A/N: I don't own anyone but my OC's…though I wished I owned the guys…*sighs*
A/N: Will is Will Carlton from season 1's episode Dead in the Water and Haley is Haley Collins from Wendigo
Dean hurried back to the estate and barreled through the doors. He didn't say anything as he charged up the stairs taking two at a time. He had to grab a few things before leaving for Saint Louis as he wanted to be ready to fight Alaric. Dean knew the vampire would fight dirty and dirty was what the son of a bitch was going to get. John stepped in to the sight of his son hurling clothes in a trunk and weapons in a bag. He knew there would be no time for Dean to head to Columbus.
"Dean," he called out to his son. But Dean kept tossing stuff in the trunk ignoring or unaware of his father's presence.
"Dean!" he barked and this time Dean stopped and spun around.
"Dad, I have to go…." He begged but John shot up a hand.
"I know how the Saltzmans work Dean and believe me you will catch up to them. You won't catch up in my truck. Finish packing and meet me in the kitchen."
Dean wrapped up packing and summoned Ash and Andy to bring his bags down. The vampire hurried downstairs towards the kitchen where John was waiting as promised. In his hand was a set of keys that Dean had never seen before.
"Follow me," Dean walked behind the elder vampire out the back door and out to the small stone building that neither he nor Sam had set foot in. Their father had made it clear they were never to set foot in there but had not stated why. Dean was about to find out why.
John opened the door and lit the nearby candle before heading inside. He fumbled around with the switch plate on the wall and grinned when he found the right one. The room flooded with light revealing a vehicle hidden under a cover. The walls were lined with various articles and notes he had kept over the years.
"Dad, what is all this?" Dean looked at the drawings and articles.
"When I served in Kansas I was part of a special brigade that hunted beings that threatened our superiority as the dominant race. Werewolves, shapeshifters, skin walkers, you name it I had hunted it. The Council has a deep seated fear they will be overthrown and so when vampires became the dominant species, they created units specializing in tracking down and eliminating such threats."
"Wow," Dean was in awe of the vast information plastered all over the stone walls. John nodded then turned to the vehicle in the middle. He fisted some of the nylon material and jerked it off revealing what was hidden beneath. Dean's mouth dropped and his eyes went open at the sleek black car. John beamed at the prized classic car and ran his hand over the hood.
"1967 Chevy Impala," John proudly announced. "I won it in a poker game of all things. She's in tip top shape, runs great and has all original parts. This beauty will get you to Saint Louis."
Dean looked across the room as his father tossed the keys. John watched his son snatch them from the air with the reflexes of a cat.
"Dad are you sure?" He asked. John nodded firmly.
"Son," he rounded the car towards Dean. "This human is the other half of you, you two need to be together. Besides, it gets that bastard Alaric where it counts," he grinned widely at the image of Alaric getting what was coming to him. The feelings were mutual between father and son.
"Get going," John barked in a fatherly tone at Dean as he pushed the doors open. The light of the sun filtered in giving the black paint on the Impala a shine that would put the large star to shame. Dean hopped in and turned the ignition hearing the rumble coming from beneath the hood.
"I love this car," he grinned from ear to ear and threw it in gear. Andy and Ash were waiting with his bags and hurried to put them in the trunk. John opened the door and handed a small wad of cash to his oldest.
"Don't worry about Sam, he'll be back soon and I'll fill him in. Now get going," John shut the door and stepped back to allow his son to take off and head to the port city of Saint Louis.
Alaric awakened several hours later and noticed they were approaching the Chicago limits. The sun had since long set over the Western sky which provided the small caravan cover to travel. The vampire drew back the blankets feeling the one against her damp with sweat. He placed a hand across her forehead noticing it was soaked in a layer of perspiration. Her fever was in the last throes of its dominance and struggling to keep hold. Before he even considered touching her, she would need to be bathed and scrubbed down.
The smell of infection was slowly fading away but it still lingered on her skin and clothing. Alaric realized he perhaps had gone too far in punishing the slave. He had lost time with her and decided to take action. The vampire tilted her head back and parted her bottom lip from the top. With a small dagger he had hidden in his pants, Alaric slit a thin line across his wrist and turned it over allowing the tiny red drops to drop into the human's waiting mouth. Brooklyn stirred slightly and lightly sighed but was deeply entrenched in fever to notice what was happening. Alaric kept his limb suspended above her mouth letting several more drops of precious blood touch her lips before licking the cut clean.
The vampire watched over his slave as she continued on the slow difficult road to recovery. When she was well enough, Alaric was going to more than make up for lost time with her. He would back off the lashings and punish her by other means. Alaric watched as her breathing slow then turn steady as her weakened body gave way for the cursed blood. He flashed a wicked grin revealing the pointed fangs beneath.
"Just wait until you're healed," he whispered in her ear and ran a finger across her cheek.
Dean followed the main roads knowing none of Alaric's allies and spies would recognize his car. He kept the Impala's speed at 75 to avoid any unwanted attention. The vampire was a little bit familiar with the port city but it had been years since he was there last. He had not left the comforts of home in several centuries as he had no purpose to wander far. Travel was light and Dean was thankful for it. He estimated Alaric had about 3 to 4 hours start which would put them past Chicago and south to Saint Louis. Most roads and highways were well maintained and didn't need as much maintenance unlike when humans were the dominant ones.
The vampire remembered the plague that wiped out the majority of the human species and left vampires in control. It was then the age of humanity ended and the age of vampires began. Humans never stood a chance.
He thought about the first time he laid eyes on Brooklyn, thought about how his ancient being filled with warmth, warmth he long since thought dead. The way her eyes locked with his and the vampire could see straight into her soul. Though their gaze was but for a few brief moments, it felt like an eternity to him. He could hear her soul singing to him, pulling at his own soul. The dream they shared, while hot in every meaning, brought them closer together.
Dean relaxed in the seat and let his lips slowly crack upward into a gentle smile. The remainder of the drive flew by. The flat praries of Illinois gave way to the woodlands of Missouri as the vampire crossed over the Mississippi.
Saint Louis was modest in size, unlike the vast metropolis of Chicago or New York but held small town charm. Many of the residents spoke French as the founders were of French origin but were fluent in English as well. Creoles, Cherokee, Choctaw and Spaniards walked freely among one another commencing in trade and commerce. The docks were bustling with steamboats and personal pleasure boats. Slaves were unloading shipments and loading exports to Europe and beyond. Further down was the auction house which was bustling with sales and trades of humans.
Alaric saw the slave ship docked and knew a fresh shipment of humans had been brought on shore. But he wasn't interested in purchasing humans, not today anyways. The SUV arrived at the maroon brick townhome on the Mississippi and came to a stop. His slave, Will, rounded the back and let his master out while the slaves from the house rushed out and unloaded his belongings. Alaric looked over as the slaves were careful in carrying Brooklyn inside. The overseer stepped out and bowed in respect to the vampire.
"Alaric," the vampire greeted.
"Dixon, I see things are arranged?" Dixon straightened up and nodded his head.
"Of course," he answered. "Unfortunately the river traffic and current of the Mississippi will not allow for departure until tomorrow night."
Alaric cursed beneath his breath and stared out at the docks. The number of vessels had increased since his arrival and the water was moving rather swiftly.
"I shall stay here tonight. I brought a slave with me who needs to be bathed and put in fresh clothing. She has been very ill."
"Of course," Dixon turned and motioned to the waiting slaves. In an instant they scattered and rushed around the house. "Your escort can stay in the adjoining townhouse as there is a door that allows for passage between the two."
"Excellent," Alaric said quickly. "We may have company in the form of Dean Winchester later this evening. He is insistent on stealing the slave I brought with me."
"I see," Dixon said shortly. "I shall alert the sentries in case our friend decides to call upon us."
Alaric clasped his hand on the other vampire's shoulder. "You truly are a loyal faithful friend."
Dixon smiled and motioned for Alaric to follow him inside. "You must be hungry. Come, for I have an ample supply of blood or if you still like it, human food."
Brooklyn slowly opened her eyes and looked over at the roaring fire across the room. The human realized she was clean and dressed in a simple cotton dress. The sweat drenched vile smelling cover was gone and in its place was a thick but soft blanket made of the finest wool. Her body was still weak from the fever as she felt the fatigue and exhaustion remain entrenched within. The door opened and a girl around her age stepped in. She was slender with wavy shoulder length brown hair and intense dark eyes. Her dress was lighter than what Brooklyn had seen in Michigan. Under the light brown over skirt a white layer ruffled beneath.
"Good, you are awake," she said in a pleasant tone and lowered the tray she carried on the table by the bed. Brooklyn looked over at the steaming bowl of soup and fresh baked bread. A tall glass of water was what looked the most appealing. She hadn't had a single thing to drink since Michigan and couldn't remember when the last time she had water. Brooklyn forced her body up against the pillows as the slave spread out the food.
"What's your name?" Brooklyn asked in a weak voice.
"Haley," she replied. "Now you need to eat so you can take this," she pulled the pills from her apron. Brooklyn knew those were the antibiotics she had been on. "Now I was given explicit instructions to make sure you eat and you will eat," her tone left no room for argument. Brooklyn just sighed as she was used to being ordered around. She was a slave just like Haley and had no freedom or will of her own.
Haley handed over the heavy clay bowl and Brooklyn had to admit the smell was wonderful. She took a small hot spoonful, allowing the soft flavorful vegetables to settle in her mouth. She swallowed it down and realized just how hungry she was. Haley looked over and saw the lash marks on her back. She gasped and looked away. Brooklyn finished her soup and tilted her head towards the human.
"It's alright if you look," she said. "I was punished by my master."
"I am sorry," Haley whispered.
"Don't be," Brooklyn smiled sadly at her. Haley took the bowl and handed the bread over to her. Alaric entered to see his slave awake and eating. The vampire smiled and walked across the room. Brooklyn looked up with fear in her eyes.
"My slave is up and eating," he brushed the hair back from her eyes. "How are you feeling?"
"Better Master," she relaxed. Alaric nodded and looked to Haley.
"Leave us, but leave the water. I do not wish to see my slave relapse," Haley gathered up everything but left the bread and water for Brooklyn along with the capsules. Brooklyn felt her heart sink as she was left alone with the vampire.
Sorry about the slow update....Thanks everyone for the support!