Chapter 21

Harmone, in her jaguar form, tackled John which of course caused Sam to fall out of his arms. John rolled around was faced with a jaguar baring its teeth and several hunters with loaded guns pointed at him. Sam woke up and immediately panicked. Bill went to touch him and try to get him to calm down but Sam flinched and immediately started running in the other direction.

Dean and Missouri both were woken up by the commotion and went outside. When Dean saw Sam running he bolted after him, grabbed him, and held him tight until he started to calm down.

"De?" Sam whispered so softly that Dean almost missed it.

"Hey, you're okay. I gotcha. Let's get you inside before you catch a cold.

Sam blinked and then his hands flew about wildly. To others it looked like he was just waving his hands. Dean chuckled and stilled his brother's hands.

"Easy kiddo. I know. Come on let's get you inside."

Dean walked Sam to the house and Missouri took a hold of Sam's hand, "I got him Dean. I'm sure you'll want to take care of that," she said nodding towards John.

Dean looked at his little brother. Missouri will help warm you up okay? I'm just gonna take care of this real quick and then I'll be in.

Sam nodded and followed Missouri inside. Dean waited until they had gone inside before he turned and walked over to the circle. John was desperately trying to weasel his way out of what he had been doing. If looks could kill, the look Dean was giving John right now would kill him instantly.

"Dean, you have to believe me, it honestly wasn't what it looked like."

Dean narrowed his eyes, "So you weren't sneaking off into the night to kill Sam while he slept? I can't believe anything you say to me."

"Dean…" John shifted and he heard a few hunters cock their guns at him. "Dean, please."

"WHAT?! What could you possibly say to me that will make me believe a single word that comes out of your mouth? All my life I've listened to you, believed in what you said, but all it was lies and a way to manipulate us for your own good!"

"Dean, you have to understand. Sam is…"

Dean cocked his head, "Sam is what? Go on."

John wiped his face, "Dean, there are things that you don't know that involve Sam."

"So tell me."

John shook his head, "I don't know everything yet but Sam isn't who you think he is."

Bill snorted, "That's the dumbest thing I ever heard John. You're just saying that because you never approved of the boy."

John looked at Dean, "I went to Missouri and learned the truth."

Dean blinked. He narrowed his eyes, "You always told me to protect Sam and that's what I'm doing. You told me always shoot first, ask questions later, so come near Sam again and you'll see just how well I've been listening."

He told the others to back off. He then told Jim and Bill to make sure he leaves town. Then he headed inside to Sam and Missouri. Bobby glared at John.

"Get him off my property before I shoot his ass full of buckshot."

The other hunters laughed.

~~~ADTH~~~~

Dean stood against the frame of the kitchen just watching his brother. He loved watching Sam and he hoped that he would never lose his innocence. Missouri soon made eye contact with him and Sam turned and grinned. Dean smiled back and walked over to him and ruffled his hair.

"Let's head to bed."

Sam cocked his head but nodded and deposited his cup in the sink, waved to Missouri and followed Dean up to bed.

What happened to dad? Sam asked as they lay in their beds.

Caleb and Bill are making sure he leaves town.

Dean, I'm scared. What if he comes back and tries again.

He won't be stupid to try that again, not after Harmone nearly ripped him apart.

Sam nodded and yawned. Dean waited until he heard Sam's breathing even out which signaled that he was asleep before heading downstairs to the kitchen. Missouri hadn't moved.

"What do you know?" Dean asked, cutting right to the chase.

"Not much I'm afraid. I know you want answers, Dean and I wish I could give them to you but I can't."

Dean slammed his fist on the table, "John said that you told him the truth about Sam! So cut the bullshit and tell me what you know!"

Missouri glared at him before her expression softened, "Oh Dean," she said, taking his hand in hers. "The demon that killed your mom," she sighed. "All I know is that he's after Sam, but I don't think it's only after Sam. It's after others too, but I don't know why. That's all I know. I swear."

"Why would a demon be after Sam?"

"I wish I knew, I really do and I'm sorry."

Dean sighed and put his head in his hands. First his dad and now this?

TBC...