Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from "Supernatural". I was I did though.

This takes place some time is Season 2.

Characters thoughts in italics.

Thanks to my beta, Shannon.

Chapter 6

When Dean revived, he was strapped to a wooden chair. His throat was sore from almost being choked to death. Sam was in a chair facing him.

His voice was raspy. "Sam, Sammy."

Sam's head was down. Dried blood snaked around one side of his neck.

His younger brother started to stir.

I must be hallucinating. I could have sworn I heard Dean calling me.

He lifted his head. "Dean."

"How bad are you hurt?"

"My head is pounding. I think I lost consciousness for a while."

The door creaked open. Standing in the doorway was Kate.

Dean glowered at Kate. "I was hoping you got the message when Luther bought it."

Kate rushed over and slapped him. "Didn't anyone ever tell you it isn't nice to speak ill of the dead? Let's see if you think this is funny."

She walked over to Sam and played with his fingers before selecting one and twisting it. His younger brother barely had time to scream before another one of his digits was snapped.

Dean bucked in his chair. "Leave him alone. You, bitch!"

The vampire glared at him. "Don't worry you'll get your turn."

She returned her attention to Sam continuing to break the rest of the fingers. Once she broke his last finger, he blacked out.

Concern echoed in Dean's voice. "Sam, Sammy," he yelled.

No response.

"When I get free, I am going to kill you," he bellowed.

She feigned being scared. "I'm shaking in my boots."

Kate yanked Sam's head back and tilted it to one side.

"Time for the grand finale." She plunged her fangs into Sam's neck. He groaned as she fed. Then grew silent.

I have to do something. I can't let her kill Sam.

"Hey, why don't you pick on someone that isn't helpless?"

Turning in his direction, the vampire wiped a trail of blood from the corner of her mouth.

Dean glanced at Sam as Kate approached. He was very pale.

As Kate came towards him, the wall shook. The door imploded. A decapitated body came to rest on what remained of the door. A woman in a black burka stepped inside. Kate's eyes displayed recognition before she swiveled and crashed through the window.

"So much for being subtle." A gruff voice said from the hallway.

Bobby stepped inside grasping a bloody machete.

"Bobby, it's so good to see you."

"Same here, kid."

The seasoned hunter's eyes drifted to Sam. Blood was oozing from where he had been bitten. He was white as a ghost. Bobby checked Sam's pulse. It thumped rapidly against his fingers.

Dean's brows furrowed in concern. "How is he?"

"Not good. He needs a hospital."

Sam slumped forward as Bobby finished untying him. Bobby's knees almost buckled under Sam's weight but he managed to keep his footing and prop him up in the chair.

Shalimar was about to dive out the window to pursue Kate but hearing Sam's heart rate changed her mind. As much as I want Kate dead, the Winchesters shouldn't be a casualty of my vendetta. She jumped to the floor and ripped the ropes off Dean's hands and legs.

"Thanks." Dean rubbed his wrists and rushed to Sam's side.

Who is this woman? The answer to that question will have to wait. Getting Sam help is my number one priority.

"Come on, Sammy. We're going to get you some help."

"Dean, let me help you."

"No, Bobby I've got him."

I hate when the Winchesters' stubbornness rears its ugly head.

Dean knelt down, gingerly leaned Sam over his shoulder and attempted to hoist him into a fireman's carry. Dean's legs were not strong enough to support Sam's tall frame. He started falling backwards but Shalimar stopped his descent with one hand while supporting Sam with the other. Dean muttered thank you while rising.

"Let me," the woman said gathering Sam into her arms.

Despite being several inches shorter than Sam, she carried him with ease out into the hallway. Blood was splattered on the wall. A head with a black crew cut was lying next to its former home. An arrow jutted out of his torso. As they made their way out of the house, the sun had finally set. Bobby jimmied the lock of the van and slid the door open. Shalimar placed Sam in the back, hopped inside and removed her burka. Dean jumped into the driver's seat, hotwired the vehicle and sped down the road.

An eternity seemed to pass before they reached the main road. Dean looked in the rearview mirror. Sam was so still except for an occasional jostle from the traveling vehicle. He hadn't regained consciousness. His eyes swept the road looking for an H sign. Two miles later one appeared. Dean followed the signs to the local hospital and pulled the van into the emergency room parking lot. The van had barely come to rest before Dean ran inside.

"My brother needs help!"

Several of the ER staff followed him to the parking lot with a gurney.

"Is your brother allergic to any medications?"

"No, Sam's not allergic to anything."

They gingerly placed Sam on the stretcher and whisked him inside.

Bobby, Dean and Shalimar took seats in the waiting room. One of the triage nurses gave Dean some paperwork to fill out. Every time the sliding doors open, he looked up hoping for news about Sam. Bobby had gone to get coffee and something to eat. He had tried to persuade him to go with him but his stomach was in knots. It had been a while since Sam had been taken back. Hopefully no news was good news but in the past hospital trips didn't always equal a happy ending.

What if he doesn't..

His thoughts were invaded by a female voice.

"Excuse me, sir. Are you the brother of the tall man who was brought in earlier?"

"Yeah." Dean rose from the hard plastic chair.

"You can see him now. He's been moved to the second floor, Room 213. The elevators are down the hall to your right."

"Thanks." Dean glanced at her badge. "Brenda."

She flashed a lopsided grin and headed to the nurses' station.

Dean walked down the hall and boarded the elevator.