Chapter 38

Sam called Dean while Jo was still asleep.

"Dean, is Jo Ok? Coal caught me up a little bit. Why is he speaking full sentences to me all of a sudden? Why can I see him so clearly now and why does he look different?" he asked.

Dean filled Sam in on every thing regarding Jo and the vampires but told him he wasn't sure about the Hellhounds' changes. Sam then filled him in on the demons chasing them.

"I don't think they knew we had the tablet, just were after me in general. They are all dead now so they won't be reporting anything to Crowley or anyone else."

They promised to speak the next day or if any thing significant happened. When Dean hung up the phone he noticed Meg leaning in the doorway.

"I can answer your question about the Hellhounds' appearances. The change shows the depth of their loyalty for you, Jo and Sam. They changed their appearance to fit more into your world. It doesn't happen often that a Hellhound will be that loyal to a human, but all of yours are. To change as completely as they have they would also have to love their Masters, something demons don't really care much about because they don't understand the power that love brings. Demons just consider love a weakness, something to be exploited. Love will make them protect you more fiercely; their own safety is secondary to yours. They would follow you anywhere, even if by doing so they are banished from their home," she said with a faraway look in her eyes.

"Are you talking about the Hounds or you and Cas?" Dean asked.

Meg straightened up.

"Maybe both," she replied before turning and leaving.

Dean felt Jo's hand squeeze his.

"She really loves him, it isn't just a fling," Jo said wearily.

Dean leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"How are you feeling, babe?" he asked.

'Tired and groggy from the medicine. Did Cas heal me? Nothing hurts. I heard you talking to Sam,' she replied, too tired to speak out loud.

'I'm sorry Dean. I should have gone outside with Sarah.'

Dean kissed her again.

"I would have done the same thing. You have nothing to be sorry for. Did you hear everything I told Sam? Even about," his voice broke a little, "the ectopic pregnancy?" he asked.

For a second he felt heat radiate from her and saw her eyes light up, and then the rest of his words sank in. Ember scooted down the bed to make room for Dean. He sat on the hospital bed and held Jo as she cried.