"God damn it, Dean! Where are you!", she curses frustrates as she throws her phone down in her lap.
The second Zoë realized Dean went to the crossroads to make a deal for something that has already been taken care of, she stole a Nissan BMD21 from a small alley only a block away from the hospital and hit the road. Completely senseless of course, because how on earth is she going to find Dean in a city like this. She figured he probably went some place quiet, on the border of town where concrete fades into dirt roads. Even when she thinks like Dean would think, she has several square miles to cover, an impossible task. For God's sake, maybe he made the deal already! She tried everything, she called Sam's cell, hoping he might carry that on him, she probably called over a hundred times.
"Stubborn STUBBORN bastard!", she shouts out.
It's not just the fact that if he actually makes the deal, that he makes it for nothing. She could also see it from the other side, that she is the one who made that deal for nothing. One way or the other, it will be completely useless. Desperate Zoë pulls over. The radio, who automatically switched on as soon as she started the pick-up truck, is playing Muse's Time Is Running Out, which is appropriate for the situation, but drives Zoë even more insane. Where the hell is Dean? He could have driven more inland, towards Arlington or Lexington, he could be everywhere. How on earth is she going to track him down? She hasn't found out about a psychic power to locate people, it would be damn handy right now! Zoë has to play this game differently, otherwise she might find him by the time his deal comes due. Who's call would he answer? Sam, probably, but to be honest, she has no idea where Sam's phone is. It might still be in her purse, which she left in Dean's car when she ran into the Hamill's place to face Michael, so that's no option. When she thinks further, almost instantly a name pops up in her head, but she shakes it off. No way, she's not going to call him. Zoë hasn't talked to him since that incident and she swore that the next time she will, she'll do it face to face with a gun in her hand aimed at his head. But a fact is a fact; Dean would pick up his phone when John calls. She picks up her Nokia and scrolls through her contacts list until she hits the 'J'. For a second she stares at the number, which she once saved in order to locate him, when she was still walking around with the idea to hunt him down. Now she might use it for a slightly different reason. Even if she calls, who says he will pick up? The boys probably called him a million times already, he never answered.
Doubting she gazes down at her display at his name and number. What is more important right now? Her situation, her life? Or Dean's? Whatever he has got to say, it will not make things better, but if she can get him to call Dean, at least the deal will be off. With a deep sigh Zoë turns down the volume of the radio and presses the green button on her cell. Nervously she moves the phone towards her ear, then she waits and listens. The phone seems to ring forever, but surprisingly enough someone on the other side picks up.
"You've got some nerve to call me".
The moment Zoë hears his voice, her breath stops, with difficulty she swallows back as anger starts to build inside of her.
"You pick up when your enemy calls, but don't even respond to your own sons? I wonder what's the irony in that", she speaks smartly, pretending to be calm.
Zoë squeezes the wheel so tight that her knuckles begin to turn white. This man brings up the worst in her, pure hate. Every memory of what he destroyed replays in her head; this is the man that ruined her life.
"I have my reasons, at least I am not afraid to face my enemies", John bounces back with that low stern tone of his.
"And who's fault is that again?", she bites her tongue, not wanting him to get to her. "But let's not talk about us for a second, shall we?"
"You're with my sons? Because I swear, if you lay one finger on either of them, I'll hunt you down. You hear me?"
"Listen to me, you filthy son of a bitch. This is not about you or me!", she snipes, unable to control herself anymore.
"Exactly my point, that's why I want you away from my boys! I know what you're capable of, I know what you will do. Now if I ever see you close to either Dean or Sam, it will be your one way ticket to hell. Do you understand me?"
Upset she swallows back the tears as her body starts to shake. That sick bastard, she hates him so much. After all he did to her, after all his mistakes, this is what he says. No apology, only orders. Who does he think he is? HER father?
"You selfish dick, you can't tell me what to do!", she shouts out at him. "A case went bad on Sam and Dean's out at a crossroad to fix it, the thing is I already did. Dean is about to make a deal for nothing! Now you can either continue your little demon hunt and abandon everything like you always do, or you call your son and talk him out of it before he's dead meat. Goodbye John!"
Quickly she hangs up and stares at the screen. Zoë's respiration has fastened during the call, she feels so upset that she has trouble breathing. Tears burn in her eyes, then anger strikes. Furious she throws her cell away and hits the horn hard, unable to control herself. Then she slips down in her seat and starts crying. She is so mad at this guy that is scares her. Never in her life she felt hatred like this. So many feelings rush through her body, frustration, anger, sadness; too much to cope with. She lays her head back and stares through the window at the orange sky. Slowly she calms down, back to her normal self. She hates it when she loses control like that, it's not a side that people get to see often. After a few deep breaths she puts her gear in forward and drives off again. She better get back to the hospital, lets just hope that for once John does what is expected from him.
"First time?"
The crossroad demon steps closer, slowly and flirtatious, while she keeps looking him in the eye.
"You could say that", Dean admits.
"Oh come on now. Don't sell yourself short. I know all about you, Dean Winchester", her eyes glow red for a moment.
A bit surprised he follows her with his eyes only. "So, you know who I am?"
"I get the newsletter", she replies.
Being the kind of guy that he is, he turns to her and with one of his irresistible smiles.
"Well, don't keep me in suspense. What have you heard?"
"I've heard you were handsome", the demon moves closer towards him. "But you're just edible".
He smirks, taking that as a compliment. Nevertheless, he wants to get down to business and apparently the creature he is about to strike a deal with senses that.
"So, you're here for your brother Sam", she cuts to it.
Dean nods. "I was hoping we could strike a deal".
"That's what I do", the demon responds with a smile.
"I want Sam to awaken from his coma and back on his feet in good health", he lays out his wishes.
"So sorry, darling, but Sam's soul is long gone", she tells and walks away a few steps, sorry to disappoint him. "You'll have to come with a pretty good leverage, otherwise that is not negotiable".
"I'll make it worth your while", Dean presses.
She turns around curious, her black dress sways around her slender body.
"Oh really? What are you offering?", she questions amused.
Dean walks past her and stares into the distance at the rising sun, which is not bright enough yet to hurt his eyes. Then he looks over his shoulder, into the eyes of the demon.
"Me".
Her eyebrows lift, a bit stunned by that offer, then she smiles.
"Now we're talking", the demon says satisfied.
"Can you bring him back?", he asks, cutting to the chase.
"Of course I can, just as he was. Your brother will live a long natural life, like he was meant to. That's a promise", she answers gentle.
Those words are promising and Dean lets out a silent sigh of relief. Sam can be brought back, this is not the end. Yet he does realize that it isn't Christmas; he'll have to pay.
"What about me?", Dean wants to know.
"I can give you ten years. Ten long, good years with him. That's a lifetime. Your family can be together again. John, Dean, Sammy… the Winchester boys all reunited".
The demon moves closer and Dean feels that the part of sealing the pact is close. This is it, now it's his turn to save Sam.
"Sam is special. You know that Dean. Everyone wants him to stick around for all the fun, but you… Don't get me wrong, you'd be my pick, but there isn't much about you", the demon continues.
For a second he feels a little offended, but he knows this isn't about taste. Curious but alert he awaits a follow up.
"You know about Sam's abilities, don't you?", she checks.
"I'm aware", Dean admits.
"Well then, be honest to yourself. You don't like it one bit, you don't think it's human", she carries on, trying to play mind games on him.
"He's my brother", Dean responds defensive.
"You're right, he is. I'm just saying, we want him back in rotation almost just as bad as you do. That's why I can give you such a fair deal, Dean", the demon explains, moving even closer so that her face is only inches away from his.
"You can save Sammy, you can rescue your family. Can you imagine what he would feel like when he finds out his favorite son is gone? If you do this, your father would be so proud of you. You will give the ultimate sacrifice, you will look after your brother. That's the job he gave you to do".
Dean swallows apprehensively; she's right. Every word she has said so far, it's the truth. He's a hundred percent sure now, he has got to do this and the demon spots it too.
"So, deal or no deal?", she asks compassionate.
"Deal", he answers shortly but sure.
The demon caresses his cheek and their noses touch. "Well then, you know what you've got to do".
He has no doubt anymore, for once in his life this decision is as clear as a bell. Sam means everything to him, even after their time apart. He's his blood, his brother, his family, and family is everything. Determined he closes his eyes and comes closer to the beauty in front of him. He is about to kiss her when his cellphone rings. She sighs and pulls back with a chuckle.
"During intimate moments like this you should switch that thing off", she advises.
His hard rock ringtone breaks the silence as he takes it out of his pocket. Probably Zoë again, but he briefly checks the display anyway. The moment he sees the caller's ID, his eyes widen and he freezes. It's not Zoë, it's Dad.
"I've gotta take this", he informs astonished.
"Whatever, I have all the time in the world", she crosses her arms in front of her chest and sighs.
Distracted he nods and turns away, then he picks up.
"Dad", he brings out.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?"
Dean halts, immediately alerted by his fathers firm tone. By the sounds of it, he's pissed.
"What do you mean?", he questions careful.
"You know exactly what I mean! You're at the crossroads, aren't you?"
Dean looks over his shoulder at the demon waiting for him, then he straightens his back again.
"How do you know that?", Dean asks stunned.
"It doesn't matter how I know. What has gotten in to you? Drop the deal and get the hell out of there", he orders.
"What about Sam?", Dean objects.
"Sullivan already cleaned up your mess", John informs.
Dean looks up as his heart skips a beat. Crap, he knows about Zoë. He knows he has been working with her while he ordered Dean to waist her if he ever saw her again. Feeling what's ahead of him he closes his eyes and prepares for the blow.
"Dad, I'm sorry. I…", but John doesn't let him finish.
"I don't want a lame excuse. I'm disappointed in you, Dean. You screwed up. Now you listen to me. If you don't have the guts to kill her, at least keep away from her as far as possible and don't let your brother near that woman either. You got that?"
"Yes Sir", Dean responds obedient, but with difficulty.
The line disconnects and he knows his father hang up on him. Shocked he stares at his Samsung as a huge amount of guilt overcomes him. I'm disappointed in you, Dean. You screwed up. The words keep repeating in his mind over and over again. Damn, that hurts. He always does the best he can to live up to his father's wishes and now he failed him. Still struck he turns around and faces the demon.
"The deal is off", he notifies her.
Surprised she blinks a few times and tilts her head.
"What about Sammy?", she huffs amazed.
"He woke up", Dean says shortly, still unable to believe it himself.
She chuckles sarcastically and shakes her head.
"Too bad, I was looking forward to that kiss", the demon admits.
Dean huffs and looks her in the eye. "Some other time maybe".
"You know where to find me", she says gentle before she walks off into the opposite direction.
Dean lets his gaze slip away and sighs deeply. Talking about a close call, literally. When he glances down the road again, the beautiful brunette in a little black dress is gone, as if she vanished into thin air. The mixed emotions he feels as he walks towards his '69 Chevy Impala mess with his head. Sam's back, alive and fine, but he wasn't the one who saved him. Zoë pulled some strings and because he was stubborn, he almost double booked Sam's soul. Dad apparently learned about that, probably from Zoë, knowing that Dad was the only one who could stop him. Dean opens the door and settles down behind the wheel on which he leans his arms. It makes sense now, but of what's going on between Zoë and Dad, he still has no clue. At this point it doesn't matter. He smiles, realizing that Sam's okay. He should get back to the hospital, his brother probably is wondering where he's at. The key turns and the engine starts, ready to take its owner to wherever he will ride. Dean hits the gas and drives down the road in the direction where the demon was walking, before she disappeared; down South.