Disclaimer: I still don't own Supernatural or its characters. I and am not making any money on this…I'm just having fun!

Summary: Sam and Dean have recovered from their run in with the Shade, or have they?

Dark Shadow

Chapter 1 – Back in Business

"Come on Sam, the Chupacabra isn't going to just stand around and wait for us to cut its freakin' head off!" Dean yelled as he dodged after the lizard-like creature.

"Dean, don't you think we should…" Sam started as he cautiously followed his brother.

"Time for thinking is gone Sam…move it!" Dean continued to run, chasing the beast as it headed for the deeper section of the woods.

Sam sped up, his own machete hitting his hip as he tried to keep up with his older brother. This was their first hunt since they both had been injured in Shades State Park. Sam was more than happy to wait a little longer before hunting, but as Dean's injuries healed, his thirst for hunting increased.

When Dean saw the article about livestock dying of a mysterious illness; the blood drained from their bodies, he had become excited. Before Sam could object, they were on the road to Collinsville. The small town in southern Ohio had proven to be the new home of a Chupacabra.

"Damn it Sam, keep your mind on business or go back to the car!" Dean shook his head as he watched the monster turn and head in another direction. If Sam had been paying attention, they could have cut the beast off. But instead, his brother managed to run into him when he stopped.

"I'm sorry Dean…where did it go?" Sam blinked as he tried to focus his mind to the task at hand. He could feel the anger rolling off his brother as Dean simply turned and started to follow the trail.

As Sam continued the pursuit, his head hung down. He couldn't understand why Dean was so upset. After all, it wasn't his idea to go on this hunt to begin with; Dean was the one who wanted to take on the blood sucking monster. But before he could ponder any further, the crack of a branch next to him was the only warning he received before the beast in question knocked him over and sank its fangs into his shoulder.

Sam screamed as he struggled to dislodge the Chupacabra. The lizard-like animal was the size of a small bear. The razor sharp spines running down its back along with the talon-shaped claws made it difficult for Sam to find a way to throw the animal off him. He could feel the claws raking his chest as it continued to drain his body of blood.

"DEAN!" Sam yelled wondering where his brother had disappeared to…was he so mad he had left him? Sam began to panic as he felt his strength leaving him. But as the hopelessness of his situation sank in, he let his hands drop to his sides and closed his eyes letting the beast feed.

"SAMMY! What the hell!" Dean had been following the trail of the animal and noticed his brother was missing. He immediately turned and backtracked, his pace increasing to a flat out run as he heard the panicked cry of his brother. As he broke through the underbrush, he couldn't believe what he saw…Sam was simply letting the monster feed.

"Get away from him you bastard!" Dean yelled as he pulled his machete. Luckily the beast was so focused on his brother; it never reacted to the approach of the older hunter. With a swift stroke, the head of the beast was severed, the body falling to the side. Unfortunately the head was still attached to his brother's shoulder.

"Hold on Sammy…I'll get it off." Dean pulled the head as gently as he could, wincing at the soft cry from his brother as the fangs were removed from the wound.

Dean tossed the head aside in disgust as he knelt beside his fallen brother. He wiped his bloodied hands on his jeans, a worried frown on his face as he began to assess the injuries. Sam's chest had deep gouges from the Chupacabra's claws; a couple looked deep enough for stitches. As he checked his brother's shoulder, he saw the two puncture marks where the beast had been feeding. His brother's complexion was pale and his breathing was rapid and shallow.

"Damn it Sammy, this looks bad." Dean sat back, wondering if he should chance a hospital this time. He remembered a small clinic on the outskirts of town. He'd try for that and hope they would treat his wounds without forcing him to go to the main hospital.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dean paced in the small waiting room. Sam had never regained consciousness on the ride over to the small clinic. As he looked at the doors separating him from his sibling, he wondered again what happened during the hunt.

Normally he and Sam worked as a seamless team. He couldn't remember the last time he had to tell his brother to focus…even as a young boy, Sam had always been able to focus when needed. But today, his brother appeared to be distracted.

Dean thought back over the past few weeks, his brother had healed quickly after his ordeal with the Shade. In fact, he was surprised when no nightmares plagued his brother. He had expected Sam to be more torn up about having his worst memories played for him over and over again. But other than being more quiet than usual, his brother didn't seem to be any worse for the experience.

"Family of Sam Gilmore?" The pretty dark haired nurse looked around and smiled as Dean rose from the plastic chair.

"That's my brother…how is he?"

"If you'll follow me, the doctor will fill you in on his condition."

Dean quickly followed as the nurse led him to a small curtained area. As she pulled the curtains aside, he saw his brother lying quietly on the small bed, his feet actually hanging slightly off the edge. Dean would have laughed at the comical sight, but the IV containing blood sobered him.

"Sammy?" Dean moved forward, needed to touch his brother to make sure he was still with him. As the hazel eyes of his brother opened and looked at him, he smiled.

"Man, you scared me back there. How are you feeling?" Dean clasped Sam's hand and watched as his brother tried to focus on him.

"I'm just tired Dean. Can we get out of here now?" Sam swallowed as he tried to gather his thoughts. He knew he was in some kind of clinic, but even a small clinic could be dangerous. Between the FBI and other hunters, they had been forced to keep a low profile.

Dean started to answer but was interrupted by the elderly doctor as he entered the cubical.

"I'd normally recommend we transfer you to the hospital for observation, but your vital signs have improved and I understand you are passing through on your way home. So once you finish with the IV, I'll give you a prescription for some antibiotics and pain killers."

"So he's ok doc?" Dean asked.

"Well, he lost a lot of blood, and I'm concerned about possible infection of the claw marks on his chest. But if he takes it easy, you should be able to get home. Just make sure he sees his regular doctor." The doctor left the prescriptions and general wound care instructions with Dean along with his phone number in case Sam's physician wanted to call him.

A short time later, Dean had managed to get Sam back into the car. He watched as his brother immediately fell asleep. He could tell something was bothering his brother, but getting to the bottom of it would have to wait. First he had to find a hotel for them to hole up in while Sam's wounds healed; ideally in another town as he didn't want to take a chance on having problems with the locals. Small towns tended to notice strangers and he didn't need anyone to get back to the doctor that they hadn't left.

"Ok Sam, you just relax…I'll find us a place soon and then you and I need to have a talk."

Sam never opened his eyes as the Impala continued down the road.

TBC

Raven524: Ok here is the start of the newest story….I hope you like it so far…either way, drop me a line and let me know what you think!