See, told you we had more lol. Thank you for those who reviewed and for all those that read. Please continue, we always appreciate the criticism, both the good and the bad (as long as its constructive please and thank you). Oh, and thank you Miss E Charlotte for you kind words in regards to past events. Like always, please read and enjoy our latest update in what we hope will be a fascinating storyline for you.
Best wishes everyone. :)
Had it not been for the utter annoyance of her blaring alarm clock Riley would have remained in bed, possibly sleeping most of the day away. Glancing to her alarm her eyes began to adjust to the blazing light from the early morning Arizona sun shining through her window, 8 am. Grumbling Riley stood, her body aching, begging to find solace in the warmth of the sheets as she made her way to her dresser. Usually the early morning hours and the lack of descent sleep no longer affected her, after years of running off 5-6 hours a day her body had grown accustom to her rigorous schedule. Today however, she felt as though her body and mind had become heavy and clouded. Shaking the sensations off Riley got dressed, faded blue jeans and a dark blue t-shirt. Although at first light the Arizona desert still remained cool by noon a heat wave would blanket them.
Not bothering to make herself breakfast, Riley raced down the stairs, glancing into the main hall as she reached the bottom. To her surprise Riley found no one else up and about.
Readjusting her bag on her shoulders Riley closed the door and ran for her car. Smiling as the engine purred Riley tore down the street, its roar amplifying as she sped up. The only thing in this world that gave her freedom from the turmoil in her life.
They had heard the roar of the engine as she sped off. Walking to the upstairs window they watched her round the corner.
"Watch her." The taller red-head ordered. Her eyes cold and cruel as she spoke.
Without a word the others left, leaving the head of the sorority alone.
Fire everywhere. Torches. Candles.
A swaying mass, hooded and dark robed filled the room.
A concrete slab with a woman in white bound to its surface by crude metal chains. Silently, unmoving, the woman laid there, as though she was already dead.
Three figures beside her chanting, not Latin, no not Latin, as a dagger is lifted above the woman's chest. Its silver blade reflecting the flames that surrounded them all. The handle dark, simple, adorned with an insignia he had not seen before.
"What are you doing?" The woman cried. "Please…don't…." The woman whimpered pulling against the binds that held her, her attempts all in vain as the chains did not budge. Her hair, that had laid so softy beside her now thrashed around as she pulled for freedom. Her long blonde hair.
"No…..No!"
"Rachel!" Sam shouted, gasping for air as he shot up from his bed. The pain in his head causing even more discomfort then the vision he had seen.
His quick movement and shouting waking him, Dean jumped up to a sitting position on his bed, the knife he had under his pillow now in his hand, the blade shining. Hastily the older Winchester looked around, satisfied that they were alone he lowered his weapon even more.
Running a hand through his shorter unkempt hair Dean tried to rid the tiredness that coursed through his mind and body.
"You ok Sam?" Dean finally asked, taking a quick look to his watch he noticed the time. 8:35. Having gone to bed at roughly 3:00 Dean felt the weight of the lack of sleep creep up.
"Another vision." Sam replied through gritted teeth as he fought to keep his brain from jumping out from his skull.
"Vision and a migraine. Some gift of yours Sam" Dean commented, rising from the bed he felt a chill from the room run through him.
"It was Rachel." Sam added the pain in his head lifting only slightly.
"That's my boy." Dean smiled knowing full well that's not what his younger brother had meant. Although he wouldn't blame him for thinking of her outside of the vision, Dean had to admit, she was attractive. Little ditzy but attractive.
"No Dean. She's the one they're after. Rachel's going to be the next sacrifice." Sam stated adamantly, the pounding in his head finally fading enough so that he could look at his older brother without squinting in pain.
Ever so carefully juggling the three cups of coffee as well as a bag with breakfast, Riley slammed the door of her car with her hip and made her way to the room she desired. The sun bit at the horizon, its golden hues bringing life to the once dark sky, turning it a brilliant shade of powder blue. Beautiful and painfully the light caressed the land, blinding all who stepped outside. Luckily after her first day's mistake Riley had gotten into the habit of wearing her sunglasses where ever she went and, although she found herself squinting slightly in the peak morning hours, she was grateful it was not worse.
Patiently Riley waited as she knocked. Not knowing who would be up, or if either was for that matter. Taking a moment she looked around her. The scarcely filled parking lot, the shadows of the vehicles long and fading on the cement as the sun rose, birds filled the air with their melodious songs only to be drowned out by the occasional car that raced by. Riley had to admit, aside from the stinging heat in the summer, it was a rather nice place.
Hearing the sound of the door opening Riley turned, only to be met with a tired and squinty eyed Dean, who was holding a hand above his eyes hoping to shield off as much of the brightness as he could.
"Morning Sunshine." Riley smiled, trying to deceive her own weariness. "Coffee?" She asked, holding her offerings out to him.
"What are you doing here?" Dean asked, taking a moment to rub his eyes in an attempt to force his tiredness away. His tone low and mumbled causing Riley to believe she had woke him up.
"Good morning to you too." Riley stated sarcastically as Dean stepped aside to let her in. The darkness of the room catching her off guard Riley paused and took off her glasses. Dean shutting the door behind her. Around the corner she saw Sam sitting on the edge of his bed, head in his hands.
"I wasn't quite sure how you guys take it, so I just grabbed a little of everything." Riley added, setting the coffees and the bag on the table in the middle of the room. Grabbing her own Riley walked around and sat down in one of the chairs, propping her feet up on the still empty portion of the small round table. "There's several donuts in the bag as well."
At the sound of coffee and food Dean made his way to the table, shuffling slowly as he began to wake up. Though still tired his face and attitude seemed to perk up at the sound of food.
Grabbing one of the two remaining coffee cups Dean turned his attention to the small brown bag beside it and dug for the condiments he desired, as well as one of the several glazed donuts.
"Thanks." Dean spoke, although his voice showed how much his body yearned to return to the bed, she knew his thanks was genuine. Which she felt was a start, giving the mistrust she felt laying between them.
"No problem." Riley replied with a small smile as she brought her own still steaming cup to her mouth. The warmth spreading through her as the hot liquid coursed down her throat. She watched as the older Winchester made his way back to his own bed, his breakfast in hand. His dark shorts and grey t-shirt, although wrinkled from a night's sleep, still fitting him comfortably. The style of shirt showing the muscle in his arms which surprised her. Riley had known both were strong and fit, but she had never seen either with so little on, and a wave of surprise fell over her as she found her eyes glued to him.
Feeling her cheeks rush with blood she cleared her throat and moved anxiously in her chair. Straightening herself, Riley pushed the odd sensation aside and seeing that the remaining coffee cup was still there she focused her attention on Sam.
"Not hungry?" She asked, her question causing the younger Winchester to look her way, revealing the exhaustion on his face that Riley had not noticed when she had walked in. Exhaustion and something more that she couldn't put her finger on.
"What….oh thanks." Sam replied, his voice soft and elsewhere, the disturbed look on his face melting away as he forced a smile her way. Standing Sam finally made his way to the table.
Once more Riley found herself unable to look away. Riley had always had a hunch that Dean had a strong figure, giving he hunted so long and fitness was a necessity, but Sam, he had been a college boy and to her surprise he looked just as good. His longer pant bottoms, dark, and a white shirt, showing the definition in his own arms.
'Oh man. Bad thoughts Riley.' Riley thought to herself, putting her coffee down and bringing a hand to her head Riley sought to gain some sense of herself once more.
"What are you doing here? I thought you had 'class' or something." Sam asked taking a seat in one of the neighboring chairs as he mixed his coffee. Thankful that the side-effects of his vision had all sub-sided.
"I only enrolled the other day and the classes are for show Sam. Besides I figured you two might need all the help you can get if you plan on going to the Zeta Pi house." Riley answered, feeling confident enough that she brought her eyes up to his. The deep enveloping auburn of his eyes not deceiving what he was feeling inside. That and with how he looked Riley felt something was off about him.
"Still can't believe you're taking classes." Dean joked taking an eager drink of his still steaming coffee, the grogginess he had felt before obviously dissipating. His face lighting up as he smiled.
"Well it's not like I planned to, but I had to cover all bases. I needed access to the Sorority and that, unfortunately, meant being one of them. I don't know why your complaining, my alias seems to have worked to your advantage now hasn't it." Riley argued as she eyed him, begging him to admit defeat in their ongoing battle of the wits.
"You have no idea." Dean grinned slyly at her as a vision of her from yesterday filled his mind.
"Ha Ha Ha Very funny." Riley sneered, already knowing where his mind was going.
"I don't think that's a good idea." Sam interrupted. The man's words a little hastier then he had intended. Taking a quick look to his brother, he hoped the older Winchester would help in his attempt at persuasion.
A quick glance up from his still steaming coffee, Dean finished his donut and went for a change of clothes. Rummaging through one of their duffel bags, Dean paid no heed to his younger brothers silent pleas.
"Really it's no trouble Sam, if anyone asks I will tell them I was hanging out with my boyfriend and his younger brother, besides it's not like I'm staying here for the education." Riley replied her eyes trailing to Dean who now stood as he dug for new clothes, the lights cascading through the partially open curtains falling on him. She had to admit, for just waking up, he wasn't that bad to look at, kind of cute even, in a weird sort of way.
As soon as the words left Riley saw Dean stop and look at her, his eyes mischievous as they met with hers.
"Seeing as I am in the roll of 'boyfriend', "Dean started a grin starting to emerge on his face as he spoke. "I would like to exercise my right to….."
"You wanna rethink that statement." Riley interrupted knowing all-to-well where the older Winchester's mind was going. Aside from the little skirmish they had yesterday, Riley could care less about how things had ended, that she had to play girlfriend to one of the most womanizing men she ever met. With as little movement as she could Riley let her fingers graze her side once more, the memory of Deans abrupt squeeze in that tender area sent shivers down her spine.
Her words having caught him off guard, Dean paused a moment as though he struggled for a comeback before thinking otherwise. Clothes in hand Dean went for the bathroom. In no time both Sam and Riley heard the shower start to run.
"You brother is an interesting character Sam." Riley continued bringing her attention back to the youngest of the two men. His hair still thrown all over from his sleeping.
"That's one way of putting it." Sam replied taking a long drink of his coffee, avoiding the donuts Riley had brought for breakfast.
"One minute he's biting my head off and the next, he attempts to get me into a compromising situation." Riley smiled, hoping to lighten the mood. Sam seemed all but his cheerful self, and that concerned her. Concerned and caused her to wonder if the duo were hiding something from her. "You seem very persistent on getting me to leave Sam, are you trying to get me out of the picture or something? Cause if you are…." Riley started to accuse, although keeping her voice down, the agitation within it was evident.
"No. No…far from it." Sam responded before Riley could finish. His interruption and tone catching her off guard, Riley froze and stared at him, uncertainty in her eyes.
"Then what's going on? And don't lie to me." Riley asked, making it clear that she was not in the mood to be toyed with. Her green eyes searching his, an emotionless facade was plastered on her face as she waited.
Sighing hard Sam ran his fingers through his longer hair, the effort taming his wild locks as he thought on what he should tell her. Sam knew Dean wouldn't want Riley to know of his visions, dreams, not with the rumor of an impending war spreading through the ranks of hunters.
"We need you to tail Rachel. To keep an eye on her till we figure this out." Sam stated, hoping that Riley would believe his words as he tried desperately for them to sound sincere. "She's an initiate so we need to keep an eye on her till after the party tomorrow."
"So am I. Which is precisely why I should be with you guys. So we can solve this thing and end it before another dies." Riley shot back, she never liked being on the sidelines of a case, especially one that she had been on for so long.
"I know. But…Trust me, I have no doubt that you can handle yourself should the need arise. Rachel on the other hand…. She'll be an easy target for whoever is doing this. If we follow her it would raise too many questions and unneeded attention. You can tail her without suspicions." Sam argued, choosing his words carefully as he spoke. Making sure his tone was honest and sincere. Which wasn't that hard, Sam was very confident Riley could handle herself, and if he and Dean followed they would receive unneeded attention. Sam only hoped Riley would see it their way.
Taking a moment Riley let Sams words sink in. She knew Rachel would be an easy target and, although she didn't agree with the choice of what was happening, she knew it was the safer option. One that would help them all solve what was going on at Collins University.
"You know something….." Riley finally managed to speak after a moments silence. "You're lucky you have a way with words Sam." Riley smiled, her facade hiding the doubts that ran through her head.
"Do you honestly believe that Rachel is the one they will choose tomorrow?" Riley asked, her tone changing from what it was moments before.
"Yeah I do." Sam replied, taking his gaze from her to the floor below him as images of his vision came back in to his mind. Of the makeshift temple, the candles, the dagger being held high in the air…..and Rachel screaming.
"If your hunch is right….I need to get going or I will be late for class." Riley managed to reply. Grabbing her keys from the table beside her Riley stood and made her way to the door before pausing.
Looking back at Sam, Riley's eyes looked both concerned and frustrated. "Sam,…We don't know each other all that well, and I don't know what you are keeping from me or how you know this….but I hope you know what you are doing."
Without another word Riley left and got into her car. Sighing she took a moment longer to look at the door leading to the room she had just left.
"What are you hiding from me….." she whispered into the air.
Turning the key, her engine roared and Riley tore down the street towards the campus.
