Thanks to everyone who has been sticking with me through my erratic posting schedule! I've been slightly depressed, and then very busy. On a happy note, my parents got a puppy which has brightened my day. The house was just too quiet without a dog! He's a black and white cocker spaniel named Jack… I wanted to name him Simon! Hah!

The biggest thank you ever goes to Innoxa23 and JollyRancher for reviewing the last chapter. I don't think they know how much it means to me to get those reviews! It really keeps me going and Innoxa especially is wonderful at keeping me on track by bringing up unclear points and favorite parts! THANK YOU!!!!!!

Y'all enjoy!

Chapter 14

Jack let out a deep breath as he carefully made his way across the roof. He wasn't scared of heights, but he wasn't fond of being on a strange roof that belonged to a murderer, especially one who seemed to have no qualms about magic and trickery. They were definitely at a disadvantage. Glancing behind him, he watched Carter slowly make her way behind him and he knew that the sooner they could get on the ground the better. Unfortunately, his concern for his second interfered with his ability to balance on the slight slope. He vaguely heard Carter's concerned cry as his head hit the roof and he felt himself beginning to slide. Thoughts of death filtered through his mind before he gripped onto a more humorous thought. That last step was a doozy.

Samantha Carter really wanted to go home. She was tired and grouchy and she wasn't fond of roof climbing. Not that any of this would show through her good little soldier façade. Her CO knew her too well, though. She kept catching him glancing at her. She flashed him a smile, and watched in horror as he took a misstep and landed with a thud. Could this get any worse, she thought. Of course it could, fate answered as Jack began to slide toward the edge. She swore the universe was out to get them as she made a grab for him. Of course this would happen after the vampires left. It was a conspiracy.

"Jack!" she involuntarily cried as the wind whipped around her and his fingers flailed for a handhold. Their eyes were locked as he finally found resistance and stopped his fall. Sam sank to her knees and offered her outstretched hand as he hauled himself into a sitting position on a flatter part of the roof. Their eyes were locked as they both took a moment to breathe. Sam never even realized she was still holding his hand and the Air Force officers stared out over the horizon thankful another tragedy was averted.

"Sir…" Sam started to say before she was cut off by the reassuring look in her CO's eyes as he gave her hand a squeeze.

"I know, Carter. I know."

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Teresa Lisbon softly swore as Cayt carefully lowered her to her feet while they waited in a hidden corridor. Divinia was scouting ahead for the best route out of the castle, and it was determined it would be easier for her to go alone. Cayt pursed his lips, displeased with the arrangement but held his tongue. She wasn't thrilled with being carried around like some useless lump, but she knew that her injuries put the rest of the team in jeopardy. If being carried was the most efficient and safest way out of the castle, then she would deal with it. A faint scent of stew drifted into the air causing her stomach to rumble loudly. Jane shot her an amused look before pulling a candy bar out of his pocket.

"Do you always travel with food?" she asked as the consultant leaned in beside her and unwrapped the crinkly wrapper.

"Of course, now that Rigsby's on the team," he said with a smile. "It never hurts to be prepared!" She grinned at his truthful answer as he handed her the candy. His hand hovered at her side while she moaned in pure bliss. He may have been carrying food for Rigsby, but that didn't change the fact it was her favorite candy bar. Her eyes popped open as his hand lightly brushed her stomach and gently lifted the hem of her shirt.

"What the hell are you doing?" she muttered and tried to pull away. She stiffened when his fingers lightly traced the stitches marring her creamy skin.

"You're going to need to take an antibiotic soon," he said as she gave him an incredulous look.

"Jane, we were practically kidnapped by vampires because the ruler of the castle is a murdering psychopath. Do you really think I remembered to grab any medicine?"

"No, but I did," he said with a grin as he pulled a prescription bottle out of his pocket. She rolled her eyes and dry swallowed a pill.

"You'd think with all this technology that better medicine would have been developed," she grumbled. She hated swallowing pills.

"Maybe it's still the most efficient way to disperse it," Jane innocently added before Cayt turned to glare at them. Footsteps were approaching. Jane stepped protectively in front of Lisbon as Cayt stiffened, ready to attack. Lisbon rolled her eyes. Jane was useless in situations like these. What was he going to do? Hypnotize the intruder into dropping the gun by doing the chicken dance. She sighed and winced as the movement pulled at her sore skin. Cayt suddenly relaxed causing Jane and Lisbon to exchange confused looks. Seconds later, Divinia appeared around the corner looking slightly out of breath.

"They believe we're on the other side of the castle," she said. "The coast is clear for now."

"How exactly did you manage that?" Cayt asked softly as he appeared once more by Lisbon's side. Divinia shot him a look that told him it could wait, while Cayt growled softly. Jane's eyes darted back and forth between the two who promptly ignored him.

In tense silence the group ventured out into the hallway and hastily moved toward another door. Lisbon shifted in the vampire's hold as they broke into a slow jog. She cracked a smile as she caught Jane's eye. The poor man really should start using the CBI gym. She wouldn't deny, however, that she was enjoying the view. He winked at her causing a red flush to spread up her neck and onto her cheeks. Damn her transparency.

"Take the next right, and then a door will be on the left. It will lead out through the kitchen. Carter and O'Neill will meet you in the woods," Divinia said softly as voices were heard in the distance yet again as they paused in an empty corridor.

"Stay with them," she directed Cayt as she placed her hand on his shoulder. Lisbon felt slightly uncomfortable as an unspoken conversation seemed to pass between the two lovers. Finally, Cayt sighed and took the lead. Lisbon watched over his shoulder as the vampiress followed her lover's movements for a moment before turning away.

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Jack watched as his second gracefully swung down from the roof onto a small landing a few feet down. It wasn't a far drop, but he knew his knees would protest. They could see the woods from here, and he was thankful they had experienced a relatively painless trip. He hoped the other vampires were able to get Lisbon and Jane out, but he wasn't too worried. He was quickly learning to trust the young vampiress and her ragtag team. They were good soldiers and it was a relief to have allies in this unknown world. He shook his head to clear his thoughts when he realized Carter had been talking to him.

"I think we'll be able to climb down from that second landing," she stated with a knowing smile. "That should put us at the closest point of intersection with our rendezvous point."

"Sounds good, Carter," he answered as he scanned the edge of the forest below for any sign of danger.

The rest of their trek was made quickly and before he knew it, they were looking down at a five foot drop. Not bad, he thought as he gave Carter an appreciative smile. The two officers quickly made their way across the open field before concealing themselves in the forest just as an exterior door opened. Crouching quietly, they both breathed a sigh of relief when they recognized the three figures hurrying toward them.

"You okay?" Sam asked Lisbon as Cayt gently released the female agent. Jane was quickly at her side. Lisbon nodded, as she turned to look at the vampire behind her. His eyes kept flickering back to the castle.

"Thank you, Cayt. I think will be fine for now," she said with a small smile. The vampire nodded before sprinting back to the door. Jane shifted closer to her so she was able to lean on him. His arm wrapped around her waist as she moved to look at Jack who looked slightly confused.

"Divinia broke off from our group. She was keeping the guards away from us." Jack nodded with understanding as his eyes flickered to the blond haired woman beside him who was absentmindedly studying the trees around them.

"What's next, Colonel?" Jane asked.

"I think we better head back to the castle. Thread and Pike are keeping an eye on Elina, but I think we're going to need reinforcements." The others nodded their agreement as they slowly started through the quiet forest.