Last chapter for now. There will be a sequel. Thank you for all of your support and reviews. Here we go. I own nothing. The passage Crowley uses for his vows is from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The song they danced to, Crazy Love by Van Morrison
"Married?!?!" Dennis questioned, the surprise evident in his voice.
"Oh my gosh! Let me see the ring!" Lisa said as she pushed past him, grabbing Christine's left hand and pulling it closer to her. " It's gorgeous!" she said turning Chris's hand so the ring would catch the light.
" Are you sure about this?" Dennis asked.
Christine smiled at Lisa, " Thanks, I love it. Yeah, I'm sure. I love him more than anyone I've ever met. He makes me so happy Dennis, you have no idea."
" I just don't want you to rush into anything."
" I'm not, and I was sort of hoping that you would give me away since my dad isn't here. You're the closest thing I have to family."
" I' d be honored. If you're sure then that's good enough for me."
Chris hugged him, " Thank you."
Dennis hugged her back tightly. She was like a daughter to him and he was happy to be there for her. Pulling back he asked, " So have you set a date yet?"
" Not yet, but it will probably be before the year is out."
" That's really soon." Lisa said. " Is that enough time to plan?"
" We aren't really planning anything big. Crowley doesn't really go in for churches and priests so it's just going to be a small ceremony with the Justice of the Peace."
They stood talking a few more minutes. This was Christine's first shift since getting her job back and she was excited to be back with her work family.
Lisa, who was just getting off her shift, hugged her. " Let me know if you need anything."
" Of course." Chris told her and hugged her back.
Lisa left and Chris said, " Well, did you miss me old man?"
Dennis laughed, " You know I did."
The rest of the shift passed quickly and when 8 a.m. rolled around again Christine was exhausted.
" You alright?" Alan asked. He was the incoming supervisor. " You look terrible, no offense."
Chris smiled, " None taken. It was extremely busy last night and I didn't get much sleep. Plus I'm not feeling very well. I think I may be coming down with something."
" Well go on home and get some rest. Take care of yourself."
" Sleep sounds amazing right now. I'll see you next time."
She finished gathering her things and left. Chris was so tired she almost wasn't sure if should be able to drive home, but she made it.
Walking in the front door she kicked off her boots and headed straight for the shower. She bathed quickly and out on some comfy pjs and was asleep almost as soon as she got in bed.
Crowley sat in his office in Hell. Thoughts rolling around in his head. Marriage. Hadn't worked out so well for him last time, but that didn't matter, he didn't love her. He loved Christine though. Loved her beyond reason. Screams echoing in the background reminded him exactly who and what he was, but was that what he even wanted anymore? Christine had told him that she didn't need him to give up his crown, that she loved him as he was.
" She's so much better than I deserve," he said to himself.
Standing he pushed his chair in and went to leave through the door that led to his home. He turned and glanced back his office once more and then went through the door and shut it. He had no plans to be back there anytime soon.
Crowley climbed the stairs out if the basement. Walking through the home he saw traces of Christine here and there. There was a picture of the two of them on the refrigerator held there by a small yellow magnet in the shape of a flower. In the living room a fluffy purple blanket on the end of the sofa. She liked to snuggle under it while she watched tv. In his bedroom there was a pair of earrings on his dresser, and he didn't even want to begin to think of her various products in his bathroom. Too many to count. He knew she was sleeping but the need to see her was too great and he vanished.
Christine's home was quiet except for the sound of a fan coming from the bedroom. Crowley walked down the hall to her room. She was on her back sprawled out in the middle of the bed. One arm over her eyes the other straight out to the side. Soft snores came from her as she slumbered. Even as she slept Christine captivated him. He sat in the chair near her bed and watched her sleep. Hours passed as Crowley sat there. Finally her eyes began to flutter.
Christine stretched as she awoke. Opening her eyes she looked around the room and she was startled to find Crowley sitting there beside her bed.
" Hey." she said. Her voice still raspy from sleep.
" Good afternoon." He said and reached out for her hand. She grasped his and their fingers entwined. " You're lovely when you sleep."
Christine smiled at him, " And just how long have you been here?"
" Long enough to watch you sleep the day away."
" Sorry," she said making her way over to the edge of the bed. " I didn't think I was that tired."
" I'm guessing it was a busy shift?"
" Yeah. Up all night."
" You don't have to work you know. I'd be more than happy to take care of you."
Christine kissed his cheek, " That's sweet, but like I said before, I won't be a kept woman." She got up and went into the bathroom.
Crowley waited for her to come back out. " A kept woman? Is that what you call a husband taking care of his wife?"
" We aren't married yet. Besides, I'm not someone who can just sit around all day and be bored."
Crowley stood and took off his jacket. Grabbing her and and pulling her towards him. " I assure you, you wouldn't be bored," and he kissed her deeply. " I would keep you thoroughly entertained." He told her leading her toward the bed.
" Crowley," she said following him, " if I didn't know better I'd say that you were trying to distract me."
" One does try." He said as he laid her down, and he kept her thoroughly entertained for the next hour.
" How many?" Dean asked.
" Five so far. At least the ones that they've found. There's still at least 3 more missing women in a 20 mile radius."
" So eight women missing in the last, what, four or five months?"
" Yeah. I was looking through a few old newspapers, there were 4 other women that went missing 10 years ago. So either it's a weird coincidence or there's something going on."
Dean took a drink of his beer, thinking over what Dam had told him. " So what are you thinking?"
" I'm not sure yet. Maybe some sort of feeding cycle, but that's a heck of an increase. "
" Serial killer?" Dean offered as an alternative.
I guess it's possible, but the condition of the bodies and the increase in women taken just doesn't add up. If it is a human they're drawing an awful lot of attention to themselves."
" Well whatever it is, it's worth checking out." Dean said as he got up from the bed in the hotel room. " You said the condition of the bodies. What was their condition?"
" Almost all of them showed signs of being bitten but the bite marks haven't been identified. Also there's been organ removal."
" Bite marks. That could be just from random animals right?"
" Normally I'd say yes but the bites have been focused in the neck areas near or on the carotid arteries and also near or on the femoral arteries. That's pretty damn specific for a scavenger."
Dean walked over to read the files over Sam's shoulder. He also saw a few of the autopsy photos. " Well I guess we should get started then."
" Don't engaged couples usually choose a date to marry?" Crowley asked Christine. It had been almost 6 months since he had proposed and she still wouldn't pick a day.
" I didn't know you were in such a rush." She said.
" I'd marry you tonight if you'd agree."
" Tell you what. How about December 1st. Is that okay with you?" she replied a little agitated.
" Of course. If you'd rather wait it's fine. I don't understand why you're upset."
Christine got up and went to stand near the window. The sun was setting. The view from this window was one of her favorites. Crowley's home had nothing but open land behind it and it was beautiful. " I'm sorry. It's nothing you've done. I just didn't realize how much it would bother me that my dad isn't going to be there."
" Darling I'm sorry. I didn't realize,"
"It's not your fault. Besides Dennis said he would give me away. It just makes me a little sad, that's all."
Crowley rose and went to her. His arms circled her waist and he rested his chin on her shoulder. They both gazed out at the darkening sky. " I'll make you a deal. Let me take care of everything. You don't worry about a thing. In return, you agree to show up on December 1st at 5 in the evening wearing a beautiful gown."
" It's a deal," she said. and turned her head and kissed him softly.
Crowley started to deepen the kiss when his phone rang. "Damn."
" I have to run anyway. Girls night."
" Have a good time love." he told her as he answered his phone. " What kind of trouble have you landed yourselves in this time?" He said having seen Deans name on his caller ID.
" Well at least we weren't dumb enough to walk right into a vampires trap." Dean answered.
Crowley could hear Sam asking for the phone and finally he must have taken it away from Dean. " Can you two ever get along?"
" It's how we show our love. What did you need?"
" Do you remember that guy you were telling us about? Brad or Brian or something?"
" Vaguely. Why do you ask?"
" There's been some really odd murders here. 5 women so far and 3 still missing."
" And this concerns me how?"
" Well, Chris told us he made a deal with you. Was it maybe for some sort of power or ability?" Sam told him.
" No. I let him live."
" What exactly were the terms?" Sam asked.
" He had a nasty fall, was about to die, I let him live. Told him he would have 10 years of perfect health."
" That's just great." Sam said as he closed his eyes. " The nest of vampires? The ones you went back for but they were gone? I think we found them, and I think they have a new leader."
" How do you know it's him?"
" He left a note. For you."
" A note? What are we high school girls?"
" It was found at one of the crime scenes. On the wall written in blood."
Crowley sighed. " Well are going to tell me or do I have to guess."
" Tell Crowley I'm coming."
" And I still don't see how this is my problem. Did he sign it love Brad or something? "
Sam rolled his eyes, some days dealing with Crowley was like dealing with a 4 year old. " No love, just Brett."
" Well. I did give him 10 years. Let me know what you come up with."
" So you're not gonna do anything?"
" What would you like me to do? Cancel the contract? Collect early? "
" Can you?" Sam asked.
" Of course I can. I just won't."
" So he's obviously threatening you and you're not gonna do anything?"
" Look. I don't tell you how to hunt do I? If he comes for me I'll handle it."
" We think he's been turned. Vampires."
" I appreciate your concern. I do. Very sweet and all, but I'm not concerned about a newborn with a grudge."
" If he starts heading your way we'll let you know."
" Fine. Is there anything else? "
" No, but I still think,"
Crowley ended the call.
He hung up on me.
" Tried to tell you. He's still an ass." Dean said.
" Yeah, I know."
" So. Do we go after this guy or not?"
" I don't know. Something doesn't make sense. If he's responsible for the missing women, what about the 4 from 10 years ago?"
" Maybe he was from here, or maybe its just a coincidence?"
" Nah. Something about this is weird. I think it's time we check out Brett."
Crowley stared out the window a few more minutes before vanishing from the room. He reappeared in front of an older home surrounded by dead and dying trees. Boards covered broken windows, and a rotten screen door hung loosely from it's hinges.
" Well, isn't this cliche." he mumbled to himself. " Come on out Brad!" He yelled loudly as he walked onto the porch. The stairs bowed under his weight, and the boards on the porch creaked with every step. " Don't make me come in! If I do, everyone inside dies!"
The door opened slightly and a pale face peeked through the crack, " There's no one named Brad here." It said in a whisper.
" Oh, I forgot, his name is Brett. Now send him out," Crowley said and his eyes flashed red.
The door shut quickly and he could hear voices inside. Finally the door opened and Brett stepped out onto the porch. He was dirty and his clothes were torn. There was a large scar on his neck where he had been bitten some months ago. " What do you want?" He as Crowley.
" Well, I heard you'd been leaving notes for me. Thought I'd come by for a chat."
" Yeah, well I only have one thing to say to you. I'm coming for Christine. I know I can't kill you, but I can turn her. Then she'll be mine forever."
Crowley couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was he honestly that stupid? " Are you really that stupid? Do you think I would stand by and let that happen?"
" If you remember my contract says 10 years of perfect health. I can't be killed."
Crowley regarded him for a moment. " Is that right? Before we get into the details if your little threat," Crowley snapped his fingers, " your contract has been canceled."
" You can't do that! We had a deal!"
" I can, and I did. Now," he said reaching out and grabbing him by the front of the shirt, " tell me again what your plans are for my Christine."
Brett struggled to break away but Crowley held him firmly in place. When he realized that he wasn't going to get free he lunged at Crowley, trying to get his teeth into his neck. He pushed him away easily and Brett fell to the ground.
Crowley reached down and grabbed his arm and jerked him into a standing position. " Now. I've been more than fair and my patience with you has run out." He reached out and grabbed him by the throat. " I'll see you in Hell Brad. Literally." Crowley tightened his hold on Brett's throat and crushed his windpipe. Letting him fall to the porch Crowley waved his hand and Brett caught fire. Unable to scream he rolled over and over on the porch trying to put the flames out. Crowley watched until there was nothing left but a burnt husk with some bones showing through the ash. He stepped down off of the porch and once more held his hand up as he watched the home burst into flames. While he was here he might as well take care of the entire problem. Screams could be heard from the inside but no door or window would open. Crowley stayed until the screams stopped and then vanished from sight.
He reappeared in his home. Picking up his phone he dialed Sam. It rang a few times before he answered.
" Hello?"
" No need to worry about our little problem. It's been taken care of." Crowley told him.
" What? When?"
" Just now. So the disappearances will stop. You're welcome." He said and he started to hang up, but didn't. " I'm getting married in a few weeks, I'll send you the address. December 1st 5 p.m."
" Are you inviting us to your wedding?" Sam asked a little amused.
" Well, yes. Not like I have anyone else to ask."
" What about all of your subjects?" Sam was enjoying this far too much.
" Do you really think she would like demons at her wedding?" Crowley asked, becoming irritated.
Sam laughed, " Of course we'll come. Can we do anything to help?"
" No," he started, " Well there's one thing."
A light snow had fallen the night before covering the meadow in a soft sheet of white. Chairs sat in perfect rows creating an aisle in the middle, runners laid on the ground to protect feet and shoes from the cold and wet. A wooden arch stood at the end of the aisle. Purple and white flowers along with green vines adorned it. Guests would soon fill the seats and Christine would end the day married. She looked out again over the area that had been decorated for their ceremony and it still didn't feel real. Crowley had left her and her friends in the home yesterday evening. He assured her he would be there, 5 o'clock sharp. It was noon now, and the activity around her in the kitchen was steadily increasing. The caterers were there adding last minute touches to dishes, the decorators were there as well making sure that not a single petal or tablecloth was out of place.
"Miss Parker? Is there anything I can help you with?" A young woman asked her.
" No, I'm fine. Just admiring the view." she said gesturing to the window. " It's beautiful."
The woman looked out. " Yes, it is. I hope your ceremony is just as beautiful."
" Thank you." Christine told her and went back to the bedroom. Her friends were all tucked away in guest rooms but she had no doubt they would find their way to her soon enough to start getting ready. She lay back in the bed and closed her eyes. She was excited for the day, but sad too. Her father's absence today weighed heavily on her. Still, the thought of spending the rest of her life with Crowley made her happy. Christine let herself drift and fell into a light sleep, the next thing she knew there was knocking on the bedroom door. " Come in!"
Lisa and Sally came into the room. Gwen, one of her best friends came in as well.
" Hey! Wake up sleepy head!" Gwen said as she jumped on the bed.
" Just trying to get my beauty sleep." Chris said as she sat up and rubbed her face.
" Whatever, you're beautiful." Lisa told her.
" I can't believe you're finally getting married." Gwen said. She had been married for almost 5 years and already had 1 baby with another on the way.
Sally was standing back smiling. " I have your dress dear. Now, it's nearly 2:30, so we need to start getting you ready."
Christine smiled at her and got up and gave her the biggest hug she could. " I can't thank you enough for being here. You and Dennis, well you're family to me. Thank you so much."
Sally hugged her tightly back, " Honey," she whispered in her ear, " I love you like you're my own daughter, Dennis does too. There's no way we wouldn't be here for you." She told her and pulled back. She wiped a tear from Christine's face. " Now, get in there and shower. We have work to do."
Crowley stood at the end of the aisle. To say that he was actually nervous was an understatement. Next to him stood Sam and Dean Winchester.
" I can't believe I let you talk me into this." Dean said lowly to Sam.
Sam laughed a little, " Come on, he took out that whole nest of vampires. Plus he got rid of Abaddon and Caleb. We kind of owe him."
" I'm just saying that my list of fun things does not include being a groomsman for a demon," He replied.
" You're just mad you're not best man." Sam said teasingly.
Crowley rolled his eyes and turned to look at them. " Could you please try and remember this is about me?"
It was Dean's turn to roll his eyes, " Isn't it always?"
" Don't worry Dean, even though I'll be a married man soon, there will always be a place in my heart for you."
" Shut up," Dean said.
" Why don't" Crowley started.
" Stop it, the both of you." Sam said, " Look," and he pointed down the aisle where Lisa and Gwen had started their walk down.
Crowley's attention was solely on Christine as she stepped into view to take Dennis's arm. She was more beautiful than the day he first saw her. As she walked down the aisle on Dennis's arm he felt breath leave his body. Her blonde hair was down and fell over her shoulders. Her dress was off white and hugged the top of her body, and went on to flow around her feet.
" Sam, " Crowley started.
Sam reached out and grabbed him by the upper arm to steady him, " Breathe, just breathe."
Dennis delivered Christine to Crowley, and gave her a kiss on her cheek. He turned to Crowley, " Take care of our girl." He put out his hand to shake Crowley's.
" Until the end of time." Crowley said and shook the older man's hand.
Dennis left them to go sit next to Sally and watch the ceremony.
" I kept our deal." she said softly to him.
" I see that," Crowley told her, " you look," he stopped, " I have no words love." He took her hand and they turned to face the officiant. Crowley had absolutely refused any sort of religious figure.
" Friends and family, we gather here today to celebrate the union between Christine Parker and Fergus Crowley,"
Crowley cut his eyes at Sam and Dean who were silently trying to hide their laughter. " I'll deal with you two later," he whispered.
The man went on a few moments and then said, " Now I understand that the couple has written their own vows. Fergus would you like to start?"
For Christine's sake he let the use of that name pass, " Christine. Your love gives me hope. Your smile gives me joy, you make me a better man. When I'm with you everything else fades to the background. You are my life, my greatest gift. Forever with you could never be enough. I remember a passage I read once many years ago. At the time I didn't think much of it but now, I think it's perfect for what I'd like to convey to you. I have for the first time found what I can truly love - I have found you. You are my sympathy - my better self - my good angel - I am bound to you. I think you good, gifted, lovely: a fervent a solemn passion is conceived in my heart; it leans on you, draws you to my center and spring of life, wrap my existence about you and , kindling in pure, powerful flame, fuses you and me in one."
" Christine would you like to say your vows now?"
" I don't have a passage or poem but yes. Crowley, I give you my promise that from this day forward you won't walk alone. My heart will be your shelter and my arms will be a place you can call home. I promise to give you the best of myself and to ask of you no more than you can give. When I say I love you, it means that I know your secrets and don't judge you for them. It means that I care enough to fight for what we have and that I love you enough not to let go. This is the best day of my life, and not because of a party or presents, or even all these people here. Today is the day I will always remember. If I have done anything right in my life, it was giving my heart to you."
" Now that you have said your vows do you have rings you wish to exchange?"
" Yes we do." Crowley said and turned to take Christine's ring from Sam, a simple platinum band.
" Here you go Fergus," Sam said.
" You're lucky I'm in a good mood." He told him taking the ring and turning back toward Christine.
Christine had taken Crowley's ring from Gwen and they stood facing each other. " Place the ring on her finger and repeat after me."
Crowley slid the ring onto her finger and waited for the officiant to begin, " With this ring I thee wed."
" With this ring, " he said, and brought her hand to his lips placing a small kiss on the ring, " I thee wed."
" Christine, if you would please place the ring on his finger and repeat after me," Christine placed the ring on his finger. Like hers just a simple platinum band. " With this ring I thee wed."
Christine looked into his eyes and slid the ring onto his finger, " With this ring, I thee wed." Tears leaked from her eyes.
" And so as you have committed yourself to each other, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
The people in the audience cheered loudly and Crowley grabbed Christine and pulled her to him. " Mine." he said softly and kissed her passionately drawing cat calls from the people watching them.
When they broke apart Christine smiled at him. " Yours," she told him. Crowley offered her his arm, much like he did on the night he walked her home. " Can we leave yet?" she whispered to him and she took his arm.
" Soon love." he told her and they walked together into the house where the reception was waiting for them.
Their first dance was something that Crowley had managed to keep a secret from her, she had no idea what song he had chosen even though she had begged repeatedly for him to tell her.
" You promised to leave the details to me." He had told her.
Now that they were listening to the leader of the band introduce them for their first time she nervously wondered what he had chosen.
" I give you Mr. and Mrs. Crowley and their first dance as man and wife."
The makeshift dance floor that had been set up after all the furniture had been cleared out of the house was cleared for them, Crowley took her by the hand and led her to the center. The singer started singing and she knew he had chosen perfectly. Christine put her arms around his neck and rested her head against his chest, swaying slowly together as the music played.
I can hear her heartbeat for a thousand miles
And the heavens open every time she smiles
and when I come to her that's where I belong
Yet I'm running to her like a river's song
She give me love, love, love, love, crazy love
She give me love, love love, love, crazy love
Christine looked up and smiled at him, " This is perfect. Thank you for taking care of all of this."
" Honestly darling, what did you expect? I'd only have the best for you." He told her and kissed her.
She's got a fine sense of humor when I'm feeling low down
And when I come to her when the sun goes down
Take away my trouble, take away my grief
Take away my heartache, in the night like a thief
They finished their dance and received a round of applause when it was over. Before long the cake was cut, pictures had been taken, and food was served. Finally he turned to her and said, " It's time to go darling." Crowley stood and asked for everyone's attention. " Thank you all for coming, but it's time that my wife and I made our departure. Feel free to stay here tonight if you need to. Thank you all again for coming."
He took her hand and led her outside. Everyone was throwing birdseed at them. Crowley didn't quite understand why, Christine had explained it to him, but it still didn't make sense. He opened her door to the car and closed it after she slid in. Getting into the drivers seat he started the car and pulled away.
" Where are we going?" Christine asked.
"Where ever you like. Just name a place and we'll go."
Christine thought for a moment. " How about Scotland? I'd like to see where you're from."
" Who honeymoons in Scotland? I thought you'd pick something a bit more tropical."
" Well, how about Scotland for a few days and then Fiji?"
Crowley took her hand and brought it to his lips and kissed her palm. " Anything you want love."
Thats it for now. I have a sequel planned. Thank you all for reading