The rain had stopped but the light from the town showed that several thick low clouds remained, hovering ominously. Somewhere in the distance the thunder still grumbled and Dean hoped that it was simply the coincidence of a passing storm, despite knowing deep down that - coupled with the temperature fluctuations - the weather was trying to tell someone something.

Recalling Mina's MO, Dean had stopped by the hotel's reception on the way out and asked the kindly receptionist for the name of every bar in Wilton. The man had been amused at the request and Dean had joked with him, explaining that he had forgotten the name of the place where his friend was waiting for him.

There was always the chance that she had now moved on but there was also the intuition years of hunting had given him that this town was sure to become a supernatural Mecca and she would be spoiled for choice. Once upon a time he would also have reveled at the possibility but recent events had given a clear and painful warning as to how seriously unenjoyable their career could be.

Entering the old-style pub situated on the edge of the main square, Dean quickly made a head count and an educated guess as to the nature of the few patrons present. Heading for the bar, he gave the middle-aged woman his best smile and once again repeated the story about losing track of his younger sister. The woman listened to his description of Mina and shook her head sadly, offering her best wishes for his search.

Shoving the pub door open and stepping back out into the rapidly cooling night, Dean took the list from his pocket and sighed in frustration. He checked his watch as he ambled through the centre of town and frowned in thought. Grabbing his phone, he thumbed in a brief text and pressed send.

Am fine. Any luck? Came Sam's quick reply.

"Nope." Dean groaned and sent the same back to his brother.

Think your charisma scared her off ;o)

Dean laughed and slipped his phone back into his jacket. He then saw the neon name on a sign on the front of one of the buildings at the end of the main street and quickened his pace. As he approached the bar, movement in the corner of his eye caught his attention and he paused at the door.

Beyond the glow of the street lamps the outskirts of the town seemed impossibly dark and he peered intently, again seeing something moving. Instinct made him sink into the shadows at the corner of the building and he watched in interest, smiling suddenly as the figure passed close to a street light and he recognized his target.

Emerging from the side of the pub, Dean quickly made chase. Careful to ensure he did not get close enough to be seen and watching her in intrigue as she covered her tracks, he followed her out of town and into the neighboring forest.

Drawing his gun and flicking off the safety, Dean entered the tree line and paused to allow his eyes to again adjust. The clouds allowed only a small amount of moonlight to aid his path through the pines but he continued inside and groaned as he heard twigs cracking under his boots. The stealth approach was not going to be easy under these conditions and he wondered whether investing in night vision goggles might be a good plan. Deciding to discuss it with Sam later and glad to be distracted from the nervous trembling of his legs, he edged further into the forest.

After only a short distance, Dean groaned in annoyance and leaned against the thick trunk of one of the tall trees. Mina had completely disappeared. Again the notion that she was not entirely human entered his thoughts and he sighed in frustration, convincing himself that the idea was ridiculous. And besides, he chided himself, there was no way he was going to go back and ask Sam to hold his hand.

As his eyes adjusted to what little light there was, Dean could see a wide path running through the trees and guessed that it was a track for the ranger vehicles. Deciding that it was as favorable a trail as any, he moved towards the dirt road and followed it deeper into the forest.

It was a good move. The track led to a large clearing in the trees, vast piles of logs and broken branches stacked up on one side. And nestled in a dark corner was a camper van. Smiling proudly at himself, he crept through the trees and moved along the rear of the log piles.

Approaching the van cautiously, Dean could feel his heart pounding in his ears. Holding the gun at eye level and aware of even the smallest sound, he made a quick assessment of the old motor-home. Small drawings similar to the ones Sam had said were on Mina's knife were painted on the bodywork of the high, square rear section and various charms and feathers hung from the side mirrors. Frowning in interest, he then turned his attention to the apparently empty cab and sighed as he saw the rear window curtains were closed. Not the greatest ambush potential.

There was only the one back door on the near side of the vehicle and Dean gripped the gun tighter as he moved closer. Suddenly wondering if he ought to simply knock on the door, he paused for a moment. And that was exactly what she had been waiting for.

Dean gasped as movement behind him caught his attention but he turned too late. The narrow log was brought down hard, slamming into his right arm and he yelled in pain as he dropped his gun. He had no chance to recover as another powerful swing caught the back of his knee and he dropped like a dead weight.

"God - " Dean choked, the wind knocked out of him and his head spinning. It took a second for him to even realize what had happened and he then looked up into Mina's furious face. "Hey." He offered lightly, wincing as he grabbed at his arm. "Nice - ow! - nice to see you too."

Mina held her weapon firmly, stepping closer and glaring down at him. "Why did you follow me?"

"I've been looking for you."

"Why?"

"To talk." Dean answered, rolling himself carefully up to an awkward sitting position. "Jeez! This how you greet all your visitors?"

"Only the ones carrying guns." Mina quickly retorted.

Dean sighed and offered her a thin smile. "Force of habit." He shrugged.

"Right." Mina held his gaze warily, "Well? What the hell do you want?"

Dean chuckled softly and rubbed at his bruised arm, "Drop the bat and I'll explain."

Mina shook her head and lifted the piece of wood defensively.

"Fine." Dean sighed, his smile fading. He then took his chance and kicked out at her, his foot glancing the side of her left knee and she yelped in protest as her leg almost buckled beneath her. On his feet in an instant, Dean snatched the log from her grasp and tossed it aside. Deflecting her infuriated swing at him, he grabbed her arm and tripped her backwards but then lost his own footing and they tumbled to the damp ground in a heap.

"Oops!" Dean laughed in embarrassment and heaved his weight up off of her. Leaning on his arms, he grinned down at her and managed a slight shrug. "That wasn't quite the plan."

"Get off!" Mina spat at him, wriggling beneath him and trying to elbow him in the ribs.

"Hey!" Dean protested, grabbing her wrists and sitting astride her kicking legs. "Calm down!"

"Fuck off!" Mina seethed, still struggling.

"Okay, okay!" Dean released her arms and moved quickly back from her.

Mina sat up hurriedly and scrambled away from him.

Dean watched her in concern as she regained her composure and straightened her clothes, avoiding eye contact with him. His heart sank as he could suddenly see beyond the anger and attitude and caught something of a real vulnerability in her body language. "I'm sorry." Dean offered quietly, "I …" He sighed loudly and shook his head, "I honestly just wanted to talk."

Mina got to her feet and dusted herself down, groaning as she felt the mud that was smeared over the back of her clothes.

Dean stood slowly and frowned as he turned to her. "You know … we could help each other."

"No, thanks." Mina husked, moving past him and sliding the van's side door open.

"Mina, I - "

"You want to help?" Mina spun back at him angrily, "Then stay the fuck away from me!"

Dean raised his hands in apology and backed away from her. "Okay, okay. We were concerned, that's all."

Mina glared a warning at him and turned back to step up into the van.

Dean took a deep breath and lowered his hands. "We know about the writing on your knife." He persisted warily, instantly regretting it as she whirled about and slammed her fist into his jaw. Reeling backwards and tasting blood, he tripped and fell back to the soggy ground.

Mina jumped down from the van and hurried over to him. "Who the hell are you?" She demanded, sinking to her knees astride his waist and reaching behind her back to grip the hilt of her blade.

Dean saw the renewed anger in her eyes and dared not move. "Hunters." He answered carefully, "Just like you."

"How do you know about the knife?"

"Sam - my brother," He explained, "He has an eye for detail."

Mina paused for a moment, seeming to remember dropping the weapon and Sam handing it back to her. She then frowned in confusion, "He could read the symbols?"

Dean shook his head slowly, "We've just spent hours searching for the images on the web but could find only scanty information."

"Oh."

Dean felt an odd pang of guilt stirring inside him at not being entirely honest but was sure it was the sensible choice under the circumstances. He licked at the split at the edge of his lip and saw her relaxing a little. "I guess I should have simply called out a greeting when I saw you in town."

"Yeah … that might have ended a little better."

"I'm sorry." He smiled, "I went with the 'is this chick even human?' option."

"Because girls aren't supposed to be like me, huh?"

"No! I didn't mean - "

"You know, Dean," Mina suddenly laughed softly, "I think you'd fair a hell of a lot better if you just kept your mouth shut."

Dean chuckled softly, "So I've been told."

Mina let go of her knife and sank back onto her heels, then suddenly seeming to realize she was still sitting on top of him and quickly getting to her feet. Reaching out her hand, she pulled Dean to his feet and shrugged coyly. "Sorry."

Dean nodded quietly.

"I'm just - " She sighed and tucked a lock of long black hair behind her ear self-consciously, "I'm not so good around people these days. I guess I've been at this for too long."

"Mmm. I know just how that feels."

Mina looked up into his sincere face and frowned slightly.

"You start living for the hunt and the hunt becomes your life." Dean explained carefully, watching understanding and a little skepticism behind her tired eyes. "And slowly something inside of you dies." He swallowed back the sudden lump in his throat, wondering just why he was saying this to her and studying her curious gaze. "You think that you can fill the hole inside you with more and more killing but …" He shrugged and looked down at his hands in discomfort.

"But you never can." Mina continued in a whisper.

Dean looked back up at her and saw the tears that were gathering.

"And the more you kill - " Mina cleared her throat, "The worse the pain gets."

"Yeah." Dean managed.

Mina shook her head in intrigue and stepped closer to him. "Who are you, Dean?"

He smiled suddenly, "A friend. I hope."

Mina considered this for a moment and stepped closer to him. Her frown grew as she reached up and touched the growing bruise at the edge of his mouth. "I am sorry." She offered quietly.

Dean leaned towards her touch and turned his head, brushing his lips against her fingertips. Lifting his hand, he wrapped his fingers around hers and paused in uncertainty, his heart pounding as he suddenly realized he May just have made the mother of all mistakes.

His concerns were soothed as she moved nearer and lifted her chin, edging her mouth towards his. He closed his eyes and held his breath as she kissed his lips tentatively, lingering for a moment to await his response. Mina sighed a groan against Dean's mouth as his free hand rested on her arm and he returned her kiss, his tongue grazing her lips. She leaned into him and wrapped her arm around his waist, pulling him closer.

Moving his hand up over her shoulder and collar, Dean slid his fingers into the hair at the back of her neck and gently pressed her head closer, deepening the kiss. He let go of her fingers and lowered his hand, his thumb grazing her breast as he slid his hand under her jacket and around her back to pull her against him. The action caused her to roll her head back from him with a sigh and she then gasped as he instantly leaned down to kiss her neck. And then suddenly they were tugging at each others clothes and kissing hungrily. Lost in an unexplainable need for each other, they struggled impatiently to tear at cotton and leather.

Finally winning the battle with Mina's belt and unbuttoning her jeans, Dean slid his hands under the denim and heard the sob that caught in her throat. Stumbling backwards and thudding against the side of the van with a groan, Mina grasped his other hand and guided it down her chest. Moving his fingers deeper between her legs, Dean also clutched at her breast and moved his head down to bite gently through her thin jumper. Hurriedly lifting the hem, he then reached under and dragged her lace bra aside, licking at the taught warm skin beneath.

Mina fell forward against him and whimpered slightly, combing her hands through his hair and kissing his neck. With a gasp she then pushed him away and held his head in her hands, pressing their mouths together and stroking his tongue with her own.

Leaning into Mina breathlessly, aware of every inch of her body that met his, Dean pulled his hand from her jeans and grasped both of her breasts, kneading and stroking and hearing her throaty response. He then felt her fingers fumbling with his belt and he tensed in anticipation, incapable of stopping the small grunt that escaped as she undid his jeans and slipped her hands inside.

Unable to catch his breath as her fingers enfolded him, Dean sank against her and rested his head on her shoulder. "Wait - " He husked suddenly, moving back a little to look at her face in the murky darkness. He grasped her wrists and gently pulled her hands free, shaking his head.

Mina looked into his eyes and nodded in understanding. Kicking her boots off hurriedly, she helped him push her jeans off of her hips and writhed her legs free, kissing his mouth eagerly as he grabbed her waist and lifted her up against the side of the motor-home. She clutched at his shoulders and wrapped her legs around him, gasping in delight as he stepped closer and was suddenly inside her.

Sinking his fingers into the flesh of her hips and pressing into her, Dean began to rock slowly and clenched his teeth as he felt her respond. Her hands were gripping his shoulders so tightly that it was almost painful and he lifted his head to kiss at her neck and chin, groaning as she leaned her head down and their mouths met.

After only a few minutes they were both gasping desperately and then shuddering in bliss, relaxing their hold on each other and resting for a moment against the side of the van. Dean wrapped his arms around Mina's waist and slowly let her slide down, supporting her as she placed her feet back on the ground. She paused there for a second, burying her face into his chest and sighing contentedly. He smiled in agreement and nuzzled his mouth against the top of her head, kissing her hair softly.

Without a word, they stepped away from each other and pulled their clothes back on. Mina waited by the open door of the van and watched Dean buckling his belt. She smiled as he looked up and caught her gaze. "So," She began quietly, stepping towards him and reaching up to comb a hand through his ruffled hair. "You wanted to talk?"

Almost asleep, Sam groaned as he heard the light melody of his incoming text alert. Reaching a hand out from under the covers, he grabbed his phone and opened the message.

Found Mina. Having chat. You okay?

Sam smiled and rubbed at his tired eyes, frowning as he tried to focus on the screen and type a reply. Pressing send, he relaxed back against the pillows and yawned. Turning to look at the clock beside him, he frowned and sighed wearily; it was only midnight but to him it felt like it was several hours since Dean had left and he had been unable to rest. He then heard another message arrive and lifted his phone up to his face.

Not nagging. Worry about u. Call if need me.

Sam smiled and put his phone back on the bedside locker. Resting his arm across his face, he gave another tired yawn and groaned softly. Unable to explain why he was so exhausted or why - despite seeking out some more Vicodeine - his headache still lingered, Sam rolled from the bed and got to his feet.

Stumbling to the window, Sam parted the curtains and looked out at the town. The sky was only partially clouded now and the bright three-quarter moon lightened the atmosphere. Stepping back from the window, Sam decided that perhaps a hot shower would help him relax and get some sleep.

The water pumped through the large shower head powerfully and pounded against Sam's back. He leaned into the strong jets and groaned in contentment, lifting his chin and smiling as the soothing water covered his sore head.

Lathering up the complimentary soap in his hands, Sam massaged his weary body and closed his eyes. Grateful for the warmth and the relief from the steam clearing his mind, Sam rinsed the bubbles from his skin and stood in the steady stream happily. He then turned to face the shower and reached out to lean his hands on the wall either side of the taps, moaning as he put his face into the water.

The pain was so sharp and arrived so suddenly that Sam gulped in water and choked in a panic. Doubling over and clutching at his chest, he coughed water out until his throat was sore. Resting his hands on his knees and taking a moment to catch his breath, Sam then shakily reached for the taps and turned off the shower.

Dazed and dizzy, Sam opened the cubicle door and grabbed his towel. The pain had disappeared as quickly as it had arrived and he buried his face in the soft cotton, trying to calm down. After a few seconds he stood up straight and dried himself off.

Wrapping one of the complimentary robes around him, Sam headed back into the bedroom and perched on the end of his bed. Frowning in confusion, he closed his eyes and tried to focus on the nagging ache that was growing in his mind. He then gasped and clutched at his head as images flashed through his head.

"Fuck - " Sam sobbed, tears filling his eyes. He flopped back onto the bed and rolled onto his side, his hands pressing into his temples as he writhed over the covers, unable to stop the visions that seemed to be stuck on repeat, the same horrifying omens playing out painfully. "Ow! Stop! Please!" He cried, his body shuddering as tears flooded down his face.

"Dean!" Sam gasped, reaching a trembling hand towards the locker. He grabbed his phone and grimaced as he tried to steady his hands and dial his brother's number. Wiping his face to clear his vision, he saw the blood that was smeared on his fingers and his sobs grew as fear flooded through him. He then felt the tickle of his nose bleeding more heavily and sniffed instinctively, gagging as the metallic taste caught in his throat.

Dropping his phone onto the quilt and whimpering as the agony in his mind persisted, Sam closed his eyes. "Dean …" He repeated in a whisper and then suddenly became calm as the pain stepped up beyond what he could handle and he could feel blissful unconsciousness beckoning.

"More Feds, huh?" The sheriff sighed and shrugged off her thick winter coat, shuddering as she shook the rain from her hair.

"Yes, ma'am." Deputy Jameson confirmed, glancing towards her open office door and offering a small smile of apology. "They insisted."

The sheriff nodded and yawned wearily as she headed along the corridor. "Evening, gents." She offered merrily, stepping into her office and frowning as she saw the two men searching through her files. "Seems our little town has really got your attention."

Agent Cole looked up and regarded her in interest.

"Your colleagues earlier today didn't mention an accomplice."

"The intel has only recently come to light." Cole explained evenly, "Tell me, Sheriff McCreedy, which agents did you speak to?"

She frowned slightly and then headed round her desk to sit in her chair. "West and Ward, I believe they said. Young guys." She chuckled softly, "Looked more like soft-mores than seasoned Feds." She caught the concerned look the two agents shared and her frown returned. "Just what exactly is going on here?"

Cole glanced at his colleague and the younger man instantly crossed the room to close the office door. "These are dangerous criminals, Sheriff." Cole began quietly, "Dangerous and resourceful."

"What?" The sheriff gasped, "Are you saying - ?"

Cole nodded, "It's easier than you might think to impersonate a federal officer."

"Shit!" Sheriff McCreedy looked down at her desk, suddenly wide awake and her head spinning. "I can give a full description." She then offered, "I'll put out an APB."

"Thank you."

"Of course." The sheriff shrugged, "And you have the complete cooperation and full resources of my office."

Agent Cole smiled happily, "I had hoped you would say that."

Sheriff McCreedy watched the greying agent warily, something about his lingering smile making her skin suddenly shift uncomfortably. She then thought a sudden draft had blown past her and she shuddered, glancing to check the window was closed and instantly yelping in fright.

Agent Cole watched in amused interest as the strange shadowy form flew towards the sheriff and seemed to fade through her skin. She froze for a moment, her face contorted with a scream that never left her throat. And then suddenly she relaxed, turning to Cole and smiling as if greeting him for the first time.

"Welcome to the party." Cole grinned.

tbc ...