A/N: Thanks to my one review so far from EvilAngelTeamGabe, you really helped my muse with just a couple sentences! =)

CHAPTER TWO

After getting no sleep due to spending the night chatting with an angel, Jo collapsed into the backseat of the car early in the morning. Ellen was in the driver's seat with Castiel and Jo taking up the back. For the most part the ride was quiet but every so often she would catch the pair exchanging glances at one another. A few times they caught one another's gaze and just stared into each other's eyes. But for the most part Jo would steal a glance at the angel, and Castiel would watch her with intensity anytime the blonde looked out her car window. Ellen knew her daughter would be curious about the angel, Jo was always one to get herself into troublesome situations. However what she had not expected was for Castiel to be so curious and seemingly intrigued with Jo.

They arrived too soon and with guns in hand they emerged from the car. Of course Castiel needed no weaponry which Jo found to be totally badass. Immediately the angel noticed something strange.

"What is it?"

Jo asked, there was already an edge to her voice.

"Reapers, a myriad of them scattered over this town. I need to find out why."

With that Castiel popped out of sight. When Sam and Dean arrived they explained the tidbit of information the angel gave them. It made no difference in their mission to find Lucifer so off the determined band of hunters went. Within minutes they were plagued by hell hounds and Jo was firing shots of rock salt left and right.

"Jo! God damnit run!"

Dean hollered behind her while firing of a few shots of his own. She turned and started to run towards the rest of them who had gotten a few paces ahead. Then she was yanked backwards and tossed to the pavement. She could feel the invisible hound's teeth yanking her down by her jacket. She screamed, her heart was pounding in her chest, and she knew death was finally coming for her.

Then Castiel appeared next to her. He held his hand out on what she assumed was the hell hound's body and light burst from his palm. She heard a gurgled yelping sound, then the angel's arms were around her and lifting her up. His arms held her against his chest.

"Thank you"

She managed to mumble to him.

"Do not let go"

Castiel commanded then the two disappeared from the street. They popped back into existence inside a hardware store. Castiel went to the door, quickly unlocking it and letting Dean, Sam, and a very worried Ellen inside. She was immediately at Jo's side checking her over.

"You okay? Oh god I thought they had you back there Jo, you had me worried sick."

Ellen said, grabbing her into a rough hug. Jo patted her mother's back with reassurance. She was still shaken up but knew she had to be strong for her mother, she had lost too much already.

"I'm alright thanks to Cas, he saved my butt back there."

Jo stated, smiling at the awkward angel who had saved her life. She wanted to say more but knew now was not the time.

"Alright well lets fast forward through the emotional part shall we? And get some salt lines down so we can plan our next move here."

Dean commanded with his usual tone of sarcasm. Everyone listened without question though, knowing he was right. Jo headed down an aisle with Castiel following at her heels while she searched for rock salt. Sam and Dean went into another aisle to dig around for any type of weaponry. Sam could not help but chuckle at the stunned look on Dean's face.

"What's the matter? Jealous Cas found someone else to tag along with?"

Dean simply glared at him.

"Shut up."

Sam rolled his eyes and kept looking around, personally he was glad the angel might have found himself another friend, he needed one.

While Ellen guarded the door Jo found some rock salt and dragged it off a bottom shelf. She had heard Castiel following her and turned to face him. For the first time she could easily read his sky blue eyes, there was concern in them.

"Are you alright Jo?"

He sounded like a little kid asking if their pet fish was going to live, so innocent but full of intense emotions they could not quite understand yet. Jo smiled up at him, placing the bag of salt on a cash-out counter next to them. She stepped over and put her arms around his neck, pulling him close for a hug. She felt his entire body tense up as she whispered in his ear.

"I am because of you. You really saved me out there Cas."

She pulled back just as he seemed to be getting the idea of what a good hug should be like. He dropped his arms back to his sides.

"Well you needed saving, and I was able, so I did."

He said while awkwardly shifting his eyes to the floor tiles. Jo just grinned, grabbing the rock salt and heading to her mother.

They got the salt lines down and even found some time to plan a bit more. Castiel explained how the reapers meant Lucifer could be summoning Death. Together they agreed the Winchesters would go after Lucifer with Ellen's help. She resisted splitting up with Jo but knew Castiel was the best protector her daughter could have right now. So off they went, Jo and Castiel planning to investigate further on the reaper situation. That's when Lucifer managed to trap the both of them.

Jo woke up slowly, her head throbbing and her eyes struggling to adjust to the dim lighting. She was laying on cement but could see an unusual brightness on the floor. As she came to she realized it was a ring of fire burning low along the floor. She propped herself up on her elbows as an unfamiliar voice spoke up.

"Ah, and she finally awakens."

The voice felt slimy as it slithered through the air to her ears. Was it even possible to 'sound' grimy and scum like? Jo stood up slowly and realized Castiel was standing in the circle of flames as well. The fire was keeping Castiel in place, an angel trap of sorts, she was pretty sure she could step out of it. But after one look at the grungy blonde leaning against the far wall, she decided to keep close to the angel in the trench coat.

"So, Jo Harvelle, that's who you pick to come defeat me? Really Castiel?"

He spoke again, this time pushing off the wall and walking closer to them. A young woman remained at the far wall and Jo recognized her as the demon Meg, the bitch who sent the hell hounds after them. As the blonde man stepped closer the orange glow of the flames cast upon his face, revealing skin that was peeling away like a nasty sunburn. This was the devil, Lucifer, standing right before them in the flesh. Chills ran down her spine and her blood felt cold as it coursed through her veins. Jo had encountered some pretty evil crap in her time but this was a whole new level.