Chapter 14

Angela took the backhand that came her way and fell to the ground. She took a couple of deep breaths and spat out blood. Her right was stretched out a bitch but she was on her hands and knees. Now that the demon was in a physical form, he was a lot stronger. Well he was stronger than she remembered and her limbs felt heavy and weak. She knew what the problem was and she knew that she was a stubborn ass about it.

You have to take blood, colleen. You're pretty much the equivalent of being malnourished.

Angela took a couple of breaths as she remembered that conversation. It was a phone call she had taken with Fiona. The werewolf had a way of networking and had been keeping in touch with Whittier. So she knew what was going on and she was doing her end of the intervention.

I can't take blood Fi. Not now. Not after what Carter did to me.

You can't do this to yourself. You're hurting yourself… You're hurting Sam.

Angela remembered getting upset with Fiona and the conversation became a bit heated. She couldn't take blood and it wasn't because she was as adverse to it as she was before. She had taken blood in front of the boys and Bobby especially when she was near dying from the adamantium silver bullet. It was because of her addiction to demon blood.

She had told Sam about it first and it occurred to her that maybe she should have said something earlier but it only showed that she herself had issues. She had barely managed to reveal it to Bobby that she had been to hell before when she attempted to go back and rescue Dean. After drying out in her time at Karnak, she spent time learning to resist temptation. She couldn't give up blood entirely; she was half vampire and they needed blood too especially when they were injured or sick.

She fell off when she tortured Alistair and then Carter… Carter had taken it to the next level by combining the blood with hallucinogens. He used the potency of demon blood to make the hallucinations stronger and real; it was like when she was drying out. She couldn't tell reality from her mind even though she knew that her visions of Madison, Mary and Jess were completely within her head and it was her own guilt playing on her. Crowley she wasn't sure of but considering that Sam and Dean came in after that…

Angie… just don't hurt yourself.

Angela slowly got to her feet. She was still breathing heavily. She thought about what Sam asked of her so many times. It was a simple request and yet there was more to it behind the words and she always considered it and it pained her when it felt like she was hurting him. She looked up at the demon as she breathed, blood trickling out of the corner of her mouth and from a cut on her forehead. She knew that she wasn't going to last very long but she just had to figure out how she was going to finish this. She needed time and she didn't have the means she had before when she banished the demon with the ritual.

Alû was looking at her with amusement and disappointment. "You know I expected you to be better than this. After all you did manage to banish me to a dismal existence; neither a spirit, neither a full physical demon."

"It was all I had and it worked."

"But admit it. It was a piss poor effort on your end."

Angela sniffed. She could feel the flush of her skin. She was fading. Her 'malnourishment' was getting the better of her. Some dhampirs had a regular regimen of blood in order to keep up their strength and powers. She went to great lengths to avoid it unless necessary. Now it was coming to bite her in the ass. She choked out, "Yeah it was. But I had no idea what you were and I think being existential was a good punishment for you."

"Bullshit," Alû retorted angrily. He pointed at her, "You could have taken me out but you were afraid to. Oh sure I had the rage pouring out of you because of what I did to those lovely virgins. By the way each experience was memorable. They were screaming in pleasure."

"And I bet you tell yourself that to make yourself feel important."

Alû tasked her, "Tsk and you sound so callous. I thought you had a love for these mortals. What are they to you? You yourself are not one of them."

Angela started moving. She sniffed and loped while circling with Alû. The fight was still on but she wasn't going to let the reprieve have her guard fall. That would just put her into the grave and she had no urge to die and fail to finish the bastard once and for all. "I'm not all human and not all vampire. Like you I am a freak. I admit that." She shrugged her shoulders.

"Then why do you persist in stopping me?"

"Because I know what you did in Babylon. I may not have been alive but I knew what you had done and could have done." Angela came to a stop to stare at the demon. She gave a slight shrug, "And maybe it's because I made it a personal mission to get rid of scum like you as I come across it."

"Now what is the real reason?"

"Like you said, a love for mortals."

It was stalling but Angela needed the time to catch her breath. She was well aware that the more she exerted herself, it would lead her to collapse and that wouldn't do anyone any good. She looked at Alû and noticed he was studying her for some reason. "What?"

Alû looked at her. She was familiar to him and he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe a good thing since he remembered her and then another who was like her, but that was a long time ago. He narrowed his eyes slightly and replied, "Just you are not like how I remembered. I wonder why?"

"It's been awhile." Angela knew how to bluff. She had been a poker player previously and had been caught in situations where she really had to sell her cover. It was part and parcel of being 'undercover' as it were. The thing was that there was always someone better or who wasn't going to buy the bluff. With this demon, she was certain he was seeing through her. "But time has a way of changing things."

"Not when it comes to combat. And yours was very distinct." Alû gestured like he was deep in thought. He did think about it for a moment before saying, "Apart from that chakram, which you didn't have the last time, you adjust for speed and flexibility and wear down the opponent… I'd say that you were trained by the guard of Karnak."

"Aren't you a genius," she spat back.

"Oh I know the basic stance and it wasn't too hard since you are vampire and that nosy queen Isis favors them. She can be a real bitch you know." Alû chuckled, enjoying the small talk. "So no surprise there but your form seems a little sluggish and I wonder why."

"In case you haven't noticed… busted leg." Angela gestured at her leg. There was no point in hiding it since it was out there. And it was the truth since she was still healing and it was damn lucky it hadn't been broken again.

"And very foolish of you to confront me in that state," Alû pointed out. Sighing he added, "Well I am at a loss but still it is fun. Reminds me of when I caught up with you in the Khyber Pass."

Angela made a slight sound. "Yes. You tried to kill me to get to the girl. What else is new?"

"Ah but it was manipulated so I could bring you both back unharmed. After all the blood of the Malachi of Absolution is but a fine prize." At the look he was getting, Alû continued in mocking tones, "What? You think I didn't know who you were? Even in my dismal existence word travels. I just didn't expect it to be you until I met you. You know most stories depict you as a man."

Angela had been trying to keep the urge to huff angrily suppressed. It would do no good if the demon saw that certain things were bothering her. That point could be moot though since he already knew what bothered her. She knew ever since she agreed to taking up the mantle of the Malachi that there would be those on both sides coming for her or she was bound to meet those that had heard of her. In the past, and she still was on occasion, was amused that people thought of her as a man. The way how Alû said it… "Well most people know me by title. Natural." She shrugged her shoulders to indicate nonchalance.

"Really?" Alû raised a brow at her before rushing forward. He was counting on the fact that her injury slowed her reflexes enough to get the upper hand. It worked and he collided with her. He expected her defensive posture and the moves that accompanied it. He really appreciated the fact that she had been trained like the guard. It would make things interesting.

Angela hadn't been prepared for the sudden swoop but she did manage to block. It was pure instinct that had her react; forget technique and strategy. She just needed to keep away until she was in a position where she had an advantage. She blocked his advances as she backed up until she saw an opening and decided to go on the offensive. She threw a couple of punches only to have them blocked with the last one knocking her hands away and a hand grabbed her by the neck and shoved her into the wall, lifting her up.

Alû kept a steady grip as he pinned Angela against the wall, lifting her as if to show her that she was insignificant in his view. He squeezed tight enough to make the position uncomfortable and cause minor throbbing. "Well, well, well. Didn't expect that now did you?"

Angela grunted as she put her hands on the demons wrist trying to lessen the pressure. It was very uncomfortable. Not enough to choke her but it made it difficult and because she was being held up by the neck there was a slight strain on her spine. Her eyes narrowed as she struggled. She contemplated kicking but that didn't guarantee release unless she hit in the right spot and at this point she wasn't in the best position.

Alû chuckled as he watched her struggle. It would have been easy to use his powers but the 'joy' of being corporeal made him really want to utilize his physical strength. He had chosen his meat well. "A little problem?"

Angela pulled on the hand but it was to no avail. She did manage to spit back, "Momentary distraction."

Alû couldn't help but laugh at that one, "You amuse me as much as you disappoint me. Now to answer my question." He leaned in close, careful not to expose a part that would turn the tables against him. He peered at Angela and stared her in the eyes. He got closer to smell her scent and reveled in what he discovered. "Mmm. What a surprise. A thing like you smelling like a rose."

"And you stink of sulfur," Angela grunted. She tried to move away from the feel of Alû's breath on her skin. It was an icy chill that would have been seductive to some people but it made her feel repulsed. She felt her breathing start to speed up as he got closer to the point where his nose touched her cheek and grunted trying to turn away but the hand tightened on her neck and she was pressed into the wall, the pressure on her spine increasing.

Alû growled, "Hold still my desert dove." He squeezed to warn her and his lip twisted as she resisted. He touched the tip of his nose on her cheek before moving to sniff down her neck. His lips breathed down the slope as if to taste her. He paused to place a kiss on her collarbone, letting his lips moisten the skin. It was then that the scent hit him and his grin turned into a predatory smile.

Angela gasped the moment she felt the demon's mouth on her. It was too much like when that vampire in Europe forcibly took blood from her but this was different. All that the vamp wanted was blood. What this demon wanted… She could feel it in the way he slobbered on her. She noticed that his expression changed.

"Maybe I don't need to go after the offering you stole from me after all," Alû said as he leaned in and took another deep sniff. "I can smell it on you… the 'innocence'." He sniffed along her and at one point used his other hand to touch her on her abdomen, his thumb rubbing lazy circles. He paused when something else caught his attention.

Angela buckled the moment his other hand touched her. She knew what he meant. Dual sacrifice was the icing on the cake and she was to be it. She had to end this. She couldn't get free but… It occurred to her and she went to work and prayed that it would work. She didn't doubt the boys would come for her but she needed to give them time. She felt pressure increase on her neck and the slam into the wall. She grunted in pain.

"Who has touched you?"

Angela looked at the demon. "I don't…"

Alû was pissed. He smelled the innocence on her but he also smelled something else. He growled as he tightened his grip and slammed her into the wall. "Don't lie to me. I smell it. I smell his scent."

Angela blinked as she struggled to breathe. "What do you define as touch?" She asked the question more to be a smart ass.

Alû growled, "Don't play coy. His scent is on you. I smell the territorial marking. It is faint but strong. Who have you been sleeping with slut?"

Angela blinked at the question. It was now or never. She gulped trying to get in air since the grip had tightened and her spine was throbbing from the pressure and her shoulder blades were sore from being pounded into the wall. "I'll show you," she grunted out. It was followed by a shrill whistle; a difficult feat considering her predicament.

Alû frowned in anger at her response especially the slight smile that appeared on her lips. He peered at her wondering what she was up to. He got his answer the moment a searing pain grabbed his leg near the ankle and it was followed by savage growls.

"Impressive," Julie said as she kneeled at the growl. "Seems your friend really knows how to handle a hell hound." She extended her hand and fingered where there was a slight depression. Looking up she pointed, "There. Let's go."

"She's more annoying than that kid Angie swatted with a newspaper," Dean muttered as he adjusted his grip on his shotgun. He followed Julie as she ran in a crouched manner.

They had managed track where the demon was by using a tracker spell that Hassina conjured up. It surprised the Winchesters that she was that adept and she didn't give that impression. She merely said that she wanted to keep attachment to her friend just in case. It was impressive since she pinpointed down to within a block. It was better than when Ruby helped Sam out. So Dean drove and they went along with Cerebus since the hell mutt would be able to track her scent and it wasn't like he was going to stay put.

They made it to the site, which was a bunch of empty buildings, most of them newly built. Basically they were empty distribution centers that were built and waiting for lease. Sam looked around thinking about which one would be the one she was in and hoped that she was okay. He felt that he was in the hot seat since he pretty much was on her side in even taking this job in the first place. The strange thing was that his anxiety was not as bad as it was previously and maybe it was because he believed that Angela had some control of the situation unlike the last few times. He still was worried since she wasn't a hundred percent. Hearing Dean's comment, Sam merely brushed it off. He remembered Isabella but mostly the conversations they had.

Sam checked around trying to concentrate on the job and not let the swirling torrent of thoughts and feelings interfere. He couldn't do that if he wanted Angela back relatively unharmed; they had to talk and it was long overdue. He thought he kept it relatively together until he was nudged on the leg by Cerebus. He automatically put his hand down on the dog's shoulder and gave him a pat. "Find her, boy," he murmured, knowing that the hell hound would at least follow that.

Cerebus did obey that directive and ended up taking off like a bullet, doing the hell hound disappearing act. It was what had Julie, or Ishtar, impressed. She led the way like she was on a hunt, following the invisible trail the hell hound left behind. It led them to one of the empty buildings. It had just been completed. Julie kneeled to check, "Yep. Definitely good with the hell hounds. You sure her name is Firishta?"

Sam thought that was an understatement. If anything, Angela was an alpha with the dogs and if he wanted to stretch it, with the cat. All it took was one look from her and they instantly did as she asked. That is if she said anything. But it had been a learning process. He knew that since on occasion he had seen her look up something in a book that suspiciously looked like a manual for Wilder dogs but he couldn't tell since he couldn't read the language. He offered, "She self-taught herself. It was an interesting experience."

"I'll say," Julie offered as she glanced at Sam. She smirked and turned to look in. "Well he went in here and I'm guessing that he went all hell hound on Alû. I'd pay to see that." She hummed as she studied their way in.

Dean looked in and then at Sam. They had to go in but this was really déjà vu since barely two weeks ago they were doing the same thing. He asked his brother, "Call for back up?"

Sam looked at Dean. The only reason things weren't so tense was because they didn't have Kesset there. He had no idea what he was going to do if the Avian found out they were in another rescue situation except maybe take out that entire sector. It had been sheer luck on his part but after 'taking charge' the Avian seemed to become emotionally stable; he just wasn't sure what would happen. "Not a good idea."

"Kid will find out," Dean pointed out.

Sam sighed as he looked in, "Not if she said something." He looked at Dean with a look.

Julie watched the exchange and raised her brow. "Who the hell are you talking about?"

"Kid who does backup on occasion," Dean dropped smoothly. He looked back at Sam. "So?"

"We got this," Sam said decisively. He looked at Dean and added, "Not gonna risk it."

Dean was willing to go with that. It took a lot of effort and a choice of words to calm Kesset down the first time. True having Hibah around helped a little but they couldn't just call her every time they were going to do something with the guard. He nodded, "Okay then. At least the hell mutt is in there."

"Tell me about," Sam replied as he raised his weapon. "Let's go."

Julie raised her brow when Sam took point. She was impressed by it and looked at Dean. The look he gave her was a warning and she took it to mean big brother looking after little brother. She liked Dean considering he would be a good romp. Sam was another story; back in her day he would have been a prize. She couldn't help but tease, "Whatever you say," her tone taking on an interested tone.

Sam heard it and felt his skin flush. He didn't look back since he didn't want to give ammunition for anything that resembled teasing later, especially from Dean. And he wasn't comfortable around Julie even though she wasn't a bad person per se. He cleared his throat and led the way through the building, thoroughly aware that it was déjà vu. He paused to let Julie check and make sure that they were on the right trail since she could see the invisible trail.

It was a wasted effort since the noise was enough to be a guide and they followed it. Sam held back his fear as he rounded the corner to come across the scene of Angela looking down at the demon with narrowed eyes and she was on the verge of full vamping out but the demon's hand was around her neck and she was pinned against the wall while Cerebus was shaking the limb he had bitten. Sam was going to react but something happened.

Angela managed to deliver a punch to the demon's face but its grip wasn't relinquished. The demon did manage to kick Cerebus away with the dog giving a whimper from the well placed kick. It forced the demon to turn and allowed for him to get a good look at the Winchesters. Sam held up his weapon ready to fire along with Dean but hesitated. He sensed that the demon would be fast and throw Angela into the line of fire.

"Well, this is nice," the demon said. "You like what you see? I'm just going to punish this bitch and the ritual will be complete."

"Fuck… that," Angela said, still struggling in the grip. She then said, "Stay back."

It was more like an order and one that the Winchesters were disinclined to obey. Not with the situation they were in now. The demon chuckled, "Still think to save everybody. You couldn't even save that weeping bitch."

Julie took the opportunity and stepped forward, barking in the ancient Babylonian language, "Don't even think about Alû."

The demon looked at Julie and narrowed his eyes. They widened in recognition and he started laughing, "Well, well, well. This is a surprise. I never expected to see you again. Been a long time, Ishtar."

"Too long. Now let her go and we can settle this." Julie advanced forward. She hadn't drawn any of her weapons hoping that it would prove to be a benefit and distraction. "We do have a score to settle."

"Don't tell me you are still sore about hell now." The demon gave an experimental shake just to get Angela to grimace from being suspended for so long. "Cause you had your chance and now I have a new one."

Julie huffed but kept a calm composure. She noticed that the hell hound had gotten to his feet and was growling. Maybe that would help. "You can't win this."

The demon snorted at that and shook his prize to indicate that he was going to win. He was going to say something when Cerebus launched forward, ready to attack. He didn't get far and the hell hound was down after hitting a wall and leaving a sizeable dent. What he didn't expect was what happened next.

"I will… not… be toyed with!"

That was followed by what later Sam and Dean would describe as a shockwave as they were knocked off their feet along with Julie. It was pure luck that the force wasn't hard enough to do serious damage. Both brothers grimaced slightly as they got to their feet, not sure of what happened.

A/N: Looks like Angie is 'chosen' by Alu. And the Winchesters are on their way. What the hell is happening now? Keep watching for more Broken Wounds Heal...