Chapter 9

The inside of the Impala was quiet, save for the Metallica playing on the radio. Dean was focused on the road before him while Sam poured over another book in the hopes he could find something to help them. Evie had slowly been lulled to sleep by the moving car and the steadily passing scenery. Castiel sat silently in the back with her, his mind racing with the all the new information that had come to light over the last 48 hours.

It was agreed upon that morning that their destination would be Bobby's house. If nothing else, Evie would be safe from demon attacks in Bobby's panic room and, thanks to Bobby's extra resources, they would have a better chance of coming up with a real plan. So, before the sun had even come up, they loaded into the car and headed out. Dean had made it clear that there would be no stops unless absolutely necessary.

Castiel's gaze fell over Evie's sleeping face and once again he couldn't help but find himself in awe of her presence. While he was baffled at Dean and Sam's lack of wonder at the presence of one of God's original creations, he also knew that Dean and Sam didn't know her like he did. And while he had related some of her story to the brothers, he had been careful to leave out his own personal feelings. Feelings that could be labeled treacherous by some of his brethren.

Castiel remembered the first time he had seen Eve. He had seen her walking in the Garden with Adam, smiling and laughing gleefully at something Adam had said. Castiel had watched her in awe, amazed that such a creature could exist. She was beautiful and had an aura of peace and tranquility about her. The angel knew at that moment what the other angels had been talking about and why some were aghast that such an incredible gift had been given to the man and not one of God's chosen angels. Castiel understood because at that moment he desired nothing more than to have the woman for himself.

He was able to keep himself in check, however. He was fully aware that Eve belonged to the man and that was God's will. You did not defy God's will, not without harsh punishment. Castiel quickly learned to push aside the feelings and carry on. He learned to avoid the places he knew Eve would be and would only half-listen to the conversations the angels would have about her. It was difficult, but necessary.

And then came Lucifer.

Lucifer didn't bother hiding his disdain for the situation. Castiel heard him frequently talking to the other angels, saying that a gift like Eve was too incredible for something as lowly as man. He also made it clear to anyone who would listen who deserved her: himself.

Still, it was just talk. And while the other angels would chastise Lucifer for the things he said, no one really believed anything serious would come of it. After all, they were angels. Angels of the Lord their God. Angels obeyed God's word and God said that the woman belonged to the man. End of story.

But it wasn't.

Castiel closed his eyes as he remembered that horrible day. The day Lucifer tricked the naive Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. The plan had been simple enough. The angel had decided if he couldn't have her then no one would. She would either be destroyed into nothing and then the man wouldn't have her. Or, as he hoped, she would be cast out of the garden and he could then claim her for himself. It was a simple plan and had seemed fool-proof.

What had not been part of the plan, however, was the man partaking of the fruit as well. For the man knew the fate that would befall Eve and he could not bear to lose her. So he chose to suffer the same fate as her and they were both cast out of the garden.

Castiel looked over at Evie's sleeping form as a wave of sadness overcame him. He had been devastated at her fate, but didn't dare say a word about it. He had watched Lucifer be cast out and knew he would go the same way if he said anything. So he focused on his work, pushing the woman out of his mind. He was God's soldier and he would do everything possible to be the best soldier he could.

But as much as he tried he couldn't forget her. This led to trips to Earth where he occasionally saw her living her new life. It wasn't the peaceful life of the Garden, but, he reasoned, she was at least alive.

Then, one day, he saw her at the river. She was with child, her belly swollen and making it difficult for her to bend over while trying to catch fish in the net she carried. Her son toddled around her feet, barely a year old. Castiel could see the fatigue etched in her face and he wished he could do something to lift some of the burden from her. He was so lost in thought as he watched her that he wasn't prepared when she looked up and their gazes met. Both froze.

"You... you..." The net in her hands dropped as she covered her mouth. "You are an... angel."

Castiel nervously stepped back, unsure of what to do. "I- yes... Forgive me... I should not be here-"

"Wait!" She stepped towards him, her eyes beginning to brim with tears. "Please! Please don't go! Please... please... I need... I need your help..."

Castiel started shaking his head. "I... I can't.. I'm-"

"Please! Please... just... just can you tell Him I'm sorry? Please... I didn't know! I was wrong! Please... please ask Him to forgive me! To forgive Adam! Please... we can't stay here! Or.. or just take Adam back! Please! We weren't meant to be here!"

Grief and a feeling of powerlessness gripped the angel. He shook his head and continued to back up. "I... I cannot... He does not speak to me..."

Tears streamed down her face. "Please! Please help me! Don't leave! Please!"

"I'm sorry..."

BANG!

The noise jerked Castiel back into the present. The noise had woken Evie with a cry while Dean sat in the front spewing a litany of curses. The hunter steered the now-clunking Impala to the side of the road. Once stopped, all four passengers got out while Dean lifted the hood to check the damage.

"You gotta be kidding me!" He grumbled under his breath. "Like we have time for this crap!"

Sam went to the back of the car to get a flashlight. Castiel looked over at Evie who was nervously looking around. They were pulled over to what appeared to be the beginning of a small town. There was a playground to their right and a convenience store just across the road. There were a few people going about their day and not paying them any attention. He moved closer to Evie.

"You do not need to worry," he said quietly. She looked at him. "There are too many people around. They would not risk so many witnesses. Nor do I get the sense any are here."

Evie smiled weakly and he could see her form relax. A small thrill ran through him at the realization he had made her feel better. But as quickly as the thought crossed his mind he pushed it aside. Those thoughts could lead to much more dangerous ones...

Dean slammed the hood shut with a loud expletive. Wiping his hands on the rag Sam had brought him he walked over.

"It's bad. It's going to take me almost a whole day to fix it and that's if this place even has all the parts I need. We need to find a place to lay low for a couple days."

At that moment a large tractor pulled up alongside them. The man sitting on it gave a polite wave.

"Afternoon, folks! Having some car trouble?"

Dean stepped forward and nodded. "Yeah. I can fix it, but I need the parts. Any stores around here that can help me out?"

The man nodded and pointed a few buildings down. "Randall's store there should have what you need, or else he can get it pretty quick for ya."

"Thanks. And are there any motels around here? It's gonna take a day or two to fix this."

The man nodded again. "Sure thing. Shady Pines Motel is just down the road. Need a tow to there? I'd be glad to help!"

"That'd be great. Thank you!"

Everyone else got back in the car while Dean went to grab his tow rope. Castiel stole a quick glance at Evie and caught her looking back. She gave him a quick smile before ducking back into the car.

Unwise, Castiel. Abandon those thoughts. Castiel closed his eyes and took a deep breath. This could be more challenging than anticipated.

Author's Note: Holy crap! I actually wrote a chapter! Lol! We'll just ignore the fact that it's been almost 2 years! Seriously, though, thank you for all of you who have still been reading my stories and posting reviews. It means so much to me. The last couple years have been incredibly difficult and I'm trying to rebuild my life with just my daughter and myself. It's hard, but I know my writing will be a big part of my recovery! So, thank you and I'll try not to make y'all wait another 2 years for the next chapter!