We Will Protect You

Please heed to the warnings given about this old story indicated at the beginning of Chapter 1.

There is swearing in this chapter.

Note: This is just an edit of an old notebook story I wrote a long time ago. Hope you enjoy.


Dean pulled onto a dirt patch on the side of the road. Elena wiped her sweaty palms down her denim covered thighs preparing herself as the cop pulled up behind them. Dean rolled down his window as the officer approached.

"Howdy, Officer." Dean greeted friendly flashing his charming smile toward the officer.

Elena was surprised to see that it was a young female officer. Her dark brown hair was pulled back in a tight professional bun and her young face held pleasant and attractive features making Elena relax slightly feeling somewhat more at ease. Despite the strictly business expression she had on her fresh-face, she appeared kindly to Elena, not stiff and ridged like the older more seasoned officers appeared.

"License and registration, please." She requested formally keeping a stoic and professional expression on her pretty face.

Dean handed her his fake license and insurance. The woman held out the license in front of her glancing at the picture then back at Dean who widened his smile charmingly which the woman seemed unaffected by.

"Give me a moment, please." The young woman requested before returning to her vehicle to run the fake license.

"If she asks, your last name is Greene." Dean informed Elena briskly glancing over his shoulder discreetly at her.

Elena nodded once respectfully.

"Repeat it." He ordered curtly.

"Elena Anne Greene, uncle Dean." Elena replied cheekily feeling a small smile tug at her lips smugly. She was not as ignorant as this Hunter suspected. She had to lie for her uncle many times before and, as bad as it sounded, it was not a foreign concept to her to deceive the police.

Dean snorted humorlessly, not indulging the child knowing that the situation they found themselves in could go south exceedingly quickly if the rookie officer suspected anything. They were not out of the woods on this by any stretch and it was all because of the jumpy little hellion in the backseat. This was no time to act smug or be overconfident.

Once the officer returned to Dean's window, she bent down slightly so that her dark brown eyes were level with his. Her face was stiff and held an edge of suspicion that clearly shined through her delicate features.

"You know why I pulled you over today, sir?" She asked in a serious somewhat firm tone.

"No, ma'am. Can't say that I do." Dean lied effortlessly allowing the words to roll off his tongue smooth and even.

"Were you at Riverside Park today?" The lady officer asked casting her eyes back at Elena's seated frame in the back seat. Her face was serious, but her lips were pressed together in a tight line of concern.

"Yes, ma'am, we were. Did something happen?" Sam expressed leaning forward a bit giving the officer a convincing look of concern and confusion.

"A call came in about an alleged kidnapping of a little girl at Riverside Park. Your vehicle matched the description of the one leaving the scene. Not too many classic Impala's on the road." The officer stated plainly gesturing with a nod to the unique chevy.

"Oh God." Sam expressed in fake shock and realization that was shockingly compelling impressing the young girl in the back seat. If Elena didn't know he was lying, she would probably be fooled by Sam's ability to play innocent. He just seemed to have a believable and honorable way about him persuading one to trust unknowingly.

"Is that what this is all about?" Sam asked before turning to give a very convincing parental glare at Elena whose eyes widened slightly at the sharp glance. If she didn't know any better, she would guess that was the quintessential 'wait till I get you alone' look which was too convincing for Elena's comfort.

"I am so sorry about all this, officer. This is all just a big misunderstanding." Sam explained in an apologetic adamancy as he looked at the officer directly making eye contact with slight embarrassment lining his features.

"Elena is my daughter. She ran from us at the park because I told her we couldn't stop at her friend's house. And throw the biggest tantrum I've seen from her." Sam expressed with clear disapproval and disappointment in his tone as he turned around to give her another firm parental glare before turning back to look at the officer. Elena wasn't sure if the Hunter was just doing that for dramatic effect or if he was actually annoyed with her for making a scene causing this little hick up in the first place. Elena suspected it was probably a bit of both. But, either way, it was time for the young girl to play along.

Elena crossed her arms over her chest slouching down against the firm leather seat slightly as she plastered a firm pout across her lips trying to muster up some real annoyance which was not exactly hard to do for the angsty teenager. However, the very act of slouching down made her feel jittery with unease. Despite her simply pretending to have an attitude, from learned experience, it did not make her any less nervous to act so childish.

"It wasn't a tantrum. I was just mad. You were being stupid." Elena grumbled in her defense inwardly cringing at her disrespect. Despite her acting the part, it still made her stomach twist in knots as she declared the 6'4 Hunter as stupid. Her body becoming jittery with unease warning her about the importance of self-preservation.

Sam's eyes flashed with astoundment before whirling around sharply in his seat shooting her an immensely stern glower that he had seen on his father's face many times. Sam had to fight to hide the fact that he was impressed with her ability to play along. She was remarkably convincing and he hoped that rude tone had come from some impressive acting skills and not one of true insolence.

"Excuse me?" Sam asked imitating his father's deep tone trying his best to sound like a frustrated parent.

Elena swallowed feeling a very real anxiety build up inside her and her pale stricken face clearly showed it. Elena felt an apology on the tip of her tongue, but swallowed it instead knowing she was supposed to be a little girl who had a 'tantrum'. This was his idea in the first place and she was just playing the part after all.

Elena chewed on her bottom lip, a habit she developed whenever she felt nervous or anxious.

Sam turned to the officer again his eyeing holding a parental embarrassment. "I am so sorry about all this." He apologized sounding like his genuine self.

"Well, this may very well be just a misunderstanding, sir, but I would like to ask Elena some questions if you don't mind." The woman said nodding toward Elena seeming to relax some, but it was clear she did want to be thorough despite her tension easing.

"Of course." Sam said seeming eager for Elena to clear the air. "Roll down your window, Elena." Sam ordered evenly nodding encouragingly to the girl that sat in the backseat.

Elena did as she was told gripping on to the mechanical knob as she cranked down the window completely. The young officer gave her a friendly smile as she studied Elena's face appearing to look for any indication that she was nervous or frightened.

"Hi, Elena, I'm officer Allie Wall. I'm going to ask you a couple questions if that's okay? It's very important that you are completely honest with me." She expressed in a kind, but serious tone leveling her gaze at her.

Elena nodded. "Yes, ma'am." She said politely with confidence making sure she looked directly at the officer as she spoke.

"What's your full name, honey?" The officer asked, a kind sweet voice replacing her professional tone with one of compassion and gentleness.

"Elena Anne…" Colt.

"Last name?" The officer pushed.

"Greene." Elena stated smoothly.

"So, your father said you put on quite the show at the park today. Want to tell me what that was all about?" The officer questioned somewhat strongly, if not a little patronizingly which made Elena inwardly cringe at being treated so naïvely.

"No, ma'am, not really." Elena found herself deadpanning. It was, in all fairness, a true statement.

"Elena." Dean admonished sternly feeling his teeth grit not appreciating the unnecessary avoidance finding it in poor taste in the delicate situation they found themselves in.

Elena sighed with an exasperated attitude she hoped was as convincing as it felt.

"Just tell me in your own words what happened." The officer encouraged smoothly. Her kind voice tainted with in a condescending tone as she attempted to cater to her age which was downright insulting to the experienced girl.

Elena recalled what her uncle taught her about lying. When she needed to lie, she had to make it sound as realistic and believable as possible. She needed to use real examples of how things would normally occur if the situation was real. She needed to lie only when necessary and to keep everything else true in order to not accidently slip up and appear convincing.

"Well, when dad told me we couldn't stop at Rachel's house, even though he promised. I kind of got angry, call him an 'unfair jerk' and ran away." Elena ran through the words quickly trying to sound like she was somewhat ashamed and sullen about the situation.

Elena paused and licked her lips nervously trying to look embarrassed as she gathered her thoughts carefully.

"And what happened after that?" Officer Hall pushed encouragingly.

"Dad and uncle Dean ran after me and…and I short of kicked and elbowed them." Elena admitted feeling her face scrunch up in a true shameful grimace of regret. Keeping that part of her story true, she hoped the officer would not find it as super outrageous as it sounded. It was pretty bad to attack one's 'dad' and 'uncle' in such a violent and unreasonable way for just being told 'no'. Despite, it being a fake scenario, it did not portray her in a shining light that was for sure and she found herself not liking herself depicted like some unruly toddler, but, truth was, she had no real choice in the matter.

"Sort of?" Dean snapped giving her a sharp glare through his rearview mirror which did not differ at all from the glares she received from the man earlier. Apparently, the 'sort of's' and 'guesses' were not acceptable to the direct Hunter.

"I said I was sorry." Elena complained quickly.

"No, you didn't." Dean declared clearly referring to her not apologizing for doing just that.

"Well, I'm sorry now." Elena replied attempting to genuinely apologize for attacking him, but failing miserable in the heat of the moment. Despite her sassy deliverance of her words, everything still managed to fit in the picture they were trying to illustrate.

Dean snorted in disbelief not believing the kid.

"Look Elena what you did was very wrong. No matter how upset you get, you should never kick or elbow your father or your uncle. And to run away - not only is that not okay, it is dangerous and it ultimately led to having the police called on your dad and uncle." The officer lectured genuinely seeming distressed about the situation. Elena had to stiffen in eyeroll at the lecture and patronizing tone she was being given. She absolutely hated being treated like an ignorant child, as it was the officer who was truly ignorant. She knew nothing of half the things Elena knew and it just seemed unfitting and unfair to the young girl to be talk down to despite it being a fake scenario. However, the young girl managed to stay in her role as the disobedient child feeling a pinch of guilty for lying to the woman who did seem, honestly, troubled about the situation. She appeared kind to Elena and lying to the concerned woman seemed instinctually wrong and unethical, but the fact remained that it was crucial to reached their goal to convince the young officer of their false story.

"Yes, ma'am." Elena mumbled politely putting her head down in fake shame putting on a convincing guilt act.

"That's good to hear." The office expressed seeming pleased with her display of guilt which made Elena want to gage.

"Now what happened after that?" The officer asked taking Elena a bit off guard as it appeared she wanted some more information from her to match her accounts with witnesses. There was one more thing the young rookie officer wanted to confirm just to error on the side of caution.

Elena didn't answer right away. She was trying to remember what she needed to change to keep in line with her story. She certainly could not admit pulling her switch blade or mention the holy water.

When Elena was silent for far too long, Sam's deep stern vocals spoke up.

"You going to tell her Elena Anne, or should I?" Sam expressed sternly giving her a pointed look, knowing that she might need some help or was needing a moment to get her thoughts together.

"I'd like her to tell me, please." The officer replied obviously wanting to be sure Elena was not prompted or influenced.

Sam nodded politely. This gave Elena time to gather her thoughts. Elena gave her best pout and slouched down lower in the seat trying to show her embarrassment and reluctance on what she was about to say.

"Uncle Dean spanked me and he took me back to the car and we left." Elena expressed quickly trying to appear awkward and uncomfortable which was not that far from the truth. Admitting to being spanked, true or not, was not something that Elena felt comfortable with, but it was the most logical lie she could think of in the moment as she did scream out a bunch of 'ow's' and 'let me go'. Besides, the truth of having her arms skillfully locked behind her back and pulled up until it hurt did not sound all that great as far as the police were concerned so Elena opted for a more reasonable and believable lie.

Dean felt his eyes widen and his breath clog in his throat at the girl's lie. He had to admit it was a damn good and logical lie for the circumstances, he just hoped the officer wasn't the type to see spanking in a negative light, but then again, the officer's opinion did not really matter at this point. Dean didn't really know how many children outside the Hunting realm received that kind of discipline in 2005, but Hunters kids, no doubt got it, and it appeared Miss Elena was, predictably, no exception.

The license and registration matched the last name Elena gave her. Her reiteration of events lined up perfectly with witness accounts. It seemed this all was just a domestic dispute and nothing more. And the effortless family bickering left the rookie officer in a state of ease.

"Alright, well this all just seems like a big mix-up." She declared calmly relieving everyone who sat anxiously in the Impala.

"Thank you, officer. Sorry for all the trouble this caused." Sam apologized sounding very genuine and real in his tone and deliverance.

The officer nodded giving him a friendly smile for the first time, looking somewhat bashful as she batted her long lashes.

"Look, it's alright. I'd take a misunderstanding over a kidnapping any day." She said seeming very glad that it wasn't an abduction. Her stiff posture visibly relaxed as she flashed a shy small at Dean's handsome face.

Sam turned around to face Elena giving her a pointed stern look which made Elena's eyebrow raise slightly on her forehead wondering just what else he had to be cranky about. They were in the clear there was no need to be delivering her dirty looks anymore.

"You got something you want to say to officer Hill?" He asked firmly making it sound like a command more than a question.

Oh.

"Sorry I caused such a fuss." Elena apologized with a frown.

"We all have our off days and let our temper get the better of us. Just learn from it." The officer suggested kindly in a tone that sounded annoyingly demeaning to the teenager's prideful ears.

Elena put her head down trying to hide the fact that she did not appreciate the lecture that was, in all honesty, insulting. Despite it based on a false story, it unfortunately, did little to ease her irritation on the subject of being talked down to and patronized like a little ignorant child. Her young mind, had trouble separating her strong feelings from the false situation.

"Yes, ma'am." Elena expressed politely like a good guilt-ridden kid she needed to portray.

Officer Hill turned her attention towards Sam and Dean. "Drive safe. Have a good day." She stated before patting her palm on the side of the car and taking her leave. She got in her squad car and drove away in the opposite direction. It wasn't until she was completely out of sight before Elena breathed a sigh of relief letting her shoulders slacken glad to be in the clear, done with lying and being patronized.

Sam turned towards Elena, his stern demeanor completely melted away and replaced with a look approval.

"Nice work, kiddo." He praised pleased and impressed that everything worked out the way it did.

"Not my first time lying to police." Elena stated shrugging her shoulders biting at the skin around her nails to get out some nervous energy. However, there was a small pleased smile that spread across her lips appreciating and relishing in the compliment.

"That was pretty convincing, kid." Dean agreed looking back at her in his rearview mirror. "Almost too convincing. You have experience in acting the way you did back there?" Dean asked referring to the times her attitude shined through sharper than it needed to be.

"No, sir. I'm a prefect angel." Elena expressed in a false innocence plastering on a tight fake smile that was somewhat mocking.

Dean nearly scoffed at her arrogant mock.

"Yeah, I bet you are." Dean graveled sarcastically.

Elena had a mind to stick out her tongue, but thought she better not prove him right about having an attitude.

Sam glanced at his wrist watch briskly noting the time. "We should at least get out of Lincoln."

"Yeah, I want to put a few hours behind us." Dean agreed not wanting to stick around, not just because of the unfortunate incident the teenager brought upon them, but if it was true that demons were after Caleb and his little niece was in danger, he wanted to put some distance between her and the town.

Dean glanced in the rearview mirror to look back at the young teenager whose eyes were cast out her window. Her round brown eyes blinked with unease and look of worry and uncertainty crossed over her youthful features. Dean frowned in disconcertment before looking away, the kid was undoubtably scared. Although, he was unaware of the particulars, Dean had a bad feeling in the pit of his gut, his instincts ringing with alarm that something was terribly off about this kid and her situation. Despite, feeling blinded, he had every intention of protecting the smug little girl and keeping her out of the line of fire. Being a Hunter's kid was hard enough, but adding demons to the mix of this shit storm of a life was not only frighteningly dangerous, but it was tainted it with unspeakable evil which was something one could not recover from.

Dean did not want to admit it, but the little girl in the back seat of his precious Impala reminded him of the shadow of his younger self. It was not just the cocky attitude and the fact that she was a Hunter's kid, but her attempt to mask her fear to be brave for her small family in this scary world. It struck a familiar, yet sad, cord with him. A child should never have to deal with something like this, let alone one as young as Elena, and Dean was determined to keep her as far away from the threat as possible. This was his job now, whether he liked it or not, the kid was now his responsibility to protect and keep safe, a task the man took extremely seriously.

The ride was quiet for the most part which was fine with Elena who stared out the window taking in the open land of Nebraska's farm country. Off in her own thoughts Elena's stomach twisted with worry about her uncle. Despite knowing her uncle as a skilled and very capable Hunter, it did not make her worry any less for the only family she had left. He may be skilled, but he was not invincible. Elena knew first hand that good Hunters die all the time. Her parents did and the threat of her uncle meeting the same fate terrified the young teen to the point of torment. Elena felt herself become nauseous as she recalled her uncle's urgent words before he sent her away.

'The Winchesters are good men, the best Hunters I know. They will protect you, but, like all Hunters, they can be selfish when it comes to their family. I don't want them involved in this and using you for their own personal gain. Because, if given the chance, they will. You are to say nothing about the Colt or your connection to it. I want them focused on protecting you. You understand me? This is very important Elena, do not under any circumstances talk about the Colt, the blood spell that ties you to it or the reasons the demon is after you…"

His words rang strongly in her ears remembering the stern, but pleading look on his face.

She listened to Sam and Dean talk about her uncle and the demon for a bit not bothering to bring her into the conversation which she was exceedingly grateful for as she had no desire to be interrogated further or be forced to lie to them again. They seemed to be giving her a break from trying to pry information out of her for the time being at least.

After a few long hours they stopped at a local diner with a cheap motel conveniently across the street. Once inside, Elena immediately started to head towards the restrooms feeling the pressure of her full bladder urge her feet along. However, she was instantly halted as Dean snatched onto the hood of her zip up for the second time today bringing the girl's boots to an abrupt stop.

"Where you going?" Dean inquired sharply.

Elena felt an annoyance build up in her at being yanked backwards by her hood. The young girl turned and looked up at the man with tight expression of irritation.

"I gotta pee. Is that okay?" Elena asked with a bit of sass in her tone.

Dean cleared his throat pressing his lips together. "Yeah, go ahead." He said letting go of her hood. "Just tell me next time before taking off."

Elena stifled an eyeroll before mumbling out a barely polite 'yes, sir.'

After taking care of her needs, Elena emerged from the restroom stopping for just a brief moment to take in the small space of the diner. The young girl took note of the exits and how many people were in the restaurant. Elena glanced to the side glass door just to the right of the restrooms. Elena bit her bottom lip as she impulsively contemplated on just taking off, but a woman in her path jolted her out of her brash thoughts making her flinch slightly.

"Excuse me, dear."

Elena stepped out of the woman's way before glancing up, shocked to catch the tall Hunter's astute eyes locked onto her like a Hawk. Elena felt her stomach drop as she inhaled a sharp breath of apprehension at seeing the man's attention was solely fixed on her. His sharp green eyes not deviating from her for even a spit second which was downright unnerving. He was in her direct line of sight, his body angled in such a way that made Elena rightfully suspect that it was purposeful as his shoulders were squared directly across from the woman's restroom. He certainly picked the perfect seat to spy on her which Elena found both creepy and annoying.

A rush of anxiety spread across her chest getting this dreadful feeling that man knew exactly what she was thinking when she glanced that glass door. Elena gulped slightly taking in a deep breath composing herself before inwardly scoffing at her anxious thought.

Come on, Ellie, pull yourself together. The man can't read minds. She was just taking in her surrounding like she always did and that's how she was going to play it off.

As much as that statement was true, she couldn't help, but feel an edge of doubt creep into her mind that the man somehow had that ability. Her uncle seemed to have that annoying talent sometimes much to Elena's dismay. That was the misfortune of having astute and skilled Hunters for company.

Elena forced her feet to walk over to the booth where the men were sitting masking her face into a neutral expression of innocence as she played it off as nothing suspicious. There was a beat of silence where Elena awkwardly stood at the edge of the table making a point not to look at Sam who had never pealed his eyes off of her since she emerged from the restroom.

Sam immediately scooting over vacating a seat next to him inviting the girl to sit down. Elena bit her lip before sitting down next to the tall man who, luckily for Elena, did not question or confront her like she feared he would.

Once the food came, Elena wasted no time in scootching herself on the edge of her seat pulling the plate of thickly cut fires and a bacon cheese burger towards her with eager eyes feeling her mouth salivate a bit at the beautiful sight. The young teen pulled up the sleeves of her zip up and flipped her ballcap around backwards in preparation. She grabbed the large burger with both hands and took a hardy bite inwardly moaning as her taste buds lit up pleasantly from the greasy burger. Before she even finished chewing, she impatiently picked up a fry and bit off the end.

Both the men watched her eat her meal vigorously with some shock at how much the small girl was packing in, in such a short amount of time. Dean held his burger in his hands blinking dumbfoundedly at the kid while Sam held his fork in hand finding a strange resemblance between his older brother and the young teenager as far as appetites go. The girl was packing it in like she hadn't eaten all week.

It wasn't until Elena felt eyes on her that she looked up from her plate. She cast her eyes over to Sam then to Dean a look of innocence shined through her youthful features as she wondered why they were staring at her like she had two heads.

Dean's eyebrows were raised high on his forehead. "Hungry?" He quipped in light of her hardy appetite.

Elena quickly finished chewing and swallowed the food that was in her mouth.

"Starving." Elena admitted grabbing her coke sending a few larges gulps down the back of throat. She hadn't eaten anything all day except for a granola bar that she barely managed to scarf down in the morning and with her high metabolism she was practically wasting away.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Elena exclaimed before setting down her coke and reaching into her overall pocket.

She pulled out a large wad of one hundred dollars bills rolled up securely with a rubber band.

"Uncle Caleb said to give this to you." She said as she placed the wad of cash on the table in between the two Hunters.

Sam and Dean's eyes widened taking cautious looks around. Sam immediately snatched the money off the table and slid it discretely into his pocket. This was not the best time to be putting out large wads of cash in restaurant full of civilians.

Sam leaned down closing the space between him and girl. "You can't just pull that much cash out in public, Elena. People will get suspicious." Sam reproached in low whisper.

Elena shrugged in a casual manner not entirely used to being out in the public eye when it came to Hunting as she was never directly involved this much. Her uncle made sure of it, but now there was no choice as she was thrust into the middle of this shit storm whether she liked it or not.

"Sorry, I just forgot about it till now." The apology was not as sincere as she hoped as it was idly delivered, her mind on far more important things than fear of alerting the public. Elena's eyes discreetly glanced towards the glass door exit once again, feeling a pressing itch to get away from these two Hunters and find her uncle. She had no desire to make friends nor did she think they should not be involved in their business to begin with.

"We just don't want to draw attention." Sam explained shortly trying to be patient with the kid knowing she was probably not used to this.

Elena nodded biting at her bottom lip feeling a sudden rising unease come over her as fear and insecurity took hold of her mind. Elena subconsciously ran her fingers over her right overall pocket for some much-needed comfort, but the feeling of nothing snapped the girl into an immediate grave panic. Elena's eyes bulged out of their sockets and began to frantically searched through all of her pockets mindlessly. Sam and Dean just watched the young girl intently, brows frowning at her desperate searching. It wasn't until the realization began to hit her that she abruptly stopped. Her attention immediately snapped towards the tall Hunter next to her shooting him a sharp accusing look that had Sam's eyebrows rising high on his forehead at the scathing look the teenager was directing towards him, the scowl seeming unfitting on her youthful and delicate face.

"Where's my switch blade?" Elena demanded forcefully and a little too loudly.

Sam grabbed her arm firmly, but in a gentle manner as he pulled her towards him. "Keep your voice down." He warned in a tight whisper fearing another careless outburst from the girl which she showed she was more than capable of displaying not soon forgetting her frantic bolting and attack on them.

Despite the warning tone in the Hunter's voice, Elena felt herself grow with fearful frustration. The young teenager didn't go anywhere without her silver switch blade and now that it was taken away, she felt nakedly vulnerable. Almost like the demons would come out from out of nowhere and kill her right then on the spot. Although it was a false security as her blade would not do much against a demon, it gave her a comfort nonetheless to have something to defend herself. She found the need to be carrying it at all times. It was for her safety which was not exactly secure at the moment with demons on the prowl.

"It's in the Impala. Somewhere safe." Sam reassured firmly trying to put the young girl's mind at ease and calm her down from this rising panic she was climbing astoundingly quickly.

However, Elena was anything, but reassured at hearing her blade was hidden in their possession. She did not trust these men yet and the very idea of being unarmed sent the young girl into a spiraling panic feeling her heart race in her tight chest.

"Where?" Elena demanded curtly not bothering to ask politely as she wasn't feeling so civil at the moment.

Sam pressed his lips together before sighing heavy making it clear that he had no desire to tell her. Elena's brown eyes widened and flashed in angry astonishment at the man's audacity which made the edgy girl frustratingly irked sending her rising panic to new heights.

"You ain't gonna tell me?" Elena declared in an appalled manner. "But, it's mine. I need it." Elena's sharp desperate voice was not loud, but it was not quiet either and heads were starting to turn in their direction.

"What you need is to calm down, kid. Now." Dean growled sternly from across the table, his deep voice rumbling in his chest feeling eyes fall on them.

"No, I'm not gonna to calm down." Elena declared pushing herself out of the booth to a standing position trying to gain some much-desired height and assertiveness.

"You had no right to…" Before Elena could finish her sentence, she felt a large hand enclose around her bicep jerking her towards the solid frame of the Hunter who stood towering over her. Dean's stern demeanor and constricting grip on her bicep had the desired effect as it successfully clamped the young girl's mouth shut.

"Order me some pie, will ya?" Dean requested evenly, but there was a clear frustration that edged his tone as he dragged the kid closer to him so that her shoulder was practically touching his stiff arm.

"Where are you going?" Sam asked somewhat concerned making Elena's bravado dissipate annoyingly quickly.

"Miss loud mouth and I are going to have a talk." Dean declared glaring down at her for a brief moment making Elena visibly swallow.

Sam opened his mouth as if to say something, but Dean had already started marching the girl away clearly not waiting for a response from his brother. Sam turned to look around catching the eyes of an elder couple in the booth next to him who were staring at him intently with disapproval. Feeling a grave discomfort and awkwardness Sam gave them a tight polite smile of recurrence before turning his attention to his plate as he rubbed his palms absentmindedly down his thighs.

Dean directed the girl through the main glass diner door keeping a firm hold on her bicep. They got a few disapproving looks from strangers, but it was clear they all seemed to think that she was just some unruly child. Elena began to feel a nervousness creep into her stomach that was rapidly replacing her anger with every step that they took.

What did the Hunter mean by 'having a talk'? Was he going to yell at her? Threaten to leave her on her own? She was certain that thought was just wishful thinking.

Once they made it to the back of the Impala, Dean let go of her arm and pointed a firm finger at the trunk.

"Sit." He ordered briskly.

Elena compiled thinking it best not to test the Hunters restraint and hoisted herself up to sit on top of the shiny black trunk like she was instructed. Despite the few inches that the Impala gave to her small height, the large six-foot Hunter still towered over her significantly. Elena fidgeting with her hands in her lap as she looked up at the Hunter's face which had a stiffly firm expression. The young girl feeling uncomfortable licked her lips and looked to her left then to her right noticing that they were the only two in the parking lot at the moment which she suspected Dean was counting on wanting a private conversation. It was fairly late and the sky was dark, but the bright illuminating street lights of the small parking lot made it easy to see the Hunter's stern face much to the young girl's misfortune.

"I don't know what Caleb has taught you, but either you need a serious refresher course in discretion or a kick in the ass to fall back in line, if you think anything you said in there was okay." The Hunter's words were firm and serious as he lectured.

"You're a Hunter's kid, you should know not to shout in a restaurant full of civilians about having a switch blade. This is no Hunter's joint, kid. Some nosy busybody is liable to amber alert us or worse call the cops on our asses again. That is something we don't need. We got enough shit worry about. Thought you might have learned that from a few hours ago, but I guess not." Dean expressed with clear disapproval and disappointment lining his tight and irked tone which made the young teenager's cheeks blush as she bit and chewed at her bottom lip.

"I'm not gonna pussyfoot around this. So, here it is. Either you need to cut down on the dramatics or you and me are going to have a problem." Dean expressed sternly pointing a finger between the two of them. He took a step closer to her dipping his head down slightly leveling his stern glaze at her.

"Are we going to have a problem?" He asked his voice was clam, but his tone was sharp and firm indicating if she did not straighten up she would undoubtably answer to him which left a severely uneasy feeling in the bit of Elena's stomach.

She didn't know what 'problem' she would have that the Hunter was referring to, but she was certain whatever it was, she wanted any part of if the Hunter's daunting demeanor was any indication. She didn't want conflict with these Hunters, she just wanted to be out of their hair so she could freely search for her uncle.

Elena put her head down focusing on her boots that dangled high above the pavement below. Elena was used to her uncle going to places reserved for Hunters and did not often immerse in the public, but that did not mean Elena did not know better, she certainly did and it was no excuse. She knew the importance of not drawing attention. Her uncle pounded it her head more times than she could count. However, if she was being honest with herself, she was just, in the simplest terms, terrified which appeared to be clouding her judgement on everything else significantly. She had only met these men a few hours ago and had no intention on trusting them with her safety. She was taught to be cautious and wary of just about everyone she came in contact with. Her uncle Caleb was adamant and pushed her to think about the danger she was in constantly because he wanted her safe, alert, and alive. And now that this demon was after her, she was on edge and fearful putting her in a constant state of unease. Her mind was not on discretion and obedience, but survival.

"No, sir. I'm sorry." Elena apology genuinely feeling guilty about making it harder on the Hunters, but she was in no way ready to trust them with problems or open up into a sharing session about being scared.

Elena cautiously lifted her head up to look at the Hunter. Her demeanor was deflated, but there was still a rigidness behind her expression.

"Can-Can I have my switch blade now?" Elena found herself asking in a hopeful tone.

"No." The Hunter expressed firmly.

Elena's face fell into a worried frown casting her eyes away from the Hunter once again in dreadful disappointment.

Dean sighed heavily.

"Look, I know you're scared, kid, so there is no point on trying to hide it, but if anything goes wrong Sam and I will handle it. We promised your uncle we would keep you safe and we will. You don't need it right now." Dean tried to reassure her keeping a level and somewhat encouraging tone.

"But it's mine and your brother had no right to take it." Elena defended herself not at all trusting the man's words.

"After almost slashing him with it?" Dean questioned raising a critical eyebrow at her. "Yeah, kiddo, I think he had every right to take it." He expressed giving her a sharp look.

"But he…" Elena started to argue, but was abruptly cut off.

"Look kid, I'm not going to stand here and argue with a twelve-year-old. This is not a discussion." Dean voice was dropping to a low tone of impatience.

"I'm fifteen." Elena expressed dully in offense. However, unfortunately, it was a bold face lie as she was only thirteen-years-old just meeting the status of teenager. The man happened to be very close on his guess, but it left the girl oddly unsatisfied. Elena didn't rightly know why she had just impulsively and blatantly lied to the man. All she knew was fifteen-year-olds were granted more freedoms, and right now, Elena felt like she was receiving none.

"Really?" Dean inquired a hit of doubt lining his tone.

Elena nodded once firmly. There was no going back now.

Dean looked at her up and down taking in her small size, she certainly did not look fifteen to him. Although she was small, he was not altogether familiar with thirteen-year olds and did not really have the patience to argue about that specific detail at the moment.

"Well, whatever." Dean said dismissing her age increase. "The point is Sam and I are the adults here, kiddo, and you need to listen to us so we can keep you safe. We've been hunting for a long time and trust me when I say we know better than you. No switch blade is going to save you from a demon, so you're just going to have to trust us."

Elena didn't say anything she just hung her head feeling lonely and scared. She did not want to be with these two men. She wanted to be with her uncle, not some strangers she just met. In her mind she should not have been sent away, no matter the danger. Family sticks together and sees it through. But since she was a kid, she had no say in her fate nor was anyone obliged to listen to her. She was to simply follow orders regardless of her feelings on the matter and that left the girl with a bitter taste in her mouth. Of course, she argued and practically begged her uncle to sick together, but all she got for her troubles was a firmer rejection with a threat to her backside to boot. So, here she was sitting on the trunk of a car getting a lecture from a stranger about adults knowing better. She felt like crying at the unfairness of it all, but she knew crying never did any good except make her feel weak and immature, so she swallowed back her tears and pride and nodded her head slowly.

"Alright." Dean said judging that the girl got the message, not missing the fact that the child was emotional. "Think you can go back inside without telling the whole restaurant you own a switch blade? I don't know about you but a cheese burger and pie are calling my name." His serious voice leveling out into a casual tone indicating that his lecture was over and that it was time to move on.

Elena bit her lip still feeling immensely unsatisfied at not having protection, but she was starving and was starting to feel hunger pains gnawing away at her stomach. She would figure out a way to get her switch blade after she ate and she would have to go about it another way because obviously just asking for it was not going to work with these men.

Elena nodded hunger ultimately winning over her desire to argue.

Elena ended up eating her entire meal and half a piece of apple pie. Her stomach was contently full, maybe even more full than it should, but after missing two meals it was welcomed to the growing teenager.

0000

They checked into the cheap motel across the street. Sam asked if any of the rooms had a pull-out couch or an extra fold up bed. Elena assumed that was for her, although she did not mind sleeping just on a couch or even the floor suited her as she learned to sleep practically anywhere. It turns out one of the rooms did happen to have a pull-out couch and Sam immediately said they would take that one even though it cost a little bit extra which Elena felt was unnecessary, but was grateful all the same.

Once inside the motel room Elena felt an odd somewhat false relief wash over her. Although the room was small and the faded décor had not been updated since the 1970s, it was a welcomed sight of comfort and security. As she felt herself her muscles release the tension she was holding, she began to feel a heaviness come over her tired limbs feeling the effects of the anxiousness she brought on her body. Sam and Dean threw their bags down on the two queen mattresses each claiming their bed. Elena put her duffle bag and backpack by the couch neatly. Sam immediately walked over to the couch removing the cushions pulling the folded frame out into a bed. He grabbed the spare sheets and pillows from the small linin closest handing them over to the girl.

Once Elena finished making up the bed for the night, she turned around to see Sam and Dean on their separate beds leaning their backs against a head bords looking at the small old tv set that sat on a dresser opposite them. The tv could not be seen from the pull-out couch that was tucked away in the corner of the room in a small alcove where Elena was. Although, Elena was ungodly tired she did not want to sleep yet and if she was being honest with herself, she simply just wanted the security of being in their company.

The young girl licked her lips gathering her courage as she walked over towards the beds, a lot more confidently than she was feeling. Both Sam and Dean's attention rested on the kid as she approached, watching her curiously. Elena stopped for a brief moment in between the beds not looking at either of the men before deciding to occupy the empty space on Sam's bed. Elena adjusted herself onto her stomach and propped herself onto her elbows placing her palms on her chin holding her head up as she watched tv. It must have been okay because neither of the Hunters said anything which she was perfectly fine with. She was tired and had no desire to make conversation, especially, if they were going to try to pry information out of her or lecture her on the importance of not having creating 'problems'. However, for what only seemed like fifteen minutes, Dean startled Elena out of her restful trance.

"Alright, kiddo, it's getting late. You should get some shut eye." Dean's voice rumbled out behind her, his tone suggesting that it was more of an order than a suggestion. Dean noted the slacking of her arms and the drooping of her tired eyes knowing she undoubtably exhausted and was in much need of a good rest.

Elena dropped her hands from her chin and turned her torso to look at the Hunter on the other bed behind her. She gave him a weary expression of reluctance before glancing at the alarm clock on the bedside table next to him that read in big bold red numbers – 10:14PM.

Her uncle often sent her to bed around ten or ten thirty depending on the day. However, it wasn't really consistent especially when he would go off on Hunts leaving Elena to her own devices.

Without a word, Elena forced her tired limbs off the bed and walked over to her duffle bag retrieving her pj's and army green toiletry bag before making her way towards the bathroom. Elena changed into her night attire that consisted of a pair of red and black plaid sleep pants and an old loosely fitted black t-shirt. Elena tiredly took care of her nightly tasks feeling her body sway a bit and her eye lids blink shut a few times. Once she walked out of the bathroom, she paused looking over at the pull-out couch then at Sam and Dean, suddenly feeling her body surged with anxious energy once again becoming jittery with unease.

"I think I'm going to stay up longer." Elena announced unable to gain the comfort she needed to sleep. It seemed her body just wouldn't let her.

"You need your sleep, Elena. You look exhausted." Sam expressed softly with sympathy his brows frowning with concern as he observed her red rimmed eyes and tired expression.

Elena made a pained face of hesitation showing him a glimpse of her distress and reluctance. Sam got up from the bed and walked over to the young girl. He bent down slightly to catch Elena at eye level.

"We'll be right here. You're safe. We promise. Nothing's going to happen to you." Sam declared gently, but there was a firmness to it that held a strong resolve that was oddly reassuring.

"Not to brag or anything, kid, but we're damn good Hunters. You're safe with us." Dean added seeing the girl's fearful expression coming up behind Sam.

Elena swallowed slightly. She really did believe they wanted to protect her, but she was doubtful that they could. She also knew that if it came down to her or their family, they would ultimately choose their own. Not that she blamed them, but that was part of the reason that convinced her that staying with these strangers was a mistake and a danger not only to her life, but theirs as well. Everyone has limits on what they are willing to sacrifice and protect and she was sure that she, a stranger, was not going to be their priority.

"Can I have my switch blade back, please?" Elena mumbled in hopeful desperation that they would give in knowing she would gain some comfort if she had it with her. She always carried it and felt exceedingly insecure without it and, in her humble opinion, they had no right to rob her of it.

Sam straightened up and looked at Dean who simply shrugged and went to his duffle bag on the floor at the foot of his bed. He rummaged through it and pulled out her silver switch blade. Elena's eyes widened with hopeful anticipation at the sight of her blade. He was going to give it back to her.

Dean walked over to her and Elena eagerly reached out to grab it, but Dean pulled it back out of her reach. Dean stared down at the girl giving her a stern look of warning.

"I'll give this back to you, so you can have it tonight to help you sleep, but tomorrow it's going back in my bag." Dean declared sternly in firm tone gesturing to his black duffle bag on the floor.

Elena's mouth parted slightly in shock. "What? Why?" She demanded her brows frowning with confusion and frustration. It was her blade. It belonged to her. Why was this man keeping it from her? Her means of protection, comfort and security?

"Because you are one scared jumpy kid right now and I don't want you to accidently stab someone." Dean expressed bluntly giving it to the girl straight.

Elena's mouth opened even wider in offense. She was insulted at his insinuation that she would impulsively just stab someone. She wasn't an airhead with no self-control.

"I'm not going to stab anyone." Elena remarked a clear bite to her tone as she gritted her teeth in frustration. "I'm not an idiot." She added dully feeling dreadfully insulted.

"Never said you were, kiddo." Dean confirmed knowing the kid was undoubtably smart for her age.

"You're not an idiot, Elena. You're scared which is understandable, but that makes you impulsive. We know you would never intentionally hurt someone with your blade, but when you're scared you tend to do things without thinking. Like you did when you ran from us and pulled your blade on me. It's just best if Dean and I hold onto it for now. You can have it for tonight, but tomorrow you need to give it back to us." Sam's voice was clam, but his words were firm and unyielding indicating that he had no intention on bending on the subject.

"But-But that's not fair." Elena expressed shaking her head feeling a panic grow within her again. "It's mine. I can't be unarmed. My uncle lets me keep it on me at all times." Her voice rising in agitation as she looked up at the Hunters with wide desperate eyes imploring them to see her side.

"We are not your uncle, Elena." Sam stated calmly in a level tone which made Elena's heart ping at the blunt statement which she was fully aware of, but it didn't make it any less painful to hear that she was with them and not her uncle where she belonged.

Sam looked down at her with understanding behind his eyes, but there was a gentle firmness to his expression that was ridged and immovable.

"You do not need it. Dean and I will protect you." Sam expressed calmly trying to reassure the kid that she was safe with them although it was obvious she did not have an ounce of trust in them which was sadly discouraging.

Elena cast her worried eyes down to the Hunters sturdy boots licking her lips as she tried to regain her composure and think rationally so she could convince these men that she was not just some little girl with no self-control. Elena tipped her head up to look at the men with a collected expression, but she could not hide the fear shinning in her earthy brown eyes.

"Look I'm sorry, I pulled it on you. It's just that…I thought you might be demons. I just got a little scared, but I promise it won't ever happen again." Elena expressed in a collected and calm manner, but there was still an edge of urgency in her tone. "I may be just a kid, but trust me, I know weapons safety." Elena added with confidence trying to reassure the men that she was not a boneheaded and careless child.

However, much to Elena's dismay, Sam shook his head unconvinced. "I'm sorry, Elena. We're not going to take that chance."

Elena felt a spark of annoyance ignite in her chest harshly shooting frantic hormones racing through her scared and tired body.

"That's just bullshit!" Elena snapped loudly in frustration allowing her troubled feelings to dictate her mouth. "You are not my uncle and you have no right to take it from me. Now give it back before I just take it back!" Elena demanded gruffly as she reached to snatch the blade from Dean's hand in a desperate attempt to take matters into her own hands like they rightly should be.

Stunned at the kid's sudden and brash behavior along with curse that spewed from her dainty lips, Dean pulled the blade back out of her reach once again.

"Hey!" Dean boomed in a tone that rumbled deep in his chest. "I suggest you stow the attitude and watch your mouth, kid, or I'm not giving you the blade back at all." Dean declared sharply, his voice laced with warning and frustration.

Elena's heart jumped along with her feet at the Hunter's deep commanding voice that seemed to carrying in the small motel room. Suddenly, the two Hunter that stood towering over her with their large imposing frames, suddenly looking gravely intimidating to the young teenage girl. Dean glared down at her sharply while Sam had a seriously stern expression on his face. Elena swallowed and looked down away from their disapproving glowers that she still could feel penetrating the top of her head. She really didn't intend to be so forceful and rude, but they really didn't leave the desperate girl much choice. Elena just didn't understand. How can they possibly want to protect her when they won't even let her arm herself? It was confusing and downright illogical to her, completely ignoring the fact that the feeling of mistrust was mutual.

After a long moment's pause, Dean spoke again this time lowering the volume of his voice, but the sternness still held deep in his tone showing her that he was still displeased with her actions and words.

"We aren't doing this just to be dicks, Elena. We're doing it because we're trying to keep you safe and alive. I have no doubt Caleb trained you to handle yourself, but the fact is you are a kid, a Hunter's kid, but still just a kid. And you can pout all you want, but that's not going to change the fact that were taking your blade tomorrow and that's just the way it is." Dean's eyes were hard and his expression was unyielding. It was clear they were not going to bend on this issue no matter what Elena said and no matter how logical her arguments on the subject were. Just like always, her opinions and feelings ultimately did not matter because she was child. She was to listen and obey even though the men were not privy to all of the information to make any decisions regarding her and her safety. It left Elena gravely distressed, unsatisfied, frustrated and downright scared.

Unwanted tears began to sting her eyes as she snapped her attention away from the men attempting to gain control of her whirling emotions.

"You don't have to be happy about it, kiddo, but you do have to respect it." Sam added calmly, his voice rumbling soothingly in understanding.

Elena gathering up all her courage and looked up at the men with tear lined eyes.

"I'm sorry." She apologized genuinely sorry for snapping at them disrespectfully. She did not agree with them and did not take kindly to her only defense being taking away from her nor did she like the overbearing boundaries being set on her, but they ultimately did not deserve her disrespect. Elena was somewhat annoyed at herself for letting her teenage emotions get the better of her, but having her world turned upside down in the past couple days was getting to her, not to mention she was exhausted making her simply cranky and irritable.

"It's alright, Elena. We know you're scared, but you're gonna be okay. We promise." Sam tried to reassure her as he turned to Dean who nodded firmly in affirmation.

Elena nodded politely, but she could not bring herself to believe him. Elena sniffled blinking back the tears that she refused to let fall.

Dean eyed her carefully before handing the kid her closed blade so it would help her sleep. Most kids slept with stuffed animals, dolls or blankets, but Hunter's kids slept blades under their pillow for comfort. It was an odd and scary life as a Hunter's kid and Sam and Dean remembered it well.

As Elena walked over to the pull-out couch something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. There was salt that lined both the door and the window. She did not know when the two Hunters did that, but she was glad of it. Although it did not take away her fear completely, it did give her resting comfort and she was grateful to have her switch blade for the night at least. Elena turned to look at the men who were watching her closely before she got into the pull-out bed. She slid her blade under the pillow beside her where it would be in easy reach if needed. Elena pulled up the covers burrowing down into the scratchy sheets.

"Goodnight, Elena. We'll be right here if you need us." Sam expressed kindly in soft reassuring tone.

Elena simply nodded before turning her body to face away from the men. And within seconds, her tired body drifted off into a deep sleep.


TBC

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