not getting almost press ganged into marriage."

June disappeared as a dark haired demon standing in the doorway zapped her away before reappearing just as quickly.

"Touching." Stated the demon Evan had mentally dubbed as 'mockney boy' "Now can we hurry it up?"

Slowly and surely, people came forward and either walked to the other end of the room if they were shorter, or over to the doors to be teleported home. Several people told Evan and Tara their names as they passed or said thank you or wished them luck. A particular girl who could only be eighteen stuck in Evan's head after she hugged both of them shyly and wished Tara good luck before being measured and clearing the height limit.

"I think we've been made the official mummies of this gathering." Tara remarked wryly as the girl went. "That'll teach us for daring to liven the place up a little."

"Well, at the least we put people a little more at their ease. Someone here is going to go through a year of hell, the least we could do is act positive about it."

"Yeah. Smile when you're down and out, as they say. At least then you've been happy."

Finally, after encouraging everyone else forward, it was only Tara and her left for the measuring. Knowing already that she was going to fail it, Evangeline walked forward to stand next to the Jonathan, nodding passively to the leader.

"Alright Mockney?" She was several inches too short. What a surprise. Why oh why did Josh get all the tall genes from dad when I'm the one who needs them now?

The demon measuring her snorted. "How short are you?"

"I'm not short. You're just a giant." She sniffed and crossed to the other side of the room to wait for Tara's turn.

Tara went ahead and got measured; she was shorter too. The remaining women let out soft chuckles as she fist pumped in mock enthusiasm. The demons who had been transporting the lucky ones away departed, leaving only the mockney and the one he'd called Jonathan.

"Right. Time for you poor lost chickies to meet your prospective husband to be. You'll be leaving the rooms in groups of five to wait in the corridor outside his office where you'll go in one by one. Do you understand me?"

"Um-"started a young girl, before her voice died under the look he shot her "Never mind." she whispered.

The Mockney one left, giving Evan a look as he swept past her. She only just resisted the urge to pull a face. The stress was making her act like an idiot, she realised. Well, more of an idiot than usual. But that might be a good thing. If she kept up the whole in your face bravado then Crowley was unlikely to select her. After all, why would he want a troublesome wife when there were plenty wide eyed, pretty women in here. Best to play it like this, rather than try not to draw attention to herself. Demons could practically smell fear, but so long as she convinced herself she wasn't afraid, she wouldn't be. In theory. Oh who was she kidding?

"First group, line up here. Come on, you're all going to have to eventually."

"He's right." Tara addressed the crowd. "We might as well get it over with. Truth is, one of us isn't going home today. It might be you. It might not. So just pray to god it ain't you. Then maybe spare a prayer for whoever gets lumbered with this eejit."

"But if it is you that gets picked," Evan added, plastering a fake grin on "Give him hell. It's in the contract that he can't kill you or do you any permanent harm. So feel free to make things as hard for him as it'll be for you. It'll definitely teach him not to try something like this again."

A ragged cheer went up but was cut short by the measuring demon clapping his hands sharply together. Evangeline nodded to Tara, who went to follow her. As did a good portion of those left in the room.

"Five only, can't humans count?"

Evan looked back, biting her lip in surprise. "Well ladies...I've got to say, my sex appeal has risen considerably in the last hour...Tara, we should split up. Take some of the more frightened ones in our group."

"You should hurry up-"

"Can it blackeyes. Right. You four look like you're about to wet yourselves, so come with me. Tara you take those four" Evan's finger stabbed through the air, directing people into groups. "We good? Nobody about to spontaneously combust? Great. Come on team, lets meet the king eh? I'm ashamed I didn't dress better."

"Evan, my group will go last, so we can keep the others' spirits up eh?"

"Sounds good to me Tara, remember to get in touch after! That's if Crowley doesn't turn out to have a pregnancy kink!"

" Oh ha bloody ha Miss Clairmont. Maybe he's a masochist and wants a hunter to whip him into shape, ever thought 'bout that?"

"Nope, but you can rest assured he'd get more than he bargained for with me." Evan called over her shoulder as the double doors shut behind her and her little group. They were all quite young, three blonde and the fourth a tiny redhead with flashing green eyes. She didn't say anything, settling for smiling encouragingly at them and striding as confidently as she could manage on legs like jelly.

There were four seats waiting for them when they arrived, which she took to mean that one of them had to go straight in.

"I don't suppose any of you want to go first?" She asked the other four, who all shook their heads. Cowards, but that might be a bit judgemental. They're young and this is probably the most terrifying experience of their lives. "Well, good luck all of you and remember what I said."

She gripped the handle and twisted, entering the room as quietly as she could manage. The door was shut behind her and she took a second to get her bearings.

Light beige carpet with no bloodstains (always a good sign), expensive rug (Persian?), Large fireplace (nice carvings on it + rug = expensive taste), slight breeze (the windows are closed?) She narrowed her eyes. The tassles on the edge of the rug beside the fireplace were definitely moving as if in a breeze.

Or something breathing. Hellhound. She decided to walk around the rug, treading carefully. There was no sign of the elusive Crowley. A little exploring wouldn't hurt. She wanted to get a better feel of the man on the throne. That was something her father had approved of her learning. Always try to decipher a person, he had said, before you interact with them. Look at their clothes, listen to their voice and watch the way the act. People will tell you volumes about themselves if you keep your eyes open.

Okay, Evie, come on now. Brain in gear. Bookshelf (nicely filled, leather bound mainly first editions – slightly Dusty shelves. He doesn't read these, they're for display). Side table with a tray holding a bottle and a few crystal glasses ( Spotlessly cleans, he drinks quite often. The stopper is pretty use, but these things are made to seal tight – again, often used. Smells like...scotch, the type my dad liked. Craig, I think or was it craik?)

Craig...God where was it that came from? Sutherland? Caithness? Definitely Scotland. She thought, rubbing her eyes as she moved on to the desk. It was freakishly neat.

"Cleaned up before company did you Crowley?" she wondered aloud, shaking her head. Probably didn't want nosey people like me seeing all his papers. Smart demon. There were still a few things that helped her view of him though. The first were the little scrape marks on the wooden edge from him repeatedly putting his feet up. The second was that he didn't keep his drawers locked; arrogant. Or, everyone was really too scared by him to try to steal anything. In his top drawer was the usual demon fare – a few bones, some salt in a tub and a tightly sealed bottle of holy water. Paranoid then.

The bottom drawer was empty, no compartment in the base (The drawers aren't as deep as they appear from the front. She turned her hand upwards to feel the underside of the upper drawer and struck gold. Concealed behind the overhanging front side, there was a book taped to the underside of the top drawer.

She glanced at the book Greek tales of the underworld. She sighed as she looked at the contents. She knew these stories already, so she replaced the book and headed over to the window.

It was surprisingly bright outside. The sun hadn't set here. The crossroads demon had said America, which meant if she was towards the west coast it was about five hours earlier, which would make it about 6pm, but she was more inclined to believe she was towards the east coast because of the level of light still around.

"When you're done, darling, come have a seat would you. Watching you go all Nancy Drew has tired me out."

She jumped at his sudden voice, probably visibly but she laboured to make her face neutral. She already knew this voice. The demon from earlier. Scottish drink. A man who sounds like he might be from Scotland. He's Crowley. But does he know I know.

"Hello then Crowley." She said, walking slowly as she decided where to sit. She could sit on the couch near him, or sit on one of the single chairs which were at right angles to the couch and the fireplace. The chairs were closer to the rug though and probably to the hellhound. Demon king? Or Demon Dog?

She opted for the couch after only a seconds hesitation. Crowley was watching her every move in an irritating, unblinking way. She turned to look at him coldly, refusing to be the one to break the silence.

After maybe ten minutes, her neck hurted and Crowley was still sitting there smiling at her like he had all the time in the world. Well, since he's actually a spirit he does have all the time in the world. She allowed her thoughts to wander. The other girls are probably worried about why I'm taking so long in here. It's been very quiet outside. Maybe he'll get bored and let us all go for the night. Demons sleep too, I think, just not as often...

"Tell me about yourself." He said suddenly, taking a deep swig of a glass that had suddenly appeared in his hands.

"Nothing much to say. Ask and I'll answer, but don't expect me to just spill my whole life story Mockney."

"Why do you think I'm not from London."

"Your R's sound a little off. I'd imagine you spent an awful lot of time there, but some things are just engrained. Also, that's craig. Scottish, only get it in one particular county. Can't remember if it's Caithness or the one south of it, Sunderland."

"It's Caithness. I'm impressed. A woman who knows fancy liquor just from a sniff."

"Oh so you were watching. I wondered why the room was conveniently empty."

"Yes, I'm sorry that you're the first I have to interview. You're almost certainly going to be the most interesting. Criticising my desk. Finding where I stashed the book. Checking up on my book collection. Avoiding my little pet."

"Oh, so there is a Hellhound there?" she asked innocently and he set down his cup.

"You knew there was. I saw the decision on your face. Big bad demon king or nasty, but sleeping, hell doggie. Why'd you pick me?"

"That dog could rip me to pieces. So far as I know, all you want to do is ask me random questions and maybe marry me. Plus, I want to be nearer the door incase you sic him on me." I've also got a handful of that salt from your desk to throw in your eyes, so I should be able to get away from you if I'm fast enough. But I'm hardly going to tell you that now am I you idiot.

"You'd never make it out of the house. Either he'd catch up or one of the guards would grab you." He sounded amused and Evangeline loathed him for it.

"I prefer to give it a damn good try than lie down and take it."

"That so?" Crowley stood. "I think we're done here. What was your name?"

"Evangeline."

"Nice. Means Good News. Well, I've got good News for you. I've decided that I like you."

Crap.

"I think I'm going to choose you. In fact, I was almost determined of it even before you walked in this room. A docile little wife would be a lot less fun. Turning someone like you into a docile little thing...now that's entertainment" He grinned widely. She sunk her head.

"It's settled then. Marriage in a week, but I'll start your year now to be kind. You'll have half a day to say goodbye to your family and gather your things. Then I'll come collect you. I'll go tell the other girls. You can imagine how relieved they'll be."

She stood and followed him even though he hadn't invited her to; he didn't comment but led her back to the ballroom. The other girls from her group were shooting her worried looks. They'd already guessed what had happened.

She met Tara's eyes straight away and saw that she had realised. She started forwards but Evangeline shook her head. Crowley would only get a kick out of Tara getting angry or upset.

"Well Ladies, Sorry to disappoint but I've made my decision and here she is" he smiled and placed his arm on her shoulder. The salt was still in the palm of her hand. Would it work on such a powerful demon though? "She was so captivating with her motivation of you all that I could hardly resist such a clear leader."

"Crowley?" She began, layering her voice with sweetness. "Do you want some salt?" Thrusting the palm full until it was right under his nose, she was rewarded with him flinching. So it could hurt him.

"Thanks all the same dearest, but I'll pass on that one. Borrow it from my desk?"

"No. I have no intention of giving it back, so it ain't borrowing." She licked her palm slowly, smacking her lips. "Don't you have to kiss me to seal the deal permanently?"

He nodded, staring at her salt coated lips with apprehension. She held her hands out, wiggling the fingers. He darted in for the kiss, moaning softly in pain as the salt burned him, then making a surprised little noise when she grabbed him by the back of the head and held him there for a lengthy kiss. I'm impressed that he hasn't pulled away or cried out.

She let him go and observed her handiwork with pleasure. His lips were blistered and bleeding slightly but he looked like he'd been enjoying himself. Her stomach fluttered in response before she steeled herself.

"Damn girl, he is a masochist." Tara rubbed her stomach pensively "I'll be in contact, don't you worry about it. We'll all support you, hey people?"

Evan smiled "Thanks Tara, that'll help a lot. Take care of yourself - and the two passengers."

"Maybe when you're done queening you can come visit?" Tara suggested then her smile faded "Oh."

"Tara?"

That was when Evangeline noticed the puddle at the woman's feet. She didn't waste any time, grabbing Tara's hand and yelling for the nearest demon to take them to the hospital nearest Tara's house while the other woman wailed in panic about not being due for another week.

Crowley watched his new wife to be go with barely concealed amusement. He had the feeling that she was going to liven the place up considerably. There was no reason for him to stay so he left the room to go and carry on with his usual business. He'd call her mobile in 12 hours to pick her up, but in the mean time duty called.

Evan smiled as an adorable looking man in a ruffled suit rushed past her into the delivery room. Tara's fiancé. Time to make my exit. She nodded to the Demon she'd made wait to take her home and he grabbed her arm. The uncomfortable feeling of her insides spinning died down and she was inside her home in London. The demon snorted in derision at the mess then snapped out of sight. Guess I won't be getting any more free rides...I left my car at Josh's too. Damn.

Packing was an easy task for her; Clothes were all bundled into one box, then things like her laptop, phone and ipod got thrown in on top. Then she bounded upstairs to pick which books to take. This task was harder by far; her steadfast favourites were the first to be picked. Jane Eyre, The woman in Black, Grimm's fairy tales, the turn of the screw and the shining. These were followed by her copy of the lord of the rings, then some Discworld novels and 'to kill a mockingbird'. That'll do for pleasure reading. She shoved in her medical textbook, her books on Greek Myths and Legends, Arthurian Legends, a bible and a herbal encyclopedia.

She hefted the box back down the stairs and checked the time, seeing with dismay that she'd already spent three of her hours packing and making sure Tara was alright. She also still had to work out how to get to the next place she needed to go. It hit her that she had her father's parked in a garage a few streets away. Would it even run? It hadn't been used in at least three years, but he had always kept it in good shape. It was worth a try.

She made two trips to the garage with her boxes. The car was shining invitingly under the tarpaulin, reminding her of long moonlit nights and road trips singing to the radio with her dad, her brother in the backseat complaining about how he wasn't allowed to ride shotgun.

When the trunk popped open, she started at the hiss as she was hit in the face with water. God, she'd forgotten that. The holy water sprayer that her mum had always complained about because it was always leaking. It had given many a demon a surprise though when they tried to break in. Police too, once when they had the trunk searched. She checked the false compartment in the bottom and was disappointed by the lack of weapons. I emptied it with Josh when Dad left me the car.

Ten minutes later she was on the motorway out of London heading west towards Cornwall, steaming cup of coffee in hand. She'd texted Beth and Lucy. She could only hope that one of them wasn't busy working a job and could give her some ideas. Or just family comfort. Right now she'd even settle her differences with Simon if it meant having a shoulder to cry on.

She'd stopped at a petrol station when she finally noticed that she was being followed. She'd had her eye on the car for a while, admiring it. It was a Lamborghini. Hardly inconspicuous and she'd thought nothing of it. It could still be nothing. She'd picked it up as she passed through Dorset and it was hardly a crime on such a busy road. But everytime she'd pulled over to check a map, it had slowed down until she had caught back up to it. Now it had pulled in behind her to the highway rest station.

Demon? But their boss wouldn't let them anywhere near me. I don't have any weapons. Not even salt. Dammit, why didn't I bring the tub with me? Out of practice.

She got out of the car and jogged into the building to buy some lunch, glancing out to see if anyone had gotten out of the car tailing her. It remained parked innocently off to one side, out of the way of the petrol pumps. Waiting. She paid, then walked back out to her car as nonchalantly as she could manage.

Out of losing them or confronting them empty handed, I'll pick running. She waited right up until another car was pulling out, then swerved out in front of it and racing off. In her mirror she could see the driver of the other car getting out to shout at her, blocking the exit. Her follower had pulled out and was sitting behind the angry driver, blaring it's horn.

Evangeline sped down the motorway ignoring the few other cars out at this time beeping at her, leaving the Lamborghini far, far behind her.

The key stuck in the lock when she turned it, making a screeching noise as she forced it to turn and open the door. Inside, the Stratton family house smelt stale and unused.

"Home sweet home."

Once the door was shut behind her, she let herself collapse with a groaning noise. Fingers fumbled in the dark for her phone, checking her messages. Two. One was from Josh, the other from Lucy.

Where the hell are you? You never came back last night and I hear from Jason saying he's woken up all fine. What did you do you-

She deleted it, knowing her brother. She probably didn't want to know what he'd called her.

I'm on my way to the house, I'll be there around 6am. Get the usual gear packed and we'll talk. There must be a loophole in the contract somewhere that we can exploit. We'll hit the books and see what we can find. It was good to hear from you though cuz, it shouldn't take a situation like this for you to get in touch. Oh and Josh has called me asking if I'd heard from you. You should tell him.

It was four in the morning, but she summoned the energy to peel herself off of the carpet and head downstairs to the basement. From there she had to trek down through the concealed passageway to the safe room. By the time she was there, she was cursing her ancestor's paranoia. The library hadn't changed a bit since last she'd been here. The same wood panelled walls covered in warding symbols, the same talismans hanging from the high ceiling, A red demon trap painted onto the floor, the lines perfectly done. There were books on every wall, stacked on shelves or in glass cabinets. A few scrolls were stored in pigeon holes near the door. The one thing the room blatantly lacked was a window.

She looked into the store cupboard, but all that was left were a few dried out herbs and some congealed lambs blood in a jar. She had more luck in the small adjacent weapons room, finding at least ten different silver daggers along with some rusted iron knives. She selected a medium length silver dagger and took one of the iron ones too, using some sandpaper to get rid of the rust and then coating it in some anti – rust solution that she found in a bottle under the main shelves. From there it was easy to grab a shotgun and plenty of salt rounds. She took a few silver bullets, but they wouldn't be any use on Demons. In the water cupboard within the weapons room, she took one of the rosaries hanging up as well as two bottles of holy water.

Satisfied, she piled her hoard all together into a bag and went to lie down for a few hours.

Crowley was quite impressed that she'd given him the slip. He'd been trying to follow her to wherever she was going, convinced that she was headed to her family's legendary safe house. Shame. He was looking for some tips on how to tighten his own security. He'd ask her sometime, when she was being more cooperative.

It was coming up to eleven AM when he dialled her number to tell her that her time was up.

"Where are you then?"

"Lands end, Cornwall."

"Hello." Crowley stated, smiling at her from the passenger seat and enjoying her reaction.

"JESUS! Why did you do that?" Evangeline clicked the end call button and turned to scowl at him.

"Why not? Anyway, You'll have to leave this...delightful car here and I'll teleport us back to America."

"I'm not leaving the car here! This was my dad's baby, no way-"

"You're as bad as the Winchesters" Crowley snorted "They're in some sort of twisted threesome with their car."

"Who are they?"

"They're Campbells on their mothers side."

Evangeline nodded, she knew the name. In fact, way back the her mother's family the Strattons had married into the Campbell family when they'd immigrated to the USA. Ancient history, but it was funny to know that even though she'd grown up a whole world away, the other branch of her family tree had ended up doing the exact same thing. Like it was almost genetic.

"Alright. Drive us to Dover then. I'll have this pile of scrap metal shipped over on a container ship. Happy?"

She nodded, "Dover's at least a three hour drive."

"Best start then." He reclined back in his seat, looking totally at ease despite being dressed in a suit and coat in the middle of summer.

She steeled herself for a very, very long year...

A/N So what do you think? Leave me a review please, like I said its my first fanfiction so I'm more than a little nervous