Wayward Hearts
Chapter 1
It Runs In The Family
A black Mustang hummed down the road as the sign read "Welcome to Lawrence, Kansas". The driver window was down and "Bad Company" played on the stereo. The autumn air was rolling in and blew through her auburn hair as she inhaled the fresh cool air. Riley had one hand on the wheel and the other in the golden hair of the canine co-pilot that laid in her lap. She would never make it alone on these long rides if she didn't have Finn by her side.
Riley was a simple girl. At 23, she'd been through more than anyone should ever have to endure. Though her face was young, her aged soul showed. She was mature beyond her years in the best and worst ways. She always tried to appear a little rough around the edges. How jaded she was still showed, but she lived with her heart as her compass. That's how dad raised her.
With the life she lived, you'd think she'd be taller, but she never let her smaller stature stop her from anything. "You don't need to be a man to kick ass," dad used to say. She smelled of her favorite black leather jacket that she always wore and the only perfume she ever used. A ring on her right hand, that she never took off, glistened in the light. It was silver; simple. It was mom's.
It was always so good to come home; she wished it was only under better circumstances. Riley tried to brush off the thought that evil had come to her hometown, and focused on the small town roads. Everytime she came to town, it was like she had never left. Nothing really changed in Lawrence, but that was one of the best things about it. Small "mom and pop" shops lined the street and the trees had begun to softly litter the ground with colored leaves.
She couldn't wait to get to Aunt Debbie's. It had been too long since her last visit and the idea of "home" brought a warmth to her chest. She wanted to stop at the local florist to pick up Deb's favorite flowers. She knew lilies always made her smile.
Riley slowly pulled into a parking spot and the car came to a stop. She pat Finn on the head, "be right back, buddy." The sleepy pup laid back down on the leather seat, and fell back into a peaceful sleep waiting for his best friend.
The car door closed and she began to walk towards the shop. A husky voice close by spoke up. "That's a great car." Riley turned to the stranger and saw a tall man in a leather jacket leaning against a gorgeous classic car. A smirk curled up on his face and she smiled back. "Thanks. I can say the same for yours. That's a gorgeous Impala. A '67 right?" His smile grew and a spark lit up in his eyes. "Yeah, that's right. You know your cars, huh?" She walked closer to him and crossed her arms as the cold breeze hit her. "Dad was a bit of a grease monkey. Cars were something he never could shut up about."
At a closer glance, she saw his beautiful hazel-green eyes. The small amount of freckles that peppered his face. His hair was a shorter, sandy blonde and fit him perfectly. His full lips caught her eye and she tried not to stare. She took a moment to notice how well those jeans fit him. He let out a throaty chuckle and said, "my dad too. Looks like we were raised right. I'm Dean by the way." He reached his hand out for hers and she took it in return. "Riley." Her name hit something in him and he was captivated. Her piercing blue eyes stared back at him and for a second he was lost in them. Something about her was intoxicating.
"So, you from around here?" he asked.
"Yeah. Lawrence is home. Just came in for a visit."
"Same." He grinned at the beautiful woman in front of him, trying to play it as cool as possible. She made him nervous but in the best way possible. He couldn't help but take in every part of her. The way her hair fell in her face, how she curved in all the right places, and how her smile was something you wouldn't believe unless you saw it.
"Well, I gotta run an errand and get going. It was nice to meet you, Dean." She began to walk away; her boots softly crunching the leaves beneath her.
He didn't want her to go. He had to get to know her. Somehow he knew, this girl was something special. "Hey, Riley!" he called out as he caught up to her. She turned to him with a smile, trying to hide how glad she was that he didn't just let her leave.
"I'm gonna be in town for a bit and have some time to kill. Would you maybe want to get together later? Dinner?"
Her heart fluttered as she tried to calm her excitement. "Sure. Do you know Debbie's Diner?" she asked.
"Yeah. Best burgers in town. They make a mean apple pie."
"I couldn't agree more. Wanna meet me there around 7?"
He flashed a smile that made her weak in the knees. It reached up his face and made the corner of his eyes crinkle. "It's a date" he replied.
She smirked back at him revealing dimples that he immediately fell for, "see you then". Riley turned to walk away, making sure to saunter just a bit to keep his attention. Dean couldn't help himself as he watched her walk into the florist shop. She was a knockout.
Filled with excitement for the night to come, he hopped in the Impala and backed out of his spot. He wished he didn't have to wait.
Grabbing her duffle bag and the new flowers from the back seat, Riley got out of the car. Finn jumped out right behind her. He was wagging his tail with excitement knowing exactly where they were. She walked to the back of the diner and went in the employee entrance. A small break room that looked more like a family room, was warm and simply decorated. Couches, a tv, coffee table and a rug took up most of the room. Riley pointed to the couch and Finn hopped on. She kissed his head and walked into the back entrance of the diner.
As she took a step onto the tile, the familiar smell of Debbie's best pies filled the air. The hiss of the fryer in the background, making her famous fries. She could hear music softly playing and she took a deep breath and let out a sigh as she whispered to herself, "home."
Riley saw Debbie and crept up behind her. "Surprise!" Debbie let out a small yelp and turned around. Her eyes widened and her smile grew too big for her face. "Riley!" She embraced her tight and didn't want to let her go. Riley was the daughter she never had and she missed her so much it hurt. After a moment she let go and gave a small tap to the side of Riley's head. "You scared the crap outta me."
Riley chuckled, "sorry, Deb. But I come bearing a peace offering." She handed Debbie the lilies and Deb knew she couldn't even remotely be upset with her.
"Oh, sweetheart, I missed you so much. I didn't even know you were gonna be in town. Why didn't you call?" Deb asked.
"Well, I came in for work and thought I would surprise you."
Debbie's joy fell a little knowing exactly what "work" meant. She hated what her niece did. The job took her whole family from her, and the idea of losing Riley made her chest ache. Suddenly, she could feel the pain swell in her aunt. It turned her stomach and she felt fear, worry, concern...all at once. What was happening?
This isn't the life I wanted for her. Why can't I convince her to stay?
Riley froze. Aunt Deb never spoke a word. Did she just...hear her thoughts? Feel her emotions? "No. That's impossible." She shook off the thought and blamed it on exhaustion. She had been driving for a full day. Of course she was tired.
"Well, I gotta get these into a vase. Make yourself at home, but don't think I won't put you to work later."
Riley chuckled, "yes ma'am. Uh, Deb? Do I smell fresh-"
"You and your pie" she cut in. "I'll grab you a slice."
Riley grinned from ear to ear and gave her another hug. She took a deep breath and inhaled the smell of fresh food and her vanilla shampoo; one of her favorite smells. "I'm so glad to be home, Deb."
Dean was nervous. This didn't usually happen to him. He was good with girls and he knew it. But this one was different. She did something to him and he was dying to find out what that was. He let out a big exhale and ran his fingers through his hair. Getting out of the car, he straightened his leather jacket and headed towards the diner.
He opened the door and a soft bell jingled. Dean didn't see Riley and was happy that he was there before her. There was a sign that read "please seat yourself. We'll be with you shortly." He found a booth in the corner and sat down on the red padded seat. Fiddling with his hands and looking out the window, he was just hoping this girl wouldn't blow him off. He had been looking forward to this all day.
A familiar appealing voice spoke out. "Hey, glad you made it." He looked up and saw those big blue eyes that he hadn't been able to get out of his head. "Wouldn't have missed it", Dean replied.
"Want a beer?" she asked.
"Absolutely."
She walked away and went behind the counter. He watched her with his brow arched, confused why she was just helping herself. Dean watched her grab two bottles and pop them open; bringing one to her lips and taking a sip while walking back.
Riley sat the bottles down and sat across from the smile that gave her butterflies. He looked at her and chuckled, "you know, they don't like it when you serve yourself." She tried to stifle a laugh while taking another sip from her beer.
"I probably should have mentioned, this is my Aunt's diner. This is kind of like my home."
"That makes a lot more sense. I was thinking you might just be a little wild." he smirked.
"Oh, honey. You have no idea."
His eyes widened. This girl was something else.
Aunt Debbie walked to the table and pulled a pad and pen out from her white apron. "Hey, Riley. Want to introduce your friend?"
"Of course, Aunt Deb, this is Dean."
Dean shook her hand. "Nice to meet you, ma'am."
"Ma'am? Damn. When did I get old?"
They all let out a small chuckle. Debbie took a moment and a look of recognition came over her face. Did she know this boy? She didn't want to embarass Riley and ask too much, so she let it go. Debbie returned to focus and asked, "you kids wanna order?"
Dean motioned to you for you to go first. "Just the usual, Deb. Cheeseburger and fries."
This girl ordered real food. He loved that she didn't order a salad or something ridiculous and tasteless.
"And for the handsome one?" she looked at Dean.
Riley rolled her eyes and pulled her lips together. Of course Deb would say something like that.
Dean looked down and let out a shy laugh. Looking back up he gave a soft smile and said, "I'll have the same."
"Coming right up." Deb didn't even need to write down that order. She knew Riley's usual by heart. She turned and returned behind the counter.
They were alone. There was a moment of silence where they just smirked and soaked up being together.
"So, tell me about yourself, Dean" Riley said in a calm and flirty tone.
"Well, I'm from here, I have a little brother, I love cars and have a slightly unhealthy obsession with classic rock."
Riley laughed and replied, "I'm the same way. I'm a sucker for when music was actually good. Def Leppard, AC/DC, Guns 'n Roses, Led Zepplin...I have too many favorites to name."
Dean couldn't believe his luck. This was literally the perfect woman. "You know," he said cooly "not a lot of girls are into all of that. I'm pleasantly surprised." He took a sip from his beer.
"Well, Dean. I'm definitely not like most girls." Her smirk was trouble and he loved it. "My dad and I were always listening to music together. It was something that we both loved. Some of my best memories are of us belting out our favorites during our long drives."
"Sounds like you and dad are pretty close huh?"
Her eyes cast down and her face changed. "Dad, uh, he passed away about a year ago now."
He saw the pain in her face and felt guilty for the question. "I'm so sorry."
"Thanks. Definitely miss him" she said choking on a lump in her throat. She downed a large swig of the beer, put it on the table and played with it in her hands trying to get out of her head. She had to change the subject. "What about you? You close with your parents?"
Dean sighed and wasn't sure how to explain his relationship with his dad. God knows how complicated that was. "Uh, dad and I are pretty close. He raised me and my brother. Mom died when we were kids."
"I lost my mom as a kid too. It was just me and dad. Now, Deb is all the family I got. Well, her and Finn."
"Finn?"
"Finnick. My golden retriever. Kinda my partner in crime. He's in the back. Can't have dogs in the diner."
Dean let out a chuckle.
They got lost in conversation, talking about anything and everything. He made her laugh, and she needed that. She loved that he thought she was funny. His laugh was genuine and ran up her skin like a warm hug. They were lost in each other.
After the burgers and fries were demolished and multiple beers were downed, Debbie stopped by the table with two pieces of fresh pie. Dean's eyes lit up. "Oh God, yes" he thought as the smell wafted his way.
The two ate their pie and Dean got up the courage to ask what's been on his mind. "So, Riley, how the hell does a girl like you not have a boyfriend?"
She smirked as she took a bite of the warm pie. She swallowed and added, "well, I don't stay in one place long. Kind of hard to build a relationship when you're always on the road."
Dean felt like she was singing his song. This girl totally got him. "I know that feeling all too well. Work keeps me travelling a lot."
"What do you do?" she asked.
Careful not to reveal too much he answers, "Uh, it's a family business. We do a little bit of everything."
"Well that was vague" she scoffed..
He laughed. "I like to be a little mysterious. What about you?"
It was her turn to omit her full truth. "We're kind of a family business too. Odd jobs here and there just all over the place."
He looked at her and felt she was hiding something, just like he was. He decided not to press it further though.
After their plates were finished, they stood up to leave. She hugged Debbie and told her she'd be back in a bit. "Be safe, sweetheart" she replied. "It was nice to meet you, Dean."
"Likewise, ma'am."
"Oh for the love of God, please call me Debbie."
"The food was delicious by the way" Dean smiled and handed her some cash.
"Oh no, honey. It's on the house. Here, I packed you a pie to go. Seems like you enjoyed it."
He was too happy with his gift and knew he really liked this woman. "Thank you, Debbie. I'll definitely be back for more."
They walked out of the diner and slowly meandered towards his Impala. Walking side by side, they took their time with every step, not wanting to say goodnight. Normally, Dean would have already offered to take her back to his room, but not with Riley. This was different. She wasn't just some chick he wanted to have a one night stand with. He wanted to see if there was something more. That thought alone was enough to scare and excite him.
The parking lot behind the diner was poorly lit and next to a quiet alley way. The moon gave more light than the street lamps but it was the perfect setting. He leaned against the car and looked up. The stars were so bright. One of his favorite things about Kansas, you could always see the night sky. Riley looked up as well and they both sighed feeling the comfort of home.
"Dinner was great. Your aunt sure knows how to cook" said Dean.
"Yeah. She's amazing. She seemed to really like you."
"Good. I don't always do great with first impressions."
"Well, you did just fine with me." She bit her bottom lip, a smile showing through.
He let out a quiet laugh and their eyes locked. He was lost in hers and her in his. There was an electricity between them and it was like gravity was pulling them together. She took a step forward closer to him and brushed her hair behind her ear. She was so beautiful and he felt his stomach flip as he glanced down at her lips.
"I had a really good time tonight, Dean."
"Me too. I'm glad I got the guts to ask you out."
She laughed and replied, "me too."
Suddenly they realized the gap between them had closed. They quietly looked at each other waiting for the other to make a move. Dean put a hand gently on the side of her face and her breath hitched. Her hands found his chest and felt his cool leather jacket under them. They inched closer. Both feeling lightheaded and their lips nearly touching, when a loud crash came from the alley and they both jumped to look in that direction. It got quiet. Too quiet.
Before there was time to react, a snarling creature with long fangs shot out from the darkness and lunged at the couple. The vampire went for Dean first and went straight for his neck. Dean quickly hit him in the face and pushed him back.
Both Riley and Dean shouted to each other in unison, "get behind me!" They both looked at each other in confusion but there was no time for that. Just as the vamp got up to lunge back at them, two more came out from behind them. They were outnumbered. Dean went for the two and Riley went for Dean's original attacker. Dean pulled out his gun, but before he could shoot, he was grabbed and thrown feet away onto the hard asphalt; the gun falling out of his hand. Riley unsheathed the knife from her boot and brought it up ready to fight. The creature pinned her to the wall, both fighting for power over the knife.
A deep voice rang out from somewhere nearby, "DEAN!" A tall man with shaggy hair came running into the fray with a machete and aided Dean. He quickly came up behind the third vamp and sliced his head clean off. Dean grabbed the gun and fired several rounds into one of the vamps and it fell to the floor in agony. He yelled out in worry "RILEY!" and charged in her direction. Riley finally overpowered the creature and stabbed him in the gut only slowing it down. She pushed it against the wall and quickly grabbed the lid from the metal trash can next to her. With all her might she shoved it into the vampire's throat and took his head clean off. Dean stopped in his tracks with shock on his face.
Riley wiped the blood of her face and turned to Dean. All three out of breath, not sure what to make of what just happened. The remaining vampire laid on the ground, groaning in agony. Dean and his partner sauntered over to it and stood over him. "What the hell did you do to me?" he snarled.
"Those are dead man's bullets you, son of a bitch."
Riley quickly broke in with that same lid; slamming it down and finishing the creature.
There was silence. Dean turned to Riley, "you're a hunter?!"
"You're a hunter?!" she replied in shock.
"Yeah. We came into town hearing about a vamp nest nearby."
"Me too."
Still catching their breath, no one knew what to say. Until Dean finally turned, "this is my brother Sam. Sam, this is Riley." She looked up at the younger brother. He looked so young. Handsome like his brother, but in his own way. He had soft brown eyes and his brown hair curved over his forehead.
Riley had a realization that struck her like a bus. "Wait. Sam and Dean? As in Sam and Dean Winchester? John's kids?"
The brothers looked at each other and Sam spoke up. "Uh, yeah. Do we know you?"
"Your dad was my dad's best friend."
"Who was your dad?" Dean asked.
"Jackson Munroe."
Dean's eyes grew. "Jack Munroe? Dad and him hunted together for years. He was a hell of a hunter." He scoffed in shock. "I can't believe you're Jack's daughter."
"Dad was so hurt to hear about your father last year. We all were. I'm so sorry, Riley" Sam added.
Riley nodded in gratitude as she pulled her knife from the vamp. She cleaned it on the creatures shirt and sheathed it again. "How's your dad by the way? I haven't seen John in a while."
Sam scoffed, "join the club." Dean scowled at Sam and then looked back to Riley. "We're actually looking for him right now. He went on a hunting trip and we haven't heard from him in a while."
"It's John Winchester. I wouldn't be too worried" she said. There was that silence again. "Well, I don't know about you two, but I could use a drink. My aunt has an apartment above the diner. I know she has some whiskey hidden upstairs."
"I am definitely not gonna turn that offer down," replied Dean.
While Riley dragged one of the corpses off to the dumpster, Sam grabbed Dean's shoulder and turned him towards him. "That's the girl you went out with tonight?"
"Yeah. She's incredible. Did you see her? She's a badass." He smiled like an excited kid in a candy store.
Sam let out a breathy chuckle in agreeance and they both go help Riley remove the evidence of their violent supernatural encounter.
The three hunters step into a small apartment; it was cozy and welcoming. Pictures of the Munroe family made it feel like a real home. Riley closed the door behind them and a happy dog comes running to her. He jumps up to hug her and she rubs his back. "Hey, Finn. You been a good boy?" He gets down, stands next to her and observes the strangers.
Sam bent down and Finn went to smell him. He pet Finn and the dog wagged his tail in appreciation. "What a beautiful dog" Sam said. "I always wanted one. Dean's not exactly a huge fan of dogs."
Dean gave Sam a look and then shot back to Riley with a big cheesy smile, "I like dogs. I do. He doesn't know what he's talking about." Riley turned with a questioning look on her face and Dean hit Sam in the arm. "Dude. Not cool."
She went to the kitchen and grabbed glasses from the shelves, and found the bottle of whiskey stashed under the sink. The boys went to the table and she brought everything to join them. Finn settled next to her chair and laid his head on her feet. As she poured the glasses, Dean let out a scoff. "Man, what are the odds? I mean, it's Lawrence. Small town...but still."
Riley took a drink and sighed as it burned in her throat. "You're not wrong."
Sam let out a throaty chuckle. "Life's funny that way, I guess."
The front door opened and Deb walked in; her apron draped over her arm and taking her hair out of its tied up bun. Finn ran to greet her. She rubbed his head and looked up. "Oh, didn't know we were having company. Dean, nice to see you again."
"You too, Debbie. This is my brother, Sam."
Her eyes widened. Riley jumped in, "Yup, Sam and Dean Winchester." She turned to the brothers, "And yes, Aunt Deb knows all about it."
"I knew I recognized that face. Dean, I haven't seen you since you were a kid. And Sam...my god, you were just a baby." Deb pulled up a chair and joined the group. "Now that love of pie makes so much sense" she said eyeing Dean.
Dean let out a small gasp at his realization, "Dammit! I dropped my pie!"
Debbie laughed, "don't worry, honey. There's plenty where that came from." She got up, grabbed two pies from the refrigerator and some forks, and brought them to the table. "Dig in. We don't need plates when we're with family." Dean lit up in excitement and went right for the pie as Riley did the same.
"So, the Winchesters are back in Lawrence. Is your dad with you?"
"We're only in town for a case. Dad's out kind of doing his own thing right now" Dean said with a full mouth.
"You boys came in for the vamp nest, didn't you?"
"Yes, ma'am" Sam chimed in.
Dean shook his head with his mouth full, "mm-mm. She doesn't like that. Gotta call her Debbie."
Sam, being slightly embarrassed of his brother, returned to his conversation. "So, you know all about the job?"
"Oh, yes" she replied. She lifted a small bite of pie to her mouth, chewed and swallowed. She sighed. "My brother was a hunter. Cost him his damn life." Sadness fell over Riley's face. She hated that her aunt still hurt so deeply. Not to mention how disappointed she was that Riley was following in her father's footsteps.
"We heard about Jack. We were all so sad to hear of his passing" Sam added. "If you don't mind me asking, we never heard what happened."
Riley put her fork down, ran her hand through her hair as it fell back in her face and took a deep breath. Dean could see the pain in her face and put his hand on top of hers on the table. She looked at him and could see the comfort in his eyes. He was calming her. How can he already be able to do that?
"Dad has been hunting down the thing that killed mom for as long as I can remember. That's why he became a hunter. I don't even remember my mom. I was only six months old when she died. That night, he didn't tell me he was after it again. He said 'he had to handle some business' and went alone. I would have never let him go if I had known." Riley choked back tears and cleared her throat.
"Wait a minute. Was your dad after a demon? A demon with yellow eyes" Dean asked.
Both Riley and Deb's face went white. They looked at each other and then back at Dean. Both froze. Debbie finally spoke. "H-how did you know that?"
"Because that's the same thing that killed our mom too." Sam's face in disbelief as he answered her. "Dean, Jack must have been working with dad on the case the whole time. We always knew they went on hunts together but they never really talked about them with us."
Deb took a breath and continued, "he was gone so much. Riley was just a baby and spent a lot of her time with me. I practically raised her. Whenever Jackson would come back home, he would teach her everything he could about the life. I hated every second of it. Watching her learn to handle a gun when she was only in kindergarten made me sick. But, Riley wanted to be a "hero" just like her daddy. I knew I couldn't stop her, no matter how hard I tried." She grabbed Riley's glass and downed the last bit of whiskey, trying to stifle her emotions. "And then one day 'Riley was old enough to hunt'." She scoffed in annoyance. "She was just a child. But she didn't want to be away from her father and wanted to help him find the creature that killed her mom."
"Deb, it was never easy leaving you. I didn't want to leave, but I had to." Riley reached her hand to Debbie's and squeezed. "You were like a mom to me. That never changed." Deb squeezed back.
"So, you hunt alone now?" Dean said surprised.
"Yup. Well, Finn comes too. Sometimes. He's mostly there for the company on the rides and in the motels, but he's saved my life a couple times. He's the only partner I've ever had besides dad." She reached under the table and pet the sleeping dog.
"Well," Deb sighed as she stood up. "I have to go close the diner and clean up. Riley, you're off the clock tonight. Stay here and finish your night." She kissed Riley's head and looked to the boys. "It was nice to see you both."
"You too," replied Dean. "Thanks for everything." She gave a half smile and headed out the door.
Riley stood to clear the table and Sam stopped her, "I got it," he said.
She realized that Dean never let go of her hand. They had absently intertwined their fingers and found comfort in each other. She looked at him and their eyes locked. The electricity again. You could feel it in the air around them.
Sam quickly cleaned up and saw the two of them. He cleared his throat. "Well, I'm gonna head back to the motel. Thanks for everything, Riley. It was really nice to meet you."
"You too, Sam."
They exchange looks and Dean nodded in his direction as to say "I'll be there in a bit". Sam acknowledged the notion, pat the dog, and left.
Alone again. "Come on." Riley grabbed her glass with her free hand, and with the other lead Dean to the couch. He quickly grabbed his glass as well. The couch was a dark blue and incredibly clean. Dean was impressed with how neat Aunt Deb kept her home.
They both sat down and looked at each other. "I gotta admit, Winchester; I did not see tonight going the way it did."
He let out a throaty laugh. "Definitely not." He searched for the right words. "You're incredible though, Riley. You just keep surprising me."
"In a good way, I hope." She smirked at him and he felt chills go up his neck.
"In all the best ways." He said. She smiled and took a drink. He paused, gathering the courage to keep talking. "You were right. You're not like most girls. You're something different altogether. ...I don't think there's anyone like you." He looked up and caught her eye. Electricity.
"Listen," he said, putting down both their drinks. "I gotta do this before something stops me again or I'm gonna regret it." He pushes her hair out of her face and takes her chin in his hand. Slowly, the space between them closes and their lips touch. Riley felt a spark in her that she never had with any other guy. It was terrifying, but amazing. He was amazing.
As the kiss intensified, her hands slip behind his neck and his other hand finds her hip. They pulled each other closer together and begin to lose themselves in the moment. The rest of the world faded. The pain, the stress, the monsters; gone. All that existed was them.
Dean ran his hands through her hair as she pulled him close by his jacket. "I am not gonna let this girl go," Dean thought to himself before slowly laying her down on the couch, their kiss never breaking.
The next morning, the boys drove down the main strip of town, the sound of Baby rumbling beneath them. It was the most soothing sound they had ever known. She was their home.
Dean flipped open his phone to reveal a message from Riley: come in through the back. See you soon.
A Blue Oyster Cult song played softly from Dean's "go-to" cassette tape. Sam broke the silence, "so, you sure you wanna see Riley after your night together? I've never seen you do that before."
Dean knew he was right. "It's not like that, Sammy. We kissed; that's all. And yeah, I definitely want to see her." Sam was pleasantly surprised by his brother's response and nodded in understanding.
After turning off the engine, they stepped out of the car; the doors creaking behind them as they slammed shut. As they walked around the back, they saw the diner in the daylight. Memories from the night before played in their minds. Remnants of blood that couldn't get cleaned up were still there.
Opening the door, the brothers stepped inside. Riley was sitting cross legged on the couch with papers, newspapers and a map sprawled around her on one side and Finn on the other. She glanced up, trying to not seem too eager to see Dean. "Hey, guys. Good morning."
"Morning" they both replied.
Dean sat on a single chair close to Riley, and Sam sat on the longer end of the sofa and greeted Finn. The golden pup was already a fan of the youngest Winchester.
Riley sipped her coffee and nodded towards the side table. "There's a fresh pot if you want some, help yourselves."
Dean got up and poured two mugs full, giving one to Sam and then returning to his chair. He looked at Riley and studied her. She was beautiful in the morning. Her hair up in a messy bun, glasses that were sexy as hell sat on her nose, and she sat in sweats, a Led Zepplin t-shirt and socks. She didn't even have to try. "So whatcha got?"
"Looks like all the attacks have been up north on the furthest skirts of town towards the city of Midland."
"I did some digging, and saw that there have been attacks littered over the last 25 years. Usually was only one here and there, so it didn't look like more than a few stragglers" Sam chimed in.
"Yeah well, with the death toll piling up, and the visit from our friends last night, I'd say it's a safe bet we have a full blown nest now." Riley pushed everything to the side to focus on the conversation and the warm coffee in her two cupped hands. She always joked about how the smell of coffee would "wake up her soul" as she was not a morning person.
"Ok, so what's the plan?" Dean asked while he sipped his coffee thinking how much he couldn't focus without it in the mornings.
"I say we stake it out tonight. If we think we can handle it, we go in. If not, we gather intel and we'll regroup for tomorrow. At least if we're there, they can't leave without us knowing," Riley added.
"Sounds good to me. Guess we have the day to kill," Dean said with hope in his voice. Sam could hear exactly where his brother was going with this.
"Well, let's go grab some breakfast and we'll make plans from there. I am in dire need of more coffee. I'll go change and meet you in the diner" Riley got up and pat her side for Finn to follow. Dean can't help but watch her every move and she knows it.
"Great! I'm starving" Sam shoots out.
"Meet you in ten."
After a day of lounging in Aunt Deb's apartment, copious amounts of delicious food, and a couple of classic movies, it was time for the hunters to head out. After grabbing her gear and giving a kiss on Finn's soft head, Riley followed the boys out to the car.
Dean popped the trunk to check on their supplies while the sun sets softly behind them. The sky barely lit with beautiful orange and yellow colors coming over the horizon. Riley gazes down into the trunk and was thrilled with all the different "hunter toys" it held.
"Ohhhhh my god." She pulled out a baseball bat wrapped in barbed-wire and grinned as she admired it. "This is so badass."
Dean chortled. "That's one of dad's absolute favorites."
"Don't think I won't be taking a swing with this baby at some point."
Sam let out a playful sigh. "My god there's two of them."
After Riley and Dean exchange a flirty glance, they shut the trunk and walk around Baby. Sam went to the front passenger door and opened it for Riley. "Such a gentlemen" she teased. He closed the door for her after she slides in. Sam looked at Dean over the car and mouths to him, "you're welcome."
After all three are in the car, Dean starts the engine and turned up the music. "Let's do this."
Night had fallen as the Impala's lights had turned off and rolled to a stop. It hid behind some brush and just shy of a beat up metal gate that lead up to a private property. From there they could still quietly watch to make sure no one left the cabin on the hill. A beat up old van sat at the top of the and warm lights came seeping out of the house windows.
Quiet surrounded the car with only the sound of crickets chirping around them.
"Did we happen to get maps for the property? Do we know if there's a driveway on the other side?" Riley was frustrated that she wasn't able to find them while researching.
"No." Sam added.
"Dammit."
Dean saw this as an opportunity to get a moment with Riley and formulated an idea. He put his arm over the seat and looked back at Sam in the backseat. "Well, Sammy, how about we stay here and you do recon around the property? You can come back and let us know what find." A look of "play along" on his face.
Sam rolled his eyes. "Sure. Why not?" he said with annoyance in his tone. Grabbing a flashlight and packing his gun into his hip, he gets of the car and tries to close the door gently.
Dean peeked his head through the crack in the window and whispered, "take your time. No rush."
Sam rolled his eyes again and began his trudge down the road, keeping his eyes peeled.
With Sam no longer in view, Riley and Dean are alone again. They both had been hoping all day for the moment that would happen. She couldn't tell if last night meant as much to him as it did to her. Maybe it was just a playful night together after a fight. What she didn't know was Dean had been aching to kiss her again all day. He just wasn't sure if he would be pushing it with Sam being around.
Finally he breaks the silence. "Listen, at the risk of sounding like a complete idiot, I really like you. I had such a good time with you last night. Even if our night was interrupted by blood crazed monsters." They both let out breathy giggles. "But had that not happened, I may have never seen what a badass hunter you are."
Her stomach flipped. Knowing that she impressed him filled her with a pride that she couldn't contain. Watching him in the fray last night turned her on in ways she was definitely surprised by.
"Last night was awesome. Definitely my most interesting date so far."
His lips pressed together while a smile grew behind them. She looked so perfect. There hadn't been a moment since they met that he didn't think so.
She bit her lip seeing his gaze and it was happening all over again. He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. Their eyes shut and lost in the gentle moment between them. They broke apart only to softly smile and look at each other once again. A fire grew in their stomachs. It grew and grew filling their chests and making them dizzy. Breathing heavy and not able to take it another second, the two crashed their lips together and pulled each other closer than they thought possible. And yet, it still wasn't close enough. His hands were everywhere; grabbing at her sides, her face, in her hair and on her neck. Hers grabbing his shirt and pulling at the nape of his neck while the short hairs rubbed against her hand. They were completely lost in each other, forgetting where they even were.
The back door opened and the two jump to look back at Sam getting in the car but hesitating as he sees the couple. "Oh, I'm sorry, should I come back?" he asked sarcastically.
"Shut up, Sammy. What did you find out?" Dean asked trying to catch his breath.
"This is their only way out. If they leave, we'll know it. I was able to get a view into the window and heard them talking. They're pissed about the three vamps we took out last night. Losing them apparently brought their nest down to four. They know it happened behind the diner and they plan to hit it hard."
Riley's eyes grew with anger and a hint of panic as the thought of Aunt Deb getting hurt. "That's it. I say we handle these bastards now. No way in hell am I letting them near my home."
Dean loved this side of her. The hunter side. She was always ready for a fight and clearly had a loyal and brave heart. It made her that much more attractive. He wanted her even more. His mind set on being by her side and raring to go, he looks at her and then Sam. "Agreed. Sam, you in?"
"Let's go."
The three get out quietly and grab their gear. A gun on each of their hips, knives hidden in boots or sheathed in jackets, and a machete in hand, Riley reaches for the bat. She gives a look that sends chills up Deans spine and drives him wild while her hands tighten their grip around it.
With purpose and intensity, the three stride up the hill, ready for whatever awaited them behind that cabin door.
The remaining four vampires sit in main room venting their anger in front of a roaring fireplace. Thirsty for blood and revenge one of the men with black hair and a large build hisses under his breath. "I'm not waiting. Those fuckin hunters took out our kin. They die tonight." The rest of the nest in agreeance, they get up ready to leave.
Just as their decision was made, the door is kicked open. It swung with such power it slammed against the wall and chips from where the door met the frame splintered out. Riley went in first determined to lead the group. This was personal. She took large controlled strides into the house. She swung the bat with abandon and hit the black haired monster in the head, caving in the side of his skull. He hits the floor and she swings another two times ensuring that he's down.
Dean and Sam go in opposite directions ready to take their part in the fight. Punches are thrown and the youngest Winchester takes a blow to the jaw that causes him to falter back. He shook it off and charged back at the creature.
On the other side of the room, Dean is faced off with a long haired vampire in a leather vest. As they dance around a bit, trying to corner each other, he looked at the vamp. "You know, you reek of 'douchebag'." The vested animal let his rage take over and rushed at Dean. The perfect opportunity came for him to duck away. He turned and sliced the vampire's head off its shoulders. Turning around still riding the high of the kill, he removed the head of the other one fighting his brother.
Riley, face to face with the only remaining creature, is met with the face of a woman with a pixie haircut. Her teeth were bared and she snarled at the hunter. "You, bitch! You come into our house and destroy my family?"
A cocky smile grew on Riley's face as she tensed around the bat and jested, "better yours than mine, you piece of shit." After a couple swings and misses, the vampire loses her step and is met with a swipe to the face. She hit the ground, blood dripping from her head and realized she couldn't stand.
Riley walked behind her and opened her hand trading Dean for the machete. She grasped it firmly and walked back to the beaten monster leaning back on her hands. Barely able to get out words the woman hissed through her breaths, "you...hunters...you'll never win. There's too-there's too many of us. We'll always...come for you." With one final look Riley replied, "and we'll always be ready." With one swift motion, the blade cuts off the woman's head and it thumps to the ground.
Baby pulled up in front of the diner. Deb had already closed up for the night and must have gone to bed.
Exhausted, covered in blood and still coming down from the high of the tussle, there's a moment of silence between them.
"You know, Riley, you're a damn good hunter. We could use someone like you by our side more often," Sam let out from the back seat.
"He's right," Dean added. "You kicked serious ass tonight."
Riley sighed. "This was the first time I hadn't gone on a hunt alone since I lost dad. I guess I was always too scared to. Couldn't afford to lose another partner." Her head fell slightly and she knew that if she got too close to these boys, she would lose them too.
"Hey," Dean said lifting her chin up softly to look at him. "Look, this job sucks. We've lost more friends and family than we ever care to admit. It hurts every damn day. The thought of losing more? It's almost too much to bear. But, this isn't a one man show, honey. We survive and thrive because we do it together."
A small smile came over Riley's face and she knew he was right. Sam's hand landed on her shoulder and her hand landed on top of his. "You have two partners right here if it feels right to you. We can figure out all this shit together; as a team. We'll go after Yellow Eyes, together. We'll always have your back."
The thought thrilled Dean to his core and he couldn't help but grin. "Sammy's right. So whaddya say, kid?"
A million thoughts ran through her head while she tried to fight her fear of losing more of the people she cared about. "I...I need to think about it. I know you guys are headed out in the morning. I'll let you know then."
Both brothers nodded in agreement and a swell of comradery swept through the car. Whatever her decision, a bond had been formed. She just needed to make sure she made the right one.
Riley leaned over and planted a soft kiss on Dean's lips. She looked at him and then back at Sam, "goodnight, guys." Getting out of the car and swinging her bag over her shoulder, she walked into the back of the diner.
"I really hope she says yes, Sammy."
"Me too, Dean."
It was a brisk morning and more leaves had covered the streets and sidewalks of the quiet street. The mood in the town had shifted. It was lighter. Evil had left Lawrence; for the time being.
Dean stood leaning against Baby never breaking his gaze from the diner door. He had tossed and turned all night worried that he would have to say goodbye to her, and he just wasn't ready.
Sam saw the concern in his eyes. "She still might come. We'll give her a few more minutes." Even he was keeping his hope that the new friend he had made would be leaving with them.
Dean's heart sank and with a heavy sigh he turned to the door to get in the car. Behind him he heard the soft jingle of the diner's bell. Turning around, he saw her. She was grinning from ear to ear; a bag over her shoulder and a guitar case in her hand. Finn and Deb followed close behind.
"Still got room for one more, Winchesters?"
"Hell yeah." Dean hugged her and took her things to put in the back seat. Sam came to her and hugged her tight. "You play guitar?"
"Oh, Winchesters, I'm full of surprises."
Riley walked over to Finn and got down to his level. A tear in her eye she pet him and rubbed his ears while she looked him over. "I love you, buddy. You're my best friend and nothing will ever change that. But we're going after something too big and I can't risk you getting hurt. Aunt Deb's gonna take good care of you. I promise I'll be back soon." She wrapped her arms around the whining dog and kissed his head. "I love you so much." Tears crept up in her eyes and the lump in her throat threatened every breath she took.
Getting up she squeezed Deb. Debbie whispered in her ear while her voice broke and she held back tears with each word. "You come back to us, you hear me?"
"I promise. I love you so much."
Both pulling themselves together, Riley walked towards the Impala. Debbie hugged the boys and handed Dean a large bag. "It's filled with food for the road. I made sure I packed some pie in there too."
His smile was beyond genuine and he hugged her one more time. "You take care of her," she whispered.
"Thank you, for everything. I promise to get her back to you."
The trio got in the car; Riley and Dean in the front again and Sam in the back. With tears slowly rolling down her cheeks she waved one more time. She had no idea how long it would be until she hugged her family again. "I hope I made the right decision" she thought as she wiped the tears from her face. Dean backed out of the spot and headed on the road. Finn and Debbie right where she left them, fading in the side mirror.
Dean saw her pain and squeezed her hand. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. "Music?" she asked as she turned the dial. Nothing ever took her mind of things like the beautiful sound of memories. That's what music was. It was solace. It was dad.
Bob Seger's "Night Moves" came through the speakers and it was like dad had sent a message just for her. This was their song. She beamed feeling like he was always with her.
"I love this song!" The music swept through her soul and she sang to the tune. "I was a little too tall. Could've used a few pounds. Tight pants points hardly reknown. She was a black haired beauty with big dark eyes. And points all her own sitting way up high…"
"Wow, she sings too," Dean said teasingly and soaking up every beautiful sound that she shared.
"Always the tone of surprise with you, Dean. Out past the cornfields where the woods got heavy. Out in the back seat of Dean's '67 Chevy. Workin' on mysteries without any clues. Come on, boys!"
In that brief moment during the verse, he watched her as she warmed his heart. Every word and ridiculous sway she did in the front seat of his car...was magic. She was magic.
The brothers chuckled in return and joined in and they all sang in unison. "Workin' on our night moves. Trying' to make some front page drive-in news. Workin' on our night moves in the summertime. In the sweet summertime."
In that moment, driving past the sign reading "you are now leaving Lawrence, come back soon!" and lost in the "night moves", the three of them just enjoyed being together. It felt right; like pieces of a puzzle were slowly coming together and finally making more sense.
Sam got comfortable in the back seat and Riley scooted closer to Dean. He wrapped his arm around her as they both imagined the roads to come. This was the start of something. Something...great.
