Fic: Second Chances - Chapter 8
Title: Second Chances
Authors: princess_schez and gidgetgal9
Rating: PG-15; language, violence, sexual situations, AU. Also, does contain some spoilers for S4, even if the fic is AU.
Fandom: Charmed/Supernatural
Summary: A chance encounter and a spike in demonic activity reunite the Halliwells and the Winchesters in the future… with dire consequences.
Beta: My friend Lisa.
Characters: Sam and Dean Winchester; Bobby Singer; Piper, Leo, Phoebe, Wyatt, Chris, and Melinda Halliwell; Ruby; Lilith; Castiel; Anna; Cole Turner; Lenore
Disclaimer: We own nothing from either Charmed or Supernatural. Everything belongs to their respective owners. We're merely having fun with them.
The Road So Far: This is a sequel to the fic, Witches, Demons and Hunters - Oh My! It is recommended to read that story first, just so you’ll know what is transpiring here.
Chapter 8
Bobby opened the front door and welcomed in the two hunters. They were around the same age as the Winchesters, but they were obviously in much better shape. Josh entered first, giving Bobby a quick pat on the shoulder as he entered.
Jefferson followed, giving Bobby a firm handshake when he saw the elderly hunter.
Once everyone was inside and had exchanged greetings, Bobby gave the two hunters a quick briefing on the situation with the demon activity. “Sam did some research and came up with some stuff he wanted to share with you guys. Dean’s getting him right now, and then he’ll bring our other guests up.”
”Speaking of, how’s Sam been lately?” Josh asked. Both hunters knew of the problems Sam dealt with, but Dean had never felt comfortable enough to share all the details of his brother’s troubles with them. That was personal family business.
”He’s hanging in, given the recent demon crap - not to mention Melinda reappearing in his life,” replied Bobby.
”Oh, his girlfriend is back?” Jefferson asked.
”I wouldn’t call her his girlfriend, technically,” Bobby said. “They had feelings for each other back in the day, and it’s painfully clear watching her that she still has feelings for him. But Sam’s been distant with her lately given everything he’s struggling with.”
”It must be really hard on him,” Jefferson said, sighing sympathetically.
”Like you wouldn’t believe.”
-0-
Dean tapped softly on Sam’s door. He heard his brother reply with a muffled, “Come in.”
Sam was lying on his bed with a cold towel pressed against his eyes.
”What are you doing?” Dean asked, eyeing the towel draped over his brother’s face.
”Relaxing,” he replied before taking a couple of deep breaths. He told himself, in with the good, and out with the bad. Removing the towel, he looked up at Dean. “Are Josh and Jefferson here?”
”Yeah, that’s why I was coming to get you. But only come down if you’re feeling up for it, of course. Did you take your meds?”
”I’m fine,” Sam groaned, snubbing his brother’s overprotectiveness, even though he knew Doc Steve would’ve disapproved of it. “And yes, I took my pills. Besides, just relaxing in here has helped me calm down.”
Sam got up from the bed and grabbed the notes he’d piled on the nightstand.
”I’m going to grab the Glow-worms from their prison; I’ll meet you in the living room.”
”All right.”
-0-
Dean headed down the stairs to the panic room. Chris and Wyatt were pouring over some of Bobby’s books.
”Prison time’s up,” Dean announced gruffly. The two looked up at him. Chris rolled his eyes and gave him the finger. Dean opened his mouth to speak his mind, when Wyatt cut in. Having Chris and Dean fight was not going to solve anything.
”Are the other hunters here?” Wyatt asked.
”Yes, and remember, keep the freaky crap to a minimum.”
Dean didn’t mean to be so aggressive, but after what Doc Steve told him earlier about Sam, he could feel his temper shorten. He had felt better after the good doc left, but that feeling had only lasted temporarily. Anxiety soon took over, and his protective instincts had gone into overdrive.
Dean looked around the panic room, realizing they were still one Halliwell short. “Where’s Glenda the Good Witch? I thought she came back by now.”
Chris and Wyatt looked at one another, eyebrows raised. “She told us earlier that she was going for a walk to clear her mind. We thought she was with you or Sam or helping Bobby with researching or something.”
”Well, she’s not here. Nor would I allow her to be alone with Sam. And Bobby’s with the other hunters.”
”If she’s not back, then where is she?” Wyatt asked. The brothers looked deeply concerned. Taking the steps up two at a time, they caught a glimpse of the other hunters in the livingroom. Sam and Bobby were already seated and in conversation with the two new guests, and Melinda wasn’t there. Sam - with a folder open in his lap - looked up and saw Melinda’s brothers.
He also noticed that the young girl wasn’t with them, and that Wyatt and Chris were looking worried. Bobby noticed it, too.
”Is your sister back?” he asked.
”No. You haven’t seen her?”
Bobby shook his head. ”She just told me she was going to take a walk,” he explained, taking his hat off and rubbing his face. “I’m surprised she hasn’t come back yet….”
Sam looked worried. Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t seen her since she left to go on a walk - and that was before his session with Doc Steve. He almost leapt up from his seat. “She’s still kinda new to the area; she might’ve gotten lost. We need to go!”
”Slow down, there, kiddo,” Dean said, blocking Sam’s pathway. “I’ll go look for her. You finish up here.”
”We’re coming with you,” Wyatt said, as Sam grumbled something incoherent at his brother, but Dean ignored it. Turning back to the hunters, Sam, instead, introduced Chris and Wyatt to them.
”Wyatt, Chris, this is Jefferson,” Sam announced, indicating the tall, dark-haired man. Jefferson extended his hand and Wyatt and Chris both shook it.
”Josh, this is Chris and his brother Wyatt,” continued Sam, to the shorter lighter-haired hunter.
They each shook the other’s hands before Chris said, “It was nice to meet you two, but we have to go right now.”
”You two ready?” Dean inquired, reappearing from the kitchen. He had some supplies in hand to aid in the search.
Jefferson and Josh both understood as Chris and Wyatt excused themselves. But the little search party trio only made it to the front door when there came a knock.
Dean, being the closest to the door, unlocked the deadbolt and opened it up. Standing on the porch was Melinda. She looked flushed and slightly embarrassed.
”I’m so sorry.” She looked down at her hands, wringing them nervously. “I - I just wanted to take a walk and I - I lost track of time. When I realized how long I was gone, I tried to find my way back, but I got lost.”
She kept her head down the entire time, never looking up.
Wyatt and Chris pushed past Dean and comforted their sister. “We were worried about you,” her older brother said.
”Why didn’t you call for one of us?” Chris added.
”I wasn’t in danger or anything.”
”Yeah, but what if you got hurt or something?” Chris replied.
Melinda finally looked up at her two brothers. “God, you guys are starting to sound like Mom!” she snapped before brushing by them and Dean.
The two Halliwell brothers looked at one another, eyebrows raised.
”And here I thought Sam was the only one whose mood could change by the second.” Dean smirked. “Or does this have something to do with female issues?”
-0-
Sam had just pulled out the last of his printed notes when he looked up and saw Melinda.
”I lost track of time,” she said before he could ask. Melinda looked around the living room and at the two new hunters in the room.
”You guys must be Josh and Jefferson.” She extended her hand, announcing, “I’m Melinda.”
They each took turns shaking hers.
“We’ve heard a lot about you,” Jefferson greeted.
”Good things, I hope.”
”Bobby told us about what happened all that time ago. We wouldn’t have believed there were actual good witches in the world until he said there were.”
Melinda smiled.
”And as I was just telling Bobby and Sam,” Josh added, just as the Halliwells and Dean each took seats close by, “we’ve been getting reports from the next town over - strange occurrences and all. Last night the radars went completely haywire.”
Dean didn’t look pleased when he heard this latest tidbit. Melinda shifted slightly in her seat.
”I think you guys should check it out,” she spoke up.
”Agreed,” Dean replied. “We need to kick this demon problem in the ass while we can. The signs are pointing to…,” he quickly glanced over at Sam, “certain demons, and we want this to just end before anything major happens.”
Or before Sam has a major breakdown again, he thought sadly.
”Since you guys might need back-up,” Chris offered, addressing Josh and Jefferson, “we should come along and investigate, too. Safety in numbers since we’re dealing with some powerful crap.”
”Not a bad idea,” Jefferson responded. “Neither Josh or I have anything planned for today, so if you guys are up to investigating, we should probably head over now.”
”Dean, are you coming?” Josh asked.
Dean couldn’t get the word “No,” out quickly enough. “I gave up that demon shit up years ago.”
’You guys are welcome to use some of our supplies if you want,” Bobby added.
”Nah, but thanks for the offer. We came prepared,” Jefferson replied.
Chris and Wyatt got up as did Josh and Jefferson.
”Mel, you coming?” Chris asked, noticing his sister hadn’t gotten up.
”Um, if you don’t mind, I would like to sit this mission out. I’m not feeling too well right now.”
She turned to face Bobby, Sam, and Dean. “You guys don’t mind if I crash on the couch while they’re gone do you?”
”No, and a siesta sounds mighty good to me,” Bobby said. “This old body just doesn’t have the energy it used to.”
Sam piled his notes back into the folder and got up to hand them to Josh. “Anything you should need to know should be in here.”
”Thanks,” he said, taking the folder.
Just then, the phone out in the kitchen rang. Dean got up and sighed. “It’s probably just Sanders.”
Jefferson opened the door, and soon only the two Winchesters, Bobby, and Melinda remained inside the house.
Sam had gone back to his room while Bobby went to his. Melinda sat on the couch and listened to the bits of Dean’s side of the conversation.
”The truck just needs one more day, and it’ll be done.”
There was a pause.
”Yes, I know.”
Another pause.
”I was heading right out to finish it when you called.”
There came a third pause, and then Dean hung up. Melinda hurriedly laid back on the couch as Dean, grumbling, came out from the kitchen looked over at Melinda.
”No hocus-pocus,” he snapped. She gave him a smile before he opened and slammed the door behind him.
Finally. She didn’t think he or the others would ever leave. Getting up from the couch, she tiptoed up the stairs to Bobby’s room. She wanted to make sure he was fast asleep. Thankfully, the old coot could drift off at the drop of a hat. Now, she needed to check on Sam….
-0-
Sam had just started to relax when there was a knock on his door. He thought Bobby had gone upstairs already, but heaving himself up from the bed, he opened it up.
Melinda was standing there, looking at him. There was a small grin on her face.
”What’s wrong?” Sam asked; his eyebrows furrowed a bit. He could feel the anxiety inside him start to build, like it always had whenever she was around. But something about this time seemed way different. His hunter’s intuition perked up.
She didn’t reply, instead, she pushed past him.
”Melinda, what are you doing in here?”
She turned slightly, giving him a sideways glance. “Hopefully you.” Her grin widened.
It took a second for the words to gain meaning in his head. By then, she had seated herself on the edge of his bed, giving him a longing stare.
Sam took a deep breath. It seemed the anxiety pills had worn off. The sinking feeling inside him was coming back full force. He tried to back away; this was just too much for him.
Melinda’s smile widened even more. “Oh, Sam, don’t go,” she cooed, getting up and moving closer to him. “I know how much you want to do this.”
His hand brushed by the doorknob as he quickly grabbed it, but Melinda was quicker. She gave a wave of her hand, and he was pinned to the door. She smirked as she stood before him, placing her hands on his shoulders, leaning up to kiss him full on the lips. He grimaced slightly from the pressure of it.
"Melinda," he gasped, trying to pull away, but the spell prevented it. "What are you..."
He never got to finish his sentence, for Melinda had kissed him again and was working on unbuttoning his shirt.
"Sammy, what's wrong?" she asked, smiling, as she pulled away.
His breathing had become shallow, and his heart quickened. His head felt like it was about to explode.
”Don’t worry. Bobby’s dead to the world right now, and Dean’s out in the garage.”
”Please don’t,” he whispered. He felt bad, almost as bad as when he’d had the breakdown. He prayed he could stay strong.
”Sammy, you suck the fun out of everything.”
-0-
An hour had passed: one hot, effing hour. Dean wiped the sweat from his brow as he looked at the clock. Damn Sanders. But at least his car was done, and the man would be out of his hair now… at least until something else broke on this piece of crap.
Once he got inside, he would call him and tell him the car was finished.
And by then, the guys should hopefully be back with good news from their hunt. Quick and effortless. He wanted this demon shit to go quickly and effortlessly - at least for Sam’s sake. He hoped Sam was all right, being alone with Melinda. Well, he wasn’t completely alone. Bobby was there. He figured the three of them would probably still be asleep when he came back.
He opened the door and walked into the house. His eyes were met with a horrible sight: Bobby was pinned to the wall opposite him, struggling to free himself. Dean’s eyes met Bobby’s before they turned to something that absolutely made Dean’s stomach churn.
Sam was sitting on the couch, hands palm down on his lap, looking despondently at Dean. He was shaking slightly. Melinda stood behind the couch, a large knife pressed against his throat.
Anger unlike anything he had felt since that last time he and Sam went up against Lilith boiled up and exploded inside him.
”Hello, Dean,” Melinda greeted. “So nice to see you again.”
Their eyes met for the briefest of seconds before her eyes turned white.
Dean reached for the gun he kept on himself lately, and he pointed it at the demon.
”Lilith, you bitch! Get away from my brother!”
She smiled. It was an eerie smile.
”You’ll only kill Melinda with that,” she smirked, eyeing the gun.
”Get out of her,” he snarled.
”No, I won’t.” Raising her left arm, she showed Dean the engraved mark she’d left on the Halliwell’s arm. The demon had locked herself into Melinda’s body.
Dean stared at the mark, remembering the last time he had seen it. It had been on Sam when he was possessed by the demon that overtook Meg.
He blinked, and Lilith was gone. The knife had fallen beside Sam.
-0-
Sam had trouble catching his breath. He could still feel the knife against his neck, and his world seemed to be closing in on him.
A hand was on his shoulder, and he flinched away.
“Sammy, it's me, Dean. Are you okay?” Dean laid his hand back on Sam's shoulder, and this time he leaned into the touch.
“M'Okay. She didn't hurt me, just...” Sam couldn't finish, his breathing still getting the better of him.
Bobby stepped beside the boys. “Maybe we should get out of here; she might head back.”
“N-No we have to save Melinda.” Sam struggled to sit up.
“Hell no, we're not going after her. She locked herself in Melinda, and we don't have time to find a way to get her out. Lilith is too powerful for us to mess with; we've learned that the hard way,” Dean replied, holding Sam down.
“T-Then we need to find her brothers...”
Sam was cut off by Melinda's voice coming from behind them.
“You're a very crafty man Mr. Singer, but you make playing our little game of cat and mouse so much harder. I hate a challenge; I prefer to just win.” Melinda's face was set in a pout.
Bobby huffed. “Game? Girlie, what the hell are you talking about?''
Melinda rolled her eyes. “I'm talking about your stupid room downstairs. I need The Book of Shadows, but I could go in to get it!” She stamped her foot like an impatient teen.
Dean's voice was full of hate. “So sorry, guess you'll have to go play somewhere else.”
Sam felt Dean's grip on him ripped away as his older brother was flung across the room. Dean was now pinned to a wall, and Sam could tell he was unable to move.
Melinda quirked an eyebrow at him and then moved a chair across the room until Bobby was forced to sit in it.
“Please don't hurt them. I'll do whatever you want!” Sam screamed at her from the couch.
“So sweet of you to offer, Sam.” Melinda started to move towards the couch.
Dean's voice pierced the room: “Bitch, don't you lay a hand on him.”
“Shut up, Dean!” Melinda snapped her fingers, and Dean was silent.
“W-What did you do to him?” Sam stammered out, staggering to get up and go to his brother.
“Oh stop your whining, Sam. He's fine. I just glued his mouth shut for the moment so we could talk. Now, stay seated please!” Melinda motioned for him to sit back down.
Sam reluctantly shifted back down onto the couch, his hip feeling stiff as his body tightened up in fear.
As Melinda got to the couch she began to sit down in Sam's lap, and it took a lot of self-control not to move from that spot. His body was beginning to tremble in fear.
Bobby's voice caught his attention. “Leave the boy alone!”
Melinda's head jerked in the elder hunter's direction. “Really, you really think it's okay to talk after what happened to Dean? You need to learn your manners too.”
With a snap of her fingers, the room went silent except for Sam's panting. He was beginning to have a panic attack, and it was taking a lot of effort not to lose himself to it completely.
“Boy, did I do a number on you the last time we met. The big, brave hero is now a crippled quivering mess, though I will say even with the scars you're still handsome. I would love to map out your body in all its glory, but alas, I'm on a time table here.” Melinda ran her hands up and down Sam's chest, and he had to concentrate on breathing so that he didn't pass out.
“W-What do you want?” Sam finally managed to find words. He needed to get her out of there away from his family.
“Simple, The Book of Shadows. Could you be a dear and go downstairs to get it for me?” Melinda stood up and held a hand out for Sam to take. He took her hand reluctantly and slowly stood up.
“Good boy, now trot downstairs - oops, I mean limp downstairs - and grab that book for me while I keep your brother and Bobby company.” Melinda sat back down on the couch and made a motion for him to get moving.
“Go on, scoot.”
Sam gave his brother and Bobby an apologetic look and then turned to go downstairs.
It surprised him at how fast he was able to get his body to move down the stairs. Sam could tell he was on an adrenaline rush as he made his way in the room. His body was still shaking, but after moving away from Melinda - no, Lilith - he was able to think straight and get his panic under control.
He gave himself a little pep talk as he picked The Book of Shadows off the table in the panic room. Stay calm and do what needs to be done. You can panic afterwards. Right now, Bobby and Dean are counting on you.
With renewed confidence, but still filled with dread, Sam made his way back upstairs with the book.
“Wow, Sam, that has to be the cripple record for going up and down stairs. You should be so proud.”
Melinda smirked at him as he entered the room.
Sam ignored the comment and just held the book close. “I give you the book, and you leave. And by that I mean you leave Melinda's body!”
Melinda rolled her eyes. “Oh so cripple boy found some courage while he was downstairs. So tell you what, hand me the book, and I'll think about it.”
“No!” Sam barked back. He could see the panic on his brother's and Bobby's eyes as he spoke. He knew that they were afraid for him. To be honest, he was afraid, too, but he had to protect them.
“My, my, now you almost sounded like the Sam I knew so long ago. So, I'll just take the book!” Melinda reached a hand out, and the book flew from Sam's hands straight for hers. But then she dropped it like she had been burned.
Sam huffed. “I forgot in all the excitement, it's like the ruby slippers, big, bad bitches can't touch them.”
“Well, Scarecrow, that just means I’ll have to use other resources. I've picked your little girlfriend's brain and it seems she taught you some goody-two-shoe thing about chakras. Is that right?”
Sam swallowed hard, fear and panic creeping back to surround him. “Just leave before her brothers come back.”
“Again, Sam, nice try and all, but I have other plans. In fact, let’s get you comfortable.” Melinda flicked her hand at him, and Sam felt himself being pulled towards the couch.
He landed with a thud that jarred his injured leg. The pain flared up, and he groaned in pain.
“That's better.” Melinda straddled Sam as he lay across the couch with her hands once again stroking his chest. He tried to move away, but he was pinned.
She stopped caressing once she found a spot above his belly button. “I found what I was looking for, Sam. This is your energy chakra, and I intend to feed on it until I am just as powerful as I was before.”
Sam tried to get away, but he couldn't move. Her touch was beginning to become warm against his skin, and then it began to burn, causing immense pain.
Melinda's voice was now chanting some ancient language that Sam didn't understand, but he was sure that Lilith was performing a ritual on top of the feeding to strengthen herself.
God how he hated that it was Melinda's voice that was reciting his doom. Sam had no delusions that Lilith would probably bleed him dry. It was just a matter of time.
It was becoming hard to breath and the lights were becoming blurred. Sam locked eyes with Dean, trying to convey his last goodbye, because his voice had left him as the pain had become so intense. It reminded him of the pain he’d felt when Jake had shoved a knife deep in his back.
It was a pain that told Sam that the end was near. He just hoped that Dean wouldn't blame himself and that he would be able to move on this time. Maybe with Bobby.
Sam moved his tear-filled gaze to the older hunter that had become like a second father to him and Dean. At least Dean would have Bobby.
Knowing that his time was short, he gave Dean one last look before closing his eyes and letting the pain take him away.
-0-
Lilith was excited about how much energy she was able to pull from Sam. For the first time in ages, she felt like herself. It was tempting to bleed him completely dry, but that was too risky.
She had her orders. Sam was to play a part in bringing Lucifer to live up top. Lilith guessed he would be a vessel, but she was not certain. She just knew he was needed and that the plans would be revealed to her as soon as she started breaking the seals.
And now Ruby could be of some use again, keeping Sam alive until the time came.
Lilith sighed as she reluctantly let go of Sam's energy; it was so satisfying having his life slip through her fingers as Dean watched. It was delightful, but all good things must come to an end.
She slowly stood and glared at Dean. “Oh gonna cry now that Sammy is dead, are you?”
Unshed tears glistened on a devastated Dean's face. Lilith wanted to lick them off, but she had better things to do.
“Well, he is almost dead - but not quite. In fact, you know what? I love playing with Sammy so much I think I'll let him live this time. I'll just hop out of this silly girl’s body, and she can summon her do-good brothers, and they can save Sam. They'll make him all better.”
Lilith winked and then left the good witch’s body.
-0-
Dean slumped to the floor and scrambled over to Sam. His brother's breaths were labored and shallow. He took Sam's pulse, and it was very weak.
“C'mon, Sammy, Lilith is gone. You'll be okay.” Dean looked towards Melinda and found Bobby holding the girl in his arms, trying to revive her.
“Hey, missy, you need to wake up. Sam needs your help.” Bobby's voice was quiet, but Dean could hear the panic in it.
Dean was relieved to see Melinda's eyes slowly open. She gasped and then looked around the room frantically.
“Sam? Is he okay?” Her voice was full of emotion.
Dean shook his head and a tear made its way down his cheek. “No, he's dying. Can you get your brothers?”
Melinda nodded, tears gathering in her eyes. “I'll get them.”
Dean turned back to his brother and whispered in his ear. “Hold on, Sammy, help’s coming.”
Chapter 9...
Previous Chapters
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Authors: princess_schez and gidgetgal9
Rating: PG-15; language, violence, sexual situations, AU. Also, does contain some spoilers for S4, even if the fic is AU.
Fandom: Charmed/Supernatural
Summary: A chance encounter and a spike in demonic activity reunite the Halliwells and the Winchesters in the future… with dire consequences.
Beta: My friend Lisa.
Characters: Sam and Dean Winchester; Bobby Singer; Piper, Leo, Phoebe, Wyatt, Chris, and Melinda Halliwell; Ruby; Lilith; Castiel; Anna; Cole Turner; Lenore
Disclaimer: We own nothing from either Charmed or Supernatural. Everything belongs to their respective owners. We're merely having fun with them.
The Road So Far: This is a sequel to the fic, Witches, Demons and Hunters - Oh My! It is recommended to read that story first, just so you’ll know what is transpiring here.
Chapter 8
Bobby opened the front door and welcomed in the two hunters. They were around the same age as the Winchesters, but they were obviously in much better shape. Josh entered first, giving Bobby a quick pat on the shoulder as he entered.
Jefferson followed, giving Bobby a firm handshake when he saw the elderly hunter.
Once everyone was inside and had exchanged greetings, Bobby gave the two hunters a quick briefing on the situation with the demon activity. “Sam did some research and came up with some stuff he wanted to share with you guys. Dean’s getting him right now, and then he’ll bring our other guests up.”
”Speaking of, how’s Sam been lately?” Josh asked. Both hunters knew of the problems Sam dealt with, but Dean had never felt comfortable enough to share all the details of his brother’s troubles with them. That was personal family business.
”He’s hanging in, given the recent demon crap - not to mention Melinda reappearing in his life,” replied Bobby.
”Oh, his girlfriend is back?” Jefferson asked.
”I wouldn’t call her his girlfriend, technically,” Bobby said. “They had feelings for each other back in the day, and it’s painfully clear watching her that she still has feelings for him. But Sam’s been distant with her lately given everything he’s struggling with.”
”It must be really hard on him,” Jefferson said, sighing sympathetically.
”Like you wouldn’t believe.”
-0-
Dean tapped softly on Sam’s door. He heard his brother reply with a muffled, “Come in.”
Sam was lying on his bed with a cold towel pressed against his eyes.
”What are you doing?” Dean asked, eyeing the towel draped over his brother’s face.
”Relaxing,” he replied before taking a couple of deep breaths. He told himself, in with the good, and out with the bad. Removing the towel, he looked up at Dean. “Are Josh and Jefferson here?”
”Yeah, that’s why I was coming to get you. But only come down if you’re feeling up for it, of course. Did you take your meds?”
”I’m fine,” Sam groaned, snubbing his brother’s overprotectiveness, even though he knew Doc Steve would’ve disapproved of it. “And yes, I took my pills. Besides, just relaxing in here has helped me calm down.”
Sam got up from the bed and grabbed the notes he’d piled on the nightstand.
”I’m going to grab the Glow-worms from their prison; I’ll meet you in the living room.”
”All right.”
-0-
Dean headed down the stairs to the panic room. Chris and Wyatt were pouring over some of Bobby’s books.
”Prison time’s up,” Dean announced gruffly. The two looked up at him. Chris rolled his eyes and gave him the finger. Dean opened his mouth to speak his mind, when Wyatt cut in. Having Chris and Dean fight was not going to solve anything.
”Are the other hunters here?” Wyatt asked.
”Yes, and remember, keep the freaky crap to a minimum.”
Dean didn’t mean to be so aggressive, but after what Doc Steve told him earlier about Sam, he could feel his temper shorten. He had felt better after the good doc left, but that feeling had only lasted temporarily. Anxiety soon took over, and his protective instincts had gone into overdrive.
Dean looked around the panic room, realizing they were still one Halliwell short. “Where’s Glenda the Good Witch? I thought she came back by now.”
Chris and Wyatt looked at one another, eyebrows raised. “She told us earlier that she was going for a walk to clear her mind. We thought she was with you or Sam or helping Bobby with researching or something.”
”Well, she’s not here. Nor would I allow her to be alone with Sam. And Bobby’s with the other hunters.”
”If she’s not back, then where is she?” Wyatt asked. The brothers looked deeply concerned. Taking the steps up two at a time, they caught a glimpse of the other hunters in the livingroom. Sam and Bobby were already seated and in conversation with the two new guests, and Melinda wasn’t there. Sam - with a folder open in his lap - looked up and saw Melinda’s brothers.
He also noticed that the young girl wasn’t with them, and that Wyatt and Chris were looking worried. Bobby noticed it, too.
”Is your sister back?” he asked.
”No. You haven’t seen her?”
Bobby shook his head. ”She just told me she was going to take a walk,” he explained, taking his hat off and rubbing his face. “I’m surprised she hasn’t come back yet….”
Sam looked worried. Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t seen her since she left to go on a walk - and that was before his session with Doc Steve. He almost leapt up from his seat. “She’s still kinda new to the area; she might’ve gotten lost. We need to go!”
”Slow down, there, kiddo,” Dean said, blocking Sam’s pathway. “I’ll go look for her. You finish up here.”
”We’re coming with you,” Wyatt said, as Sam grumbled something incoherent at his brother, but Dean ignored it. Turning back to the hunters, Sam, instead, introduced Chris and Wyatt to them.
”Wyatt, Chris, this is Jefferson,” Sam announced, indicating the tall, dark-haired man. Jefferson extended his hand and Wyatt and Chris both shook it.
”Josh, this is Chris and his brother Wyatt,” continued Sam, to the shorter lighter-haired hunter.
They each shook the other’s hands before Chris said, “It was nice to meet you two, but we have to go right now.”
”You two ready?” Dean inquired, reappearing from the kitchen. He had some supplies in hand to aid in the search.
Jefferson and Josh both understood as Chris and Wyatt excused themselves. But the little search party trio only made it to the front door when there came a knock.
Dean, being the closest to the door, unlocked the deadbolt and opened it up. Standing on the porch was Melinda. She looked flushed and slightly embarrassed.
”I’m so sorry.” She looked down at her hands, wringing them nervously. “I - I just wanted to take a walk and I - I lost track of time. When I realized how long I was gone, I tried to find my way back, but I got lost.”
She kept her head down the entire time, never looking up.
Wyatt and Chris pushed past Dean and comforted their sister. “We were worried about you,” her older brother said.
”Why didn’t you call for one of us?” Chris added.
”I wasn’t in danger or anything.”
”Yeah, but what if you got hurt or something?” Chris replied.
Melinda finally looked up at her two brothers. “God, you guys are starting to sound like Mom!” she snapped before brushing by them and Dean.
The two Halliwell brothers looked at one another, eyebrows raised.
”And here I thought Sam was the only one whose mood could change by the second.” Dean smirked. “Or does this have something to do with female issues?”
-0-
Sam had just pulled out the last of his printed notes when he looked up and saw Melinda.
”I lost track of time,” she said before he could ask. Melinda looked around the living room and at the two new hunters in the room.
”You guys must be Josh and Jefferson.” She extended her hand, announcing, “I’m Melinda.”
They each took turns shaking hers.
“We’ve heard a lot about you,” Jefferson greeted.
”Good things, I hope.”
”Bobby told us about what happened all that time ago. We wouldn’t have believed there were actual good witches in the world until he said there were.”
Melinda smiled.
”And as I was just telling Bobby and Sam,” Josh added, just as the Halliwells and Dean each took seats close by, “we’ve been getting reports from the next town over - strange occurrences and all. Last night the radars went completely haywire.”
Dean didn’t look pleased when he heard this latest tidbit. Melinda shifted slightly in her seat.
”I think you guys should check it out,” she spoke up.
”Agreed,” Dean replied. “We need to kick this demon problem in the ass while we can. The signs are pointing to…,” he quickly glanced over at Sam, “certain demons, and we want this to just end before anything major happens.”
Or before Sam has a major breakdown again, he thought sadly.
”Since you guys might need back-up,” Chris offered, addressing Josh and Jefferson, “we should come along and investigate, too. Safety in numbers since we’re dealing with some powerful crap.”
”Not a bad idea,” Jefferson responded. “Neither Josh or I have anything planned for today, so if you guys are up to investigating, we should probably head over now.”
”Dean, are you coming?” Josh asked.
Dean couldn’t get the word “No,” out quickly enough. “I gave up that demon shit up years ago.”
’You guys are welcome to use some of our supplies if you want,” Bobby added.
”Nah, but thanks for the offer. We came prepared,” Jefferson replied.
Chris and Wyatt got up as did Josh and Jefferson.
”Mel, you coming?” Chris asked, noticing his sister hadn’t gotten up.
”Um, if you don’t mind, I would like to sit this mission out. I’m not feeling too well right now.”
She turned to face Bobby, Sam, and Dean. “You guys don’t mind if I crash on the couch while they’re gone do you?”
”No, and a siesta sounds mighty good to me,” Bobby said. “This old body just doesn’t have the energy it used to.”
Sam piled his notes back into the folder and got up to hand them to Josh. “Anything you should need to know should be in here.”
”Thanks,” he said, taking the folder.
Just then, the phone out in the kitchen rang. Dean got up and sighed. “It’s probably just Sanders.”
Jefferson opened the door, and soon only the two Winchesters, Bobby, and Melinda remained inside the house.
Sam had gone back to his room while Bobby went to his. Melinda sat on the couch and listened to the bits of Dean’s side of the conversation.
”The truck just needs one more day, and it’ll be done.”
There was a pause.
”Yes, I know.”
Another pause.
”I was heading right out to finish it when you called.”
There came a third pause, and then Dean hung up. Melinda hurriedly laid back on the couch as Dean, grumbling, came out from the kitchen looked over at Melinda.
”No hocus-pocus,” he snapped. She gave him a smile before he opened and slammed the door behind him.
Finally. She didn’t think he or the others would ever leave. Getting up from the couch, she tiptoed up the stairs to Bobby’s room. She wanted to make sure he was fast asleep. Thankfully, the old coot could drift off at the drop of a hat. Now, she needed to check on Sam….
-0-
Sam had just started to relax when there was a knock on his door. He thought Bobby had gone upstairs already, but heaving himself up from the bed, he opened it up.
Melinda was standing there, looking at him. There was a small grin on her face.
”What’s wrong?” Sam asked; his eyebrows furrowed a bit. He could feel the anxiety inside him start to build, like it always had whenever she was around. But something about this time seemed way different. His hunter’s intuition perked up.
She didn’t reply, instead, she pushed past him.
”Melinda, what are you doing in here?”
She turned slightly, giving him a sideways glance. “Hopefully you.” Her grin widened.
It took a second for the words to gain meaning in his head. By then, she had seated herself on the edge of his bed, giving him a longing stare.
Sam took a deep breath. It seemed the anxiety pills had worn off. The sinking feeling inside him was coming back full force. He tried to back away; this was just too much for him.
Melinda’s smile widened even more. “Oh, Sam, don’t go,” she cooed, getting up and moving closer to him. “I know how much you want to do this.”
His hand brushed by the doorknob as he quickly grabbed it, but Melinda was quicker. She gave a wave of her hand, and he was pinned to the door. She smirked as she stood before him, placing her hands on his shoulders, leaning up to kiss him full on the lips. He grimaced slightly from the pressure of it.
"Melinda," he gasped, trying to pull away, but the spell prevented it. "What are you..."
He never got to finish his sentence, for Melinda had kissed him again and was working on unbuttoning his shirt.
"Sammy, what's wrong?" she asked, smiling, as she pulled away.
His breathing had become shallow, and his heart quickened. His head felt like it was about to explode.
”Don’t worry. Bobby’s dead to the world right now, and Dean’s out in the garage.”
”Please don’t,” he whispered. He felt bad, almost as bad as when he’d had the breakdown. He prayed he could stay strong.
”Sammy, you suck the fun out of everything.”
-0-
An hour had passed: one hot, effing hour. Dean wiped the sweat from his brow as he looked at the clock. Damn Sanders. But at least his car was done, and the man would be out of his hair now… at least until something else broke on this piece of crap.
Once he got inside, he would call him and tell him the car was finished.
And by then, the guys should hopefully be back with good news from their hunt. Quick and effortless. He wanted this demon shit to go quickly and effortlessly - at least for Sam’s sake. He hoped Sam was all right, being alone with Melinda. Well, he wasn’t completely alone. Bobby was there. He figured the three of them would probably still be asleep when he came back.
He opened the door and walked into the house. His eyes were met with a horrible sight: Bobby was pinned to the wall opposite him, struggling to free himself. Dean’s eyes met Bobby’s before they turned to something that absolutely made Dean’s stomach churn.
Sam was sitting on the couch, hands palm down on his lap, looking despondently at Dean. He was shaking slightly. Melinda stood behind the couch, a large knife pressed against his throat.
Anger unlike anything he had felt since that last time he and Sam went up against Lilith boiled up and exploded inside him.
”Hello, Dean,” Melinda greeted. “So nice to see you again.”
Their eyes met for the briefest of seconds before her eyes turned white.
Dean reached for the gun he kept on himself lately, and he pointed it at the demon.
”Lilith, you bitch! Get away from my brother!”
She smiled. It was an eerie smile.
”You’ll only kill Melinda with that,” she smirked, eyeing the gun.
”Get out of her,” he snarled.
”No, I won’t.” Raising her left arm, she showed Dean the engraved mark she’d left on the Halliwell’s arm. The demon had locked herself into Melinda’s body.
Dean stared at the mark, remembering the last time he had seen it. It had been on Sam when he was possessed by the demon that overtook Meg.
He blinked, and Lilith was gone. The knife had fallen beside Sam.
-0-
Sam had trouble catching his breath. He could still feel the knife against his neck, and his world seemed to be closing in on him.
A hand was on his shoulder, and he flinched away.
“Sammy, it's me, Dean. Are you okay?” Dean laid his hand back on Sam's shoulder, and this time he leaned into the touch.
“M'Okay. She didn't hurt me, just...” Sam couldn't finish, his breathing still getting the better of him.
Bobby stepped beside the boys. “Maybe we should get out of here; she might head back.”
“N-No we have to save Melinda.” Sam struggled to sit up.
“Hell no, we're not going after her. She locked herself in Melinda, and we don't have time to find a way to get her out. Lilith is too powerful for us to mess with; we've learned that the hard way,” Dean replied, holding Sam down.
“T-Then we need to find her brothers...”
Sam was cut off by Melinda's voice coming from behind them.
“You're a very crafty man Mr. Singer, but you make playing our little game of cat and mouse so much harder. I hate a challenge; I prefer to just win.” Melinda's face was set in a pout.
Bobby huffed. “Game? Girlie, what the hell are you talking about?''
Melinda rolled her eyes. “I'm talking about your stupid room downstairs. I need The Book of Shadows, but I could go in to get it!” She stamped her foot like an impatient teen.
Dean's voice was full of hate. “So sorry, guess you'll have to go play somewhere else.”
Sam felt Dean's grip on him ripped away as his older brother was flung across the room. Dean was now pinned to a wall, and Sam could tell he was unable to move.
Melinda quirked an eyebrow at him and then moved a chair across the room until Bobby was forced to sit in it.
“Please don't hurt them. I'll do whatever you want!” Sam screamed at her from the couch.
“So sweet of you to offer, Sam.” Melinda started to move towards the couch.
Dean's voice pierced the room: “Bitch, don't you lay a hand on him.”
“Shut up, Dean!” Melinda snapped her fingers, and Dean was silent.
“W-What did you do to him?” Sam stammered out, staggering to get up and go to his brother.
“Oh stop your whining, Sam. He's fine. I just glued his mouth shut for the moment so we could talk. Now, stay seated please!” Melinda motioned for him to sit back down.
Sam reluctantly shifted back down onto the couch, his hip feeling stiff as his body tightened up in fear.
As Melinda got to the couch she began to sit down in Sam's lap, and it took a lot of self-control not to move from that spot. His body was beginning to tremble in fear.
Bobby's voice caught his attention. “Leave the boy alone!”
Melinda's head jerked in the elder hunter's direction. “Really, you really think it's okay to talk after what happened to Dean? You need to learn your manners too.”
With a snap of her fingers, the room went silent except for Sam's panting. He was beginning to have a panic attack, and it was taking a lot of effort not to lose himself to it completely.
“Boy, did I do a number on you the last time we met. The big, brave hero is now a crippled quivering mess, though I will say even with the scars you're still handsome. I would love to map out your body in all its glory, but alas, I'm on a time table here.” Melinda ran her hands up and down Sam's chest, and he had to concentrate on breathing so that he didn't pass out.
“W-What do you want?” Sam finally managed to find words. He needed to get her out of there away from his family.
“Simple, The Book of Shadows. Could you be a dear and go downstairs to get it for me?” Melinda stood up and held a hand out for Sam to take. He took her hand reluctantly and slowly stood up.
“Good boy, now trot downstairs - oops, I mean limp downstairs - and grab that book for me while I keep your brother and Bobby company.” Melinda sat back down on the couch and made a motion for him to get moving.
“Go on, scoot.”
Sam gave his brother and Bobby an apologetic look and then turned to go downstairs.
It surprised him at how fast he was able to get his body to move down the stairs. Sam could tell he was on an adrenaline rush as he made his way in the room. His body was still shaking, but after moving away from Melinda - no, Lilith - he was able to think straight and get his panic under control.
He gave himself a little pep talk as he picked The Book of Shadows off the table in the panic room. Stay calm and do what needs to be done. You can panic afterwards. Right now, Bobby and Dean are counting on you.
With renewed confidence, but still filled with dread, Sam made his way back upstairs with the book.
“Wow, Sam, that has to be the cripple record for going up and down stairs. You should be so proud.”
Melinda smirked at him as he entered the room.
Sam ignored the comment and just held the book close. “I give you the book, and you leave. And by that I mean you leave Melinda's body!”
Melinda rolled her eyes. “Oh so cripple boy found some courage while he was downstairs. So tell you what, hand me the book, and I'll think about it.”
“No!” Sam barked back. He could see the panic on his brother's and Bobby's eyes as he spoke. He knew that they were afraid for him. To be honest, he was afraid, too, but he had to protect them.
“My, my, now you almost sounded like the Sam I knew so long ago. So, I'll just take the book!” Melinda reached a hand out, and the book flew from Sam's hands straight for hers. But then she dropped it like she had been burned.
Sam huffed. “I forgot in all the excitement, it's like the ruby slippers, big, bad bitches can't touch them.”
“Well, Scarecrow, that just means I’ll have to use other resources. I've picked your little girlfriend's brain and it seems she taught you some goody-two-shoe thing about chakras. Is that right?”
Sam swallowed hard, fear and panic creeping back to surround him. “Just leave before her brothers come back.”
“Again, Sam, nice try and all, but I have other plans. In fact, let’s get you comfortable.” Melinda flicked her hand at him, and Sam felt himself being pulled towards the couch.
He landed with a thud that jarred his injured leg. The pain flared up, and he groaned in pain.
“That's better.” Melinda straddled Sam as he lay across the couch with her hands once again stroking his chest. He tried to move away, but he was pinned.
She stopped caressing once she found a spot above his belly button. “I found what I was looking for, Sam. This is your energy chakra, and I intend to feed on it until I am just as powerful as I was before.”
Sam tried to get away, but he couldn't move. Her touch was beginning to become warm against his skin, and then it began to burn, causing immense pain.
Melinda's voice was now chanting some ancient language that Sam didn't understand, but he was sure that Lilith was performing a ritual on top of the feeding to strengthen herself.
God how he hated that it was Melinda's voice that was reciting his doom. Sam had no delusions that Lilith would probably bleed him dry. It was just a matter of time.
It was becoming hard to breath and the lights were becoming blurred. Sam locked eyes with Dean, trying to convey his last goodbye, because his voice had left him as the pain had become so intense. It reminded him of the pain he’d felt when Jake had shoved a knife deep in his back.
It was a pain that told Sam that the end was near. He just hoped that Dean wouldn't blame himself and that he would be able to move on this time. Maybe with Bobby.
Sam moved his tear-filled gaze to the older hunter that had become like a second father to him and Dean. At least Dean would have Bobby.
Knowing that his time was short, he gave Dean one last look before closing his eyes and letting the pain take him away.
-0-
Lilith was excited about how much energy she was able to pull from Sam. For the first time in ages, she felt like herself. It was tempting to bleed him completely dry, but that was too risky.
She had her orders. Sam was to play a part in bringing Lucifer to live up top. Lilith guessed he would be a vessel, but she was not certain. She just knew he was needed and that the plans would be revealed to her as soon as she started breaking the seals.
And now Ruby could be of some use again, keeping Sam alive until the time came.
Lilith sighed as she reluctantly let go of Sam's energy; it was so satisfying having his life slip through her fingers as Dean watched. It was delightful, but all good things must come to an end.
She slowly stood and glared at Dean. “Oh gonna cry now that Sammy is dead, are you?”
Unshed tears glistened on a devastated Dean's face. Lilith wanted to lick them off, but she had better things to do.
“Well, he is almost dead - but not quite. In fact, you know what? I love playing with Sammy so much I think I'll let him live this time. I'll just hop out of this silly girl’s body, and she can summon her do-good brothers, and they can save Sam. They'll make him all better.”
Lilith winked and then left the good witch’s body.
-0-
Dean slumped to the floor and scrambled over to Sam. His brother's breaths were labored and shallow. He took Sam's pulse, and it was very weak.
“C'mon, Sammy, Lilith is gone. You'll be okay.” Dean looked towards Melinda and found Bobby holding the girl in his arms, trying to revive her.
“Hey, missy, you need to wake up. Sam needs your help.” Bobby's voice was quiet, but Dean could hear the panic in it.
Dean was relieved to see Melinda's eyes slowly open. She gasped and then looked around the room frantically.
“Sam? Is he okay?” Her voice was full of emotion.
Dean shook his head and a tear made its way down his cheek. “No, he's dying. Can you get your brothers?”
Melinda nodded, tears gathering in her eyes. “I'll get them.”
Dean turned back to his brother and whispered in his ear. “Hold on, Sammy, help’s coming.”
Chapter 9...
Previous Chapters
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7