Moving on
Another Chapter! Yayyy! Thank you for all the wonderful reviews and comments, they really motivated me to get this chapter written and posted. Although I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this chapter, I hope you all enjoy it. Please excuses the errors, I did rush it a bit as my muse and motivation began to die towards the end.
WARNINGS: There is talk of spanking and swearing. Don't like, please, don't read.
Once Ellie closed the bathroom door, she placed her duffle bag on top of the closed toilet seat and reached behind the thin white shower curtain and tugged at the round ocular knob which squeaked unpleasantly making Ellie grimace. Once the knob was fully pulled into place, the rushing water spat through the pipes and began pelting the side of the pale-yellow tiles and shower curtain filling the small bathroom with the comforting sound of running water.
Ellie unzipped her large navy zip up and shimmed it off her shoulders letting it plop on to the tile floor carelessly. She then processed to unclasp the suspenders of her overalls and tugged the loose-fitting fabric down until it dropped to her ankles. Ellie turned her back towards the mirror and looked over her shoulder to inspect the aftermath of Hunters heavy hand. Just as she suspected her bottom was a blotchy mess of a beat red hue that carried from the top of her developing posterior to the backs of her thighs. Ellie's face morphed into a grimace of pity as she pulled back the side seam of her white cotton panties revealing more of her reddened cheek underneath that contrasted greatly with her white fabric of her underwear. The young teen pressed a finger against her sore skin briefly before pulling it away watching her skin turn white then fade quickly back to bright red.
Ellie replaced the fabric gently, ever mindful of her aching flesh, before throwing her head back letting out a dramatic groan of frustration and defiance. She swore if she turned off the light her ass would be glowing in the dark. He spanked her ungodly hard and way too thoroughly, in her opinion, almost just about as hard as her uncle would have and the man was not even her kin which she still found ridiculously unfair making her feeling wronged somehow as she thought only her uncle should discipline her. However, the fact remained that her uncle was not present at the moment and it seemed like these men were determined to take on the responsibility giving little choice in the matter.
She guessed it could've been worse, the Hunter could've pulled his belt off or spanked her with her overalls down, like he threatened to do if she mentioned her life being any less valuable which would be downright mortifying not to mention incredibly painful. Dean did a thorough enough job of making her ass burn without resorting to it, making her not even want to think about how bad it could have been for her.
A peak of exasperation and defiance spark within her chest at the unfairness of not only getting caught so quickly, but being punished with a damn spanking to add insult to her bruised pride. Being brought back to the reality of being a little girl in trouble and having no control over her fate was a humbling and, not to mention, painful experience for the troubled teen.
"Jerk." She couldn't help, but whisper bitterly through gritted teeth as she rubbed her palms over her sore cheeks feeling the heat of her burning flesh radiate into her hands.
Although, she knew she ultimately knew deep down that she undeniably deserved the licking she got, it didn't make the teenager any less resentful about it. She was a thirteen-year-old Hunter and still getting spanked, by, essentially, a stranger, was a hard pill for the proud girl to swallow as she saw herself as far too mature for that. She hunted monsters for goodness's sake, surely, she had outgrown childish punishments. However, her opinion on the subject ultimately did not matter and weighed of little importance to her uncle and other Hunters alike. Like she had been told many times before, she was not like 'other kids' who knew nothing of the supernatural. She was not in a life of safety and security where there was an abundance of comfort and indulgence to be had. The world, as it turns out, was harsh, unforgiving, and very dangerous. A world where tough discipline was essential to her safety and survival in the Hunting business.
Ellie sighed deeply feeling her chest rise and fall in a heavy huff. Although she was sure she wasn't the only Hunter's kid that still got their ass handed to them from time to time, it was, honestly, of little comfort to the troubled teenager. She couldn't help, but wish for simplicity and normalcy thinking how nice it would be to grow up in a small blue house by a lake somewhere with a white picket fence and dog to run around with and play with.
Ellie snorted at herself mockingly rolling her eyes as she shook her head at the ridiculous fantasy feeling a brush of guilt enter her heart at thinking so childish. Why would she even wish for that? It wasn't going to happen. She was training to become a Hunter; she was doing her part in fighting monsters and spirts and saving lives which was vastly more important than any blue house by a lake. Besides, Hunting is what gave her purpose and although it was ungodly scary and dangerous, it was in her blood and she knew the importance of the job. The pressing feeling to be brave began to creep back into her scared heart. Despite it being difficult to find courage sometimes, she would still always try and be the Hunter who she was meant to be.
Besides, she also had the ability to perform witchcraft which was far more than any normal teenager her age could say or any adult for that matter. Ellie, again, felt a guilt weigh down on her heart at that thought, knowing that witchcraft was not something exactly to be proud of and her uncle would go ballistic by just her thinking favorable towards it. Although, she knew the risks and core corruptness of the satanic magic, she still held onto a glimmer of naive confidence towards it to be used for good, like her mother did. If she could save lives with it, just use it for good and walk that fine line, it would give her power to make a significant difference in Hunting, ultimately, giving her a sense of usefulness. And what was most significant was that she, perhaps, could keep her uncle safe with the charms and spells of protection. There was so much potential and desire that grew from her heart that it made her downright frustrated as her age was holding her back from everything. Her uncle and, apparently, Sam and Dean now, were blocking the possibilities of her being of any use or any significance and that burdened the young girl significantly. She was a 'child' as Sam so bluntly put it and was not allowed to pursue anything of consequence or make decisions on her own. And that, essentially, made her feel like nothing in this harsh world. Although she ultimately knew it was just their desire to keep her safe and while there was great appreciation in that, her young hopeful mind just simply wanted to be somebody and find herself in this terrifying word by protecting those she loved.
Ellie pulled off her boots and kicked off the puddle of overalls at her ankles before grabbing onto the end of her white t-shirt and pulling it over her head. Her long brown hair that was now frizzed and a bit greasy at the roots fell over her freckled face messily. Ellie crinkled her nose as she looked at herself in the small tacked up mirror above the floating vanity. She never liked her freckles and always felt self-conscious about them, although they just peppered her cheeks and nose lightly and were not unattractive or distracting on her delicate face, Ellie always felt like it made her appear too young and immature. Characteristics she was trying to avoid at all cost despite the evidence to the contrary of her actions today and her glowing red backside to boot. Ellie ran her fingers through her long brown locks pushing her hair back observing her flushed cheeks and red rimmed eyes that had the remnants of tear stains streaking down her cheeks. Ellie immediately flicked on the fossette handle cupping some cold water into her hands and splashing it on face ridding her of the famous 'just been spanked' look.
After patting her face dry with the scratchy white hand towel on the tattered vanity, Ellie straightened her posture and looked at herself once again in the mirror. Her round brown eyes traveled downward to her plain white sports bra that covered her modest breast that were just beginning to make an appearance on her developing body. Her abdomen was flat and tight and her hips were athletically slender along with her slim, but toned legs.
She was no woman yet, that was for sure, making Ellie feel a bit of impatience come over her.
Ellie pursed her lips to one side wondering just how long it took to fill out and appear womanly. Was she even pretty? Not that a question like that mattered in the grand scheme of things as the Hunting profession was no beauty contest. You didn't need to look pretty fighting monsters, but still, the teenager couldn't help, but innocently wonder.
Living with just her uncle for five years did not exactly prepare her for all the bodily and emotional changes a young girl goes through during puberty. Her hard Hunting uncle wasn't particularly open or comfortable about discussing such things with her. Although, he tired, he was no replacement for her deceased mother who she longed for terribly. As she has grown over the years, she found herself suddenly yearning for female companionship, even just a friend, who could help her make sense of these womanly changes and have an understanding and support for what she was going through.
Ellie ran a finger up the side of her bra strap before snapping it back and rolling her eyes at herself mockingly. There were more important things to worry about.
She turned away from the mirror and finished undressing before climbing into the warm shower which felt comforting and relaxing against her tired body and aching muscles. A wave of heavy tiredness came over her and she felt her lids droop drowsily. She was beginning to feel the effects of the long day of driving and the wearing of her backside. She was simply exhausted and after washing her hair and body, she found herself leaning against the side of the shower titles and closing her weary eyes. An uncontrollable rawness began to scratch at her sore throat and more tears began to line her stinging eyes. Too worn out to even fight against them, Ellie just let her tears fall down her cheeks as they blended and disappeared within the warm shower water. The pelting noise of the water against the tiles and tub below along with the droplet of water mixing with her tears made it more bearable to sob out her sorrows privately. Ellie slid her tired body down the side of the tiles until her sore bottom connected with the hard tub making Ellie gasped out a pitiful sob which was the tipping point that broke her withered resolve into a frenzy of dejected cries. Not bothering to move her worn limbs to spare her aching bottom from the pressure, Ellie simply let it hurt thinking she deserved the extra discomfort somehow for her utter stupidity and failures of the day. She wrapped her arms around her legs and buried her face in between her knees and cried out her pain until her tears were spent and she had no more to shed.
Ellie stayed in the bathroom a great bit longer then was necessary avoiding the inevitable of going out and facing the two Hunters again after being greatly humbled. Ellie went about her tasks slowly of getting dressed back into her overalls and brushing her wet hair until finally it came to leaving the sanctity of the bathroom. Her hand hovered over the bass door knob feeling her body strain with hesitancy.
Come on, Ellie. Stop being such a wimp. It was just a spanking. A very painful one, she recalled as her bottom was still pulsing and aching from the Hunter's calloused palm.
She had to come out sooner or later much to her chagrin. She would probably stay in there all night if it was up to her, but like most things in this life, it wasn't up to her and the last thing she wanted was one of them pounding on the door and ordering her to come out. She didn't want them to think that she was so affected by the stupid butt whopping that she was too chicken to come out and face them. However, as much as she did not want to admit it that was, essentially, exactly what it was. Not that she was scared of them, of course not, but now there was a newly established authority where they made it abundantly clear that they were not just merely 'baby sitters', but they were taking it upon themselves to discipline her as well taking their responsibility towards her beyond a simple sense of duty. And that came with level of respect and caution that she was forming towards them as they would not shy away from punishing and correcting her as they saw fit which, apparently, included spanking her backside into a stinging and aching mess.
What if they were still mad at her? They probably hated her right now for what she had done and Ellie couldn't help, but feel a resounding fear of losing what little good opinion they had of her. If they didn't want her company before, they sure as hell, didn't want it now. Although Dean had expressed their care for her survival, that did not mean they would forgive her, trust her, or think well of her character which destressed her far more than she thought it would. Not that she blamed them, what she did was not exactly a minor inconvenience for these men. It was probably one of the worst things she has done in a while, right up there with disobeying her uncle on that Wendigo Hunt a few years back. Ellie grimaced at the unpleasant memory. She got paddled for that.
No matter how much she wanted to think otherwise, she ultimately wanted them to see her in a favorable light and the overwhelming need to feel accepted back into their good graces was powerful bringing on strong emotions of guilt and self-reproach. Why the hell did she even think it was going to end well? Because she was a stupid unwanted kid, that's why, she reminded herself harmfully.
She was positive Sam and Dean would not respect her after this and undoubtedly judged her too for cracking so weakly under the pressure, not to mention her declaration about dying which Ellie found out to be the ultimate sin in these Hunters eyes. So much so that the man actually threatened to belt her with her jeans down if she even mentioned it again which confused the young teenager and made her wonder why these men so intensely expressed their care towards her like she was excessively valuable to them. Even though she wasn't their blood, even though she had run away and took their vehicle, that oddly didn't seem to change their concern or care for her which was astonishing and baffling to the young teenager. Yet, that wasn't unaccompanied by a strong feeling of security and her heart felt this undeniable warmth towards feeling cared for and wanted, like she was worthy of it. However, learned feelings of self-doubt and fear made her put up a shield of caution around her heart that made her question and distrust her comforting feelings just in case they changed their minds later down the line. However, the way the Hunters spoke to her so strongly about her safety and going as far as even punishing her for her reckless actions made Ellie almost compelled to believe their care and concerns were genuine making the guilt of what she had done to them far worse than she ever imagined it would be. It was almost like she betrayed them somehow which left her with a weight of heavy shame and remorse.
Why did she have to be so stupid? Thinking she wasn't going to be caught or that she was going to have a chance in hell in finding her untraceable uncle. Her plan had all gone to shit and that was putting it mildly as far as her backside was concerned. Everything went so horribly wrong and being brought down a peg from her impulsive reckless high horse was both shocking and dreadfully humbling to the young teenager. She had grossly underestimated these Hunters in almost every aspect and knew it was going to take a hell of a lot more to shake these determined and steadfast men on just about anything. Like Dean said, she was with them now until her uncle came back for her and that was just a fact she would have to live with. And oddly, at the moment, that wasn't such an unpleasant thought to the troubled girl. Which seemed downright unfitting considering Dean just wailed her backside raw. However, the ache in her backside was not without this strong sense of security and protection, a feeling of safety which was something she unknowingly and desperately needed. Something she thought she would never feel with anyone other than her uncle, but it was there seeping into her heart.
Ellie took a deep breath of courage and, before she could hesitate and change her mind, she twisted the brass knob and briskly emerging from the safe confines of the bathroom. Ellie glanced over cautiously to see Sam and Dean in the kitchen area where Dean was leaning his back against the counter in a seemingly casual manner, his arms stretched along the short length of the counter top, his palms resting to either side of him. Ellie bit her bottom lip as she noted the beer bottle that hung loosely in his hand wondering just how many the man had and if she was the cause of his increased consumption. Although, Dean was known to drink regularly regardless, she couldn't help, but wonder. Her uncle drank consistently, but his preference was often a stiff whiskey. She, honestly, didn't know of a Hunter that did not drink to some extent.
Sam sat slouched in one of the chairs at the kitchen table with his broad back to her, a long neck stout rested in his hand on the table as well. Ellie glanced at the large open pizza box that lay in the center of the small yellow table, practically taking up the whole surface, appearing to be half devoured. She wondered when they left to grab food and just how long she lingered in that bathroom. Seeing that a fairly good portion of the pizza was gone, she estimated that it was a good while and was feeling grateful they had given her that time alone.
Hearing the door to the bathroom pop open, Dean directed his attention to the young teenager walking into the room feeling a wave of relief come over him, glad she finally decided to show herself and not stay camped out in the bathroom all night. For how much time she spent in there, he wondered if she had fell asleep or just simply did not want to face them after getting her butt whopped which he supposed was more the reason, but either way almost two hours was a long damn time and he made a mental note to give her time limit on showering in the future.
Feeling Dean's eyes on her, Ellie, immediately, cast her attention away from him fearing to see scorn, disappointment, or anger on the Hunter's face feeling the guilt and shame of everything press down on her.
Dean watched Ellie carefully as she walked over to one of the beds and placed her duffle bag and boots at the foot in a tidy and orderly manner like she was taught to do. Her damp brown hair hung neatly combed behind her shoulders exposing more of her youthful and delicate face and without the cover of her navy ballcap, the girl appeared even younger to Dean then her ripe age of thirteen. A few wet droplets speckled the shoulders her faded white t-shirt and her round doe eyes were red rimmed from tears and exhaustion along with black circles that surfaced under her tired eyes. The girl needed guidance, support, and protection, but right now, Dean noted she needed sleep.
Ellie's eyes lingered upon the ugly thin floral comforter of the firm queen bed thinking for a fleeting moment about sitting down and resting her tired body, but then swiftly rejected the stupid idea feeling her sore backside throb in protest. Despite some time passing by, her backside was still uncomfortably raw, although the dreadful sting had dissipated, it had seep into her muscles producing a dreadfully dull and sore ache acting as a constant reminder of what she had done to deserve it.
An awkward silence filled the room furthering Ellie's discomfort as she felt both their eyes on her. Aren't they going to say anything?
Keeping her eyes cast down to the carpet, she angled herself alongside the bed, finding herself unable to turn and square her body directly towards the men giving them a side view of herself. She felt like a complete coward, but her humbled and embarrassment state was still incredibly raw and she was finding it difficult to face the men, not knowing what to expect from the Hunters after getting punished so thoroughly.
Ellie began to fidgeted uncomfortably as the awkward silence ticked on painstakingly slow for the young girl. She subconsciously tapped the tips of her fingers onto the thin comforter giving something for her fidgety hands to do.
"Are-Are we gonna…stay here?" Ellie asked hesitantly surprising herself as she broke the tense silence her eyes still averted to the thin grey carpet.
"Yes." Dean replied simply, his voice rumbling in a calm low tone. "I didn't pay for this room just to spank you." He informed breaking her of the idea they were going anywhere tonight. Although, giving the young teen some much needed attention was one of the reasons for getting the motel room, it was not the only reason. They had no pressing need to be anywhere and they had been driving all day. The man was just too damn tired to get back on the road. It was merely a matter of convince and need, if they had to be on the road or there were no motel rooms available, he would just pull off the side of the road, bend her over and let her have it there. In a way, he guessed she was lucky in that aspect where she didn't have to ride for hours on her sore ass.
"Oh." Ellie expressed lamely in understanding. She guessed it was nice to know her ass whopping was not completely worth the cost of a motel room.
"We're leaving first thing in the morning." Dean informed in an even, yet deep tone, although there was an edge to his voice showing he was not particularly happy or pleasant at the moment, it wasn't angry or spiteful which was promising to hear that she hadn't completely stripped the man of his peace.
Ellie pressed her lips together and nodded once to the carpet indicating that she had heard him, although unable to give him the 'yes, sir' she thought best to say.
Dean eyed the girl's timid and discomforted posture knowing very well her pride and bottom were undoubtably smarting. Part of him was somewhat gratified that she was not attempting to mouth off to him and hold onto some foolish teenage arrogance that she was above being humbled by a well-deserved butt whopping. She was thirteen and acting like one would after being punished which was somewhat satisfying and comforting to the Hunter to know she took his reprimand seriously. It would not last, of course, he knew she would be back to herself once the ache had worn off, like it always did, but perhaps next time she would think twice before foolishly attempting something so reckless and impulsively stupid as her little life depended on it.
Keeping his eyes on the girl, he took a brisk swig of his beer before turning towards the small fridge to the left of him. He yanked open the door pulling out a blue Gatorade he had preemptively bought for her.
"Ellie." Dean called effectively gaining the girl's swift attention as she turned her head up to look at him directly for the first time. Dean held out the bottle by its cap shaking it slightly in his outstretched arm towards her.
"Here. Drink something." Dean offered shortly, but in an even tone, unsure if she had drank much on her little escapade. And if she was looking for something to do other than just awkwardly stand there, he just gave her an opportunity.
Ellie swallowed the knot of saliva that was blocking her throat before looking away from him once again finding it annoyingly difficult to simply look at the man who had spanked her backside red only an hour ago. Despite being a bit parched and longing to accept the kind gesture, Ellie felt a stubbornness pull her back.
"N-No thank you, I'm-I'm not really thirsty." Ellie answered in a small voice feeling herself fill with instant disappointment in herself for allowing her stubborn will to dominate over a simple comfort that was being offered to her. Why the hell was she being like this?
Dean raised a critical eyebrow at her knowing very well she refused only because her bottom and pride were sore doubting very much that it was because she simply wasn't thirsty. She was mildly pouting from Dean's perspective, but the man simply shrugged at her stubbornness to accept and set the blue drink on the counter beside him. If she wanted to be stubborn and punish herself that was entirely up to her.
"Suit yourself, kiddo." Dean commented accepting her decision to mope.
Ellie eyed the bottle feeling heavy regret set in as her mouth suddenly became annoyingly dry. But there is no way in hell she was going to retrack her statement as her pride had bested her.
There was a beat of silence that seemed to drag on far longer than it did making Ellie painfully aware of every passing second she stood in their presence. Ellie cast her eyes over to Sam who sat there silently looking at her with a firm expression that Ellie wasn't quite unable to read making her wonder just what the man was thinking. He looked calm and collected, but there was tenseness behind his hazel eyes.
"At least have some pizza, Elena." Sam offered tilting his head towards the open box knowing the growing teen was a bottomless pit of spent calories and high metabolism.
Ellie bit her bottom lip before looking away sheepishly and shaking her head. If her bottom and pride wasn't so darn sore, she would at least have one slice. It was rare the young teenager denied food being offered and Sam undoubtably noticed, but it did not seem to surprise him in the least at her objection.
"Alright, if you're not gonna eat, go and get ready for bed." Dean suddenly ordered breaking the silence sounding a bit snappish in his deliverance seeming annoyed at her stubbornness and overall just an agitated and grumpy mood. The man was tired and filled with an abundance of worry and stress and nowhere near trusting or satisfied and it unfortunately showed in his tense demeanor.
"I want your butt in bed in ten." He commanded in a firm set tone giving her a time limit this time not wanting her to spend another decade in the bathroom. The girl was unquestionably exhausted and needed her rest. If she wasn't going to accept the food or drink they offered, she was, at the very least, going to get the much-needed sleep she so desperately required.
Ellie felt her chest tighten at Dean's irritated tone feeling embarrassed and regretful for not just accepting the food and drink, but it was too late to retract. Ellie nodded and grabbed her duffle bag and headed to the bathroom once again to get into her pjs and brush her teeth. Ellie paused a moment as she stood at the threshold of the bathroom feeling her body grow stiff with hesitancy. Before Ellie lost her nerve, she closed her eyes taking a deep breath before bravely turning her body towards the Hunters.
"Um Sam, uh Dean." Ellie began in a smaller voice than she intended making her sound way too much like a baby to her ears making her wince slightly in embarrassment. Dean turned his head to look at her while Sam twisted around in his chair directing his attention towards her. Once both of their eyes were fixed on her, Ellie cast her eyes downward as she ringed and fidgeted with the handle of her duffle bag in front of her body feeling her shoulders slump inwards in shy manner. Gathering up her courage, Ellie licked her dry lips before tilting her head back up to look at them.
"I really am sorry." Ellie apologized sincerely before immediately dipping her head back down feeling her chest tighten with anticipation at their response fearing to hear the worst as she opened herself up vulnerably to be hurt and rejected.
"So you've said, kid." She heard Dean's deep voice rumbled out evenly in a calm manner referring to her repeated 'sorries' she gave him while her bottom was being lit on fire which had Ellie ducking her head even further biting her lip sheepishly as she looked to the side. Those 'sorries' weren't exactly the ones she wanted him to see as her officially apology as they were only said to get him to stop his hand from falling on her ass.
Sam sighed heavily through his nose as he regarded the young teenager's vulnerable demeanor finding her timidness somewhat surprising, if not a little saddening as she was showing them for the first time an open fear and vulnerability that she worked to keep hidden from them. The mask of her hard persona had been cracked by the reprimand and she was showing to be the thirteen-year-old girl that she was.
"We know, you're sorry, Elena." Sam offered calmly, his tone was gentle and even showing a bit of kind understanding and acceptance.
Although their tones were clam and gentle and did not sound angry or resentful towards her, Ellie couldn't help, but feel a sharp sting of disappointment and dissatisfaction in their responses, but what did she expect them to say? That it was okay what she did? That everything was fixed now that she expressed her regret? Her uncle's words rang in her ears – 'it's all well and good to be sorry, Ellie, it means more when your actions show it.'
"Just do us and your backside a favor and toe the line from now on, kiddo." Dean suggested in tone that was more or less upbeat, if not a little forced, but it held an edge of seriousness to it that did not go unnoticed. He was essentially telling her to be behave or her backside would be on the line again which had Ellie squirming in embarrassment and dread.
She was under their care and protection and, now, apparently, under their disciplining hand as well taking their responsibility towards her completely, encompassing not just their ability to keep her safe, but their authority, direction, and guidance as well. This scared the young teenager to rely and trust someone other than her uncle, but these men were not leaving her much of a choice in the matter which was frustrating in itself as they would not allow her the independence she desired because she was, at its essence, a child and 'they knew better'. Yet, there was a part of her that felt some relief and comfort knowing she was not alone in her troubles and that someone actually cared for her wellbeing, but that did not mean it wasn't any less terrifying for the troubled teen to trust and open up to these men as learned caution and fear kept her defensive.
Ellie bit her lip in a nervous manner as she nodded her understanding keeping her eyes still averted from the Hunter's face.
"Alright, go on." Dean ordered in an even and mellow tone tilting his head towards the bathroom dismissing her.
Ellie pressed her lips together and nodded before giving him a polite 'yes, sir', a hint of sadness lining her meek tone feeling the guilt of her actions weigh heavy on her along with the continual ache that encompassed her bottom.
Once Ellie disappeared into the bathroom and the door clicked behind her, Dean let out a heavy sigh through his nostrils feeling the incessant worry towards the teenager bite at his edgy nerves. Although he was calm and collected on the outside, inside unease and turmoil were whirling in his gut relentlessly skyrocketing his anxiety to newfound heights he never knew existed making him impatiently wanting answers.
Although, she may be genuinely sorry now, that did not mean she would stop her reckless behavior to go off on her own again and search for her uncle. Dean knew she was a very smart and capable young girl and Dean had no doubt of her loyalty and love she had for her uncle. And Dean was positive if she got it in her head again that she had no choice or her uncle was in danger she would not hesitate to thoughtlessly leave again. And that left Dean edgy, disgruntled, and agitated. Dean rubbed a hand down his stiff face before tossing his empty beer bottle in the small trash can next to the fridge. A loud clank echoed in the small motel room as one more bottle clashed against the several empty bottles that he accumulated in the past hour. Feeling annoyingly unsatisfied, Dean grabbed himself another long neck stout from the small fridge twisting off the cap and taking a long swing. What he really needed was his dad's whiskey.
Sam sat in silence as he idly twirled his half-drunk long neck bottle within his large fingers. The man sighed before glancing over his shoulder at the closed bathroom door feeling a fearful worry of his own whirling through his gut. The men commenced in silence drinking their beers deep within their own thoughts and worries about the one little Hunter in the bathroom.
Once Ellie came out of the bathroom in her night attire with her teeth brushed, her bare feet treaded the thin carpet towards the foot of the bed placing her duffle bag neatly by her boots. Sam and Dean watched her as she grabbed her navy ballcap off the top of the bed where Dean had put it and placed it on her duffle bag readying her things for the early departure in the morning. A small, insignificant gesture of compliance on her part, but still found herself wanting to try to behave and get back in their favor, if only just a little bit.
Ellie bit down on her bottom lip mustering up the courage to look at the men without shrinking like a timid five-year-old. Ellie attempted to put on a brave face before turning around to look at both of them, placing her hands idly behind her, palms overlapping one another as she blocked her sore bottom from the pressure leaning her tired body on the edge of the bed.
"Um can I…can I ask you something?" Ellie asked with hesitancy unsure if they were willing to even converse with her or indulge her questions.
Dean squinted at her in confusion, a glimmer of suspicion shinning behind his green eyes. She asking if she can ask a question? Either she was still recovering from her humbled state or she was going to ask something inappropriate that she should keep to herself.
"How-How did you guys find me?" Ellie asked before she chickened out and said 'never mind' which was on the tip of her tongue. Although she did not want to bring up the upsetting conclusion to her escapade, her curiosity got the best of her and wanted to know how the men managed to find her so quickly and so precisely. What gave her away? She doubted very much it was just by dumb luck, but she could not think of any other way which was eating away at her significantly and just couldn't help, but bring it up.
Dean found himself grit his teeth slightly feeling his jaw muscles harden. Although it was asked in innocence, it seemed she wanted to retrack on her mistakes so she could learn from them and be more diligent in the future. A smart and commendable way of thinking, no doubt from Caleb's teachings, and it would be something to paise and encourage if it was under any other circumstances other than her recklessly taking off.
In Dean's mind, it was none of her concern how they found her. The only thing she should be thinking about is why she should not do it again, not how she could've done it better and there was no way in hell Dean was going to inform her on the logistics.
Dean inhaled sharply though his nose feeling his muscles stiffen before twisting his torso slightly setting his beer bottle on the counter, a little harder than was necessary. The sharp thud of the bottle hitting the counter made Ellie's muscles tense as she straightened her posture. Should she not have asked?
Dean crossed his arms over his broad chest as he regarded the teenager firmly effectively making Ellie shift slightly on her feet awkwardly as she kept her widen round eyes on the seemingly tense Hunter.
"We're Hunters, Ellie, we Hunt. It's our job and were damn good at it." Dean remarked in a deeply stern and somewhat agitated tone reminding her of who they were and their capabilities. "That's all you need to know, young lady. Just remember that the next time you got the urge to go AWOL." Dean warned in a low tone, his baritone vocals rumbling deep.
Ellie bit down on her bottom lip sheepishly as she dipped her head down, her round brown eyes blinking up at him under her eyelashes nervously. She wasn't trying to get the man's hair up again, especially after he just wailed the tar out of her, but it seemed she just had that effect on the man making her sorry she even asked.
"I want a 'yes, sir'." Dean demanded evenly when Ellie remained silent.
"Yes, sir." Ellie automatically responded like a trained parrot.
"Good. Now, get in bed." Dean ordered firmly, but in calm tone as he uncrossed his arms and pointed a stiff finger to the bed Ellie was leaning on.
Feeling a ping of dissatisfaction and regret hit her chest for agitating the man further, Ellie simply nodded in compliance pushing off the bed about to do as she was told when she stopped suddenly as the realization came to her that there were only two beds and no couch.
Ellie paused turning around to look at Dean with hesitancy, uncertainty written over her tired face. Dean simply pointed a stiff finger at the bed reiterating his order for her to get into the bed and not question his command. Thinking it was a good idea to obey the man and not provoke an argument, Ellie walked over to the far side of the bed and reached under the double stacked pillows pulling the thin floral comforter and scratchy white top sheet down. Ellie then skillfully slid onto the on her stomach positioning herself so her sore backside would be spared from any uncomfortable pressure. Ellie flung the covers over her tired body feeling the coolness of the sheets lay lightly against her warmed backside. Ellie adjusted and wiggled herself into position until she was comfortable. She tilted her head to the side so she was facing towards the center of the bed feeling her cheek sink into the overstuffed pillow. Although Ellie was undoubtably exhausted and she could feel the heaviness weighing down on her eyelids, she found her mind restless and unable to calm down enough to allow her body to sleep. The guilt, the fear, the uncertainty was still ramping in her anxious mind like an untamable storm.
Therefore, Ellie lay there with her eyes closed pretending to sleep for what seemed like a good half hour, but in reality was only a few minutes as she listened to the brothers move about the room preparing for the night, not saying a single word to one another. Ellie wondered if they were trying to be quiet because they thought she was sleeping or they simply didn't have anything to say. For whatever their reason Ellie found her body become stiff and uncomfortable as her ears honed into every minor sound.
It was only when she felt Dean's looming presence appeared on the other side of the bed, Ellie blinked her weary eyes open. She felt her body tense slightly as she eyed Dean large frame standing next to the bed, his broad shoulders blocking the dull lamp light on the center nightstand. The man ejected the magazine of his stainless steel 1911 Colt before snapping it back into place and setting it back on the night stand for the second time that night making Ellie's brows frown in puzzlement. Perhaps that was just part of his nightly ritual before he went to bed.
Dean then pulled out his cellphone from his jean pocket flipping it open briskly to check the time and his messages, the small artificial light illuminated his sharp jawline and chiseled features that were stiff and tense. He abruptly flipped it shut and set it on the nightstand next to his gun before casting his attention at Ellie for the first time. Feeling a bite of annoyance, he squinted his eyes at the alert girl firmly, surprised she had not passed out yet after the trying events of the day. Although it was only around 8:00PM, the girl had spent the entire day driving, not to mention him waring her backside out thoroughly which he thought would have had her young body spent by now.
With his features stiff and tense, Dean snatched the end of the comforter pulling it back leaving the top sheet flat against the bed before grabbing the extra pillow behind his and placing it firmly in the middle of the bed setting up a distinct barrier between the two of them.
Ellie's eyes cast to the flat pillow that Dean placed between them before looking back up at the man, a worried frown on her face as she took in his tense movements and ridge expression. The man was clearly not at ease and Ellie took that as sign that the man was still not entirely over what she had done which made the guilt and shame press heavily on her chest feeling an urgency build up in her to want to reassure him that she wasn't such a bad kid. She supposed not running off would be a good start, but in a way, that is not something she could completely promise as she was still filled with uncertainty. Truth be told, she didn't honestly think she was such a great kid herself anyways. She was distrustful, at times standoffish, and not exactly the obedient type. Not precisely the ideal kid one would like to have in their company which made Ellie despondent regarding herself.
Dean's green eyes met the young girl as he leveled a stern expression at her.
"Only get up if you have to take a piss." Dean ordered in low tone setting up a restriction on the girl's freedom to do whatever she wanted. "Other than that, your ass stays in bed till morning. You got it?" Dean asked giving her a strong look of warning.
Ellie pressed her lips tightly together wanting to ask if taking a shit counted too, but her sore ass reminded her to keep it to herself.
Ellie sighed feeling frustration and disappointment pinch at her shame. She did not like that the man was setting such strong and seemingly unnecessary restriction on her, confining her to the bed like she was going to bolt again at any time. Her ass still hurt thanks to him, there is no way in hell she was going to take off tonight after all that had happened, not like she would have a chance and hell anyways. Although she supposed she really couldn't blame him, she made her bed, now she had to lay in it, literally.
"Yes, sir. I got it." Ellie expressed as politely as she could although some teenage annoyance was not completely out of her tone.
"I'm not gonna run away again." Ellie murmured in small, but offended tone feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment and shame for what she had done.
Dean eyes narrowed at her firmly, almost like he was trying to read her mind for any plots she was forming in her head.
"You don't believe me, do you?" Ellie asked in a disappointed tone already knowing the answer which made her feel even worse.
"Not as far as I can throw you." Dean admitted bluntly without missing a beat having no problem informing the girl that he did not trust her. She betrayed their trust the second she took off and it would take more than just words for her to earn it back.
Ellie frowned dejectedly. That hurt more than she expected it to feeling her chest swell with guilty pain.
"And just so you know, I'm a light sleeper. You even think about going anywhere you're not supposed to, you and I will have a repeat of what you got and then some." Dean threatened deeply making Ellie suck in a breath as her attention was brought back to her heated backside.
"This is your side and this is mine." Dean said pointing to their designated sides. "Don't make this anymore awkward than it is. Stay on your side." Dean ordered not feeling entirely comfortable sleeping next to a thirteen-year-old, but he wasn't about to deny her or himself a bed just because it was awkward. And what was more, he wanted to keep a close eye on the impulsive teenager. If she stirred and got out of bed, he would know it and that gave him some peace of mind on his edgy and untrusting nerves. He was not going to make the same mistake twice of letting his gaud down with her. Although, the ass whopping he gave her should be a good reminder that he wasn't going to tolerate her reckless impulses, he was far from a trusting mood.
As Dean slid his muscular frame into the bed, Ellie could feel the mattress sink slightly under his weight. The man adjusted himself on his back pulling the thin floral cover over his stiff body before interlacing his fingers and resting them on his broad chest shutting his tired eyes.
Ellie bit her lip bottom in hesitation as she regarded the Hunter's stiff body feeling an awkwardness of her own come over. It seemed a bit strange to the teenager having the man who just spanked her backside sleeping next to her like she was a toddler who couldn't be trusted to sleep by herself. It left her uncomfortable knowing that any movements she made the man would undoubtably be aware of which was causing her unnecessary anxiety. Not that she planned on disobeying the man, the ass whopping he gave her was enough and she did not want to risk any more peril to her sore backside, but it didn't mean she was entirely comfortable with the man hovering over her.
"I could just sleep on the floor." Ellie suggested trying to spare him some less agitation towards her, completely unaware that she was doing the exact opposite. "Honestly, I don't mind, I've done it many times before." Ellie expressed honestly recalling all the times she had to make do sleeping on the floor when a bed wasn't available to her. If she was tired enough, she could sleep anywhere.
"No." Dean clipped shortly not bothering to open his eyes and look at the kid, feeling 'no' should be sufficient enough answer for the teenager.
"It's not a big deal to me." Ellie assured a bit hopeful he would take her up on her offer to give him the entire bed and spare them both the awkwardness. She knew he probably did not want to anywhere near her after stealing his car and running off anyways and Ellie just as soon not sleep next to the man that set her tail on fire. Both her shame and stubbornness were attempting to pushing Dean away. However, Dean was having none of it.
Dean's eyes snapped open as he turned his neck slightly to look at Ellie.
"Did you not hear me, kid? I said no. You're not sleeping on the freaking floor like a dog. Just do as your told, stay on your side, and go to sleep." Dean ordered frustration and annoyance lining his irked tone. It amazed him how much the kid could still argue even when her ass was sore.
"You hate me, don't you?" Ellie expressed suddenly on impulse in a tone of dismay, surprising herself at her revealing words.
Dean strained his neck up off his pillow stiffly as he turned to look at her once again his mouth parting slightly as a look of confusion and offense flashed across his expression. Dean let out a low grumble of frustration before plopping his head back down on the pillow looking up at the water damaged ceiling as he ran an agitated hand down his face.
"You know something, kid, I'm starting to think I didn't spank you enough." Dean declared in frustration feeling the urge to reach over and pop her sore backside for the simple fact that it seemed everything he said did not sink into the girl's thick skull.
"What?!" Ellie exclaimed in great distress and she pressed her palms into the firm mattress shooting her torso up as she looked at the man in bafflement and worry. "Yes, you did!" Ellie accused putting her two cents in as her bottom still ached from his vigorous onslaught to her posterior. She certainly thought he spanked her enough.
Dean rolled his green eyes towards the ceiling, at not only the fact that it was clear she was not going to go to sleep right away like he ordered and so greatly desired, but her terrible observation on his feelings. It astounded him that the girl did not understand care when it was staring at her right in the face, but he supposed the thirteen-year-old had not been on this earth long enough to grasp the concept which was downright disheartening and bothersome to the agitated Hunter. Despite him expressing his care with the upmost vigor, she still seemed to think otherwise which made Dean wonder just how shielded the child was from trusting. How many times has she gotten hurt or let down?
Dean sighed heavily waiting a beat before speaking.
"No, kiddo. I don't hate you. I make it a general rule not to give out spankings to people I hate." Dean expressed in a set tone not able to keep the aggravation out of his tone completely despite his efforts in expressing to the girl that he, in fact, did not hate her.
"Now, I'm only going to say this once, so be quiet and listen…you're safe and nothing is going to happen to you on our watch, kid. Unless you decide to want another ass whopping, you got nothing to worry about, not even me 'hating' you, so close your eyes and rest. I'm right next you if you need me, alright? Now go to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day." Dean's words were firm that held a strong resolve of reassurance and care making Ellie slowly sink her cheek back down into her pillow without a word.
A powerful reassurance came over her as the man's words seemed to seep into her shielded heart reminding her of the fact that she wasn't alone and that she was safe and could rest easy by his side. It seemed despite having done something so reckless and stupid, it did not cause the hard Hunter to hate her and the dull ache that encompassed her bottom from the Hunter's firm palm was testament to that very fact. Although it seemed he was agitated and tense that wasn't because of distain towards her, it simple, at it's essence, was fear for her safety. Even though young Ellie couldn't quite distinguish and understand it completely, there was this profound feeling of care that spread a warmth in her core regardless and she grasped onto that with all she had.
Soon Ellie's muscles physically slacken feeling a burdening weight being lift off her tired body. A lightness came over her as she felt her eyelids droop heavily over her burning irises and within a few short seconds the exhausted girl gave into comfort and drifted off into the deepest sleep she had in weeks.
TBC
Well, I hope you enjoyed that chapter. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it, but there it is.
I kind of have a vague idea of where I want to take this story, so I'm just going to write and see what happens.
Please review and let me know your thoughts and if you want to see this story continue. It would be a big help to me.
Thank you for reading!
