Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Supernatural. They are all Kripke's creation.

This story features a character introduced in "Revenge is Sweet". I would suggest you read that story first so you can become familiar with the character. This story takes place in Season 2.

Chapter 1

Tears spilled down Sam's face as his hands cupped Shalimar's face. I've done everything I possibly can except…

Her eyes slowly closed.

"Don't you die on me!"

One day earlier-Near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Moonlight shined through the diner window as Dean bit into his BLT and Sam munched on his strawberry salad.

"Mmmm, this is how a BLT is supposed to taste. You should really try one, Sammy. You don't know what you're missing."

Sam glanced from his salad. "I think I'll pass."

"Suit yourself." Dean took another bite. Mid chew he paused. "I don't believe it."

Sam followed his older brother's green eyes to the door. A light skinned African American woman with short wavy hair and brown eyes stood at the doorway. She was wearing a tan shirt and black jeans. Walking with her head held high and her shoulders squared, she looked at the other patrons as she approached their booth.

Her voice was strong but friendly. "Hi, boys."

"Hi, Shalimar." The Winchesters said in stereo.

Dean's eyebrows elevated. "How did you know we were here?"

The vampire sat next to Dean as they continued eating. "I smelled you and I saw your car in the parking lot."

A pale redheaded waitress strutted their way. "What can I get for you, honey?"

Shalimar flashed a smile. "Just water."

The waitress put away her notepad. "Is bottled water fine?"

"Yes. Thanks."

"One water coming up." The middle aged woman walked away.

The vampire's brown eyes panned from Dean to Sam. "So how have you guys been?"

"Okay, I guess." Sam took another bite of his salad. His eyebrows raised in question. "So you're able to drink water?"

Shalimar grinned. "I have to keep hydrated despite my other dietary restrictions."

Sam chuckled a little. "That's a good way of describing your condition."

"So what are you doing in town?" Dean cut in. His sea green eyes bore into her.

"I'm just passing through. You?"

Dean finished off his BLT. "We're on a job."

The waitress set a Poland Springs water on the table. "Here's your receipt."

She looked at the Winchesters. "Anything else for you guys?"

Sam shook his head back and forth while Dean smiled. "I'll take some apple pie with lots of whipped cream."

"It will be a couple of minutes, handsome." The woman winked at Dean before shuffling away.

Shalimar wrinkled her nose while placing some money along with a tip on the receipt.

Dean cocked an eyebrow. "You have something against apple pie?"

"No, just food in general. It makes me nauseous. So tell me more about this job?"

Sam opened his mouth to speak but Dean spoke first. "I'm sure we can handle it."

Shalimar took a couple sips of water and glared at him. "What's your problem?"

"You're pretty new to the hunter world and I don't like hunting with amateurs."

The vampire inched closer to him and responded to the hunter's comment in an irritated tone. "You do remember what I am. I may be new to the hunter world but I have been a part of the supernatural one for a long time." She crossed her arms. "Besides I have taken on some jobs since I last saw you."

"Like what?" Dean questioned.

"A couple of werewolf cases, some poltergeists and I'm still here to tell the tale."

A sudden silence fell amongst them as the waitress returned. "Here's your pie and receipt. Have a good night everyone."

"You, too," they said in unison.

The elder Winchester upturned his lips. "Not bad for your first few hunts."

Sam gave him a 'come on' look.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to have some backup," the older Winchester resigned.

Dean finished his apple pie and threw some cash on the table. The door jingled as they left the restaurant.

"Where are you guys staying?" Shalimar asked as they headed to their cars.

"We haven't figured that out yet." Sam opened the door and dropped into the passenger's seat.

"I'll follow you." Shalimar slid into the Neon.

"All right." Dean jumped into the driver's seat and the Impala rumbled to life. He switched on the headlights and eased the Chevy out of the parking space. Shalimar's followed.

Dean diverted his attention between the road and his rearview mirror, ensuring that Shalimar was still behind them. The older Winchester had been driving for a while when the silence was broken by screeching tires and a loud crash.