Supernatural: The Infernal Book

Bating the Hook

When Dean and Ryder returned to the main room, they were met with varying reactions. Julian looked sorrowful and guilty while Miles appeared to be sharing in Ryder's resentment.

"Are the two of you done playing house with each other?" John grunted callously.

Dean folded his arms over his chest. "We need to focus on a plan," he spoke up in an aggressive huff, clearly not wishing to entertain his father's disdain for his entanglement with Ryder.

Ryder observed the interaction- the not-so-subtle back and forth- and tried to let that take the focus off of his current resentments. He observed the gruff and tough exterior of Dean as he stood his ground and fended off his father's negative energy. How hard it must be to be the oldest son of someone like John Winchester. Ryder could only imagine the pressure Dean must constantly face to be the strongest, toughest, and most-hard-assed hunter of all time. On top of being a big brother and having to pick up the slack while dad hunted. And, even if he was amazing, he probably still never quite measured up to what John wanted him to be. That pressure had to be insurmountable.

As the others gathered around the table, Ryder quickly pressed his lips to Dean's ear. "You're beautiful just the way you are," he whispered before hurriedly taking a spot next to Miles and Sam.

Dumbfounded by the sudden remark and display of adoration and affection, Dean smirked as he moved in just behind Ryder. He placed a light hand on his lower back, rubbing gently circles with his fingers.

"So the witches want the key," John growled. "And they sent a demon to get the book. Which means they won't hesitate to do the same with the key- if we give them an opening."

"I think we should use the key to draw them out," Ryder interjected.

"I'm glad that's what you think," John sniped.

"They know that the key is hidden and surrounded by all of us. They'll play the long game until they can find an opening," Ryder argued. "I saw we give it to them. Let them think they stand a chance and then we close in on them."

John tilted his head, meeting Ryder's intense gaze. "I'm not willing to take the chance of them grabbing the key."

"But that's the only way we'll draw them out," Ryder countered. "We need to make them think they've got an in."

John licked his lips, went quiet as he thought.

"It's a solid idea," Dean said, coming to Ryder's defense. "They're waiting us out, hiding their time. Hell, they've waited centuries."

John looked at Ryder. "I'm guessing you want to be the bait."

Ryder looked around. "I don't think it'll work any other way. The rest of you aren't Ariadne's son. Besides- I'm not as skilled as most of you. They'll see me alone with the key and know they stand a better chance." Ryder paused and fought the rising emotions in his chest. "My...mother...will see an opening to manipulate my emotions."

"He's right," Julian added in a coarse voice. "Ariadne is deceptive and manipulative. The fact that Ryder is involved is probably exactly what she wants. It's the opening she would love to exploit."

"Except she can't," Ryder said in a harsh voice.

"You sure about that?" John asked.

Ryder scowled. "Are you suggesting that I'd betray everyone because it's my mother?"

John shrugged. "Crazier things have happened. You could be working with the bitch. You could be just as manipulative as her. Getting your hooks into my boy the way you have."

"Hold on a fucking minute," Dean growled. "Ryder isn't manipulating me."

John chuckled. "Son- you never see straight when your dick's involved and you know it." He paused and smiled. "You especially aren't seeing straight right now."