A/N: The next two chapters won't be very 'action packed,' but I promise the action comes back very soon! I have some fun in store for Ch. 12, and I'm super excited to start on it. *Twists handlebar mustache* *Realizes that I can't grow facial hair.*

***If you have a chance please go make a vote on the poll I have posted on my profile! I'm leaving the choice of whether Scarlett gains her powers or not completely up to you guys, so if you haven't already, go vote! VOTTTTTEEEEE I SAY! I have it planned out either way, and the poll stays anonymous so you guys won't find out until I write the decision. ;) Please and thank you!***

*Big thanks to anyone who favorites, follows, and/or comments on this story! It's much appreciated.*

Console me in my darkest hour.

And tell me that you always hear my cries.

I wonder what you've got conspired.

I'm sure it dawns a consolation prize.

-The Killers

Chapter 11: Sweet Talk

I slowly opened one eye, and then the other. Blinking repeatedly as I looked around the room with heavy lids. My hand immediately shot up to my shoulder, only to find it bandaged with clean, white gauze, and I let out a sigh of relief. There was no more aching, only a small twinge, as I shuffled myself to the edge of the bed. The room was filled with warm light, which emanated from an Artdeco-style floor lamp in the corner, and I could finally see things clearly. Dark wood was the main theme, with a matching headboard and wardrobe, and beige carpet tickled the soles of my feet. When it came to decor, there was only a rendition of Michael, the archangel, in the process of slaying the devil, one foot positioned dominantly atop the serpentine figure's head, the angel's elegant armor shining proudly. I shivered as I realized that could have been Sam and Dean. Brothers fighting to the death in the grips of an apocalypse.

Taking a deep breath, I stood and made my way to the door closest to the bed. Inside was a bathroom like I had never seen before. There was a walk-in shower that could probably fit ten people or more, it's walls covered in river rock of various size and color. Next to it was what appeared to be a hot tub that sunk into the mosaic, tile floor, steam billowing up from the tub as jets produced ripples in the peaceful water. One entire wall was a mirror and slate counter, with two sinks and a ton of storage space beneath, and I could imagine many women dreamed of owning a bathroom like this one.

When I saw my reflection, I jumped back, letting out a yelp of surprise. I eyed myself as though I were a stranger. Damn. I thought as I moved my chin from side to side. I appeared well-rested and relaxed, my caramel hair braided simply and bloody clothes gone. My dark brown eyes seemed to have softened as I eyed myself, the remnants of a smile pulling at my lips as I brought a hand to the cool glass of the mirror. It had been a long time since I looked, and felt, so at ease.

I pulled myself away from the bathroom mirror, walking leisurely back into the bedroom as I continued to look around curiously. The room was no longer empty. Crowley stood with both hands in his pockets, a smirk curling the edge of his mouth as he observed me. I crossed my arms, trying to appear indifferent as he approached, but failed miserably as memories of a certain kiss filled my mind. Now mere inches apart, I inclined my head to look up at him.

"Hello, darling." His familiar greeting managed to send a chill down my spine despite how many times I'd heard it.

"Hello, Crowley."

"It's about time." He teasingly grabbed the end of my braid, and then let it fall back against my collarbone. "I was starting to think that you'd remain comatose indefinitely."

I furrowed my brows. "How long was I out?"

"A couple weeks, but not to worry. The natural order has been reinstated."

"Natural order?" I laughed, the sound surprising me as it hit my ears. "Which is what exactly? Our lives were never stable to begin with."

He moved closer, and I could practically feel the heat of his body as I swallowed nervously. "The one where I constantly get your knickers in a twist." I could feel his stubble brush against my ear as he leaned in to whisper the rest. "There is no escaping me in Hell, love."

"I wouldn't underestimate me." I remarked playfully as my heart began to pound, not from fear but from exhilaration, and when he pulled away he gave me a sly smile.

"I don't recall that I ever did."

"The night we met?"

"That was ages ago, love, and I knew fully well what you were capable of. I don't scare easily."

"Maybe you should. I still haven't made my shot."

"I do love when you threaten me, Scarlett." Amusement danced in his hazel eyes as I took a seat on the edge of the bed. "Do you like the room? I have to admit that I enjoy seeing you in my bed."

I almost choked on my own spit. "This is your room?"

"Of course. You're right where you should be. Nestled beneath my wing." He clasped his hands behind his back as he looked down at me. "I don't trust demons, darling. And neither should you." He then rose his brows. "Excluding me, that is."

I nodded as I thought about what he had said, and this was the moment my stomach decided to let out a unattractive growl.

"Hungry?" He asked as my face turned bright red in embarrassment.

"Starving. It's been two weeks after all."

The demon king snapped his fingers, and a plate of food appeared beside me on the bed. My eyes grew wide as I took in the sight of one of my favorite meals: filet mignon, baked potato, and salad. It was something I would occasionally treat myself to when traveling between hunts. A break in the cycle of fast-food chains. Without hesitation I dug in, feeling almost animalistic as I shoved large pieces of steak into my mouth, giving huffs of satisfaction between bites. When I was done I felt a lot better. The pang of hunger gone, and my energy levels up.

The empty plates suddenly disappeared, and in their place was a pile of clothing.

"Get dressed." Crowley ordered. "We're taking a stroll."

I rushed to the bathroom, shutting the door behind me as he gave a disappointed sigh. I shuffled out of the nightgown, letting it pool around my feet, and replaced it with the clothing he provided. The material was delicate and well-made, reminding me of the texture of his button-up shirts. I analyzed my reflection. I had been expecting something much more sinister from him, but this outfit was rather refined. It consisted of a white, flowing blouse that had a black collar and cuffs, and a black pencil skirt to match. Not my style, but decent. I slid on a pair of flats that had been hidden at the bottom of the pile, and stepped out.

Crowley led me through the maze of dimly lit passageways, and I matched his pace, afraid that I would get lost within them otherwise. I was filled with the urge to grab his hand, but I couldn't find the nerve as eerie screams seeped through the walls. They rose the hair on the back of my neck, prickling goosebumps along my skin as we came across a row of cells. One man threw himself at the small bars, shaking them violently, and yelling out obscenities as we passed. Most of them just started crying out even louder than before. The demon beside me was unfazed, but I shivered as a disheveled woman reached her hand out towards me, begging to be released.

"Please, let me out." She whispered as she grabbed my upper arm in a vice grip, her face bruised and beaten. "I don't belong here."

Crowley stepped between us. "Of course you belong here, darling." He moved his hand, and she was thrown against the wall of her cell, leaving me completely speechless. "A deal's a deal."

He put his arm securely around my shoulder, bringing me to his side as he pulled me away from the cell and further into the catacombs of Hell. I was overcome by a rush of warmth as I melted against his touch.

Suddenly he opened an enormous door to our left, and stepped aside, gesturing for me to go first. Taking a deep breath, I hesitantly walked in, and was immediately awestruck by what resided within the room. It was a library, the rows of bookshelves spanning for as far as the eye could see and reaching at least thirty feet tall. Chandeliers hung above us in the arched ceiling. Hundreds of candles flickering gently in each one, giving the perfect lighting for reading. Not too harsh, but not too dark.

"You approve?" He asked as he shut the door behind us, but he knew full well what the answer would be.

"It's amazing." I breathed as I approached one of the rolling ladders and started climbing it eagerly. When I reached the top it was the exact section I was looking for: Fiction. As though it had been placed there in anticipation of my arrival. I set to work thumbing through multiple obscure novels. Crowley settled himself into a chair by the door, busying himself with some paperwork that appeared in his lap. Whenever I came across some books I was interested in reading, I would descend the ladder and place them into the growing mound on the floor. By now I had at least a cart full, but I refused to give up. I wanted to seize this opportunity by the horns while I had it. There was one thing I had learned since meeting Crowley, and that was to expect the unexpected.

Life around the demon king could never be one of tranquility.

I paused as my fingers brushed the binding of a familiar book, and I pulled it off the shelf, dusting it off with delicate fingers. The cover was a serene blue, set against the blurred lights of a grand city, the colors swirling and mingling together hypnotically. Gentle eyes that contained the image of two women dancing and beautifully red lips were overlaying the sky, a single thin line similar to a tear sliding down what would be the invisible face's cheek. The Great Gatsby. To this day I still held a grudge against Daisy Buchanan, maybe unrightfully so, but I couldn't help it. I remembered receiving a signed copy from my parents one Christmas. They knew that books were the only present they could give me that would truly be used. Other than weapons, that is. Maybe if I had used my warding book sooner I wouldn't be in this mess. I gave a humph at this thought as I put the book back into it's place.

"Something troubling you, darling?" Crowley looked up at me from his seat as he turned a page. "You only make a noise like that when something's on your mind."

"I was just thinking about my parents." I admitted as I continued to scan the books. "I haven't talked to them since the dinner party. They must be losing their minds." I gave a rueful chuckle. "Oh, well."

There was a moment of silence, until he stood from his chair, holding something familiar in his right hand. I eyed him quizzically as he approached, hurriedly getting down. It was my old phone. After using that damn flip-phone for so long I was excited to see it again. His mouth was set in a thin line as he offered it to me.

"Call them." His voice was gruff. "There's no harm in it. Just don't get any smart ideas. No phoning Moose or Squirrel. Are we clear?"

I gave a firm nod, taking it from his hand and relishing in the electricity that was produced as my fingers brushed against his. Without another word I tucked the phone into my skirt pocket and returned to browsing the collection. We spent at least another hour in the library before Crowley had to leave, and instead of walking he simply snapped us back to his room with books in tow. He said that he had shown me the way so I could go without him, but I wasn't sure if I'd have the balls to walk the halls of Hell alone. I wasn't afraid. Simply reluctant to wander unknown territory unarmed. He had told me that this place was dog-eat-dog, and I didn't want to cross paths with any demons other than him if I could avoid it.

When Crowley was gone, I sat on the bed and stared at my lock screen for an excruciatingly long period of time. There were countless missed calls from both my parents, and I wasn't sure how to confront the situation at hand. There were so many questions swarming in my head. All I knew was that I wanted the utter and complete truth. I had spent too much of my life in the dark, and they were the people I needed to get my answers from. The King of Hell was avoiding talking about my powers, for now, but it was only a matter of time before he would come to me with the inevitable. I needed all the knowledge I could get before making any rash decisions.

The phone started ringing as I clicked on Dad's contact info. Two rings in, and the call was accepted.

"Hello?" Dad's voice sounded frantic on the other end of the line.

My throat tightened. "Dad?"

"Scarlett? Where on earth have you been? We've been worried sick-"

"Dad." I cleared my throat, but he kept going.

"Are you alright? Did something go wrong with a hunt? We've tried calling you-"

"Dad." I said pointedly. "I know."

"Huh? What do you mean, Scarlett?"

"I'm not human." It came out as though it were the most normal thing in the world, but my stomach turned nervously as I waited for his response.

"Oh, Honeybee." Dad let out a sad sigh. "You must be really confused, but trust me when I say that we were keeping it a secret for your own good."

My voice rose against my own will. "I know you had your reasons, but I feel like it's something I needed to know, especially when angels are trying to kill me, Dad."

"We don't have time to argue, Scarlett. You need to come home. Now." His voice dropped to a whisper. "If the angels have found you, then it's only a matter of time before the demons catch on."

"It's a little late for that. They actually found me first."

He let out a groan, and I could imagine him rubbing his temples anxiously. "When did this happen? And why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Sorry, but I've kind of been busy running for my life." I bit out. "I didn't call for a lecture, Dad. I need answers."

His voice was subdued as he began. "Your mom was possessed by a demon, Scarlett. A succubus." He was clearly uneasy as he continued. "We were working a case in Helena, Massachusetts. Where a woman had been possessed. As usual, we performed the exorcism. It was an excruciating ordeal, both for us and the woman, and for a time we thought she wouldn't survive. We were successful, but somehow the demon managed to enter your mother undetected. By the time I realized what had happened, it was too late, and when the demon left her body you had already been conceived."

"What happened to it? The demon?" My voice shook, and my hand holding the phone trembled.

"Before it smoked out, it told us that 'they' would come back for you someday. So you could fulfill your purpose." He said meekly. "We spent years searching for it, but it was long gone. I've been keeping an eye out for it ever since. I'll never forget those burning, orange eyes. To this day they still manage to haunt my nightmares."

"My purpose? Did it specify what exactly 'my purpose' was?"

"That you would bring the world to it's knees."

"Dad..." There was a pause, and I cradled my legs against my chest, tears sliding down my cheeks. "I don't know what to say. Why didn't you kill me?"

"Because you were still our daughter." The tone of his voice shifted to upset after hearing my callous question. "Your mother may not be your biological parent, but she carried you in her womb. We couldn't take the misfortune out on an innocent when our life's work was to save people. Instead we did a lot of research, and found out your powers wouldn't come to you unless certain steps were taken to do so. You always thought I was being overprotective of you, Honeybee, and now you know why. We have, and always will, love you unconditionally. No matter what happens."

"Even if I become something evil?"

"No one said you couldn't use your abilities for good, Scarlett. Don't forget that you have a little angel in you too."