Chapter 3

Dean wasn't sure of what was worse, being with Sam and without Angela or being without Sam and Angela. He still wasn't sure of what to think about this new arrangement so he hid it under that it was a necessary thing. He had agreed with Sam and did to some degree but… He didn't think that Sam was poison or anything. In fact it felt empty that he wasn't looking after Sam and he had looked after the kid all his life.

He may have had fun with Castiel being his partner but it wasn't just the same. It actually felt like the days when he picked Sam up from Stanford and they did their hunting thing. Still it was Castiel; it wasn't Sam and definitely not Angela. He missed her as much as he missed his brother and he felt like a douche since he was certain that he encouraged her to stay away.

Ever since they had separated, she lost interest in hunting and that was not a good thing. Sure she helped out a couple of times when they were on the road she looked like she just went through the motions. Nothing spectacular or anything like that and once he thought she was going to buy it. He suggested that she stay with Bobby for a while and she did. Since then… nothing except maybe an occasional piece of information on a hunt.

Then she showed up that night before he hooked up with Castiel. She showed up and he learned the most surprising thing that should have been obvious. He berated himself that he hadn't put things together before now; the way that she would drop hints and how she seemed to know exactly how he felt about his time in hell… He felt that he should have known and yet... This was a mess.

Dean felt that he deserved that sharpness from her. She rarely ever showed how angry she was, if she was, with them. He knew he was a bit of an ass because he didn't understand why Angela was that forgiving of what Sam did. Then again he sort of did but he was just angry that she had been hurt and she wasn't getting pissed at being hurt. He was also angry that Sam was the cause of that hurt. She was their sister and in his mind that was the equivalent of no name douche hurting her.

You need to forgive yourself Dean if anything ever means anything.

She was right. Deep down Dean knew that he had a hard time forgiving and forgetting because he truly hadn't forgiven himself for the things he had done in hell. It just wasn't easy. He got the feeling that Angela knew that too. Looking at the grand scheme of things she had a lot longer time to learn and pick up a few things. She would have learned that.

It was lonely now without his brother and sister. He could understand why she stopped with her interest in hunting. Her focus was switched. She was looking after the both of them. It had him wondering if that was what she did when she tailed him and Sam when he picked him up from Stanford. Sure she may have a job or two along the way but she would be where she was in a position to check up on them.

Maybe it was better this way. Actually he had more fun with Castiel than he had with Sam in years. Honestly all he had ever done was worry about Sam all his life. He was happy alone. He didn't have to check and see if Sam was going to screw up or not…

And where does that put Angie?

Where did that put her? True he looked after her. Her emotional level was that of a baby's. She couldn't even tell Sam how much she loved him and she barely admitted it to herself. For the most part though she took care of herself; she was capable of surviving on bugs and roots if it became necessary. Then again because she hooked up with him, Sam and Bobby… God it was hard to figure out that girl at times except that maybe she was screwed.

Dean sighed as he looked around the digs he had found for the night. This was something that he had to get used to doing. He did agree that it was for the best. He looked at Sasha and the pup looked at him with soulful eyes and whined. The mutt hadn't reacted when Angela nearly scared the crap out of him with her abilities and she was pissed at him. She just sort of looked at him like it was a natural thing. What he didn't realize was that Sasha was reacting as per her kind. In the pup's view, Angela was the alpha and she was disciplining a member of the pack that needed a talking to.

Sasha looked at the beta of the pack and whined. She missed the pack. The alpha was gone, torn between searching for her alpha and watching over the elder and her beta. It was a mess. With a torn apart pack it only enabled the pit beasts and their alpha to continue eroding their will. The alpha was strong but this would break her down.

It was a temporary thing the alpha said. Cerebus, the master of the pups would continue to watch the elder along with Setna, the honorary pack member. She was to watch over the beta. It was like when she watched over the alpha's alpha but this felt different. The alpha wasn't working with her alpha; he had gone. It was confusing and it was hurtful. The pack was only as strong as all the members together, united.

Sasha looked at Dean and whined again. She also looked at him pointedly. This is wrong. You and the alpha and your littermate should be together.

Dean looked at the pup. For the past week she tagged along and would give whines and yelps of approval or disapproval. She would also look at him like it was his fault for not trying to fix things between him and Sam. He was in the doghouse with her he assumed. He said, "That look isn't going to get you a few extras pieces of bacon from my bacon cheeseburgers."

Sasha moaned at that. That wasn't the point. This isn't about food. The beta needs to see.

Dean threw up his arms and paced around. "Seriously how the hell did Sam ever know what you meant?"

He listened. The alpha and her alpha listened. You need to listen.

Dean looked at the pup and was glowering at it. She was looking up at him and he slowly started to realize that this wasn't about the bacon bits he had been feeding her. "Hey give me a break here. I don't speak dog or whatever it is called."

At that moment the phone rang. Sasha gave a bark of what sounded like joy. Dean picked it up and answered, "Hello?"

How are you Dean?

"Angie?"

Yes. Ten points to you.

Dean frowned at the levity he was getting. She was taking this whole thing pretty well. Then again this was his girl he was thinking about. She could be lighthearted about anything if she put her mind to it. "Okay so what are you calling me for?" He had sounded a little gruff saying it.

Is it too much to want to call the one person who thinks he can be a big brother to me?

Dean sighed at that, "Sorry Angie… I just… why would you want to talk to me after… after everything?"

Why do you think? You are like a brother to me. I love you no matter what you do… and I forbid you to feel like a douche about it.

Dean couldn't help but chuckle at that. He looked at Sasha who was looking at him with a new look. She looked like a happy little puppy which was weird since the mutt was now a year old and bigger than the small fur ball that his girl named and it came with them. He said, "I don't know about the douchiness but… I am surprised you want to talk to me. I didn't exactly say nice things to you when you dropped by."

It's called tough love Dean.

"And you should be pissed."

I was angry and hurt Dean.

Dean listened to what she said. "Then really what the hell Angie? I get the whole thing about forgiving yourself before forgiving others but…" He didn't want to get into a fight with her. "You know, don't answer that. It's just you and I get that."

When you put it that way you make me seem like an egotistical bitch.

"I didn't mean it that way. I can't win with you can't I?"

This isn't about winning Dean.

Dean took in the quiet tone that Angela's voice had taken. He was really racking up the douchey points with her. He looked at Sasha who was actually giving him that curious puppy look that Sam would do. Great the mutt took lessons from Sam. He turned away and looked at the window. "I know Angie. I just…" He shook his head.

I did say that I was angry and hurt. I'm as human as the next person that is… all human. I just... I am hardly one to point a finger at anything.

"Don't do that to yourself Angie," Dean automatically said. He knew where that could lead and he was hardly one to compare himself to her. "Too many years… don't."

Still it is the same thing. It's why I hardly can take the righteous stand. I can only speak from experience.

"I know and you wanna know something… Sam was right. I don't listen," Dean said finding it a little easier to mention his brother's name. "I don't listen at all."

Dean…

"I mean it Angie. You were there giving us warnings left and right in that way of yours and some of them were blaringly obvious like you wearing a neon sign obvious. We didn't listen." Dean turned and saw Sasha lying down. She was watching him and her ears twitched like she was listening to every word. No doubt she was and she probably understood it being the kind of mutt she was according to Angela. He continued, "We didn't listen."

Maybe I wasn't the best at explaining things…

"It wasn't that Angie," Dean interrupted, "Believe me. Even with your fortune cookie talk… you make things pretty clear. You know that no evil spell they brat helped us out with… Sam said I didn't listen or hear anything and I am guilty for that. And I want to say… I'm sorry."

The pause that followed was unnerving. Dean thought that maybe she hung up or something. "Angie?"

I'm sorry too Dean. For a lot of things.

"Don't go there Angie because… because it's a load of crap. Mom, Dad… that wasn't your fault."

It wasn't about that. It was about what a crappy ass teacher I am. I forget that this isn't 17th century Japan or China or even the modern day version of those places. I forget that not everyone is silent and watches and listens and learns.

"You're not that bad," Dean conceded. He gave a slight smile and added, "I kind of like having to figure out what you mean… at least when you teach us something new." He cleared his throat slightly and looked around. "Angie, you're one of the best things to happen in my life."

Then you know what needs to be done.

"Angie." Dean closed his eyes and shook his head. "Please don't. We both agreed…"

And you left me out of it. I had to take it or leave it and I am taking it but I am also seeing that I can't sit around and watch the world fall apart. So… call this a little intervention.

Dean looked at Sasha who was looking at him. He could guess she was telling him to listen to Angie and this time he was guessing correctly. "Angie… Sam said he wanted out…"

And you agreed. I know. But Dean… this is me telling you how I feel. I am a miserable old bat who chose to go back to the job I had before we hooked up. I am miserable and my mind isn't on hunting like it should be. It is on the two of you because I love you.

"I don't know…"

Just talk to him. It is all I ask.

Dean sighed and looked at the pup who was still staring at him. He couldn't ignore the fact that she was telling him her feelings. It was enough to make him feel guilty. He and Sam had discussed it without even including her and it was because they both knew she would do what she could to talk about it and convince the cons and pros and all that shrink crap that really hit hard. He sighed, "I… can't make promises Angie."

Then I will ask that you consider it. Life it too short Dean. Before you know it, the time passes by and is gone. Believe me. I know. Good night.

Dean waited until Angela hung up. He held his phone for a few moments before putting it down. She had been persistent… first in person with her dropping hints after a couple of hunts and then when she dropped off the grid almost it was the phone calls. He didn't blame her but he couldn't do her initial request. Not now. He turned to see Sasha giving him a pointed look. He rolled his eyes slightly, "Hey I said I couldn't make promises."

The harrumph and the low moan had Dean sigh, "I'll consider it alright… frigging mutt." He groused when she moaned.

Bobby sat in his chair sighing as he looked at the box sitting on his desk. The moan coming from the ground had him look down. He saw an overly huge Rottweiler type dog looking at him with a sorrowful expression that was pathetic. He sighed, "I ain't doing it if that's what yer thinking ya damn mutt."

Cerebus looked up at Bobby and gave his mournful expression and moaned. Things had not been well since the alpha left the elder to search for her alpha. It was only right that she do so. The alpha needs their other half; that was the way of things within the pack. The alpha always has a mate and once acknowledged it was for life until death parted them. It was the way of things.

Cerebus looked at Bobby the elder. It had been hard for the alpha to leave the elder here while she went in search of her alpha. She hadn't wanted to leave the elder that meant a lot to her but the elder insisted that she go. Even the elder knew that it was important. So he, the master of the pups, stayed with the honored memory of the guard to watch over the elder.

Bobby looked at Cerebus and was about to say something when Setna jumped into his lap. "Oh balls," he exclaimed. He could have pushed the cat off but it would have jumped back on. He had tried and failed when the dang cat took up a sleeping residence on his bed, not that he minded since it made his bed warm. He looked at the cat that was staring at him with large yellow eyes that tried to make it look like he was innocent. "Don't you be starting with those eyes."

The elder is sad.

Tell me about it. He forgot my milk snack… twice.

Not everything is about you Setna.

My comfort contributes to his wellbeing.

Had Bobby known what the conversation consisted between cat and dog, he would have groused at them more likely. Probably it would be more along the lines of hearing what they were talking about. As it were both animals were grateful that only the alpha so far could hear them and it was exasperating enough since there was one piece of advice that they all had given and the alpha was very reluctant to talk about it.

Setna was already bored with the conversation and made a mewing sound at Bobby. He started purring the moment Bobby started petting him. It worked every damn time and he knew it and the grizzled hunter knew he was whipped with regards to the cat. He rubbed Setna's ears muttering, "Dang cat. You always know that I'm whipped because you jump on my knees and you…" He pointed at Cerebus who was giving him an innocent puppy look and continued, "Those eyes ain't gonna get you extra biscuits no matter… oh balls."

It was a lost cause and Bobby knew it. It was bad enough when Sam pulled the eyes and then his special idjit Angela did the same thing but she wheedled. It was no wonder the dang animals picked up on it. He gave a massaging rub to Setna's shoulders and the cat purred. He was whipped with the animals and it did help make him feel less what he was feeling which included the worry for the boys and Angela and then his predicament which was one of the reasons why his idjit girl was reluctant to leave. She didn't voice it but she had eyes and ears and she wasn't stupid. Still it was the right thing to do sending her after Sam. She was a miserable old bat like he was and he wasn't going to let her guilt trip herself into staying and being miserable.

At that moment Cerebus looked at the door with an alert but relaxed look. It was followed by the doorbell ringing. Bobby knew that it was a sort of friendly. It better not be damn Rufus. That idjit had been calling and asking about that crazy girl and he did nearly tear Rufus a new one when he found out that he had hit her with his piece of junk called a truck. Angela had said it was an accident but it was futile since he and Rufus still were ornery with each other.

Bobby wheeled himself to the door with the cat still on his lap. Apart from the shotgun just in case the cat was still a good thing to fling and Cerebus was a hellhound. He bellowed, "I don't need anything from no Jehovah's Witnesses now get out!"

"Bobby Singer?"

The youthful voice had Bobby suspicious since if it was the boys or Angela, they had the key so to speak. It couldn't be one of the numerous hunters that occasionally called him for advice. They knew to just call. He bellowed, "Who is it?"

"I am a friend."

Bobby cocked his shotgun, "Now I've heard that before."

"I wouldn't suggest shooting me. It would prove to be disagreeable on both ends and I for one would not like to incur the wrath of the warrior princess."

Bobby lowered his shotgun. He glanced at Cerebus and said, "Well you're the best alarm I got. Go do your thing."

Cerebus did his hellhound thing of approaching the door and he gave deep sniffs. He wagged his tail to indicate that it was a friendly and went to sit in a position to spring in case something did happen. Bobby lowered the gun to his lap behind the cat and opened the door. He found a young man that was olive tanned and dark brown hair that was windblown and the tips were tinged with blonde. The boy's eyes were alert like a hawk's forever darting around and missing nothing and were a reddish brown. He was muscular indicating good shape and he looked like he was uncomfortable dressed in the clothes of a hunter with the jeans, boots and shirt. The jacket ends came down to his thighs and seemed to flare out behind him.

Bobby took in the young man and asked, "What the hell do you want?"

The boy looked at Bobby and then noticed the cat and said something in a language Bobby was sure was an old one. The cat actually acknowledged the boy and allowed himself to be touched with a head rub. That was a sign of something. "Well, he hardly lets anyone not of this house touch him so you must be okay."

"I happen to like cats. They are honored where I'm from and I just want him to know that I am a friend." The boy gestured, "May I come in?"

"Depends," Bobby replied as he kept a ready hand on his shotgun. "You got a name boy?"

"My name is Kesset," the boy answered.

"Kesset? Well you're not the first with the weirdo ass names." Bobby motioned for Kesset to follow him. "So let me guess you were sent here by the folks at Karnak."

Kesset gave a slight movement of his head as he followed the grizzled hunter. He had been told that he knew of the Lady but as to everyone there… he was at a loss. He figured the truth though was the best route to go. He replied, "I am from Karnak. I am Kesset of the Guard."

"Yeah and I'm Santa Claus," Bobby said as he wheeled around to face Kesset when they were in his den office. "Who are you and why are you here?"

"I am Kesset, son of Setna and member of the Royal Guard to the royal family," Kesset replied with a frown. He looked at Bobby and asked, "Who is Santa Claus?"

Bobby knew what he was dealing with, "Well you're the real thing."

"I wouldn't have indicated otherwise," Kesset replied still frowning. "Surely you were made aware that the Royal Guard is the force that defends the royal family and those that are of their circle."

"Now the problem with that is that I know who you would be here for but she is not in trouble," Bobby replied, deliberately not saying his girl's name. "And the Guard only comes when summoned so your presence here has me wondering." He put his hand on the shotgun.

"You are correct in that assessment," Kesset replied. He really wasn't looking forward to getting shot especially if it was loaded with whatever the human hunters used for their weapons. He had to reassure the grizzled hunter who was worthy of the Guard with his fierce devotion to the princess. "But I am here at the request of the warrior queen."

"Start talking before I clip your wings," Bobby said. At the look Kesset was giving him he explained, "I know you shift into a hawk. The hair and eyes give it away and I can see your Guard seal tattooed on your chest. I know about the Guard."

"And apparently more than I surmised," Kesset replied as he clasped his hands together. "I was asked by the warrior queen, the adopted mother of the warrior princess, to take up the active duty of watching over the princess and all that she holds dear."

"Well we don't need a babysitter, boy so get going."

"I would if it were possible. I am only allowed to interfere if her life or that of what holds her heart true is in serious danger."

"Then what are ya here for? She ain't here." Bobby was getting impatient with Kesset. He was a bit like Castiel in terms of cluelessness.

Kesset looked at the ground wondering what to say to that. He looked at Bobby and said, "You are injured but not by a human means. The celestials did this to you… No wonder the princess is upset." He looked around and started moving like he was searching. He paused to look at Bobby and asked, "You must tell me where she is."

Bobby eyed the boy. He really wasn't in the mood to be dealing with more of the things that the idjit girl was involved with but he knew well enough they wouldn't interfere unless it was important. He motioned at Kesset, "Sit down boy. Tell me everything."

A/N: And looks like Dean had a talk with Angie. Still persistent she is. Bobby ends up meeting Kesset and they have a chat. More to come on Free and Torn Asunder...