Dean felt his consciousness returning to him slowly and he kept his eyes closed as he mentally checked himself over. He noticed that he stayed in the form of the wolf while he was out, and he could see the blood from the bullet wound soaking his fur. Mentally preparing himself, he started to heal the wound. When he finished he was surprised that he didn't feel any adverse effects. Must be a side effect of the transformation, he thought, maybe some good can come out of this. Dean's contemplating was interrupted by his stomach rumbling.
With ease he lifted his body off the ground and exited the cave. He lifted his nose in the air and started searching for a scent. In a matter of minutes he caught the scent of an elk. His instincts drove him to hunt and he followed the scent back to the animal. Dean crouched in the brush and waited for the right moment. When the elk stopped to eat he made his move, lunging forward with impossible speed. He rammed into the elk before it realized the danger it was in. the elk was no match for the werewolf in strength and speed and Dean was soon filling his stomach. I should find this disgusting…must be an animal thing, ha-ha.
Sam and Bobby pulled up to the ranger station.
"Do you have any cash, we have to buy a park pass," Bobby said.
"You don't have any cash," Sam said jokingly.
"Don't play with me boy," Bobby said gruffly.
"Alright, alright," Sam replied as he dug some bills out of his pocket.
"Welcome to Buffalo Bill State Park," the man in the station greeted them.
"Hey, can we get an overnight camping permit," Sam asked. The ranger gave the two men in the muscle car strangely before turning to process their request.
"That'll be seventeen dollars," the ranger replied and Sam handed him the money. The ranger counted the bills and passed Sam a sticker and a brochure. "Place the sticker on your windshield, have a nice stay in the state park," he said in farewell.
Sam and Bobby drove away from the ranger station to find their campsite.
Dean finished his meal and stood, stretching his muscles. He started trotting to where he could smell water. He took in the sights around him for the first time as he moved, with his enhanced senses the beauty of the nature surrounding him was beyond definition. Dean stopped when he reached a stream and lowered his head to drink the cool water. His ears swiveled while he drank, taking in the sounds of the forest, they perked forward when he heard voices. The fur on his neck rose up as he lifted his head from the stream. If campers found him it would cause a panic, people screaming, and hunters with guns, just bad. He hadn't realized he was so close to civilization. As he was turning to run away from the approaching people, Dean caught a familiar scent. Sam!
Sam and Bobby stopped moving at the same time.
"Did you hear that?" Sam asked Bobby.
"Damn right I heard it, but what was it?"
"Dean?" Sam called out to the trees.
Dean eased himself closer to the two humans, not wanting to startle the hunters. Sammy, Bobby, I'm glad you were the ones to find me.
"Is he—?" Bobby started.
"I think so," Sam replied. "Dean, where are you?"
Just…don't shoot me okay? Dean thought hesitantly.
"Why would we shoot you? Dean you're my brother." Sam and Bobby watched in awe as a huge wolf emerged from the trees. The wolf was a mottled mix of brown, black and red with white paws. It's intelligent, piercing green eyes stared back at them, waiting for their reaction. "Oh my god," Sam trailed off. Sammy? Dean thought worriedly. "Dean," Sam started, "You're beautiful," he finished with a smirk. The wolf snorted and shook its head and Bobby broke into laughter. Bitch, Dean thought haughtily. "Jerk," Sam replied instantly.
"Alright you idjits, reunion's over. What's our game plan?" Bobby said gruffly.
"He's not going to fit in the impala," Sam stated matter-of-factly. Dean cocked his head towards Sam and projected, is my baby okay? Sam jumped a little at the sound in his head. "That's going to take some getting used to," Sam said wryly, then added, "Yes, she's fine Dean."
"Can't you change back?" Bobby asked Dean. I haven't tried…
Bobby rolled his eyes and Sam let out a small laugh.
"Well try, you dummy," was Bobby's exasperated reply. They watched as dean closed his eyes. A low growl formed in his chest and he shape started changing. The growl turned into harsh exhales and then into coughs as Dean returned to his human form.
"Ow," he said lowly as he crouched on his hands and knees, breathing heavily.
"Are you going to be alright?" Sam asked, concerned.
"Yeah, just…give me a minute," Dean answered.
"Well, at least he has clothes on," Sam said quietly to Bobby, who chuckled.
"Your loss, Sammy boy," Dean said as he stood. Sam's mouth fell open, "Heightened senses," Dean said with a smile.
"Great," Sam said, he could only imagine the trouble Dean could find with heightened senses.
"Let's head back to the campsite," Bobby suggested, "We could use a night's rest after wearing ourselves to the ground trying to find you."
Dean hung his head sheepishly.
"Sorry about that, but it's not like I had a lot of say in the matter."
"I'm just glad you're okay," Sam said.
"Well, that's a matter of opinion," Dean replied ominously, "Don't forget what I am, and what people like us do to things like me." A heavy cloud seemed to form above the three men as they slowly trudged back to their campsite.
