Alec walked from Max's house to Bear and Rocky's house. He was still raw from talking with Dean about Ben, but he thought he could walk it off, and then distract himself by doing something reckless and stupid. He'd tried to cover up how much talking about Ben had bothered him, but he wasn't sure he'd convinced Dean entirely.

He tried so hard to block out his time in psy-ops, but no matter what, it just kept coming back. All of the pain and confusion from being strapped to that chair and having the laser burning his eye swirled around in his head constantly. He felt drained just remembering it.

They took the restraints off of his arms and from around his chest. In the back of his head he knew it was time to move, but he couldn't. His body wasn't listening to him and even if it was, his legs wouldn't be able to support him right now.

The guards grabbed his arms and hauled him up. He didn't even have the strength to keep his head from falling forward. The labcoat walked over and lifted his chin. The labcoat checked his pupils, and then looked to the guards.

"Two hours down then bring him back," the labcoat said dismissively.

The guards nodded and started to drag him out of the room.

Alec shook his head to get rid of the memory. The only way for him to keep himself together would be to suppress those times and just not think about them again. That was the only way he knew how to deal with things and so far it worked for him. Dean knew how to get him to open up, but he didn't want to make that a habit.

What he needed to do was find Bear. He knew what he wanted to get Max, but he really did need backup for this and since Bear and Rocky were new here, they hopefully wouldn't disagree with his plan. They hopefully wouldn't know about TC and what had happened there. He knew Sam and Dean wouldn't ever allow him to do this, which was why he was going to be very vague with them if they caught him and asked him where he was going. He loved his brothers, but he wanted to do this.

He knocked on Bear's door and waited for her or Rocky to answer. He didn't know if she would agree to do this, but there was only one way to find out.

Bear opened the door, but then raised her eyebrow in a silent question, "I did not think there were hunting lessons today."

"There's not," Alec quickly replied. "But I need some backup to go into town. You busy?"

Bear looked back into the house before she glanced back at him, "What are we going into town for?"

Alec hesitated, "…There's just some supplies we need…"

"Alec, I can tell that you are hiding something," Bear said with a smirk.

"I'm getting Max a present…sort of," Alec admitted.

Bear's eyes lit up with excitement, "What are we getting her?"

"Something she left behind," Alec vaguely replied.

Bear thought for a moment before she nodded decisively, "I will go with you."

"Great," Alec said with a wide smile.

He turned and started walking back the way he came, but stopped when Bear called out, "Are we going now?"

Alec turned back towards her and smirked, "I don't see any reason to wait."

"Am I the only backup you are taking?" Bear asked suspiciously.

"Is Rocky in the house?" Alec asked instead of answering.

"No," Bear said slowly. "He went to Command to find Dean. He said he wanted to be ready for the hunt."

"Then it looks like it's just me and you then," Alec said. "C'mon, we've got a lot to do."

Alec didn't wait for Bear before he started walking again, but he heard her footsteps behind him a few seconds later. Alec slowed when he got closer to Command; he didn't want anyone to see him and Bear sneaking out of this place, which would alert his brothers of his actions and prevent him from ever leaving.

"Alec, why are we sneaking?" Bear whispered as Alec pressed his back against the wall of a house. A transgenic walked by, but luckily didn't notice them. "You look very suspicious if you are sneaking…"

"I just don't want this to be a crowded trip. If anyone sees me then they'll ask questions and they might even want to join in. I'm a little popular," Alec said with a cocky smirk.

"And so modest," Bear replied sarcastically. Alec shrugged and peeked around the corner to make sure it was clear. "You are getting me in trouble aren't you?" Bear asked after a moment.

"You won't get into trouble as long as we don't get caught," Alec replied mischievously. "I'll probably get in trouble either way. My brothers are a wee bit overprotective of me and really if they find out, this whole operation is over."

"I am going to regret this," Bear muttered.

"Don't be so dramatic…" Alec said, starting to sneak closer to the garage.

"I do not think I am the dramatic one in this duo," Bear shot back.

Alec rolled his eyes and led the way into the garage. He was so tempted to steal the Impala, but he did actually value his life. Dean would kill him if he found out that he stole his Baby. Instead, he led the way to a busted, red four-door and got in the driver's seat. Bear stomped over to the passenger's side and slid in next to him. Alec quickly hotwired the car, signaled for Link to let them through, and then headed for town.

"Are you sure you don't want another hunter to go with you?" Sam asked again. "Me, or Bobby, or Alec…any one of us will go with you…" Dean rolled his eyes; Sam was worried about this hunt even though it was just one little vampire nest and he had a whole team of transgenics going with him.

"Sam, I'm going to be fine," Dean said with a sigh. "You remember Alec on his first hunt? He was a natural." Dean walked around the sofa and sat on the opposite end of Sam.

Dean had walked back to their house after talking to Alec since he knew Sam was still nervous about the hunt. He wanted to reassure Sam as much as possible before he left and he knew it was going to take some time. He was going to find Alec again after he convinced Sam that he would be fine. It was going to be weird hunting without them again, but he actually wasn't that worried about the hunt. But that could be because he was still shaken up from talking to Alec.

He always wanted to know more about Alec's time at Manticore, but as soon as Alec told him, he always wished he hadn't brought it up. He hated it when his brothers were in pain, and there was nothing he could do to change the years of pain that Alec had had to endure. He could see how much even talking about the past hurt his little brother, but now he understood more of what Alec had gone through.

"But we were hunting a spirit then and we were both there. This time it's a nest of vampires and it's just you with a bunch of new hunters," Sam argued, snapping Dean back to the conversation.

"New hunters who happen to be trained soldiers that know how to handle a weapon and follow orders," Dean stated, and then added, "And if I remember right, Alec's first hunt was more than one spirit."

Sam shot him his famous bitch face, which made Dean's lips tug up in a small smile. Sam let out a long sigh, but then finally relented, "Just promise you'll be careful and that you'll call if you need help."

Dean took a deep breath, and then nodded, "Yeah Sam, I promise."

Sam looked at him for a moment longer before he must have decided he was telling the truth. They sat in silence for a few minutes until Sam asked, "Did you find Alec?"

Dean nodded, "Yeah, he slept at Max's place again."

Sam nodded like he already knew that, and then asked, "Did he say if he was doing anything today?"

Dean shrugged, "I don't think so…why?"

"I think he's gonna do something stupid…" Sam muttered.

Dean chuckled, "What makes you think that?"

"Well, for one, he's Alec," Sam said with a huff of laugh. "And two, we talked about it last night when he was buzzed."

Dean looked up in surprise, "He was buzzed? You're joking!"

Sam chuckled, "No, I'm not joking. It was pretty funny to see."

"Man, wish I could've seen that…" Dean said, shaking his head. "What d'you think he's gonna do?"

"He wants to get something for Max, but I have no idea what," Sam said, running his hand through his hair. "I just wanna keep an eye on him so he can't do something stupid."

"Well, he was still at Max's place, and I left when Max got there so I'm guessin' he's not going anywhere for a while," Dean said with a smirk.

"I still want to keep an eye out," Sam muttered.

"Sammy, you worry too much," Dean said, getting up and walking to the kitchen. He poured himself a cup of coffee and nodded to Sam to ask if he wanted some. Sam shrugged his ok and Dean poured him a cup too and brought it over.

"I wouldn't worry as much if I didn't have two reckless brothers who didn't like to take backup," Sam pointed out.

"I told you, I'll have backup," Dean said.

"Five new hunters are not backup," Sam grumbled.

"You better just give it up, little brother," Dean said. "I'm not changing my mind."

Sam grumbled something unintelligible, but Dean just ignored him. He would be fine and he knew the hunt would go off without a hitch.

"Alec, what are we doing here?" Bear hissed beside him. She did not sound happy, which he hadn't been expecting. He didn't think she had known about what had happened in TC. But the glare she was currently shooting at him told him something completely different.

"We're getting Max's gift," Alec said slowly, ignoring Bear's look. They were currently hiding in an alley by the fence surrounding TC. He'd picked this alley because he considered it lucky; it was where Sam and Dean had hit him with their car and taken him in. He smiled a little at the memory.

He braced his ribs with his hand as he half limped, half jogged closer to the fence. The cops behind him were getting closer and he just hoped they wouldn't start shooting.

There wasn't much on the other side of the fence, just a back alley that only one car at a time could fit through. He just had to make it over the fence and out into the main part of the city before the cops could find a way over. If he could do that then he knew he would be free.

Just as the cops were in range, Alec made it to the fence. He didn't waste any time, he just jumped high up and over the fence. His landing was a little off and he had to take a few steps into the alley to gain his balance, but he had made it.

The screeching of tires suddenly sounded behind him, but he didn't have time to jump out of the way; he only had time to turn a little. The car hit him at his left knee and he rolled part way up the hood and then off, back onto the pavement, landing on his chest.

The world was going in and out as he lay on the ground. Faint footsteps were coming towards him and a moment later, gentle hands touched his shoulder. They turned him carefully until he was on his back, but the world had gone mostly dark so he couldn't see if it was the cops or not.

"Whoa…" A man breathed out.

"Holy shit, Dean! That's him!" The voice belonged to a man, but he sounded really far away.

"I know…he came out of nowhere!" So there were two men, but this one was closer.

"We need to go; the cops are coming this way…"

"I know Sam! Help me get him to the car…"

He felt the men gently lift him up, and then he was in the backseat of their car.

The rumble of the car was strangely comforting as he drifted in a limbo between consciousness and unconsciousness. The men didn't say anything as they sped down the streets of Seattle. He didn't know where they were taking him, if they were planning on helping him or not, or even who they were, but there was nothing he could do because a moment later he succumbed to the darkness and was too tired to fight his way back.

Who knew those two men would become his brothers? They had saved him and given him a home; he could never repay them for that. He felt a little guilty now going behind their backs and sneaking out to purposefully put himself in danger, but he was already here.

"Alec, we can still turn back," Bear tried to bargain. "We can find Max another gift."

Alec shook his head, "Nah, we'll be in and out. It'll be a piece of cake."

"Alec," Bear sighed.

"It'll be fine. The patrols have dropped down a lot more since the breakout, I know exactly where it is, I just need you to keep a lookout," Alec said quickly.

Bear scowled, "I am not just keeping a lookout."

"Ok, ok," Alec said, putting his hands up in surrender. "We'll both go."

"I still do not like it," Bear grumbled.

"I know," Alec replied, "Let's go."

He stood up and quickly jumped over the fence. Bear landed next to him after a second and they both jogged to the closest building for cover.

"Where exactly-"

"Middle of TC," Alec cut Bear off before she could finish.

"Are you serious?" Bear asked incredulously. "We have to make it all the way to the middle and back. You are insane, Alec."

Alec shot her a cocky grin before he took off again.

"Where the hell is he?" Dean grumbled.

"No one's seen him," Sam replied. He was kicking himself for not immediately finding Alec, he should have known better. What he actually should have done was stick around with Alec last night when he knew where he was, and then put him on house arrest.

"I gotta get going…" Dean muttered to himself. They were inside their house, but everyone else was waiting for them outside. They were pushing up the hunt since another body had turned up, but Dean had still wanted to say goodbye to Alec before he left. So far, Alec was nowhere to be found.

"Dean, try calling him again," Sam suggested.

Dean shook his head, "I've already tried five times. I don't think sixth time's the charm…"

"I'll tell him to call as soon as he gets here," Sam tried to reason. He couldn't think of any other way to get Dean to go on his hunt without Alec actually being there. "He probably figured he had enough time to go do whatever it is he's doing and be back in time before you left. I'm sure he's fine."

"That's not what you were saying this morning," Dean said.

Sam rolled his eyes, but didn't disagree. He was pretty sure Alec was getting himself into trouble, but there was nothing he could do about it since he didn't know where he was.

"Alright," Dean finally decided. "Tell him to call me as soon as he gets here, ok?"

"I will," Sam promised.

Dean nodded and started walking towards the door and Sam followed him. He still hadn't been able to convince Dean to take another hunter with him, but with Alec missing he figured he shouldn't push things too far. He would just have to worry about both of his brothers until they were back.

"Are you two finally ready or what?" Mole grumbled as soon as they were outside. All of Freak Valley had come out to see them leave. This was the first group to go hunting and everyone was excited about it.

"Keep your shirt on, Mole," Dean said with a smirk. "You don't know yet, but this is traditional in hunting."

Sam rolled his eyes and Mole asked sarcastically, "It's traditional to get your panties in a wad? 'Cause that sounds like somethin' just you and Sam do."

"Shut up," Dean said, pushing his way past Mole to get to his team. Rocky, Lucky, Gem, Leo, and Penny were all waiting together near the Impala and another car that they were going to take. Sam felt pretty good having Rocky on Dean's team; the guy was huge and Sam figured Rocky wouldn't let anything happen to his brother.

"We ready to go?" Rocky asked as they walked up.

"Yeah," Dean said with his head down. Sam knew he was still worried about Alec, but he needed to get his head in the hunt. If he went distracted like this, he could get hurt.

"Dean-"

"I'm fine Sam."

"You boys ready," Bobby asked, walking up to them with Rufus behind him. "You've got a lot of work to do finding that nest and taking care of the vamps with a bunch of new hunters."

"I'm not going, Bobby," Sam said. "Dean thinks he's got enough backup."

Bobby shot Dean a stern look and Rufus chuckled and muttered, "Oh, here we go."

"You think five new hunters are backup?" Bobby asked incredulously.

"Booby-"

"Ya idjit! Have I taught you nothing? You're takin' an experienced hunter with you. I don't care who it is, but you need someone to help ya out here," Bobby said.

"Fine," Dean ground out between clenched teeth. Sam couldn't help his smug smile; he didn't care that it was Bobby who got Dean to accept taking backup, he was just glad that Dean was going to take some. "Get in the car old man," Dean said, and then he looked to Sam and said, "You and Rufus go out and look for Alec."

"Dean, I-"

"I'm sure he's fine too, Sam," Dean interrupted. "I'd just feel better if you went out and looked for him."

"Alright Dean, I'll look for him," Sam reassured.

Dean patted him on the shoulder and smiled, "You might want to check the police scanners knowing him…"

Sam chuckled, "Ok, Dean. Don't worry, we'll find him."

"I know you will Sam," Dean said.

"Are we going to hunt or not?" Bobby asked from the front seat of the Impala.

Dean rolled his eyes, but walked around to the driver's side. He and Bobby waved as they pulled away from their house.

Alec held up his hand to signal for them to stop. Three cops walked by, but they didn't see him or Bear. There were more cops in this place than he expected. They were all wearing gas masks since TC was toxic to ordinaries, but he would've thought they would give up by now. Especially since there was no reason for a transgenic to come back here.

"How much further?" Bear whispered to him.

"We just have to get into that building across the street," Alec whispered back. They were so close. If they could just make it into Command then they would be home free.

Alec started forward, but he knew instantly that it had been a mistake. He heard the click of a gun and took off running. Alec glanced over his shoulder and saw the cop he missed hanging out on the roof. The cop lined up another shot, but Bear tackled him out of the way before the shot could even come close.

Alec pushed Bear off of him and grumbled, "It wasn't even close…"

Before either of them could say anything else, a tranquilizer dart shot into the ground next to them.

"Jeez, that guy's a terrible shot," Alec muttered as he jumped back to his feet.

"Not the time, Alec," Bear hissed.

"Freeze," A voice called out through a megaphone. "If you come quietly, no one will get hurt."

Two teams of cops came forward to surround them, armed to the teeth and each pointing a gun at them. There were 16 men against the two of them, plus the man on the roof. Alec scanned the surrounding rooftops and saw three more men standing and watching.

"Not great odds, but I think we'll be ok," Alec casually said to Bear.

Bear sighed, but kept her eyes on the cops.

Alec put his hands up and nodded for Bear to do the same. Two cops stepped forward once they surrendered; one walked towards him and the other to Bear.

Alec waited and let the cop grab his arm and pull it behind his back. He smirked over at Bear and she rolled her eyes back at him. The cuff snapped around his wrist and he instantly went into action. He yanked his arm with the cuff on it, and the cop still holding onto the other end, and surprised the cop into stumbling closer to him.

He grabbed the cop and turned him to face the guy on the roof who had brought his gun up to aim at him. He used the cop as a human shield and let him take the tranq dart instead of him. The cop was immediately knocked out, and Alec was stuck holding his dead weight.

The other cops had started to move forward. Alec picked up the unconscious cop and threw him. He took out two cops with that one, and then turned to take on another that was getting too close. He knocked the gun out of the cop's hand and took the guy out with a solid punch to the jaw.

"Alec, down," Bear called out.

Alec dropped without question. Bear brought one of the cop's guns around and shot a cop that was behind him. Alec jumped up as soon as Bear hit the target and ripped a gun away from a cop, and then kicked the guy back into the wall.

He dropped to his knee and aimed up at one of the guys on the roof. He shot that one and quickly shifted over to the next one. That one was already aiming at him, and they both shot at the same time. Alec rolled out of the way right after he fired, making the tranq dart intended for him imbed itself in a cop who had been coming up behind him.

"Bear! It's time to go," Alec said. More cops were coming and he knew their luck wouldn't last forever.

Bear hit one of the cops with the gun in her hand and turned and looked for his signal. Alec shot the cop with the best angle on them, and then took off running for Command. The cops weren't ready for them to suddenly take off, so he and Bear were already to the building by the time they figured it out.

Alec slammed the door shut behind Bear as soon as she was inside. They didn't waste any time barricading the door; if they could find what he was looking for then they wouldn't be here for long anyway.

Alec led the way down the hall at a jog. It was weird being back here after all this time; everything was familiar, but at the same time he hadn't missed this place. Alec grabbed Bear's arm as he made a quick turn into the main part of Command.

The door was off its hinges, chairs were turned over, and there were bullet holes in the wall. It was just like he left it.

"Alec, is Max's gift in here?" Bear asked quietly, but with a sense of urgency in her voice.

"No," Alec said and Bear sighed. Alec ignored her and worked at picking the lock on the cuff around his wrist. He finally got it and dropped the handcuffs to the floor.

"Then what are we doing here?" Bear asked impatiently.

"Grabbing Mole a gift," Alec replied. He walked over to a desk and opened the top drawer. Papers and files filled the drawer, but Alec pushed all of those out of the way and pulled up the false bottom. Mole's cigars were revealed, which Alec grabbed and held up for Bear to see. "Mole thinks he's so sneaky hiding them in here…"

"Great, can we go now please," Bear asked, unimpressed.

Alec huffed, but nodded and led the way to where Max kept her Ninja. They could hear the footsteps of the cops making their way closer, but he knew they were almost done.

Max's motorcycle finally came into view and Alec smiled. He knew Max loved this thing and she probably missed it. He had always thought she looked like a badass riding her motorcycle; he just hoped she wouldn't be too mad that he'd come out here to get it.

"Are you joking?" Bear asked. "We are not riding this thing. I do not ride motorcycles."

"No other choice," Alec said with a smirk. "There's no backup plan to get out of here."

"Alec," Bear growled.

Alec swung his leg over the bike, "Just pray that it starts." It took him three tries to get the motorcycle to start, but he did get it. "C'mon Bear, I don't have another way outta here."

Bear scowled at him, but stomped over after a moment's hesitation. She hopped on behind him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. "Do not tip this thing over."

"Bear, I won't let you fall off, ok? But you're gonna have to loosen your grip a little or else I might pass out," Alec said.

Bear loosened her arms very slightly and Alec kicked the bike into gear.

"Tell me your plan again, 'cause I still don't get it," Rufus grumbled. "I don't see how runnin' 'round Seattle is gonna help ya find the kid."

"He's looking for a gift for Max…he had to go to town for that, which is why we're driving around town," Sam explained patiently.

"What if he's not done getting Max a gift by the time we find him?" Garth asked from the backseat. Sam had tried to get out of there with just Rufus, but Garth had seen them and tagged along. "We're gonna help him, right?"

"We gotta find 'im first, which we won't 'cause this plan sucks," Rufus said.

"It doesn't suck," Sam mumbled, stopping at the light.

"Yeah it does," Rufus argued.

Sam shook his head, but decided to drop it. He was the one driving, so he'd be the one making the decisions. Not only that, but Alec was his brother, not theirs. He would decide how they found him, and Rufus grumbling about it wouldn't change his mind.

Sam could suddenly hear sirens in the distance. He looked in the rearview mirror and saw what looked like a motorcycle being chased by at least three cop cars and they were all coming this way.

Sam expected them to just speed by them, but the motorcycle was slowing down to actually stop at the light. Sam looked over and nearly lost it when he saw Alec and Bear on the back of the bike.

"Hey Sam," Alec casually greeted.

"Alec! What the hell are you doing?!" Sam asked, outraged.

"I'm outrunnin' some cops," Alec said with a smile.

"Why are you stopping?!" Sam was freaking out, but Rufus was laughing next to him.

"I recognized the car," Alec said simply. "It's from the garage in Freak Valley."

"Can I get in their car now please?" Bear practically begged.

"Nah, this is just a quick stop to say hi," Alec replied. "Hey Rufus." Alec waved at the older hunter when Sam leaned back in his chair. Garth suddenly rolled down the back window and Alec brightened, "Oh hey, Garth's there too."

"Alec…" Sam said with a sigh.

"Sam, I really wish I had time to talk, but I'm a little bit busy right now," Alec said, shooting a glance behind him. "I'll see ya at the house!"

The light turned green and Alec took off. Sam fumbled for a moment before he floored it after his little brother. The cops were behind him now, but all that mattered was that they didn't get ahold of Alec.

"Was this part of the plan?" Rufus asked in amusement.

Sam just scowled back in reply. He knew Alec would do something stupid; he should've kept a closer eye on him. Now all he could do was hope the cops didn't catch up to them.

"Left Sam! Left!" Garth yelled from the back, pulling Sam back into the chase.

Sam quickly turned the car left after Alec. Rufus reached out for anything he could to keep from falling over, and then he shot Sam a dirty look as soon as they were going straight again.

Sam stayed on Alec's tail as they made their way through the city. The cops slowly started to fall behind as Alec wove an intricate trail. Sam was impressed by how well his little brother knew the city, but he'd forgotten that Alec had lived here for a while.

Alec motioned to the right after a few more blocks, and Sam followed him without even thinking about it. They pulled in behind an abandoned warehouse, and he was surprised when Alec started slowing down, but he still followed his lead. Alec quickly hopped off his motorcycle and blurred over to the corner of the warehouse to see around it.

"It's clear!" Alec called out after a moment.

Sam sighed and slowly got out of the car with Rufus and Garth. "Alec, what are we doing?"

"We should hang out here for a while until things calm down a little," Alec said, walking back over.

Sam wanted to yell and scream and tear Alec a new one, but he was really just relieved that his little brother was ok. He was still mad, but he would get to that later. He walked the rest of the way to Alec and pulled him in for a hug. Alec's eyes widened when Sam reached out for him, like he was expecting something unpleasant instead of a hug.

Alec's arms slowly wrapped around him to return the hug and he quietly reassured, "I'm alright, Sammy."

"I know…I was just worried," Sam said. He patted Alec on the back before he finally released him. Alec looked uncertain about what to do so Sam asked, "What'd you end up getting for Max?"

Alec gave him a small smile, and then glanced over at the motorcycle.

"Seriously?" Sam asked, surprised.

Alec shrugged, "It was already hers, she just left it behind."

Sam broke out into a smile, "You're something else, you know that?"

Alec smiled too and tried to dodge Sam pushing his shoulder, but he couldn't. They were interrupted from their horseplay by Bear staggering over to them.

"Never again, Alec. Never again," Bear said with a glare.

Alec chuckled and shook his head, "Sorry Bear. That was the only way out of there."

Bear huffed and stomped away from them.

"You know just because you're fine, it doesn't get you off the hook," Sam said after a minute.

"Sam-" Alec started to argue, but Sam cut him off before he could get going.

"And, you gotta call Dean."

"Is hunting always this boring?" Rocky complained. He leaned against the wall and Lucky chuckled beside him.

"Guys, I know it seems stupid, but we've gotta cover all our bases," Dean said. This was their second abandoned house, and so far, no vampires. It was still daylight, but Dean was hoping he'd find the nest with all of the vamps asleep.

"How many more houses do we have?" Gem asked, coming up behind him. He, Rocky, Lucky, and Gem were all searching the top floor while Bobby, Leo, and Penny were searching the bottom. It was faster for them to split up, but they all still had enough backup to get away with it.

"Hopefully only one," Lucky mumbled.

"Three," Dean admitted. They had narrowed down where the vampires could be staying back at Freak Valley. There were only five possible places where they would like to hole up, and now they were down to three.

Lucky and Rocky both groaned, but Gem shot them both a look to shut up. Dean ignored all three of them and led the way into the next room. It was empty just like all the others.

Dean was just about to turn around when his phone started to ring in his pocket. He jumped and quickly got his phone out and answered the call.

"Yeah?"

"Hey Dean, heard you were freakin' out and left early for the hunt," Alec said.

"I wasn't freakin' out," Dean argued. "But yeah, I had to leave early for the hunt. Teammates were gettin' a little antsy."

"Well this is the check in call to let you know that I'm ok," Alec said. "Sam practically dialed your number for me."

"Guess you know how much trouble you're in," Dean said with a small smile.

"Hey, I took backup," Alec defended. "I don't see a problem."

"You didn't answer your phone," Dean pointed out. "When you go missing without telling anyone, and then don't answer your phone, we get worried, especially in our line of business. We're a little paranoid."

"There're so many rules to this whole family thing," Alec muttered. Dean could just picture him running his hand through his hair, and then rubbing the back of his neck.

"Hey, I get that this is still new to you," Dean said. "We just worry about you, kiddo."

"I know…and I'm trying to get used to it…" Alec said.

"I know you are," Dean reassured. He cleared his throat, and then said, "And thanks for the call. I was freakin' out a little."

"Good luck on the hunt, Dean," Alec said, a smile in his voice.

"See ya when I get back," Dean replied, and then hung up.

Alec's heart was pounding. He was following Sam on Max's bike, but he was starting to get extremely nervous. He'd never given anyone a gift in his life; he had no idea what he was doing. He was so messed up; he didn't know how to give a gift and he had no idea how to be in a family, but he could think of 12 different ways to kill a man with his bare hands. Thanks Manticore.

It was a blur coming back into Freak Valley; he didn't even remember coming through the gate. But Sam was pulling over in front of Command, and he had to stop the motorcycle before he flew right by it. He felt like he was going to be sick. What if Max didn't like it? What if she was too mad at him for going to get it that she completely ignored the thought behind it? What if she didn't care about the bike anymore? She had time to go get it if she really wanted to, but she hadn't. This whole thing could've been a huge mistake.

"Alec," Sam said next to him, making him jump in surprise. "Hey, it's gonna be fine," Sam tried to reassure, easily picking up that he was freaking out.

"Sam, I think I'm gonna be sick," Alec confessed, swinging his leg off of the motorcycle to stand.

"She's going to love it, Alec," Sam said. "Stay here, I'll be right back."

Alec nodded as Sam turned away from him and walked up to the house. He only had a few seconds to decide if he wanted to go through with this or not. He'd gone to the trouble of getting this thing, so he might as well see it through, even if Max hated that he'd gone back to get it.

Sam knocked on the door, and a few seconds later Max answered it. She looked confused for a second, until Sam motioned over to him. Max looked at him and instantly smiled. She quickly ran towards him, her smile only growing the closer she got.

"I…um…hi Max…um," Alec stuttered, suddenly tongue tied. "I…I thought you'd…um…" He ran his hand through his hair and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Alec," Max said quietly, her face glowing.

"Please don't be mad, but I wanted to get you something and this was the only thing I could think of that you might like and I know it was stupid to go, but I took backup with me and I'm completely fine. I just thought you'd want this since you didn't have time to get it or take it with you when we all had to scatter and whatever. And you rode this thing all the time so I thought you might miss it, but you might not, I don't know. If you hate it, I'll get you something else, I just wanted to do something nice for you and I thought this would be good," Alec said as fast as he could to just get it over with.

"Oh Alec," Max said once he stopped. She threw her arms around his neck and his eyes widened in surprise. This was the second time today he'd been hugged when he'd been expecting something else. "I love it! Thank you so much!"

Alec hugged Max back, but he couldn't help but ask, "So you're not mad?"

Max huffed a laugh and said, "Well, it was extremely stupid to go back there, but I did miss my bike." She pecked him on the cheek and said sincerely, "It was really sweet of you to get me something."

Alec felt his cheeks heat with embarrassment, but he gave Max a shy smile. Max smiled back at him, and then turned to look at her motorcycle. She ran her hand over the seat before she threw her leg over the side and got on and started it.

"Wanna go for a ride?" Max asked him over her shoulder.

Alec's smile grew and he quickly climbed on behind her.

"Better hold on," Max said with a smirk. Alec chuckled and wrapped his arms around Max's waist. He waved at Sam right before Max took off.

Dean pulled into the fourth abandoned house and killed the engine. He and Bobby both just sat there for a moment while Rocky and Lucky waited in the backseat.

"I don't think we should split up for this one," Bobby said.

"You've got that weird feeling too?" Dean asked, looking over at the older hunter.

"Yeah, I've got it," Bobby muttered.

Dean nodded once, and then turned around to face Rocky and Lucky. "Alright, we think this is the house…"

"Excellent," Rocky said with a smile.

Dean took a deep breath and tried to agree. He had to make sure this hunt went ok; he was responsible for five new hunters and he didn't want anything to happen to them.

"C'mon, let's get this show on the road," Bobby said, getting out of the car.

Dean nodded and followed Bobby's lead and got out. It was time to hunt.

Well I really tried to get to the hunt in this chapter, but it'll have to wait until next time. Hope you guys like it!

More soon...