Lies and Conflict
WARNING: There is spanking of minor in this chapter, along with swearing. If this bothers you, please do not read.
Note: Elena declares her nickname as 'Ellie' – I switch to using 'Ellie' after her introduction.
Also I apologize for any errors as I'm editing this rather quickly then I'd like so I can get something posted before I take my break from writing as that time is fast approaching. I hope it's not too jarring or distracting.
The next morning Elena awoke with a start shooting herself up into a seated position on the bed automatically reaching her hand under her pillow to feel the cold silver of her blade. She gripped the handle tightly and whipped her head around taking in her surroundings as she began to remember where she was. Elena let out the breath she was holding, but her body remained stiff and tense.
Dean watched her from his seated position at the kitchen table that happened to be right across from her, his eyebrows frowning in concern. This kid was seriously on edge which twinged at Dean's anxiety as to just how much trouble she and Caleb were in with this demon situation. He was certain she had not told them everything she knew and it was utterly frustrating to the concerned man making him impatient and irritable.
Once Elena's eyes fell on Dean, he wasted no time in asking – "You okay?" He knew it was an odd question knowing she was far from okay and doubted very much the secretive girl would tell him the truth.
Elena let out another deep breath as she blinked and nodded a little shakily trying to calm herself.
"Yes, sir." She responded only in half-truth.
Dean hummed deeply not believing the kid. "That was quite a jump there, kiddo." He commented lightly as he began to look down at the papers he had in front of him scribbling notes on a scrap sheet of motel stationary.
Elena's cheeks blushed slightly embarrassed for shooting up in bed like she was possessed, something she did not care to think about. Elena looked around the room and it did not escape her notice that Sam was nowhere to be seen.
"Where's Sam?" Elena inquired curiously.
Dean briefly glanced up from the papers. "He's getting breakfast. He'll be back soon." He said evenly as he continued to jot down notes not looking up at the girl.
Elena nodded before she proceeded to go to the bathroom to get dressed for the day. Elena simply changed into the clothes she wore yesterday finding them to be clean enough to wear for a second time. She often did that if her clothes did not get too dirty. She didn't own too many clothes to begin with and the clothes she had were practical and sturdy, her uncle made sure of it. Hunting was not a well-paid profession and she often did without, but it did not bother her much, it was what she knew.
When Elena emerged from the bathroom, she was happy to note Sam was back with breakfast. Elena's stomach grumbled at her and immediately went over to the table where Sam was taking out breakfast sandwiches from the brown paper bag.
"Hungry?" Sam asked with a smirk as he saw her walk briskly over to him eagerly.
"Yes, sir." She declared enthusiastically eyeing the food.
"Sausage or bacon?" Sam asked holding up two sandwiches.
"Sausage, please." Sam handed her the wrapped sandwich and the orange juice he got her. Elena eyed the two large coffees on the table biting her lip debating to mention her desire for caffeine.
"Can I have a coffee next time?" Elena asked wanting the caffeinated warm drink liking the way it would make her feel awake and alert. Her uncle didn't exactly allow her to drink it, but he didn't explicitly forbid it either. Of course, she would just get it without his knowledge more often than not as he did not keep close tabs on her intake of the caffeinated beverage. Elena was used to being left to her own devices and found herself becoming use to the independence liking the ability to make her own decisions concerning herself.
"You drink coffee?" Sam asked raising a skeptical eyebrow.
"Yes, sometimes." Elena admitted cautiously not missing the disapproval in his tone.
"Caleb lets you drink coffee?" Sam asked his brows crinkled doubtfully.
"Um yes, sir. Sometimes." Elena nodded trying to keep a level of certainty in her voice.
"How old are you, Elena?" Sam suddenly asked his green eyes squinting a touch as his brows lined stiffly.
Oh no.
"Fifteen." Elena replied lying through her teeth.
"Fifteen?" Sam repeated as he looked at her with uncertainty. She did not look fifteen to him and knew immediately that it was a blatant lie.
"Yes, sir." Elena said trying to sound as confident as she could almost dismissively trying to act like his question gave her no anxiety. However, she did not keep his eye contact for long. Elena knew the older adults thought she was the more freedom she would receive along with the respect and privilege to be treated more maturely. However, now she was beginning to think she was over stepping it this time, in fact she knew she was, but there was no going back now. She said it directly to both the Hunters, now she has to stick with it and own it like it was the truth.
"By the way, you can call me Ellie. No one calls me Elena anymore." The young girl added cheerfully with a lightheartedness to her tone trying to change the subject focusing on a truth. She turned away from the man and took a long sip of orange juice suddenly wanting to be away from their doubting faces. Sam watched the young girl suspiciously not believing her age, but decided to comment on the falsehood for now. There were more important things they needed to find out at the moment from the secretive girl.
Ellie started to walk over to her bed to sit down and eat seeing as there were only two chairs at the small cluttered table. Her jittery uneasy she felt about blatantly lying to them made her want to be at least a few feet away from them. However, it seemed like Sam had other plans.
"Hold on there, kiddo. Come sit down. We need to talk to you." Sam said firmly, but softly as he pointed to the empty chair across from Dean.
Ellie felt a sharp tightness grow in her chest as she had no desire to talk or be interrogated by the two imposing men. Ellie had a mind to flat-out refuse, but knew that would only provoke the Hunters to question her further and make matters worse upping their suspicion. Ellie sighed heavily as she mental prepared herself for the onslaught of questioning to be thrown her way.
Dean pushed the papers he was writing into the open book before closing it shut and pushing it aside. The man directed his full attention onto the girl giving her a serious look. Sam stood beside Dean, a grave look upon his face as he patiently waited for her to comply with his request to sit down. Ellie swallowed as she couldn't help, but feel intimidated by the two Hunters that brought a wary nervousness that she could not shake. Despite their patience they looked daunting in the dim motel light to the young thirteen-year-old.
Ellie licked her lips nervously before reluctantly walking back over to the empty chair across from Dean and sitting down placing her sandwich and drink on the table.
"Alright, kid, where's your uncle?" Dean asked bluntly with impatience looking at her with a serious and firm expression.
Ellie's eyes widened in disbelief at his abrupt and firm directness which instantly filled her jittery body with troubling unease. "I told you. I don't know. He didn't tell me. He never tells me." Ellie answered truthfully matching Dean's urgency with a quick response her tone lined with defensive distress.
"Ellie, we want to help Caleb, but we can't do that if we don't know where he is. If he's dealing with a demon, it's a huge risk to go about this on his own. So, if you know where he is we need to know now." Dean brows were frowning deep into a serious scowl as he leaned his body forward in forceful and impatient manner.
"I already told you. I-don't-know." Ellie repeated in a defensive tone her voice beginning to line with agitation. How many times does she have to say it?
Sam and Dean looked at each other like they were contemplating something making Ellie severely uncomfortable at their silence.
"I'm telling you the truth. He rarely ever tells me where he is going." Ellie expressed attempting to keep her voice even and convincing.
Sam and Dean just stared at her in silence for a long moment letting the girl run her mouth.
Ellie sighed in dismay as she leaned back against the chair slumping ever so slightly. "I told you everything, I swear." Ellie lied gritting out her words in a moody and agitated manner as she crossed her arms over her chest defensively turning her attention to wall to the right of her as she attempted to hide her distress at being interrogated.
Seeing the teenager's unwillingness to corporate and obvious distrust Sam sighed in disappointment.
"Alright, Ellie." Sam expressed calmly, his voice edging with discontentment.
"So, you believe me?" Ellie inquired a bit snappish as she turned to look up at the man not hiding the annoyed expression on her young face making a point to not even glance at Dean's unpleasant face that she could feel scowling right through her. She hoped this was the end of the interrogation that she would insure would go nowhere.
"I believe you probably don't know where he is, but I know you not telling us everything." Sam replied honestly letting the girl know that he did not trust her completely.
There was a flash of shock that crossed over the young teens face, but soon masked it with moody annoyance.
"Well, I am." Ellie snapped quickly in her defense her voice becoming hard and accusing as she flung her arms down to grip onto the edge of the seat of her chair for support as she leaned forward in a forceful manner.
Dean snorted in obvious disbelief as he rolled his eyes in annoyance and shook his head at her not hiding the fact that he did not believe one word she said. Ellie's eyes immediately darted to Dean giving him a severely irritated and insulted look.
"Fine." Ellie spat as she abruptly stood up, her legs scooting the chair back behind her roughly.
"Don't believe. I doesn't matter anyways." Ellie growled shooting Dean a particularly nasty scowl before marching towards the bathroom. The one place she could be alone, finding a desperate need to get away from the men.
"Ellie, we're not done talking to you yet." Sam called to after her in a calm, but startlingly stern tone that made her chest twinge with anxiety feeling her shoulders shrug up to her ears slightly, but refused to look back at him and show her distress. These men were not her uncle and she did not have to talk to them if she didn't want to. In Ellie's opinion, they didn't have any true authority over her, not really. And it was none of their business to know any more of her family's affair.
"Well, I'm done talking to you." Ellie spat surprising herself at her rudeness as she shut the bathroom door firmly behind her, but did not dare slam it. She had been programed out of that disrespectful notion many times before.
As soon as she door was shut behind her, Ellie ears caught the sharp and sudden sound of Dean's chair scrapping across the floor. Ellie's eyes widened in alarm as she heard his heavy footsteps stomping towards the bathroom making Ellie's heart lurch in her chest as she flicked the lock on the door with a swift turn of her wrist. The young girl subconsciously backed away from the wooden door her brown eyes wide with anticipation feeling her heart begin to beat harder in her chest as fear of the man barging in on her became a dreadful possibility.
However, luckily for Ellie, the man's heavy footsteps came to a brisk halt as she heard muffled whispers of the two men on the other side of the door, but she could not make out the words. Ellie let out a small sigh of relief as it seemed she was going to be left alone. Thank God.
Once Ellie heard their footsteps retreat from the other side of the door away from her and she was sure she was going to get the privacy she required, the young girl turned and sat on the closed toilet seat. Ellie leaned forward placing her elbows on her thighs as she brought up her hands to cover her aggrieved face. She let out small whimper of frustration feeling warm tears beginning to form in her eyes, but the young girl quickly sat up and wiped the offensive tears away with the back of her sleeve. She refused to cry about something so simple as lying and being questioned. Distressing thoughts began to creep into the girl's mind as she thought of her uncle and the disturbing and gut-wrenching feeling of not knowing if he was safe or even alive. A wave of nausea began to build up in her throat wondering what she would do if something ever happened to her uncle and how alone and lost she would be. Ellie swallowed harshly finding a small gasp escape her lips. Although, she was confident in his abilities as a Hunter, that weighed little against her troubled and worried heart. The confidence and certainty she once felt was withering at her distress of losing the last of her family. Not to mention the grave danger she was in herself. What if the demons found her and not her uncle?
Ellie sniffled slightly as she wiped her sweaty palms down her denim thighs forcing herself to straighten her slumped posture remembering her uncle's lessons of remaining strong and focused and not giving into despairing feelings as it would do her no good, but cloud her judgement and ability to move forward. If she wanted to survive and get back to her uncle, she had to keep a level head and put confidence in herself, even if that confidence was forced and not entirely assured. She had to fake it till she made it through this mess.
The young teenager turned her attention towards the wooden bathroom door sighing heavily feeling a pressing need to get away from the men on the other side of the door. They could not help her. Although, they seemed like decent Hunters and good men, and their intentions to protect and aid her were honorable, at the end they were not her family and this was none of their concern and should not be involved. Not to mention the fearful notion of them using her for their gain was still firmly implanted in her mind by her uncles warning to not trust them. An urgency began to build up in her troubled heart, feeling as soon as the opportunity arose to get away, she would take it.
After a long while of delaying the inevitable, Ellie was able to collect her courage and come out to face the Hunters she had rudely hidden from, finding comfort in knowing she would not be with them for long, being reassured that the awkwardness and frustration was only temporary.
Sam and Dean were at the small table immersed over some research that Ellie was not privy to. Ellie made a mental note in her mind that the men would probably never stop pushing her for information which pushed the troubled girl into an even more state of urgency. It was true she didn't know where her uncle was, but she did have ideas of the places where he could be. She did not trust these men; although her uncle did to an extent, that did not mean she was going to rely on them with her family's business. She would figure things out on her own and do what she had to do on her own.
Ellie took a deep breath and shuffled over to the table fidgeting with her fingers at her sides feeling a bite of annoying embarrassment and awkwardness she brought on by her actions. Which was not something that she was exactly proud of and if it was up to her, she would not even leave the bathroom if it was to spare her from the dreadful discomfort, but like many things she had little choice in the matter.
"Done pouting?" Dean asked suddenly before tilting his head up to look at the girl with a stern expression of disapproval.
Ellie cringed slightly at the declaration of her immaturity, a characteristic she hated to be associated with, feeling a pinch of shame blush her youthful complexion. Ellie bit her lip at the disgruntled look on the Hunter's firm face before casting her eyes down to the floor beneath her feet scuffing her bare toe into the thin carpet.
She wasn't exactly pouting.
"I-I'm sorry." Ellie apologized feeling heat spread over her cheeks and her pride burn slightly. "Can I have my food, please?" Ellie asked staring at her sandwich and orange juice on the table where Sam had moved it.
Sam put his pen down and handed her food looking up at her for the first time since she approached the table.
"After you're done eating, pack your bag. We're going to be on the road in fifteen minutes." Sam ordered evenly. His tone was not sharp, but there was a gentle firmness to it not missing the disapproval and disappointment in his voice which made the young teen feel an odd pinch of regret at her poor way of handling her emotions.
"Yes, sir." Ellie mumbled politely as she took the food.
Once Ellie finished eating her breakfast, she packed her bag like Sam instructed. She discreetly reached under her pillow carefully casting a glance over her shoulder at Sam and Dean who were focused on packing their own bags on their beds. Seizing the opportunity, Ellie quickly slid the blade into her overall pocket naively hoping the two Hunters had forgot about their declaration to keep the blade from her. Ellie squatted down zipping up her duffle bag before standing back up, but as soon as she did, her heart plummeted into her stomach as she heard a hard stern voice exceedingly close behind her.
"Ellie."
Ellie felt herself embarrassingly flinch as her breath caught in her throat feeling all the fibers in her muscles stiffen with strong tension. Ellie slowly turned around to see Dean's tall daunting frame towering over her exceedingly too close for her comfort level. Her wide brown eyes looked up at him in bafflement for a few moments before glancing down at his outstretched hand, his palm up.
"Give it to me." He ordered moving his fingers back and forth in a curt gesture.
"What?" Ellie asked as innocently as she could.
"Your switch blade. Let's go." Dean demanded impatiently annoyed at her attempt to play dumb.
Ellie felt her lower lip tremble with worry as she glanced to one side of her then the other feeling a rising panic bubbling in her gut. She almost felt like crying from the frustration of it all as her hope was utterly and swiftly crushed in just a few fleeting moments.
The simple fact was she needed her blade and, according to Ellie's way of thinking, this Hunter had no right to take way her line of comfort and defense. She found her bottom lip jutted out in defiance and her teeth gritted as she fixed her boots firmly into the carpet giving him an unruly scowl.
"No." Ellie declared defiantly feeling her body go immediately ridged and her heart hammer wildly in her chest as her body swarmed with an anxious warning she was desperately trying to ignore.
Dean was utterly God smacked. Did she just tell him 'no'? However, the shock on Dean's face quickly dissipated and was instantly replaced with one of harsh disgruntlement. A dark shadow passed over the Hunter's face as he dipped his head down and narrowed his sharp green eyes in on the defiant girl pinning her with a severely aggravated glare.
Sam, who stood by the bed, felt his eye brows shoot up to his forehead in shock at the girl's brazen and disrespectful defiance.
Ellie swallowed slightly licking her lips in a nervous manner as she began to squirm on her feet under his sharp glower. She had just told this six-foot menacing Hunter 'no' and she was beginning to feel the effects of that decision immensely quick.
"Wanna try that again, kiddo?" Dean asked tightly his voice dropping to a dangerously low tone as he gave Ellie another chance to rethink her situation.
Ellie was honestly surprised at just how much the Hunter's stern glare was affecting her and how quickly he was convincing her to change her mind. Her bravado was faltering annoyingly swiftly fighting harshly against her desire to remain firm. There was no doubt this Dean Winchester was an intimidating man and although she did not expect the man to harm her, she was no less nervous as her body was jittery with alarm bells of warning that were practically screaming at her stupidity.
Listening to her instincts of self-preservation, Ellie reached into her overall pocket and reluctantly eased the switch blade out. She looked down at the blade in her hand for a long while feeling a grave strain of unwillingness to give up a source of comfort and security. Apparently, Dean felt she was taking far too long and, before she had a chance to contemplated it and change her mind, he reached out to snatch the blade from her hand. However, as soon as Ellie sensed his brisk movements, on pure instinct, she flung back her arm away from the man flipping the blade open, like she was taught to do from hours and hours of muscle memory training. As soon as Ellie did it, a rush of shock and instant regret came crashing over her on her impulsive actions. Ellie turned to look up at her raised arm with wide apprehensive eyes completely dumbfounded that she held a sharp blade in her palm like she was ready to slash it down on the man.
Ellie felt a sickening feeling come over as she did not intentionally flip out the blade, it just happened on compulsion and she reacted. She had absolutely no intention of actually using the blade on the Hunter or harming him anyway. What was she thinking? You never drew a weapon unless you intend to use it. That was weapon safety 101. What was wrong with her?
Seeing the sharp blade glisten dangerously above the girl's head, Dean immediately went into action snatching Ellie's raised wrist and twisted it sharply, allowing Dean to seize the open blade out of her grip without harming her or himself. Dean then skillfully flipped the blade shut with a jerk of his wrist.
Once the edge of the knife had click into its sheathed potion, without a second thought, Dean took a single brisk step toward the young teen snatching a hold of her bicep in a tight firm grip making Ellie's breath clog in her throat as her muscles stiffened in apprehension. Dean jerked her to the side before cracking his palm down sharply against the girl's denim covered backside.
Ellie gasped feeling her hips jerk forward at the impact of the man's swift and heavy palm feeling her back arch slightly. The instant sting of the Hunter's sharp spank blossomed sharply over her left cheek.
Ow.
Dean jerked Ellie's body back so that she was directly facing him once again. Her eyes and mouth were wide with shock as she was still absorbing what had just happened in those few short seconds. Dean glared down at her sternly his chest rising and falling in heavy heated breaths. Ellie dropped her eyes down to her boots feeling her cheeks flush with instant embarrassment and shame at just being smack on her backside. Ellie subconsciously reached back gliding her finger tips over her denim pocket feeling the prickling sting of the spank linger.
Dean pointed a stern finger at her.
"That is the last time you, ever, ever, pull a knife on me, little girl." His voice was deep and severely stern, his baritone voice rumbling in his chest sharply. Although he did not yell, his deep tone made the girl flinch slightly feeling her chest blossom with a childlike anxiety that came with being in trouble. Ellie concentrated on her boots, not daring to look up at the angry Hunter, feeling his stern eyes glaring right through the top of her head.
"You ever do that again and I promise you, next time, I won't be as nice." Dean threatened sternly making the young girl's chest swell with apprehension as her eyes widened in fearful realization.
Ellie swallowed feeling her throat go dry at the man's harsh scolding and implied threat. Dean's severeness wiped away any bravado she once held as she took his threat to heart wondering nervously just what he meant exactly by not being 'as nice'. She certainly didn't think that punishing spank was being 'nice', not in the slightest, as the heat of his handprint was still radiating off her cheek. Did he mean he would give her an actual spanking? Like turn her over his knee? The horror and mortification of that concept was unbearable for the young teenager to even think about.
There was an awkward beat of silence where Ellie squirmed uncomfortably under his gaze wanting desperately for the earth to just open up and swallow her along with her embarrassment.
"I-I'm sorry." Ellie found herself muttering never taking her eyes off her boots genuinely apologizing to the man for raising an open blade at him. Although, she hadn't meant to flick her blade out, the fact remained that she did and she knew wholeheartedly that it was inexcusable and dangerous thing to do. And what made it all the worse was the two Hunters had predicted an impulsive act like this from her and she had just proved them indisputably right which made her feel both embarrassed and ashamed.
She thought she could handle the pressure of her edgy and impulsive emotions, but it was clear by her actions just now that she could not. A sinking feeling fill her gut as she was certain they would never return her blade to her after this. Ellie couldn't help, but think if she wasn't with these men then none of this would have happened. This just proved further that she was better off on her own and she had to get away as soon as possible.
"Get in the Impala." Dean ordered sternly dismissing her with an abrupt curtness.
Ellie nodded once in response needing no further incentive to break away from the Hunter's stern glower. Ellie snatched her duffle bag and back pack off the floor and ran past Dean out the door to the Impala.
Dean stood there for a few moments allowing himself to take a few strained breaths as he attempted to calm his nerves. He then briskly turned on his heels and marched over to his bed where his duffle bag sat. Sam's eyes watched him in silence with a disapproving frown on his face.
Dean threw his packed duffle bag over his shoulder feeling his brother's disapproval press against his agitated body, but did not bother to spare him a glance. He really didn't care if his brother agreed with him on giving the kid a crack on the ass or not. It was he who got a knife pulled on him by the unchecked teenager. And as far as Dean was concerned, the kid more than deserved the strong reprimanded, hoping that swat would sink into to her stubborn mind at how serious he was on safety. This may not be his kid's, but she was with them and she was his responsibility and he'd be damned if he'd let her pull any weapon on him again. She needed to fall back in line and damn quickly or she simply was not going to survive.
"Let's go." Dean ordered curtly as he walked past his brother towards the door. Sam simply shook his head and followed Dean out to the Impala.
Ellie sat in the back of the Impala; her lips pressed tightly together shifting slightly against the stiff leather feeling the sting on her cheek dissipate into a mild ache.
She was now regretting not just listening to the man in the first place. It would have saved her from the Hunter's hard palm at the very least. She was just scared and wanted her switch blade and, in her teenage mind, didn't really think about the consequences that could fall on her. And granted, she didn't realize this Hunter was going to react so strongly as to give her a swat for her troubles. The man was undeniably strong willed, not to mention intimidating as all get-out, but then again, Ellie had been around authoritative Hunters with big egos before and should could handle herself just fine.
She just had to keep her cool long enough to get away, but made a mental note to herself to perhaps not try to piss off the man too much as it was clear he was not afraid to dish out consequences onto her. That smack to her bottom was punishing and it hurt and it was certainly nothing to dismiss as it effectively got her attention loud and clear. She absolutely didn't want any more of it and find out how not 'nice' the Hunter could be. In all honesty, Ellie was surprised Dean had the damn nerve to spank her. No one other than her uncle had ever punished her before. Sure, other Hunters had threatened, but none ever followed through completely and it was more of a shock to the teenager than anything else that some else was taking the roll to discipline her.
She watched Sam and Dean round the Impala putting their bags in the trunk. She felt the car vibrate slightly as the trunk was slammed shut. Her body surged with anxiety as Sam and Dean got in the car, not knowing if she was going to get yelled at, lectured, or punished further. An undeniable and intense embarrassment seemed to take hold of her feeling face flush and her teenage pride sting unable to look anywhere, but her lap.
Ellie swallowed feeling dreadfully uncomfortable at the awkward silence as Dean pulled the car out of the parking lot and onto the road. Unfortunately, the apology that was sitting on her tongue had been swallowed bitterly as she felt a sudden and sharp resentment build up in her young chest rather quickly. She hated being treated like a brainless kid despite her less than appealing actions only minutes ago. She wouldn't have flung her blade out in the first place if he hadn't reached out to snatch it from her forcing her to react. And what right did he have to punish her anyways?
As they continued down the road in silence, Ellie's adolescent emotions were festering and whirling in her gut heightened and fueled by frustration, fear, and embarrassment. The young teen crossed her arms over her chest and slouched down pressing her lips into a firm line as her brows frowned into an angry sulk.
"You had no right to spank me." Ellie murmured suddenly feeling her nerves swarm with anxiety at her bold and impulsive words. She hadn't really anticipated speaking, but the words seemed to slip from her bitter lips on her their own accord.
"Excuse me?" Dean growled lowly with warning as his green eyes snapped to her through the rearview mirror. Dean was honestly shocked that the kid had the nerve and stupidity to open her mouth and condemn herself further. This kid had some balls of steal. She just got her butt swatted and she wants to go round two? Dean's nerves were already heated and the kid's bold words only increased his aggravation and did her no favors.
"You-You're not my uncle. I don't even know you! And I'm fifteen for Christ's sake." Ellie complained trying to sound firm and bold, but, unfortunately, for her, it more came out in a whiny tone showing her age. Although, she was most definitely not fifteen and getting her bottom swatted was not a foreign concept by any stretch to the young girl, she couldn't bring herself to accept someone else daring to discipline her.
Having to go through the hardships of the Hunting life, Ellie often put up a front of acting tough and mature for her age and, in a way, she was, but being spanked just snapped her back into the reality of being nothing more than a little girl. It seemed to take away a bit of her independent spirt reminding her of the simple fact that she was still just a kid, not to be taken seriously or listened to. It was frustrating, not to mention embarrassing as hell getting your backside smack by a man who she had only just met a day ago which made Ellie feel even worse about the situation – did she really bring that out in people? Well, pulling a knife on a Hunter probably wasn't the best course of action, even if it was an accident. And life or death situations don't often call for gentle leniency (or so she was told by her uncle and other Hunters on numerous occasions in various different ways).
Even though her uncle saw fit to give her a spanking if he felt it necessary, despite Ellie's protest on being way too old, that was her uncle, her blood relative, who had a right to discipline her. Dean on the other hand, in her humble opinion, did not. She learned weapons training, military survival and aided her uncle in fighting the supernatural, she even helped kill a wendigo once and shot a ghost with rock salt, which was more than most adults in this world could say, and Ellie found herself wanting recognition and respect for that. She earned that right. She hated being treated like some brainless fragile kid who was given responsibility and freedom that most kid's her age wouldn't even dream of, just to have it pulled away from her when adults deemed it necessary. They got to pick and choose the times that were "too dangerous" and her opinions on the subject did not matter because she was labeled as just a kid who did not have the mental capacity to make decisions concerning herself. It was frustrating when her uncle did it, but, somehow, it was even worse with these strangers, who did not know her and had no right to tell her what to do. Their adult status was simply not enough for Ellie (or so Ellie kept trying to convince herself). She did not like these men questioning her, telling her what to do or having any authority over her at all and she most certainly did not like the idea of them spanking and disciplining her which she was beginning to find out as a grave possibility. Ellie enjoyed her independence and was not about to give it up for these Hunters just because she got smacked on the backside. She was braver than that.
"Look, I appreciate the food and the motel room and you both trying to protect me and all, but, honestly, I don't need baby sitters. I can take care of myself just fine, been doing it pretty well since I was eight. And what is happening with this demon is, frankly, none of your fucking business. Whatever favors you think you owe my uncle consider them paid for and just drop me off at the nearest bus station so I can get out of your hair." Ellie honestly could not believe her words as they were expressed with arrogance and a sassy disrespect that made her heart hammer in her chest. Did she seriously just say that to the Hunter who smacked her bottom less than five minutes ago? Ellie might be brave, but she wasn't completely stupid, she knew that probably wasn't the best thing to say to the aggravated Hunter. However, it, ultimately, didn't matter as everything she said was true and she was just too angry to care and mince words like a polite little girl. Not to mention her pride was bruised terribly.
She wanted to assert herself as an independent girl to be respected, but it, unfortunately, all came out very disrespectful making her feel immature and downright nervous. Yet, despite her rising fear, Ellie managed to just barely masked her face attempting to remain stoic and unmoved by her daring and rude words.
In Ellie's experience, Hunters were not known for their gentle understanding nature. They were often rough and unyielding men. Strong and noble, of course, but unrestrained. Often hardened by the tragedy and the evil they have witnessed. They were a different breed of men that many civilians would deem completely unfit to care for a kid. Ellie knew that her uncle would only entrust her to good men. However, good did not mean gentle and Ellie's body began to swarm with jittery anxiety as she did not know what the consequences of her impulsive words would be.
Dean immediately jerked the steering wheel sharply to the right making the shocked girl grip onto the edge leather seat to steady herself.
Oh shit.
Dean pulled off on a dirt patch on the side of the road and threw the Impala into park.
"Dean." Sam attempted to calm his brother down, but it fell on death ears. Dean nerves were blazing at the young girl's audacity. To Dean, there were a few things that needed to be cleared up and they needed to be cleared up now or this little girl was going to find trouble far more danger than any smack to her bottom could deliver. She was a little girl and she needed to be reminded of this reality and fast or her chance of survival were going to be slim and, that, to Dean, was unacceptable in every regard.
Dean turned around in his seat until his shoulders was directly square with her's, his brows pressed into a deep daunting scowl. Ellie physically leaned back until her head hit the back of the leather seat her round brown eyes wide as she took in his angry expression.
"Alright, kid. I'm only gonna say this once, so better listen to me carefully. You are not going anywhere, in fact, you are not leaving our sight unless you have to take a piss. And I don't have time to pussyfoot around this, so here it is – if you ever pull a knife or any other weapon on Sam or me again. I will pull you over my knee and spank your ass until you understand who the adult is around here." Dean's words came out harsh and stern as he glared at the young teen with a fixed dangerous resolve.
"Dean." Sam scolded surprised by his brother's bluntness and sternness feeling this may not be the best approach, but even Sam had to admit he was tired of the lies and her inability to listen and trust them as the adults. Sam knew this all road on her safety and well-being and she had to face the reality that they were there to protect her whether she liked it or not.
"No." Dean declared adamantly at his brother. "She needs to understand how serious this is." Dean turned to look at Ellie once again with a fiercely stern expression.
"I've tried to be nice, but apparently that does not work on stubborn little girls who think they know better. You are under our protection. Your uncle left you in our care and I guess you don't understand how serious we take that, so let me spell it out for you. You are not leaving our side until this little demon problem is solved and even then, you will not leave my side until I think it's safe." Dean pointed firmly to his chest, showing the girl exactly who she needed to listen to and respect. Her life was in his hands and he took that immensely seriously and his face showed it.
Ellie swallowed pressing her head back into the seat slightly leaving no doubt in her mind that this man meant every word.
"I hate to break it to you, kid, but you don't get to make the decisions. You are not the adult around here, we are. And I don't care how well Caleb has trained you or how tough you think you are. You are not ready to be out on your own, let alone, be out on your own with a demon hunting you." Dean's words came out unforgiving and exceedingly firm.
There was a short pause as he studied the girl's face, who had the good sense to look contrite. Ellie's earthy eyes were wide and timid as she absorbed the Hunter's words feeling her teeth grind unknowingly over her bottom lip nervously. When Dean was satisfied, he had gotten her full attention he continued.
"So, this is how it's going to be, kid - you're going to listen and follow the orders we give you and you're going to do it respectfully without that cocky attitude of yours. And if that proves to be too difficult for you, I got no problem taking you over my knee for a reminder." Dean threatened in a grave deep tone making Ellie's lips part a tad in timorous shock and dread.
"I know that's a tough pill to swallow for a tough little kid like you and you can dislike it all you want, but that is the way it's going to be. I'm not playing around here. This is not a game. This is your life. I'm a Hunter, not some 'baby sitter', and I don't have time to play nice and be your friend. I'm here to protect you and keep you safe. Period. Is any of that unclear to you, young lady?"
Ellie felt herself hold her breath at his deep commanding voice referring to her as 'young lady', a phrase her uncle used often when she was in trouble or he was talking about something immensely serious and important. It was weird and unsettling to hear it come out of another man's mouth. Unable to hold his gaze anymore, Ellie dipped her head down timidly hating the way she felt which was a well scolded teenager. Her bravado had all but disappeared by the Hunter's stern and intense deliverance of his words. It was clear now that she was not going to get away from these Hunters as easily as she thought nor did they have the patience for disrespect. Leave it to her uncle to choose determined and honorable men who took their task of keeping her safe seriously. However, Dean made it clear that they were her protectors and nothing more. They were not her friend nor did they have any interest in being gentle and lenient with her, not that she expected that from rough Hunters, but it still hurt the young teen nevertheless to be seen as burdensome baggage.
"No, sir." Ellie mumbled wisely in a small voice knowing that was the best answer and most assured answer feeling an undeniable guilt creep within her.
"Good, cause believe it or not, I'm actually not a dick, in fact, I'm a joy to be around, but you wanna play games and give me lip while some demons are after you? That shit ain't gonna fly with me, kiddo, I can guarantee it, not on my watch." Dean declared firmly with adamancy not mincing words with the bold teenager.
Taking in the girl's defeated slumped posture, Dean sighed letting out some hot air through his nose feeling his body release some tension in his stiff muscles. It appeared the girl got the message and although, he did not feel joy in knocking the young girl down a peg, he was no less satisfied that she was showing some respect for her situation as everything he said was meant adamantly. He just hoped she would remember it and take it to heart as her little young life depended on it.
Taking this opportunity, there was one more thing Dean needed from the young teen.
"Now, we know you've been lying to us and we know you are not fifteen. Want to turn over a new leaf on that?" Dean asked keeping his voice stern as he dipped down his head boring his green onto the little dipped head, her straight brown hair curtaining her face protectively along with the brim of her navy ballcap.
Ellie felt her heart stop in her chest and her muscles stiffen as he called out her lie so blatantly. Embarrassment and anxiety swelled in her tight chest as she began to fidget in her seat.
When the girl remained silent for too long Dean spoke again.
"How-old-are-you?" Dean asked emphasizing each word clearly and directly making sure he locked onto the kid's eyes as she looked up briefly. He wanted to at least get one truth out of the teenager taking advantage of the humbled state.
"I'm-I'm fifteen. I told you." Ellie expressed unconvincingly as her nerves were getting to her, still trying to hold onto her lie that she knew she needed to own as the truth. However, the experienced Hunter was not buying it. His green sharp eyes narrowed dangerously which made Ellie close in on herself a bit.
"I-I, I'm…" Ellie stuttered out. Hearing the nerves in her unsteady voice Ellie sighed in defeat.
"I'm thirteen." Ellie admitted in a beaten tone as looked at the side door keeping her head down and her eyes away from the man.
"Anything else you want to come clean about?" Dean asked hoping she would spill some more truths, not at all shocked she was, in fact, thirteen.
"No, sir." Ellie mumbled turning her attention back to her lap.
"Alright. That's a start." Dean said as he turned his body back towards the front of the Impala feeling some satisfaction that she told them the truth about one thing at least.
Dean turned the key starting up the Impala's engine before looking up into his rearview mirror at the young teen in the back.
"Now, I suggest you sit there and think about things. And I recommend keeping that mouth shut if you wanna say anything else disrespectful. I'll tell ya now, kid, I'm out of patience with that shit." He added grumpily still feeling the effects of his tempter that the young girl provoked in him. Respect was a huge must for Dean, not only because he felt it was a mark of good character and the right away to act, but because, from learned experience, disrespect and disregard led to insubordination which, in turn, led to harm or death in their profession. Not something to take lightly or ignore.
With that said, Dean shifted the Impala back into drive pulling onto the road. There was a long awkward silence that filled the Impala for miles. Ellie kept her head down feeling unwanted tears sting at her eyes. She immediately swiped at them and swallowed hard, not wanting the two Hunters to see or hear her distress. A hurt began to fester in her gut as she thought about her uncle and how much she longed to be with him, although he probably wouldn't be too happy with her disrespect towards his Hunting friends. However, it didn't matter. Despite everything, she still felt she belong by his side. He was her family, the only one she had left, and the only one she trusted and loved. She had to find a way to get back with him where she rightly belonged.
TBC
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If you're liking it, stay tuned. If not, thanks for giving my old story a chance.
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