Written by Robin Benton (Raven524)

Chapter One:

The bar was dark with only a few patrons milling around. It was one of those non-descript bars that can be found on almost any corner of a rundown neighborhood. An older man tended the bar while a jukebox in the corner played another hit from an era gone by. The large, wooden bar filled most of the space, with a few tables scattered here and there. The place reeked of stale beer and whiskey. It was a place for those who didn’t want to be entertained, but rather, needed some place to help them forget.

Grayson McKnight ran a hand through his short, blonde hair as he reached for the glass of amber medicine in front of him. Some days, it was the only thing that kept the pain bearable. But today, even the whiskey refused to dull the memories. He reached into his faded, black-leather jacket and pulled out another twenty, nodding to the bartender to leave the bottle this time as he refilled the glass.

He was supposed to meet with a friend he’d made through an online website. The man had been the only one he’d been able to share his pain with because he, too, had lost someone close. After years of hunting, Grayson no longer saw the human shields the demons used nor did he worry about the monsters he killed along the way. In his experience, he was doing them a favor by putting them out of their misery while making the world a safer place so that no one else had to suffer his loss.

He raised the glass to his lips and took another sip, his mind shuttering away from the memory that filled his nights with nothing but regret. But as he gazed into the dirty mirror behind the bar, his face wavered and was replaced by the one he longed for with every fiber of his being. “Stacey…” he whispered as he swallowed the sob that fought to break free.

It was a night much like this one when he’d returned from hunting a Wendigo up in Minnesota. The monster had almost won, but after he trapped it inside a cave, he’d managed to burn the son of a bitch with the homemade flamethrower he’d brought with him. Unfortunately, he’d been too late to save its last victim.

He remembered how much he’d looked forward to returning home to his wife of over five years. She was the light that helped him purge the darkness. This was to be the last hunt for a while as she had told him she was finally carrying their child. Grayson had promised he’d stay home through the rest of the pregnancy; in fact, he was even toying with giving up the hunting life.

That all ended as he entered the bedroom and found Stacey, lying on their bed in his favorite black night gown. At first, she looked like she was sleeping, waiting for his return. But as he drew closer, he noticed the blood pooled around her neck and shoulders and the slit in her throat, a gaping wound that almost looked like she’d been decapitated.

With a cry, Grayson ran to her, his hands searching for a pulse even though his mind already knew she was gone. As he gathered her into his arms, he noticed a slight yellowish residue on the nightstand next to the glass of water she always placed there each night before bed. He touched it, bringing it to his nose for a moment before he realized what he was looking at—sulfur. A demon had been in his home and had taken his wife and unborn child.

Anger swelled in his chest as he remembered the months after her death. He tried to find a lead on the monster that had taken his wife with no success. But finally, tonight, Miles had told him he’d found the culprit and would meet him to give him the information. Grayson jumped slightly as a hand landed on his shoulder.

“You must be Grayson. It’s great to finally meet you face-to-face.” Grayson watched as Miles motioned to the bartender. “Give me a beer and keep ‘em comin’.”

“You said you had news about Stacey?”

“Straight to the point – I get it, but let’s take this to one of the tables over there. Besides, I’m a bit thirsty after coming all this way.” Miles glanced around and took a deep breath; a sad smile graced his lips as he closed his eyes for a moment. Grayson wanted to ask what was wrong but was stopped as the man shook his head and grabbed his beer before walking towards a table.

Grayson grabbed the bottle of Jack and followed. The man in front of him didn’t really fit with what he envisioned. The long hair in the back and short hair in the front was a throwback to the 80s. He didn’t even want to ponder the man’s clothes. But he knew Miles was an expert when it came to hunting demons.

Both men sat in silence for a few moments, downing their drinks. “So… you don’t get out much, do you?” Grayson started the conversation, uncomfortable with the silence.

“Don’t need to, never did. I like to stay behind the scenes and leave it up to you pretty boys to do all the heavy lifting.” Miles shrugged. “Besides, you guys need someone to keep track of all the demon activity that hit after…”

Grayson raised his eyebrow and looked closer. “After what?”

“Nothing… this place just brings back memories of happier times.” Miles closed his eyes and reached for the second beer that had appeared on the table. He brought the bottle to his lips and grinned. “At least some things never change. There’s nothin’ better than an ice-cold brew.”

The two men chatted amicably for another hour, both drinking until Miles sat back, his eyes filled with sympathy as he decided to share his findings with Grayson. “Well, this has been fun, but I think I might have some good news for you – or bad, depending on how you look at it…”

“You’ve found the demon that killed Stacey?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes. I know who it was and better yet, I know where it is right now…” Miles took another drink, his eyes half lidded as the alcohol dulled his senses.

“Where?! Tell me where the bastard is, Miles. I’ve been waiting so long…”

“Whoa there, cowboy. Man, you sound so much like… but that was another time.” Miles looked away for a minute.

“Just tell me where it is…” Grayson leaned in and grasped the man’s wrist in a deadly grip.

“The demon you want? Her name’s Meg and right now, she’s downstairs in the hot box.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, she was already sent back to hell by a couple of friends of mine. Well, at least one was, but now he’s gone and the other…” Miles shrugged, his eyes turning hard as he swallowed some more beer. “Let’s just say he and I don’t talk much anymore.”

Grayson’s shoulders slumped. He had wanted to kill the demon responsible and it sounded like that opportunity had been taken away from him. His anger swelled as he realized his vengeance odyssey had been in vain. There was no longer anything to kill to lessen the pain. “Damn it!” He slammed the glass onto the table top. “Who did it?! Who sent her back and why?”

Miles sat back, a far-away look in his eyes. “Well, that would be Dean Winchester, the best hunter I ever knew. Of course, other than the fact that Meg was one mean bitch, she attacked his family, and that meant she had to die in Dean’s book.”

“Winchester, I’ve heard that name…” Grayson remembered hearing about a father who hunted with two sons. “John Winchester was the father, right?”

“Yep, but I never really met the man behind the magic. Dean told me Meg had set a trap for his father in Chicago using him and his brother, Sam, as bait. But she sealed her fate when, after his father’s death, she began to mess with Sam.”

Grayson looked up at Miles and could see the slight grimace on the man’s face when he spoke about Sam Winchester. “Sounds like you don’t like the other brother that much. What’d he do to piss you off?”

Miles shook his head. “It’s a long story. Let’s just say I don’t much like the company he’s been keeping. He should know better, especially after he had his own experience with what they can do – but then he always was hard-headed.”

“So this Meg, why would she kill my wife?” It was the question that had haunted his days and nights since she’d been butchered.

“My guess? I’d say Meg wasn’t after her…” Miles paused before looking up at Grayson. He could see the sympathy in the man’s eyes before he continued. “She was after you.”

Grayson almost dropped the glass. “Me? But why? I’ve never hunted demons before that night, why would she target me?”

“Well, to be honest, it wasn’t really anything personal. Meg made it her mission to target and kill hunters. She killed the first few simply because they were friends with the Winchesters, must be where she got her taste for it. Then when she managed to get inside Sam… well, what better than to use a hunter to kill other hunters?”

“Wait, you mean Sam Winchester killed other hunters?” Grayson watched as Miles stepped back and shook his head.

“Not intentionally, man. He was possessed by Meg at the time. At least then it wasn’t his fault, but now…” Miles downed the last of his beer. “I can’t believe he’s hanging out with some of them.”

“Was he possessed around the time when Stacey was killed?” Grayson asked, his voice deadly calm.

“That’s how I put it together, Grayson. She was killed around the same time as a man named Steve Wandell, another hunter. Since Meg was using Sam to go after him, you are a hunter, and you lived near Steve, it makes sense she was the one who killed your wife. Stacey was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, man. It wasn’t your fault, and, to be honest, it really wasn’t Sam’s…”

“He killed her…” Grayson clenched his fist around the glass in front of him.

The tone of his voice seemed to wake Miles up as he stood and moved closer to Grayson. His body swayed slightly as he gripped the hunter’s shoulder. “Look, man, I told you Meg killed her and she’s been taken care of. You need to move on, or better yet, find another demon to kill. I can give you a list of bastards who are ten times worse than her on a good day.”

“How do you know he wasn’t in on it? He was a hunter, damn it! He should have been able to stop – he should have…” Grayson stood and polished off his drink before looking at Miles. “Thanks, I think I can take it from here.”

Grayson turned and ignored the shout from Miles to stop. He might not be able to kill the demon responsible, but Sam Winchester was still around and it was time somebody paid.

*****

Opening Credits roll
Theme Song: “Quicksilver,” by the Cruxshadows

*****





Guest Starring
Anne Openshaw as Kate
Justin Hartley as Grayson McKnight
Chad Lindberg as Ash/Miles Novak
Seamus Dever as Mark
Christina Chang as Debra

*****

Sam stood and watched as Zach and Travis sparred. His cousin had been a fast learner and was able to hold his own against the larger hunter.

But he still had a ways to go. He was impatient and overconfident. In some respects, he reminded him of his brother – always ready to jump in before really thinking things through. The difference was, Dean had years of training under their father, experience, and a sixth sense that made him the great hunter he’d been.

“Come on, Zach, attack me!” Travis called out.

“Are you kidding? You already proved you could choke me out. I get it; you’re bigger and stronger…”

Travis moved over and grabbed Zach around the throat. “You think it’s all about size? No, it’s about using whatever you have to break free. Think, kid! What do you have right now that would let you break this hold?”

Zach struggled a few moments. First, he tried to step back into the man’s leg, but Travis moved with him. He then tried to use his elbow, but Travis once again anticipated the move. Sam could see his cousin was getting frustrated. He stood and watched as panic took over when Zach felt he was trapped.

“Zach, the first rule is don’t panic. Take a deep breath and stand up straight,” he instructed, watching as his cousin followed the orders. “Now pay attention. Notice as you stand up straight and stop struggling, the hold on you has changed, and it’s probably looser.”

He saw Travis slightly loosen his hold, his eyes meeting Sam’s as a grin filled his face. “Good, Zach. Now when you feel the hold loosen, I want you to turn your chin to the side and let your legs drop out from under you.”

Sam watched as his cousin ducked his chin and let his legs drop. Travis released his hold and laughed as the boy landed on his rear end with a loud thump. “Ow!” Zach cried out, glaring up at Sam for a moment.

“Using everything you can includes your own body weight. It’ll only work though if you pay attention and choose your timing carefully. If it’s done correctly, the person holding you will either have to let you go or fall with you.” Sam stepped back and watched as Travis held out his hand.

As the teen was pulled to his feet, Travis managed to flip Zach over his shoulder and now had the younger man pinned, his arm against the boy’s throat. “How many times have I told you, dawg, you gotta pay attention or you’ll end up flat on your back!”

“Yeah, says the man who managed to get his throat slit by a girl…” Zach pressed his feet against Travis chest and shoved upwards with his legs as Travis reacted to his taunt, the more experienced hunter coming down to the ground with a loud crash and an even louder grunt. “And you also told me to use whatever was handy to distract.”

Sam laughed at the look on the black man’s face. “All right, guys, time to head back to the cabin. Zach, make sure you clean all the guns tonight before you head to bed.”

“Aw, man, why do I get the task of keeping your guns clean?” Zach stood and brushed off his jeans.

“Sucks to be the new kid on the block, doesn’t it, junior?” Travis laughed as he walked past the disgruntled teen.

Sam watched as the two headed back towards the small cottage they were staying at for the moment. It had been almost a month since he’d rescued his cousin. Since Zach had turned eighteen and decided he wanted to become a hunter, it was decided they would take some down time to get the boy in shape.

Adrian had left shortly after claiming he had some demon business to take care of, but Sam figured it had more to do with being cooped up in one place while they healed and trained Zach.

As he approached the door, Ruby stepped out with his cell phone in her hand. “Sam, your girlfriend is calling.”

“Huh?”

“You know, Grace – the woman you banged?” Sam grabbed the phone and glared at Ruby while Travis chuckled.

“Who’s Grace?” Zach asked, but Sam didn’t hear the response as he moved further outside. He had learned to respect Grace and even felt something for the woman. But to consider her his girlfriend? He really hadn’t thought that far ahead. Besides, Grace hadn’t really impressed him as the kind that wanted to settle down.

“Hey, Grace, what’s up?” Sam finally responded when he felt he was out of earshot.

“I kind of ran across a hunt down in Mobile, Alabama – sounds like some vamps might be acting up. I’d take the case, but I’m sort of in the middle of one of my own right now.” Grace paused for a moment before she continued. “You up for a little action?”

Sam grinned. “You know I’m always up for a little action with you…”

He could almost feel the blush through the phone before he could imagine the glare that would fill her eyes. “Too bad that won’t kill a vampire, Winchester – unless, of course, you decide to talk it to death. I, personally, would stick with a machete and some dead man’s blood.”

“Okay, okay, put your claws back in. Send me what you’ve got and we’ll look into it. So what are you hunting?” Sam heard a slight pause again and wondered what was going on, but before he could ask, she told him she’d send him the info and hung up the phone. He stared down at it for a moment before, with a shrug, he headed back into the cabin. Grace liked to hunt alone and had made that clear to him in the past.

As he entered the cabin, he noticed three pairs of eyes on him. “So spill – what did Cruella want?” Ruby asked. “Are you two gonna make a secret rendezvous?”

Then Travis jumped into the allusion with a laugh. “Are you gonna show her lovin’ like she never knew?”

Sam shook his head as he walked over to his laptop and began to boot it up. “Give it a rest. She thinks she has a hunt for us…”

“Really? What?” Zach inched closer as Sam began to download the e-mail from Grace. There were a few articles from the local paper, copies of the police reports, and the coroner’s report. The woman had done her research. He wondered why she had done so much for a hunt she couldn’t take on.

“She thinks there are some vampires causing problems in Mobile. She asked if we could check it out because she’s busy with her own hunt.”

“Since when do we take her leftovers?” Ruby groused. “Besides, I thought we were taking some down time to bring cream puff here up to snuff?”

Travis moved closer and looked over Sam’s shoulder. After reading for a few moments, he nodded. “She’s right, and from the looks of it, this may be a rather large nest. The activity is escalating, too, so they might be adding to their numbers. We should probably check it out, Sam.”

Sam agreed. He knew Travis was an expert on hunting vampires, but even he could see that the escalation of kills couldn’t be a good sign. He also knew Ruby had a point, but they had been lucky to get this much time to work with Zach. He turned to look at the demon and shrugged. “Look, Ruby, I get that he needs more training–”

Sam held up his hand when he saw Zach’s shoulders stiffen. “But he’s come a long way already and I think it’s time we let him get his feet wet. Plus, this would be a good hunt for Zach to sink his teeth into – pun not intended. At least we know how to kill these bastards.”

“Fine, but since when has any hunt gone as planned? Maybe the kid should sit this one out…” Ruby replied as she stood to leave and pack.

“Hey! I know what to do and Travis has been showing me how to shoot the cross bow…”

“Yeah, you actually managed to hit a few of the targets, too, kid, but they weren’t moving at you with the speed a vampire can. Sam, Ruby’s right. He should sit this one out.”

“He can hang back and use the cross bow to cover us, Travis. But you know as well as I do, the only way to get the kind of experience required to do this job efficiently is to actually hunt. He has to be ready…”

Sam swallowed as he remembered his cousin’s run-ins recently with demons. If the boy couldn’t take on vampires, then he would certainly be vulnerable to demons as well as the other monsters they came across on a near-daily basis. He had learned at a young age that none of them were truly safe. If his father hadn’t insisted he learn – he shook his head and pushed the memories to the side.

“Get packed, we leave for Mobile in thirty minutes…”

*****

Chapter Two:

The young girl ran through the trees, the night air chilling her skin as she increased her pace. She glanced behind for a brief moment as she tried to catch a glimpse of her pursuer. She’d heard the stories, but she had never believed until tonight when the man with the glowing eyes had tried to pull her into the van parked outside the store where she worked.

There was no sound of footsteps yet she somehow knew he was getting closer. She cried out as her foot caught on a root. The ground knocked the wind from her lungs and her hands stung as she fell with a thud.

She rolled onto her back, her eyes once more searching the surrounding woods. Her breath came in short pants as she tried to catch it. A part of her tried to argue she was overreacting. It was just a normal pervert, but then she remembered the brief glance of fangs and the luminescent eyes that were filled with pure-blooded evil.

She stood on unsteady legs, still listening to the silence before she turned to continue her trek through the woods that led to her home. She never had time to scream; a flash of white and then the evil eyes were her only warning as pain ripped through her neck, silencing her. She fought weakly against the man as he pulled her closer, his teeth digging in deeper as the sound of slurping and throaty groans filled the night.

Her last conscious thought was when she woke up – if she woke up – would she become one of them?

*****

It had taken some doing, but for someone who was used to tracking demon activity with a supped-up computer, tracking down one hunter wasn’t that hard. Miles ran a shaky hand through his pounding head. The beer from last night was an unpleasant memory as he finally found the number and activated the GPS. “Mobile, Alabama – must be there on a hunt of some kind.”

Miles checked the area and there were no omens, so it had to be something else. If he knew Sam Winchester, then whatever it was, it would soon be extinct.

Guilt flared again as he recalled what his drunkenness had revealed. Sure, he was mad at the youngest Winchester, especially when he found out that the former demon hunter now hunted with one at his side and was friendly with the bastard that had caused the deaths of Casey and Logan Taylor. Dean would be turning over in his grave if he knew. Surely Sam had to know Carson was nothing but bad news.

Anger flared deep within as he once again recalled the damage that had been done by the demons. The person they had killed was much more than his friend; she’d been more like a mother to him. Miles stood and picked up the only picture that graced the single room apartment he called home. “Ellen…”

Shaking his head at the memories, he glanced down at the computer. Part of him wanted to just ignore what had happened, but deep down he had to believe Sam Winchester didn’t deserve to die, especially for something he was not responsible for. The look in Grayson’s eyes last night had been deadly, and from his words, he knew he’d head straight for Sam.

With a sigh, he dialed the phone number and waited. The least he could do was warn him. After a few rings, he heard Sam’s voicemail. He thought about leaving a message, but Sam thought he was dead. He hung up the phone and moved to pack a bag. “Looks like I’m going to Mobile…” Miles said softly as he got ready to join the living.

*****

They made good time and hit Mobile in the late afternoon. Sam arranged for the rooms in a local hotel on the outskirts of town. Mobile was a large city, which probably is what attracted the vampires. It was easier to hide their kills in a larger population.

So far, the police hadn’t put together the recent increase in deaths. In fact, most had assumed the damage done to the bodies had actually been from alligators or other animals in the area. The marsh lands in the delta could be deadly to the unwary.

“Why do you get one of the beds?” Zach’s voice broke through Sam’s thoughts.

“Seniority, kid, but if you don’t like the roll-away cot, there’s always the Impala or Ruby’s trunk – you’re choice,” Travis replied as he dropped his duffle bag at the end of the bed.

“How about I share with Ruby…” Zach replied, grinning at the demon as her eyebrow rose.

“I don’t think so, sweet cheeks. You’re a few hundred years too young for my taste.”

Sam shook his head and dropped his bag at the foot of the other bed. “Zach, take the Impala and grab us something to eat. Ruby, Travis, why don’t you two go check out the local police while I finish going through the files Grace sent?”

He pulled out the newspaper he’d picked up at the hotel office, his face grim as he read about the newest death. The girl had only been 18. He looked up at Zach for a moment and realized how young his cousin looked. “Another girl was killed last night. That makes ten in less than two weeks. We have to figure this out fast before another innocent person is killed, or worse.”

“Damn, dawg, even for vamps, that’s a bit much. I mean, normally, they bleed their victims for a while; they don’t outright kill them instantly.” Travis glanced at the picture of the girl before he turned to look at Ruby. “Let’s get going, girl. I’m betting Barney Miller doesn’t really have much to contribute, but Sam’s right. We need to find these bastards.”

“Okay, keep your pants on. How do we go in this time? Good cop, bad cop?” Ruby said slyly as she grabbed her coat to follow Travis out the door.

“Based on that outfit, I was gonna go more for good cop, slutty cop,” Sam heard Travis respond. Sometimes he wondered about those two. They fought like cats and dogs, but when the chips were down, they protected each other just as fiercely as they argued.

He decided to see what else he could dig up on the vampires in the area. With luck, by the time the others returned, he’d have an area they could begin to search.

*****

“Kate, you need to get the newbies under control. Steven killed another one last night. If this keeps up, we’ll have more than the cops to worry about.”

The dark-haired vampire flicked her long hair back behind her shoulder before she locked her gaze with her second-in-command. “Are you questioning my motives, Mark?”

The other vampire ducked his head in instant submission. “No, I – I just think we should consider moving to a new location, maybe get some fresh blood before… ARGH!” Mark cried as he found himself pinned against the wall, his head pushed sideways to expose his neck. He winced as he felt sharp fangs rake the skin, a slight pinch he knew was only a prelude to the pain she could inflict. “No! Please…”

The female vampire hissed in his ear. “You above all should know what I’m capable of, Mark. All your military training, your Purple Heart for bravery – how did that help you when I found you in that bar in Atlanta?” Mark groaned as the hand pulled his head back further, exposing his neck to the point it felt like it would snap.

How could he forget that night? He’d just gotten back from his second tour in Iraq and wanted a little fun. When he’d met Kate at the bar, he remembered the instant attraction he’d felt. After a few drinks, he’d followed her back to her place, a small apartment in a rundown neighborhood.

As they climbed the stairs, the smell of urine assaulted his senses and should have been the final warning that this was probably not the best idea. But his downstairs brain was engaged and he’d been so long without this type of recreation – he’d ignored his instincts and followed her into the dingy room. None of it mattered though as the night progressed and he found her to be even more than he could have hoped for. Exhausted, he’d fallen asleep in her arms, only to wake the next day tied to the bed.

He had struggled and called out, but no one came, until darkness fell and he smelled her perfume. He’d demanded she release him, but she only smiled as she straddled his chest. Her mouth elongating fangs was the last thing he saw before he felt the searing pain in his neck. He realized then that his life was probably over and he remembered the irony of it. He’d managed to survive a war, but would be brought down by a one-night stand.

The next time he woke, he remembered feeling strange. As he licked his lips, he tasted what he thought was his own blood, but later found out it was hers. It had been the beginning of her claiming not only his life, but his soul.

Mark was jerked back to the present as he felt her bite, his eyes closed as the pain overwhelmed his senses. She would not kill him, but she would weaken him. “Stop, please…” he whispered.

Kate chuckled softly as she released her hold and watched him sink to the ground. “You forget who owns you – who owns all of you. Luther tried it your way. He kept us hidden and made sure we were careful in our kills. But in the end, his weakness ended him. I don’t intend to have the same fate.”

Mark watched through lidded eyes as he tried to catch his breath. His sire paced in front of him, her eyes dark with anger. “I select only the strongest to increase my strength. Thanks to the Winchesters, I have had to rebuild my family more rapidly than before. Luther was always careful to only turn a few every year or so to keep us hidden. I believe we are better than the human filth we hide from. So I grow my family and allow them to hunt. By the time the humans figure it out, they will be the minority in their own world.”

There was a soft knock at the office door. Mark watched as Kate opened it and motioned for the young woman who was standing outside to come in. “What is it, Debra?”

“I saw him…” Debra stammered. She was the only other one who had survived from Luther’s clan. Sometimes, Mark wished she was the one in charge, but she, just like all the rest, belonged to Kate.

“Saw who?”

“The young one – the one Luther almost killed…” Debra winced as Kate grabbed her arm in a vice-like grip.

“A Winchester?! Where is he?!” Kate demanded.

“He’s staying at the Captain’s Quarters Motel, mistress. I recognized the scent on the young boy who entered the diner tonight. I followed him back to the hotel and watched as he fought with the younger one…” Debra stopped as Kate stepped back and crossed her arms across her chest.

“So one of them has finally come. I had hoped…”

“That’s why you let Steven and the others kill so many?! You wanted a hunter to show up?!” Mark snarled as he pushed himself to his feet. He lowered his gaze as Kate’s fangs made another appearance, her eyes filled with hatred.

“They have to pay for what they did! They killed my family and worse, they killed my mate! Would you let them live?”

Mark heaved a sigh. “No, Kate, I understand. What do you want me to do?” Mark wasn’t afraid of humans in general, but he’d heard stories about what hunters could do. The fact that Luther had been killed along with most of his clan by only three of them was testimony enough for him to be cautious. But he could not stand against his sire.

“Take Steven and Corey. Debra, you go too to identify the Winchester pup. If you can get him alone, I want him taken. Whatever you do, do not kill him,” Kate growled. “Are we clear?”

“Crystal,” Mark replied as he quickly followed Debra from the room.

*****

Zach slammed the door of the Impala as he tried to juggle the trays of drinks and the food bags. So far, his life as a hunter had truly sucked. The others treated him like their live-in slave. “Clean the guns, get the food, sleep on the cot…” he mumbled to himself. It was worse than living with his parents…

The boy stopped and hung his head for a moment at that. The pain of their loss was still fresh. But his hatred of the being that had taken them too soon filled the void they had left behind. He was only eighteen, but he was old enough to fight in a war. He sure as hell was old enough to fight beside his cousin and his friends.

The door opened and Sam walked out, a slight frown on his face. “You know, if Dean had seen you treat his baby that way, you’d be washing and waxing her for a month.”

Zach sighed and followed the hunter back into the room. “It’s just not fair…”

“Look, Zach, I wish you could be heading to college instead of having to follow us around. Your father tried hard to keep you safe and that’s all I’m trying to do now. Believe me; I understand more than you know what it feels like to be in your shoes…” Sam started but Zach interrupted him.

“Do you? Do you really, Sam? ‘Cause from where I’m sitting, you at least got to grow up with your dad and brother around! You never had to – had that thing – crawling around inside you…” Zach shuddered as he tried to bury the memory of his time at the Center. He had only been possessed for a short time, but he still felt dirty.

“I may know more than you think, Zach,” Sam said softly as he placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder. “You just need to take the time to train and get experience. Hunting is dangerous even for those who have been doing it for years.”

“I’m not stupid, Sam. I know you guys are better than me. But how is making me a 2010 Daniel Larusso getting me ready for this line of work?”

“It keeps you busy, Zach. I know you’ve been having nightmares and I know having too much time to think sometimes just makes it worse. And, of course, learning to follow orders, no matter how insignificant they seem, is important. Not just your life depends on how well you hunt; you could get someone else killed. Now, how about you help me start working on the map, so we can pinpoint an area to search?”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Miyagi,” Zach retorted, walking over towards the wall where a large map of the area had been pinned up. He could see circles already indicating the location of each of the kills. “There’s more than ten circles…”

Sam sighed before he sat down and began to read something on the computer screen. “Yeah, it’s worse than we originally thought…”

*****

Ruby gripped the steering wheel and glared over at Travis. “I thought we were going in as cops – next time you put cuffs on me, you better be ready to die.”

Travis chuckled. “Sorry, but in those tight jeans and small black T-shirt, you just didn’t look the part. Besides, while the local boys were… keeping you company, it gave me a chance to go into the file room and get what we needed.”

“You do know they have male prostitutes as well, right? For future reference, they get to check you out while I search for the files…”

“In your dreams, Ruby…” Travis said as he opened the file on his lap and began to read. A frown formed on his face as he silently continued to turn the pages.

“Too many big words?” Ruby taunted as she continued the long drive back to the hotel.

Travis didn’t rise to the bait as he continued to read through the list of not only missing persons, but also the list of deaths. If all of these were what he thought, they had a much larger problem than just a few vampires. He would need to do some more work to narrow down his suspicions, but… “Grace was right. We do have a vampire problem, but I don’t think she knew the full scope.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I can’t be sure, but it almost feels like we have a new clan that has started around here. Normally, they keep their numbers down so they can feed without drawing too much suspicion,” Travis said, shaking his head, “but the frequency of the outright kills seems to indicate a large number of young bloods…”

Ruby turned and looked at him. “Young bloods? They’re turning people?”

“I’ve been studying vampire behavior for years, and that’s the only explanation I can come up with for them dropping this huge amount of bodies. When vampires are first made, they have this insatiable hunger. The thirst for blood is uncontrollable, so the victim rarely survives. Once the new vampire’s body becomes acclimated to the change, they can control that hunger and feed in a way that the victims can actually last for some time. They bleed them dry slowly, allowing their blood supply to replenish before feeding again…”

Travis shuddered as he absently fingered his neck. His eyes took on a far-away look for a moment before he shook himself and began to read again. He didn’t want to go back to those memories ever again. But Ruby must have sensed something as she softened her voice.

“You were a victim.” It wasn’t a question, but rather, a statement.

“Yeah, I was, and believe me; after being in the nest for… well, let’s just say I learned a lot about vampires first-hand. After that demon killed my family, I kind of went crazy. I felt like a kid again, like I was invincible, until, one night, while hunting what I thought was some kind of demon, I was attacked by a nest. I didn’t even know they existed,” Travis said as he turned the page and began reading again. But Ruby didn’t take the hint.

“So why aren’t you dead?” Ruby looked over at him. “Or have you misplaced a nice set of pearly whites?”

Travis felt he should have known the demon wouldn’t let it go. He closed the folder and glanced out the window, the long, green waves of marshland grasses swaying in the breeze. In his mind’s eye, however, they were soon replaced with the dark wall of a cave and the cage where he’d lived for almost six months.

“I’m not a vampire, Ruby, but I almost was. If a group of hunters hadn’t discovered the nest, you and I would probably be on the opposite sides of this hunt right now.”

Travis clenched his hands, his nails bit into the flesh hard enough to leave a mark. “They kept me in a cave, trapped like an animal. Of course, that’s because that’s what we are to them – animals. The first few times they fed, I thought I was gonna die. After a few months, it was all I wanted. Then the head bitch decided she liked me and wanted to turn me. I was in the main compound the night the hunters had arrived, tied to her bed while she prepared me.”

Travis swallowed and shook his head as he forced the rest of what happened to the back of his mind. “Needless to say, she never got to finish. A couple friends of mine, Jim Murphy and Danny Elkins, found me and nursed me back to health. Jim taught me about most of the monsters out there, including demons, but it was Danny who taught me about vampires.” Travis closed his eyes as he thought of the two men who were now dead, both happening to have been killed by the monster they specialized in hunting.

He licked his lips and continued, “After what happened to my family and what I’d seen in that damn nest, I just couldn’t go back to my old life. I had to make sure no one else suffered like… like…”

“Like you,” Ruby said softly.

“Yeah,” he answered.

“So you were tied to a bed – real kinky, Trav. Sure you don’t wanna try it again sometime?” Ruby smirked as Travis opened the folder and began to ignore her once more. “Fine, but I can guarantee you’re missing out on a really good time…”

“And that’s why it’s your job to play the part of the prostitute.” Travis grinned as Ruby gritted her teeth and pressed down on the accelerator.

*****

Chapter Three:

Zach finished putting the last circle on the map and stepped back. “I don’t know, cuz. Even with them marked, there’s no obvious, discernable pattern.”

Sam stood and placed his hand on Zach’s shoulder. “Vampires tend to stay fairly close to their nest. So we start looking within the kill zone.” Zach watched as his cousin drew a larger circle around the area where all the bodies had been found. He shook his head at the amount of ground they would have to cover. Even with half the circle going out into the Gulf of Mexico, there was still a lot left over.

“This is impossible! How are you going to search so much area with just us?”

“That’s where knowing the monster comes in. Vampires generally will nest in abandoned buildings or caves. They need a place that can be darkened during daylight hours and secluded enough that nosy neighbors won’t suspect what’s going on. That’s why I ruled out the center of the kill zone.”

Zach could see what Sam was talking about; the center was in the middle of the city. The odds of the vampires finding a place that wouldn’t draw attention to their activities was pretty remote there. “Okay, so we know there aren’t any caves in the delta area, just lots of marshland…”

“And old buildings. We start searching there by going to county records to find a list of abandoned buildings and homesteads. Then, we cross-reference them with the search grid,” Sam said as he returned to his seat at the table.

“So when do we actually start to hunt?”

Zach reminded Sam so much of his brother that it almost hurt. Dean had hated the research as well. It wasn’t that he couldn’t do it; he just didn’t like it. He preferred the action and his cousin was evidently the same way.

Zach turned as he heard a key in the motel room door. He noticed Sam reached for the gun he always carried and placed it on his lap within easy reach. A moment later, the tension in the room eased as Travis and Ruby entered.

“Well, I got a list of all those who have disappeared and recent deaths, Sam. I gotta say, dawg, it doesn’t look good.” Travis dropped the folder onto the table and moved towards the mini-fridge in the room. He grabbed a beer and promptly sat down on the bed.

Zach looked over Sam’s shoulder and whistled. There were hundreds of names on the list. He glanced up at the wall and realized there would probably be more circles before they were done.

“This is good! I can start cross-checking them against what Grace found. Meanwhile, someone needs to go to county records and begin to look up decrypted properties.”

“But we just got back! You couldn’t have called when we were still in town?” Ruby said as she leaned against the wall, her arms crossed over her chest.

Sam shrugged. “Zach and I just finished marking the kill zone. Once you guys eat, why don’t you take Zach with you and head over while I do the lists?”

Zach stood and looked at his cousin. “Why do I have to go with them?”

“You wanted to hunt. Hunting includes research, Zach. You wanted to learn to be a hunter? You also need to learn about what we hunt, how to kill them, and, most importantly, how to find them. It’s kind of hard to kill something you can’t find, don’t you think?”

It was hard to argue with his cousin’s logic and the truth was that he was kind of curious about how they would get the information. It wasn’t that he didn’t like learning; it was that a part of him was itching to finally use some of what he’d learned over the past month.

“Come on, kid, I’ll let you get a chocolate shake at the diner before we head out.” Travis finished his beer and dropped the bottle into the trash.

“Fine, do I get a cool, fake badge, too?” Zach asked as he stood.

“Maybe this time he can be the prostitute…” Ruby smirked. Zach blushed as he grabbed his jacket and got ready to exit the room. He tried to ignore the chuckles behind him. College was beginning to look better and better to him, especially since he seemed to be the butt of most of the hunters’ jokes. But then, maybe he just needed to turn the table a few times.

“Fine, but only as long as you’re my pimp, Ruby. After all, I’m sure you could show me a few moves.”

“Zach…” Sam growled.

*****

Mark looked at Debra as they sat in the back of the darkened van. “You sure you saw Winchester?”

“I’m sure. I’ll never forget any of their faces. What they did was horrible.”

The other two vampires were sitting with their backs against the wall of the van, sleeping. Mark and Debra had agreed to take the first watch.

Just as the vampire was getting ready to respond, he saw movement by the door to the hotel room. He watched as a woman, a black man, and a young boy exited the room. For a brief moment, he caught his first look at the tall man who stood in the door talking to the others as they left.

“That’s him…” Debra hissed.

Mark knew this was their chance. Luckily, the sun was not at its zenith, so while it would sting, they would be able to capture the man and have him back at the nest before sunset. Kate would be pleased.

“Wake up you two, it’s time to hunt.” Mark kicked the legs of the two younger vampires. “Remember, Kate wants him alive!” the vampire reminded Steven and Corey as he moved forward to start the van.

“Alive, yes, but she didn’t say he had to be in perfect condition, did she?” Steven asked snidely, his fangs already exposed as he gazed at the room.

“I wouldn’t cross Kate if I were you…” Mark smiled at the brief flash of fear in the two younger vampires’ eyes. He started the engine and headed for the parking spot that was just vacated by the Impala. “We go in quick and grab him. We don’t need the cops called on us or for anyone to take notice, so try to keep the noise down.”

“Yes, dad…” Corey replied as he stood with his fangs exposed. Mark knew it was a bad idea to take these two along, but Kate had insisted. He threw the van in park and turned to look at them. “You’re lucky I need you on this mission. I won’t hesitate to kill you if you step out of line. Are we clear?”

Mark smiled as the two vampires swallowed before nodding their heads. His military background came in handy when dealing with the likes of them. “Good, Steven, you go around back and come in that way. Corey and I will take the front. Debra, you have the van ready to go.”

“Yes, sir!” they replied as Mark slowly opened the van door. “Then let’s go!”

*****

Sam added more circles to the already-too-crowded map. So far, he’d managed to narrow the list of missing down to about ten who might now be either dead or newly-turned vampires. The number of people who had been missing only to turn up dead later was staggering. It was clear the vampires were growing their clan. The problem was, he had no idea exactly how many they were dealing with.

He ran a hand through his hair before he turned to sit back down. He looked over at the bed and thought about trying to catch some sleep. Instead, he decided to make another pot of coffee and keep working. If Travis was right, there could be a large nest of vampires, which increased the danger.

The sound of the window shattering made him reach for his gun. His eyes immediately assessed the threat as someone hurdled through the window. The door soon followed, slamming against the wall to frame a large man in his mid-thirties. Sam knew immediately that two of the vampires had found him.

He quickly reached for the long-bladed knife he always carried. Even though he knew the gun wouldn’t stop them, he hoped it would at least slow one of them down as he fired.

Sam backed into the corner of the room, his blade held out in front of him as he heard the sound coming from the bathroom. Soon, he was facing three vampires with just his knife. He knew there was no way he could beat all of them, but maybe he could take down a couple before they killed him. “Come and get it!” he cried as he waited for the attack.

He wasn’t disappointed as a vampire, who probably wasn’t much older than Zach, rushed towards him. Sam stepped forward and used the monster’s momentum to ram him into the wall. He pivoted and raised the sharp knife before slicing downward and separating the vampire’s head from his shoulders before the bastard had time to push back.

“Corey!” the other young vampire cried. “You son of a bitch!”

Sam stepped forward again, watching for an opening as the vampire charged. The hunter lashed out with a roundhouse kick, knocking him back while he used his body weight to force the beast to the ground. He grunted as the vampire managed to catch him on the cheek with a powerful punch, but Sam remained focused. Years of sparing with his father and brother made him more than ready to meet the challenge.

He leaned forward and pressed the blade into the vampire’s neck. As blood spurted upward and covered his face, he watched as the light left the monster’s eyes. In the back of his mind, he wondered why the other two had yet to attack. Sam rolled and started to get to his feet, only to reach up when he felt something imbed itself into his neck.

“Don’t worry, Winchester, it will just knock you out for a few hours. My mistress has requested your presence…”

Sam staggered back as he fought against the drugs. The sound of the knife hitting the floor was soon followed by him collapsing beside it. He struggled against the hands that pulled him back up and tossed him over broad shoulders as if he was a sack of potatoes. He could feel the man chuckle before he dropped him into the dark van parked outside the room.

“I guess I owe you thanks for getting rid of those two for me. Believe me, they have been nothing but trouble since they were given their gift. Too bad that it will probably make my mistress even more angry at you…”

“Who… who…” Sam couldn’t make his mouth form the words.

“You’ll find out soon enough, Winchester,” the vampire said as he slammed the door shut and climbed into the front of the van. Sam glanced forward, his vision graying around the edges.

*****

Grayson slammed his fist against the steering wheel of his black Jeep Cherokee as he saw the dark van pull away from the hotel. “Damn it!”

It had taken him a few days, but he finally managed to get a location on Sam Winchester. He’d been watching the motel since the morning, just waiting for his chance to have a little chat with the murdering hunter. The fury in his soul had only grown since he’d learned about the possessed man and what he’d done. It didn’t matter that he was no longer possessed. Guilt by association was more than enough reason to kill him.

When he’d seen the woman’s eyes flash black for a moment earlier, he realized the rumors of Sam Winchester’s friendship with a demon were true. No wonder his Miles disliked him.

He quickly placed the Jeep in gear and began to follow the van. He figured that somehow, the local vampire problem had found the Winchester boy. Part of him wanted to just let the monsters kill him. But the part that needed revenge prevented him from willfully allowing it. He would follow and figure out a way to save Sam Winchester – and then, he’d kill him.

Grayson followed them for almost an hour until the van finally turned into the entrance of an old, cotton mill. He quickly parked his Jeep outside the wire fence and pulled out his binoculars. He watched from a safe distance as Sam was pulled roughly from the van and dropped onto the ground. A female vampire came out of the building followed by more of the clan. He counted at least twelve vampires surrounding the unconscious hunter.

“Damn it to hell!” he muttered as he realized there were too many for him to handle. He wished he could hear what was being said as the female, who appeared to be the head of the nest, leaned forward and took a closer look at the fallen man. But what intrigued Grayson more was that he recognized the hatred on her face – it was the same that burned in him.

“Great, seems like you managed to piss someone else off, Sammy boy.”

He watched as the male vampire from the van picked Sam up and headed into the factory. As the metal doors closed, Grayson sat back and rubbed the back of his neck. He’d need more help and, unfortunately, the nearest hunters were Sam Winchester’s friends.

He quickly got back into his Jeep and headed back towards the motel. If he wanted his revenge, the best course of action would be to join up with the other hunters and become part of the group. Then he could bide his time until he could get Sam alone. Now he just had to hope the man could survive long enough to be rescued.

*****

Sam sputtered as cold water sluiced down his naked chest. His head felt like it was filled with cotton as he blinked and tried to focus on the being in front of him. “Again…” a voice to the right of him ordered as another bucket of icy water was poured over him.

The hunter shook his head and glared at the vampire who put the bucket down onto the concrete floor. “It’s about time you decided to join us,” the voice in the shadows, dripping with malice, said. All Sam could tell was that it was female.

“What do you want?” Sam asked as he tugged at the shackles that held his arms above his head. He was hanging from the ceiling in nothing but his jeans. His feet barely touched the floor, which put a strain on his shoulders.

Sam looked around the large open room of what he figured was an abandoned factory of some kind. Old and rusted equipment was strewn around, along with wooden crates that hinted at cargo long-forgotten.

He noticed there were other people a short distance from him, all hanging by their wrists, feet barely touching the ground. The steel ribs of the building provided the vampires with a convenient way to display their food. None of the victims appeared to be conscious and all showed signs of abuse. Blood stained the concrete and there was the smell of death around him as he waited to find out what they had in store for him.

Sam jumped as he felt a hand run over his back and felt the scrape of sharp teeth along his skin. He groaned as his head was pulled back until his neck was fully exposed, the chords extending as they fought against the painful hold. “I want you to suffer for what I have lost. But first, you’ll tell me where I can find the others.”

“I’m alone. There are no others…” Sam managed, biting back another groan as his head was pulled further back. If this kept up, his neck would snap before the vampire took her first bite.

“Your father and brother – where are they?!” she screeched in his ear. Suddenly, a dry chuckle escaped his lips.

“Some place you’ll never get your filthy hands on them, Kate. Too bad Luther couldn’t come to the party,” Sam ground out.

“You will tell me what I want to know,” Kate hissed.

“You better kill me now because I’m not telling you squat!” Sam knew the longer he held out, the better his chance of the others finding him became.

“Kate, what of the others who were with him? Do you want us to…” Mark suggested, stepping forward. So now he had a name to go with the hot breath that fanned his neck and shoulder.

“No, set a watch. They’ll come to us. Maybe once he watches us feed on his friends, he’ll change his mind and tell me what I want to know.” Kate pulled down again, her hand tangling in his hair. “But first, it’s time to taste the new meat...”

Pain like he’d never experienced before raced through his body as teeth sank into his flesh. As he felt his life’s blood being sucked from him, he struggled against the assault until, with a final scream, his world went dark.

*****

Miles checked the GPS location for Sam’s cell phone. It had been on the move for the past hour and then suddenly stopped. As he drove the rental car down the rutted road, he wondered what kind of hotel would be this far away from the city.

The car came to a stop outside a chain-link fence, the sign above the entrance indicating that this was an old, cotton mill owned by someone named Barnett.

Miles exited the car and stood, looking at the property. Something didn’t feel right. He wasn’t a hunter, but he knew this was the type of place monsters liked to hide. “Great, you couldn’t just be at a nice Holiday Inn with a comfy bar and pool table – no, you had to be on an actual hunt.”

The computer genius turned and started back to the car, only to see a stranger leaning against the hood with his arms crossed. “Hey, man, I don’t suppose you could give directions to a good bar. I really could use a cold one.”

Miles backed up as the man moved closer. The waning sun caught the man’s eyes, which had a strange glow. “Okay… so you don’t feel like talking. I can dig that, man, just give me a moment and I’ll be outta your hair.”

Before he could move, the man appeared beside him and grabbed him around the chest in an iron grip. “You’re in luck, ‘man.’ My family and I are very hungry.”

Miles shuddered as he felt something lick his neck. “I hate to say it, but I don’t swing that way. Why don’t you get your buddies and I’ll meet you all at the nearest bar. Drinks on me?”

“You’re all the drink we’ll need.”

Miles screamed as he felt something bite into his neck. He struggled, but the vampire was too strong. As his blood oozed from the wound on his neck, the sky began to swirl around him. For a brief moment, he felt fear and, oddly, a strange sense of peace. Soon, he’d be with the one person who had made him feel welcome and at home.

“Ellen…” Miles whispered as he finally permitted the darkness to overtake him.

*****

Travis watched as Zach copied down more addresses into his notebook. As the boy worked, he couldn’t help but wonder if his own son would have been like this. Like Zach, he’d been possessed, but unlike this young man, he’d had to kill him. The more he hunted, the more he wondered if maybe he’d known more, he might have been able to save his family.

He glanced over at Ruby, who was doing a good job of keeping the security guard entertained. The man wasn’t paying any attention to what they were doing, which was good. He glanced back as he heard the snap of the notebook. “All done. What do we do next?”

“Now we go back and compare this list to the map, and first thing tomorrow morning, we start checking out possible locations,” Travis replied as he motioned for Ruby to join them.

“Thanks for all the wonderful recommendations, Luke. Maybe I’ll see you at one of them?” Ruby said as she ran her hand down the guard’s cheek. Travis snorted; the man was putty in the demon’s hands.

It didn’t take them long to return to the motel. Ruby stopped the car when they saw the flashing lights. “Stay in the car, Zach. Ruby, drop me off here and I’ll meet you around the block.”

“What’s wrong?” Zach asked as he sat forward.

“Five-O, and it looks like they’re checking out our room. Ruby, if I don’t come back…”

“Yeah, I know. Get the kid safe and come find you….”

The hunter walked slowly up to one of the people who were standing and watching. “What happened?”

“I’m not sure. It looks like some kind of robbery, but apparently there was no one in the room. They think someone broke in while the occupant of the room was out. You just aren’t safe anywhere these days.” The elderly woman continued to prattle, but Travis had already tuned her out.

He looked closer and noticed that the window had been broken and the door hung on one hinge. “Thanks and stay safe,” Travis mumbled at the woman as he melted back into the crowd.

He watched as the police exited with boxes and bags. A police officer placed one of the boxes in the back of the police van before returning to the room. Travis moved closer and noticed Sam’s laptop was sitting on top. He couldn’t get the box without being noticed, but maybe…

A moment later, Travis was walking quickly away from the spectacle, Sam’s laptop securely hidden under his jacket. It was amazing how little attention people paid to what was going on around them. He quickly began to walk down the street; his intention was to meet up with Ruby and Zach before the demon got nervous and took off. As he turned the corner, he saw a man leaning up against a local bar wall.

Travis rested his hand on the handle of the gun he kept in his coat pocket as he drew closer. There was something about the way the man was looking at him that put him on edge. He only had to turn the next corner and he’d be home free.

“You lookin’ for Sam Winchester?”

Travis stopped and faced the man. “I don’t know who you’re talking about…”

“Too bad ‘cause I happen to know where he is. Of course, if you don’t know him, then you won’t be concerned that he’s probably becoming the main course for the nest of vampires outside of town.”

“Who are you?”

“Name’s Grayson McKnight. I’m a hunter just like you and your friends. How about we continue this conversation some place a little more private?” Travis watched as the blonde-haired man stood and motioned for him to join him in the bar. If what he said was true, they didn’t have time to reconstruct the information they had lost.

“Fine, just let me make a quick phone call and I’ll join you.” Travis waited until the man entered the bar before he dialed Ruby. They agreed he’d meet them at the budget hotel six blocks from where they were now. If Grayson turned out to be legit, then he’d bring him along. If not, then the man would be sorry he wasted his time.

*****

Sam groaned as he slowly came back to the land of the living. His body hurt where they had fed – not to mention the bruises from the beating he’d taken when Kate let some of her friends use him as a punching bag. For now, it appeared that they were finished with him as there were no vampires in the room.

He looked up slowly and examined the cuffs keeping him captive. Unfortunately, without something to pick the locks, he wasn’t going anywhere fast. A soft groan to his left caused him to glance over at the man hanging beside him. He didn’t remember him being there before he passed out so that must mean they found a new food source.

The man’s head was down on his chest, blood still slowly dripping down from the wound on his neck. He wore faded jeans and a Grateful Dead T-shirt, but the hair was hard not to recognize. Sam blinked, it couldn’t be…

“Ash?”

The man’s head rose and glanced over for a moment before a slight grin curled the pale lips. “Hey, Sammy – long time, no see…”

“But – Dean found your watch. You’re dead…”

“I lost the watch in a poker game. The fire didn’t turn me into a crispy critter ‘cause I had to take a leak and the bathroom was occupied.”

“Why didn’t you call us?” Sam asked, trying to get his head around the fact that the man he thought had died at the Roadhouse in 2007 was hanging here beside him.

Ash’s eyes suddenly turned stone cold. “First, why don’t you explain the company you’ve been keepin’? Those bastards took everything from me, my home, Ellen, Jo, you and Dean – you team up with one and help that monster, Carson?! What happened to you, Sam?”

Sam took a deep breath and winced at the anger he felt sparking off his old friend. How could he explain everything that had happened since Dean’s death? He was sure even his brother wouldn’t approve of some of the things he’d done. “It’s a long story, Ash, and I promise, once we get out of here, I’ll tell you the whole thing.”

The hunter stopped and glanced back towards the door as he heard movement. “Ash, listen to me, whatever happens, you don’t know me. You got that? You have never met me until right this second.”

Ash nodded as the heavy metal door slid open. “So, are you ready to tell me where your brother and father are hiding? I know they have to be close by, Sammy. After all, they killed my mate to save your sorry ass.”

“Don’t worry, Kate. They’ll show up when you least expect them to. You know what happens then, don’t you?” Sam groaned as the fist hit his face and snapped his head to the side. For a moment, the world spun before he felt his head jerked back again.

“Ready for round two, big boy?” Kate hissed into his ear.

This time, Sam didn’t bother to hold back the scream as she bit into him and began to feed.

*****

Travis nursed the beer in front of him as he listened to the man across the table from him. The story he told seemed to track with his own. Grayson had also lost his family to a demon. According to him, he’d heard about a nest of vamps that were causing problems and decided to check it out. He’d been here for weeks, checking out the various locations until he happened upon a cotton mill about an hour outside of town.

“So how did you know it was Sam?” Travis asked as he took another sip.

“I met him once a long time ago. I helped John with a hunt up in South Dakota. It’s too bad what happened to him,” Grayson said solemnly, looking down before he raised his own beer. “To the best damn hunter I ever met.”

Travis raised his also. He’d never met John Winchester, but the man was still a legend in the hunting community. “Why didn’t you grab Sam?”

“Too many vamps. I counted at least a dozen before he was dragged inside. There could be even more. I decided to check into that motel when the cops arrived and, from what I saw of the room, I figured it had been Sam’s.” Grayson shrugged. “I’d heard Sam hooked up with a couple of other hunters, so I figured I’d wait and see if one of you showed up. Nice job lifting the laptop, by the way.”

Travis nodded. “Well, we sure could use the help, if you’re offering…”

“It’s up to you, Travis. I can always call in a few more of my friends, but it would take them a day or two to get here. By then, it might be too late for Sam. If you want me to join up with you, that’s fine, too, but then we should probably plan on attacking them midday tomorrow.

“When they’ll be sleeping,” Travis reasoned. The plan had merit.

“Fine, follow me and we’ll meet up with the other two to make plans.” Travis stood and left some cash on the table. Grayson drained his bottle and stood as well.

“Sounds good. Why don’t I grab my things from the other hotel and join you?”

“Go pack. Care if I hitch a ride? They’ve got our car,” Travis said as he headed outside the bar.

“Sure,” Grayson replied as they headed for his Jeep, parked not far from the pub. As he climbed into the vehicle, Travis grabbed the ‘Oh, Crap’ bar and held on as the man peeled away from the curb.

“You know, there may still be cops around…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll play nice once we get there.” Grayson chuckled as they headed back towards the hotel. Travis just hoped the cops would be done soon as the longer they waited, the more Sam could be hurt. He knew the vampires would probably feed off him for a few days, but he also knew the pain involved in the feedings, especially if young bloods were allowed to join the feast.

“Hang on, dawg. We’ll get you outta there,” Travis thought.

*****

Ruby watched as Zach continued to pace. She’d found a room at another hotel not far from where they had been staying. After Travis told her he’d found a lead to where Sam might be, she figured they would need a new place to plan some kind of rescue.

“You know, kid, he’s gonna be okay,” the demon tried. She just didn’t know how to relate to the newest addition to their team. It wasn’t like they had that much in common other than Sam.

“How do you know that? I just can’t lose the only family member I have left. First Noah, then my parents – when will it end?” The distraught teenager slammed his fist into the wall before he turned to gaze at Ruby.

Ruby sighed. “Look bad things happen…”

“Yeah, and I might have believed that after Noah’s accident. My brother died when I was nine – my brother. I remember my parents giving me the same speech you’re spewing now, that sometimes bad things just happen. Why do they keep happening to me?”

“I didn’t know you had a brother…” Ruby sat down and motioned for Zach to take a seat. “You know, I had one once, too…”

Zach stopped pacing and sat on the opposite bed. His head cocked as he gazed at the demon across from him. Ruby took in a deep breath. She did understand the loss of a sibling. It was one of the reasons she could understand Sam’s pain so well.

She jumped as the bed beside her sunk in and a hand clasped her arm and squeezed for a moment. “I’m sorry,” Zach said softly.

“Well, that was a long time ago,” Ruby started. “About seven hundred years, in fact.”

She stopped as she heard a soft knock at the door. She smiled as Zach stood and grabbed the gun that had been sitting on the nightstand. He didn’t say a word, but rather, simply disappeared into the darkened bathroom.

“Damn it, Ruby, open the door!” Travis’ voice sounded through the thin wood.

“You didn’t give the secret password,” Ruby corrected with a smirk as she motioned for Zach that it was okay.

“How about you open the door or I’ll kick your ass?!”

Ruby laughed as she threw the deadbolt and opened the door. Her eyes locked onto the blonde hunter standing behind Travis. The man’s eyes narrowed slightly for just a moment; it was clear whoever he was, he didn’t like her.

“He knows where Sam is,” Travis said simply to calm the brewing storm. “Ruby, Zach, meet Grayson McKnight.”

*****

Chapter Four:

“Hey, Sam? Sammy?” Ash had almost lost his lunch as he watched the vampires attack the man he had once called a friend. Although he was angry with Sam, he didn’t wish the man dead. He watched as hazel eyes blinked slowly before a soft moan filled the air.

“Ash?”

“About time, dude! What say we try to figure out a way to get out of here before the countess returns for a midnight snack?” He watched as Sam licked dry, cracked lips before finally turning to look at him. It was clear the blood loss was affecting the man as he tried to focus.

After a few more minutes, he could tell that the hunter was finally back in the game as his gaze moved upwards to look at the chains holding him.

“How long was I out?” Sam asked as he tugged at the manacles holding his wrists above his head.

“Long enough for all the vamps to go to bed. I think it’s late morning from the way the sun is hitting the wall over there. I could be off a bit, especially since I normally am sleeping around this time as well.” He watched as Sam sighed.

“So how did you end up here, Ash? Have you been living in Mobile all this time?”

“Not exactly. After the Roadhouse was destroyed and Ellen died… I kind of lost it for a while.” Ash watched as Sam’s head popped up and his eyes lit with astonishment.

“You don’t know? Ellen’s not dead, Ash. The Roadhouse ran outta pretzels and she was replenishing the load when the fire started.” Sam shivered slightly as his eyes blinked slowly. It was clear the man was exhausted. “She’s got a new place up in Montana.”

“How? I would have heard. I mean, I’ve kept track of what’s happened and done my share of helping when I could. That’s how I found out you were hanging out with demons, Sam. My research showed you were real chummy with Carson, who was one of the worst.” Ash shook his head as the guilt he’d felt after he found out about there deaths hit him. “I didn’t call you because you’re in bed with the things that destroyed my life, Sam. What would Dean say if he knew?”

He watched hazel eyes fill for a moment before Sam swallowed and sighed. “After Dean died, Ruby was there to help. She’s been helping me kill demons, Ash, and you don’t need to worry about Carson because he’s dead, along with Lilith, the demon who killed Dean. I used him, Ash, to get to Lilith.” Sam’s voice grew softer as his eyes began to close.

“No, Sam, stay awake!” Ash called out and was rewarded with the hunter’s eyes opening up once more. “You have to stay with me, man. We have to figure a way outta here.”

“You didn’t answer. Why are you here?” Sam asked as he shook his head lightly.

Ash hung his head for a moment before he looked up at the man he’d obviously misjudged. “I came to warn you about, Grayson.”

“Who’s Grayson?”

“A demon hunter you managed to seriously piss off. Thanks to me, he blames you for his wife’s murder. I didn’t know he’d go after you, Sam; I just wanted him to be at peace. When I found out Meg had killed them and she was gone – it should have been the end of it.” Ash shook his head.

“Meg? You mean I killed his wife while she possessed me?” Sam’s eyes reflected the horror he felt.

“No, Sam, you didn’t kill her. Meg did and she’s gone. But Grayson, he’s still looking for something to fill that black hole that she left. He’s a good man, Sam, but he’s a lot like your father. He’s driven by revenge.”

Sam swallowed before he looked back up at Ash. “So you’ve been tracking demons. Have you seen any signs of Yellow Eyes?”

“Azazel? I thought I heard Dean killed him? The rumors aren’t true then?” Ash felt his stomach fall. If the demon was still alive, then Sam was in danger from more than just Grayson.

“I’m not sure, but after he tried to possess my cousin…”

“He got to Noah?” Ash shook his head. He’d remembered when he’d been with one of the hunters who interrogated a nasty demon; the bastard had mentioned Azazel and his plan to get at a different Winchester, one named Noah. But he’d discounted it after he’d found out that the Yellow-Eyed Demon had been killed by Dean. He saw the confused look on Sam’s face.

“Zach, not Noah. Who’s Noah?” But before Ash could answer, the sound of screams could be heard along with shouts of alarm.

“What the…” Ash started.

Sam just smiled. “The cavalry has arrived…”

*****

Travis was the one who had come up with the plan and he’d been surprised when the others had quickly agreed. Even Zach, who he had expected to argue with him, had calmly accepted his role as back-up. If everything went south, he was to leave and call Bobby Singer. Travis had already given the old hunter a head’s-up with the instructions that if he didn’t hear from them in three hours to start sending in more hunters.

The plan had been simple. Zach was to remain with the vehicles and be ready to drive the Impala in should they need it to get Sam out. Grayson, Ruby, and Travis would each split up and quietly head into the compound. Grayson would take point and clear the way of any enemies before heading for the door on the far end of the warehouse. Ruby’s job was to head up onto the roof to gain access through one of the skylights while Travis would take the other entrance.

They had been lucky that Grayson had been to the property and could give them a good report on what they’d find. Travis still wasn’t too sure about the man, but if he was right, they would need his help to get Sam out of the nest. Still, he would keep an eye on him.

As they got close, Grayson went ahead to take out any possible guards. That had been about fifteen minutes ago. “Okay, Zach, I’m counting on you to watch our backs. You have your cross bow, just remember they’ll be more vicious than a wooden target, so keep your eyes open and don’t let them get close. Also, once you get one down…”

“I know, I know, cut off its heads!” Zach said as he rolled his eyes.

Travis grinned as Ruby slapped the young teen upside the head. “This isn’t a video game, short stuff. If you don’t get it right, not only will you die, but some of us might as well. Me, I can just get a new suit, but I like this one – so don’t screw up!”

The Impala pulled up to the outer gates and stopped. The bodies of two vampires were laid out on the ground, but there was no sign of Grayson. Travis exited the car and watched as Zach and Ruby followed to the trunk. They quickly grabbed their weapons.

“Stay sharp, Zach. I don’t want to have to face that cousin of yours, if you get a scratch,” Travis remarked with a slight grin as he headed into the compound. There was only the one large warehouse on the property; the outlying buildings had long since fallen in from neglect. The whole area smelled of death and decay.

He pulled out his crossbow and looked up for moment to watch as Ruby disappeared over the edge of the roof. It was showtime.

He slowly opened the door and entered the dark interior. The warehouse appeared to be sectioned off. This part, at first, appeared empty until he looked towards a darkened corner of the space. He could barely make out what looked like an army cot with someone sleeping on it.

He carefully approached and before the young man had a chance to open his eyes or make a sound, Travis had removed his head. “That puts a new definition to the warning against sleeping on the job.”

Suddenly, he heard a scream and the sound of shouts. He entered the next room and watched as half a dozen vampires swarmed Grayson. A moment later, the sound of glass shattering was followed by Ruby’s body jumping down and landing in the middle of the surprised vamps.

“You always did like to make an entrance girl,” Travis called out to let her know he was there. He could see figures hanging against the far wall of the open space; he knew he had to keep the vampires from reaching that side because he knew that, when threatened, they would kill off any lingering food.

As one of the vampires turned towards him, he put his crossbow forward and let an arrow fly. The vampire went down, a shocked look on his face before Travis rushed forward and separated his head from his body.

He noticed Ruby had managed to take down two more, her demon knife flashing as another head rolled across the floor.

He noticed two of them were almost to the victims. Without thought, his hands once more found his crossbow. Two more deadly arrows flew and hit their targets. He saw Ruby was working on the other vampire, so he ran towards the two he’d hit.

One of them managed to rise and charge towards a large form hanging from the steel rafters. Travis pulled out his machete and quickly killed the one who had stayed down without missing a step and launching himself at the remaining other.

“Stay away or I’ll kill him!” the vampire hissed as he grabbed Sam and pulled his head back painfully. Travis could see the glint of steel as a thin, red line appeared across his friend’s throat.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ruby quietly moving up behind the crazed vampire. He had to keep the bastard focused on him. He held out his arms and placed the machete on the ground in a gesture of surrender. “Why don’t we just calm down? There’s no reason that anyone else has to die here.”

“Yeah, right. You’re here for Kate’s newest toy. Well, guess what? You’re not gonna get… ARGH!” The vampire’s eyes opened wide, his mouth forming a silent scream for a brief moment before his head slowly rolled from his shoulders.

Ruby stepped out and wiped her blade on her jeans. “So, you gonna just stand there or are you going to help me get him down from his perch?”

Travis shook his head. “You go find Grayson, he may need help. I’ll get Sam and the others down.”

Ruby smirked. “Yes’m, bossman. Right away…”

The hunter shook his head as he watched the demon head towards where Grayson was most likely fighting. He could hear the sounds further inside the warehouse. “Help the others, Travis… get them down first.” Sam’s voice was just above a whisper.

“Don’t worry, dawg, we’re gonna get you all out of here.” Travis reached up and released the cuffs holding Sam. He wasn’t surprised when his friend’s legs gave out as he gently lowered him to the floor. He pulled off his jacket and placed it over the shivering frame of his friend. They’d worry about his injuries once they got him out of here.

He checked the others, but only found the man next to Sam still alive. He noticed the concern in the man’s eyes as he looked at Sam. “Thanks, dude!” The man swayed for a moment, but soon righted himself as he knelt beside the fallen hunter. His hand clasped Sam’s shoulder and squeezed before he turned to look up at Travis.

“Did I hear you say Grayson was here?”

“Yeah, why? Do you know him?” Travis asked as he knelt on the other side of Sam. He looked up as Ruby returned.

“All the others are dead, but I couldn’t find any sign of Grayson. Maybe he went to check outside…”

“Ash?” Sam whispered as he clasped the man’s wrist. “Need to tell them – have to warn them…” Travis watched as Sam’s eyes slowly closed. He turned to the man who claimed to be Sam’s friend. His gaze hardened as he saw guilt reflected back at him.

“What does he mean ‘warn us?’”

“We have to get Sam to safety before Grayson finds him. Grayson’s here to kill him.”

*****

Grayson moved quietly towards the Impala. He had seen two of the vampires sneak off towards the marshland that surrounded the old mill. Part of him wanted to follow them and finish them off, but the part that wanted to kill Sam won out. He also knew exactly how he was going to do it, too. But first, he needed some bait.

As he approached the car, he saw the kid raise his crossbow for a moment before lowering it. “Where’s Sam? Is he okay?”

“The others are bringing him. I thought I’d come out here to make sure there wouldn’t be any more surprises. Too bad you didn’t get in on the action this time. If it had been me, I’d have let you join in.” Grayson stood against the car and crossed his arms as Zach moved closer.

Zach kicked at the dirt before he stood beside the hunter. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to learn when they put me on the sidelines all the time. I mean, Sam had already been on a hunt when he was younger than me. I’m eighteen and I can handle myself, but they won’t let me prove it.”

Grayson moved his arm over Zach’s shoulder and pulled him closer. “Don’t be in too big a rush. You still have a lot to learn.”

Before Zach could reply, the hunter pulled the teen into a choke hold and slowly applied pressure. Zach struggled, but was no match for the experienced man as he quickly knocked him out. As the boy lost consciousness, Grayson quickly picked him up and slung him over his shoulder. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope that he placed under the windshield wiper before heading for his own vehicle.

He’d give Sam twenty-four hours to get back on his feet and then they’d meet. Then when he came to rescue the bait, he’d put an end to the person who ruined his life.

*****

Sam groaned as he struggled back towards consciousness. For a moment, he wondered at the soft bed beneath him and the cool rag on his forehead. The last thing he remembered was being at the warehouse. “Kate!” Sam yelled, sitting up swiftly, blinking as the room rotated for a moment.

“Whoa there, dude, take it easy.” Ash’s concerned face came into view.

“Where? What? Ash?” Sam gazed around and noticed he was in a hotel room and that there was nobody else around. He felt gentle hands push him back onto the bed. Then he noticed the IV that was hanging and attached to his arm.

“You lost a lot of blood. I knew someone in the area who was willing to make a house call. Don’t worry, Sam. With a few days of rest, you’ll be good as new,” Ash responded as he walked towards the small fridge in the room and returned with a sports drink. “Here, you need to drink plenty of fluids to replace what you lost, and, if you’re hungry, I can heat you up something.”

Sam narrowed his eyes. He could tell Ash was nervous about something. “Did they get Kate?”

For a moment, Ash hesitated, then shook his head. “No, she and the one I heard her call Mark got away. But they got all the others.”

Sam sighed as he leaned back against the headboard. He looked up at the silence and realized Ash was looking away before he shrugged. “Ash, what’s going on?”

Ash stood and walked towards the window. He pulled the curtain back slightly and looked outside as if he was hoping to see someone coming. Sam swallowed. “Was someone hurt? Where are they, Ash?”

His friend turned. “They asked me not to tell you, Sam…” He walked over towards the desk and picked up an envelope. “Grayson left for you.”

Sam opened the envelop and began to read.

“If you want to see your cousin again… and alive… you’ll meet me at the Mill Valley bridge by midnight tomorrow. Come alone or I’ll kill him before you can even get close.”

The hunter glanced up and saw the guilt on his friend’s face.

“It looks like he grabbed Zach while Travis and Ruby were busy getting us outta the warehouse. For what it’s worth, I don’t think he’ll hurt him. He just wants to get you alone.”

“What time is it? How long have I been out?” Sam swung his legs over the edge of the bed and grit his teeth as the room spun around him. He quickly pulled the IV from his arm before he grabbed for his clothes.

“Look, it’s only ten and the bridge isn’t that far from here. Ruby and Travis went to scout it out to figure out the best way to protect you.”

“You said he thinks I killed his wife and child, Ash. This isn’t a rational person we’re dealing with. We have to get Zach back safe, and if that means I get killed, then so be it.”

*****

“Damn it, Sam, you should still be in bed!” Ruby said as she placed a steadying hand on the hunter as he swayed before sitting down in the booth. “You look like you’re gonna pass out.”

Sam gazed over at the demon and smiled. “But you’ll catch me before I bruise anything else, right?”

“I still think you should have let us take care of this,” Travis ground out.

Sam knew Travis felt guilty about leaving Zach unprotected. He had felt a little angry as well, but on the ride over, he managed to calm down. The only person who was really responsible for this mess was Meg and she had since been dispatched. He was hoping that maybe Grayson would give him a chance to explain. He was tired of losing good people to demons.

“I’m going to the bridge to meet him. You two are going to hang back and make sure that if the opportunity shows itself, you get Zach out of harm’s way.” He glanced at both his friends. “No matter what you see or hear, Zach comes first. Agreed?”

“Fine, but if Grayson hurts either one of you, I’m gonna kill him,” Ruby said as she pulled out her knife.

Sam placed a hand over hers and motioned for her to put it away. They were sitting in the back booth of a local diner, waiting to head over to the bridge. Travis and Ruby had checked it out earlier and picked spots where they could be close and unseen. Sam knew Grayson said to come alone, but he also knew the hunter would expect him to bring his friends. He glanced at Ash, who had remained strangely silent.

“Ash, you can go back to the hotel if you want. We’ll meet you back there.”

“No, this is my mess and I’m going with. I really thought by telling him Meg was gone, he’d give up his vendetta and move on.”

“Well, next time, nerd wonder, just don’t give out any names,” Ruby replied as she glanced at the clock.

Sam sighed. “Time to go. Remember, Zach comes first. And Travis?”

“Yeah, dawg?”

“If he kills me, I want you and Ruby taking care of Zach for me. Don’t go after, Grayson. I don’t want any more hunters to die because of me. Got it?” Sam watched as Travis reluctantly nodded.

A few minutes later, they arrived outside the park where the bridge was located. Sam stepped out and took a deep breath. The fall air was heavy and still warm from the sun that had set hours ago.

He shook his head as he walked further along the path. There was no sign of anything wrong as the birds still chirped in the trees and the sound of insects filled the air.

As he came around the bend that led to the bridge, he stopped. Grayson stood in the center of the bridge. His cousin’s hands were tied behind his back as the deranged hunter held him like a human shield. Sam watched as Zach looked towards him, his eyes going round as he shook his head. The gag in his mouth prevented him from speaking, but he could tell from the way the boy held himself that he was scared.

“Why don’t you let the boy go? This is between you and me, Grayson,” Sam said calmly as he kept his hands in front of him to show the man that he was unarmed.

“I don’t think so. I know Ruby and Travis are out there with my head in their sights. Zach stays with me until our little transaction is complete,” he replied as he pulled Zach closer, the gun in his hand aimed now at Sam’s chest.

“Well, if it’ll make you feel better, then go ahead and pull the trigger. Although, I gotta tell you, from experience, revenge isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Killing me won’t fill that hole you have in your heart. Nothing will.” Sam moved closer, his arms still held out from his sides.

“Stay where you are, Sam. It might not fill the hole, but at least it’ll get one more demon lover off the face of the planet. Your daddy must be rolling over in his grave with what you’ve done. You probably offered your body to this Meg chick. What did you get from it?” Grayson’s eyes were filled with tears. “Why them? You could have picked anyone!”

“Meg was into killing hunters and she thought by possessing one, it would be poetic justice. She was trying to turn hunters against each other by using me. I’m so sorry, Grayson.” Sam swallowed as he remembered how dirty he had felt, the violation never really leaving him.

“Sorry won’t bring them back!” Grayson cocked the gun and raised it. Sam saw Zach struggle, but the hunter simply tightened his grip. “Hold still, son, or I’ll…”

“What shoot an innocent kid? When does the killing stop, Grayson? When will it be enough for you?” Sam glanced down at Zach and shook his head slightly. His cousin stopped struggling and met his gaze, his eyes filled with tears that threatened to spill over.

“Let Zach go and I’ll come with you, Grayson. You can do whatever you want with me, but first, you have to let him go.” Sam glanced down at Zach once more. “Zach, when he lets you go, I want you to run to the park entrance. Travis and Ruby will be there waiting to take care of you. Run and don’t look back!”

“No one is going anywhere,” Grayson ground out.

But Sam continued speaking to Zach, ignoring his captor, “Remember, this isn’t your fault. There was nothing you could have done. He’s more experienced and stronger than you.” Sam held his breath as he saw comprehension dawn in the boy’s eyes. Zach barely nodded before he straightened up to his full height.

“Are you ready to die, Sammy?” Grayson said as he shifted slightly and cocked the gun. “Look at it this way: you’ll be meeting your brother on the other side!”

“Now!” Sam yelled as he dropped. The bullet from the gun passed over where his head had been. He watched as Zach let his legs drop out from under him, using his body weight to pull against the hunter’s hold. Grayson had two choices: fall with Zach or let him go.

As he released his grip, he pulled his gun up and aimed again at Sam. For a moment, a dark grin spread over his face before his eyes opened in shock. He looked down in a flash, at the sound of a loud bang, and saw blood seeping through his shirt at the shoulder. Zach grabbed the gun and dashed for Sam as Travis stepped out of the bushes, holding a sniper rifle.

Sam caught him and placed him behind him as he walked towards the downed hunter. “Go ahead. Finish what you started, Sammy,” Grayson panted as he held his injured shoulder. Travis only grazed him – just enough to get him on the ground.

Sam trained the gun on the hunter as he quickly searched him. He removed the two knives that were hidden on the injured man and tossed them over the bridge. He felt Zach behind him and smiled. The kid had done okay. He heard a sound behind him and smiled as Ruby and Ash joined the three of them.

“Nice shooting, Tex,” Ruby joked as Ash went to untying Zach.

“Get him out of here. I’ll join you all shortly,” Sam instructed.

“But…” Travis began, but stopped at the look from Sam. “Come on, kid. Let’s get you back to the car.”

As soon as the others were out of sight, Sam leaned against the bridge and looked at the man who had tried to kill him. He knew what Dean would have done; Dean would have killed Grayson in a heartbeat. But there had already been too much loss. “I should kill you, Grayson, but I’m not going to.”

“I’ll find you, Sam, and next time, you won’t be so lucky!” Grayson started.

“You might, but maybe before then, you’ll realize once you start down that road, you’ll never come back. There will never be enough killing to fill that hole they left. It will only get darker and darker until the man you were disappears forever and you’ll become what you have spent your life hunting – nothing more than a cold-blooded killer.”

Sam paused and cocked his head. “Would your wife want you to remember her this way?”

He watched as Grayson slowly stood, his head bowed before he turned and walked in the opposite direction. Sam stood on the bridge until the man had vanished.

With a sigh, he walked back towards the car. As he approached it, he grinned as he saw Zach talking animatedly with Travis. Even Ruby was smiling as his cousin basked for a moment in the way he’d helped.

As Ruby turned towards him, he felt the ground begin to move beneath his feet. He grinned as he felt strong arms catch him before he hit the ground. “Told you you’d catch me,” Sam whispered as he closed his eyes and let the darkness take him.

*****

Sam sat on the hood of the Impala, a cold beer in his hand as he watched Travis working with Zach. They had been working on breaking choke holds all morning and Zach was doing pretty good. He glanced over at Ruby, who joined him on the hood of the car.

“Ash leave this morning?”

“Yeah, he’s going to see Ellen. I wouldn’t be surprised if he moves in with her again. The two of them were always close.” Sam smiled as he remembered Ash telling him about his ‘secret identity.’ The funny part was, he had been to the website Ash ran in the past and never made the connection. Ash had promised he’d keep an eye on Grayson’s whereabouts and would let him know if he heard anything.

“You know, the kid handled himself pretty well… considering,” Ruby said softly.

“He’s definitely a Winchester. He was scared, but when it counted, he pulled it together. I have to admit, he reminds me a lot of Dean at that age.” Sam closed his eyes for a moment as he thought about his family.

Suddenly, a memory of something Ash had told him popped into his mind. “Ruby?”

“What?”

“I need you to do something for me. It has to be kept between the two of us for now, though. I don’t want to say anything until I know for sure what happened.” Sam paused.

“What is it?” Ruby asked.

“I need you to find out what you can about a Noah Winchester. Ash said he was told by a demon that Noah was one of Yellow Eyes’ targets. See if you can find out what really happened, okay?” Sam gazed at his young cousin and sighed. He hoped the feeling in his gut was wrong, but it rarely was.

“You know he’s Zach’s twin brother, right? You want me to find out how he died?” Ruby clarified.

Sam nodded. “How he died, yeah, but more importantly – why he died…”

*****

END OF EPISODE

*****

Next Week on Sam:

What do you do when your worst fears are realized? The Yellow-Eyed Demon is back from hell with its eyes set once again on Zach. Davis has shown up with some plans for Ruby. Her abusive mother comes to visit Grace. And Travis has to take a trip down to the morgue. Oh, damn!

Be sure to catch “Fear, Itself” on Thursday, October 7, 2010!

Also, be sure to leave your comments about this week’s episode. We love those comments… good or bad.

Bravo, Raven! :thumbsup Loved it! :clap I love getting to read these on Friday mornings (best time for me) then seeing the show in the evenings. You really had me visualizing poor Sam getting fed on (shudders). And the return of Ash! :cheer Keep up the great work. Thank you.

Thanks for the kind words, Mary.

:blush Awe, thanks Mary! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was great to bring back one of my favorite characters--Ash and of course one of my favorite villain vampires, Kate.

Thanks for letting me know :cloud9