A/N Sorry for the massive delay in posting this, I've been very ill and was admitted into hospital and have since then been struggling with some very bad family news and attempting to catch up on uni work. Thanks to those of you who have been sticking with this one, I have not forgotten your kind reviews and the story is coming to a close as soon as I have more time. thanks :)

Crap! Sam's mind screamed at him for his rash entry into the gloomy warehouse as he watched with fascinated horror as Kate emerged more fully from the shadows shrouding her slim form.

"Oh Sammy, glad to see you've finally made the party. Was beginning to think you'd ignored the invite." Kate crooned, sashaying that little bit closer.

"Me? Nah, how could I pass that up? Way too much fun." Sam retorted sarcastically. His eyes sought those of his big brother, still tethered some few feet away. Dean subtly widened his eyes and moved his wrists.

Get me outta here so I can kick that bitch's ass Sammy...

Sam's dark orbs narrowed in response, Not yet, I can't risk it yet. Gotta see what she does first. Soon Dean, I promise.

"You always were the smart one...or so they say." Kate continued, laughing at Dean's sudden wounded expression, "Well Dean, shoot first ask questions later isn't the best motto to go by honey...a little thought first helps. However, Samuel, you seem to be picking up on big brother's habits...maybe not so smart after all. Shame." A sadistic smile graced her features as she inhaled a deep breath.

Sam's eyes darted around the room, taking in the expanse around him. It seemed empty but his hunter instincts told him the trio were not alone. His gaze fell over Hannah, bound against another pillar not far from his brother's, she fitted Jason's description exactly and his heart twisted painfully as he thought of his young friend. He wouldn't let their love be torn apart. Still, her presence wasn't what set the unease rippling over his spine...

Kate can't be alone here, where are the others? How many of them can I take? Two if I'm lucky, I'm beat to Hell, I need Dean's help. Gotta untie him...

"Speaking of a shame - I hope you weren't too fond of Karl and his buddies. I mean, really, were they the best you could send for me? I Gotta say, Kate, I'm not impressed. They weren't much of a fight. I would have expected more from you..."

Dean grimaced as he struggled against his bonds, his eyes desperately watching Kate for any sign that she was about to pounce on his brother. She bristled visibly and Sam continued his jibes, hands reaching slowly but surely to the small knife concealed over his arm. His eyes flickered over to Dean as if seeking reassurance and Dean nodded almost imperceptibly.

Be careful kiddo.

"...Luther would have expected more from you..." Sam whispered the taunt, knowing that it would be enough to send Kate's simmering anger over the edge, wanting it to blow, needing her to break a little...

Sammy, stop egging her on man! Jeez is this what it's like for him to watch me? Crap! Why did he say that?! Yeah, smart one my ass!

"How dare you speak his name?!" Kate roared, her anger exploding suddenly as she launched herself forwards. Just before she impacted with Sam's muscular body he managed to brace himself for her attack, his knife slipping into the palm of his good hand in time for him to lash out his arm and catch her midriff before he landed and rolled with her, feet kicking out from under her to propel her body away.

"Sam!" Dean's voice echoed loudly, ringing in Sam's ears as his head struck against the hard concrete beneath him. He shook himself mentally and forced up to his feet in as fluid a motion as his aching body would allow. He weaved unsteadily towards his brother and collapsed against the pillar as he cut Dean's bonds with a groan.

"Down!" Dean yelled in alarm. But his warning came too late and Sam's concussed mind didn't process it rapidly enough as Kate slammed forcefully onto his back, clinging to him like a limpit as she wrapped her arms firmly about his neck.

"Gah!" Sam rasped, pulling at her arms in an attempt to dislodge her, but her grip was too strong. "Dean!" he croaked, tossing his brother his knife. Dean plucked it from the air with practised ease and bobbed momentarily on his feet before launching himself at her back. He plunged the sharpened blade into her shoulder and she let out a startled cry and dropped from his little brother's back leaving him hunched over and gasping for air.

"Sam?" Dean's voice was a low growl of concern. His eyes bored into Kate as she barred her fangs at him with a sibilant snarl.

"'m okay," Sam replied, voice cracking in strain from the pressure put on his vocal chords.

"Get Hannah out," Dean ordered. "NOW!" he yelled when Sam stood frozen in indecision. His eyes never left Kate's face as he backed her into a corner and after a few moments he saw Sam stagger over to Hannah's prostrated form in his periphery. He gave his own snarl at Kate as he advanced on her, and seeing the sudden waxen flush of her cheeks, the sickly hue of her already dead flesh, a grim satisfaction settled in his belly...Sam must have imbued the blade with dead man's blood...'Atta boy ...

"What's the matter sweetheart? Feelin' a little worse for wear?" Dean snarked, "I would have expected better from you," he said, mimicking his brother's earlier taunt with a wicked grin. He stopped short seeing the amused glint in Kate's lifeless orbs and raised the small knife a little higher out before him, a sinking feeling of dread washing over him as inexorably as the tide.

"Funny, I was just thinking the same thing about Sammy...guess he really is following in your footsteps." She smiled, her eyes locked onto something over his shoulder, and Dean felt his heart drop into the wave of dread flushing through his adrenaline-pumped system as he turned to see the exit Sam was walking towards burst open.

Five burly figures stood silhouetted against the growing light, fangs glinting menacingly with every snarl.

Low laughter echoed across the room sending shivers up Dean's spine.

Sammy run!