A Deal to Die For

by kingofthecrossroad66

After Alex was shot, Olivia made a deal. They would bring back the one she loved most and give her eight years. No one said it would be easy, or fair. Time is almost up. Will the detective fight for her life or succumb to a fate worse than death? A/O. Sorry. For confusion. I'm combining some of the chapters. It's been a while but I'm going to finish this!

10. Six Months Left

A Deal to Die For

Chapter 10: Six Months Left…

When a demon dies its entire body seems to explode with electric orange light. The light flickers brightly and dims until there is nothing left but the empty shell of a human being who died with it.

I notice a bloody skull fragment stuck to my boot and casually flicked it away. I tucked the demon killing gun back safely inside my jacket.

"We have to get rid of this body, Abbie."

Together we untied the corpse and lowered him to the ground. I searched his pockets and found a wrinkled twenty-dollar bill but no identification.

"Do you think that demon was telling the truth?" the attorney asked smoothing down the victim's hair.

"About what?" I grunted stuffing the money into my pocket.

"About the kid still being alive before we pulled the trigger."

I should feel guilty.

I know that.

Something is wrong with me.

I shrug off her question, "Demons lie all the time, and you know that. Even so, there was nothing we could have done for him."

"You can at least pretend to give a damn! We didn't even know this kid. He didn't ask to be dragged into this!"

"We kept him captured for weeks and I tortured him," I replied dryly, "How in the hell were we supposed to explain that to the cops or to a doctor?"

"We could have exorcised the demon and dropped him off at an emergency room."

Abbie was probably thinking the same thing. I could already see the shadow of doubt forming behind her eyes.

"Let's just get this over with, alright?"

As Abbie began trying to mop up all the blood one thought crossed my mind. Our fingerprints and DNA are all over this warehouse. There is no way we could remove every trace of it. There could only one option.

Burn it.

"We're going to have to burn this place to the ground, it's the only way."

"We can't burn down a building, Benson!" Abbie argued.

"Do you have a better idea? We both know what happens if they find our DNA here. Do you want to take that chance?"

She grumbled, "Well, I guess that would save us the trouble of finding a place to hide his body."

I was right and she knew it. She just hated to admit it.

"Let's get the gasoline."

---

The flames from the warehouse burned hot and fast. Not as hot as hell but enough to drive us away for good. I heard sirens in the distance and pressed harder on the pedal. My mind keeps going back to that kid that we left to burn and the woman from the crossroads. I'm raking up quite the body count now.

All in the name of love.

At that moment, I hated Alex more than I ever have. Even when in the back of my mind I reasoned that she couldn't have possibly asked for any of this to happen, I still hated her. I hated her because she didn't have the blood of innocents on her hands. Most of all, I hated her because she has everything except for this burden to carry.

On the way home, we stopped by the storage and took the boxes filled with my father's weapons and books out again. We eventually arrived back at my apartment where I fell back limply on the couch.

"Here drink this."

I took the amber liquor offered to me without much hesitation and took a strong drink. I closed my eyes letting images of the two dead strangers melt away. When the glass was empty, I placed it aside and the hunter in me took back control.

"We need to find as much information as we can about this demon before we hunt."

"That hunter in the bar told me that Crowley was the King of Hell. We only get one shot at this, Benson. If we go in halfcocked we're both dead."

'What do u want me to do?'

"I want you to train, memorize the exorcism spell and the Devil's trap drawing."

She nodded, "When do we do this?"

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding in, "I need until the end of the month to get my affairs in order...in case...in case..."

She put a hand against my shoulder, "Stop. Start thinking about getting killed and that's what will happen."

"I'm not married like you, I need a will in case something happens to me. I can't let my father's stuff go to some stranger."

"Fine, but no funeral arrangements. Think positive, alright?"

"Alright."

She filled my glass again and I took a quick swallow, "There's something else."

Benson gave me her full attention while I struggled with the blow I was about to deliver, "After this is over, if we survive... I'm quitting my job to go on the road full time. I'm going to be a hunter.'

She stared at me as if I had sprouted another head, "Are you joking?"

I held up my chin, "No, I'm not."

Benson shot up pacing quickly in front of me, "You are going to get yourself killed, Abbie!"

"My mind is made up," I said firmly.

"What about Serena? You're just going to leave her?"

I already thought about explaining everything and asking her to come on the road with me. She would think I was crazy at first but I could show her. I could make her understand. After that, if I asked Serena to go on the road with me I know she would come in a second.

Only, I wouldn't let her.

The road was no place for her. If anything happened to her…If she got hurt…There is no way I could ever forgive myself.

"I'll tell Serena that I'm moving back home to Texas to start my life back over again."

"A life without her…a life without me," she said accusingly.

So, she knew.

I sighed, "I can't be around you anymore. That's why I never came back to New York before and that's why I'm leaving again now."

"I thought we were friends."

"It's better this way. You'll never have to see me again after this is over."

Both of her hands were tightly balled into fists, "You have always been fucking selfish!"

I refused to be baited with another guilt trip tonight about my selfishness. It's funny how I'm the one being selfish but out here putting my neck on the line.

"I could use another drink," I said holding up my empty glass and trying to break the tension in the room.

Instead of a refill, she gave me an angry glare instead.

I accepted defeat, "I guess I'll just go to bed."

As I walked past Benson roughly grabbed my arm, "I wasn't done talking to you."

"But I was done talking to you," I said gritting my teeth as her fingernails dug into my flesh. "I suggest that you let go of my arm unless you're itching for another beating."

I felt her fingers loosen letting the blood rush back into my arm, "You can't just walk away. Not after everything, Abbie."

Why was she so suddenly against me leaving? It's not like she was going to be lonely anymore, Alex was bound to come back eventually.

"My mind is made up."

"I just don't understand you! You were always willing to throw everything away on a limb. Serena is not just going to keep waiting on you to come around!"

"Like you did? You never waited for me!" I blurted out.

It has become very hard to read her these days but I thought I saw an instant of surprise and guilt before she covered it with anger, "You left me for DC, remember?"

"That didn't stop you from taking Alex back! She left you for Robert, Jim and God knows how many others! What was so damn special about her?!"

"Why are you trying to hurt me?" she demanded.

"I'm not trying to hurt you damn-it. Are you just too stupid to see that I'm in love with you?!"

I held my breath. What had just possessed me to say that? Suspicion was one thing but I just threw everything out there.

Benson simply scoffed as if she had known the truth all along, "You don't love anyone but yourself."

Traitorous tears escaped my eyes, "If I didn't love you I wouldn't be here right now!"

Hunters don't cry. My father never did. He spent his golden years chasing shadows on back roads. Now, I would spend my life the same way.

I quickly dried my eyes with the back of hand, "It doesn't matter."

Olivia features visibly softened, "Abbie, you know I love you too but it just wasn't meant to be. I can't leave Alex, she means everything to me."

"You could have us both."

I hated myself as soon as the words came out. I know that I've stooped low when I'm willing to come in second place to Cabot.

"Is that what you really want?" I swallowed and nodded suddenly unable to find my voice.

Is she really saying what I think she is?

She smirked and came within inches of our lips touching. I closed my eyes and then she whispered, "It wouldn't even cost you anything Abbie, not for 8 whole years."

My eyes snapped opened to find Benson staring at me with an amused expression on her face. I shoved her hard away from me, "That is nothing joke about!"

"Everything comes at a price."

Embarrassed, hurt and pissed off, I lunged for Olivia to rip that stupid grin off her face. A few seconds later, I found myself slammed on the carpet with the wind knock from my lungs.

Benson pinned my shoulders to the ground, "You didn't think I would let you kick my ass, again did you?!"

I struggled uselessly pinned underneath her. I might have been more skilled but Olivia was physically stronger and heavier, "Let go of me!" I screamed.

"Not until you calm down."

After I saw that she wasn't going to let me go, I stopped struggling. She didn't unpin me right away and I waited to see what her next move would be.

"Abbie, I want you to understand something," she said after a moment of silence. "There would be no spending the night together, no holidays and we couldn't be seen out in public together."

"It doesn't matter," I said again.

"One day it will."

My heart felt like it was skipping a beat. Was she saying what I think she was?

"Why are you doing this?"

Olivia took a strand of my hair and gently ran her fingers down the length of it, "I'm doing this for you." Her eyes were sad, "I owe you…everything."

I shoved her hard and tried to sit up, "I don't need some pity fuck from you!"

"It's not pity," was all she replied stroking my cheek.

"Then what is it…do you love me?"

"Abbie, I…."

Olivia stopped when her cellphone suddenly chimed. I sighed with both frustration and relief. I'm not sure if I'm ready to hear the answer to that question yet.

"This discussion isn't over yet. "

My mind was still made up about becoming a hunter and there was nothing she could do or say to change it. For the last few years as I was practicing law I felt something missing. Throwing some pedophile in prison for a few years only to release him to do the same thing is not my idea of justice. As a hunter, I could make a real difference. There wouldn't be any red tape holding me back. Hunters destroyed evil. Period.

"Alex?"

I saw a bright smile cover her face, the first I've literally seen in weeks. The kind of smile that reached her eyes and made them shine. I immediately felt my chest tightened with anger and resentment. This is the reason I have to leave. I can't live the rest of my life this way.

Things suddenly take a turn for the worst. The smile melted from her face and her eyes darted back and forth with panic, "Alex? What's wrong?"

She kept repeating her name and apparently getting no response. After a moment, she took the phone away from her ear with a look of absolute devastation.

"What happened?" I asked trying to sound concerned. On the inside, I could care less. She should be here, not there.

Benson struggled to talk, her entire body seemed to tremble, "It was Alex, I heard her scream my name and then…then she was gone. The call dropped."

"What about the caller ID? Why don't you try calling back?"

"The number was unavailable; I can't call back. What if she…." Olivia placed a palm against her mouth as if she wanted to throw up. "What if she's hurt?"

"I'll get you a drink," was the only bit of sympathy I could muster.

I hurried into the kitchen to pour a glass of the scotch I keep handy. When I came back, I found Olivia down on the floor twitching violently.

"Liv!" I screamed feeling the glass slip from my hand to shatter. I ran the rest of the way and dropped to the ground at her side. I quickly took her convulsing body in my arms holding on tightly. Her eyes were wide open but she was unresponsive.

I grabbed her phone to call for help but I paused before dialing the last '1'. My apartment was covered in salt and Devil's Traps on the ceiling. There were boxes of illegal weapons scattered in my living room. This could potentially mean a lot of trouble for the both of us.

After the convulsions stopped, her eyes closed and her breathing returned to normal. I was powerless to do anything but hold her and hope she would come to.

"Please Liv, come back to me," I whispered.

I managed to drag Olivia on to couch after my back couldn't take the floor anymore. I must have drifted off because I woke up suddenly to the annoying sound of a phone ringing.

"Hello?" I asked sleepily in to the receiver.

"Who in the hell is this?" a vaguely familiar irate voice on the other end demanded.

"Abbie Carmichael, who is this?"

"This is Alex speaking! What are you doing in my house so late Carmichael? Where is my wife?!" I took the phone away from my ear while she was yelling.

The bitch was fine.

I smirked, "I'm not in your house, Cabot. I'm in the comfort of my own home."

"Put Olivia on the phone!"

Olivia's head rested on my lap where she hadn't moved for the last few hours. What was I supposed to tell her?

"Olivia is passed out drunk on my couch. I'm afraid she can't come to the phone right now."

There was a long moment of silence on the other end. I almost fell asleep again when I heard Cabot speak again, "I'll call back in the afternoon."

She hung up in my ear.

I just hope Benson is awake by then….

---

So much pain.

So much suffering.

No hope.

No future.

Remember, you're mine.

"Alex!"

I finally wake up gasping for air with sweat trickling down my neck. A glass of water is practically shoved in my hand and I drank from it greedily spilling some of the liquid down my shirt.

"Alex…"

I felt a hand smoothing down my hair and Abbie's voice, "She called back not long after you passed out. She was fine."

Remember, you're mine.

"When I woke up, I was back in Hell again. I…I was down there for weeks."

"How?!" Abbie exclaimed.

I shook my head, "I don't know. When I thought Alex was hurt it was like something inside me was slipping. The next thing I knew I was back in Hell…. You can fill that glass with scotch now."

Abbie didn't argue with me and I was grateful. I finished the scotch off as quickly as I had the water and fell slightly better. She told me that Alex would call back in the afternoon so there was nothing left to do but wait for her.

Even though I was exhausted, I didn't dare close my eyes again for fear of nightmares. After I waited and waited for what seemed like forever my phone finally rang. Abbie got up and left the room

"Alex?!"

I heard her sweet voice on the other end, "Liv, I'm so happy to hear your voice. You just don't know what I've been through."

"What happened? Are you hurt? Why did you yell my name last night? You scared the shit out of me." I asked

"I'm sorry, I was just so happy to hear that you were okay."

What in the hell? Why would Alex think something happened to me? "What do you mean sweetheart? I've been here this entire time."

"A call came in from Elliot…he told me you were dead," her voice broke on the other end. I spent the next few minutes trying to calm her down.

"Tell me what happened, Alex. Elliot told you I was dead?" I asked trying to wrap my mind around the entire thing. Could I still be in hell?

"Yes," Alex sniffled. "I spoke to Elliot on the phone. He said that he had been trying to reach me for weeks. He said that you were shot by a suspect and died on the way to the hospital." "I called just to hear the sound of your voice on the voicemail. I didn't expect you to actually pick up."

That son of a bitch. I'll kill him.

"Liv, I'll have Elliot's badge for this."

I hesitated only for a second, "Take it."

"I'm coming home soon-"

As much as my heart was overjoyed it was too soon for Alex to be home. Abbie and I still had Crowley to get through. I didn't want her anywhere near when we did.

"Alex, I'm fine. I don't want you coming all the way back just for Elliot. I can handle things," I countered.

"I'm coming back for you! We haven't been together since our honeymoon. I can't help but feel guilty that I'm missing the first year of our marriage. I miss you."

"I miss you too." I guess it's on to Plan B now. Whatever that is.

"Liv, can I ask you a question and promise me you won't get angry."

"You can ask me anything."

"What are you doing spending the night in Abbie Carmichael's apartment?"

Oh shit.

"I had a little too much to drink and I couldn't make it home," I said thinking quickly.

Silence.

"Have you been going to therapy like you promised?"

I already have too many lies to keep up with. For once, I'll just have to tell the truth, "No, I haven't gone."

Silence.

"I'll be home next week. I love you, "Alex's voice replied suddenly tense.

"I love you too."

She hung up.

---

"You're going to get us both of killed!"

We've been arguing over this for the last few days. Since Cabot is coming back any day now, Benson wants to go after the demon before she arrives. I keep telling her that we can't rush this. Demon killing gun or not, Crowley is too powerful to go after on a limb.

"What are we waiting for Abbie?" Benson demanded. "I memorized that damn spell and the Devil's Trap! It's now or never! I'm not doing this with Alex back in town. What if the demon goes after her?!"

"You think a demon couldn't get to her in Africa!" I hissed. "She's safer here with us behind a line of salt then halfway across the world!"

"I already told you a thousand goddamn times! We are not involving Alex in this!" Olivia screamed.

She is even worse now since the second trip back from hell. The drinking and the nightmares just don't seem to stop. Even now, she can barely contain her anger without exploding. I must stay calm and try to reason with her.

"You're fooling yourself, Cabot is already involved in this! A crossroad demon doesn't forget about a debt, ever. "

While we're arguing I'm painstakingly making salt rounds for the shot guns. I want to make enough for an entire army to have ammo. Benson just paced in front of the table like a caged animal.

"I'm going after this demon with or without you, Abbie."

I slammed my fist down on the table knocking some of the shells to the floor, "You're letting panic and love blind you."

"What the hell do you know about it, Abbie? " Benson sneered. "It's not your soul on the line; it's not Serena."

The mention of Serena's name almost made my vision go red again like it had when the crossroads demon said it. Damn right this wasn't happening to Serena. She wouldn't be stupid enough to go and get herself killed. Even if she were stupid enough, I would never let that happen.

"Leave Serena out of this."

Benson must have noticed how tense I became because she paused in mid pace. She gazed down at me with a peculiar expression on her face, "You're in love with her and just too stubborn to accept it."

I froze trying to think of some clever retort but soon gave up when nothing fitting came to me, "Don't change the subject."

She didn't press the issue and for that I was grateful. I would have plenty of time to contemplate after this thing is over. If I managed to survive, that is.

"I say we stick to the original plan and go after Crowley at the end of the month."

"No, there needs to be a new plan," Olivia argued, "I go after Crowley by the end of the week with or without you."

I'm tempted to call her bluff but stupid love and feelings get in the way.

I didn't like it. Every instinct in my body told me not to rush into this. After my fight with Amy, I knew that demons were not to be underestimated. Even with a plan she nearly tore me in half. I shudder to think what could have happened if I hadn't set that trap. I take a deep sigh inner sigh and swallow my fear. Hunters don't feel fear.

"I'll be ready by Friday."

---

Friday.

I didn't get very much sleep last night but I still feel energized. Today is the day I finally get my soul back. Abbie and I found another abandoned warehouse in the Bronx. As soon as the sun goes down that demon is as good as dead.

Around noon we meet at my old apartment to load the guns with rock salt and fill a few bottles with holy water. Things look like they might be going smoothly when my cell phone rings.

"Benson." I haven't been able to stop myself from answering the phone that way.

"Baby, where are you? My plane just arrived at JFK. I want to see you."

My heart felt like it fell into my chest. If I met with Alex now, I knew there was no way I could get away from her for the rest of the day. I had to think of something and fast

"Alex, I'm working," I lied smoothly.

"I know but I could come and visit you for a while."

"I have at least a dozen leads to check on and a stack of paper work. I'll see you tonight, Alex. I promise."

"Okay," she replied sounding disappointed," I love you."

I hated myself.

"Me too."

I hung up.

"Wow, I almost believed that lie myself," said Abbie slyly.

"Shut-up," I muttered.

We spent the next few hours covering the warehouse with as many Devil's Traps that would fit. When that demon arrived, he would have nowhere to go. He can either let me out of my deal or die. His choice.

The sun goes down.

Abbie mixed the ingredients into the bowl to get ready for the summoning. I'm ready. My adrenaline is pumped. The demon killing gun is in my hand ready to fire at will. Abbie pricks her finger and flings blood into the bowl. She quickly strikes a wooden match and throws it in.

My phone went off.

The Texan turned around giving me the dirtiest look possible, "What the hell is going on?"

"Sorry." I mouthed checking the caller-id. Shit, it's Alex.

"What is it, Alex?" I asked impatiently.

"Is that how you answer the phone when your wife calls?"

I rolled my eyes, "I'm sorry, now what is it?"

"Where are you?!" she demanded.

"I told you I'm worki—"

"Don't lie to me again! I stopped by the precinct today just to 'surprise' you. Little did I know what a surprise I was in for! You haven't been to work in weeks! Where have you been?!"

"I…I…"

"Benson, hang up that god-damned phone now, right now!" Abbie yelled. "You're going to get us both killed you stupid bitch!"

"Who in the hell was that? Was that Abbie? Abbie Carmichael."

"Alex, I have to go!" I said frantically.

"Don't hang up this phone! I'm your wife damn it! Are you sleeping with her?"

"Hang up the phone, Olivia," Abbie's voice said suddenly calm. Something about the way she said it made me take the phone away from my ear. I glanced around the warehouse and nearly pissed myself. The dozens of devil's traps we drew all over the floor and ceilings were completely gone.

"What is going on, Abbie?"

She smiled brightly and her eyes flickered blood red. The phone fell from my hand and bounced on the floor. "No!" I screamed. "Get the hell out of her!" The demon flicked her hand and an invisible fist slammed into my chest knocking the breath from my lungs. I rolled backwards and sprang to my feet holding the Colt tightly in front of me.

"Let Abbie go and I won't kill you," I growled.

The demon smirked with Abbie's lips calling my bluff, "If you kill me, you kill her too."

My hands trembled violently, "Let her go and I'll go quietly."

"Abbie sent me back to hell not long ago. You're crazy if you think I'm going to just let her walk away from this unscathed."

"You're not going to touch her!"

"Ladies, please, let's not argue back in forth all night."

I turned from the demon possessing Abbie only to be surrounded by three more people who I am sure were demons. I know I'm dead. Now, it's just a matter of how many of them I can take with me.

I immediately identified the demon, Crowley. There was just something about him that seemed familiar. He was possessing a middle-aged man with thinning hair. Probably, a stock broker or some poor bastard who could afford a tailor-made suit. I didn't feel any fear for myself, only Abbie. Damn you Alex, you picked the worst time possible to call.

I grinned despite being vastly outnumbered, even with the Colt, "So, you're the bastard that owns my soul?"

"You'll have to be more specific, Love. I own a great many of souls," Crowley replied calmly with an English accent.

"Olivia Benson," I growled.

"I don't recall."

Demons lie all the time but something told me he was telling the truth. Abbie said that the demons have plans for me but he had no idea what's going on. Maybe he isn't as all powerful as he thinks.

Smug bastard.

"Master, I handled the deal myself. Everything was fair," red eyes said, "She knew the consequences from the start. I brought back her girlfriend from the dead and now she has to pay."

"I wouldn't call dragging my soul to hell fair!" I snapped pointing the gun at her again.

"You knew!" red eyes seethed.

I pulled back the hammer of the gun. If she weren't inside Abbie's body right now she would have been long dead.

"I really don't have the time for any of this. As you know I have a business to run. Time is souls, "Crowley interrupted. "Kill the girlfriend in front of her, make her suffer. Afterwards, drag soul her down to hell for the real fun to begin."

As soon as the words left his mouth I fired. The only problem is that he had disappeared completely leaving the two goons behind. I fired another quick shot and dropped one of them. The other demon threw back its head and screamed black smoke into the ceiling evacuating the human it possessed.

That just left me and the red eyed demon.

I pointed the gun directly at her head. She didn't try to move but I knew there was no way she would just stand there and let me exorcise her, "I'm so sorry, Abbie."

She kept smiling.

My finger trembled on the trigger, "I should have listened to you."

"She loves you," replied the demon delivering a low blow.

"I know," I said feeling tears escaping from my eyes. I finally let the gun drop to my side. After everything, I just couldn't hurt her.

I quickly brought the gun up to own head and squeezed my eyes shut. Before I could pull the trigger, I felt my hand seize up. I opened my eyes just in time to see a cloud of black smoke forcing its way down my throat. I tried to fight as it took control of my body but the demon was just too powerful.

I was just too weak.

"We always win, Olivia," red eyes taunted.

Just to prove her point she grabbed Abbie's knife from the table plunging it into her neck. I tried to scream feeling horror and anguish overwhelm me but I was no longer in control. I couldn't make a sound. I couldn't even shed a tear. I was trapped inside my own body.

Now, Abbie was dead.

"You heard what Crowley said," red eyes ordered to the demon inside of me, "Find Alex Cabot and make her suffer before she dies."

God no.

"Where are you going?" my voice asked.

She grinned, "I'm going to visit Serena Southerlyn."

Abbie….

You can't be dead. You can't be…

I can't even mourn your death. I'm filled with overwhelming sorrow but I can't release it. It's almost like drowning from inside my own mind.

This is all just a nightmare.

When I wake up Abbie will still be alive. Alex and Serena will be safe…

"Would you shut-up already!" the demon controlling my body snapped. "You're starting to depress the hell out of me!"

I felt my rage boil hot like magma. If I could I would have torn him apart from the inside out. Instead, I've been subjected to his constant mental torture.

"Tsk...Tsk. if you aren't careful I just might not let you watch the fun I have with Alex later," he mocked.

"Stay the hell away from her!"

"Crowley didn't say I couldn't have a little fun while I'm here before I handle business."

At least, that brought Alex more time. I loathed to think what his idea of 'fun' could be. I only knew that more innocent people would become hurt.

This is all my fault.

The demon could hear my every thought and feel my every emotion. It could access all my memories: happy, sad, and even intimate ones.

Every single one.

"You should consider yourself lucky. I'm not as skilled with torture as Amy. She is one trained by the great Alistair himself," the demon practically beamed with pride.

I would have shuddered if he weren't controlling my every instinct. I hate to think of the sick things red eyes has planned for Serena. Abbie would be forced to watch the entire thing knowing that once the demon left her body she would die.

God…

I have never prayed before now but if anyone is listening please help me.

Please.

I felt my lips forming into a grin, "God can't help you now, sweetheart."

---

I opened my eyes after a restless sleep only to be greeted by another disgusting cockroach. I let out a breath of frustration. A few months ago, I would have totally freaked out. Now, I just brush the damn things away. This is just number one on a list of the dozens of sleazy motels I have been reduced to keep a roof over my head. At least the bed was comfortable. I cringe to think of the last time the sheets and comforters were washed, which is why I fell asleep fully clothed. I never allow myself to get comfortable. I just have to be ready to leave on a moment's notice.

As usual when I wake up, he is standing over the bed holding a bag of something he expects me to eat. It's probably McDonald's burgers and fries, again.

"No, thank you."

He nods and stiffly walks over to the nightstand setting the bag down, "This is the third day you have refused sustenance. You must keep your strength up."

"What's the point?" I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and sit up, "I don't even have any money left."

I have been out of work for a while now. Moving from place to place on a constant basis has pretty much bankrupted me. I don't know what I'm going to do.

"Have faith. I will provide," Carl replied. I mentally shake myself.

No, he's not my brother. He is not Carl.

Not anymore.

It's just so hard. He looks like him. Smells like him. He is even wearing his clothes but I have to accept that my brother is gone. Carl's skin is already starting to peel away, even faster than my father's had. His once handsome face is covered with red splotches and burns. I'm all cried out now. Just numb.

When it's my time, I wonder how fast my skin will peel away.

He walked slowly to the queen-sized bed and sat down his back completely straight. Once he turns to look at me his eyes are almost sympathetic.

He rarely ever shows emotion.

"Your friends have confronted Crowley."

My heart leaps and I practically bounced from my seat, "What happened? Did they kill him?"

If and when that demon dies is the day I can go back to a normal life.

He shook his head slowly, "They have failed."

Just when I thought I was numb, the pain hits me hard in my chest, "Are they still alive?!" I exclaimed.

He paused, "The one called Abbie Carmichael is dead. Or she will be once the demon leaves her body."

My hand flew up to my mouth as I gasped, "Oh my God. What about Olivia? Is she still alive?"'

"Yes, but her body is being possessed by a demon," he said stoically.

I grabbed his bicep in a death grip, "We have to help them."

He glanced down to my arm then back up to my panicked face, "I cannot interfere. My strength falters day by day inside this vessel."

"Take me, please. Let me help her, "I replied feeling desperate.

"It is wise for you to stay away from Olivia Benson. I sensed a great disturbance within that woman. She is very unstable."

"Of course she is unstable! She's been to hell!" I said immediately in her defense.

"Nevertheless, my priority is to protect you, as I promised your father."

"Please," I choked back a sob, "We can't just let her die."

I waited in anxious silence for him to respond, "...I may know someone who can help."

I took a second to wipe tears from my eyes. When I looked up, he was gone.

I hate it when he does that.

---

The call with Olivia had abruptly ended. That was almost two days ago and I have not heard from her ever since. I tried calling back but only reached her voicemail. I'm angry with her but still worried. When the Captain told me that she hadn't gone to work in weeks, I knew something was deeply wrong. It seems like I came back just in time.

Not to mention, two FBI agents came by yesterday looking for her. They wouldn't give me any information. They only told me to call once she arrived.

What kind of trouble could she be in?

I wonder how far she has fallen off the wagon.

Drugs?

I should have anticipated the moment I left town that spiteful bitch Abbie Carmichael would sink her claws in. I have tried to reach Serena but even her phone is going straight to voicemail! I leave town for a few months and everything is in shambles.

What the hell is going?

If I don't hear from her by tomorrow I will have to file a missing person's report. The doorman told me that he hasn't seen her here in weeks. It's just not like her to come home.

Doesn't she miss me at all?

I pour myself a glass of wine to have alone with dinner. Once I finish eating, I decide to run myself a hot bath and soak in my misery. As I was getting started, I heard movement from the living room. I turned off the water and made my way back into the living room. The lock turned and the door knob slowly turns and opens. After worrying my head off for the last few days, Olivia just walks through the door like nothing happened. Her hair is shorter now just enough to frame her face. She's wearing a dark leather jacket, jeans and boots. She is even smiling.

I'm not smiling, not one bit, "Where have you been?"

She doesn't answer my question right away. Instead, she closes the distance between us. Her arm wraps around my shoulders and pull me into a kiss. I try to resist at first but I eventually melted into it.

I stop enjoying the kiss when Olivia grabbed a fist full of my hair and practically shoves her tongue down my throat. She gropes my backside pulling me even tighter against her.

After I can't stand it anymore I push her away in disgust, "What in the hell was that, Liv?"

She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand grinning, "I'm just happy to see you, that's all."

"Have you been drinking?" I asked impatiently.

"Not today," was her response.

"What has gotten into you?"

"I'm just excited to see you that's all, Alex."

I didn't smell any alcohol on her but something was not right. She has never treated me that way before, "I was worried sick about you."

She shrugged throwing herself down on a chair at the kitchen table, "I'm fine, Alex."

"Where have you been? Why haven't you been going to work," I snapped.

"I just took a little vacation, babe. What's with the third degree?"

"The third degree? You come home two days late without calling me. On top of that, I find out that you have been basically spending all your time with Abbie Carmichael. What do you expect?"

Olivia grabbed my glass of wine and took a small sip, "This is good stuff."

I crossed my arms, "Don't try to change the subject."

She gestured towards a seat next to her, "Fine, have a seat babe, let's talk."

I reluctantly sit down and wait while she pours me another glass, "Before you say anything else, Alex, I have something to say too."

I cross my arms, "What, Liv?"

"How can I put this the right way?" Olivia replied gesturing between us, "This whole being 'married' to you…. isn't really working out for me anymore."

I blinked hard and my heart began to race, "Excuse me?"

The smile disappeared from her face completely, "I don't want you anymore Alex. I want a divorce."

"Wh... Why?" I stammered. Traitorous tears were already coming to my eyes. I can hardly believe what I'm hearing. She wants a divorce?

"It's a number of things really. The most important reason is I just don't love you. When you left for Africa, I realized how happy I was while you were away. Now, I just want to be rid of you for good," she said harshly.

"You can't possibly mean that."

"It's true Alex. I'm sorry but it's true." She stood up and poured my glass full again. "You look like you could use this more than I do."

The tears would not stop running down my face, "Why did you marry me then?"

She tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear, "I think even you can figure out the answer to that."

"Just tell me!" I practically screamed.

"It was the money, Alex. It has been for a long time now," Olivia said gently but there is a mischievous sort of glint in her eyes.

I shake my head in disbelief. This can't be true. I must be dreaming. How could I not have seen this? I just want to crawl in a hole and die.

"You aren't getting anything in the divorce. I'll make sure of it."

Olivia chuckled, "I don't remember signing any prenup, babe. I fucking own you and you know it! Maybe you should have listened to your mother after all. She told you not to marry outside of money."

I stood up and slapped her as hard as I could. All this time wasted thinking that I had made a mistake. Thinking that she loved me. Suddenly, in a move I wasn't expecting her fist blurred and struck me across the face. She didn't hold back. I crumbled like a leaf to the floor. I saw stars on the ceiling and tasted blood in my mouth.

I laid on the ground dazed from the pain and the fact that she had actually hit me. She had never hit me before. I thought she never could.

Apparently, I didn't know this woman at all.

---

Stop it!

Please, stop hurting her!

Leave her alone!

The awful things that demon said had really struck a blow to Alex. I could tell.

When she had slapped me, the demon didn't hesitate to floor her. It took her awhile to slowly lift herself up to a sitting position. She nursed on to her jaw staring up at me with hurt and disbelief.

"You hit me."

I could already see an angry bruise starting to form against her jaw. The demon was having the best time of its life and I just wanted mine to end. The demon easily lifted Alex from the floor and crushed our mouths together. I heard her whimper in pain but he held on. I tasted her blood in my mouth.

Stop!

"You are not yourself. I can see that now. You need help, baby," Alex said when the demon released her. It shoved her hard back to the ground.

"I still love you." My boot kicked her in the ribs like an animal. Alex groaned in pain clutching her abused side.

"Stop it. You're hurting her! "

Just to add to her humiliation the demon picked up the wine bottle and poured the rest over her, "You're pathetic! Get up and fight!"

When my boot came down to kick her again, I was surprised and grateful that she dodged. She kicked my shin hard sending me stumbling on to my back.

Run, Alex!

Even though I knew she couldn't hear me, I wanted her to get away. The demon was beyond pissed by that and it scrambled up ready to take blood. It grabbed her by the hair before she could escape, "You're going to pay for that, you blonde bitch!"

It gripped her kicking and screaming into the kitchen to grab a butcher knife off the counter.

"NO!"

"NO!" I heard myself scream.

Wait a minute…. I screamed?

I felt myself gasping for air and blood trickling from my nose. I released Alex and backed away from her. Far away from her. All the while I could still feel the demon inside me scratching and fighting to take control again. It was all I could do to keep him underneath the surface.

In a daze, I slowly stumbled over to the cabinet and found a box of salt. My hand shook violently but I managed to tip the box of salt into my mouth. I could see smoke radiating from my body. The demon weakened but he was still inside me and steadily gaining strength again.

"Liv, what are you doing!" Alex screamed from behind me. God, she must think I'm crazy.

No time to think about her now. I have to get this demon out of me. I don't know if I could regain control if it took over again.

I felt Alex grab my arm, "Liv, you aren't well."

I pushed her away from me, "Get away, Alex. It's not safe."

"You need help, Olivia."

I looked into her eyes for the first time since I regained control. My hand trembled and reached for her jaw, "Baby, look at your face." I knew at that moment that I couldn't protect her from this world any longer. I would have to tell her the truth, about everything.

I took what was left of the salt box and placed it in her hands, "Alex, just trust me please. I…I know the things I said but that wasn't me. There is a demon in my body, it wants to kill you. Go lock yourself in the bedroom and put a line of salt in front of the door. No matter what I say don't break the line and don't open the door."

Alex set the box of salt on the counter, "Liv, you're having a psychotic break down. I'm not going to lock myself in the bedroom this is ridiculous."

"Abbie is dead. Serena probably is too. Just do what I tell you to do!" I shouted.

Alex visibly jumped, "Serena is not dead! Do you hear yourself talking? Demons?"

"Alex please, I don't have time-," Before I could finish my sentence I felt my knees buckle. My limbs seized up and I fell face forward on the hard kitchen floor.

"Liv?"

"You should have listened to her," the demon said lifting my body off the floor again. Just like that he was back in control again and I was powerless. Quick as lightning he reached out and grabbed Alex by the throat lifting her from the ground. I could feel my hand tighten around her throat squeezing the air from her lungs.

"Liv, stop-can't breathe."

Her feet kicked uselessly as the demon proceeded to strangle the life from her. Just when I thought all hope was lost there was a loud pounding on the door. The demon's grip on Alex loosened slightly and my head snapped towards the door.

"Are you expecting company, bitch?"

The door burst open and two men in dark suits piled in with guns already drawn. The first one was huge around 6'4 or 6'5, with medium length dark hair and blue eyes. The second one was slightly shorter with spiky dark hair and menacing green eyes. I didn't recognize them but I was grateful for their presence.

"Let her go, now!" the shorter one shouted.

"You want her? You got her!" the demon snarled hurling Alex halfway across the room into the unsuspecting man.

The demon charged towards them in my body only to be met with a hard uppercut by the taller of the two. My head snapped back and I crashed to the ground. The taller man dived on me and delivered another devastating punch to my jaw. This was nothing like the time that Robert had punched me into a table. If the demon weren't inside of me, I probably would have been unconscious after the first hit.

The demon shoved him hard with a telekinetic push and sent the man flying off. When I finally got to my feet I saw the shorter of the two pulling Alex back to her feet. At least she was safe, for now.

The demon charged at the taller of the two and he knocked me flat on my ass again with another uppercut. He whipped out a plastic bottle and splashed me with what I discovered was holy water. The demon screamed bloody murder and blindly backed away. He was on me again punching me until I was delirious and seconds away from blacking out. With one last effort, the demon head butted him and sent him flying into the nearby wall with a sickening thump.

"Sam!" the shorter one yelled. Face contorted in anger and grim determination he pulled a jagged knife from his jacket pocket and charged towards me. He was going to kill me. The funny thing was that the demon believed the knife would kill it too. The blade was marked with a pentagram similar to the one etched on the Colt.

The demon tried to fight but it was just no match for this man. He punched me and I crumbled to the ground. I could taste the blood pooling in my mouth. He straddled me pinning me underneath him and brought the jagged knife plunging towards my heart. The demon squeezed my eyes shut knowing that it was going to die.

"Please, don't kill her! She's not herself!" I heard Alex's voice scream.

Alex saved my life.

The lights completely shut off.

The demon used the opportunity to recover and shoved the man off trying to make a quick run for the exit. When the lights flickered back on there was another woman in the room. A woman with fiery red hair and pale skin.

Casey?!

She was blocking the front door exit from the apartment.

Shit! Casey, run!

To my surprise the demon backed away slowly. I could feel myself trembling, in fear. Before the demon could make a move to run, Casey moved faster than ever possible and appeared face to face with me. She placed a hand to my forehead and my body erupted with bright hot light.

The last thing I remembered was feeling the demon's terror as it died.

---

"Liv!" I yelled as I watched her hit the ground, "Y..You killed her!"

Casey Novak kneeled next to her unmoving body, "She is alive but only just so."

Right on cue, Olivia moaned softly. Her face was almost a bloody pulp. I can imagine what mine looks like.

What is going on here? Do demons really exist?

"Alex…" she moaned. "Is…she…alright?"

I hurried and fell to her side noticing that Casey's eyes followed me almost curiously. How in the hell did she get here? What was that light that came from her?

"We have to get her to a hospital."

Without speaking Casey reached out and placed her hand against Olivia's forehead. If I hadn't seen it for myself there was no way I would have believed it. Every single one of her wounds were healed. Olivia opened her eyes just in time to see Casey place her healing hand against my face. Seconds later, all my pain disappeared and I knew the injuries I sustained were gone.

Casey cast an angry glare towards the two men in black suits. I recognized them as the FBI agents that came to find Olivia a couple days ago, "I told you to help her, not beat her into a bloody pulp and then try to kill her."

The shorter one shrugged, "Sorry, I just got a little carried away, Cas."

"Go ahead Cas, we'll take it from here," the taller one said sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.

"My work here is done then," Casey said standing up straight.

"T... Thank you…Casey," Olivia stammered glancing up at her in awe. "H... How did you do that?"

The red-head frowned for a moment and she answered in a measured, almost robotic voice, "I am not your friend. I am not Casey."

"…. Who….what are you?" she asked.

"My name is Castiel…. I am an angel of the Lord."

---

An angel of the Lord? Did I hear that correctly? How can that be? There is no such thing, right?

No.

I slowly regained my footing after nearly having my head bashed in by those two men. Let me get all this together in my mind: Casey shows up seemingly out of nowhere and manages to kill the demon in my body with one touch against my forehead. Only she isn't Casey, she is Castiel, a supposed angel of God?

Give me a break.

"There is no such thing as an angel."

She didn't seem upset. In fact, I could barely make out the trace of disappointment on Casey's features, "This is your problem Olivia, you have no faith."

I could hear lightening explode outside and the lights flashed intensely. Casey's eyes glowed an electric blue and a shadow of huge, magnificent wings reflected on the ceiling. Behind me, I heard Alex gasp and I suppressed one of my own. I trembled in both fear and awe, "W... What have you done to Casey?"

Her eyes transformed back to their normal green appearance, "Casey is my vessel."

"Vessel? You're possessing her?"

"Yes," she said simply.

My fear and awe quickly transformed into anger and panic. Casey was trapped inside her own body while some spirit was possessing her. I knew the feeling and I didn't like it. Not one bit, "You stole her body?" I asked accusingly.

"I cannot enter a vessel without consent. She gave permission for me to enter her body to save you."

I felt my eyes narrow and my hand curled up into a fist, "Good you saved me, now let her go." She seemed ignorantly unaware of my rising temper. I can't let Casey do this. This world is no place for a woman like her.

"Casey is with me now. She is the last of the remaining humans who carry the bloodline to become my vessel. I need her as much as she needs me."

"She doesn't need you," I countered.

"Casey often spoke to me with much despair. She said that you had chosen another to bond with and there was nothing left for her in this life. I will protect her. I will never leave her." For the first time, she showed emotion bordering on indignation. That really pissed me off. That's all I need is some angel coming down from heaven and telling me off. Where were these winged bastards during all the carnage and evil going on in the world?

"Protect her from what?" asked the taller of the two men.

"A secret can be powerful magic in the right …or wrong hands. Not long ago, Olivia told Casey a secret about the supernatural world, one she had not revealed to anyone else. She trusted Casey with this secret. If Olivia had told this secret to another, perhaps there might not have been such drastic consequences. But Casey is a vessel; one of my vessels. She was exposed to the supernatural world, to demons, particularly Crowley. He would love to get his hands on a vessel, to take it apart, to see what makes them so special. She would be tortured mercilessly. Her life would be forfeit."

What in the hell is he talking about? I have never told Casey any secret about the supernatural world. Why would I?

Oh shit, I did!

A long time ago I told Casey in jest that I had sold my soul and only had a few years to live. I didn't think she would believe me. I sure as hell didn't know that it would eventually ruin her life. So, has known the truth all this time? Why didn't she say anything to me? I could have helped her. She didn't have to let herself become a vessel.

"Casey's body will not disintegrate under my power as her brother and father did. This vessel is true and strong."

I stared horrified at her last words. Casey's father and brother disintegrated? No wonder she always looked so pale and tired every time I saw her. She basically watched her family die right in front of her, "Just get away from me," I told the angel. If I could, I would have ripped it out of Casey's body and sent the bastard back to heaven.

"Very well. I will use this time to track down the demon that possesses Abbie Carmichael. I will inform you after the mission is complete."

Abbie! How could I almost forget about her? I just hope Serena is still alive. God knows she doesn't deserve to be involved in any of this either.

When I focused my attention back on Casey, she was gone. The angel had disappeared into thin air as quickly as she had appeared.

Just be safe Casey. I will find a way to set you free one day.

I promise.

That just left me, Alex and the two strange men. I don't know if I should hug them or shoot them. On the one hand, they saved Alex's life. On the other hand, they reduced me to a bloody pulp and tried to stab me. Both men reached inside their jackets and held up two very realistic FBI badges.

"I'm Dean this is Sam. We just have to ask you a few questions regarding tonight and some other events from the past," said the shorter of the two.

"Cut the shit. You are not FBI agents, you're hunters," I said immediately daring either one of them to contradict me.

The two men froze stumbling on their words for a moment, "Fine. I'm Dean Winchester and this is my brother Sam."

"Sam and Dean Winchester? The hunters that know Jo Harvelle?" I exclaimed. I was happy to see them after all this time. Jo told me that these two were the best of the best hunters and they proved it tonight.

"…. Knew her, she's dead," replied Dean after a look of shock, "She died a long time ago. Sam and I were both with Jo on a mission when she was mortally injured."

The memory seemed like it was too painful for both men so I dropped the subject. That poor kid. At least, she can finally be at peace.

"We got your call a while back but me and Sam were working a job out in California. We headed this way as soon as we could," Dean explained.

"Can you tell us what happened here?" Sam asked, "Cas told us to come help you a couple of days ago. He…or she… kind of teleported us from across the state but you hadn't made an appearance yet."

"Does someone want to tell me what the heck is going on here?" Alex interrupted. She seemed to be the only one in the dark right now. I at least owed her an explanation of what happened tonight but maybe she doesn't have to find out about the deal after all.

"I'll explain everything later. Guys, could you maybe come back tomorrow? We can hash out a plan then." I subtly flicked my eyes toward Alex and the men both seemed to understand the meaning.

"Here is my cell. Give us a call in the morning," Sam said handing me a card with his phone number on it.

I ushered the two out and waited until I heard their footsteps disappear down the hallway. When I turned around a solid fist hit me across my face. I staggered back and my shoulder slammed into the door. I felt my fists immediately tighten on instinct and my teeth ground together. I pushed myself off the wall to face my attacker and the anger instantly died in my chest.

"Come here, baby," I told Alex holding my arms out.

I could see relief cross her features and she rushed into my waiting embrace. Alex felt only slightly heavier than before as her legs wrapped themselves around my waist.

"I missed you. I missed you so much," I told her and buried my forehead against his chest.

"Liv, what is going on here? When you said all those things to me, I wanted to die. D…did you mean any of it?" she sounded so unsure, so vulnerable.

I almost found myself becoming angry again but I managed to keep it contained. How could she say that? How could she think that? Damn that demon for almost ruining everything.

I made sure that I was looking into her eyes when I talked, "Please trust me Alex, that wasn't me talking. I was trapped inside of my own body and couldn't move. There is no one else that I love more than you, no one else I would rather be with."

"I trust you," she said to my relief.

I soon carried her to our bed, one we hadn't shared in months, and made love to her. As usual, my sleep was restless afterwards. I just couldn't stop thinking about Abbie. She was out there somewhere probably terrified and alone and here I was laying in the sack cuddled up with Alex. I found myself in tears and my body quaking with sobs. I detangled myself away from Alex as best as I could to keep from waking her up. I must have cried myself to sleep because when I opened my eyes, the early morning sunlight was streaming in through the window.

Someone was standing over us.

I blinked hard and reached for the gun I kept under my pillow. Only it wasn't there because it was back inside my old apartment. The angel wearing Casey's face stared down at me expressionlessly, "I have found Abbie Carmicheal. Cover yourself and I will take you to her."

"Haven't you ever heard of knocking?" I hissed as quietly as possible. "For the love of God, we're both naked here!"

"I did not mean to interrupt but time is a factor. I have recovered the one called Serena Southerlyn as well."

While she was still talking, I was already getting out of bed and heading for the shower. Modesty be damned, "I'll be ready in 10 minutes, just go wait in the living room."

"Very well."

I was halfway into the bathroom when I happened to see Castiel in my peripheral vision walk over to Alex's side of the bed and nudge her on the shoulder, "What the fuck are you doing?! Don't wake her up!"

It was too late. Alex began to stir and I was beyond pissed. When she saw Casey standing over her she yelped and sat up covering herself. I stalked over and grabbed the angel by the collar of Casey's shirt. I shoved her towards the living room and slammed the door shut.

"Stupid prick," I growled.

"Liv? What's going on?" Alex asked.

"Nothing, baby. Go back to sleep. I have to leave for a while," I told her.

"Go where?"

I sighed, "They found Abbie and Serena. I have to go and see what's going on."

Alex threw the covers and her legs off the side of the bed, "I'm coming with you."

"Alex, this is too dangerous."

"Serena is my best friend. You expect me to sit home while she's in trouble?" she protested.

"You're not coming," I replied coldly. "This isn't some game, Alex. I can't always protect you out there."

I forgot that we used to call her the Ice Princess back in the day, "I never said it was a game, Olivia. I wouldn't call you kicking my ass a game. I don't recall you being the boss of me either. This is supposed to be a marriage, not a dictatorship."

"I'm just trying to look out for you," I said defensively.

"I don't need you to look out for me. I just need you to tell me the truth about something, for once."

After showering and dressing, we both met Castiel waiting in the living room. Casey's demeanor was calm and her posture was impossibly straight. She was wearing a tan trench coat tied loosely around her waist and dark clothing underneath. Seeing her standing there suddenly brought an overwhelming sadness to my heart. She was always so full of life before, now because of me she was just an object to be used by some supernatural being.

I still loved her and I always would.

"We're ready," I said distantly, bitterly. Not to mention, Alex was total pissed with me. I would ask how this day could get any worse but I'm afraid to eat my words later.

Alex and I stood in front of Castiel and she placed a hand against our foreheads. Before I could even blink or register what happened, our surroundings had changed. We were back inside the dimly lighted, abandoned warehouse that Abbie and I summoned Crowley from.

"Alex!" a familiar voice called.

A blonde blur in the form of Serena Southerlyn crashed into Alex. I took a step back to give the two women more room to embrace while fighting a twinge of jealousy with every fiber of my being.

"I'm so glad to see you," Serena said and I saw tears in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Alex replied holding the woman at arm's length.

While they talked, I coldly surveyed our surroundings. Sam and Dean were both present now dressed in plain clothing instead of suits. Sam stood on a tall ladder spray painting a Devil's Trap on the ceiling. Underneath him, was a woman sitting bound to a chair with a black bag over her head. After Sam climbed down from the ladder, Dean snatched the bag off the woman's head to reveal an unconscious Abbie. Her eyes were closed and head slumped limply against her chest. There was still a gaping wound in her neck. Dean walked over to a table where there was a host of water jugs, salt canisters, and weapons. A shiver ran down my spine as I realized what was going to happen.

They were planning to torture Abbie.

I completely lost it, "What the fuck do you think you're doing to her?!" I screamed. "You're not going to fucking touch her! Do you hear me?!"

Castiel stepped between me and the two surprised men, "Abbie's soul has already departed this body. This is merely just a shell. The demon is the only soul trapped inside. "

"You let her die?!" I grabbed the collar of Casey's trench coat for the second time today. "You healed me and Alex."

"Your wounds were not mortal," Castiel replied infuriatingly calm. "As soon as the demon lost consciousness, her soul retreated the body. Even I could not stop it."

I shoved her away ignoring Serena's sobbing, "What could you possibly gain from torturing her? I already have all the information out of that demon I need. Send that evil bitch back to hell and so I can bury my friend."

"I have reason to believe that the information she gave you was inaccurate. We could use your help, Olivia. The skills provided to you by the demon Alistair will be significant enough to break her."

I scoffed, "What kind of angel wants me to use torture to get information out of someone?"

"We're here to help you Olivia. We know about everything and how much time you have left," Sam said. I could already tell that he was the more level headed of the two men. Demon or not, I just don't know if I could torture her. She still looked like Abbie.

"I can't do it," I said feeling the tears beginning to run down my face.

"Very well. We will do our best to get the information we need without you," Castiel answered. If she was disappointed, Casey's features did not show it.

I followed them to the Devil's Trap where Abbie's body sat unmoving. I kept a tight lid on my emotions as Dean took a jug of holy water from the table and used it to splash the demon awake.

The demon gasped awake and smoke emitted from Abbie's body. She struggled against her bonds for only a moment before looking up at the ceiling to discover the Devil's Trap binding her in place.

Dean frowned, "Yeah, you're trapped bitch."

She ignored him and immediately set her attention towards me, "Liv! It's really me, I swear! You can't trust the Winchesters, help me get free."

"You're not Abbie." My jaw clenched so tightly I thought it would shatter. Still, the tears prickled my eyes.

"I swear it's me! Look at me. You know how much I love you and I know you love me. Trust me, please."

I hesitated and took a step forward only to have Casey's pale hand shoot in front of my chest, "She is just toying with you. Abbie is gone."

Seeing that her tricks wouldn't work, she finally revealed her blood red eyes. She smirked, "Well, it was worth a shot. Hello Olivia, it's good to see you again."

"Sorry, I can't say the same, Amy," I snapped back.

"I know how much it hurts you to see me inside this body. I just want you to know how much Abbie writhed in pain. Fortunately for her, Serena avoided my grasp but so many others suffered…so many."

"Tell us what we want to know and this will go quick for you. Which demon holds the deal?" Dean asked in a no-nonsense voice.

She completely ignored Dean as her eyes scanned the room. To my horror they came to rest on Alex and Serena, "Why don't you come a little closer ladies? Join the fun."

I took a menacing step towards the demon, "Don't talk to them."

"It's okay, Liv. I'm not afraid of her."

Despite all my protests, Alex and Serena moved to stand beside the rest of us. "Carmichael," Alex acknowledged her coldly.

"Cabot," the demon smirked. "Abbie here harbors a pretty serious grudge against you. I suspect the feeling is mutual?"

"It's unwarranted and yes, the feeling is mutual."

The demon erupted in a fit of laughter, "How does it feel to know that Olivia has spent all her time with the woman you hold such a grudge for? The two have become quite close. Even better, what if I told you that Abbie fucked your wife in a sleazy motel? Would you forgive and forget?"

I felt my mouth drop open, "That's a lie!" I exclaimed.

"Liv?" Alex's hurt expression met my shocked one, "How could you?"

"She's lying! I didn't have sex with Abbie!"

"Why should I believe you? You have done nothing but lie to me for the past few days," Alex replied crossing her arms and refusing to look at me.

"Alex…"

Just when I thought that my marriage was ruined, Castiel stepped in front of me. Casey's green eyes held mine unblinking, searching into my very soul. After a while the angel gratefully said, "Olivia speaks the truth."

"See!"

The demon pouted with Abbie's lips, "Party pooper."

"If you lie like that again, I'll make hell seem like a paradise," I warned. Alex still refused to look at me but I saw some of the tension leave her body.

"You want the truth? Serena dear, did you know that Abbie planned on leaving you? Sorry sweetheart, she doesn't really love you like that. I mean you're a nice piece of ass but… that's pretty much it."

Sam picked up the jug of holy water and splashed it against the demon's chest. Amy screaming in pure agony brought a bright smile to my face.

"…Y…you think that's funny? Remember when your wife was shot…?"

I held my breath. No, was she going to tell Alex about the deal?

"Remember how you spent all those days on the floor drunk after she didn't come back to you from witness protection?"

I smirked despite myself, "Sure, I remember." At least, she didn't say anything about the deal. Fuck anything else. Ancient history.

"Well guess who she did go back to? Just guess who she hooked up with a few times? I'll give you a hint: she's blonde and standing right there."

The smirk from my face completely fell. I didn't need Castiel to tell me it was true; I only had to look at the awkward shuffling of Serena. I only had to see the expression of stone on my wife's face. The world around me melted into a haze of red rage. I snatched a jagged knife from the table and reached the demon in two strides.

I blacked out.

When I came back to, Sam and Dean had grabbed me under both arms to pull me away. The knife and my hands were covered with Abbie's bright and sticky blood. I struggled but the two men had me in a death grip.

"Was it something… I said?" The demon coughed and a thick stream of blood and saliva trickled from Abbie's mouth. "You don't belong here, Olivia. Alex doesn't love you, not the way we do. You couldn't possibly become the person you were destined to be here on earth. Hell is where you truly belong."

I finally stopped struggling, "W…. who am I destined to be?"

I managed to see a smile form on her bloody face, "You are the one who is destined to help bring an end to the world."

"Do not lie demon." Castiel said calmly moving in between me and Abbie's body.

The demon laughed riotously, "Look into my eyes angel, you know I'm telling the truth."

"Whatever hell has planned will not succeed. We will stop you."

"Our plans are already in motion. You can't stop shit."

Sam and Dean finally let me go and I felt my entire body shaking. Did that demon just say that I would help bring an end to the world? That can't be true! No, that's impossible!

"We will get you back to hell for the last time, Olivia. We will strip every drop of humanity from you. We will eventually break you. Once we have succeeded you will rise again bringing darkness into the world. "

I shook my head refusing to believe anything that spewed from that filthy lying mouth.

"Enough of this. We must go directly to the source to find out what these evil creatures have planned. We will summon Crowley."

Before I could even think to argue, Casey's pale hand shot out against Abbie's forehead emitting a blinding white light. The demon screamed as the final spark of life extinguished from her. I quickly pushed the angel aside and untied Abbie's lifeless body cradling her gently in my arms. Her blood was on my hands both literally and figuratively. I looked up to Castiel, my eyes pleading, "Don't leave her like this. I will do anything you ask of me. Please, just help her."

"Abbie is at peace. She will walk in the fields of the Lord, forever," was her almost sympathetic response.

My voice became hoarse with grief, my heart heavy, "Please."

"Very well."

She kneeled beside us and put a palm on Abbie's chest. I instinctively shut my eyes as the entire warehouse lit up with blinding blue light. I blinked hard only to focus on familiar dark brown eyes staring up at me. Abbie looked just as surprised as I felt.

Abbie rubbed her neck slowly and her eyes darted around the warehouse, "What happened? Where am I?"

I hooked an arm around her shoulder and helped her up to the chair again. A grin spread across my face despite all that had taken place, "We're back in the warehouse, long story."

"Hey! Cas…are you alright? You don't look so good," asked Dean.

I was so occupied with Abbie's resurrection that I didn't notice Casey…or Castiel still kneeling on the ground. Her head was bowed and she clutched her abdomen. A trail of blood soon seeped down from her mouth to form a thick puddle on the ground, "…It seems I have overexerted myself. I thought that this vessel could handle my true power without sustaining significant damage. I was wrong."

"What about my friend?! Is she alright?"

I personally didn't give a damn about what happened to the angel but I knew that Casey would be the only one to suffer.

"I must not do that again or my power could destroy this vessel."

"Don't call her that! Her name is Casey not some fucking vessel!" I snapped.

She ignored me completely, "I must find a place to recover. I will contact you all shortly."

No surprise that she disappeared into thin air seconds later. That just left me and Abbie to explain this entire mess to everyone else. I could see the wheels in her mind slowly starting to piece together the events of the last couple days. The foggy glaze behind her eyes disappeared slowly being replaced with the hardened expression of the woman I have become acquainted to.

"I remember being possessed and that demon stabbing me in the neck-."

"Would someone please tell Serena and I what is going on here? A demon with red eyes just prophesized that Liv would help bring an end to the world and an angel just brought Carmichael back from the dead. One of you had better start explaining, now," Alex snapped.

"We don't have to explain a damn thing to you, Cabot!" Abbie retorted shooting from her chair, "You're the reason all of this went to hell in the first place! Months of preparations were destroyed because of one phone call!"

"How is any of this my fault?" Alex countered defensively. "And months of preparation for what?!"

"Hunting a demon, you bimbo! The demon! We had everything planned out and you ruined it with your fucking jealous insecurities!" With every syllable that Abbie spoke, saliva came shooting out of her mouth. She was beyond pissed. Before the situation could get out of hand I stepped in between the two women.

"Come on, Abbie. She couldn't have possibly known that we were hunting a demon," I sighed placing a hand on her shoulder. "I can't do this without you."

"I could write a book on the things she doesn't know." Abbie snorted but thankfully she didn't say anything else to Alex. I introduced her to Sam and Dean, then briefly explained the situation at hand. When Abbie finally spotted Serena, her eyes visibly softened but the gesture was not returned. There was something in Serena's gaze that made my heart ache for Abbie.

Finality.

To be such a brilliant lawyer and a pretty good hunter Abbie seemed completely oblivious.

"Can I speak to you for a moment outside, Olivia?"

I nodded silently and followed the one I called wife outside of the warehouse. There was a beautiful black classic Impala outside one that I assumed belonged to Sam and Dean. I followed Alex until we were well out of ear's range and waited for her to speak.

"Serena and I only slept together once after I came back from the program. We both instantly regretted and it never happened again."

I didn't trust myself to speak so I only nodded. My hands found the inside of the leather jacket and balled into fists. My fingernails dug painfully into the inside of my palms. It just hurts to think that she would come back to Serena and not to me. Did she even love me at all back then? Why am I made to suffer this way? Hell, I could deal with. I've been there twice already and I'm still standing. But this…

This could destroy me if I let it.

I'm just tired.

"Please don't shut me out again. We're together now and that's all that should matter."

I shrugged holding her gaze with a blank face, "What do you want from me, Alex?"

Her ice blue eyes flashed angrily, "For starters I want you to cut all this 'demon' hunting out and go back to work. I don't like the way this is affecting your personality, not one bit."

"So, you want me to stop hunting demons and go back to hunting human demons," I replied sarcastically. The irony of the situation was not lost on me. I would rather deal with a hell demon than a pedophile any day.

"You know what I mean. It's that damn Carmichael, she influenced you into this. The next thing I want you to do is stop spending time with her."

"Alex, it's not that simple," I sighed.

"Well, give me an explanation! You're putting your life in danger and apparently mine too!"

"I don't have a choice, Alex. I don't have to time to explain everything to you. You just have to trust me."

"Trust you? You have been basically living a double life and you expect me to trust you?!" she snapped.

"I don't have time for this shit! I only have six months left…."

I couldn't stop the words pouring from my mouth. Alex was just pissing me off so much. Why does she have poke at this? Why can't she just leave it alone?

"Six months left until what?! What are you hiding from me?!"

"…I'm not hiding anything." The lie sounded unconvincing, even to me.

"Are you having an affair with Abbie?"

Of course, that had to be the most obvious answer. Sometimes, I wish that I really did have an affair so her accusations could at least have merit. "Alex, we already went through this shit back in there. I haven't fucked anyone else besides you in a very long time! Can you please drop it now?"

I didn't even wait for her to respond. I just walked away.

---

I hate Abbie fucking Carmichael.

I'm glad Serena finally got the common sense to drop that backwoods trailer trash but now she just hangs around my apartment all the time.

It sickens me.

I feel as though she is Olivia's wife and I'm just the mistress who occasionally gets sex. Who does Olivia turn to when she needs advice? Carmichael Who is apparently on the inside of this big secret Olivia is hiding? Carmichael. I see so much caring in Olivia's eyes. Could she be in love with, Abbie?

Does she even still love me?

I find myself sick with jealousy and loneliness. She doesn't even hold me anymore at night. I love her so much and want to be with her. I just don't know what I'm going to do.

The two men that saved my life stop in the next morning to talk with Olivia and Carmichael. They sit around the kitchen table and discuss about God knows what. I am completely left in the dark. I listened carefully from the bedroom and waited until I heard one of the men get up to use the restroom, Sam I think his name is. I waited until he was coming out only to have me push him gently back in.

"Hey! What the heck…?"

I shut the door behind us and held a finger to my lips, "I just want to talk to you for a moment."

Sam shuffled nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. I couldn't help but notice how the muscles in his shirt rippled with every movement, "I'm not supposed to tell you anything, Alex."

"Why not?" I demanded.

"Because Olivia asked us not to."

"What about what I want?"

He shook his head, "There are things at stake and I can't afford to cause a rift with your wife. Just know that she loves you more than anything or anyone. That's a rare thing to find."

I grabbed his arm and found myself having to look up to meet his gaze, "Just tell me one thing, Sam."

"What is it?"

"I know that a demon can lie but do they ever tell the truth?"

He shrugged, "I suppose so. Especially if it knew the truth would really hurt you. I think you know the answer to that one already."

I let him leave the bathroom and I leaned against the sink thinking. Was there any truth to what that demon possessing Olivia told me? Could she only care about my money? I guess there is only really one way to find out.

I leave in the afternoon and come back that night to a nearly empty house. Thankfully, that spiteful bitch Abbie is gone and I have Olivia to herself. She smiles when she sees me walk through the door and my step falters. I have a manila folder in my hand. I steel myself as I continue towards her and accept a kiss on the cheek. Olivia tells me that she loves me and my heart breaks. Nonetheless, I place the folder on the table in front of her telling her to read carefully then sign. As Olivia flips through the paper work, the smile completely melts off her face. She stares at the paper work with nothing short of disbelief.

"Seriously, Alex? A postnuptial agreement? Do you really think I want your money? "

"It's fair Liv. We both should leave with what we came with."

Olivia laughed but it was harsh, "Give me a pen." She flicks the through the paper work and signs her name next to mine on the lines without hesitation. "Happy?"

I instantly knew that I had made a huge mistake but it was too late to back down now, "What do you expect after everything that has taken place in the last few days?"

"Not that," Olivia said dryly, "I think I'll have a drink now."

"Of course!" I yelled throwing up my hands as she disappeared into the kitchen, "Because that is the obvious answer to everything!"

I stormed inside our bedroom and slammed the door shut. After showering and putting on my night clothes I managed to drift off to sleep almost instantly. I stirred later when I felt Olivia getting into bed. She always slept on her back and tonight was no exception. After a while I said, "I know you're not sleeping."

Olivia scoffed, "And?"

I moved in closer placing my arm across her chest. She stiffened but I didn't let her go. I didn't need the lights to know there was still a deep frown set on her face. I kissed the spot underneath her ear first and then her neck. "I'm sorry, alright? I'll rip it up if that's what you want."

"Do whatever you want, Alex. I don't care," She shrugged me off in a not so subtle manner and added in a dark tone, "Who knows, one day we might even need it."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Whatever you want it to, Alex!"

"Get out now! Go sleep on the couch! GO!" I shouted pointing towards the door.

"I would be glad to sleep on the couch, Princess," Olivia replied icily snatching a blanket and pillow of the bed.

I heard her stumbling towards the living room cursing along the way. She was obviously drunk and needed to sleep it off. I should wait to talk to her in the morning when she was sober and more reasonable.

But I couldn't wait.

I was too pissed off to calm down so I threw off the covers and went after her. Instead of trying to fall asleep she was in the kitchen getting more hammered! I thought my head might explode. I snatched the glass of scotch away from her and threw it violently against the refrigerator.

"You're pathetic do you know that?!"

"Leave me alone, Alex." She couldn't even look at me.

She tried to leave the kitchen but I stood in her way, "What the hell is your problem, Liv? What do you have to drink so much about huh? You're a coward! You're pathetic!"

Tears were coming down her eyes but I didn't care. I wanted to know what drove her to act this way. What could possibly be so bad? I took her jaw in my hands and forced her to look me in the eyes. I wanted her to know that I was serious, "Tell me what you have done. I promise you that I'm not going to live the rest of my life this way."

"Alex, please leave me alone."

"No," I said firmly refusing to let her look away. "Either tell me what's wrong or I'm going to leave you, right now." Her eyes silently begged but she found no pity in my eyes, "Right now, Olivia."

Her shoulders visibly sagged, "I sold my soul, Alex. I only have a few months left to live."

I released her jaw as my heart threatened to escape from my chest, "W... Why… for what?!"

"When Connor's shot you that day, you never got up," she said, her voice quivering. "They tried to revive you baby…but you died on the table from your wounds."

I shoved her hard into the counter screaming at the top of my lungs, "Don't fucking lie like that!"

"I am not lying," Olivia responded harshly suddenly very sober, "The demon that possessed Abbie was waiting for me when I went on the subway. I traded my soul in exchange for your life and eight years until the debt would come due."

"Alex?" Olivia started moving towards me.

I suddenly felt very dizzy. The world started to spin around me and my legs gave way.

TBC….