Chapter 3: The First Three Months

The first few weeks were a lot of reading and light exercise. Dean was constantly watching me but otherwise kept his distance.

Sam on the other hand was always quick to help and test my knowledge. He kept an eye on my rib and once it had healed enough, we began training with guns, knives, machetes, rope, and any other random thing that may come in handy.

I learned incantations; got a tattoo to ward off demonic possession, learned about salt, holy water, silver, stakes; the whole shebang. I was actually enjoying myself. I think I was sincerely smiling for the first time since my parents had disappeared.

By the end of the second month my rib was deemed fully healed and Dean finally stepped in to help with some of the physical, weaponless training. I found myself more easily distracted by his presence. My heart fluttered at his touch, and when I caught his eye, I faltered in my movement. Sometimes he would give me a half smile, and other times he would frown and tell me to focus in a hard voice. After a week, I had learned to put aside my feelings for him and learn vital fighting skills.

After a month, Dean finally decided it was time for me to test my skills on a real hunt. I tried my best to contain how excited I was when he told me. There had been talk of a lone vampire that was trying to build up his own nest, but he kept failing to control his lust for blood. With only one vampire to fight he figured I would be safe. I really wanted to tell him that I would be fine. I had almost been able to take on a Shapeshifter on my own, and now I had practically three months of training under my belt. But I didn't say anything. I didn't want him to change his mind.

As we packed up the bags, I practically skipped out the door.

"What are the rules?" Dean asked with a menacing glare as he blocked my pathway to the car.

I sighed.

"Stay with you at all times. Don't put myself in unnecessary danger. Fight smart. Listen to you."

He nodded and let me get by and into the car. I could barely contain myself on the way there. I tried to not appear like a child on Christmas Eve. I thought I caught Dean laughing at me in the rear-view mirror, but when I'd look down at him he had that hard look plastered back on his face.

When we arrived, Dean and Sam looked around from in the car before letting me out. They nodded to each other and Dean came back to open my door, leaning in.

"Stay with us", Dean whispered.

I followed them to the building, and when we paused at the front door I noticed some wood covering a side entrance. As Dean decided it was clear to move forward, I held back and then went for the side entrance as soon as they were out of sight.

I slowly moved forward to the wood and listened for anything. It seemed quiet, but I tried my best not to make a noise. I shifted close to the wood and started to slide it. I had only just quietly moved the wood out of the way when I felt someone grab me, throw me across their leg, and give me five quick, hard swats.

"I TOLD YOU STAY WITH US!" Dean yelled before storming off.

Sam was right behind him taking his place and leading me into the main door by the elbow. He looked more worried than upset, but his voice was laced with disappointment.

"You shouldn't have done that, Stella. You could have gotten hurt. Lucky for you another hunter was in town and already took care of it. Stay with me now. But you'd better apologize to Dean later."

I rubbed the sting out of my ass as Sam spoke to me. Getting a taste of what a spanking would be made me want one even less. I nodded and looked up at Sam, embarrassment consuming me.

"I will. I'm sorry. I just thought I could ambush the vampire from the side door." I paused, looking down and kicking some debris around. I continued in a timid voice, "Is Dean really that mad?"

"I don't know about mad. You definitely worried him, so he reacted immediately. Usually he's pretty good about controlling that. And I think he's more upset with himself for losing control like that. But I don't think he's done, yet. You still broke a rule… or two. Help me clean up so we can get back and you can talk to Dean."

I nodded and silently helped Sam and the other hunter chop up the vampire so he could be burned. Dean was still nowhere to be seen. I sighed and felt the guilt crushing me yet again. As Sam and I got back to the car, we found Dean sitting in the front gripping the wheel. "Is it taken care of?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"Yeah. Let's head back", Sam answered, knowing not to push him.

I hung my head and sat quietly in the back, letting a few silent tears fall. I felt like complete shit. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal to peak behind a piece of wood, but I understood the seriousness of it all now.

When we got back to the hotel, Sam got out and opened my door. Outside of the car he spoke quietly to me, "Just apologize. I'm sure he won't be hard on you. You were stupid, but you weren't stupid about it. I know he seems pretty upset, but I don't think it's what you think." He hugged me and went inside.

I hesitated for a moment, then I took Sam's place in the front seat, closing the door and turning to Dean. He was still staring forward with his hands tightly on the steering wheel.

"Dean, I..." I sighed. "Look. I know I was stupid back there. I know the rules. And I know I deserve to be punished. You had every right to react the way you did. Please don't be mad at me."

As I lay my hand gently on his arm he looked at me with such pain that tears filled my eyes. "Stella... I promised you that I would never hit you out of anger. And I broke that promise. I'm so sorry."

He opened his mouth to speak again, but stopped and hung his head while letting his hands fall from the steering wheel.

I was slightly taken aback. He was mad at himself? How could he be mad at himself for caring? I swallowed my surprise and spoke to him gently, reaching to take his hand.

"Dean. That wasn't anger. That was fear and worry. You promised to not treat me like men in the past, and, to me, you have kept that promise. You didn't give me a bloody lip or a black eye. You just gave my bottom a good sting. It means a lot to me to know you care that much. I actually kinda thought you resented me for forcing myself into your little family. But what happened back there just proved you care. I'm so sorry for making you worry. It was selfish of me. I wasn't thinking about how my choice would affect you guys. I just got a big head and wanted to prove something. It was just stupid."

As tears escaped my eyes I leaned over to console myself and Dean with a hug. To my surprise he relaxed and returned the hug, rubbing my hair. As he spoke again he put his hands on my shoulders so he could lift me and see my face. He used a hand to wipe away some of my tears before he spoke.

"You are forgiven, Stella. I don't think this requires anymore punishment from me. You have clearly learned your lesson, but know that if you continue to break the rules, I won't be afraid to throw you over my lap and turn your ass red. Got it?"

I smiled a little at the passion behind his rant. It showed he cared and that was all I needed. "I promise to try to follow the rules", I replied with a devilish smirk.

"I've half a mind to take you over my knee right now", he said playfully grabbing my elbow and pulling lightly.

I quickly followed suit and pulled away while laughing, "No, no, no, no, no. I'll be good. I promise."

He smiled at me once more and gently kissed the top of my head before speaking. "Alright young lady, let's get you inside before Sam thinks I've killed you."

My heart fluttered as I absorbed the touch of his lips through my head. I focused on steadying my breath as I watched him stand up and slid to follow him. He turned and bent slightly to offer my hand as I stood. And I suppressed a giggle as he helped me out and let me walk to the door ahead of him. As he landed a swat on my backside, I turned around to glare at him, but his laughed immediately erased any fake signs of anger from my face. My heart felt light, and I was excited about my new life. I had forgotten what it meant to be happy.