This Nightmare Called Love [Dean Winchester]

Chapter Two

I decide to stop by the morgue first, just to ensure that this is a vamp case. I know I'm not wrong about it, but that extra piece of evidence won't hurt any. It only takes me a few minutes to get into my usual FBI garb and talk my way into the morgue. I half expect Dean and his brother to already be there, but to my surprise they're not. I take one look at the latest victim's neck and see that this is clearly a vampire case. There's no doubt about it.

I work my way back outside after reading over the rest of the report, eager to get out of the pencil skirt and scratchy top. I slide back into my Chevelle and pull out of the parking lot. I manage to find my way to a local nearby park and park in a secluded parking spot on the far side. I pull my hair out of the tight bun it's in before slipping into something more comfortable. I pull a pair of skinny jeans and a black AC/DC shirt with some converse out of a bag in the trunk. I pull the clothes on and then pull out my laptop. I prop myself up against the back of my car, balancing my laptop on one knee and taking a sip of my umpteenth energy drink of the day. I pull up satellite imaging of the town and start tracking down the top possibilities where a vampire coven could be staying. I find two likely places and memorize the fastest routes to each. I jump when two car doors shut nearby me.

I look up and see Dean and another taller guy whom I assume to be Dean's brother, Sam. "Hey, Winchesters."

"Hey, Ember, sorry we're late. We ran into some, uh, angel problems..." Dean tries to explain, sending a quick look to Sam.

I raise my eyebrow but I don't question it because it's none of my business. "No worries. It just gave me enough time to check out the bodies, conclude it really is a vamp nest of considerable size, and find the two only likely places they could be holed up at."

"Sweet. Where to first?" I tell him the address. "All right. Want to just leave your car here and take mine?"

"Sure." I put my laptop back into my bag and then unlock the back door. I reach and pull down on the backseats. They unfold to reveal dozens of various weapons arranged perfectly and neatly side by side. I grab my favorite little vamp killer, a knife a little over a foot long with a wickedly smooth and sharp edge that curves in on itself slightly. I slip it through my belt and then grab my jacket before locking my car back up.

"You can have shotgun, Ember," Dean says.

Sam gives him a look, but Dean gives him one back that says "don't argue". Sam gives a small sigh before climbing in the back. I shrug a little and climb up front next to Dean. He starts the car and goes off to the first place.

* * *

The first place is a bust, but I don't really mind because it gave me a chance to see the boys in action and how they worked together. They definitely know what they're doing, that's for sure. I memorized their moves and tactics, which hand they use for what, and how they prepare for the unexpected. I still don't fully know if I can trust them and I'd prefer to be ready if things get dirty.

As we're all driving to the next place, the tension that had sat amongst us in the car during the first trip disappears. I start to feel more comfortable around the Winchesters but I can't exactly explain why. I can, however, tell that they feel the same way.

Either way I suppose it doesn't really matter why or how; it feels nice thinking there might finally be someone I can trust again, though I know better than to put all of my trust in them right away.

"This the place?" Dean asks.

"Yup."

"It's fricken huge."

I can't help but look at him, my eyebrows furrowed together. "And?"

He shrugs. "Just saying."

I get out and the boys follow close behind. I can tell that this time Dean wants to see how I usually handle these situations because he lets me take the lead. I pull out my knife and head towards the back of the abandoned mansion, feeling more comfortable working with them this time around. I gesture for Sam to take the front entrance and for Dean to follow me around back. We slowly walk back there, both of us silent. I come across a side entrance and I decide to go in that way, motioning for Dean to continue around back and go in that entrance. He nods, disappearing around the corner.