Several Weeks Later…

Evangeline clutched her teddy bear tightly in her arms as she made her way home. Her bright blue backpack was heavy on her shoulders as she trudged along the familiar path, her eyes downcast as she tried to hide the tears that were falling down her cheeks. She wasn't crying because her Mother had forgotten to pick her up from school again, she was crying for what she felt was a much more important reason. Earlier that day when she had been trying to make friends at school, she had put her trust in the wrong group of potential friends. The girls had pushed her to the ground and taken "Mr. Teddy", the name she had given her bear, from her small hands. She had landed face first in a muddy puddle, but she had managed to clean all that up before she began her journey home. What really had Evangeline upset was the fact that the other children had stolen Mr. Teddy's necklace, the special coin that Crowley had given her. Now if her Father met with that woman again, Evangeline had no way of telling Crowley like she promised that she would. Evangeline was devastated and there was nothing that she could do to make things better. She wiped her tears on the back of her hand as she turned down another street closer to home. If she ever saw Crowley again he was going to be so mad with her. Then again, she was used to adults being angry with her. She never meant to break things, but sometimes she just got so frustrated that it just kind of happened. Evangeline wasn't even sure how all of the glasses in the china cabinet had ended up broken, she hadn't touched a thing. But her Father was gone and her Mother had passed out, so it must have been her.

Evangeline could hear footsteps behind her and she began to feel afraid that one of the children from earlier had caught up with her again. The last thing she needed was to be picked on again so close to home. She felt her anger coil into a tight ball in the pit of her stomach, it wasn't her fault the ball had deflated after she touched it but no one believed her. No one ever believed her. She would never see Crowley or his doggie again because of those horrible other children and it wasn't her fault. She felt the anger in her stomach growing and Mr. Teddy was being squeezed tighter to her body than before. This time Evangeline wouldn't let herself be kicked around, she would fight back. Even if it meant spending the next half hour in the naughty corner, she didn't care. Evangeline shifted Mr. Teddy to one hand while she made a small fist with her other. She screwed her eyes tightly shut and whirled around on the owner of the following footsteps.

"Why won't you guys leave me alone?" Evangeline yelled as she flung her fist out wildly.

"And here I was thinking that we were friends," a distinctly older and more masculine voice answered.

Evangeline's eyes shot open, "Crowley!" she squealed with excitement as her eyes met his. He was once again dressed impeccably in his black suit, Evangeline quickly found herself coming to like the dark colour.

You really shouldn't try to hit someone like that," he said.

"I know, I know," Evangeline replied with a pout, "hitting is bad and I shouldn't do it."

"Not at all little one, hit all you want," Crowley commented giving Evangeline a shock. "Just don't do it like that." He took her closed fist into his hand and pulled her thumb out of its hiding place and situated it on top of her other fingers. "If you are going to hit someone your thumb must always be out, if you leave it in like that you'll end up breaking it."

Evangeline looked up at Crowley in shock, adults weren't supposed to teach you this sort of thing. She had fully expected to be told off, not taught how to improve her hitting. She smiled happily up at the man before she remembered why she had wanted to hit someone in the first place. She knew that it would be easier to just tell him what had happened to the coin that he gave her rather than wait and have him be even madder later.

"Crowley?"

"Yes little one?"

"The coin you gave me was stolen," she admitted so quickly that her words became jumbled together. Evangeline felt the tears in her eyes begin to return and she looked away from him.

Crowley crouched down to Evangeline's height, pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket and handing it to her. Evangeline took the delicate piece of black silken material and dried her crying eyes with it. "Thank you," she muttered. She was tempted to blow her nose on the handkerchief but thought better of it and handed it back to Crowley.

"You're not mad are you?" she asked, her voice coming out as a squeak.

"No little one."

"But I wouldn't be able to call you like I promised. Mummy said there is nothing worse than a person who breaks their promises."

Crowley nodded, "your Mother is right on that one."

Evangeline's face fell, instantly feeling tears returning to her green eyes. "I-I'm sorry Crowley. I didn't mean for it to happen."

"Relax little one, I'm not mad with you," Crowley explained. "What occurred was out of your small hands."

"You mean you believe me?" Evangeline asked in honest wonder

"You have no reason to lie to me," Crowley explained. In truth he had been checking on her a few times each day just to ensure that she was safe from any wandering demons. She was his little pet project now and he couldn't risk her falling into the hands of others.

"May I have a second chance then?" she asked.

"A second chance at what?" Crowley countered.

"Do you have another coin that I could have? I promise nothing will happen to this one," she said before adding, "I know how to hit properly now."

Crowley smiled, finding himself coming to like the child, if only a little bit, "alright. But this time we'll put it around your neck rather than Mr. Teddy's"

"How did you know his name?" Evangeline asked.

Crowley was surprised to find that he had had such a slip of the tongue but he quickly and expertly covered it with a simple, "magic," he said with a shrug. The child didn't need to know that he had been popping in on her from time to time to ensure that his future plans could not be interrupted.

"Oh!" Evangeline replied nodding as if his simple word explained everything. "Can you teach me how to do magic?"

Crowley raised an eyebrow at the little black haired girl who was smiling up at him. "Maybe one day when you are older," he replied.

Evangeline stood still and silent for a few seconds, "I am older now!" she declared.

"I mean years older, not seconds little one," Crowley explained, "nice try though."

Evangeline pouted, "how many years?" she asked.

"Try me again when you turn thirteen."

"But that is forever away," Evangeline whined.

"You're almost halfway there now," Crowley stated, "time will fly by. Now stand still."

Evangeline stood ramrod still, trying to force herself not to blink lest she upset the only friend that she had. Her only problem was, the more she thought about not blinking, the more she felt the need to blink. She was so completely distracted by trying not to blink that she failed to notice that Crowley had finished whatever it was that required her to be still in the first place.

"Is there something wrong with your eyes?" Crowley asked.

"I am trying not to move and blinking is moving so I am trying not to blink!" she explained.

Crowley fought the urge to roll his eyes, at least Evangeline was obedient if nothing else. "You can move now," he said giving the child the permission she would not have moved without. If there was one thing that she had learnt so far, it was that it was easier for her to do what grown-ups said rather than get yelled at. She knew that she would never be much of a rebellious child, even if she did not know what exactly that entailed.

"Thank you Crowley," she said as her fingers wrapped around the coin sitting on a long silver chain around her neck, "I promise that I will not lose this one!"

"See to it that you do not," Crowley replied. "You should hurry along home now little one, it is getting too late for someone as young as you to be wandering the streets all alone."

Evangeline pouted, Crowley was the kindest person she knew so she was in absolutely no hurry to leave his presence. "Mummy was supposed to pick me up from school, I think that she forgot," she explained.

"Does she do that often?"

Evangeline shrugged, not really wanting to answer a question that might get her Mummy in trouble. Against his better judgement Crowley turned away from Evangeline and began walking down the street away from her. The little girl stood there with her eyes wide, he didn't even say goodbye to her!

"I don't have all day Evangeline, hurry it up!" he called over his shoulder.

Her eyes widened further, as she ran to catch up with Crowley. She could hardly believe that he had wordlessly agreed to walk her home. Evangeline reached upwards and grabbed onto Crowley's hand, a shy blush creeping over her cheeks at her bold move. The blush was quickly replaced with a wide toothy smile, she didn't know exactly why she was so happy, but being around Crowley was a good feeling.

Crowley had to force himself to walk slowly so that Evangeline did not have to run to keep up with his stride. He had better things to be doing at this moment, but he knew the importance of getting on the ground floor of this particular project he had adopted. Making sure the little antichrist currently clinging onto his hand was endeared towards him from a young age would only serve to benefit him later. Evangeline lead Crowley further down the street, making a left turn before coming to a sudden stop. Crowley looked down at her with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't think that Mummy or Daddy would be too happy if I brought you home," she said.

Crowley nodded, "how much further?"

"My house is the black and white one right there!" she announced pointing out her home which was only a few houses away from where they were standing. The house was kept in perfect condition, complete with a white picket fence and the garden tended to as if it were a precious child. It was sickening.

"Thank you for walking home with me Crowley," Evangeline said quietly, her shyness seemingly returned with full force.

"Think nothing of it," Crowley replied graciously.

"If I see that woman again I will be sure to call you!" she promised, her small hand dropping from his with what could only be described as reluctance.

Crowley simply nodded in response.

"Goodbye Crowley," Evangeline called as she began walking down the street. When she looked back she found that he was already gone. She decided that he must be a very fast walker and left it at that.


"Mummy?" Evangeline called as she struggled through the doorway. "Mummy where are you?"

Nothing but the sound of silence answered her. She wasn't all that surprised, but she was a little disappointed. She kicked her shoes off and left them at the door before depositing her backpack at the bottom of the stairs. She would take it up to her room later, first thing was first. She wanted a snack and seeing as how Mummy wasn't answering her, she was going to have something sweet a most likely bad for her teeth. She stepped cautiously into the living room, her eyes searching for any signs of her Mother. Seeing nothing she continued on through to the kitchen.

When she opened the kitchen door she let out a blood-curdling scream.

Lloyd heard the high pitched scream of his daughter and dashed through the door separating the house from the garage. He had no idea where she was, but as he followed the sound he found himself standing before the kitchen door. He pushed it open with great force and then stopped in his tracks.

Andrea was laying in the middle of the kitchen table, a pool of dark red blood seeping into the once white table cloth. A knife lay on the floor close to where he saw Evangeline standing over his wife. Immediately his mind jumped to one conclusion and one conclusion alone. He sidestepped over to the counter and picked up a knife from the countertop. "What did you do to Andrea!" Lloyd roared and charged towards Evangeline.

"I didn't do anything!" Evangeline cried the truth, but Lloyd heard nothing of it. She could see the utter hatred in his eyes and she was terrified. "Daddy!" she squealed.

"Shut your mouth!" Lloyd yelled, "tell me what you did to Andrea?"

"Daddy please, I didn't do anything!"

"Don't lie to me Evangeline!" he yelled. The back of his hand cracked against her cheek sending Evangeline crashing to the floor.

She let out a whimper and pulled herself back onto her feet. "Daddy? What is wrong with Mummy?"

"You killed her!" Lloyd yelled. His eyes were wide with insanity as he continued to advance upon his daughter. He was furious, so deeply inside of his rage that nothing would stop him. Lloyd's grip on rational thought had flown out the window the minute he saw Andrea laying on the table, unconscious, perhaps dead surrounded by her own blood. There was no other explanation, Evangeline had done it! His fingers closed around Evangeline's throat and he lifted her into the air. He began to squeeze, making it difficult for Evangeline to breathe. She bucked and kicked, her legs flailing in the air as she tried to get away.

"Crowley!" Evangeline screamed, "Crowley please help me!"

The world around her began to grow dark as Lloyd's fingers tightened around her throat. She could barely make out the bright glint of the knife as it came closer towards her. Evangeline didn't understand why her Daddy wanted to hurt her and as she struggled against his vicelike grip she silently begged for Crowley to appear. He was her only friend, he had to help her!

"Mr. Sanders, I would suggest that you put her down," Crowley's voice came from behind Lloyd. "Right now," he added circling the now petrified mortal man. He lowered Evangeline to the floor slowly, his eyes darting between Evangeline and the man who was obviously a demon, though not the same one he had been dealing with. The small girl gasped deeply, forcing air back into her lungs. Instantly she darted away from Lloyd and hid behind Crowley, her small fingers gripping the back of his suit jacket.

The knife Lloyd was holding dropped to the floor with a loud clank and he looked at his hand in disbelief. He had not wilfully dropped the knife, yet it was undeniable that it was now lying on the floor. His feet felt as though they were glued to the floor and no matter how much he struggled, he was stuck in place. Lloyd looked to the man standing between him and his supposed daughter with a look of horror.

"You're one of them!" he hollered.

Evangeline tightened her grip on Crowley's coat, her knuckles white with the pressure. If it wasn't for him, then her Father would have killed her, there was no doubt about it.

"Bravo Mr. Sanders," Crowley said. "Any other insights you wish to impart on me while you're at it?"

Lloyd went to speak but his voice was trapped in his throat. The demon had stolen his ability to talk with a simple look in his direction.

"Nothing to add I see?" Crowley said mockingly. He watched the mortal man with a dark look in his eyes before taking a step forward. Evangeline came forwards with him as she was practically attached to him at the moment. "Let me make one thing very clear to you Mr. Sanders," Crowley began. He waved his hand and suddenly Lloyd found himself bound to a chair sitting directly in front of Crowley. "Evangeline is now under my protection, if you so much as even think of laying a harmful hand upon her I will personally make sure that you will not live to regret your actions."

Lloyd opened his mouth to begin protesting but Crowley waved his hand once again and Lloyd found himself gagged.

"I don't remember giving you permission to speak Mr. Sanders," Crowley said with a malicious smile on his lips. "The demon with whom you made your deal went against the rules and he has faced his punishment for his actions which means that I now hold your little contract. Six of your fifteen years have passed Mr. Sanders and when your time is up I will drag you to hell and make you regret ever laying a hand on Evangeline. While I would much prefer to strike you down where you stand, I am nothing if not a man of his word. Do you understand Mr. Sanders?"

Lloyd tried to speak but the gag in his mouth kept him silent.

Crowley rolled his eyes before banishing the gag with a flick of his hand. "I believe that I asked you a question Mr. Sanders, do you understand me?"

"Y-yes, I understand," Lloyd replied obediently with a shaking voice. Gaining some sort of previously unknown courage Lloyd said, "I made the deal for sixteen years with Andrea. I don't want Evangeline, I want Andrea!"

A small chocking sob escaped Evangeline's lips, Crowley had momentarily forgotten she was hiding behind him. It was obvious that Lloyd could care less that his little girl heard the way that he spoke of her.

"I am well aware of your deal Mr. Sanders," Crowley roared. "I am the King of the Crossroads, something you would do well to remember." He waved his hand vaguely in Andrea's direction, restarting the woman's heart, but forcing her to remain unconscious; he didn't need another mortal to deal with at the moment. Crowley freed Lloyd and the man ran over to his wife.

"You see how easily I brought her back to life?" Crowley asked rhetorically pausing until Lloyd made eye contact with him. "I can take it all away just as easily. Keep your toes in line Mr. Sanders, I sure would hate to have to have another look at your little contract."

Lloyd gulped, his earlier fire completely gone. He nodded in agreement, turning his back on his child and the demon.

Crowley turned around and picked Evangeline up, settling the small girl on his hip. He made his way to the door before carrying her upstairs. "It is time for you to go to bed," he said.

"I don't want to stay here! Daddy will try to hurt me again!" she protested, "and it is still light outside," she added as an afterthought.

"You have nothing to worry about little one, that man will never lay another hand on you again."

"How do you know?" Evangeline asked, tears coming into her eyes.

"He would not dare."

"But what if he does?"

Crowley fought the urge to roll his eyes, before he let out a sharp whistle. Evangeline's eyes widened as the large black dog she had met earlier appeared by Crowley's side. The dog looked up at Crowley awaiting orders.

"He will stay here with you," Crowley explained, "but there is something important that you need to know."

"What?"

"No one else but you will be able to see the Hellhound," he explained. "So it would be best not to go around talking to him in the middle of the street."

Evangeline nodded in agreement between small sobs. He dropped Evangeline onto her bed, hoping that the bounce would put a smile on her face, and it did, if only for a short while. He sat down at the foot of the bed and studied the small raven haired girl. His Hellhound jumped up onto the bed and lay down next to Evangeline, seeming to understand the importance of guarding the girl.

Crowley considered simply wiping Evangeline's memory of what had happened this afternoon, but he thought better of it. He could use it later to his benefit to foster a hatred of humankind inside of her. Hatred was a powerful emotion, within an antichrist it would be even more effect. Tonight he had created a bond between himself and the small child, a bond which would create loyalty. Things were already turning out in his favour and he had barely known the child for a few weeks.

"Go to sleep!" Crowley growled at Evangeline.

"I don't think that I can," she said with a pout. She was far too scared to even think about sleeping. Evangeline was worried about her Mother, but she didn't want to go anywhere near her Father … ever again. "Do you know who hurt Mummy?"

"I have my suspicions," he answered simply. Evangeline wanted to press him for more answers, but the look on his face suggested that might not be the best decision.

"Thank you for saving me Crowley," she said softly. "And thank you for leaving your doggie with me." She shot up from the bed and wrapped her arms around Crowley's neck, hugging him close.

"Don't mention it," he replied. Crowley pried her small arms off him and stood up. "Go to sleep," he commanded. This time he placed his index finger on her head and her eyes immediately snapped shut, falling into sleep.


Sorry that this chapter was such a long time coming - moving to Sweden from NZ really takes a lot of a girl!
Thank you to everyone who was left a review, added this story to their favourites or followed it! I love you all!