September 26th, 2008
Detroit, Michigan
They didn't get back to the motel until late the next morning. Dean had refused to go back, and they had spent the rest of the night at a different motel. Dean climbed out of the car and slammed the door. Alex got out, but decided not to go in right away. Instead, she pulled out a dollar bill and headed over to the vending machine. She heard yelling, and a loud crash. Finally, curiosity got the best of her. She went over to the door and opened it.
"I would want to hurt you-" Dean was yelling.
Sam's eyes were watering, and he had a split lip and a bloody nose. He looked down at the ground.
"-and so would other hunters!" Dean continued. Alex stepped inside.
Sam looked up. When he saw her, his gaze instantly hardened. "You were gone. I was here. I had to keep on fighting without you. And what I do, it works," he insisted.
"Well, tell me. If it's so terrific, then why'd you lie about it to me?"
Sam didn't respond. He kept staring at Alex. She felt herself shrinking away from all the hate.
"Why'd the angel tell me to stop you?" Dean went on.
Sam looked back at his brother, surprised. "What?"
"Cas said that if I don't stop you, he will. See what that means, Sam? That means God doesn't want you doing this. So are you just going to stand there and tell me everything is all good?"
Sam couldn't meet his brother's gaze, so he looked down at the floor. They stood in silence. Dean was breathing heavily, and Alex stepped closer, putting him between her and Sam. Suddenly, Sam's phone rang.
Sam answered it. "Hello? Hey Travis, yeah hey." Pause. "Uh," Another pause. "It's good to here your voice too, yeah. Um, look, it's not really a good time right now. It's-" A much longer pause. "Uh, yeah okay. Just give me the details, and uh . . ." Pause. "Carthage, Missouri." He walked over to the nightstand and scribbled something down. "Looking for Jack Montgomery. Right." With that, he hung up. Dean watched his younger brother, who looked up at them. "We've got a case."
Dean was silent. Both Sam and Alex waited expectantly. Finally he let out a huff. "Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go." He grabbed his duffle bag and slung it over his shoulder.
Sam wiped the blood off his lip and began packing his things. Alex warily walked over to her bag, which was already packed, and picked it up. "Was it you?" Alex jumped at Sam's voice.
"I told you. If I was going to tell Dean, I would have already done so." Alex turned and met his gaze. "I don't approve of it, Sammy, but I'm no snitch."
Sam held her gaze for a few seconds. "I believe you," he finally said. He dropped his voice to a whisper. "I'm not doing anything wrong, right? I'm saving people instead of killing them." He sounded like he was not only trying to convince Alex, but also himself.
Alex sighed. "Just be careful. That's all I'm going to say." With that, she walked out of the motel.
Sam joined them in the Impala. Alex purposely slid into the backseat, leaving the front to the two brothers. She dug around in her duffle bag before pulling out her MP3 player. "How long 'till Carthage?"
"Five, six hours," Dean replied.
"Sweet." Alex threw her feet across the backseat and leaned her back against the door, stretching out. She pulled her headphones out just in time, as Rock of AgesAround a half an hour later, Dean suddenly changed the cassette. Alex lifted up on earpiece to see what he was playing. A large grin crossed her face as Eye of the Tiger began to play. Sam threw his head back and groaned. Alex tossed off her headphones and began drumming along with Dean, using Sam'sWanted Dead or Alive started up. Sam put his head in his hands. "Please don't," he grumbled.
"You know you love it," Alex grinned. She reached forward and cranked up the music. Finally, much to Sam's thankfulness, the song was over. Dean reached back and gave Alex a high five. Alex smiled and leaned back. Dean turned off the music.
...
"Hey Sammy."
"Yeah, what's up?" Sam looked up. Alex looked up from where she had been staring out the window. They had been driving all day, stopping only to eat and get gas, and now the sky was growing dark.
"Last night, when you were, um, you know, Cas visited me," Dean slowly explained. "Well, he did more then that. He sent me somewhere. 1973, to be exact."
Sam looked surprised. "Like the year? He sent you back in time?"
"Yeah, apparently he can, bend time, as he put it. Weird, right?" Dean let out a force laugh. "But, uh, he said I had to stop it."
"Stop what?" Sam interrupted.
"Just let me tell the story, will you?" Dean shot back. Sam didn't respond. "I saw someone. Well, several people." His voice caught in his throat. "I saw mom. And dad. And grandma, and grandpa." He took a deep breath.
"Start from the beginning," Sam advised.
Dean did so, and recounted everything he had been through. How he had woken up on the bench, entered the diner and met John Winchester. He smugly mentioned how he had convinced John to buy Impala, but also described how their mother, Mary, had been a hunter, who wanted to get out of the life for her children's sake. He recounted his encounter with Azazel, and how he had been unable to prevent anything.
Sam sat quietly, taking it all in. "I can't believe it. Mom, a hunter?"
"I wouldn't have believed it either if I hadn't seen it myself," Dean promised. "That woman could kick some ass, I mean, she almost took me down." Alex let out a small, inaudible laugh.
"How'd she look?" Sam asked, ignoring Alex. "I mean, was she happy?"
"Yeah, she was awesome. Funny and smart. And so hopeful," Dean said quietly. He shot a sad glance Sam before returning his gaze to the darkening road. "Dad too, until of course . . ." He trailed off. "What?" He asked when Sam let out a quiet sigh.
"Nothing." Sam looked out the window for a few seconds before turning back to Dean. "It's just, our parents. And now we find out our grandparents too? Our whole family murdered and for what? So Yellow Eyes could get in my nursery and bleed in my mouth?"
Alex shot a sharp glance at Sam, but decided not to get into their conversation.
Dean froze. "Sam, I never said anything about demon blood," he said quietly. Sam looked guiltily away. "You knew about that?" he asked, his voice growing angry. Sam didn't respond, and Dean tightened his grip on the steering wheel.
"Yeah, for about a year," he mumbled.
"A whole year?" Dean stared out the windshield.
"I should have told you," Sam said quietly. "I'm sorry."
"You've been saying that a lot lately, Sam," Dean reminded tightly. "But you know what? Whatever. You don't want to tell me, you don't have to. It's fine."
Sam looked over at his brother. "Dean." Dean didn't acknowledge him, but continued watching the road. "Whatever," he mumbled, giving up. Alex let out a quiet sigh. The air was full of tension and sadness, and it made her uncomfortable. She shifted, pressing her forehead into the glass of the side window, lost in thought.
...
Carthage, Missouri
The sky was dark by the time they pulled up to the curb in a small suburban area. Dean put the car into park, and got out, slowly walking around to the trunk. After a few seconds, he returned and handed Sam a pair of binoculars. Casting a quick glance around, they turned toward a house across the street. Alex could barely make out a man in a well lit kitchen. "Are you sure that's him?" Dean asked.
"Only Jack Montgomery in town," Sam confirmed. Alex grunted in confirmation. She was currently sprawled out in the backseat. A few miles back, she had stopped in a local diner for a quick snack while the Winchesters went to the police station to ask about the whereabouts of this Montgomery fellow.
"And we're looking for . . ?" Dean's voice pulled her out of her reminiscence.
"Travis said to keep an eye out for anything weird," Sam answered.
"Helpful," Alex snorted. "I mean, that's why we're here, right? For weird stuff." She was shushed by Sam. Alex huffed and returned her attention to the window, squinting to make out what was going on.
"She's got a point." Dean lowered the binoculars. "Besides, I've seen big weird, little weird, weird with crazy on top. But this guy? I mean common, this guy's boring."
"I don't know Dean. Travis seemed pretty sure."
Dean shrugged and raised his binoculars again, keeping a careful watch. For a few seconds they were quiet. Alex saw the man get up and walk over the the fridge. She squinted again, trying to make out what he was doing. Dean made a disgusted sound. Alex looked over to see both their faces screwed in revolt. "What's going on?" she asked. "Let me see." She took the binoculars from Dean and turned towards the house. She mimicked their disgust as she made out the man stuffing his face full of what appeared to be raw meat.
"I'd say that qualifies as weird," Sam finally said.
Alex wrinkled her nose and handed the binoculars back to Dean. "Gross." She turned back to the brothers. "Okay. Maybe Sam's got a point. We done here?"
In response, Dean started up the car and drove off.
...
He pulled into the nearest motel he could find. He checked them in to the Rainbow Motel, and Alex and Sam unloaded the trunk. They carried the duffle bags into the small room, and Alex dropped them at the door. She looked around the room. There were only two beds, and the room carried the theme of deer hunting. The walls were a dark wooden panelling with one section stone and mortar, and pictures of fishermen hung on the walls Alex snorted, studying the deer's head above the tv. "Hunting themed room. Appropriate." She glanced at the large mural of deer above the beds. "God this place smells."
"Shut up and deal with it," Sam muttered.
Alex looked offended and sat down on the near bed.
"So where are you going to sleep?" Dean asked her.
"What's that suppose to mean?" Alex looked over at the older Winchester.
"There's only two beds," Sam explained. "One for me, one for Dean."
"Well it looks like you're going to need to share. Any thoughts?"
Dean narrowed his eyes at Alex. "Share?"
"Sure, why not? They're king sized beds." Alex shrugged. "Or one of you can sleep on the floor."
"More like you can sleep on the floor," Dean grumbled. "You know what, we - let's just deal with this in the morning, huh? I feel like I haven't slept in days." He grabbed a bag and disappeared into the bathroom.
Alex watched him go. "What's biting him?" she huffed.
Sam sat down on the other bed. They sat in silence until Dean returned. Sam jumped up, but Dean caught him by the arm.
"Hey, Sammy. Favor to ask."
"Yeah?"
Dean handed Sam the keys. "Beer. Now."
Sam rolled his eyes, but took the keys and left the room. Alex watched him leave. "Beer? Really?"
Dean grunted. "We're going to need it."
Alex stood up and picked up her duffle bag. She threw it next to her bed and opened it. She dug through it and frowned. "Hey, do you have a pair of sweatpants I could borrow?" she asked. "I didn't think of grabbing any."
"Sammy might have a pair." Dean laid down on the bed. "Check his bag."
Alex obliged and unzipped the bag that was still on the floor. She smiled as she pulled out sweatpants, grabbed a shirt, and disappeared into the bathroom. She stepped out a few minutes later, wearing Sam's sweatpants and a frown. "What's wrong?" Dean noticed.
"These are a touch big." Alex looked down. The pant legs were almost six inches too long, and Alex tripped over the extra material every time she took a step.
Dean let out a quiet laugh. He returned his attention to the flickering tv screen. Alex joined him, sprawling out on her bed. Dean cast her another glance. "Is that one of my shirts?"
"Yeah." Alex shrugged. "I commandeered most of your shirts while you were in Hell."
They lapsed into silence.
...
Sam came back a little while later carrying two six packs. He frowned when he saw Alex wearing his pants, but decided it wasn't worth dealing with. After changing out of his day clothes, he awkwardly crawled into bed next to Dean.
Alex watched. "You know, in the show, I got the feeling you guys didn't sleep a lot."
"Shut up and go to bed," Dean grumbled, rolling over. He buried his face in the pillow.
Sam slid under the covers. "Alex. Go turn off the light." Alex obeyed, flicking off the switch and launching herself into the bed as fast as she could.
"Night," she mumbled.
"Yeah. It's easier to sleep if you don't think about what's happened in these beds before," Dean advised.
"Gross." Alex wrinkled her nose. "I didn't need to think about that, thank you very much." She tossed a pillow at him for emphasis. She heard it hit something on the other bed, and Dean let out a small noise of surprise, telling Alex she had hit her mark.
"You're welcome." Dean tossed the pillow back, barely grazing Alex's head.
"Shut up and go to sleep," Sam grumbled. They obliged.
...
Alex woke up. She groggily looked around, only to snap open her eyes to find the other bed empty. She jumped out of bed. The motel room was empty, and there was no sign of a note to tell Alex what was going on. She quickly got dressed and looked out the motel door. There was no sign of the Impala, but, going back inside, Alex noted their bags were still on the floor where they had left them. She sat back down in one of the chairs, confused and slightly angry. After a few seconds she moved to one of the beds and flicked the tv on, finding some stupid cartoon to watch.
A few minutes later the motel door opened and Sam and Dean stepped back in. "Where the hell were you?" Alex asked.
"Language," Dean warned. "You're too young to swear." He took of his denim jacket and tossed onto the bed.
"I'm seventeen," Alex shot back. "I thought you left me. So shut up and answer the question."
"We just went out to get breakfast," Sam explained curtly. He tossed Alex a bag. "We brought you something."
"Thanks," Alex grumbled, appeased by their offering of food. "Next time, leave a note." Neither Sam or Dean answered, leaving Alex unsure if they heard her or not.
...
The morning passed quickly, with everyone just milling around the motel room. Sam called Travis, letting him know where they were, and continued his research. Around noon, Dean took them out to lunch, where Dean, like always, got the biggest hamburger he could, leaving Sam and Alex to watch him in disgust.
"You know, I think I'd rather watch that Montgomery fellow eat," Alex pointed out, no longer hungry. Dean shot her a pointed glance, and opened his mouth to show her what was inside. Alex looked away. "Gross."
"Seriously, Dean?" Sam glanced around. "You know that's disgusting, right?"
Dean smirked.
...
After lunch, they returned to the motel room. Alex followed them in, but they stopped in the doorway. "Travis," she heard Dean say. "See, Sam. Told you we should have hid the beer."
Alex tried to see around them, but couldn't. She heard unfamiliar footsteps, and both Sam and Dean stepped forward.
"Smartass," she heard a man say. "Get over here."
Alex sidestepped to see a short, balding man pull Dean into a hug. Alex noted his right hand was in a cast.
"Ah, good to see you," the man called Travis laughed.
"You too." Dean smiled. He stepped back.
"Good to see you." Travis pulled Sam into a hug.
Sam hugged him back, their height difference making it seem awkward. "You too, Travis."
"Man, you got tall, kid." Travis studied Sam. Both he and Sam let out a laugh. "How long has it been?"
"Ah, got to be ten years," Sam replied.
"You still a, oh, what was it, a mathlete?"
Sam snorted, looking only slightly embarrassed. "No."
"Yep. Sure is," Dean said at the same time.
Alex smiled, which quickly dissipated when Travis seemed to notice her for the first time.
"Who's this?" he asked the two men. "She one of yours?"
"Ah, no," Dean replied quickly. "Travis, this is Alex."
"Hey, Alex." Travis stretched out a hand.
Alex took it. "Travis." She acknowledge him with a nod before stepping back.
"You a hunter?"
"Dunno," Alex said cautiously. "I guess."
Travis looked quizzically at the Winchesters, who shrugged. "Okay." He turned his attention away from Alex. "Well, it's been too long, boys. John would be damn proud of you. Sticking together like this."
"Yeah, yeah. We're as thick as thieves," Dean smiled, casting a glance at Sam, who stood rigidly at those words. "Nothing more important than family." Sam looked slightly angry, but Travis didn't seem to pick up on the hidden meaning.
He turned and walked towards the table in the corner. "Sorry I'm late for the dance," he said, sitting down in a chair. Dean sat down across from him. "Thanks for helping out. I'm a little, shorthanded." He motioned to the cast on his arm.
All three let out a small laugh at the joke. Sam took a seat on the bed next to Dean. Alex sat down in the middle of the bed, legs crossed, watching the three.
"So, you track down Montgomery?" Travis continued.
"Yeah we found him in his home," Sam explained.
"And . . ?" Travis asked.
"Well, he had a hell of the case of the munchies, topped off with a burger he forgot to cook," Dean finished.
"That's him alright." Travis nodded quietly.
"What's him?" Dean asked, leaning closer.
"Boys, we got a rougarou on our hands," Travis explained in a hushed voice.
"A rougarou?" Dean asked, glancing at Sam. "Is that made up?" He looked back at Alex, and then to Travis. "'Cause that sounds made up."
"Oh." Alex let out a breath. "That makes sense. Rougarou. Right."
"You've heard of them?" Dean turned back to Alex.
"Yeah. Nasty things. Right, Travis?"
"Yeah. Nasty alright. Rotten teeth, wormy skin, the works."
"Well, that ain't that guy. He was wearing a cellphone on his belt," Dean pointed out.
"Just wait," Alex snorted. "He'll get ugly soon enough."
"They start out human, for all intents and purposes," Travis added.
"So what? They go through some sort of, metamorphosis?" Sam asked.
"Yup. Like a maggot turning into a bull fly. But most of all, they're hungry."
"Hungry for what?" Dean leaned in.
"At first, everything. But then," he paused dramatically, "for long pig."
Alex nodded understandingly, and Sam let out a loud breath as he realized what Travis meant.
Dean looked confused. "Long pig?"
"Human flesh," Alex explained.
Dean nodded slowly. "Okay. And that is my word of the day." Alex quiet laugh at the joke.
"Hunger grows in till they can't fight it. Till they got to take themselves a big, juicy, chomp, and then it happens." His voice slowly lowered into a whisper.
"Then what happens?" Sam asked quietly.
"They transform completely and fast. One bites all it takes. Eyes, teeth, skin, all turns. They feed once, and they're a monster forever. And our man Jack's headed there on a bullet train."
"Well how'd you find this guy if he's a walking, talking human?" Dean asked after a second's pause.
"Let's just say it runs in the family."
"You mean . . ." Sam trailed off.
"Killed his daddy back in '78. Son of a bitch mangled eight bodies before I put him down. Guy used to be a dentist. Cadillac, trophy wife. Little did I know, pregnant trophy wife. She put the boy in the system. By the time I found out, he was gone, lost in the system."
Sam looked slightly unconvinced. "You mean to tell me you couldn't find someone?"
Travis let out a small sigh. "I'm not sure I wanted to. The thought of hunting down some poor kid, I don't think I'd have the heart. No. I wanted to wait, make damn sure I had the right man. Apparently I do." He quickly finished off his beer.
Alex watched the old hunter warily. "Apparently," she echoed.
"You ever hunted one of these?" Travis asked her, taking her by surprise.
"No, not really. But I've heard a story similar to this," she partially lied.
"So how do we kill one of these?" Dean asked.
"Fire," Alex replied matter-of-factly. "Like Wendigos." She paused. "Actually, fun fact, rougarous and wendigos are one in the same. Wendigos are like . . ." she searched for a comparison, "an evolved form of rougarous." She knew it was true; Bobby had told her. A rougarou was the early stage; only after about a hundred years, once the creature had truly lost all of its humanity, was it considered a wendigo. It wasn't something well-known amongst hunters, but it was true nevertheless.
"I thought knowing useless facts was Sammy's job," Dean muttered good-naturedly.
Both Sam and Alex looked slightly offended. "It's not a useless fact," Alex protested. "And I spend four months with Bobby. And he's the king of research and useless facts."
"Touché." Dean turned back to Travis. "So what do we need to do?"
"I've got supplies back at my place." Travis stood up. "I'll be back is fifteen or so minutes." With that he left. Sam walked over to his bag and pulled out his laptop and sat back down at the table.
"So, now what?" Alex asked.
"We wait until Travis gets back." Dean walked over the fridge. "Thirsty?"
"No thanks. I don't like beer."
Dean looked back over at her and frowned. "I wasn't going to give you beer," he pointed out. "Aren't you too young to drink?"
Alex sat up and raised an eyebrow. "Are we really going to talk about all illegal things we've done?" she countered.
"Touché," Dean said again and took a beer for himself. "And I see Sammy's already got the laptop out."
He sat down on the bed next to Alex and flipped on the tv, scanning through the channels. He stopped at a channel where Zombie Land was playing. Alex rolled her eyes. "You know, if there's one thing I can't stand, it's zombies. Not kidding. I just can't. Monsters, vampires, werewolves, anything else. But zombies scare the shit out of me."
"Language," Dean warned her sharply, but obligingly changed the channel. "You're a wimp."
"Shut up." Alex pulled herself into a sitting position. "But I'm serious. I can't do anything zombies."
"Well, good thing zombies aren't real," Dean grunted. Alex didn't look convinced, but said nothing. Dean noticed. "Don't worry," he said quietly. "I'll take care of you."
He half expected Alex to shoot off some angry comment, but she didn't. She just nodded. "Thanks."
"No problem." He returned his attention to the tv. Sam's phone rang, and he answered it. A few seconds later he hung up, closed his laptop, and walked over to the counter. Alex smelled the familiar smell of hot coffee drift through the small motel room.
"Didn't know you liked coffee, Sammy," Alex called.
"It's not bad. But it's not for me. Travis just called. Said he be here in a few minutes. And to have some coffee ready." With that, Sam left the room. Alex and Dean exchanged glances, but said nothing.
...
Ten minutes later Travis returned, carrying a mug and a heavy-looking bag. "Hey Travis." Dean took the bag from him and placed it on the table. Travis walked over the the counter and filled up his mug with coffee. Alex watched Travis and Dean as they lay out the parts they would need.
"Where's Sam?" Travis asked.
"Dunno." Alex shrugged. "How does this work?" She asked Dean, taking a seat next to him.
"Propane tank. Pipes." Dean pointed out the simple components. "Hold a lighter in front of it and you've got yourself a barba-rou."
Alex rolled her eyes at Dean's bad joke. She quietly watched them assemble everything.
"So, fire, huh?" Dean asked Travis, heating up a section of pipe.
"The only way I've found to kill these bastards; deep fry 'em."
"Well that's going to be," Dean paused, searching for a good word, "horrible. Is that what you did to Jack's dad?"
"Uh-huh." Travis didn't look up.
The door opened and Sam walked in, holding several pieces of paper. "Heya Sammy," Alex acknowledge him.
"Not wasting any time, you two?" Sam ignored Alex.
"None to waste." Travis looked up. "That guy hulks out, we won't be finding bodies, just remains."
"What if he doesn't hulk out?" Sam sat down on the bed next to Alex. She pulled her legs up to her chest to give him room. "I did a little homework. Uh, I looked up some lore on rougarous." He explained.
"What? My thirty years of experience not good enough for you?" Travis asked hotly. He took a sip of his coffee.
"What? No. No." Sam quickly backtracked. "I-I just wanted to be prepared. I mean, not that you don't . . ."
"Sam loves research," Dean cut in, saving his little brother from finishing his response. "He does. He keeps it under his mattress right next to his KY. Its a sickness."
Alex blushed faintly at Dean's words, even though it had nothing to do with her. Sam, however, remained unfazed. Travis let out a small chuckle.
Dean glanced at his brother. "It is," he added.
"Look, everything you said checked out, of course," Sam continued. "But, uh, I found a couple interesting stories about people who have this rougarou gene, or whatever. See, they start to turn, but never take that final step."
"Really?" Dean looked up, interested.
"See, if they don't eat human flesh, they don't fully transform," Sam explained.
"So what? Stay vegan, stay human?"
"Basically. Or in this case, eat a lot of raw meat, just not . . ."
"Long pig," Dean finished. He smiled, slightly proud that he remembered the term.
"Right." Sam nodded.
Travis, who at his point had been watching them silently, stepped in.
"Good on you for the due diligence, Sam. But those are just fairy tales." He stood up, picking up his mug. Walking over to the counter, he poured himself a second cup. "Fact is, every rougarou I've saw or heard of took that bite."
"Okay, but that doesn't mean Jack will." Sam stood up.
Dean put down the pipes and stood up as well.
"So what do we do? Sit and hope and wait for a body count?" Travis turned to face the two hunters. Alex remained quiet on the bed, watching carefully. Dean picked up the papers Sam had brought in, studying them closely.
"No. We talk to him." Sam spoke like it was obvious. "Explain what's happening. This way he can fight it."
"Fight it?" Travis let out a laugh. "Are you kidding me? You ever been really, really hungry?" Dean looked up from the papers. "I mean, haven't eaten in days, hungry?"
"Yeah." Dean nodded.
"Yeah, right then. So somebody slaps a big, juicy steak in front of you, you walking away?"
Alex shook her head no, and Dean turned to look at Sam, his face clearly conveying his answer.
"That's what we are to him, now. Meat on legs. I'm sorry. I'm sure he's a stand-up guy, but it's pure, base instinct. Everything in nature's got to eat. You think you can stop himself 'cause he's nice?"
"I don't know." Sam grew serious. "But we're not going to kill him until he does something to get killed for." His voice shook with an emotion too strong to have come from someone who couldn't related with the man's position.
Alex picked up on the double meaning behind his words, and so did Dean. He glanced sharply at Dean. Sam took several deep breathes before walking out of the room. Travis cast a puzzled look over towards Alex and Dean. Alex shrugged innocently. "What's wrong with your brother?"
"Don't get me started." Dean tried to turn it into a joke. He turned away, face dark. He picked up his beer and took a long swig.
When Sam didn't come back in, Travis looked worried. "Something wrong between you two?"
Dean shook his head wearily. "It's complicated."
The door opened, and Sam stepped back in. "Come on, Dean."
Dean said nothing, but raised an eyebrow as a question.
"We're going to go talk to Jack," Sam explained curtly, then closed the door, leaving no room for protests.
"You can't be serious." Travis looked at Dean. "It ain't gonna do anything."
"Maybe, but Sam's got a point." Dean stood up. "It's worth a shot." He grabbed the keys out of his pocket and ran towards the door.
Alex watched him go before remembering she wasn't alone. She looked up to see Travis staring at her. Uncomfortable, she shook her head and stood up, hurrying out the door. She walked down to the Impala to see Dean getting into the front seat. Breaking into a run, she caught up to the car before it pulled out and jumped into the backseat.
"What do you want?" Sam asked crossly, not hesitant to show his frustration.
"I'm not staying in a motel room with a stranger," Alex protested.
"He's not a stranger. He's Travis. I've known him since I was a kid," Sam shot back.
"Yeah. And you haven't seen him in ten years. People change, Sam. You should know that." She mumbled that last part under her breath. If Sam heard, he didn't acknowledge it. "I don't know him. I don't trust him. Simple as that."
Neither Sam or Dean responded, telling Alex she had won. "Just stay out of our way," was all Sam grumbled. Alex shrugged, content with the suggestion.
...
They drove off towards Jack's house. Finally Dean broke the silence. "All right. So we're gonna have a little chat with this guy, which, you, know, I'm down, but I just want to know, if push comes, you're gonna shove." He looked over at Sam, who was staring out the window, his face stone serious.
Sam turned to look at his brother. "Meaning?"
"Well, odds are we're gonna have to burn this guy alive," Dean continued.
"This guy has a name and a wife," Sam said slowly.
Dean rolled his eyes. "Yeah, who we're probably gonna make a widow, okay? I mean, you heard Travis. He's gonna turn. They always turn."
"Well, maybe he won't." Sam countered, frustration creeping into his voice. "Maybe he can fight it off."
"And maybe he can't. That's all I'm saying." Dean backed off.
"All right. We'll just have to see then." Sam looked away from Dean.
"This is what I mean, Sam. You sure you're emotions aren't getting in the way?" Dean added.
Sam looked confused. "What are you talking about?"
"You know, nice, dude, but he's got something evil inside. Something in his blood. Maybe you can relate?" Alex flinched at Dean's harshness.
Anger flooded Sam's face. "Stop the car."
"What?"
"Stop the car or I will," Sam repeated, much louder this time. Dean obliged, and pulled the Impala off onto the dirt shoulder of the road. As the car slowed to a halt, Sam jumped out, slamming the door. Dean pulled the keys out of the ignition and got out as well. Alex stayed put, watching with wide eyes.
Sam started yelling, and Alex slid down in the seat, not wanting to see them fight. "You want to know why I've been lying to you, Dean? Because of crap like this!"
"Like what?"
"The way you talk to me, the way you look at me like I'm a freak!" Sam stormed over to a tree.
"I do not!" Dean yelled after him.
Sam ignored him. "You know, or even worse, like I'm an idiot!" He spun around and stalked up to his brother, getting into his face. "Like I don't know the different between right and wrong!" He walked away several steps, hands on his hips. Eventually he turned around. Dean's gaze fell to the ground, and Sam let out an angry huff. "What?"
Alex almost missed Dean's quiet response. "Do you know the difference Sam?" His voice grew louder. "I mean, you've been kind of strolling down a dark road lately."
"You have no idea what I'm going through. None."
"Than enlighten me!"
"I've got demon blood in me, Dean." Sam threw his hands up in the air. "This disease pumping through my veins, and I can't ever rip it out or scrub it clean. I'm a whole new level of freak! And I'm just trying to take this-this curse . . . and make something good out of it. Because I have to." He dropped his gaze to the ground.
After a few seconds, Dean responded, voice low. Alex strained her ears to hear. "Let's just go talk to the guy." Sam must have said something, because Dean added, "I mean Jack, okay?"
When Sam let out a small nod, Dean got into the front seat. Alex stared at the back of his head, not knowing how Dean could take Sam's anger. Dean put the keys in the car's ignition and started it up. Sam followed begrudgingly. Alex sunk lower into the seat, trying to ignore the thick tension that sparked through the air.
...
The rest of the drive was completely silent, but Alex could tell they were still angry. Dean would brake harshly, and Sam stared out the side window. Finally, they pulled up next to the back of Jack Montgomery's house. Taking a deep breath, Dean got out. Alex started to follow, getting out on Sam's side, but was stopped by Sam. "Don't," he growled, pinning Alex against the car with one arm. Alex nodded meekly. There was no way she was standing up to the giant of a man. She watched them walk away, and she begrudgingly leaned against the hood, running a hand through her long blonde hair.
...
There she waited. A few people walked or drove by, staring. Alex knew they weren't looking at her; she was just a plain girl, wearing clothes that weren't even her size, not caring in the least about her appearance. No, they were staring at the beautiful car she was sitting on. The beautiful, black, all American muscle car. Not her. And if either Sam or Dean were here, Alex knew she would be completely invisible, sitting on a amazing car next to two handsome men. No one would give her a second glance.
Alex let out a frustrated sigh, pushing away the thoughts. She'd been here for less then two minutes, and she was bored already. So she did what she always did when she was bored. She started to talk. "Hey, Castiel. How's it going?" she said quietly. "No need to show up. You're busy, I've only got a few minutes, I understand. No need to listen either, I suppose." She paused. "Just wanted to make sure you're okay. It must be pretty rough up in heaven, trying to stop the seals from breaking and all. I hope you haven't lost too many brothers this week." She paused again. "Or sisters. Are there female angels in heaven? I thought it was just you guy angels. Hm." She trailed off, lost in her own internal thought.
...
The sound of a loud, "Now!" and the sound of approaching footsteps let Alex know the Winchesters were back.
She looked up. "How'd he take it?" she asked.
Sam glared at her, and got into the car.
"Not well," Dean answered for him. "Get in."
Alex rolled her eyes, but got off the hood and into the backseat. "So, now what? We gonna torch him, or we gonna wait?"
"You are going back to the motel," Sam spoke for both him and Dean.
"What?" Alex protested against her better judgement. "No way! Why?"
"Because I said so," Sam said frustratedly.
"No way," Alex repeated angrily. "You want me to do something, you better give me a damn good reason." She heard Dean open his mouth to remind her to watch her language, but he thought better of it and said nothing. He just started the car and pulled away from the house.
"Fine." Sam turned in his seat so he could look at Alex. "You want the truth? You can't come with because I don't trust you."
Alex let out a huff. "Likewise."
"He's right," Dean put in. "If you're gonna hunt with us, we need to trust you with our lives. And right now, you don't have that trust."
Alex snorted. "I don't exactly trust you either," she said to Sam. "You're the one trying to kill me." Sam opened his mouth to protest, but Alex continued. "But I'd still put my life in your hands. Heck, I've been traveling with two strange men. If that doesn't scream trust, I don't know what does."
"Not one of your better judgement calls." Dean glanced back at her.
"If it makes you feel any better, there's only four people in this universe I trust. You, Bobby, Sammy, I suppose, and me." Alex paused. "Well, and Cas. I trust Cas."
Dean let out a small laugh. "You trust that angel?"
"Yeah." Alex crossed her arms. "More than I trust Sam."
This made Sam angry, as he turned around to face Alex once more. "You know why I don't trust you?" he exploded, "Because I can't. You've shown me no reason to give you even a shred of my trust. You come in saying you know everything about us, but, you know what? I think you're lying." He took a deep breath. "Until you give me a single reason to trust you, you can't hunt."
Alex shrank back uncomfortably in her seat, taken aback by Sam's outburst. "I do know everything about you," she said quietly.
"Prove it." Sam was still angry, although the most of it had ebbed.
"Prove it? Prove it how? I can't tell you anything about your future, because you won't believe me. And frankly, it's just a river of crap."
"Fine. Tell me about my past," Sam challenged.
"But then you're just going to call me a stalker," Alex complained. She sighed. "Fine then. Be that way. I'll just prove myself once again." She looked thoughtful. "Let's see. Past. Woman in White. Wendigo. Azazel. John cut him a deal to save Dean." She let out a smile, growing more confident. "Trickster. He's pretty sweet. One of my more favorite demi-gods." She pulled another thoughtful face. "Oh yeah. Mystery spot. Tuesday. Heat of the moment. Pig in a poke. Had enough?"
Sam looked away. "Fine. I get it. But you're still not coming."
"What?" Alex looked pained. "Dean."
"Sorry, girl. Bobby ain't here to defend you," Dean said over his shoulder. "And, by the way, the Trickster is definitely not 'pretty sweet'."
"Eh," Alex defended him. "He grows on you." She paused, then smirked. "Would it be bad if I said I trusted him as well?"
"Very," Dean growled. "Here we are." He pulled the Impala into the motel parking lot. "Get out."
"But what if Travis is still there?" Alex protested.
"Then you can sit outside," Sam growled.
Alex didn't argue, but got out. Dean handed her the keys to the room and his cellphone before driving away. Alex wandered down to their room and opened the door. "You're still here?" She asked, staring at Travis.
"Yeah." The older hunter looked up from the table were he had been working on a propane torch. "What are you doing here?"
"Sam and Dean send me back here," Alex grumbled. "You gonna leave?" She said pointedly.
"No." Travis didn't look up. Alex uncomfortably sat on the bed as far away from the hunter as possible. She flicked on the tv, trying to ignore him. "I get the feeling you're uncomfortable," Travis acknowledged.
"Don't know you, can't trust you," Alex said.
"Very good point." Travis nodded. "But you can trust me."
Alex raised an eyebrow, but didn't protest. She turned back to the tv. Dean's phone rang. Alex stared at it. The caller ID said Bobby.
"You gonna answer it?" Travis asked.
Alex did so. "Uh, hello?"
"Dean?" Bobby's gruff voice came over the phone.
"No, uh, Alex."
"Alex? Where's Dean?"
"He and Sam are out stalking some poor guy," Alex said crossly, still miffed that Sam and Dean had stood her up like that.
"You guy's found a case?"
"Yeah. Rougarou. Some hunter called Travis called us in," Alex explained. Travis shot her a look, but Alex ignored him.
"Travis?"
"That's what I said."
"Where's he at?"
"Five feet away from me?" Alex estimated.
"Let me talk to him," Bobby demanded. Alex looked slightly confused, but did as he asked. "It's for you." She handed the phone to Travis.
He took it. "Y'ello." Pause. "Yeah." Another, much longer pause. Travis tried to speak, but was cut off. Finally he spoke. "I wouldn't dream of it." Pause. "Uh-hm. Promise." He hung up and tossed the phone back to Alex.
She caught it. "Well?"
"None of your damn business," Travis answered bluntly.
Alex nodded understandingly. "He's like an overprotective father," she admitted.
"Uh-huh." Travis began packing up his things. "I'll be off then."
"Just like that?" Alex snorted.
"Why, do you want me to stay?" The old man turned to look at her.
"Not really," she admitted, shifting so her weight rested on her other leg.
Travis grunted, slung his bag across his shoulder, grabbed a last cup of coffee, and marched out the door, slamming it behind him. The phone rang again.
"Bobby?" Alex answered.
"He gone?"
"Yeah. You tell him to get lost?" Alex joked.
"Yes." Alex sighed at Bobby's bluntness. "How you doing, girl?"
"I'm perfectly fine."
"No problem with Sam?"
"No. Him and Dean had a falling out, though. Got out of the car and started yelling. But nothing about me. I don't think. Dean caught Sam exorcising demons with his mind," she explained. "And he's been hanging out with Ruby. Dean was pretty pissed. Sam looked like he wanted to kill me for a while, but I think now he believes me when I say I didn't tell on him."
She ended, and the line was silent for a few seconds.
"Bobby? You still there?"
"Yeah, still here," Bobby slowly answered. Alex could tell he was taking the news pretty hard. She flinched.
"Yeah, and if Sam or Dean tells you about this, please don't mention I told you. Act surprised. I'm trying to earn their trust, something I apparently don't have, so," she ended.
Bobby sighed. "Fine. Deal." Neither of them spoke for a few seconds. "Well, I better get going. Call if you need anything."
"Promise."
"And stay out of trouble."
"Yes, dad," Alex said sarcastically. They said their good-byes, and hung up. Alex tossed the phone onto the bed next to her. She turned on the tv.
...
Around five thirty, Alex decided she was hungry. Picking up Dean's phone, she found Sam's number and pressed 'call'. It rang, and she heard the sound of someone answering. "Hello?" She heard the guarded voice of Sam.
"Hey, Sam."
"Alex," Sam acknowledged her. "What's up?"
"Not much. Just sitting here. Alone. In the motel. Bored out of my mind. How about you? You still stalking Jack?"
"It's not stalking," Sam protested, and Alex could swear she heard Dean snicker. "But yes, we're still staked out in front of his house. Nothing yet. Is Travis gone?"
"Yeah. Bobby talked to him and scared him off. Which reminds me. Tell Dean Bobby called. He was asking for him. Dunno if he called you or not."
"Yeah, no he didn't." Alex heard him turn to Dean. "Alex said Bobby called. He was asking for you."
"What did he want?" Dean said faintly.
"What did he want?" Sam repeated.
"Dunno. Didn't say." Silence. "You guys coming back? I'm getting hungry."
"Get your own food," Sam retorted.
"I need money," Alex reminded him. She heard scuffling noises at the other end, and Dean's voice filled the line.
"Look in my bag. Left pocket of a green jacket," he directed.
Alex did so. "Five bucks?" she asked.
"That'll be plenty." he promised. "You're not eating like a king, but it'll suffice."
Alex let out a snort. "Fine. Thanks."
"You okay by yourself?"
"Of course." Alex rolled her eyes. "You sound like Bobby."
Dean didn't respond. "See you later tonight." Then he hung up.
Alex rolled her eyes again and pulled the jacket out of the bag. Slipping it on, she grabbed the key to the motel and walked out, making sure to lock the door behind her. She crossed the street and entered a McDonalds. After ordering her food, she sat down near the window where she could see the motel.
...
After 'dinner', if you could even call it that, Alex returned to the motel. She sulked around, bored out of her mind. She ended up watching tv. As the night wore on, she changed into Sam's sweatpants and one of Dean's shirts and crawled into bed, turning off the lights. The room softly glowed in the light of the tv as Alex continued to watch some marathon about nature's deadliest animals. At some point, she must have drifted off, because when she awoke, it was almost one in the morning. There was another loud knock, and Alex staggered out of bed and opened the door. "Hey," she yawned, letting Sam and Dean in. "You guys okay?"
Sam didn't answer.
"Barely," Dean answered for them. He flicked on the lights.
"Are you okay?" Alex noticed their cuts for the first time.
"Yeah, I suppose."
"He turn?"
"Yeah," Sam mumbled. He sat down on the bed. Alex quickly retreated into the bedroom and grabbed a washcloth. She tossed on to Sam, who gratefully took it. "Thanks."
"No problem. What happened?"
"Well, Travis is dead," Dean said bluntly.
Alex looked sympathetic. "I'm sorry. He went after Jack on his own?"
Sam nodded, pressing the washcloth into his forehead. When he pulled it away, it was red. "Yeah. I guess so. By the time we got there, it was too late."
Alex let out a wordless murmur of sadness. "Did you get rid of the body?"
Dean shot her a glance. "Set the house of fire. That should cover our tracks enough to get out." He picked up his bag and set in on the table.
"We're leaving?" Alex looked surprised, still very tired, knowing they must be as well.
"Job's done, we get the hell out," Dean explained. He quickly packed all his things.
"Aren't you guys tired?"
Sam let out a huff of laughter. "It's hard to sleep after that."
"I suppose so," Alex agreed quietly. She watched them gather their things. Dean went to check them out, while Alex helped Sam load up the car.
...
The road was dark, and Alex nodded off to sleep at some point. When she awoke, the dawn light barely lit the road. The first thing she noticed was that the car was stopped. She could hear gentle sounds of breathing, and she slowly pulled herself into sitting position, careful not to disturb. Looking out the windows, she saw the Impala had been pulled off to the side of the road, hidden from view by several trees. She glanced at the clock. It read 6:26. She looked at the two people in the seats in front of her. As she watched, Dean's eyes flickered open. He glanced over at Alex. She let out a half smile.
"You been up long?" he asked quietly.
Alex shook her head. "No. Less then a minute," she whispered back. Dean let out a grunt and closed his eyes again. Alex let out a yawn and leaned her head back against the backseat.
She opened her eyes when she heard the engine purr to life. Surprise flickered across her face when she saw the clock now read 6:55. Dean pulled the car out of the woods and back onto the road.
"How'd you sleep?" Sam didn't look back at Alex.
"Fine." Alex stifled a yawn. "You?"
"Fine." Sam ran his fingers through his long hair. The conversation died.
...
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
At 1:46, they pulled into the Singer Salvage Yard. They knocked on the door. Bobby answered, and let them in. "You guys okay?" he asked, looking at their faces.
Both Dean and Sam nodded, and made their way into the study.
"Are you sure?" Bobby persisted. "Alex said . . . "
"Μην τους πεις," Alex interrupted. Bobby turned to look at her, as well as Sam and Dean. "Παρακαλό,"she added. She knew neither Sam or Dean spoke Greek, but both she and Bobby knew it well. It was one of the many things she had learned over those four months.
Don't tell them. Please. Her message was received by the older hunter. "Alex said you guys were hunting a rougarou," he said instead. "Those are nasty creatures."
"Yeah, so I heard," Dean replied dryly. Sam looked from Alex to Bobby, trying to understand what had passed between them.
"I hope Travis didn't cause to much trouble." Bobby sat down at his desk, and Alex took up her spot by the window.
"Travis is dead," Dean said bluntly.
"Dead?"
"Yeah. Dead. Jack got him before we got there."
Bobby looked over at her. Alex shook her head. "I had no idea," she admitted. Seeing Bobby's face she added, "Seriously. I didn't know."
"Well, it wouldn't be the first time you decided not to tell us," Sam shot back.
Alex let out an exasperated sigh. "I've told you guys before. There's going to be times where no matter how much I want to, I can't tell you. People are going to die, and you are going to hate me, but I'm only doing what's right. I'll tell you what I can. Nothing more."
More silence. Alex stood up and walked over the fridge. "Thirsty?" She pulled out three beers and distributed them out. Then she took a coke for herself.
...
The night came quickly. Alex made her way up the worn, familiar stairs and laid down on her bed. Before she knew it, she was asleep.