Chapter 1: Masquerading as a Man with a Reason
Claire ducked down behind a tree, trying to catch her breath. She was in the middle of a hunt, running from a pack of werewolves again. It seemed just about everywhere she went there were werewolves. Did she have a beacon for werewolves or something?
She silenced her breathing and gripped her silver blade tight. There were two more to take down. It wasn't supposed to be difficult, but one showed up halfway, catching her off guard. She had taken to the woods behind the cabin, hopefully, to separate them and take them out one by one.
"You can run, but you can't hide."
Claire heard footsteps approaching. She gripped her blade tighter and stepped out from her hiding spot. She came face to face with the wolf that had walked in on her. She was tall and dark-haired. Her eyes glowed yellow in the dark.
"You killed that family," Claire said.
"A girl's gotta eat," she said, shrugging, "now it's time for a snack."
"Not likely," Claire said, raising her blade. She readied herself for the attack.
The werewolf lunged at her. Claire took a step, her foot catching on an overgrown root. She tumbled aside, barely missing the werewolf. She quickly rolled to her feet, keeping low to the ground, looking for her blade.
"This is gonna be fun," the werewolf laughed, her eyes flicking to the side.
Claire saw her blade a few feet away. There was no way she would make it if she tried. She needed to come up with a plan B fast. She had to keep her talking. Maybe that would buy her just enough time.
The werewolf opened her mouth to speak but was cut off as a blade burst through her chest. Her eyes were wide in shock as she fell forward. Claire looked up in shock as a boy about her age stood above her. He was fair-skinned and had dark green eyes and spiked brown hair. He wore a green army utility jacket. He was holding a silver blade, now covered in blood.
"Looked like you could use a hand," he said.
"Thanks," Clarie said, "there was-" she stood up straight.
"Dead," he said quickly, "I've been hunting this pack down for weeks."
"Oh," Clarie said. She picked up her blade, eyeing the kid suspiciously. "How did you end up here?"
"I was hunting this pack, they might've had something to do with my mom's disappearance, but it was a dead end," He said, looking down at the dead werewolf.
"Kid, I hate to break it to you-" Claire started.
"She's probably dead? I've heard it, but I need to know what happened. I refuse to give up until I know," he said.
"I get that, then again, I was told the same thing by everyone, and my mom was alive," Claire said lowly. "She died shortly after, but at least I got my answers."
"So you get it," he said.
"Yeah, look my…foster mom…new mom?" Claire said slowly, "doesn't live that far from here. I was on my way home when I heard werewolves were killing around here."
She let her guard down a bit. This kid seemed harmless. He was kind of scrawny, and the way he held his blade was clumsy. He was a new hunter, that was for sure. Jody was gonna love this one.
"Well, thanks for the help, but I really should get going," he said slowly.
"All in a days work, you look like you could use a home-cooked meal," Claire said, stashing her blade away. This kid was no threat. He was lost and in need of help. She needed to be as non-threatening as possible.
"Thanks, but I gotta get going," he said quickly.
"Ok, but here take my number," Claire said, pulling out her phone. He quickly did the same.
"If you ever need anything, call me. I've got a whole network of hunters I know," Claire said, waving a hand. She snatched his phone, entered her number, and shot herself a test text.
"Network?" he asked.
"Yeah, hunters, help hunters. I take it you are new to this?" She asked.
"Kinda, my step-dad taught me a few tips for self-defense, get in a salt circle and keep iron and silver around, but he took off when I was twelve. Haven't heard from him since," he said.
"That sucks," Claire said.
"He was trying to protect my mom and me, and well…we see how that turned out," He sighed.
"Do you have any contacts yet? Building a reliable network of hunters is important and will keep you alive long enough to find your mom or your answers," Clarie said.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind, I've met a few, but you're the first number I've gotten," he said.
"I'm Claire, by the way, and you are," she said, holding out a hand.
"Ben," He said, giving her a thankful smile. He took her hand. "Ben Braedon."
—Wayward Son—
Dean entered the bunker behind Sam and Jack. He was exhausted. This hunt had taken it out of him. Maybe he was getting too old for this crap.
"So, rest up and hit the road again?" Jack asked eagerly. Now that god was out of the way, and they were finally free, he wanted to become a better hunter.
Dean was taking the time to teach him properly now that they had the time. There was no threat of the end of the world. They were truly team free will now. Jack was a natural in some aspects, and in other areas, he struggled. To error was to be human, though, in Jack's case, half-human.
"Relax, kid," Dean chuckled, "let's take a few days and recoup first."
"Come on, Dean, we have more people to save." Jack whirled around to face Dean.
"I agree, but a little rest won't hurt. You are learning quickly, but even Nephilim need rest," Dean said, looking at Sam.
"Yeah, he's right," Sam said, "how about we take a few days, and then we go visit Jody and the girls."
"Yeah, I'm sure Kaia would love to see you again," Dean said.
"Why wait? Let's go?" Jack said.
"Let's wait for Castiel," Dean chuckled. He liked his enthusiasm, but he needed a day or two to rest.
"Oh I get it," Jack snickered. Dean copped the kid upside the head, blushing slightly.
"Wait for me?"
Castiel entered the war room. He was holding three bottles in his hands. He passed two beers to Sam and Dean. He handed Jack a root beer.
"Root beer?" Jack asked.
"You are still a child," Castiel reminded him.
"Dean lets me—ow," Jack said, looking up at Dean as he elbowed him.
"Dean," Castiel said sternly.
"Have I ever told you how adorable you are when you're mad," Dean said, smiling sweetly at the angel.
"He's a child Dean," Castiel said stoically.
"He burst out of the womb fully grown," Dean said.
"Uh-oh, dads are fighting," Sam said, placing his hands on Jack's shoulders. He led him from the room, both of them laughing and talking about food.
"Look, Cas, you can't baby him forever," Dean said.
"He's basically like four years old," Castiel said.
"With the knowledge of at least a sixteen-year-old," Dean countered, "he's been through so much in such a small amount of time. He's very mature for his age, and if we don't let him, he's gonna sneak around behind our backs. You know he hangs out with those hooligans in town still, and not to mention Clarie."
"Don't use logic on me," Castiel said, fighting the smile that was threatening to break.
"You know it's true," Dean said, walking up to the angel. He bit his lip as he grabbed the angel's trenchcoat, pulling him close. "Now, let's not worry about the kid. Let's go get some rest."
"Somehow, I don't feel like resting is what you want to do," Castiel said, his eyes dropping to the elder Winchester's lips.
"I am dead tired, but with the proper motivation, I am sure I could entertain," Dean said, his wicked smile returning.
"This doesn't mean you're out of trouble," Castiel said.
"Sure thing Cas," Dean chuckled. He grabbed the angel's arm and led him away from the war room.
"I mean it, Dean, we are basically his parents now. We can't be letting him-" Castiel said.
"First of all, we are his dads, not this basically crap. He's ours. Family doesn't end in blood, Cas. Secondly, I'd rather he do it here with us than out there in town," Dean said, pausing to look at Castiel. "At least with us, we can teach him moderation and his limit with the safety of his family."
"We are his dads? Both of us?" Castiel asked.
"Duh, who taught him how to drive and how to hunt? That wasn't you," Dean said, "he may have started out as your kid, but he's mine now too, even more so now that we are…" he trailed off.
"Together?" Castiel asked.
"Yeah, now that we are together," Dean said, smiling at the angel, "now come on, I am dead on my feet. I need some sleep and a cuddle buddy."
"Oh, I'm a cuddle buddy now?" Castiel asked as he allowed Dean to continue down the hallway with him.
"The best cuddle buddy," Dean replied, laughing.
--Wayward Son--
Claire yawned as he walked into a small diner. She was still half a day away from home. She had been texting Kaia non-stop. She was excited to be home and finally have some time off with her now that Kaia was on break from school.
She looked around the diner, hoping to find any empty booth she could crash in for a little while and get some breakfast and coffee. She paused when she saw Ben sitting alone with a computer out and his phone next to it. He was deep into whatever he was doing on his computer. He hadn't seen her yet.
There was something about this kid that seemed familiar. She could not quite place her finger on what it was. He was nice enough from the small ride they had shared back into town after the werewolf hunt. He had taken off after that on his wild goose chase. She really didn't have it in her to tell him that this was only going to end with hurt. He still seemed so hopeful.
She walked up to him, sliding into the booth across from him.
"Sorry, I'm not looking for company….oh, Claire," Ben said, looking up at her.
"You looked lonely," Claire joked.
"I'm actually doing some research," Ben said, "here, check this out." he turned the computer screen. There were a few news articles he had up of missing kids in this town.
"A case here?" Claire asked.
"I think so," Ben said, "I suspect a changeling. They usually lure the kids away and feast on them. I should know I was almost taken by one. If it weren't for…my dad, I wouldn't be here," he said slowly.
"Don't get along with your old man?" Claire asked.
"I told you I haven't heard from him since I was twelve, and honestly, I think I'm better off," Ben replied. "Anyways, I just need to find its nest, and we can save the kids."
"How do you know that it hasn't feasted on them yet?" Claire asked, scrolling through the reports.
"It slowly drains the energy from the kids. It takes weeks to consume energy fully," Ben said.
"So, take a few kids here and there, and he can make it through the winter," Claire asked.
"Basically," Ben said, "Anyways, here, check this out. I've mapped out all the kidnappings, and they are all in a circle around this park," he said, picking up his phone. He showed her all the pins from the kids' home.
"Wow, you've got this all almost figured out," Claire said.
"Yeah, I just can't find the den," Ben said, sitting back against his seat.
"Hi, hun, joining your friend here?" a waitress asked, walking up to them with a plate of food for Ben. The plate was piled with eggs, sausage, hashbrowns, and toast.
"Yeah, and that looks good. I'll have the same, but with bacon, and can I get some coffee," Claire said.
"Coming right up," she said with a nod.
She glanced down at the map on Ben's computer. She gave a small laugh.
"You here to go sleuthing under the park, too?" she asked.
"Under?" Claire asked.
"That old doomsday shelter, there was a kid here talking about sleuthing down there," she said, "He was looking to see if there were any relics left over from the depression."
"Yeah, I heard about it and thought it would be a surprise," Ben said, looking at Claire.
"For our anniversary?" Claire asked, catching on. Ben nodded his head. "You know I always love a good adventure. This will definitely be one for the books," she said, placing her hand over Ben's on the table.
The waitress smiled at them before leaving to put in Clarie's order.
"I think I found the den," Ben said.
"It would appear so," Claire said, "want a second on this?" she asked.
"It wouldn't hurt," Ben said.
The two finished their breakfast together, strategizing their plan of attack. Ben sunk into more research while Claire ate. He found more information on the bunker. It had been created around World War II for the town to relocate to if they needed to. It had never been used and had long since been abandoned. There were thought to be valuables down there, but no locals went down there due to the stories of it being haunted.
Ben paid for their food, and they left. Ben followed Claire to her car. She arched a brow at him.
"I don't have a car," Ben admitted, "I've been living out of a few bags in motels mostly. Using my mom's credit card."
"Ah," Claire said. She smiled at her car. "A gift from my….uh… my dad, I guess," she said slowly.
Ben arched a brow at her, but she just shrugged him off. He wouldn't push for now. It didn't matter as long as he had a ride.
"Ready to get this monster?" Ben asked as they got into the car. "We just need to swing by my motel. I have the stuff to take him down there."
"Just tell me where to go," Claire said.
--Wayward Son--
Jack made his way through town with Sam. They were food shopping. The bunker's kitchen was pretty empty. Dean and Castiel were busy 'enjoying each other's company,' as Sam called it. Jack wasn't totally sure what that meant, but he didn't mind getting out of the bunker. It always felt like a cell at times.
Jack looked around the small stores and restaurants. There were even a few townhouses. It looked much like the movies he had been watching. He discovered the fastest way to learn about people was to watch movies. Sam had warned him that it wasn't all true, but it gave an idyllic way of life that most normal people yearned for. Jack's favorite movies, by far, were ones about love and family. They showed Jack a side of humanity that he hadn't realized was there before. It almost made him want to give up hunting and search for that perfect someone. However, he realized that hunting was in his blood. It was a part of who he was now. He was going to have to get lucky like Dean and Castiel or Sam and Eileen and hopefully find someone who was in the life.
Jack looked to the park as they passed. He spotted a family with three little kids. They were playing and laughing. Mom was sitting on a blanket with the toddler playing peek-a-boo. The toddler was laughing so hard. The dad was playing with the older two, about six and seven, maybe. They were running around and chasing each other and laughing. Dad would catch one and spin them around before setting them back down and starting over.
Jack was so busy watching them he didn't notice that Sam had stopped walking. He walked right into the taller man. He stumbled back, looking up at the taller man.
"Whoa," Sam caught and steadied him.
"Sorry," Jack mumbled, his cheeks going slightly red with embarrassment.
"What's on your mind?" Sam asked, gazing out into the park himself.
"I was just…thinking," Jack replied. He glanced at the family once more. Sam followed his gaze.
"You missed your entire childhood," Sam said, catching on.
"I didn't really have a choice," Jack replied, "I had to mature to face my…you know."
"He's gone, and he's not your dad," Sam replied, "you've got Cas and Dean, and me now," Sam said.
"And I am very grateful for that," Jack said, smiling at the younger Winchester. "I do just wish that I had a chance to grow up normally."
"Well, from here on out, you are a teenager. God is gone, Lucifer is gone, and it's just us. We can pick our own destiny now," Sam assured him.
"You're right," Jack said, smiling.
He was no longer just a pawn in someone else's game. He wasn't the demon spawn of satan or the villain in Chuck's story. They had won. They had taken both of them out of the equation. This was his game to command now. He had the chance to figure this all out on his own, with help from the Winchesters, of course.
He glanced back to the park. A young couple caught his eye this time. They were walking hand in hand. The boy said something that made the girl laugh. He then paused their walking and ran into the grass. He scooped up a few daisies for her. He presented them to her with a smile. She smiled back and kissed him on the cheek. They continued on their way. It was such a sweet and simple gesture.
It reminded him of all the movies he had been watching lately. He felt an ache in his chest. He wished that he could find someone. Dean and Castiel had each other now. Sam and Eileen were going strong.
"Something else on your mind?" Sam asked.
"What does it feel like to be in love?" Jack asked, looking up at the younger Winchester.
Sam chuckled and ruffled Jack's hair. "That is the one thing the movies get right. It's a magical moment. It's like butterflies in your stomach and warmth in your chest. It's like fireworks with the right person. Sometimes you don't even see it coming at first, and you start as friends, some time's from the moment you laid eyes on them."
"What was it like for you and Elieen?" Jack asked.
"It was slow. I didn't think of her that way at first. She was a friend, and then suddenly we were spending all this time together, and when she got her body back…I don't know. It just fell into place. I never thought I'd find someone again that I connected with on this level," Sam said slowly.
"Again?" Jack asked.
"There was one before her, but we were just kids, and she…was killed because I didn't tell her about my hunter life. Eileen is in the life. She knows the risks and can handle herself and then some. She's saved my butt a few times," Sam said, smiling.
"You really like her?" Jack asked.
"I think so," Sam said, nodding his head, a goofy smile crossing his face.
"Do you think there is someone out there for me?" Jack asked, eyeing the couple again.
They were now sitting on a bench together. The girl had her head resting on the boy's shoulder. They were talking softly. Their hands were still intertwined.
"You'll find someone, and it'll hit you when you least expect it. Just know that not all loves last," Sam said, "some are only temporary, and others are for a lifetime. Sometimes you gotta go through some crappy relationships to get to the good one."
"Thanks, Sam," Jack said.
"No problem, kid. Now let's go get those groceries," Sam said. He started walking again.
—Wayward Son—
Ben sat back in his seat. He was sitting with Claire, watching the park. They had been snooping all day, looking for a way into the doomsday bunker. The one entrance they had found was sealed permanently. No one was getting in that way.
"There has to be another way in," Ben said.
"I know, but where?" Claire said, frowning.
This wasn't adding up. The waitress had talked like this would be an easy thing. That people went down there all the time.
"We've got to be missing something," Ben sighed.
"I think we need to call it a night and hit the drawing board in the morning," Claire said, "before someone calls the cops on us for lurking around a kids park."
"Yeah," Ben agreed.
The ride back to the motel was spent in tense silence. He had been so sure that they had broken the case wide open. The missing kids and the bunker being in the center. It was the only plausible answer he could come up with. Claire seemed at a loss too.
They arrived at the motel. Ben invited Claire inside. He had an extra bed and could use help on this case. They set up their phones and laptops. Eventually Claire sighed and pushed her laptop away.
"Are you hungry?" Claire asked.
Ben sighed, tearing himself away from his computer. He looked over at her.
"We've been at this for hours, I can run and get some pizza," Claire offered.
"Yeah," Ben said, nodding his head. "If you wanna go and get something I'll be here."
"Don't stare at the screen too long, we will crack this sooner or later," Claire said. She grabbed her jacket and her keys and left.
Ben sat there a moment looking at his laptop. He closed it, there wasn't much more he could research. He headed to the bathroom. Maybe a shower would help. He needed to get his mind away from the case and relax for a moment.
Ben sighed knowing Claire was right. He needed to take a break. Staring at the computer wasn't going to solve this case. He just needed to figure out how to get into the bunker. There had to be another way. He was missing something.
This wasn't how he had imagined his second year of college going. He was supposed to be going to frat parties and meeting sorority girls. He was supposed to be cramming all night and starting a paper two days before it was due. He was supposed to be having fun and calling his mom to tell her all about it. He was supposed to visit on the holidays and bring friends home to meet her. Instead here was hunting down the demon who kidnapped her and fighting any monster he found along the way.
"It wasn't supposed to be like this." Ben said angrily. He punched the shower wall angrily. "It's not fair. He left us years ago. Why now? You don't even remember who he is, mom!!"
After a bit more yelling and venting his anger, he exited the shower. He headed out the room and dressed quickly. Claire was due back any minute now.
Just as he sat back down to look at his computer for maps on the area Claire walked in with a bag of takeout. It did not look like a pizza. He arched a brow at her in silent question. He was sure she had said she was getting pizza.
"Hey I got food," Claire said.
"Thanks," Ben said as he accepted a bag from her.
"Burger and fries ok?" Claire asked as she sat down and pulled out her own food.
"Yeah," Ben said, nodding his head.
They ate while talking and laughing. Ben shared his college horror stories with her. She was so glad she didn't go. Soon they got ready for bed. It was no use trying to figure this case out tonight. One more night wouldn't hurt.
Ben's phone beeped. He groaned as he rolled over. He reached for the phone only to freeze when he saw Claire standing over him. He reached under his pillow grabbing his knife.
"Is everything alright Claire?" he asked.
She just stood there looking down at him. Suddenly the door burst open. Claire whirled around to see another Claire enter the room. She had a busted lip and her breathing was staggered.
Ben took her distraction and jumped up. He plunged his knife into her. Claire crossed the room grabbing the changeling. They bound her quickly.
"How did you know?" The changeling asked shocked.
"Claire said she wanted pizza, not burgers," Ben replied. "How many more of you are there?"
"It's just me and mother," The changeling replied.
"And where is Mother," Ben asked.
"Dead," Claire said. He looked up from the changeling to Claire. "They ambushed me and I had to fight my way out. I lit the place up."
"No! You lie," the changeling said, her eyes wide.
"Enough chit chat, let's finish the job," Ben said.
They took care of the changeling, out in the woods where nobody would know. They left no trace. They returned to the hotel. As they passed the park where the hideout had been, they saw fire trucks and ambulances.
"I let the kids out before I torched the sucker," Claire said.
"How many," Ben asked.
"Nine," Claire said, "we were too late for one of them."
Ben nodded grimly. At least this case was solved. No more missing kids. The monsters were gone. The town could live in peace until the next supernatural phenomenon came.
Once they were at the hotel once more they got ready for bed. Ben laid there staring at the ceiling for a bit. He was too wound up to sleep now. He heard a sigh come from Claire's bed.
"So how do you know it was a changeling," Claire asked, looking up at the ceiling above her bed.
"I had an experience with one, years ago," Ben replied, turning to face her.
"Oh?" Claire said, raising an eyebrow at him in silent question.
"It was my first experience with the supernatural actually," Ben replied, "it's how my mom and my step dad reunited. They had had a fling before I was born. Anyways, he saved me from the changeling trying to feed off me and other neighborhood kids."
"Oh," Claire said again. She turned to face him.
"Before that, mom and I had a normal life. We had never heard of anything like that. Then he came into our lives and suddenly everything was attracted to us," Ben said looking down.
"I know that feeling, once you learn the truth it's like you can't go back," Claire said.
"Yeah, he hung around for a few years, but he changed after he almost got my mom killed. He made a deal to wipe our memories but the man who did it only had the energy to do my mom. I told him I would act like I forgot. Just to get him to go. If he was that desperate to leave then let him," Ben said.
"Wow," Claire said.
"Yeah, I'm over it. I'm not looking for him. He was never around. I just want to know what happened to my mom and if she's ok and I can bring her home," Ben said.
Claire laid back on her back. She looked up at the ceiling as she spoke next. "Some demons kidnapped me and my mom to draw my dad out. He was into some…deep stuff. It was my first time ever seeing the supernatural."
"Sounds rough," Ben said.
"Yeah, but dads in heaven with mom and they are at peace now," Claire said.
"Heaven?" Ben asked.
"Yeah, I never believed until I met the Angel who took my dad, but it's real. Hell too, and purgatory and all that," she said.
"I guess I have a lot to learn," Ben replied.
—Wayward Son—
Dean stood in the alcove of another motel, watching Jack and Castiel. They had been on their way to visit Jody when they got a whiff of a case. Being the good hunters they were, they took on the job. They had been at it for four days now trying to track down what had happened to some missing kids. Dean's bet was on a vampire, he was itching to behead something. Jack thought it was a changeling. Sam and Castiel were on research duty and finding any information that they could on the missing kids.
They had some down time at the moment. Sam was on a food run while Jack and Castiel went over everything once more. There had to be something they were missing.
Dean watched Jack for a moment. The kid had really come into his own lately. Ever since they defeated Chuck and the Empty, things had been good. Jack had restored heaven and come back with Castiel. They were just living their lives, truly free for the first time.
"There hasn't been an abduction in a few days," Jack said, bringing Dean back from his thoughts.
"Do you think they moved on?" Castiel asked.
"Maybe, if they heard there were hunters in the area," Jack suggested.
"I say we check the local bomb shelter," Castiel said.
"Cas this isn't the 1900s people don't have bomb shelters anymore," Dean said, walking over to the pair.
"The key word being anymore," Castiel said turning his computer. "This town had a bunker for the whole city that was built back in the 60s. It's been abandoned and covered up. It looks like a park was built on top."
"Son of a bitch, you're right," Dean said impressed.
"Wanna go check it out?" Jack asked, looking up from his phone. He looked like a kid on Christmas Day.
"Why not," Dean chuckled. "But it's probably best to go at night. Avoid prying eyes," Dean said.
Sam entered the room. He had the pizzas. The guys filled him in on their plans.
They waited until after nightfall. As they packed their gear they heard sirens.
"Shit," Dean grunted. "Do you think we're too late? Another abduction?"
"One way to find out," Sam replied.
"I'll drive," Jack said, snatching the keys from the table.
"Nice try," Dean said, catching the back of his shirt. He pulled the nephilim back.
"Aw come on, I learned from the best," Jack pleaded.
"Suck up," Dean said, holding his hand out for the keys.
"It was worth a shot," Jack sighed, handing the keys over to Dean.
"You tried," Sam laughed.
The four exited their room and piled into the car. They followed the sirens to the local park they had been planning to stake out already. They saw fire trucks and smoke billowing out of the bomb shelter.
"Fire is one way to take care of a changeling," Sam said.
"Looks like someone beat us to the punch," Jack said.
"Let's go see what the sheriff has to say," Dean said, spotting the sheriff they had been in contact with, who had been awakened to the supernatural.
After assisting with the cover up they all headed back to the motel, exhausted. They all crashed into their beds.
The next morning as they packed to head up to Sioux Falls, Sam got a call from Eileen in Texas. She had found a nest of vampires and needed an extra hand or three. Jack was more than eager to go. He already texted Claire that they were heading to help Eileen and would be delayed.
--Wayward Son--
Claire was almost home when she got a distress text from Ben. They had parted ways after they closed the changeling case. That morning they had shared their goodbyes as Ben got on a bus to head to another lead about his mom in the opposite direction of Calire.
She quickly pulled over to call Ben. If he was calling this soon, something was wrong. She waited impatiently as the phone rang. Finally, Ben answered, panting heavily as if he had been running.
"Where are you? What's going on?" Claire asked.
"There was…another wolf…they…they..followed me," Ben panted.
"Where are you?" Claire asked.
"The last sign…I…it was for…for Hibbing Minnesota," Ben said, his breathing starting to slow down. "I jacked a car after my last bus stop and…and he ran me off the road."
"Are you ok? Where is he?" Claire asked as she put him on speaker. She started to search her contacts.
"Yeah, I slipped him for now, but I don't know how long," Ben said, "I'm in the woods. I broke his nose. He's not gonna smell anything for a little while."
"Send me your location. I've got a contact in the area, and I am on my way. Find somewhere safe and keep me updated," Claire said.
"Thanks," Ben said. He hung up.
He sent her a text with him location. Claire then called Donna. She started driving again as she waitied for her to answer.
"Hiya Claire, what's up?" Donna asked in a cheery greeting.
"I've got a friend in your area who needs help," Claire said.
"What are we dealing with, kiddo?" Donna asked all business now.
"He was hunting a werewolf pack looking for his mom. I thought we killed them all, but one got away and followed him up to your neck of the woods. I'm going to text you his last known location. His name is Ben," Claire said.
"I'm on it. Will you be joining us?" Donna asked.
"As soon as I can, I am a few hours away," Claire said.
"Leave it to me, kiddo," Donna said.
"Thanks, Donna, you're the best," Claire said.
"Oh yeah, you betcha," Donna said.
They both said their goodbyes and hung up. Claire forwards Ben's location to Donna. She then turned her attention to the road. Sure, she had just met this boy, but he was new to all this. Someone had to look out for him.
--Wayward Son--
Ben heard the crunch of leaves. He tensed as he readied himself for an attack. This werewolf was pissed and not gonna be as easier as the others. Suddenly he saw a flashlight illuminate the trees around him. He pressed himself harder into the tree. This wasn't the werewolf, but someone else. How was he going to explain to some normal person that he was in the woods running from a werewolf?
His side ached as he held his breath. He had been pretty roughed up from running his car off the road. He had been trapped in the car until the man showed up, yanking him out. He had never been so grateful for supernatural strength, but the ensuing fight had left him worse for wear. All his years of Taekwondo had paid off. He had been able to hold his own and get away.
"Hey, kid," a voice hissed at him.
Ben looked up as the flashlight landed on him. He saw the silhouette of a woman. He squinted at her, lifting a hand to shield his eyes as he tried to hide his blade. This wasn't going to be good. He probably looked crazy out here, covered in blood and bruises and holding a silver blade.
"Oh no, keep that out. We are gonna need it if he shows up again," she said, lowering the beam of her flashlight.
Ben could make out her features more clearly now. She had long light hair that was pulled up into a ponytail. She was wearing a sheriff's jacket as well.
"You must be Ben," she said, smiling at him, "I'm Donna. Claire called me and gave me the heads-up that you needed some help. I ran into your friend once already and got a few good hits in. Think I broke his nose again, so he won't be smelling anything. He managed to slip away," she said.
"Yeah, thanks. Are you a sheriff?" Ben asked, looking her up and down.
"Yep," Donna said, smiling at him.
"And a hunter?" Ben asked.
"Yeah, got pulled into the know by a few other hunters that passed through years ago," Donna said, "now come on, my cruiser isn't far from here."
Ben nodded his head. He followed her through the woods. He kept his blade up and ready. He wasn't taking any chances.
Once they were in her cruiser, he was calmer. The drive into town was filled with police radio chatter and Donna making small talk. She offered him her spare room for the time being until they caught this werewolf.
As they arrived at the house, another car was already parked in the driveway. Leaning against the hood was Claire. They exited the car, and Ben walked up to her.
"Thanks," he said.
"Like I said, hunters help hunters," Claire shrugged.
"Hey, kiddo, nice to see ya," Donna greeted Claire with a hug.
"You too. Let's take this inside," Claire said.
The three made their way into the house. Donna got the two some soda from the fridge and sat them down.
"Ok, now spill," she said, looking between them.
"This is your story," Claire said to Ben.
"Let's start from the beginning, kid," Donna said.
"Well…I'm...I am not a hunter, well not until recently, but I knew the basics. My step-dad taught me that before he left. Salt and burn, salt circle, holy water and silver for werewolves, how to kill a vamp. The basics," Ben said.
"He left?" Donna asked.
"When I was a kid, he thought he was protecting mom and me, but…we were never really safe. I handled a few vengeful spirits back in high school and even a pagan god. They never left us alone," Ben said proudly.
"A god?" Donna asked.
"Pagan god," he corrected her, "They have gods for everything. It wasn't too hard. I just had to find an oak stake and bathe it in sheep's blood and wrap it with ivy" Ben replied. "I mostly did research throughout high school. I just wanted to be prepared."
"Was your mom not prepared?" Claire asked.
"No, uh…he had her memory sealed with a spell. The being who cast it only had enough power to do the spell once. He needed rest before he did it again. I promised him I wouldn't tell anyone. If he wanted to leave, let him, but I asked him to let me keep my knowledge and keep my mom safe," Ben said.
"Did you tell anyone?" Claire asked.
"I never told," Ben said, "there was no one to tell either. I never saw him again after that."
"You never told your mom?" Donna asked.
"She was better off. We were better off without him," Ben replied, a small glare forming on his face. He sighed as he relaxed his face. "Honestly it was for the best."
"Ok, so what happened, that led to me finding you in the woods being chased by a werewolf" Donna asked.
"About six months ago, my mom went missing without a trace. The only thing I found was a note with an address and the smell of sulfur," Ben said.
"Demon," Donna said.
"Yeah, and I've been tracking him down ever since," Ben said, "I followed a lead to a bar that my mom had been invited to by her new co-worker. It was a total underground trading center. I got his name, the coworker who brought her there, but I haven't been able to track him down entirely, just led to someone who knows the name, and they send me on a wild goose chase," Ben said.
"What's his name? Maybe I could help. I could run his name through the database and see if I can get a hit for you," Donna offered.
"Why are you helping me? You barely know me," Ben said slowly. He wasn't sure what the catch here was.
"Any friend of Claire's is a friend of mine," Donna said, "hunters have to build up their network, and we help each other out. As a Sheriff, I can't always chase a hunt, so I call whoever is closest in to assist. We all have the common goal of saving people."
"Well, thank you, I've pretty much been on my own for the last six months," Ben said.
"You still lived with your mom?" Claire asked.
"While I was finishing college, yeah, but communication stopped, and no one saw her for a few days, so I went home, and she was gone," Ben said.
"Oh," Claire said.
"I wasn't there to protect her," Ben said, his voice hardening. He looked down at the soda before him.
"Don't beat yourself up, kid. How were you to know," Donna said.
"I should have been there. I knew something wasn't right with that guy," Ben said, shaking his head.
Donna opened her mouth to speak but was cut off as someone crashed through her door. She sprung into action, drawing her gun and pointing it at the man who staggered through.
"Well, it seems you found us," Donna said, "any last words."
"You killed my family, boy!" the werewolf snarled at Ben. He lunged at Ben as Donna fired her gun at him. It didn't seem to deter him. He made contact with Ben bringing him down to the ground.
Ben twisted his body, his hands coming up to the man's neck to try and hold him off. The man snarled, baring his teeth at Ben. Ben shoved him off as he tried to stagger to his feet. The man was on him again, this time taking him through the coffee table.
"You'll pay," he spat. He dug his clawed hand into Ben's side, right into the wound from earlier.
Ben gasped in pain, but he brought his knee up to the man's stomach. The man yelped, giving Ben the opportunity to get the upper hand. Ben rolled them and shuffled away from the man.
He didn't get much time to catch his breath as the man advanced on him. He tackled him once more. He went right for the same spot on Ben's side, digging his fingers into the wound.
'He's toying with me.' Ben thought. His vision started to fade as the pain worsened. He grabbed at the man's arm, trying to dislodge him. In this position, he couldn't do much other than try to get him off of him.
Suddenly he saw a blur of blonde and black leather. Claire was on top of the man. She had her blade out and was trying to get him off of Ben. He elbowed her in the gut and sent her tumbling backward into the wall. He swept his leg out, taking her down to the ground.
"Hey! Leave the kids alone!"
Donna had her gun raised again. Ben fell flat to the floor. Donna released three more shots into the man. He crumpled to the side.
"Not in the sheriff's house," she said, lowering her gun.
"Ben," Clarie groaned as she sat up. She scrambled to her feet. "You still in one piece?" She asked. She held a hand out to him.
"Yeah, I think so," Ben replied. He took her hand and stood. Suddenly he felt like he was spinning.
"You sure?" Claire asked, steadying him. She gave him a once over.
Ben lifted his shirt to look at his side. He saw blood had soaked his shirt already and was still oozing out of the wound. He felt faint as he looked at the wound. It was bigger than he had thought. Suddenly the pain intensified. His adrenaline was wearing off.
"Donna, first aid, and call an ambulance," Claire shouted as she caught a wobbly Ben.
He leaned into the shorter girl. Things were going fuzzy. She led him to the couch. She pushed him down, taking his shirt off to ball it up. She pressed it to his side.
"Pressure," Claire said.
Ben numbly took it from her, pressing the shirt to his side. Donna entered the room with a first aid kit and her phone cradled between her ear and shoulder. She was rattling off information about the attack and Ben.
"M'fine," Ben protested. He didn't need attention.
His vision started to fade. He gasped as he felt Claire pressing something else to his wound. He looked down and saw a bottle of rubbing alcohol in her hand. She pressed the ruined shirt to his side again.
"Stay with me, Ben," she said.
"Right here," Ben replied.
He blinked a few times. She was starting to look really fuzzy. Her words sounded far away and garbled. He couldn't really hear anything over the pounding in his ears.
Suddenly the living room was full of paramedics. They were moving around him. When did he kid down? Next thing he knew, they were loading him up and talking quickly with Claire, who was insisting that she was coming with him. He reached out for her, which seemed to do the trick as they let her climb in with him.
—Wayward Son—
Ben woke up in a hospital room. He could hear a faint beep of a heart monitor and felt all kinds of tubes and wires connected to him. He blinked a few times, his hand coming up to rub his eyes. He looked to his side where Claire was sleeping. He gave her a small smile, reaching out. He paused, suddenly remembering what his dad had taught him about waking up Hunters.
"Smart move, kid. She's got the hunter reaction already."
He looked up at Donna as she entered the room with a white paper cup in hand. She took a seat next to him as well. Claire started to stir. She looked up at Ben.
"Thanks for your help," Ben said.
"Oh yeah, you betcha," Donna said with a wink. "He came in attacking us. No one breaks into the sheriff's house and gets away with it."
"You're awake," Claire said, jumping up. "Thank god I didn't want that on my conscience."
"Don't worry about me; I'm tough," Ben chuckled.
"You remind me of another hunter I know," Claire said, shaking her head.
"Why didn't you tell us you were hurt?" Donna asked.
"Didn't think about it, all the adrenaline, and it wasn't that bad until he brought me through your coffee table, which I can totally replace, by the way," he said.
"Don't worry about it, kid. You were attacked. I don't blame you," Donna said, "so why was he attacking you."
"I killed his pack," Ben replied, "in my defense, I caught them mauling two six-year-old girls."
"Oh," Donna said.
"Yeah, they were taking whole families, and I wasn't fast enough to save those girls," Ben said, "Claire showed up to help me finish off the pack, or so I thought. I didn't realize we missed one."
"Well, he's gone now," Claire said.
"Thank you again," Ben said.
"You're hurt pretty bad. You're going to need some help for the next few days. You can crash at my place," Donna offered, "or the hotel I'm probably gonna be put up at until we get the door and window fixed."
"Or you could come with me. Jody's is basically a halfway house for young hunters/those trying to escape life," Claire said.
"You can't keep bringing home strays Claire," Donna chuckled.
"I can and I will," Claire said.
"Might as well. The last time I denied your offer, I got attacked," Ben replied.
"Now your learning," Claire laughed.
"Well, once they discharge ya, you two are coming with me, and we are gonna stay at a hotel for the night. My place was a little destroyed, and it's a crime scene," Donna said.
"Yes, mama Donna," Claire said with a smile, "you know there is always room for you in Sioux Falls."
"Oh, stop it," Donna said, looking away from the young blonde.