First chapter: Enter sandman

a/n: Okay, hi there! This is a new story, influenced by a lot of Metallica songs, obviously, but, you'll learn why the titles later. Now, I just wanna say that this is a new focus for me, I always write Supernatural's fics with females characters, but this one's got two kids, her nieces. So, that's new. I think I found a good balance, make her interesting while responsable, but I'm not quiet sure, since this is a story only I have read. So, for that, I'll be grateful for reviews, maybe you could let me know how I'm doing, if I'm screwing up, how badly.

Anyway, this won't be long, and I'll try to keep the chapters that way, so you won't get bored. That said, I hope you enjoy it, and please, review. The Winchester brothers will appear soon, in fact, in the next chapter, this one's just an introduction to the character. Thanks for reading, and, let me know what you think.

Love, Maggie

November 2nd, 2000

Her plane touched ground at exactly 5 pm, and she expected nothing else. She grabbed her single suitcase and duffel bag, and said goodbye to her fellow airmen of the USAF. She was supposed to stay home for the next three months, then she'd be assigned another mission. Or if something occurred before that date, they'd let her know, obviously.

Alexandra Forbes, a Senior airman of the United States Air Force, was a happy 22 year old, with a good family she returned to. Her sister, Diane, lived in Colorado with her husband and two daughters. And after their parents passed away, Diane's home had been Alexandra's too. Although, she wasn't there often, that was the address on her driver's license.

The ride to Buena Vista from the airport was short and uneventful. She was looking forward to a good night's sleep, and to spend time with her nieces. She loved those girls to death, like her sister. Diane looked after her since she was 13 and became an orphan. It'd been just the two of them for so long, she didn't know any other way. And Diane finding Ryan, was a bless. He was a good husband and a great father, they lived comfortably, and her sister was happy. That was all she could ask for.

Alexandra paid the driver and walked the long way to her sister's front door. The house they had was beautiful and majestic, a typical manor from an American dream. She knocked and not two seconds later, the door swung open, a strawberry blonde woman standing behind it, with a toddler by her feet and a baby in her arms.

-Lexi!- Diane, her sister, greeted her, hugging her tight- my God, it's good to see you!- Alexandra returned her sibling's embrace and smiled, content. She knew Diane worried when she was away, it was the mother in her, and she couldn't help it.

-Hi, Di, how are you?-

-Fine, fine, come in, McKenna's been waiting for you all day- she pulled her inside and Alexandra dropped her luggage on the floor near the entry. With her arms free, she took her niece, baby Layla, who was 6 months old that day. She kissed her little head and smiled

-Hey, beautiful- she cooed, and the baby whimpered, big eyes wide and green, like her own

-Leli!- was 2 year old McKenna's greeting. It was her way of saying "Lexi".

-Hey, gorgeous, I've missed you-

-Miss you too- she hugged her nieces tight, and saw tears run down her sister's cheeks

-Oh, for Christ's sakes, Di!- she complained. She wasn't one for emotional displays

-Sorry, sorry- her sister apologized, wiping her mascara away-it's just that, well, my girls are all here, and it's amazing-

-I know, I know, honey- she caught one girl in each arm and stood up-better take a photo before she falls asleep- she joked, but Diane took her up for it. She went to the living room and came back with a camera in hands. Alexandra rolled her eyes at her but posed for the picture anyway.

-I'll print these right now, so you can have them on your wallet-

-Thanks- she put McKenna down and she ran to her father's study, yelling for him to come meet Leli.

-Ryan's working, he asked me to ask you if you could take a look at the Plymouth, it's been having trouble lately-

-Sure, I'll do it right away-

-No, darling, relax, let's have some coffee, you must be jetlagged-

-I'm okay, used to it, you know?-

-Sure…-

They entered the kitchen and Alexandra took a sit by the island, with Layla still in her arms. Diane set to prepare coffee and serve cookies, her specialty.

-I can't believe you, Di. Each time I come home, it's more perfect than the other-

-Please…-Diane scoffed- I just like things neat-

-Yeah, I can tell-

-Shut up and eat, you're skinny-

-I'm hot and you know it- she winked at her sister and laughed, taking a bite of the chocolate cookie she gave her-Hmmm, Di, this is awesome-

-Thanks- she poured three mugs of coffee, warming a little jug of milk for Alexandra and yelled for her husband

-I'm here, turn it down a little- Ryan Cornell, Diane's husband, said, walking in with McKenna on his back

-You're gonna break your back if you keep doing that- Diane scolded

-Relax, babe- he blew her off, but put his daughter down all the same. Diane had a glass of chocolate milk ready for her.

-Thanks- McKenna told her, smiling as she sat down, chewing on a cookie

-You're welcome- her mother replied, shaking her head-now, let's enjoy a good meal, shall we?-

-We shall- Ryan gave Alexandra a one armed hug and kissed her forehead-welcome home, darling-

-Thanks, Ry- she grinned up at him-wow, I don't know if the beard is working out for you- she mocked

-Hey! It's sophisticated!-

-You look like a cheap shrink-

-Whatever, I like it- he flipped her off and took a sip of his coffee, wrapping an arm around Diane's waist lovingly.

Alexandra couldn't help but smile like a fool. She loved being home, with her family. They always greeted her warmly and made sure she was comfortable. Ryan had no obligation to her, but he loved her like a little sister, and she was great with the kids, a free nanny.

The rest of the afternoon went by quickly. Alexandra didn't have time to unpack, she just left the suitcase and duffel where they were, she'd grab them tomorrow. They all went out for the night, to a nice restaurant downtown, Diane even had to let her borrow a dress. It was fun, and the food was exquisite. The girls behaved wonderfully, like they always did. Even little Layla, just sat in her stroller, watching the people around her, entertained. McKenna fell asleep in her aunt's lap and they carried her to the car, then up to her bed, Layla following suit.

The adults stayed up late, having drinks and talking, catching up. It was almost midnight when Alexandra finally went to sleep. Strangely, she couldn't calm her brain enough to actually sleep. She laid there for a few minutes, staring at the ceiling. Her nightstand clock told her it was five past twelve, and the house was quiet.

She got up to grab a glass of water, but kept the lights of the kitchen off, so she wouldn't wake up her sister or Ryan. She was walking back up when she heard Layla crying. A few seconds later, light footsteps made her think her sister was up. She made her way up the stairs, and when she was walking past McKenna's room a scream froze her. It was blood chilling, terrifying. It was also her sister's. She ran to Layla's nursery at the same time her brother in law did. She watched as her sister bled from the ceiling, and her niece cried desperately.

-No!- Ryan's pain was evident-Diane!- he turned to Alexandra and gripped her shoulders hard-get McKenna, I'll get Layla and Diane-

-Alright- she ran back to McKenna, who was awake, obviously

-What's happening?- she asked, rubbing her eyes

-I don't know, c'mon, we've gotta go- she tucked her up and went for Layla. Ryan handed the baby in a blanket and locked his eyes with hers

-Get out, now. Run as fast as you can, I'll go back for Diane-

-No, Ryan, don't. It's impossible, she can't be alive- she was in shock, and her mind spoke by itself, using logic she understood

-I don't care, I have to try. Go, Lexi, take care of them- and she knew right then, he didn't mean just for now, but forever

-I promise I'll look after them- and with that, she grabbed both girls and ran outside as fast as she could.

She stopped when she was a few yards away from the front door, sirens could be heard already, some neighbor probably saw the fire and called 911. She watched as the fire consumed Layla's nursery, her sister and brother in law with it. What surprised her, was a third figure, by the window. It was a man, of that she was sure. She had a perfect sight, that was why she was a good pilot, and she could tell it was a man, with a dark coat. He was smiling, and it made chills run down her spine. But what freaked her out the most and woke an instinctive sense to protect her nieces were his eyes. They were bright yellow, and evil.

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It took her six months to get back on her feet. Alexandra's life as she knew it ended the night her sister died, along with her brother in law. Ever since then, she'd been fighting the urge for revenge and taking care of her nieces. When Layla turned 1, she was sure it was time to act. She sold the house, or what was left of it anyway, put their belongings in the trunk of Ryan's Plymouth and drove away, never to return.

She'd been doing some research. For instance, she was certain that what killed her family wasn't human. Starting from there, she looked for cases similar to hers, where houses burnt down, and six months old babies were involved. Unfortunately, she found dozens of them. But one caught her attention, an ex marine's wife died in a fire very much like her sister, he was left with his two sons. Using her army contacts, she got a hold of John Winchester, and that day, she was meeting with him near Sioux Falls. It was a long drive, but she had to do it.

It didn't take long to get there. She found a hotel and settled in, not knowing what to expect from the meeting. She had to take the girls along; she didn't have anybody to leave them with. So, after filling the Plymouth's tank she drove to a little diner in town, where John Winchester would meet her. She sat down and ordered food for her and the girls. McKenna was three years old and Layla just one. They ate in silence, and when a man walked over to their table, she tensed, knife in the ready.

-You Alexandra Forbes?- he asked, eyeing her and her nieces

-Yes, you Winchester?-

-Yes, I am- the guy seemed nice enough, so she motioned for him to have a seat

-These are your nieces?- they'd talked on the phone, when she told him her story

-Yeah, that's Layla- she gestured for the baby- and that's McKenna-

-Hi- McKenna waved. For some reason, she thanked the gods, she hadn't lost her innocence and spirit. She still was a sweet girl.

-Hey, little one- he smiled warmly at them-is it wise for them to be here?-

-No, but I don't have anyone to babysit-

-I understand- he looked around and out the window- there's a playground right across the street, maybe we could take them there, and talk?-

-Yeah, that sounds good- she grinned at the girls- we're gonna go play on the swings?-

-Yay!- McKenna cheered, and both adults laughed

-Just let me pay and I'm set. Don't you want anything? Coffee? I could ask it to go-

-Sure, if you don't mind-

-I don't- she smiled and picked Layla up- Kenny? Walk with me?-

-Yep, auntie- the girl jumped from her seat and John followed suit.

-The check please- she asked the waitress- and two coffees to go, one latte?-

-Sure, sweetheart- the old lady smiled at her and readied her order. She paid and they were on their way.

As soon as McKenna saw the swings she ran to them, and little Layla stumbled to her. Alexandra sat her on a children's swing while McKenna played alone, and she started pushing her. Layla chuckled and she almost cried at the sound. With one hand she held her coffee, with the other she pushed her niece's swing.

-Now, I know this isn't perfect, but it's all I've got- she apologized, looking at John in the eyes

-It's okay, I understand. When my wife died, I could barely look after my sons, you seem to be doing well-

-Thank you- she was honestly grateful to hear that- I'm all they've got. My sister died in the fire, and so did my brother in law when he tried to rescue her-

-Yes, you told me. And, I hate to say it, Alexandra, but I think you might be right. What killed your family wasn't human-

-Then what was it?- she inquired, barely able to keep her voice even

-A demon- he didn't see the point of making small talk, she was there to find out the truth, she was smart enough to contact him, she could handle it- I've found a pattern, and your case fits it-

-Is it the same demon that killed your wife?-

-Yes, I think it is-

-How do we kill it?- her tone was full of anger and pain, he felt sorry for the poor girl.

-You can't go around slaying demons, sweetheart- he told her harshly, for which she glared at him- First, you need training-

-I'm a senior airman in the USAF- she let him know rather smugly

-Yes, but that's not the kinda training I'm talking about-

-Then what are you talking about?-

-The supernatural, you're not ready for it. I wasn't ready when I found out, and you sure as hell don't look like it. Second, you've got two girls to look after-

-True- she admitted- but I can't wait till they grow up. I don't have a home to go to, no work, I've gotta do something-

-I figured. That's why I talked to a friend of mine who lives in town, explained everything. He used to look after my kids when I was away, and he's a damn good hunter-

-That's how you call yourselves?-

-Yeah-

-So, this friend of yours, is he trust worthy? I won't let just anyone around my nieces-

-He's a good person, and fairly nice too. Most of all, he can train you while I keep looking for the demon-

-But, I need to hunt, I need practice-

-I know, and you'll join me sometime, in the future- he clarified

-I don't like this. I don't know you or your friend. I can't trust you just like that-

-No, but if you're USAF, you know your gut, and when to trust it. So tell me, what does it say now?-

-To trust you- because he was right, she knew when to follow her instincts, and they were at ease with John there

-See? Bobby is fine, I promise – he handed her a card, with his numbers on it. He didn't quiet knew why he was going through so much trouble for these girls, but he somehow sensed it'd be worth it. He saw potential in Alexandra, after all, the girl managed to be a senior airman at her age, which wasn't something to take lightly.

-What's this?- she looked at the card and frowned

-My numbers, sorted by importance-

-Okay…-she'd stopped drinking her coffee by then and was staring at him

-I'll take you to Bobby's now if you want, maybe you'll feel safer with me there-

-It's okay, I can handle it-

-He told me you can stay the night with the girls, he's got room-

-That's not necessary; I rented a hotel room-

-Alexandra…-

-Call me Lexi-

-Alright, Lexi, it'll be better if you are not alone anymore-

-But I can't burden him with my issues. I don't even know the guy-

-Look, Lexi, you asked for my help. I'm not one to be around people, but we're after the same thing here, and Bobby can train you and keep you safe. I know what is like to only have your kids, and be the only thing they have in return. Talk to Bobby, then you decide what to do-

-Alright, I'll check out of the hotel now, if you watch the girls, is just a block away-

-Sure- he wasn't at all sure about being alone with two toddlers, but he hid that fact. These girls seemed fine, the little one reminded him of Sam.

-Okay, thank you, John, really-

-Don't mention it- he smiled and took her position behind Layla's swing. She walked over to McKenna and told her she was leaving for a minute, to stay with the nice man there. McKenna seemed surprised, but was too little to think anything bad about the situation.

And as she promised, Alexandra was back in five minutes. She nodded to John and he picked Layla up as McKenna ran to her aunt.

-I'll get my truck, follow me-

-Okay- she grabbed Layla and went to her Plymouth, sitting the girls in the back seat.

The ride to Bobby's was short, but when she parked outside a salvage yard she started to feel uncomfortable.

-Are you sure this is the place?- she asked, gripping her nieces tight

-Yes, don't worry, he's an okay guy, once you get to know him-

-Alright, let's go-

They walked through rest of cars, engines, pieces of seats, and a lot more. The engineer in her was savoring the chance to work with some cars, but she put it away, she was there to discuss business. When they finally reached the front door, the look of the house didn't ease her fears. It was kind of falling apart, and a cute Rottweiler was guarding it. McKenna tried to pet him, but she pulled her away, just in case.

-We'll ask the owner later, okay?-

-Okay- McKenna nodded and continued her inspection of the house and yard

-Who's it?- came a male yell from the other side

-It's me, I've got some company- John replied and the door opened just then. A fifty something guy greeted them, an easy smile on his lips, bearded and wearing a trucker cap.

-Hello- McKenna was the first to speak-I'm McKenna Cornell, may I pet your dog, sir?- John and Bobby chuckled while Alexandra shook her head

-Sure, darling, let me show you- he walked with her to the dog and he immediately went quiet. It was a hell of a dog, a big piece of animal, but the moment McKenna touched him, he started yelping happily and letting her tickle his tummy.

-He's a sweetheart, I hope she doesn't bother you, sir- Alexandra said as soon as Bobby turned to look at her

-Not at all. Old Rumple and I love kids, don't worry-

-Thanks-

-No problem. Come, get inside, we'll leave the door open to hear them-

-Thank you again- she walked in and took in her surroundings. The living room was messy, full of books and other artifacts, the kitchen looked clean, but messy too. She could tell he lived alone

-Have a seat, and let the kid down, there's nothin' here worth worryin' about- he told her and Layla whimpered in her arms to be let down

-Fine- she murmured- but behave- Layla grinned at her aunt and stumbled her way around the living room

-Let's sit- Bobby gestured to the sofa and chairs and she took a seat, John and Bobby did too.

-So…- Bobby began- you're after the same thing John here is?-

-Yes, sir-

-You know this ain't a joke, right? This stuff is dangerous-

-I know, sir, but this thing killed the only family I had-

-I get that. Just be sure of what you're doin' before you start. Those girls are gonna need ya-

-I know. And I'm not planning on leaving them, I just need to do something, be prepared-

-Yeah, that's what I figured- Bobby nodded grumpily- look, you can stay here, as John must've told ya, I don't mind a bit, those girls seem awfully quiet for kids their age-

-They've always been like that-

-Sure. As I said, you can stay here, and we can start the training tomorrow if you want, whenever you can-

-The girls are an inconvenience, I've gotta find a school for McKenna soon, she can't stay here all day-

-I'll help you with that if you want. It's a small town, people are nice here-

-If you will, thank you. I mean, thank you both for helping me, it's so rare for strangers to worry like that-

-I know, darlin', but you're one of us, and we're in this fight together. It's not what I'd recommend for someone like you, with two kids, but, I understand the need for closure-

-Thank you- she repeated, smiling

-So, you're gonna stay here?- John asked, relaxing in his seat

-I think so, at least till I find a place on my own? I don't know how this all will go-

-Look, let's start small, with the training and the girl's school. Then, we can move onto bigger things-

-Alright, sounds reasonable-

-Boy, she's agreein' with me already, I like her- Bobby joked and they all laughed. McKenna came running in and asked for water, and that dissolved the previous conversation. Bobby moved to help the little girl and they all followed. Alexandra offered to cook dinner, and that warmed Bobby's heart immediately. John stayed the night as well, it was a nice meal, she enjoyed others' company, and the girls felt comfortable, which was important. In fact, they were both smitten by Bobby, who was hooked with them as well.

That night was restful, and the next day, they set to work. John left first thing in the morning but told her to call him when she was ready. She thanked him and then focused on explaining Bobby her situation. She told her everything there was to know about her and her nieces. He listened patiently while the girls played with Rumple, and decided on a good course of action. They started the training that day, when the girls were napping.

Alexandra was good in combat, hand to hand, with guns, with knives, and even with swords. They taught her all that in the army. He was pleased with that, and moved onto supernatural combat. How to fight a demon, a vampire, a werewolf, a ghost. She stopped being shocked after the fifth monster. That was her life now, she had to learn to handle it.

And so, her days went by. They found a school for McKenna close by. Bobby told people they were her nieces, and got them fake IDs. Alexandra continued her training; she needed to be fit to fight monsters. And by night, or when she wasn't busy cooking or tidying the house, she studied the supernatural lore. There was a lot to be learnt, and she started with demons, of course.

Without her realizing it, a year passed. It was McKenna's birthday when they decided she was ready to hunt. She called John and met with him for a short trip to Nebraska, a vengeful spirit, he said. It was hard for her to leave the girls, but Bobby had become like a father to all of them, and they were happy with him.

Her first hunt with John went well. She reacted fast, she had John's back the entire time. In other words, she was a natural. None of them wanted that life for her, but she was good at it, and they couldn't talk her out of it. When she came back home to Sioux Falls Bobby was proud of her and they celebrated by going out for dinner. She was still far from okay after her sister's death, but she was getting there, and doing something helped her. Besides, Bobby was truly great. She now spent her time working with him on cars or handling the phone calls from different hunters. That way she could know them and write their contacts, they'll be useful some day, or that was what Bobby said.

When McKenna started kindergarten she decided Sioux Falls was their new home. She still had money from the house insurance and she began looking for a house to settle in. She even knew what to do with her professional life. She would work as a mechanic, restoring old muscle cars or fixing common ones, she didn't really care, she loved engines and enjoyed working with Bobby. By the time the girls were 5 and 3, Alexandra had moved in her new home, a simple two story house with a pretty front yard and a big garage to work on her cars. It was close to Bobby's place, just two blocks away, so that was a plus. Still, most of the time she spent there, Bobby needed someone to cook for him, he was a mess on his own.

The year McKenna started elementary school, Alexandra began to hunt more often. She'd go with John, or meet other hunters, friends of Bobby's always, and little by little, she made a name for herself. They all thought she was really Bobby's niece, and that was okay for her. It was amazing, but with his help, she managed to raise the girls, have a decent job, and hunt. Her life was balanced, and though she hadn't found the bastard that killed her sister and brother in law, she was closer to it, she could feel it. And, she had a new life in Sioux Falls, where her nieces had a paternal figure who was awesome, and she had someone she could trust with her life. Also, Bobby enjoyed having homemade meals and a clean house.