Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural
A familiar sweet fragrance hit Selena as she and her brothers were led into the house by Mrs. Caldwell. Nose twitching, she let her eyes roam around, looking for the source while being led into the living room.
"So, that's how your son described the attack?" Dean questioned. "Santa took daddy up the chimney?"
"That's what he says, yes." Mrs. Caldwell replied, the bruise on her cheek standing out in the light.
Selena's eyes landed on the wreath hanging up on the fireplace. She had found the source of the scent. Her head tilted a fraction of an inch as she vaguely recalled catching a glimpse of a wreath of the same kind at the Walsh's house.
Was there a connection between the wreaths and Anti-Santa? Even for her, it was a bit of a stretch, but it was the only thing she had.
"And where were you?"
"I was asleep. And all of a sudden...I was being dragged out of bed, screaming."
Selena turned her attention back to Mrs. Caldwell at her words. Oh? This was new. So far it had been the husbands being abducted and the wives were left to pick up the pieces.
Unease coiled in her stomach. Why change the M.O. now? Did Anti-Santa have a time limit? Did he grow discontent with the victims he had and now was going after more prey? Or was it for a ritual of some kind?
"Did you see the attacker?" Sam asked.
Mrs. Caldwell shook her head, the smell of grief and fear around her growing heavier as she recounted the memory.
"It was dark, and he hit me. He knocked me out."
"I'm sorry." Dean said, gently. "I know this is hard."
"Yeah…" Sam glanced at the wreath and recognition flashed through his eyes. "Um, Mrs. Caldwell, where did you get that wreath above the fireplace?"
The widow gave him a bemused stare, tone boarding on incredulous.
"Excuse me?"
Sam stammered for a response. Selena could only mentally sigh at Sam's lack of tact. Though she had been the same in her past life on occasions, if only to make people uncomfortable.
"Just curious." He said, giving an awkward smile.
After that, the siblings decided it was best not to bother Mrs. Caldwell anymore and left. As they were walking to the car, Selena noticed that a good amount of snow had melted. Some tufts of grass peeking out and the biting temperatures had turned a bit mild.
Her eyes narrowed, getting into the Impala. Maybe they were dealing with something other than Anti-Santa. Something that was connected to weather.
Xxx
"Yeah, all right." Sam said, talking to Bobby on the phone. Whatever was being said didn't really see like happy news. "Well, keep looking, would you? Thanks, Bobby."
Selena watched Sam hang up and set down his cellphone. The conversation between him and Bobby had given some insight on what they were dealing with. Satisfaction settled deep in her stomach as her theory was proven correct, but it was followed by excitement and wariness. They've only encountered a monster like this once and even then it wasn't exactly easy.
"Well, we're not dealing with the Anti-Claus." Sam sat down in front of his laptop.
"What did Bobby say?" Dean asked.
"Uh, that we're morons. That it was probably Meadowsweet in those wreaths."
"Wow! Amazing. What the hell is Meadowsweet?"
"It's pretty rare, probably the most powerful plant in Pagan lore."
Selena was mildly shocked. Such a little thing like those white flowers had that much power? Goes to show you not to judge a plant by its looks. She absently wondered how that discovery was made.
"Pagan lore?"
"Yeah." Sam tapped a few keys. "See, they used Meadowsweet for human sacrifices. It was kind of like a...chum for their gods. Gods were drawn to it, and they stop by and snack on whatever was the nearest human."
:So these Pagn just gave them free food?: Cheshire sounded shocked and a bit disgusted. :Where's the challenge? The satisfaction of having earned your kill when you bring it down? The world doesn't just hand things for free on a silver platter. You need to earn it. I do not like this.:
Selena could practically hear the angry swishing of the snow leopard's tail and raised a cursitory brow.
'One would think you were jealous by your words, Cheshire. I did not hear you complain when Crowley gave us a meal. A free meal at that. And remember, the gods do give back. The Vanir gave a good harvest while others probably give protection, good health, victory in battle, ect.'
The larger than normal feline scoffed. :He's our mate. I believe, providing a meal is courting to both animals and humans. But these gods...They are lazy. If you think about it in a roundabout way, they can be compared to pigs being fattened for the slaughter. Waiting for their next meal to come to them while they lay around.:
'Hmm.' Selena hummed, eyes following Dean as he stood up and moved to the kitchen counter to pick up a cup. He was saying something about the wreaths. 'I do like bacon.'
If Dean and Sam had heard the mental conversation, they would've been uneasy at the terrible keenness twisting through Selena's casual tone. It was the keenness of a predator looking at its next meal and already planning on how to kill it.
"...Crazy as it sounds, Dean." Sam's voice brought her attention to him. "I mean, pretty much every Christmas tradition is Pagan."
Dean turned to him. "Christmas is Jesus' birthday."
"No, Jesus' birthday was probably in the Fall." Sam corrected. "It was actually the Winter Solstice Festival that was co-opted by the Church and renamed "Christmas". But the Yule log, the tree, even Santa's red suit-That's all remnants of Pagan worship."
Dean blinked, a weird look on his face. "How do you know that?" He wandered back to his seat. " What are you gonna tell me next? Easter Bunny's Jewish?"
Sam didn't respond, already used to his brother's reaction whenever he goes "full nerd". (Dean's words, not his.)
"So you think we're dealing with a Pagan god?"
"Yeah, and from what Selena said about the snow and the unusual mild weather, we're probably looking at Hold Nickar, god of the Winter Solstice."
"And these Martha Stewart wannabes, buying these fancy wreaths…"
"It's pretty much like putting a neon sign on your front door saying, "come kill us"."
:Dinner bells ring, are you listening?" Cheshire hummed ominously.
An apt description. They have a whole selection of prey at their fingertips with those wreaths and the civilians are none the wiser. Selena grudgingly admitted it was a smart tactic.
"Great. Do we know how to kill it yet?" Dean asked.
"No, Bobby's working on that right now." Sam replied. "And we got to figure out where they're selling those wreaths."
"You think they're selling them on purpose? Feeding the victims to this thing?"
"If Meadowsweet is as rare as Sam said it is, then I doubt we're dealing with an amateur." Selena spoke suddenly, making the two look at her. "It is a possibility that we're dealing with worshippers or even the god himself."
Sam sighed. "Won't know till we find out."
Xxx
From the moment he stepped into this town, Wyatt didn't like it. And it wasn't because of the meat bags around. No, it was because of the subtle and faint blanket of power settled over the whole town. It made him tense within his meatsuit's skin.
Wyatt startled slightly as a voice spoke behind him.
"No time for spacing out, kiddo." Azazel said, coming up beside the lower demon. He was smiling lightly, gaze half-lidded with a relaxed air around him. If Wyatt didn't know better and wasn't what he was, he'd think the former king was a laid back older male on a simple walk. But he did know better and so he kept his guard up. "It wouldn't look good if you slack on the job."
"Sorry, sir." Wyatt replied. His gaze went to the shop across the street where his charge was inside. "May I speak freely, sir?"
"Go ahead."
"Why allow Selena to stay in this town when there is an unknown dangerous being here?"
Azazel didn't answer for a while, then he sighed.
"I allow her to say here for the same reason I asked you to observe her if Lilith's minions attack rather than get involved." Yellow eyes slid towards, staring him down. Wyatt felt his body tense even more. "Winchesters are stubborn, my daughter even more so. They don't back out of a hunt so easily no matter the opponent. She is strong enough to do this hunt and come out on top." Pride was in his voice along with something else Wyatt couldn't quite put his finger on. It sounded...parental? He did call her his daughter, so that may be it.
"Daughter? I thought…" Wyatt trailed off as an inscrutable look appeared on the higher demon's face. Had he overstepped his boundary?
Azazel looked back to the shop. He raised a hand, sending a short wave to someone.
Wyatt looked over just in time to see Selena turn and walk back into the store.
"It's complicated." Azazel said. "Anyway, keep your eyes peeled and senses sharp."
Wyatt watched Azazel walk away, teleporting somewhere. His curiosity had risen after hearing his words. He only knew bits and pieces of what the former king had done to the Winchesters, but he had the feeling that Azazel and Selena's relationship go a bit deeper than what it appeared.
Xxx
The siblings left the shop with more information than they thought. The owner had given them the name of the woman making and selling the wreaths; Madge Carrigan. He didn't know where she lived, but Selena was sure it wouldn't be hard to figure it out.
"How much do you think a Meadowsweet wreath would cost?" Dean asked as they entered the motel room. Selena sat down on the couch. Cheshire's anticipation hovered at the back of her mind like fog. Noticeable and thick.
"A couple hundred dollars, at least." Sam replied.
"This lady's giving them away for free? What do you think about that?" They both took their coats off, setting them down on the beds.
"Sounds suspicious." Sam let out a grunt as he and Dean sat heavily on their beds, rubbing his face tiredly.
Dean suddenly chuckled. "Remember that wreath dad brought home that one year?"
Selena did remember. It didn't impress her, but she hadn't commented. The man did his best, even if he didn't make it or buy it. Sam's expression turned bemused, unsure why Dean was bringing it up now.
"You mean the one he stole from, like, the liquor store?" He questioned.
"Yeah, it was a bunch of empty beer cans. That thing was great." Sam obviously didn't share Dean's amusement and Selena refrained from shaking her head. Idiot. She could tell Dean was forcing himself. Doing this won't make Sam happy. "I bet if I looked around hard enough, I'd probably find one just like it."
"All right…" Sam began. "Dude...What's going on with you?"
"What?"
"I mean, since when are you Bing Crosby all of a sudden? Why do you want to do Christmas or a sudden?"
"Why are you so against it?" Dean questioned back, deflecting. "Were your childhood memories that traumatized?"
"No, that has nothing to do with it."
"Then what?"
"I mean, I-I don't get it. You haven't talked about Christmas in years."
"Well, yeah. This is my last year."
There was a moment of somber silence then, "You're an idiot, Dean." Selena stated coldly. "To celebrate now when we know you won't be here next year would be a mockery."
Dean scoffed softly and Selen narrowed her eyes.
"It wouldn't be that seri-"
Do not," The brothers stiffened at the low growl in her voice. Selena stood up, anger boiling at how casual Dean sounded. This was his death they were talking about and here he was joking. Did he not think about them? No, he did, but that maybe the problem. "Joke about this, Dean. It is serious. You will be torn to shreds by hellhounds and every second of it will be nothing compared to when you get to Hell." Her arms spasmed with the urge to cuff him upside the head or worse, but the thought of the chains made her push the urge back. "So do not downplay it. It will only make us feel even more guilty."
Sam and Dean stared at Selena after her rant. Sam with agreement in his eyes and Dean with shock and regret.
:Selena...: Cheshire purred softly in her ears.
'I know.' Selena let out a fogged out breath, body not relaxing but anger shrinking to a simmer. She needed to get out of here before she did something she regrets.
"I'm going out." She spun on her heel and walked out, closing the door behind her with a quiet thud that seemed to echo in the room.
Xxx
"Never seen her like that." Sam eventually said after Selena left.
"Yeah…" Dean replied softly.
"But I agree with what she said." Dean looked at him and Sam looked back, expression serious. "I can't celebrate Christmas when it's going to be the last one you'll ever have. I-I just can't, Dean. You gonna die because of me." Sam's eyes shone wetly.
Dean shook his head. "I made the deal to save you, Sam. It's a big brother's job to save his siblings. And you know what? I'd do it again so you can live. So that guilt you have, throw it away." Sam nodded and Dean patted him on the shoulder. "Good. Now, enough of this chick flick moment. Was emotional enough to last me a lifetime."
Sam chuckled weakly.
"Dean."
"Hm?"
"It May be a big brother's job to save his siblings, but it's the siblings job to look after the big brother as well. So I'm gonna do my best to save you." Dean blinked, then smirked.
*TIME SKIP*
December 24, 2007
Oh.
Oh.
This is…
:They certainly are festive.: Cheshire said.
There's that, but Selena wasn't talking about that. She was talking about the strong scent of power on the property. Like it had seeped into the very grounds. The siblings stopped at the sidewalk, looking at the house.
"So this is where Mrs. Wreath lives, huh?" Dean asked. "Can't you just feel the evil Pagan vibe?"
They walked up to the door, knocking on it. It opened to reveal a cheery older woman. Selena's nose flared as the scent got stronger, the hairs on the back of her neck standing. Was this a mere worshipper or the god itself? Judging from the name and pictures, the god should be a male. Her eyes flickered behind the woman where she could hear a heartbeat further in the house.
"Yes?" She greeted, smiling.
"Please tell me you're the Madge Carrigan who makes the Meadowsweet wreaths." Dean said.
"Why, yes, I am."
"Ha! Bingo."
"Well, we were just admiring your wreaths in Mr. Syler's place the other day." While Sam talked, Dean subtly looked inside the house, but he didn't find anything that looked like evil Pagan worship. It looked like an ordinary house decorated for the holidays.
"You were?" Mrs. Carrigan questioned. "Well, isn't that Meadowsweet just the finest-smelling thing you ever smelled?"
"It sure is."
"It's adequate." Selena agreed.
"But the problem is, is that all your wreaths has sold out before we got the chance to buy one."
"Oh, fudge!" The honey coated sentiment only made Selena distrust the woman more.
"You wouldn't happen to have another one that we could buy from you, would you?" Dean asked.
"Oh, no, I'm afraid those were the only ones I had for this season."
Selena noticed an older male in a sweater coming down the stairs. Must be Mr. Carrigan. The scent of power and blood doubled. Her unease returned. Worshippers wouldn't have the smell of such power on them. The people who worshipped the Valar could attest to that.
Cheshire made a noise of enquirement. :So that's why they tried to get the wife. One sacrifice was probably not enough for both of them.:
'Seems that way. Strange though. They had all December to feast, but they only began near the end of the month.'
:Curious. A pity too. If they had, they would've been a bit more...plump for us.:
"Tell me something," Dean began. "Why did you decide to make them out of Meadowsweet?"
"Why the smell of course!" Mrs. Carrigan replied. I don't think I've ever smelled anything finer."
Sam smiled awkwardly, no doubt getting the same vibes Selena was getting from the woman. "Yeah, um, you mentioned that."
"What's going on, honey?" Mr. Carrigan asked cheerfully, coming up to stand next to his wife.
"Well, just some nice people asking about my wreaths, dear."
"Oh, the wreaths are fine. Fine wreaths. Oh, care for some peanut brittle?"
"So we've gathered." Selena said dryly.
Dean reached for the offered snack, but Sam quickly stopped him.
"Um...We're okay."
"Then how about a bit of roast beef, then?" Mrs. Carrigan suggested. "It's the least we can do for not having a wreath to give you."
"Don't have to do that, but thank you, though." Sam grabbed Dean's jacket and started walking away. "It was nice meeting you." Selena followed after them.
"You too, dears." The couple waved, then closed the door as the siblings got in the car.
Xxx
"What's that?"
Daniel nearly jumped out of his seat at the unexpected voice of his friend, Brent, behind him. He swirled his chair around.
"Don't sneak up on me like that." Daniel said, glaring slightly.
"I didn't sneak. I walked, like a regular person." Brent grinned, leaning on Daniel's desk and gestured to a piece of notebook paper. "So, why are you writing down what looks like random gibberish?"
"Not random gibberish. A secret code."
Brent laughed, making Daniel frown in embarrassment.
"A secret code. Dude, what are you, five?"
"No." In all honesty, Daniel was trying to come up with a good code for Selena. He had been wanting to make up for his "pathetic attempts at trying to outsmart her"-her exact words-and had been looking up riddles and codes ever since. But his efforts were not looking so good. He was having a hard time coming up with any ideas. "I'm playing a game with a friend."
Brent gained a sly expression. "A friend, huh? This friend wouldn't happen to be that hot supermodel of yours, huh?"
"I told you she is not a supermodel nor is she mine, Brent. Besides," Daniel let out a small sigh, unconsciously slumping in his chair "She's not looking for a relationship."
"Or it's that you're out of her league."
Daniel's glare returned. "Aren't you supposed to be my friend?"
Yeah, but I'm also supposed to be your dose of reality."
Daniel rolled his eyes, turning his back on his annoying friend and missing the brief flash of an unknown emotion in Brent's eyes.
"So, what did you need?" Daniel asked.
"Nothing, you looked stressed so I thought I'd be a good friend and save you." Brent replied. "Did it work?"
"For the sake of your ego, I should say no, but yes, it did work."
"Good. Oh, hey, about that-"
"Brent!" A brown haired woman called, approaching them."The chief is calling for you. Think he wants you on that burglary case."
"Okay. Thanks, Lorraine." Brent looked at Daniel and clapped him on the shoulder. "Can't keep the man waiting. See ya, Daniel."
"See ya." Daniel looked at the paper, then sighed and put to the side. He should focus on his job, not on making friends with a criminal.
Xxx
The following night, the siblings snuck into the Carrigan's house, armed with evergreen stakes. Selena had thought it weird how the most natural growing thing on the planet could be a god's weakness.
A brief moment of lock picking and they were inside.
"See? Plastic." Dean whispered lowly, motioning to the plastic wrapped furniture. An act all the way to how they live.
:I wonder what excuse they use when people come over?: Cheshire mused curiously.
'I doubt they get the chance to ask before they are killed.' Selena replied, staying in the living room as Dean and Sam wandered further into the house to investigate. Her head turned towards the stairs, hearing the slow, heartbeats of the gods in deep sleep. But she knew that could change in an instant.
"Dean. Selena." She heard Sam call from the kitchen.
The two older siblings meet up with him and see he was in front of a locked doors that smelled like blood, presumably the basement.
Selena's ears perk up as she heard a muffled heartbeat coming from behind the door. A survivor? So Mr. Caldwell is alive. That's good, she supposed. A lifetime of therapy would be in their future, but his family would be happy.
As with the front door, they easily got into the basement, only to be met with gore that would make a lesser man throw up. Blood was heavy on the air as they scouted out the room, seeing bones scattered on the floor and various tools coated in bits of still wet flesh.
Sam grimaced at the sight and even Dean had disgust in his eyes. Selena wasn't bothered, but she did wish that they weren't so messy. Even she wasn't like this when she indulged in her hunger. Cheshire made a noise of agreement.
Selena shook her head and followed the sound of Mr. Caldwell's heart before she paused. Her head tilted a fraction, hearing the faint creak of a bed spring and light footsteps. In a second, her body tenses and her fingers tighten on the stake. They were discovered.
:Go.: Cheshire ordered, voice tight with tension. Selena didn't move, not hesitating but boarding on it. She didn't notice Sam's curious glance as he passed by her. A sense of foreboding hit the air, making her hackles rise. :Now!:
Selena disappeared without a sound.
Sam's brow furrowed as he saw a large, red leather bag hanging on a hook. He turned, only to frown when he saw the spot where Selena had been empty. He looked around in confusion and alarm.
"Selena?" Sam called. There was no response. "Selena!"
"Sam, what's wrong?" Dean asked, coming over to him.
"Selena's missing."
"What? How?"
Sam's response was interrupted by the Carrigans appearing and attacking them.
Xxx
The sight and sound of her brothers in pain made Selena's blood boil. Her nails had penetrated the wooden stake ever since Sam's blood had first permeated the air. The coppery tang setting her teeth on edge.
The poor stake groaned quietly as her hand tightened around it, threatening to break.
:Not yet, Selena. Must be patient: Cheshire said calmly.
Selena sent the feline a mental glare, but didn't argue. As much as she hated to admit it, Cheshire was right. It wouldn't do her any good to alert the gods now when they had Sam and Dean at their mercy.
Selena tensed as Mr. Cannigan approached Sam with a small set of pliers, an unassuming smile on his face. Sam, sensing where this was about to go, struggled as the male god grabbed one of his hands.
No, don't." He pleaded, breathing heavily through his nose.
Mr. Cannigan forcefully grabbed onto his fingers, applying enough pressure to keep it there and pulled out Sam's nail with the pliers. He chuckled, holding up the nail like it was a prize.
"Oh, we got a winner!"
Selena restrained a growl and disappeared to the living room. Screw it. She glanced around, then settled on a vase. Her tilted. That would do. Quickly walking over to the base, just as she heard, "...We forgot the tooth!", She knocked it over.
The vase crashed to the floor with a loud CRASH!
Silence ensued in the kitchen. Few seconds passed and the two gods came into the living room, investigating the sound. While they were looking for her, Selena slipped into the kitchen and became visible.
Sam's eyes widen upon seeing her.
"Sel-" He cut himself off as Selena putting a finger to her lips, indicating him to be quiet. Dean tilted his head back.
"Selena." He said. "Where ha-"
"Shh." Selena materialized a dagger and cut their bindings. Standing back as the two men stood up and rubbed their wrists. Selena stared at the lines of red on their arms. If she hadn't had waited. If she had taken the gods out when there was still time…
The sounds of footsteps brought her out of her thoughts. What if's weren't going to change things. She must focus and pay these gods back for their...hospitality. However, before they could be discovered, the doorbell rang and the footsteps stopped. There was an exasperated sigh, then they heard Mr. Cannigan speak.
"Come on." The footsteps went towards the door, giving the siblings time to exit the kitchen and come up with a plan.
When the Carrigans waved the neighbor goodbye, then closed the door. They were no doubt surprised to find their "guests" gone. Even more surprised to have both the kitchen doors slam shut and barricaded.
Selena iced the door over, adding more reinforcement as the two gods tried to get out and Dean gave her a small grateful nod. She tilted her chin up briefly in response. They went over to Sam's side and she did the same thing.
"What do we do now?" Dean asked over the constant banging on the door. "The Evergreen stakes are in the basement."
"I still have mine." Selena said, holding up her stake.
"That's good an all, but what about me and Dean?" Sam questioned. His gaze then fell on the Christmas tree and an idea formed. "I think I just found us some more."
Dean and Selena followed his gaze to the tree and they immediately agreed.
"Come on."
They hurry over to the tree and tipped it on its side, Sam and Dean each breaking off a long branch. Soon, the banging stopped and the three took a step forward cautiously, only for Mr. Carrigan to come flying around the corner towards them. He tackled Dean to the ground and started wailing on him.
Mrs. Carrigan came into sight, smiling but her eyes belayed the anger she was feeling.
"You little things…" She chuckled, true form showing for a brief flash. "I loved that tree." She backhanded Sam across the room and he crashed into the wall, breaking a table as he fell to the ground. "And you…" the older woman turned her attention to Selena. "You broke my favorite vase."
"I'll break more than that, hag."
Mrs. Carrigan gained an offended expression and lunged at Selena, only to get a face full of mist and a chest full of a tree branch. She gasped, shakily looking up at Sam.
Selena reappeared beside her brother, watching the life fade from the female god's eyes. A mixture of satisfaction and dissatisfaction welled up inside of her. She was satisfied that the woman was dad, but displeased that she didn't get to suffer more for what she and her husband did.
"Madge!" Mr. Carrigan yelled in distress, pausing his assault on Dean.
Taking advantage of the situation, Dean grabbed his makeshift stake and slapped the older male, knocking him on his back. Dean scrambled on top of him and stabbed the god in the chest.
Mr. Carrigan cried out, before his body went limp and the lights went out in his eyes. The married couple lay adjacent to each other, staring up at the ceiling with unseeing eyes.
:In life they were together, so shall they be in death.: Cheshire stated darkly.
Selena didn't comment. Her mind went to the pain and grief in Mr. Carrigan's voice as his wife died. There it was again. That type of love only devoted couples had. She had seen it faked on occasion, other times very real it seemed almost unbelievable.
She thought about the relationship between her and Crowley. Her heart gave a painful pang and she frowned softly. Did she want that same type of love for Crowley? She was always a finish to the end kind of person, but was Crowley? She wasn't naive to think that Crowley hadn't been with a lot of people over the course of his life. People who weren't a human popsicle and who could give him more than she could.
The thoughts made her more uneasy than it should have.
*TIME SKIP*
Selena stepped out of the motel room, fingers moving over the buttons on her phone at a fast pace as she texted Crowley.
Me: Merry Christmas. [Image]
She looked over the text, thumb hesitating on the send button. Should she? Honestly, there was nothing wrong with it. It was just a picture of a small dog sculpture she made. Nothing serious, but for some reason she was hesitating.
Sighing, she pushed her doubt aside and pressed the button, then put her phone away and looked up at the dark sky.
It was peaceful for Christmas. Sam had decided to celebrate this year. To give Dean his one wish. To her it was bittersweet, but she wouldn't ruin it when he and Dean seemed to like it.
Her quiet time was interrupted by a low voice and an arm wrapping itself around her, pulling her flush against the side of a warm body.
"Job well done, little one." Azazel said softly in her ear, unnaturally high body heat driving away the cold she was familiar with.
She grunted, not moving away. He'd just pull her back anyway.
"Are you still upset with me? My, you can hold a grudge." His nose nuzzled in her hair, making her brows furrow in slight displeasure.
"A grudge that is being held for a reason, demon."
"That I can not deny. But it's not healthy." He chuckled at the look she gave him.
"Healthy isn't an option with someone like you around." Selena fell into a pensive silence. His words from three days ago suddenly coming to mind. They were connected by blood
Azazel squeezes her lightly when she was quiet for more than a minute. "What's on your mind?"
"Did you give your blood to Sam and the other special children?" She asked.
"Yes." Straightforward. Blunt. Not even a hint of a lie in his scent. "My blood is the reason you and them have powers."
"And we were being scouted so the Devil could have a vessel." That didn't sit well with Selena. Being possessed wasn't something she never wanted to experience. The feeling of not being in control of her own actions…
As if sensing her thoughts, Azazel ran a comforting hand through her hair. "Don't worry about that. I'll be here to keep you safe."
"Hn. If the Devil is real, then...were you an angel?" She looked up at him, head tilted and unconsciously radiating an aura of innocence.
Azazel smirked, moving her bangs out of the way. Selena watched as his own eyes bled yellow. A mixture of lighter shades of yellow instead of just one, and now that she looked closely, he had no pupil.
"And where did you get that idea?" He asked. But she wasn't fooled. He knew exactly where she got her information. The amusement in his eyes gave him away.
"Reading. Is it true?"
"Every truth has some form of lie. Same goes for the opposite."
Her eyes narrowed. Was he trying to pull a fast one over her, the expert at confusing people with cryptic talk and riddles? Instead of prying, she just fell silent. A low buzz was heard from her pocket and she took out her phone to see Crowley had replied.
DogKing: It's beautiful, darling. Have no idea how you've made my day.
"Who are you texting?" Azazel asked, peering down at her phone with a casual expression. "DogKing? A weird name."
"Not a name. A nickname." Selena corrected. "And who I'm texting is none of your business."
Her phone buzzed again.
DogKing: Though I don't celebrate it, I wish you a merry Christmas too. Hope you've been a good girl this year. But... I won't mind you being naughty either.
Azazel's fingers twitched as he read the last sentence.
"Is it that Daniel guy? I might have to have a talk with him."
"No. And touch Daniel and I will rip off your limbs and stick them where the sun doesn't shine."
He chuckled, patting her head as if she didn't just threaten to rip off his limbs. Selena didn't know whether to feel insulted that her threat was dismissed so easily, then she remembered she was talking to a demon. Who knows how many threats he's heard?
He was still patting her head. She moved her head, but-if possible-he just moved closer and she huffed quietly.
A small glint of white caught her eye, making her look up to see a snowflake floating gently down. Her eyes followed it as it landed on the ground, more soon joining it until the ground was covered in a light layer of white.
Well, this Christmas could be worst. She would allow some small amounts of close contact from him for a while. And if she allowed that small part of Alex in her being to preen and grow a bit, then it was nobody's business but her own.