A strange calm settled over Asher as Lucas's lips settled on her neck, his teeth planted firmly draining the life from her body. She had imagined death by a vampire to be riddled with pain and agony but instead peace and a sense of intimacy laced her mind. Her body was relaxed and Lucas's arm was wrapped under her torso supporting her form while his other hand gently moved to the side of her face, caressing her cheek softly. Her breathing hitched and momentarily she thought she could drift away like this, an intimate moment she never thought she would ever experience. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a movement towards her. It was the strange vampire who had brought Sam in to the gathering.

Something snapped in her mind, her grandfather drifting through her thoughts. Remembering her plan suddenly she reached with what little strength she had and felt her hand close around the hilt of the knife that was tucked into the back of Lucas's pants. As her mind began to fade she plunged the knife into the back of his neck, severing the spinal code. Gasping he released her realizing what had happened and she twisted the blade sharply around his neck, taking his head clean off. Blood poured down on her as her thoughts raced back into clarity. The adrenaline shot was gone but a small amount of renewed energy of her own replaced it and she rolled his body off of her. A hand wrapped around her arm and yanked her to her feet again. Asher wobbled momentarily as she tried to make out the event unfolding in front of her eyes.

"Benny. Nice to meet you." The vampire said quickly, turning Asher around and positioning himself back to back with her for defense. But nothing happened, the vampires didn't attack. Asher's mind swarmed trying to make out the swirling colors and vague chatter.

"I'm going to die here Benny…" She mumbled, her words slurring together.

"I'm afraid I can't let that happen Miss Asher." Benny replied, backing up and forcing her to walk towards the Winchesters, still in a defensive position. "Now you go and untie them there boys and get out the door yonder, I don't want to hear a peep out of you." Asher walked forward unsteadily, the boys mouths were moving but she didn't hear what was coming out as she cut their bindings. Within moments she felt Sam dragging her towards the door while Dean stayed back arguing with Benny.

"Sam wait… Dean…" She said trying to be as coherent as possible as the blood loss finally began to take hold.

"He's coming Ash… We gotta get you out of here…" Sam silently panicked as she began to go limp. "DEAN! NOW!" He yelled

Dean hesitated but looked back at his brother carrying Asher, her eyes slowly closing. "Benny, this is a death trap…" He pleaded

"I'll be back by midnight, leave the door unlocked." Benny replied smoothly, laced with confidence. Dean looked at him doubtfully but turned and ran towards Sam who was pulling Asher through the door.


Asher was barely awake when they got back to the motel room but they managed to help her in despite her condition. Blood was everywhere and she wasn't sure how much of it was hers. Feeling gutted she made her way to the bathroom, silently willing the Winchesters to let her be. After gently showering in ice cold water to keep herself conscious she got out and quickly changed into a pair of over-sized pajamas and a fitted tee shirt. Wiping the mirror clean with a swipe of the hand she stared in the mirror, her piercing green eyes gazing back at her. Leaning with her hands on the porcelain she noticed the dark circles under her eyes. Her stomach dropped when her gaze dropped to the holes in her neck. She reached up and gingerly touched them, slightly gagging. The cut in her neck only intensified this as she recalled the horrific events. A tap came on the door making her startle. Sighing she rested her hands back on the sink to support herself.

"You can come in…" Asher acknowledged, barely audible.

Dean poked his head in momentarily to make sure she was decent before fully entering the bathroom. "You ok?" He asked leaning against the wall, surveying her weak stance.

She made a small laugh with a sad smile. "How many times have you boys asked me that and I've only known you for a few weeks?"

Dean cracked a smirk. "Just looking out for you." He stated simply.

Asher closed her eyes and bit her lip, trying to contain the building emotions inside of her mind. "I've had better days…" She admitted.

Dean sighed and pushed off of the wall, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a roll of gauze and medical tape. After a moment Asher reluctantly sat down on the edge of the bathtub, letting Dean dress the wounds. "You're really quiet…" He stated.

"I'm still processing..." She whispered, staring out into space.

"Well stop. It's done and you…" Dean cut the tape and secured the bandage, "need to sleep for at least a day."

Asher looked over at him, her face dead pan. "Who was that vampire…Benny I think you called him?"

"Another day…" Dean replied, his face expression suddenly grim. He stood and helped Asher to her feet. She was too tired to argue and followed him back out to the bedroom. The moment her head hit the pillow her body flooded with relief. Sam was already passed out on the other bed so Dean shut the lights off and laid down next to Asher.

"Ash… Hey… " Dean started, one last question plaguing his mind. The only response he got was a soft sound of breathing as she was already out cold. He sighed and rolled over as his phone started to vibrate on the side table. He flipped it open to answer it.

"Benny?" He asked sitting up for a moment.

"Hey Dean, listen… I know I said midnight but it's looking bad. I'll swing by tomorrow after I patch myself up." Benny replied.

"You ok?" Dean mumbled rubbing his tired eyes.

"Yeah. I'll be ok… I picked up some of Asher's things… See you in the morning."

The phone clicked, Dean shut his cell phone and laid down reluctantly. As he started to shut his eyes Asher shifted suddenly, her back pressed up to his. Sighing he let it go and fell into a deep sleep.


The morning sun blinded Asher as it swept through the loosely drawn curtains. Voices from outside made her reluctantly open her eyes and she rubbed them tiredly as she sat up, her tee shirt sliding half way down her shoulder. Once again all of the memories came flooding back to her and she snapped awake, clambering out of bed. She stumbled to the door and whipped it open, the light once more blinding her. She shielded her face and tried to make out the people standing outside who had suddenly gone silent.

"Morning sunshine." Came a familiar voice. As her eyes adjusted she noticed the Winchesters standing with the vampire that had stayed behind to clean up the leftovers. It was his southern drawl that had greeted her warmly.

"Hey Asher… why don't you go back in and relax, I'll be in in a minute…"Dean spoke up suddenly, breaking the awkward silence. She nodded lightly and backed back into the motel room, shutting the door behind her. Her stomach suddenly growled loudly and she went to the mini fridge, hoping for food to be there. There was none. Frowning she stood again suddenly a chill running up her spine. She turned and startled, Castiel standing only feet from her.

"Jesus Christ…" Asher said through gritted teeth, her hand on her chest trying to slow her breathing.

"No… my name is Castiel." He replied stoically.

Asher gave him a sideways glance as she went and sat down on the bed. "What do you want?" She asked sighing. She stretched her legs and pulled a pillow into her arms, resting her chin on it. Castiel cast her a morose look and something shiny came from his sleeve. A long, metal dagger was gripped firmly in his hand.

"Cas?" She asked tensing momentarily before he held it out to her, the hilt ready for the taking. Asher held her breath for a moment and released it, gingerly reaching out to take the blade while not breaking eye contact with Castiel. "What is it?"

He sighed and reached into his coat pocket pulling out a pendant on a chain and holding that out for her as well. Asher crooked an eyebrow in confusion. "They were your fathers." Castiel said finally. "If you wear the pendent no angels will be able to locate you. You can stop with the runes on your arm. Seemed much more prudent."

Before she could speak, the door swung open, Dean, Benny, and Sam pouring in through it. She returned her gaze to find Castiel gone. Sam stopped suddenly looking at Asher who still held the dagger and necklace.

"What?" She asked suddenly.

"Where in the hell did you get that?!" He stammered, stalking over to her.

"This?" She asked holding up the dagger. "Cas just gave it to me."

"Cas was here?!" Dean asked snatching the dagger from her hand. "This is an angel blade."

"Okay… and what does that mean to me?" She asked crossing her arms, the pendent still in her hand.

"I don't know why he gave it to you…"Sam said looking to Dean for answers.

"He said it was my fathers." She replied quietly.

"Cas. Where are you?" Dean asked out loud. No reply came and Dean looked irate.

"Listen, we can figure this out later." Benny said coming forward. "I need to hit the road."

Dean sighed and put his hands on his hips. "Listen Ash…" The dagger dangled loosely from one hand, "We will hang on to this…but I have some news…"

Sam sat down on the bed next to her. "Castiel is joining up with us for a few weeks and we will ask him about all of this. But for now we need you to go with Benny. Lay low for a while ok?"

"Alright." She said plainly, fidgeting with the pendent in her palm.

"Alright? That's it?" Dean asked expecting her to put up a fight.

"Yeah… I could use a little fresh air…"Asher replied shrugging.

Sam looked uncomfortable and he kept glancing at Dean, "Look, I don't like this."

"Sam I thought we were over this." Dean replied.

"Dean… He's a vampire…"

"Look, I mean to put her in no harm. You have my word. I owe Dean a favor so it's not a problem." Benny replied smoothly.

"Sam it's fine really. Benny saved our asses back there. I'll be ok." Asher interjected. "I'm just slowing you guys down anyway."

Dean grimaced for a moment before looking to Benny. He nodded back at him.

"Pack your things Happy, we're headed out."