Miss. Winchester ( volume one)

Chapter six

It was the next day. The Impala pulled up in front of Haley and Ben's house, and a new face, presumably the guide, joined them. Sam, Dean, and Eliana stepped out of the car. Sam retrieved the duffel bag from the Impala, while Eliana slung her backpack over her shoulders.

"You guys got room for two more?" Dean inquired.

"Wait, you want to come with us?" Haley questioned, surprised.

"Who are these guys?" the guide asked, eyeing the trio.

"Apparently, this is all the park service could muster up for the search and rescue," Haley explained. Sam walked past everyone, and Eliana positioned herself next to Dean, checking her boots.

"You're rangers?" the guide questioned.

"That's right," Dean confirmed. "And you're hiking out in biker boots and jeans? Your girlfriend better be dressed for the woods better than you," Haley remarked, making Eliana glance down at her outfit. She wore a black long-sleeve shirt, a pink flannel, and Patrick's jacket, paired with jeans and boots. She also had a small backpack filled with supplies, including bug spray.

Eliana finished adjusting her appearance and moved to stand next to Sam.

"One, that's my baby sister, and, well, sweetheart, I don't do shorts," Dean quipped as he walked past Haley.

"What, you think this is funny? It's dangerous backcountry out there. Her brother might be hurt," the guide expressed concern.

"Believe me, I know how dangerous it can be. We just want to help them find their brother, that's all," Dean reassured as he walked past the twins.

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The group continued hiking through the forest. Roy led the way, followed by Dean, Haley, Ben, and at the rear were Sam and Eliana, the latter catching Sam's watchful eye.

"Roy, you said you did a little hunting," Dean inquired.

"Yeah, more than a little," Roy responded.

"What kind of furry critters do you hunt?" Dean continued.

"Mostly buck, sometimes bear," Roy replied. Dean, curious, passed Roy and jokingly asked, "Tell me, uh, Bambi or Yogi ever hunt you back?" Roy didn't respond verbally; instead, he grabbed Dean, causing everyone to come to a halt. Eliana heard the exchange and watched as Roy used a stick to reveal a bear trap that Dean had almost stepped in.

"You should watch where you're stepping, Ranger," Roy advised, then dropped the stick and resumed leading the way.

"It's a bear trap," Dean explained to the twins, inadvertently blowing their cover.

They proceeded cautiously, avoiding the bear trap. Haley caught up to Dean and confronted him, "You didn't pack any provisions. You guys are carrying a duffel bag. You're not rangers." She grabbed Dean's arm, demanding answers, "So who the hell are you?"

Ben passed them, and Sam and Eliana lingered behind Haley. Sam exchanged a glance with Dean, who gestured for them to move ahead. They complied, leaving Dean to explain the situation to Haley.

"Sam and I are brothers, and Eliana is our baby sister. We're looking for our father. He might be here; we don't know. I just figured that you and me, we're in the same boat," Dean explained.

"Why didn't you just tell me that from the start?" Haley asked.

"I'm telling you now. Besides, it's probably the most honest I've ever been with a woman... ever. So, are we okay?" Dean inquired. There was a pause.