In this fic, Castiel will be referred to using the pronoun she, while Meg will be referred to using he.

Castiel followed their Flight away from the house. Inside, Lily Sunder was still crying over the loss of her daughter. It was none of Castiel's concern though. The mission had been completed. The Nephilim had been destroyed, along with Akobel. Their Father's work had been done. Now it was time to return home.

"Castiel, wait," Ishim ordered.

Castiel stopped walking and stood patiently waiting for Ishim to continue.

"With Akobel gone, we need someone stationed in this area observing the humans. I've chosen you."

Castiel was stunned but didn't voice it. "Yes, Ishim."

Ishim narrowed his eyes. "You're displeased."

"I am surprised. I…"

"Speak freely."

"I'm a soldier."

"I know. However, with Akobel's betrayal, I want someone I know I can trust. You're a good angel, Castiel. Loyal. I know you won't fall victim to the infants."

"I won't disappoint you." While Castiel did not hold the utter disdain most of the angels held for humanity, there was none of the fascination that Akobel had shown.

"See that you don't."

The rest of Castiel's flight teleported away, and the angel was left alone. Focusing inward, Castiel awoke the human soul that owned the body.

"Is it over?" Hyacinth Novak asked.

"Yes. I thank you for allowing the use of your vessel. There is, however, a change of plans. I've been assigned here."

"Why?"

"An angel must stay and observe humanity. I know that I said I'd only need you as a vessel for a few hours. I…" Castiel sensed Hyacinth's uncertainty and trailed off.

"You need this to be a longer arrangement."

"Yes. I could find someone else, but few bloodlines are suited for long-term."

"I see. In that case, I feel I should learn more about you."

"I am an angel."

"Yes, but what do you do?"

"I'm a soldier of Heaven. A warrior."

"So you're a male?"

"I'm an angel. We have no sexes. Is that a problem?"

"No. However, for the sake of my virtue, I'm going to refer to you as she. I am an unmarried woman, after all."

Castiel sensed her amusement but didn't understand it. "As you wish."

Light laughter echoed and Castiel couldn't help but smile.

"You amuse me, Castiel." She paused. "Is that wrong?"

"No."

"Good. Then I consent to continue his arrangement."

Castiel felt a rush of relief. "Thank you."

Hyacinth guided Castiel to her home. It was a simple house, and Castiel could sense Hyacinth's pride in it.

"What do you like to eat?" Hyacinth asked.

"I don't need to ingest nutrients."

"Oh. Well, do you mind if we make dinner? My brother, John, will be home soon."

"I don't...cook.

"You're going to have to. We're not supposed to let anybody know you're here, correct? He will know something is wrong with me."

That was how Castiel found herself in the kitchen, hands covered in juices from raw chicken, and Hyacinth laughing in her head.

"You're terrible at this."

"That is to be expected." She placed the pot of chicken and vegetables into the oven and closed the door.

As Castiel was cleaning her hands, she suddenly froze, sensing something. It had to be a mistake though…

The front door opened and two men walked in. Castiel could feel Hyacinth's joy and knew this had to be her brother.

"Good afternoon. Dinner will be ready in a while," Castiel said, causing Hyacinth to once again laugh.

"Wonderful as always. Hyacinth I'd like you to meet Marcus. He'll be joining us for dinner."

Marcus had been by the front door removing his coat, but when he turned it took tremendous strength not to recoil.

A demon.

Castiel weakened the connection between angel and vessel, not wanting to alarm Hyacinth.

"It's… interesting to meet you, Marcus."

Marcus smirked. "I'm sure it is. John invited me to dinner, and I was only going to stay for drinks but I think I'll take him up on his offer."

"He wishes me to marry," Hyacinth explained, oblivious.

"You will not wed this...thing," Castiel stated.

Hyacinth demanded an explanation, but Castiel ignored her. Finally, she grew quiet.

John and Marcus retired to have a pre-dinner drink, and Castiel returned to the kitchen.

"Castiel you had better explain or I will take back my permission," Hyacinth stated.

Bristling at being dictated to by a human, Castiel reluctantly complied.

"Marcus is a demon. I think he is after John's soul."

"That's… John is too virtuous for that."

"He will be tempted. Promised whatever he desires. Few humans resist for long."

"Then you must stop it! You're an angel! Do something!"

"Of course."

Marcus did stay through dinner, and it took a lot of Castiel's strength to eat instead of smiting the demon.

"Castiel, do something!" Hyacinth pleaded, as they watched the friendship between John and the demon. "I cannot stand that thing in my home!"

Finally, dinner was over and Marcus left. While John went upstairs, Castiel hurried outside.

"I know you're still here," Castiel called, pulling out her angel blade.

"Of course I am," Marcus replied. She turned and saw the demon leaning against a tree.

"I will not allow you to corrupt John."

"That's not really your choice, is it?" Marcus asked as he examined his nails. "Humans have free will."

Castiel raised her blade, preparing to strike, and Marcus just raised an eyebrow in response. "Why aren't you afraid?"

"You have no idea who I am, do you?"

"You're just a demon. An abomination."

Marcus chuckled. "Yeah, just a regular old demon."

"Castiel, John!" Hyacinth interrupted.

"Look, we know the Novak line is important, so we're not gonna stop. Unless…" Marcus stepped closer, and for some reason Castiel felt her vessel's heart rate increase.

"You are safe, do not worry," Castiel reassured Hyacinth.

"That's not me," was her quiet reply.

Castiel didn't have time to ponder that because Marcus had started speaking again.

"I'm willing to make a wager of sorts."

"I'm an angel. I don't-"

"Fine. Then kill me and watch another take my place. And again and again. We won't stop until every member of your precious Novak line is obliterated."

"Please!" Hyacinth pleaded.

Castiel knew she could easily smite this demon, but what if the next was more powerful? She was a skilled warrior, but just a normal angel. Not even a Seraph.

"What are your terms?" Castiel reluctantly asked, and felt a wave of relief from Hyacinth.

"Simple. As you know there are seven deadly sins."

"As there are seven virtues."

"Precisely. If he upholds four of those boring virtues, you win."

"And the Novaks are safe forever."

"Yes. However, if he indulges in four sins, I win."

"And you destroy the Novak line."

Marcus tilted his head and stepped even closer. "Yes, but now I want something else too. Something personal."

Castiel could smell the sulphur from him. Underneath the human skin she could see the smoke and thorns of the demon's true form. It repulsed her bit for so reason also caused a strange tingling in her vessel's chest.

Hyacinth seemed to cower back, concerning Castiel. "Agree to anything. It's fine. My virtue is not more important than my brother. Just...agree to it's terms."

"I will not have sexual relations with you," Castiel replied, ignoring Hyacinth.

Marcus laughed. "That's your loss. What I had in mind though was a kiss. If I win, we kiss."

"Agree!" Hyacinth demanded.

"Fine. I agree to your terms."

Marcus held out his hand and Castiel took it, sealing the bet.