New chapter! Cas is back…duh, duh, duh!

The next morning I was reminded that I hadn't come to New York for pleasure. Neal was treating me to a fancy breakfast at one of his favorite restaurants when my ear twitched at a sound not normal for New York.

I have been trained to recognize and remember the most acute sounds, smells, sights, sensations, everything so the sound of a spell being chanted quickly alerted me to their presence. I jumped up and grabbed Neal's hand, pulling him away moments before our table spontaneously combusted. I felt my eyes change as I scanned the area trying to find the druid responsible.

"What the-!"

"Show yourself coward!" I cried, my free hand clenching.

"Lindsey, easy," Neal said pulling me closer. It calmed me and made me more nervous at the same time, "Just breathe," he soothed stroking my hair. I gave a low hiss.

"Why are you so calm?" I snorted, more angry at whatever had the audacity to fire at us than anything else.

"We are both okay and that is not the strangest thing I have seen since I have known you," he said.

"Yeah but it's not something easily gotten used to."

"I am a man of many mysteries."

"Indeed you are," I said. "Come on, let's get out of here before the cops show up."

000

We got to the Bureau not long after the incident, and went up to Peter's office to let him know I was in town.

"Hey Lindsey, didn't realize you were coming."

"I didn't either," I replied honestly.

"What brings you here? I thought you and your friends went west for a little hunting trip."

"We were. Did. But there were some ahh… circumstances that required my immediate return."

"Oh?"

"Something better discussed in a more private setting," I said glancing at the crowded FBI White Collar lobby.

"I understand. Why don't you guys come over for supper tonight? I know El would love to see you guys again."

"Sure. I'll tell the clan to be there."

"Excellent we'll see you at 6:00," I nodded and gave Neal a kiss on the cheek before going to find my clan.

The crazy four had pretty much met up in front of the FBI building to wait for me. They were extremely excited about the dinner. Then the boys were off to baseball, the girls to the malls and I to myself… odd as it was.

I made my way to Neal's apartment, waving my greeting to June as I stepped in. She smiled and waved a reply as I started up the stairs.

When I opened the door I was met with Neal's friend and self-proclaimed philosopher, Mozzie, having a glass of, if my nose did not deceive me a fine Cabernet.

"Ah, the lovely Mrs. Caffery has returned from hunting so soon. Neal does have that effect on women," he said smiling kindly.

"Moz, I feel I should warn you I broke an angel's nose once for sneaking up on me."

"Ah but I didn't sneak up on you."

"No but it's a good rule of thumb not to startle me. I have been known to throw sharp and/or heavy objects."

"Duly noted," he said as I poured myself a glass of the wine. "So what brings you back to the Big Apple? Was it because you missed him?" I lowered my glass already half-way to my lips.

"If only it were that simple," I said, "No. I'm afraid not. My life is being threatened and the simplest way to take me is through my protectorate."

"Neal."

"Yeah."

"I'm sure you know there were others before you," Mozzie said to which I nodded, "Please take solace in the fact that he is smitten with you. I have never seen him look at another woman the way he does you. When the conversation turns to you he talks about how amazing you are but you worry him, Lindsey."

"I worry him? I'm not the human who takes on people who want to kill him every day."

"No you are his half-human wife who takes on demons and monsters daily."

"I do it to protect people like you and him."

"We are aware of it and grateful for it. But remember when you get hurt it hurts him too. He's afraid one day you'll end up like Kate and… won't come home." I looked over at him and had just started to inquire about Kate when a faint rustling of feathers alerted me to a presence.

"Castiel, that better damned well be you!" I shouted. Mozzie looked at me as if I had lost my mind.

"The afore mentioned angel," I said dismissively. In stepped the angel in a trench coat.

"I would introduce you but he's an angel and I done said his name so…"

"There are more urgent matters to discuss at the moment," he interrupted me.

"Rude much, Cas?" I muttered. He just looked at me.

"What?" I deadpanned.

"The druid, Mirta. She is misleading many clans driving them away from the crown and God."

"She is trying to make drough," I gasped.

"Excuse me what?" Mozzie said absolutely confused.

"Drough. Dark druids. My aunt and people are mie. Light druids, and are among the most powerful mie but drough are stronger than almost any mie. As a mikokai I can take on a group but an army is another matter."

"And you see, that's why Neal worries," Mozzie said. I just rolled my eyes before turning back to Cas.

"So what's your suggestion?" I asked the angel.

"Gather the remaining clans and prepare for battle."

I rolled my eyes leaning against the table, "Holy advice," I muttered. "Fine. Send word to the generals and guards. Call all our still siding with the crown. Tell them we are at war," Castiel nodded and disappeared in a flurry of feathers.

I turned and looked at Mozzie who started dialing a cell phone.

"What are you doing?" I asked more curious than anything.

"Calling Neal."

Dang it! Can't have a nice normal relationship. Darn!

melinda: I know sis but I had to write it in the story. Think of it as an OC with the same name to make you feel better.

DeansTrueGirl: Read flee's response.