A/N: Now we move on to O and this one is a Sam only hunt, though he does get a little help to kill the monster. Thank you for taking this journey with me and I hope you are enjoying the hunts. Reviews would be great. NC
O
It was easy to find a car to steal as he drove away from his brother, too enraged to even speak to him. Dean had lied to him once again. It seemed to be the going thing now, to keep secrets from each other. He couldn't believe that Dean agreed not to kill Amy and went behind his back and did it anyway. He wasn't sure if this could be forgiven and couldn't be around his brother as he worked things out. Yeah, they had the Leviathans to deal with, but this might be something they had to do apart. He had found Amy's son and helped him get a bus ticket with money Amy had left behind. He was going to go stay with relatives so he wouldn't be alone and would have family to look after him.
Sam pulled from the parking structure and out onto the road to head away from Ankeny, Ohio, and away from his brother. He never looked back not knowing what or where Dean was going but didn't really care right now. If this was the end of them, so be it. He would figure out a way to make it on his own and move forward.
The motel wasn't the best, but he had to conserve what little money he had until he could get some more. Sam knew he could borrow some from their surrogate father, Bobby Singer, if needed, but he hoped to avoid pulling him in to their fight. He got out and went inside to get a room. Sam stepped back out and started to round the corner of the building when he realized no one was moving the car because it was sitting empty, he was alone. He swore under his breath and stomped back to the stolen car to move it around to the back of the building to his room.
Sam opened the door to the room and stepped in to flip on the light and surveyed the room. "Shit!" Sam cussed when he saw two beds sitting in the room. It was automatic, get a room on the first floor, corner if available, two beds. He had been doing it for years and it was hard to break old habits.
Sam moved into the room with a huff and took the bed closest to the door. He had never had this bed before and for once was going to take it. He sat his bags on the other bed and stood between them trying to decide what to do. After a moment, Sam went back out the door and walked to the end of the parking lot looking both ways before strolling toward a diner not far down the road. He was going to grab some takeout and check for any cases nearby. Just because he wasn't with his brother didn't mean he couldn't still hunt.
spn
The search program he had set up was running as Sam ate his salad, waiting for it to compile. He sipped his water but couldn't keep his eyes off the two beds sitting across from him. All it did was make him think of his brother and he gritted his teeth and fought to control the anger wanting to build inside of him. He let his attention go to the screen when it binged and leaned slightly forward as he scrolled down the articles looking for the right one.
Something caught his eye and he stopped and clicked on the article so he could read it. There had been numerous animal attacks in a small town called, Hazelton, Pennsylvania. He went back online to see if there was more information before deciding if this might be a case for him. He found other articles that described bodies being torn to pieces and eaten. Most had their hearts were ripped out and missing. His first thought was a werewolf, but it wasn't a full moon yet. He considered a pure blood or rouagrou possibly but wasn't sure if either fit. From the descriptions in the articles, those were no ordinary animal attacks.
Sam pulled up maps to find the quickest route to Hazelton, planning on leaving in the morning to check it out. He scribbled notes and closed out of the program. He threw away his trash and dug through his bag for sleep clothes so he could take a shower, hoping it would ease some of the tension and stress from his body. He stepped into the small bathroom and closed the door, glancing around as he wrinkled his nose from the strong smell of cleaning agents.
The pressure wasn't the greatest and Sam had to bend over to get his head wet since the shower head was too low. He shampooed his hair and soaped his body before turning the cold lower making the water hotter. He let it beat on his shoulders and neck, feeling the muscles loosen slightly and sighed. Any other time, he would have Dean use his elbow to massage the knots out like only he could, but that was a thing of the past now. He turned the water off and grabbed a rough towel to wipe the water from his body before running it over his head. He stepped out and slipped on his clothes, feeling a little more relaxed and hope sleep would come quickly.
A cloud of steam escaped from the bathroom when Sam opened the door. He stepped into the main room and looked at the beds. A look of determination settled on his face and he went to the bed closest to the door and pulled back the covers. He flipped off the lamp between the beds and slid under the covers to settle. Sam lay there for a moment before turning to his side away from the empty bed and wiggled around trying to get comfortable. He closed his eyes and willed sleep to come.
Ten minutes later Sam flopped back to his back and huffed in disgust, not understanding while he couldn't go to sleep. For some reason, the bed didn't feel right. It was lumpy, but not that bad. No, it was something else that couldn't describe that made it feel wrong to be in this bed. He let his eyes fall on the bed across from him and threw back the covers to get up. Sam moved his bags and turned down the covers to lay down in the bed. It felt right, and he closed his eyes again as sleep took him away. He hardly moved the rest of the night, letting his body get the needed rest it craved. The last scenes he had with his brother played out in the corners of his mind, as he fought to lock them away.
The first rays of morning light were shining through the flimsy curtains, waking Sam. He lay there for a moment allowing his mind to wake before pushing himself up to sit on the side of the bed. He wiped the sleep from his eyes and yawned knowing he needed to checkout and head for Hazelton. He got up and headed for the bathroom first and then changed clothes before packing up his meager possessions.
spn
Traffic wasn't bad as Sam drove northeast but missed having someone to change off with after three or four hours. He sucked it up and only stopped for gas along the way. It was late afternoon when he pulled into the town and slowly drove through it. He decided to stop at the sheriff station before getting a motel room since he wanted to get started on the case.
Sam found the sheriff station and pulled into a visitor's space and stopped. He started to reach for his fake ID until it dawned on him, they were all in the Impala. He didn't have any fake credentials to use and didn't know how he was going to get what he needed from the locals. His brain began to work as he came up with a plan to make this happen.
The first step was to make a call and then he needed to find an office supply business. Sam pulled his cell from his jacket pocket and speed dialed a familiar number. He listened to it ring, waiting for it to be answered.
"H'llo," a rough, gravel sounding voice answered.
Hey Bobby," Sam said warmly, picturing him in his mind.
"Sam, son, how are you doing?"
"I'm fine. I need your help."
"Sure Sam, what do you need?"
"I need you to call the locals in Hazelton, Pennsylvania and let them know you're sending a field agent to help with the string of murders in their town."
There was a pause on the other end of the line and Sam knew Bobby was wondering what was going on. He wasn't sure how to tell him Dean and him were not together anymore.
"What's going on Sam?" Bobby asked warily. "Where's Dean?"
Sam drew in a slow breath as he closed his eyes and tried to choose the right words to say. "We're working apart for now." He didn't want to go into details about why they had split.
"Want to elaborate on that son?"
"He lied to me again and I'm tired of him doing that. I really need to start working this case. There have been four deaths already in two weeks and it's not animal attacks like the local seemed to think. I'm sure of it."
He heard a heavy sigh from Bobby's end before he spoke again. "I don't know what it is with you boys. It always seems like something is tearing you apart when you both know you do better working together. You're stronger as a team and you know it. Yeah, I'll call what name are you using?" Bobby could hear the silence on the other end and knew he was wasting his breath. Whatever happened this time was not going to be mended that easily. He knew the only thing he could do was help Sam out.
"Agent Cooper. I've got to make up some fake credentials so tell them I'll be by in the morning."
"Sam you be careful working a case alone. Do you want me to join you for backup?"
"No, it's too far for you to come. I'll be okay."
"What do you think it is?"
"From what the papers reported I'm thinking a werewolf, but the lunar cycle isn't right, but maybe it could be a pure blood."
"I'm calling around to see if anyone is near enough to help."
"I'll be okay Bobby. I've hunted alone before. If it looks like I really need help, I'll let you know."
"And how many times did you end up hurt?"
Sam didn't say anything to the question as he pinched his lips together not wanting to answer him.
"Just like I thought. You keep me posted on what's going on. Don't make me come out there and box your ears, you hear me boy?"
"I hear you Bobby," Sam sighed knowing he was only trying to look out for him. "Oh, and Bobby, could you maybe wire a little money here for me. There's a Western Union you can send it to. I'll pay you back."
"Sure, I'll run into town and do it this afternoon. I'll text you the information and when it should be there."
"Thanks Bobby, and please, don't call Dean. We need some time apart. It's for the best."
"Alright son, but you check in with me daily, so I know you're okay."
"Of course, Bobby, and thanks."
"You just watch yer back and don't go getting' yerself killed."
"I'll do my best Bobby, bye." Sam hung up and put his cell back in his jacket pocket before starting the car and pulling away. He needed to find a place to make his new ID, so he'd be ready to come back in the morning. Sam was berating himself since he realized he had only the basic weapons in his bag. All the others were in the trunk of the Impala. If he was going to keep himself from getting killed, he needed to at least have silver bullets. He knew there was a silver knife in his pack he could use. The first thing he needed to do hopefully was figure out what he was up against.
Sam stepped from the Staples and looked at the fake ID he had made. It wasn't the best but should pass casual inspection. He pulled his cell out and saw Bobby had sent a text about the money he sent. Sam stepped back into the store and asked directions to the Western Union to go pick it up.
spn
It was early morning the next day when Sam pulled back into the visitor's parking space of the sheriff station and shut off his car. He got out and headed inside hoping Bobby was convincing and he wouldn't have a problem with the locals.
"Can I help you?" a female deputy asked when he stopped at the front counter in a small waiting area.
"I'm Agent Cooper, FBI. I'm to see your Sheriff," Sam said. He flashed the badge for only a moment and pocketed it before she got a decent look at it. "He should be expecting me."
The deputy gave him a curious once over before picking up the phone to call the sheriff. In her opinion, Sam didn't look like an FBI agent with his long hair, jeans and button up shirt, but he was one hot dude. "He'll be out in a moment."
"Thank you…Deputy North," Sam replied politely, reading her name tag. He moved to take a seat in an empty chair across from the desk. He was nervous and felt the stress building. Sam took a couple of slow breaths as he willed himself to relax and glanced at the deputy to see her watching him with interest. He quickly looked away as he felt his cheeks grow hot. He didn't want her to think he was checking her out. No, that was Dean's MO. It was so much easier when there was someone else to help carry off the ruse. He looked up when an older, stout man stepped through the door behind the desk.
"Agent Cooper, your boss called and said you would be stopping by this morning. If you'll come this way," the sheriff said.
Sam stood and followed him through the door and through a squad room to a small office in the back. He took a seat across from the sheriff and waited for him to get settled.
"I'm Sheriff Hardin, and I'm surprised the FBI would send an agent to look into animal attack cases."
"It's nice to meet you Sheriff, and I don't question my boss, I just go where he sends me. I'm sure he had a good reason for sending me here."
"I gotta say you don't look like what I picture an FBI agent to be."
"Sorry about the attire. I was working a case a state over and was undercover. I had to play the part and a suit and tie would not have fit in. I was on my way back to the main office when I was called to do this since I was close."
"Oh, I see. How can I help you?" the sheriff asked seeming to accept his cover story.
"You say the victims were attacked by an animal of some kind. Was it seen by anyone?"
"No, afraid not. All the victims were alone when they were attacked and not found until afterwards."
Sam had taken a pad out and was taking notes as the sheriff talked. He made sure to note anything that might be relevant to him.
"Were there any links between the victims?"
"This is a small town, a couple knew each other, but didn't socialize. Another knew the sister of one of the victims. Basically, what you would find in this size town. The victims were all male, early-thirties, healthy, single, and good looking."
"Can I get a copy of your reports to review?"
"Sure, I'll have North make copies." The sheriff phoned to the front and got North on copying the files.
"Did you find any evidence of what kind of animal you think attacked them?"
"That's just it, there were no hairs, skin, anything to test. All I know is whatever it was had long, sharp claws and razor-sharp teeth. I've been in law enforcement for over twenty years and I've got to say this were the worse crime scenes I've ever seen. I mean some of the bodies…There wasn't much left of them."
"I'd like to see the bodies, your morgue is…"
"At the hospital. I just hope you have a strong stomach. You will keep me informed if you find anything."
"Yes, Sheriff. If you find out anything else, give me a call." Sam handed over a business card and got up to leave. "I appreciate your help sir. I'll be in touch."
"Watch yourself out there, you fit the profile for what this animal likes."
Sam paused for a moment when he thought about it and agreed with the sheriff. He didn't know if that was in his favor or not. He shook hands with him and headed back to the front to wait on the files before heading to the hospital. He had seen signs for it on his way over and knew it wasn't far away. He took a seat again and waited for Deputy North to finish copying the files.
"Here you go Agent Cooper," Deputy North announced fifteen minutes later. She held out a large envelope to him.
"Thank you Deputy North, you have a nice day," he nodded taking the envelope.
"You too," she smiled. "I wrote my number on the front in case you have any questions or need any thing else. Give me a call," she offered.
"Umm...Thanks," Sam said. This was normally Dean's thing to flirt with the women and he wasn't used to it. He hurried from the office and to his car wanting to get to the morgue and see the bodies and get copies of the autopsy reports. He was going to grab a town map and head back to the motel to map out everything. Sam wanted to see if he could maybe pinpoint where the next attack might happen or possibly where this monster might be hiding.
spn
The hospital wasn't too hard to find, and Sam found a parking space near the rear entrance. He headed inside and checked the signs, following them to the morgue. This was the worse part and he usually let Dean take the lead, but being alone, he had to do it.
The air was cold as he pushed open the double doors and stepped into a short hallway. He looked at the doors and pushed through the next set of double doors into a brightly lit room with two stainless steel tables sitting in the middle of the room. He looked around but didn't see anyone until an older man stepped from a doorway reading papers on a clip board. Sam cleared his throat getting his attention.
"Can I help you?" he asked looking up to see Sam.
"Yes sir, I'm Agent Cooper, FBI. I'd like to see the animal attack victims please," Sam told him flipping out his credentials for a few seconds.
"Alright, but it's not a pretty site." He went across the room to the wall of doors and read the names tags on the outside before pulling out five drawers.
"While I check the bodies could you make me copies of your autopsy reports please?"
"Sure, maybe you can stop whatever is killing people in this town." The coroner strolled away to find the files and copy them leaving Sam alone.
spn
Sam looked around and found gloves to slip on before moving to the bodies. He frowned when he noticed the outlines of several of the bodies didn't show a complete corpse. He breathed through his mouth as he uncovered the first victim. Sam swallowed the bile that rose into his throat as he looked at the ravaged body of a young male. Huge chunks of flesh were missing from his legs, arms and abdomen. He pulled out his cell and snapped a couple of photos of the bite marks thinking they looked off. This one had a hole in his chest where his heart should be. Claw marks were randomly scattered over the body like the monster just slashed out wanting to cause as much damage as possible.
He went to the second one and pulled back the sheet to find limbs missing from it. The flesh was pale, ragged and looked like it had been through a shredding machine. He snapped photos as he processed all he was seeing. The savagery of the attacks was throwing him off.
After looking at the other bodies and seeing they were all attacked by the same monster, he stepped back and pulled off his gloves. He was sure there was only one attacker from what he could tell, but he wasn't sure now what it was.
"Here you go agent, your files, and I thought you might want to see this," he said holding up a specimen jar. "I pulled this out of one of the wounds."
Sam took the jar and looked at the strange looking fang. He took a blue glove and laid it on one of the tables so he could put the fang on it to snap photos. The contrast made it easier to see.
"I've sent photos of it to the university to see if anyone can identify it, but haven gotten anything back on it yet."
"Thank you, this is very helpful."
"I just hope you find it before it kills again."
"I am going to try, good day." Sam hurried from the morgue wanting to get back to his room and call Bobby. He was sure the fang was not from a werewolf. It wasn't shaped right and was razor sharp. He hoped Bobby would be able to identify the monster, so he'd know what he was dealing with.
spn
After stopping to pick up a sub and some waters, Sam made his way back to the motel, anxious to put all the facts together to know what he was hunting and if he could find where it might be hiding. He ate half his sub and saved the rest for later as he looked over the reports and started marking locations on the map. He sent an email to Bobby with photos attached to see what he could find out. Sam dialed Bobby's number and waited for him to answer.
"Hey Bobby, I just sent you an email with some photos. I hope you can help me figure out what I'm hunting here," Sam greeted him.
"Hold on, I'm out in the garage, let me get to my office," Bobby grumbled.
Sam could here him moving things and the clank of what were probably tools as he stopped what he was doing and headed inside. He heard the door open and close and Bobby's footsteps and then the squeak of his desk chair as he sat down.
"You still alone?"
Sam knew what he was asking, if he and Dean had gotten past their differences yet or not.
"Yes, if I didn't have this tooth, I would swear I was dealing with a werewolf," he said not lingering on his question. "But the violence here goes way beyond what a werewolf would inflict."
He could hear Bobby's computer booting up and waited as Bobby clicked on some keys, mumbling under his breath about both of his boys being idjits and hardheaded dumb asses. He jerked the cell from his ear when Bobby's voice echoed from it.
"Balls!" Bobby swore when he looked at the pictures.
"Bobby, hey are you okay?" Sam asked cautiously not sure what just happened.
"Hold on a minute," Bobby growled.
Sam could tell he had laid his cell down on the desk and listened to books being moved, papers being shuffled until he came back.
"Sam, you need to stop this hunt right now until I can get you backup," Bobby insisted, his voice serious and hiding an undertone of fear.
"Why? What is it?"
"It's an Okami which means wolf in Japanese. They are kin to a werewolf in that they attack humans, eat their hearts and human flesh. They have razor sharp teeth and can change at any time. They look human and can pass as one. I've not seen one outside of Japan, so this is a new one for me. They're more dangerous than a werewolf Sam, you can't take this on alone. It's far too dangerous."
"I'll be fine, how do you kill an Okami?"
"Tell me about the victims."
"What do you mean?" Sam asked puzzled with his question.
"Who did it kill?"
"Men, young, good health, handsome…"
"Who does that remind you of dumbass? You're live bait for it. If it gets your scent it won't stop until it kills you."
"Okay I'm bait, how do I stop it from killing me?"
"Being stabbed seven times with a bamboo dagger blessed by a Shinto priest."
Sam was silent for a moment as he let those words sink in. He didn't have a bamboo dagger, nor did he know of a Shinto priest anywhere nearby.
"Anything else?"
"Well, if you dismember them and separate the body parts so they can't come back should stop it."
"Great, they would have that one trait," Sam huffed thinking of the Leviathan and how they could regenerate.
"I'll pack and will head your way. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"No, Bobby. Look, I'll figure something out, by the time you get here I can have this case wrapped up."
"Son, I know you're damn good at this job, but everyone has their limits. Call yer brother, maybe with both of you on the case you'll stand a chance of getting out of this in one piece."
"No, don't call Dean!" Sam demanded harshly.
"Watch that tone with me boy!"
"Sorry Bobby, but I can't work with him right now. I'll make a deal, if I see it's going to need two people, I'll call you. Maybe there's another hunter nearby that could lend a hand."
"You're as stubborn as yer Daddy was. Alright Sam, but you call me with your progress, or I'll kick your ass the next time I see you and don't think I can't."
"I will Bobby. I need to go." Sam hung up and pulled his laptop over to type in Okami and see what he could find. He wanted to find all he could before having to face the monster. Sam pulled up every website he could and started reading. He sat back in his chair and thought over the facts he was finding. "I need a machete."
spn
Sam grabbed his jacket and headed outside to his car. He needed to pickup a couple of things and needed to see if there was a place that catered to hunters. He headed downtown and started looking for new age shops or ones that sold herbs and spices. He finally found one squeezed in between a florist shop and used bookstore.
A bell jingled over his head as he opened the door and stepped into the shop. His nose was filled with the aroma of spices, herbs and incense. Sam looked to a curtained doorway when a middle age man stepped behind the counter.
"Can I help you find something?" he asked.
"I hope so, I need a few items that you keep in back for special customers," Sam told him.
"I'm not sure I know what…"
"That sign in your window is for hunters who need certain hard to find items. I'm Sam Winchester."
The store owner straightened up and looked at Sam with admiration and respect.
"Maybe you've heard of my brother and me."
"I have, it's a pleasure to be of service to you. What are you looking for?"
"Silver bullets for 9mm handgun and machete should do for now."
"I think I can handle that. One moment please," he said before stepping back behind the curtain.
Sam glanced around the store seeing colored candles, books on herbs and spells, minor hoodoo/voodoo items, jewelry and clothes made from natural fibers. He looked back to the curtain when the owner came back out with a wrapped item in his hand.
"This should work for you," he said laying the bundle on the counter.
"What do I owe you?"
"Fifty dollars."
Sam pulled some bills from his pocket and gave him the money. He was glad Bobby had sent him some money to get him by until he found other means of income. "Thanks," Sam nodded picking up the bundle and heading back outside looking up and down the street before heading for the car.
spn
The sun was staring to go down casting the world around him into shadows. Sam drove to the other side of the town that was less populated and had several abandoned buildings, along with a scrap metal/junkyard. He had a feeling the Okami was hiding around this area and was going to check it out before trying to set up a trap for it. He parked and got out, looking around at the surroundings. He pulled his gun from his jeans before cautiously walking down the gravel road, looking left and right for any movement.
The attack came suddenly and hard, knocking Sam off his feet. He tried to scramble up as he looked over his shoulder at the Okami as she changed from a beautiful, young woman to a monster. She jumped at him swiping out with a clawed hand catching him on the shoulder. Sam cried out and rolled, bringing his gun up to unload it into her chest. She screamed her rage at Sam before stumbling off into the shadows. The silver bullets didn't kill her, but they did slow her down and caused some injury.
Sam finally got his legs working and ran for the car, knowing he couldn't go after her. He was going to need help with this one. He headed back to the motel to see how bad he was hurt. He could feel wetness on his back and swore at himself for letting her get the jump on him.
His shoulder was burning by the time he got back into his room and started shedding his jacket, shirt and tee shirt as he headed for the bathroom. He turned and tried to see in the mirror but all he could see was the smeared blood and the trickle of more that ran down his back. He hung his head and pressed his hands onto the counter trying to figure out how he was going to clean his back wounds and get something on it. He couldn't tell if it needed stitches or not and he couldn't go to the emergency room where too many questions would be asked.
Sam stepped back into the other room and looked to the table seeing the envelope laying there. He walked to the table and flipped it open, looking at the written number on it. He huffed and closed his eyes, thinking what choice did he have but to call. Sam picked up his cell and looked down at the number again before dialing it.
"Hello, Deputy North…Agent Cooper…Yes…I was wandering if you could come by my motel room…I need a little help with…I'm in room 7…Alright, I'll be expecting you…Bye." Sam hung up his cell and went to his bag to dig out his first aid kid, glad he carried one himself.
Twenty minutes later Sam heard a knock at the door and went to answer it. He hadn't put his shirt on yet not wanting to bloody another one until his wound was cleaned and dressed.
"Agent Cooper," Deputy North gasped when she saw his bare muscular chest.
"No, no, I'm sorry, this isn't what it looks like!" Sam exclaimed holding up his hands. He stepped back so she could step inside and closed the door behind her. "Honest, I just…Crap!"
"So, what do you need help with?" she asked in a sexy voice liking what she saw and wondering why he called her.
"This," Sam huffed. He turned where she could see his back and heard her gasp in surprise. He jumped when warm fingers ran carefully over his back where the gash was.
"What happened?" she questioned
"I'm not sure you want to know. Think you can patch me up?" he asked innocently not wanting to involve her any more than he had to.
"Sit down, I'll get a wet cloth and towel," she told him going into the bathroom to get what she needed to clean his wound so she could see how bad it was.
Sam pulled a chair from the table and straddled it, so his back was exposed and waited for Deputy North to come back. He was trying to come up with a good excuse for the injury when she came back into the room.
"This may hurt," she advised him.
"I've had worse. I'm hoping it's not that deep and doesn't need stitches."
"I can drive you to the ER if you do."
"Think you could do it if needed?"
"What?" she questioned.
"If it was where I could reach it I would do it myself."
"Why am I not surprised," she said rolling her eyes thinking there was more to this guy than meets the eye. And she wondered what he meant by, he had worse than this.
Deputy North placed a warm hand on his shoulder as she leaned closer to wipe the dried blood from his shoulder. The wounds were about six inches long and not as bad as she thought. Blood only leaked from the middle where it was the deepest. She studied them once the blood was washed away and was sure they were claw marks.
"I don't think it needs stitches, but do you have something I can use to hold together in the worse places?"
"There should be some steri strips in the first aid kit along with pads and antibiotic cream." He reached for the kit and twitched when Deputy North slapped his arm lightly.
"Hold still," she chastised him. "I can get it myself."
"There's peroxide in there too. You might want to clean it first."
"This might burn slightly." She used the towel to catch the liquid as she poured the peroxide carefully over the gashes, watching it bubble up quickly. She could feel Sam tense under her hand and smirked to herself. When it stopped foaming, she poured a little more over it until it stopped bubbling. "Okay, let me dry it and I'll put the strips on the deepest laceration and the cream. I'd say you got off lucky from the way the other victims looked."
Sam tried to hold still but each time she touched him he twitched slightly. It wasn't that it hurt, but feeling her touch made him weak in the knees. It had been a long time since he had been with anyone, but he couldn't think of that right now. He had to concentrate on the case and not what he was feeling down in his gut.
"You want to tell me how you got these injuries?" she questioned.
"Best if you didn't know."
"You're hiding something, and I think it has to do with what killed those guys."
Sam stood up when she finished and looked down at the floor, not able to look her in the eyes as he cleared his throat.
"I thought so, spill it. I'm not some helpless female who shirks her job."
"I can't…It's…" he paused trying to come up with the right words as he looked away.
"Are you going after it again?"
"I have to. I've got to stop it before it kills again."
"You're not doing this alone. I'll come with you," she stated firmly.
"No way! It's too dangerous for you to come," Sam insisted wincing as he slipped his tee shirt back on. He couldn't help thinking Dean would like her.
"So, it's too dangerous for me to go, but it's okay if you face off with it alone and get yourself hurt of maybe killed?" she shot back crossing her arms over his chest. "Is this a female thing? You think because I'm a woman I'm a damsel in distress and would run away at the first signs of danger?"
"No…I mean…I'm not…" he stuttered as she continued her onslaught.
"Don't make me call the sheriff and get him involved. I might just have to arrest you for withholding evidence on the cases."
Sam jerked his head up and looked at her with confusion and uncertainty. He saw the merriment in her eyes but the set, determined expression on her face and knew he wasn't getting out of this that easy. He didn't want the sheriff involved if there was any way around it and he didn't want to put her in danger either, but it looked like he didn't have a choice.
"I'm a dead shot, if you're worried about that. I can take care of myself. I had two older brothers growing up and could best both of them."
"You don't know what you're asking Deputy. This is not like anything you've ever been up against. It is very dangerous."
"Okay, now you've got my interest peaked," Deputy North stated as she sat down at the table with him. She glanced down at the papers and the map noticing the markings. "You might as well tell me; I'm not letting you go anywhere alone, unless you want to try and take me and tie me up. Any other time I might just let you," she smirked watching Sam's face reddened.
Sam looked at her and saw the stubborn, unwavering look on her face. He rubbed his temple with one hand and tried to decide how to handle this. If he told her the true, her life would be changed forever, and he didn't want to take that away from her. He thought about what Dean would do and wished he were there to smooth this over. He was always the one that could charm the women and get what he wanted.
"Look…Deputy…Damn…I mean…" Sam stammered trying to get his words out.
"Drink," North said pushing a half full bottle of water toward him.
Sam grabbed it and fumbled with the cap so he could gulp several mouths full to wet his dry mouth and throat. He drew in a couple long breaths and let them out slowly.
"It can't be that bad Agent, just say it,' she encouraged.
"I am hunting an Okami, a female," he said looking up into her eyes. "That's why her victims have all been males."
Deputy North frowned as a puzzled look crossed her face. She mulled over what he said for a moment before speaking.
"Care to explain?" she asked in a strong, steady voice.
"It's kin to a werewolf and looks human until it turns. It attacks humans and eats the heart and flesh from its victims. And before you ask, no, I'm not crazy or making this up. There are dangerous, supernatural creatures out there in the shadows that most humans are not aware of." Sam waited a moment to see if she was going to say anything before continuing. "I'm a hunter. There are quiet a few of us out there, who protect the innocent as best we can."
"So, you're not FBI?" she questioned. "I have to say I did have my doubts about that."
"Cover story. Look, I need to get back out there before she finds another victim. I wounded her, but it won't stop her. I think I know where she's hiding out and I need to stop her."
"Let's go," North insisted getting up. "I've got my weapon in the car."
"Whoa! No one said you were coming."
"I'd like to see you try and stop me. You've already been hurt once. You can't do this alone. You need backup."
"Shit," Sam mumbled in disgust pretty sure he couldn't stop her unless he knocked her out and didn't think that would go over too well. "Fine! But you have to do exactly what I tell you."
"So, how do we kill it, her, whatever? You do know how to do that right?"
"Yes, but I don't have the weapon to do it, so the only thing I can do is dismember her body and keep the parts from each other."
"Ouch! Not a pretty picture," she replied watching Sam as he pulled a sheathed machete from a bag and slipped it on his belt. "Do I get one of those?"
"No, sorry, only got one. You can take my gun. It's loaded with silver bullets. If you get the shot go for the head and chest, maybe that'll give me a chance to take her head off."
Deputy North accepted the offered handgun and examined it, removed the clip to look at it before slapping it back in place. She made sure a bullet was chambered before slipping it into the waist of her jeans. Sam offered her an extra clip in case it was need. She followed him to his car and slid into the passenger seat, waiting for him to get in and start the car.
Sam didn't say anything as he cranked the car and pulled from the motel parking lot. His mind was racing trying to figure a way to be sure the deputy didn't get herself killed or him. He saw she could handle a gun, but this type of monster was like nothing she had ever faced. He didn't even know if she went out in the field or only worked the office. He knew how male officers treated the female ones and how they had to prove themselves in a man's field.
spn
It was getting late and there weren't many vehicles on the road as Sam headed back to the scrape yard. He was sure that was where the Okami was hiding letting her wounds heal. If he could find her while she was still weak, he might have a better chance of killing her.
The area was dark, except for several outside lights casting an eerie glow around the business. Sam stopped the car and turned it off. He sat there a minute deep in thought before speaking.
"Deputy, if something happens to me, you run like hell and get out of here." He handed her the keys for the car. "Call my brother Dean, his number is on my cell and in the glovebox there. Tell him what you know, and he'll come and kill it."
"You have a brother who does this too? Why aren't you two together?"
"Long story I don't want to get into right now. Just promise me you'll save yourself."
"But…"
"No, no, buts. I won't have your blood on my hands. If it looks like I'm done for, you have to survive to get help."
"Alright, I don't like it, but I promise," she huffed madly.
"She is stronger than a human and quick. Don't underestimate her and whatever you do don't hesitate, that could cost you your life or mine."
"I'll have your back; you just don't try and be a hero." The deputy got out of the car and looked around the deserted business. She waited for Sam to come around the car and move toward the gate. She watched him look at the lock before pulling out some tools and picking it. He let the chain drop to the ground and pulled the gate open only wide enough for them to squeeze through.
Sam's senses were on high alert and his hunter instincts kicked in as he pulled the machete from his belt and held it tightly in his right hand. He moved silently through the place listening for any sounds that would tell where the Okami might be hiding. He could sense the deputy at his side and glanced her way for a second to see she had his gun out and was scanning the area too.
The machinery stood silent and cast in shadows making it hard to see deeper into the building. The nightlights made the place seem even more ominous and creepy, as it creaked and settled around them. North stayed close to Sam but still gave room to maneuver if they were attacked.
Shuffling noises ahead of them caught Sam's attention and he moved slowly by a conveyor belt with the machete ready to defend them. She came from above when they least expected it, dropping down on Sam and knocking him to the floor. She growled and screeched her rage as she jumped on Sam digging her clawed hand into his bicep making him cry out in pain. They rolled around on the floor as Sam fought her off until he was on his back and used all his remaining strength to hold her mouth full of razor-sharp teeth away from his throat.
The loud blast of a handgun echoed through the building as the deputy started shooting, aiming for the head and chest when the Okami stumbled up. Sam could feel the air being disturbed above him as he froze not wanting to get shot. The energy of the shots knocked the Okami off Sam and he scrambled for his machete. As the last shot died away, Sam used both hands to swing the machete at the Okami's neck with enough force to sever the head that bounced across the room while the body crumbled to the floor.
Sam was breathing hard as he stumbled back against the conveyor belt to keep himself upright. He looked down the black path and saw the huge, spiked wheels that were used to crush, rip, and pulverize scraps of metal.
"See if you can find the switch to turn this on," Sam told North as a plan formed in his head.
"Alright," she said. North skirted around the headless body, eyeing it in disgust. She went down to the end where the control panel sat and quickly looked it over before pressing several buttons. She looked toward Sam when a whirling and grinding noise filled the silence and after a moment the belt began to move.
Sam watched it start up and the saw the belt slowly began to roll by. He grabbed the body and tossed it onto the moving path. When the body was pulled into the grinder, blood, flesh, bone and scraps of clothes began to spray out decimating it to mush. Sam looked around and found the head and sat it on the belt watching as it moved toward the huge wheels and disappeared out of sight.
"Turn it off!" he called to North, making a cutting sign across his throat. Sam waited as the noise died away and clutched his arm where he was clawed. He waited for North to join him before straightening up.
"Are you alright?" she asked seeing Sam holding his arm tightly as blood dripped between his fingers.
"It's nothing," he told her.
"Is that it? Is it gone?" she asked looking toward the bloody pile at the end of machine.
"Yeah, it's over," he sighed, with relief that he made it with only minor injuries.
"What now?"
"I pack up and leave. It's not good to hang around once a hunt is done."
"You're not going anywhere until I look at your arm. I won't have you bleeding out somewhere on the interstate."
"I'm fine, I'll bandage it before I leave."
"I'm here, besides, I've got to ride with you back to the motel to get my car. I do have the keys. Might as well let me look at it," she said.
Sam didn't feel like arguing and gave in with a short nod and let her help him to the car. North got Sam into the passenger side and moved to the driver's side to get in. She cranked the car and pulled away from the scrapyard to head back to the motel.
"I need to text Bobby to let him know it's done," Sam said. He got his cell out and began to type a brief message so he wouldn't worry or send another hunter his way. He read the reply before stuffing it back into his pocket.
spn
North pulled the car into a parking spot in front of the room and went around to help Sam out. He pulled a key from his pocket and let her unlock the door.
"Go ahead and get your jacket and shirt off so I can check your arm," she told him. "I'll wash my hands."
Sam watched North take off her jacket and head into the bathroom as he pulled his own jacket off knowing it needed replacing now from the blood and slash marks. He grimaced in pain from his back and arm when he worked on getting his outer shirt and tee shirt off. He wasn't sure if the wounds on his back had broken open in his fighting or not, but the gashes smarted. He looked to his arm and saw the slash marks marring his skin.
"Okay, let's have a look," North told him. She carried a towel and wet cloth to clean the wounds.
"Better check my shoulder too. I may have made them worse."
"Let me see," she said pushing him forward slightly. "It's not bleeding, just oozing, so I'll doctor your arm first."
Sam watched her pull the peroxide back out of the first aid kit and sit it by him. She gently wiped away the blood and pursed her lips as her brows arched together as she worked. He could help but notice how good looking she was and even more so as she busied herself patching him up. He tried to sit still, but his body ached, and he had to shift in the chair.
North cleaned his arm and found butterfly bandages in the kit to use on the wounds on his arm. She placed a pad over it and wrapped gauze around it for protection. She moved behind him and pushed him a little forward again to look at the places on his back. They looked red and raw, but the steri stripes still held the worse part together. She applied more cream and taped pads over them.
"Now," she said, surprising Sam as she straddled him and looked into his face with sexy blue eyes. "Do you really have to leave tonight? I mean, the room is paid for and you can just as easily leave in the morning." North ran her fingers down his bare chest, tickling his ribs and letting them dance back up his body feeling him respond to her touch.
Sam was taken by surprise when North moved and sat down in his lap, straddling him. He looked into her sultry eyes and saw lust and a need there. He sucked in a sharp breath as her finger played up and down his body and a warm stirring started to build inside of him. He reached a hand to cup her neck so he could pull her to him and kiss her, gently at first and then with more passion. She returned his kiss as she ran her fingers through his hair to hold his head.
They broke apart so each could draw in a sharp unsteady breath. Sam grabbed North's tee shirt and tank top to pull them over her head and toss aside. He freed her pinned up hair, letting it fall around her shoulders as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body into his. He could feel her warm skin rub against his and felt the fire building inside grow stronger. He captured her lips again and buried his fingers into her hair. Her body was lean and fit and was a perfect match to his. His hands played up and down her back, and pulled her body against his hard erection, making her groan with delight and desire as she pressed harder into him.
With one swift movement, Sam scooped North's body up in his arms and moved them to the bed to be more comfortable. Any thoughts of leaving escaped Sam and they shut the rest of the world out as they finished undressing each other and spend the night making passinate love.
spn
Sam groaned as he started to stir the next morning. He looked where the warm body had laid against him during the night and saw it was empty. He reached and picked up a folded note from the pillow to read.
'Agent Cooper,
Last night was amazing and I will not be forgetting it for a long time. Duty calls and I didn't want to wake you. If you are ever back this way, well, you have my number.
Deputy North'
Sam laid back and let his mind wander back over the events of last night as a small smile played across his face. He knew he needed to leave before anyone decided they needed to talk to him. He pushed up from the bed and plotted toward the bathroom naked, to get a quick shower feeling in the best mood he had in a long time.
Thirty minutes later, Sam opened the door letting out the steam and went to his bag for the last of his clean clothes. He quickly dressed and gathered up everything stuffing it in his bags. He gave the room one more quick sweep before shouldering his bag and carrying his laptop bag to the car. Sam dropped into the driver's seat and turned on the car. He turned down the radio but the words coming from it caught his attention. '…two unexplained deaths in Lily Dale, New York, famed to have the most psychics than anywhere in the country. If they were psychics, then why didn't they see it coming…'
That was enough for Sam. He headed from the parking lot picking up the road north toward Lily Dale, New York.
The End
