A/N: Hello again my wonderful readers. This is another short story about Lark. It will be longer than the first and you get to learn a little more about her. Again it is written in first person and I hope I have caught all my mistakes where I reverted to third person. Lark is developing into a quite a character and I hope you are liking her. I do like to know your thoughts and ideas, if you have a moment please review. NC
Chapter 1
The night was dark and cloudy, but the neon sign for the bar was like a beacon shining brightly to alert any travelers that might like an ice cold beer to stop and come in. At least that's what it advertised and I decided to take advantage of a pit stop. This wasn't your typical place that sold fruit coolers, fancy wines, or those weird named mixed drinks, nor did the patrons who darkened the door wear three piece suits or a shirt and tie. This was the type of place that bikers, truckers, even hunters would stop at. The outside was weathered wood with a covered porch that ran the length of the front. A few tables were spaced randomly around on the porch for those who wanted to enjoy some fresh air or wanted some quiet from the noise inside. I rarely drank but when I do it was usually a mixed drink and only one. I never understood why anyone would want to get falling down drunk and puke their guts up or so drunk they'd pass out. I would never want to lose control like that, nor would I want to be at the mercy of those around me. I pulled into the parking lot and found a place to park my truck. I got out and checked my weapons before locking the truck and heading for the entrance.
The door opened on well oiled hinges as I pushed it open far enough to step inside, pausing at the entrance to survey the room and get the layout. There were tables sitting around the room and a wooden bar that ran most of the length of one wall with bar stools positioned down it. An old juke box sat on one side that was belting out music and there had been a small space left open to dance for those who favored that sort of thing. Three pool tables stood at the far end of the room, along with a dart board and I noticed a couple of tables were playing poker and it looked like Texas Hold'em. That was different for a place like this. Usually all you found was regular poker. The room was crowded with customers sitting at the tables, the bar stools and playing pool. I spotted a lone bar stool tucked slightly back on the right side of the bar. I made my way through the bodies until I got to the bar stool and sat down. If there had been others open, I would have still zeroed in on this one stool because it put my back to the wall and I could keep everyone in sight.
"What'll ya have?" the bartender asked placing a napkin in front of me.
"Ginger ale." I replied to get an interesting look from the bartender, but no comment.
"Coming right up."
I watched him closely as he filled a glass with ice and filled it with amber liquid. He brought it over to me and sat it down and left to serve another customer. I never accepted drinks from anyone, especially opened ones and I never left my drink unattended. No one was going to roofie me if I could help it. I picked up my drink and studied the patrons spread out around the room. If I wasn't mistaken, a number were hunters and I was rarely wrong. The noise level was just above normal as people socialized and mingled. I kept an occasional eye on the pool tables and saw that the guys playing were almost done with the game and it looked like they had made bets. I got up and made my way over to that side of the room and stood to the side watching the players getting a feel for them. This was going to be easy pickings for me because these guys, who thought they were good, were amateurs. I had learned all the tricks over the years and used them when I needed some spending money or wanted to take some know it alls down a notch or two. It was really fairly simple if you knew how to read the table and how to set up the cue ball where you wanted it for the next shot.
"Can I play the winner?" I asked seeing the game was almost over.
The two guys looked over at me and smiled widely. They thought they had found a sucker, but were going to be in for a big surprise. I usually only played a couple of games for seed money to get into a poker game if one was going on.
"Sure, but its twenty dollars a game." one said.
"How 'bout we make it fifty?" I asked innocently arching as eyebrow, waiting for their response. I pulled two twenties and ten from my jean pocket and waved it in the air before placing it on the rim of the table. I knew he wouldn't turn down a challenge, especially coming from a woman. That was my wild card; they all thought I was a helpless female who could be easily beaten. They were gravely mistaken, that was for sure.
"You're on." the other guy said as he banked a shot sinking the last ball for the game. "Guess you're playing me." he said happily. "I gotta warn you, I'm pretty good if you wanna back out."
"I'll take my chances, maybe I'll get lucky." I shrugged stepping to the table. I removed my jacket and hung it by the cues being sure my shirt was covering the gun tucked into the small of my back. I looked at the cues and pulled two down to roll them across the pool table before choosing one that seemed the best balanced.
"Would you like to break?" the guy asked. "Ladies first." he said racking the balls and setting them. He stepped back waiting for me to break.
I nodded and took the cue ball positioning it for the shot. I eyed the balls, judged the distance, determined how hard I needed to hit the cue ball and in one quick stroke smacked the ball down the table to collide with the triangle of balls sending them rolling all over the table. I waited and watched a number of balls falling into the pockets and until the others stopped rolling.
"Guess I'm stripes." I said chalking the cue as I walked around the table once.
I studied the table carefully before walking to where the cue ball rested. I pointed my stick to a pocket and then sited the ball putting a little English on the hit that sent the ball into the designated pocket and the cue ball rolling slowly back to me, setting it up for another shot. The guys behind me were mumbling to themselves as they watched me expertly run the table.
"Thank you gentleman. Enjoyed the game." I said picking up the hundred dollars I won and stuffed it in my jean's pocket.
"Hey wait! You gotta give me a chance to win my money back." the guy complained.
"Another fifty?" I asked.
"Make it an even hundred." he said sternly.
"Are you sure? Hate to see you lose your money." I asked giving him fair warning.
"Rack 'em." the guy said.
I pulled the balls from each pocket and set them up before carefully removing the triangle and stepping back to let the guy shoot first. I watched him position the cue ball and swing the stick back a couple of times before hitting the ball with a smart crack. He stood back up and watched as three balls went in.
"Solids." he grunted as the cue ball slowly rolled down the table.
He frowned and waited for the cue ball to stop rolling before trying to find his next shot. I smirked when I saw his hands tremble slightly as he got ready for the shot. He hit the cue ball softly so the ball rolled toward a pocket and dropped in. The guy seemed to gain his confidence as he strutted to the other side of the table to hit again. This time the ball hit the pocket edge but didn't go in and he cussed under his breath.
"Guess it's my turn." I said my eyes darting around the table already planning how to win. I nodded to a pocket and started my run, taking my time with each hit until the winning ball dropped easily into the pocket. "Better luck next time." I said picking up the money and stepping away from the table pleased with my winnings. I snagged my jacket and headed back to my still empty bar stool and ordered another ginger ale. Now for the big payoff, I thought as I eyed the two tables that were playing poker. I studied each one to see who had bigger payoffs and the least experienced players. I was ok money wise, but it was fun to takes these wanna be's money. If they wanted to play me, I wasn't gonna stop them and I sure wasn't going to turn their money down. I waited patiently for someone to leave at the table I wanted to play. I watched the guy dealing closely to be sure there was no cheating going on. It looked like the guy wasn't a stranger to dealing as I watched him shuffle and deal to the four sitting around the table. I watched the players play out their hands and noticed after a number of hands that the players were losing intentionally to the larger, rather bullish looking man who seemed to dominate the table. That told me they were afraid of him and didn't want to get on his bad side.
spn
I had to wait another thirty minutes for a chair to free up, so I made my way over to the table and looked at the men sitting around the table.
"Hi, mind if I sit in on a few hands?" I asked waiting for someone to invite me to sit.
"Sure, if you've got money to lose honey." the one that seemed to be the leader said to me.
"I've got a little." I replied holding up a hundred of the pool money I won.
"Do you know how to play sweet cheeks?" another asked trying to act hot and flirting.
"I've played a few hands." I shrug taking a seat and pulling out half my winnings glad that most of it was small bills.
"We're playing Texas Hold'em, that ok with you honey?"
"It's fine." I smiled wanting to knock a few teeth from his sneering, smiling mouth if he called me one more sexist name. I was never anyone's sweet cheeks or honey and I never planned on being one. It irked me to no end when the male species treated women as second rate citizens. I was not going to have any bad feelings about taking their money; in fact I was going to enjoy this.
"Let's play some cards, five dollar buy in, ten dollar max bid." the dealer stated as everyone tossed a five into the middle of the table. He dealt out two cards to everyone and waited for us to either fold or start betting.
I peaked at my two cards seeing I had a ten and jack both hearts. Not a bad start I thought glancing around the table at the men's faces already seeing that two did not have poker faces and had no business playing. They would be simple to read, the other two were not going to be that easy, but I wouldn't have any problems dealing with them after a couple of hands to see how they played. I never met anyone that I played against that I couldn't find their tells within a couple of hands. I watched the others bet or fold and joined in tossing my money into the pot. I waited as the flop was dealt out and calculated odds on what the ones still playing could have and if I had enough to possibility win.
"This getting to rich for your blood baby doll?"
"No, I'll raise you another ten." I said gritting my teeth to keep from saying anything while watching as the pot grew and the next card was turned over and those staying in bet again.
The dealer counted out the cards and turned over the river card, lining up the five cards for all to see waiting to see if any of us were going to bet anymore. Once we were done he called it.
"Ok show 'em." the dealer said.
I waited letting the others flip their cards before I turned over mine showing I had a flush and was the winner of the pot. I shuffled the money together and added it to the stack in front of me. I didn't comment to any of the players about winning because I wasn't one to brag about things like that and these type of players wouldn't take too kindly to that. They were hard nosed, no nonsense, followers, but not leaders. No, the one sitting to my left was definitely the leader of the pack and I could already tell he got that way by bullying others and making them fear him. This was the kind of person I despised the most; they always thought they were better than everyone else and others should bow down to them. I was going to enjoy taking his money and showing him up.
"Aren't you a lucky one sweetheart." the boss drawled out tossing his cards toward the guy dealing trying to intimidate me.
"I guess." I replied, ignoring the tone of his voice. He was just like others I had played thinking women couldn't play the game. One thing was for sure, I wasn't about to let this ass hole win.
The dealer shuffled and dealt the next hand out and everyone tossed in their money. They looked at the two down cards in front of them and I did the same. This wasn't a hand I wanted to play so I folded and watched the others play out the hand. I acted non-threatening and disinterested as I eyed the leader out of the corner of my eye. I could see him leering at me when he thought I wasn't looking and knew exactly what he was thinking.
"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked me as the next hand was dealt.
"No thank you." I replied seeing his face darken slightly. I was right; he didn't like being said no to and liked exerting his power over everyone. I was sure there weren't many who said no to him and got away with it.
"Come on darling...One drink won't hurt."
"I don't drink when I'm playing." I answered back trying not to encourage his attention.
"Suit yourself." he grunted motioning for one of his cronies to get him a beer.
spn
I won again and pulled the bills to me and decided that was enough for me. I had been playing about an hour and my stack of money had grown to five hundred dollars. I never played long enough to take all of the other player's money. That wasn't my style and I stuck to my rules.
"That's it for me, thanks for the game." I said scooting my chair back and standing. Before I could move from the table a meaty hand grabbed my arm holding me tightly.
"What's the hurry sweetheart? You need to give us a chance to win our money back." he told me squeezing a little too hard on my arm. "Why don't you sit back down?" he said louder as the others around the table sat there and watched not wanting to go against their boss.
The tables around us suddenly grew quiet and no one noticed the two guys that entered the bar. They looked around at the customers and even spotted a few they recognized. The taller one's eyes landed on the woman being held at a table by some guy and recognized her but didn't like the look of pure rage on her face. He knew something was off and it looked like Lark was about explode.
"Dean, isn't that Lark?" Sam asked nodding to a table halfway across the room where a young woman was standing, stiff and ready to do battle.
"Yeah, and I don't think she's happy." Dean replied seeing the anger on Lark's face. "Go right." he told Sam who was already moving around the room to get in a better position. Dean signaled to a few fellow hunters who nodded they understood and passed the message alone. He started making his way around the tables never taking his eyes off Lark.
"No thank you, I've played as long as I want, so kindly remove your hand from my arm." I told the jerk never taking my eyes off him so I didn't see Dean approaching, but I sensed someone was approaching.
"You won a lot of our money sweetheart, so why don't you sit that sexy ass of yours down and let's play some cards." he insisted jerking my arm toward him trying to pull me off balance.
I pulled back and my anger began to build, but I controlled it for now. I looked him squarely in the face and smiled sweetly before saying.
"I told you, I was done playing. I'm not going to take everyone's money, that's not my game. And I am NOT going to be bullied by the likes of you or anyone else. You're your typical bully who thinks everyone should fear you and do whatever you say. And I AM NOT anyone's sweetheart, honey, baby doll or darling. I asked you nicely the first time to remove your hand, this time I won't be as nice." I told him not realizing the room was dead silent.
"I'd do what she said 'fore she really gets mad." Dean growled at the guy from behind him. "You ok kid?"
"Hey Dean. I'm fine, just dealing with a dumb ass bully." I told him not looking up.
"Why don't you mind your own business dirt bag." the man spat at Dean as he glanced over his shoulder at the newcomer and tightening his hold on Lark. "This is between me and this slut."
"I think you need to apologize to the lady." Dean said in a tone that left no room about his intentions.
"I think you need to leave or me and the boys will make you." the guy said waving to some guys at a table nearby.
Four hefty roughnecks started to get up but suddenly stopped when Dean whistled loudly and six guys from around the room stood up pointing guns in their direction. They slowly sat down with their hands slightly raised. Another guy sitting off by himself started to ease a gun from his waistband freezing when cold, hard steel pressed up against the back of his neck.
"That's my brother you're getting ready to point that gun at and I don't take kindly to anyone threatening him." Sam said his voice deadly and unwavering. "Why don't you just pass that gun back to me with two fingers?"
The guy pulled his gun out of the waistband of his jeans and held it over his shoulder to Sam who took it and ejected the clip and the cartridge before laying it on the bar and pushing it down toward the other end.
I took the distraction to break the guys hold on my arm and to also to break his wrist in the process. He cried out in pain as I put him on the floor with a well placed punch to the face, holding nothing back.
"If I were you, I'd find me another hobby, you suck at poker." I told him as he held his hand to his chest and another to his nose that was dripping with blood and gave me a death stare.
"You're so dead bitch!" he yelled at me as I stood over him for a moment before stepping back.
"Sam get her out of here." Dean told Sam who wrapped an arm around my waist and steered me from the bar. He knew I could do more damage if I wanted to and wanted to let me cool off.
Dean reached down and grabbed a fist full of shirt and jerked the guy partly off the floor so he was in his face.
"Let me give you some advice jackass, if I were you I'd forget about that girl 'cause if I learn you've given her any trouble, I will come back an' finish what she started. And believe me it'll be a lot more painful. You don't believe me; ask any of my friends if I don't keep my word." Dean whispered in a menacing, deadly voice. "You're lucky I didn't let her beat the shit out of ya." he chuckled tossing him to the floor and striding for the door. "Thanks guys." he nodded to the other hunters in the room before stepping outside. He knew they would make sure no one followed them as they left before leaving themselves.
spn
"How's the arm?" Sam asked me when he noticed I was rubbing it gently.
"I'm fine." I told him. "I had it under control, you didn't have to help."
"I'm sure you did, but doesn't hurt to have some backup sometimes." he shrugged.
"C'mon, let's get out of here." Dean said when he stepped from the bar. "You got a room or something around here?" he asked me.
"No, just passing through." I said looking at the two brothers.
"Why don't you let Sam drive your truck? We were gonna get a room on down the road, might be a good idea if you hang with us for a bit." Dean suggested. "Don't think that jerk will bother you, but best not to take any chances."
"I guess." I replied not really liking it, but he did have a point. I pulled my keys from my pocket and handed them to Sam.
"You can ride with me." Dean said opening the passenger door for me. "You good?" he asked Sam before going around to the driver's door.
"Yeah, I'll follow you." Sam said unlocking truck door to get in but grunted when his body didn't fit. He let the seat back as far as it would go so he would be able to drive.
I snickered lightly watching Sam adjust my seat so he could get in. I was taller than most women at five foot, nine inches, but still quiet a bit shorter than the brothers, especially Sam. I settled back in the seat as Dean cranked the Impala and pulled out of the parking lot. He glanced in his mirror to be sure Sam was following before speeding up.
"You really didn't need to step in; I had the situation under control." I told him once we were on the road.
"Yeah, I'm sure you did." Dean smirked. "How much did you take them for?"
"Five hundred." I half smiled proud of my winnings. "What I said was true, I stopped before anyone lost all their money. I may hustle, but I'm not ruthless."
"Never thought you were."
I looked out the side window at the darkness that rushed by trying to decide if I was angry at him for butting into my business or surprised that he even cared. Neither of us talked further as Dean drove down the highway. He didn't stop until we were over an hour away in case that jerk decided to try and find us. I looked around as Dean slowed and pulled off the main road and up an exit ramp. He looked both ways and turned right to head down the street toward a small motel sitting slightly off the road. I checked it out thinking it was acceptable as he pulled up to the office. I looked for Sam, but didn't see him and wondered what had happened since he was right behind us.
"I'll go get us a room, wait here." Dean told me before he got out of the car and headed inside.
"Wait!" I called to him as I rolled down my window. He turned to look at me and stepped closer so he could hear me. "The least I can do is pay for the room." I said holding out some money to him.
"Keep it, I've got this." he told me shaking his head and heading into the office.
"Suit yourself." I shrugged pocketing the money figuring I'd sneak some into his duffle. I don't like to be in anyone's debt if I can help it. I looked over my shoulder as Sam pulled in behind the Impala and parked.
I started to get out but Dean was coming back out of the office.
"Got us a suite so you'll have some privacy." he said cranking the car and pulling around behind the office to the rows of rooms. He eased down a row looking for the room number and pulled into a parking spot in front of it. Sam pulled my truck in beside the Impala and parked it before getting out.
"Here you go." he said holding out the keys. "Not a bad ride. I stopped at that fast food place and picked up some food." he said holding up a couple of bags.
"I take good care of him; it's my home on wheels." I replied going around to open the back to get my bag.
"Him, don't tell me you named your truck." Sam questioned amused that Lark treated her vehicle just like Dean.
"Well...Yes I did. His name is Stan." I said pulling out my duffle and locking the back.
"Here let me get that." he offered starting to reach for my bag.
"Look, I'm not helpless, I can carry my bag." I told him trying to not sound irritated with him, but wanting him to know I could handle myself.
"Sorry, just trying to help." he said backing down and getting his own bag from the trunk of the Impala.
"No I'm sorry Sam. Just not use to someone helping me is all." I told him feeling bad about what I said.
"It's ok. I know you can handle yourself and you proved it back at the bar. I'm just glad we could help, thought I think the other hunters would of stepped in even if we weren't there. We can spot one of our own and we help fellow hunters when needed. I guess you could say it's an unwritten code."
"Well, thanks for the help." I replied knowing what he said was true. I've helped a few hunters along the way and gained the respect I deserved from them. Even if I didn't work with them, I still would never leave a hunter in a lurch, that's my unwritten code.