Disclaimer: Not mine.

Chapter 10

Sam watched as Dean changed, wincing at the sounds of his pained screams. When it was done he found himself staring into the eyes of a leopard. Dean was crouched, obviously disorientated, his tail lashing as he scented the air. He took a step towards the cat but then stopped when Dean hissed at him. "It's alright Dean." Sam whispered, reaching out to him with his powers to calm him. Dean snarled but slowly began to calm, his beast reacting instinctively to Sam. "That's it, come here." Sam called softly and Dean got to all fours, prowling over to him. Sam knelt down and gently rubbed his head, smiling sadly when Dean began to purr. Looking into his eyes he knew the animal was in complete control, completely normal since it was Dean's first shift. He was a magnificent cat, larger than a normal leopard would be. Sam ran his hands through Dean's coat, counting his spots for the fun of it till Dean growled, obviously needing to hunt. Sam led him deeper into the forest, guiding his hunt to ensure he didn't go for any humans. Dean ate his fill and then spent the rest of the night exploring until the moon began to set, crying out in pain and then collapsing unconscious to the ground.

Sam lifted him gently and found a cave; it was too close to sunrise to make it back to the hotel. Sam put him down and then took off the backpack he was carrying, removing Dean's clothes from it so he could re-dress him before unrolling the sleeping bag and getting into it with Dean. He smiled when Dean shifted slightly, moving closer to him and wrapped his arms tighter around him. "It's okay Dean, I've got you."He whispered and Dean went slack against him, obviously hearing him or at least knowing he was there. Sam dug out Dean's phone and dialled, he didn't have long till sunrise.

"Dean?"

"It's Sam Mrs. Winchester, Dean's unconscious." Sam answered, free hand moving to run through Dean's short hair.

"Unconscious? Then….he shifted?" She asked quietly and Sam nodded.

"Yes. I don't have long till sunrise. Dean will sleep most of the day if not all of it. We're well hidden. He didn't…he didn't hurt anyone. Took down a few deer and explored." Sam explained to her.

"Was it…..was he in pain?" She whispered and Sam closed his eyes.

"I'm sorry, shifting is violent….there is always some level of pain." He admitted softly.

"Will you come tonight? John's left on another hunt."

"Alright." Sam blinked, feeling the dawn coming. "I have to go now."

"Sleep well." She replied before hanging up. Sam did the same and curled tighter around Dean even as the sun rose and he died for the day.

Dean woke slowly, he ached all over and he was starving. He tired to move and groaned in pain, giving up to instead open his eyes. It was dark but he could make out a face next to his….Sam, he could feel the vampires' presence even if he hadn't been able to see his face in the dark. He forced his arm to move, shaking fingers touching Sam's face and the vampire's eyes opened.

"Dean? You okay?" Sam asked as he moved to lean up on an elbow.

"Sore." Dean answered and then Sam was gently pulling him into his arms, gently massaging protesting muscles, helping Dean relax. "I….I changed, didn't I?" He whispered and Sam nodded, kissing the side of his head.

"It went better than we could have hoped Dean; you were very responsive to me and let me guide you in hunting. I called your Mother this morning; she would like to see you tonight." Sam told him and Dean froze. "She knows you shifted and that it went well."

"I…."

"Dean she's your mother and she loves you." Sam whispered and Dean cuddled closer to him, Sam gently ran his fingers through Dean's hair, helping him relax. "I love you too." He whispered and Dean's head shot up, eyes wide as he stared at Sam. Sure they were tied together for life and he knew Sam cared but love?

"You mean it?" he asked and Sam nodded, smiling widely enough to show his fangs.

"I love you Dean Winchester." Sam stated and then kissed him. Dean kissed him back, not caring when he nicked his tongue on a fang. Sam moaned at the taste of blood so when they parted Dean tilted his head in offering. Sam stared at him in surprise before kissing his throat and then biting down as gently as he could. Dean still hissed in pain but held still, letting Sam drink his fill. Sam helped take his mind off the bite by gently touching him, letting his hands move over Dean's body. Dean moaned but not in pain, his body reacting to Sam's touch.

Dean used his key this time, unlocking the front door and moving inside, Sam following him. "Mom?" He called nervously and then she was coming down the stairs.

"Dean." Mary smiled, seeing Dean standing unaided, looking healthy again. She opened her arms to her son and Dean moved into them, hugging her tightly. "You look so much better now." She whispered when she pulled back. She touched his neck and shoulder, finding the bite scarred over. But she also found a fresh bite and raised an eyebrow. Dean shrugged and looked at Sam who smiled at him. "I'm not asking just be careful you two." She warned and Sam ducked his head, feeling embarrassed.

Dean nodded. "Yes Mom." He was just happy she wasn't kicking him out or shooting him with silver. Mary sat down and they followed her lead.

"So what now?"

"Well it will take Dean several months to begin remembering what happens when he shifts and to start getting control of his leopard form. It would help him to be in a settled Pard environment and there are a few cities whose Master's would probably be willing to allow us entry." Sam answered and Dean flinched slightly at the thought of causing so much trouble. "It's not trouble." Sam whispered to him and Dean blushed slightly but nodded.

"What about working?" Mary asked and Dean looked at Sam. Could he still work?

"As long as he isn't outed there shouldn't be a problem, once his control is good enough." Sam answered and Dean grinned, thankful all those years of school wouldn't be going to waste.

Jean-Claude stared at the letter that arrived earlier that day. He had to admit he was surprised and intrigued by its contents. Allowing such a powerful master vampire into his territory was risky but the possible rewards were also great. Great enough to take the risk though?

TBC…..
Any suggestions on which AB book they should arrive during?