Jimmy opened the front door of the cabin, flipping on the lights before he walked in. Dean and Alicia followed, their bags slung on their shoulders, looking around. The cabin was clean and immaculate, with a rustic appearance and lots of windows (covered with privacy screens). There were separate spaces for a living room and fireplace, eating area, and a full kitchen with all the modern appliances. It was a far cry from the cheap and dingy motels the hunters were used to staying in over the years. Dean actually whistled softly, impressed.

"So, you have all the modern conveniences," Jimmy said as the two looked around. "The bedroom is through that door," he indicated a door opposite the kitchen, "and there's a full bathroom in there as well. And, there's a deck out back with a view of the lake."

"Not much of a view," Dean replied, looking out the back door.

"It's usually better when there's daylight," Jimmy said, trying not to sound too sarcastic.

"And Sam gets a place like this all to himself next door?" Dean asked, a little envious.

"Unless you would prefer him to share this cabin with the two of you," Jimmy replied, his sarcasm more evident. Dean gave him a look. "I didn't think so." The caretaker cleared his throat, talking normally. "There's also complimentary breakfast in the morning, and you three are more than welcome to join us, free of charge."

"Thank you, Jimmy," Alicia said sincerely. "For everything."

"My pleasure," Jimmy replied. "Now, sleep peacefully. You've more than earned it." He left, closing the front door behind him.

Alicia just stared at the door, tilted her head slightly, furrowing her eyebrows. "Huh," she said softly.

"What?" Dean asked as he put his bag on the kitchen island counter.

"Nothing," Alicia replied. "Just…had a feeling of déjà vu, that's all, like I heard that somewhere" Dean raised an eyebrow, but Alicia waved a hand dismissively as she put her bag on the eating table. "It's nothing, really. Probably heard it on the radio or something." Dean didn't look completely convinced, but he didn't say anything as he grabbed his bag and headed into the bedroom. Alicia glanced at the open door. "So…how mad at me are you?"

Dean came out, his face serious. "Pretty mad," he replied, and the young woman could tell he was trying not to raise his voice too much. "You almost died tonight, then you just disappeared, didn't take a phone or anything. We didn't know what had happened to you."

"I was fine," Alicia replied.

"We didn't know that, Allie," Dean said, frustrated. "For all we knew, Ramiel could have been waiting for you the moment you reappeared," his voice cracked a little, his expression faltering, "and there would have been nothing we could have done to save you."

Alicia opened her mouth, but she stopped herself. She closed her eyes, lowering her head. "I'm sorry," she replied softly. "I just…," she shook her head, "I'm sorry."

Dean closed his eyes, but he sighed. "Look," he said, trying to temper his frustration, "I know you're used to working by yourself and calling all the shots, but if we're gonna be a team, you can't just run off like that. Understood?" Alicia nodded. "Good. Now, that being said," he sighed deeply, "looks like you were right about this place."

Alicia looked up. "Really?"

Dean shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. I mean, I know this Jimmy guy isn't Cass, but he knew your mom, and I know that's important to you." Alicia smiled. "Though, I still think he was lying, saying these were the only two cabins available."

"You're just upset because I chose the one where my parents stayed when they were here," Alicia pointed out.

"It's the one where they," Dean replied, clearing his throat uncomfortably, "made you, which means it's the cabin where your parents—"

"Okay, stop," Alicia interrupted him. "That's not why I chose this cabin." Dean folded his arms, and Alicia raised her hands. "Signa ostende." Her eyes glowed, and suddenly a variety of glowing purple symbols appeared around the cabin walls, ceiling, and outside doors.

Dean looked around, a little surprised. "What the…?"

Alicia's eyes opened, and the glow in her eyes faded. "Dean, do you know what these symbols mean?"

"This place is protected?" Dean guessed lamely as the symbols slowly faded from sight.

"Exactly," Alicia replied, "and they shouldn't be here." Dean looked confused. "Dean, when a witch dies, their magic dies—and that includes any protective enchantments they've placed. Not only does my mother's energy still exist on this property, it's still strong—and it's strongest here. My mother was a powerful witch, but I don't recall any spell in any of her books that has the power to last beyond the death of the caster. I need to know why." She paused, remembering their earlier conversation, and she sighed. "I mean, I would like to try and find out why…if that's okay."

Dean sighed. "Look, let's just get some sleep. We'll figure all this out in the morning, okay?" Alicia nodded. "Now, I know you said back in Reno you weren't hurt, but I wanna make sure." Alicia looked like she was going to protest, but one look from Dean convinced her otherwise. She remained quiet as Dean began his examination, starting with her face. He pulled out his bandana and gently wiped the dried blood under her nose and the mascara streaks around her eyes. "Now, you were bleeding at the casino when you blasted Ramiel. What was that about?"

"All I can think of is I tapped into something I've never used before," Alicia replied. "I mean, the guy was about to barbeque me like he did our mothers, so I guess I fought back, but…," she shook her head, "I've never done that before."

"Well, whatever it was, it was really badass," Dean said as he continued his examination. "You don't have any burns or singe marks on you or your dress." He gently guided her to turn around, and he glanced down at the torn fabric. "And that was a smart idea, using holy ink to make our tattoos." He reached out to move the fabric to see her tattoo better, and she suddenly flinched away from him. "Hey, hey, it's okay." He paused when he saw Alicia shaking as she tried to suppress a sob. Dean turned her around, and Alicia's resolve just crumpled as she leaned against Dean, crying into his chest.

"I'm scared, Dean," she sobbed, her fingers curling around the fabric of his tuxedo, clinging to him.

"It's okay," Dean said softly as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her protectively. "I won't let him get you. I promise."

Alicia craned her head up to look Dean in the eyes, her cheeks streaked with fresh tears. She stared at him for a moment, her eyes searching his, then she leaned up to kiss him. It was gentle at first, but it deepened quickly as Alicia moved her arms around his neck. Dean wrapped his arms around her waist, returning the kiss, as he lifted her feet off the ground. Never breaking their kiss, he turned and headed into the bedroom, crossing over to the bed. He knelt down, gently laying Alicia on top of the soft blanket as he caged her with his body.

Alicia moved her hands down his shirt, pulling it completely out of the waistband of his pants. Her hands were steady as she unbuttoned the buttons down the front. Dean pulled back, resting on his knees as he removed the top shirt and his undershirt, tossing them both aside, then leaned back over, capturing her mouth with his. He shuddered under her touch as her fingers moved down his chest and abdomen to the waistband of his pants, and she quickly undid the buckle holding his belt in place.

Dean suddenly stopped, and he gave a frustrated grunt against Alicia's mouth. "Dammit," he said before pulling back, panting. "I can't."

"Can't what?" Alicia asked, confused as she propped herself up on her elbows. She looked confused for a second, then glanced at his pants briefly. "Oh, you mean—"

"No," Dean interrupted quickly, looking a little offended. "Believe me, there is no problem in that area."

"Then what is the problem?" Alicia asked. "I'm throwing myself at you here, so—"

"That is the problem," Dean replied as he scrambled into a sitting position, buckling his pants.

Alicia looked confused as she sat up. "Dean, only a few days ago, you were getting pissy because you said I was being prudish. Now, I'm finally ready, and you're saying you don't want me?"

Dean's expression faltered as he chuckled slightly. "Oh, believe me, Allie," he said, "I've been wanting you since the day we met, but," he shook his head slightly, "you're not ready." Alicia scoffed. "These past few days have been crazy for all of us, but especially for you, and tonight…tonight you almost died, and your emotions are dialed up to a thousand. You're trying to deal with everything, but this is not the way to do it."

"That's a little rich, coming from you," Alicia replied curtly.

"Okay," Dean said, trying not to be too offended by that comment. "If things were different and this was just a normal case or something, can you honestly say you'd be acting the same right now?" There was a flicker in Alicia's eyes. "See? Look, I get it, okay? Believe me, it is taking every ounce of strength I have not to rip that dress off you right now, but, if we did anything tonight…" he trailed off, his mind wandering a bit, chuckling slightly, "well, honestly, it'd probably be pretty awesome," he shrugged, looking serious, "but you know you'd hate yourself afterwards, and…I'd hate myself for taking advantage of you."

Alicia sighed and closed her eyes. He was right, and she knew it, and she started feeling really embarrassed. "I'm sorry," she whispered, looking on the verge of crying as she pulled her legs to her chest. "I can only imagine what you think of me right now."

"You're a normal human being?" Dean suggested jokingly. Alicia rolled her eyes. "Hey, just be glad you're with me and not some sleazy guy who doesn't have my standards."

Alicia furrowed her eyebrows. "And what standards are those?"

"I don't take advantage of emotionally vulnerable women," Dean pointed out. He looked at her for a moment, then quickly looked away before his mind started wandering. "That being said, I'll take the couch tonight."

"No," Alicia said quickly.

"Allie, I—"

"Dean, you think I wanna be by myself after I nearly died tonight?"

"You're not gonna be by yourself," Dean reassured her. "I'll be right outside the room, and your mom's got her magic all over this place. You said so yourself: we're safe here."

Alicia shook her head. "Look, I'll behave, I promise, but please don't leave me."

Dean took in a deep breath, closing his eyes as he lowered his head. "I'm gonna need a cold shower," he muttered under his breath. He exhaled loudly as he got to his feet. "Okay." He walked over to where he'd dropped his bag and leaned over, opening it and grabbing some clothes from it. "Look, you get changed out here, and I'll be out in a few." He walked into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

Dean flipped on the lightswitch and looked around the small room. It was really nice, compared to dingy bathrooms he'd used over the years. There was a toilet and a single sink and mirror, with granite countertop, tiled flooring, and a really nice glass walk-in shower (big enough for two people, Dean mused before quickly looking away)—and everything was spotless; there was even a hint of pine scent in the air. A little amused, the hunter quickly changed out of his pants and into a pair of cotton shorts and t-shirt. He turned on the faucet, cupping his hands under the tap and splashing his face with cold water. He grabbed a nearby towel and dried his face off, looking at his reflection in the mirror.

"Okay, Dean-O," speaking softly to himself. "You've hunted vampires, ghosts, demons, and all kinds of monsters. You can handle one night with Allie, you've done it before." He stared at the mirror for a few moments, trying to exude confidence, then shook his head. "Yeah, so just think of dead puppies or old naked people, and you'll be fine." He inhaled, then exhaled sharply. Steeling himself, he opened the door and took a step into the bedroom, then stopped when he saw Alicia standing on the other side of the bed, her back to him. She wore a pair of snug-fitting boy shorts and Dean managed to see a very nice view of her bare back before she pulled a matching camisole over her head and down her body.

"Dead puppies," Dean muttered under his breath as he closed his eyes. "Lots and lots of dead, dead puppies everywhere."

Alicia turned around when she heard his voice. "You okay?" she asked.

"Peachy," Dean replied, forcing a smile. He nodded at the bed. "You ready?" Alicia opened her mouth, but Dean held up a hand. "Wait." He walked over to his bag and pulled out his Bowie knife and gun, tucking the knife under his pillow and putting his gun on the nightstand. "Gotta have protection, you know."

Alicia raised an eyebrow, but she went over to her bag on the lone dresser in the room and rummaged around. She removed her knife and gun and copied what Dean did, then flicked her hand. The lamps turned off, flooring the room in darkness before the young woman got under the sheets on her side, and Dean hesitated a moment before joining her, laying on his back, his head resting on the pillow as he stared up at the ceiling. After a few moments, he felt a nudge on his side, and he glanced over to see Alicia looking at him expectantly. Dean took a deep breath and raised his arm, and Alicia sidled up close to him. She rested her head on his chest as she placed a hand over his sternum. Dean hesitated, not sure where he felt safe putting his arm, but then he felt her entire body relax as her breathing slowed. He craned his neck slightly and saw her eyes closed; she was already asleep.

Dean took in a deep breath and moved his arm around her waist, resting his other hand on top of hers, holding her protectively as he leaned his cheek against her head. His adrenaline was still pretty high from the evening's events, and he knew it was going to be a while before he would be relaxed enough to fall asleep himself. He didn't know how much time had passed, but the sound of her even, rhythmic breathing must have done the trick, because he eventually felt his eyelids grow heavy as he drifted off to sleep.

(End of Chapter 11)