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The witch cackled.
It wasn't an encouraging response.
"Oh, you needn't worry, Sammy." she laughed. "I'm not going to do anything to them. Yet, at least. You see, I find you much more fascinating."
Sam hesitated, sounding wary. "What are you talking about?"
"Oh, don't play dumb with me, Sam. I know your secret."
Dean frowned, John looked up at the ceiling. Both were confused and concerned.
Secret? What secret? Dean didn't like the sound of that.
Sam was quiet for a moment, then responded, his voice strained, "I don't know what you're talking about."
The witch laughed again. "Of course you don't. The habit runs deep, doesn't it, Sam? After all, it's been...what, 6, 7 years? Yes, yes, a long time to be keeping a secret. It must be hard. To hide it all. And for so long. I'm quite impressed."
Sam was silent.
What the heck is she talking about, Sammy? What does she have on you? What haven't you told us?
"For someone with so much talent, I'm surprised your father and brother can think so little of you. I mean, think about it, Sam. Your father thinks you're useless. He even said it tonight, didn't he? Your brother sided against you. Your family thinks you're useless, Sam. Why don't you just show them? You could, you know. You could make them fear you. You could teach them exactly how powerful you are. Yet, you don't. Someone with so much talent should not be so mistreated, Sammy. You should be leading, not being trampled on." The witch hissed.
Be afraid of Sammy? Why the heck would we fear Sam? Dean's eyebrows furrowed in unpleasant doubt and worry.
Sam scoffed, "You're crazy."
"Am I? Sam, you saved a woman's life this morning. You put your own life on the line and you know you wouldn't have been able to defeat those three morons without...your talents."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Wow. And Sam accuses me of denial.
The witch sighed.
"You really don't trust them, do you? We're alone, you know. Your family is downstairs, they can't hear you. Perhaps...if they frighten you so badly...I can protect you from them."
Her voice was low and soft, smooth as she tried to persuade him.
"You could be safe from them. You could save lives and not have to worry about your family turning around and stabbing you in the back. You would be safe, Sam. All I would ask was a few favors every so often. Just that little bit and you would be safe. You can't ask for a better deal than that, Sam."
WHAT? Stab him in the back? We might not get along all the time, but I would give my life for Sam! How could he worry that we were going to stab him in the back? What is he not 'safe' from?
Dean was growing to really hate this witch.
Sam was silent for a moment, then finally responded softly.
"No. No, I don't trust them."
Dean flinched at that. Sammy...
"No, they won't ever know the truth. And, no, I will probably never know...never know safety. Peace."
Sam sounded pained and it tugged at Dean's heart. His father was sitting stiff and silent beside him. Both were listening closely.
Don't take her offer, Sammy. I promise I'll make it better. I promise. Just give me a chance. Please. Just give me a chance.
Sam's voice hardened. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to turn my back on the side of good. I will never serve you. I'm not going to prove them right, I'm not going to give them reason to hate me. Even if my dad or Dean ends up hunting me, even if someone finds out..."
An edge of bitterness sharpened Sam's tone, though the pain hadn't disappeared. "...well, I suppose I was just a useless child anyway. Dad wants a soldier. If he only knew."
John winced at that.
Dean hung his head. What have we done?
"Oh poor Sammy." the witch crooned. "Perhaps I should explain my point of view a little more thoroughly then."
A second later, movement sounded on the floor above them.
"Stay away from me! What is that?" Sam barked harshly.
The movement intensified.
Dean guessed Sam was struggling with the witch.
There was a loud thump on the floor.
"That my dear Sam is motivation. You see, if I press this button-"
Sam suddenly cried out.
Dean flinched, staring at the ceiling in horror.
"It delivers a strong electric shock. It's typically used on dogs. Though I suppose it would work for your...breed as well."
Dean felt his blood run cold. Oh gosh. Please. He's not a...not a werewolf? But how could he hide that from us? I mean, we'd notice if he disappeared every full moon...
Sam cried out again, body jerking against the floor. "No!"
Another cry, a small thump on the floor. "Stop."
A frightened whimper. "...no..."
A small plea. "...don't..."
Dean closed his eyes, his head hanging, fighting tears. Sammy. I'm so sorry, Sammy. Just hang on, kiddo. I'm so, so sorry.