Shadow Brook
Title: Shadow Brook Part 1
Authors: deansdarkdream & micamonroe
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Warnings: slash, possession, illness, abusive behavior, angst
Disclaimer: We don't own Jared, Jensen, Misha, Christian, Jake or anyone else.
Summary: Jared Padalecki brought his partner, Jensen Ackles to his ancestral estate, Shadow Brook as the time grew near to claim it. Jared was rightful heir to the horse breeding and training business that had been in his family for generations. They weren't at Shadow Brook long when Jared started to change. He seemed to become possessed by the spirit of his ancestor, Tristan Padalecki. Jensen must unravel the mystery of Shadow Brook before he loses Jared to the past forever.
A/N: Thanks to Mica for his valuable input and advice. I hope you all enjoy the story. DDD
Shadow Brook
Part One
Jared was deep in a trance. He couldn't hear the other two people in the room with him talking.
“You're sure this is going to work?”
“Yeah. Between the Halcinadahl and the post hypnotic suggestions, Jared will be declared mentally unfit. Shadow Brook and the horse breeding business will be out of his hands soon.”
“Is everything in place at Shadow Brook?”
“Yes. Jared's descent into madness will begin as soon as he is triggered.”
“I wonder how his blond boy toy is going to react?”
“I'm looking forward to seeing how soon he abandons his ailing benefactor. I'll bet he won't last a month.”
~*~
Jensen was happy that his friend, Misha, and his cat, Tiberius, had traveled with him to Shadow Brook. He was very nervous about the welcome he would receive at the huge country estate. Having Misha and Ti with him boosted his confidence and courage to face Jared's extended family and staff at the equine breeding and training estate.
Jensen's initial happiness didn't last long. From his first night at Shadow Brook, things started to go terribly wrong. His lover, Jared, had become surly and hateful at dinner. The older man had raised his voice at Jensen, then stormed out of the house to the stables. Jensen and Misha had been stunned by Jared's outburst. They went to the kitchen door and watched as Jared rode off into the twilight on his thoroughbred, Spense. Neither of them had ever seen Jared act that way before. They were both very upset and didn't know what to say about the uncharacteristic outburst of temper. When Jared had returned hours later, he had insisted that Jensen move down the hall from him to another bedroom. Jensen had packed his things and left Jared's room. Jensen hadn't been able to sleep that night. He couldn't imagine what he had done to make Jared so angry with him.
The next morning Jared was pale, but seemed to be his old self. He greeted Jensen with a bear hug and warm welcoming kiss. Jared leaned down and stroked Ti affectionately and the cat purred his appreciation. Jensen was relieved to have the old Jared back. He figured that his lover had been under a lot of stress since coming to Shadow Brook. They sat down to breakfast and Misha joined them with a good morning and an uncertain smile. When Misha saw that Jared was back to normal, he loosened up and they all talked about going on a tour of Shadow Brook after breakfast. Ti lapped up some sweet cream and watched them all closely. The curious gray tabby cat knew something was afoot here at Shadow Brook. He had to protect Jensen and try to figure out what was going on.
Jared started the tour on the ground floor of the Southern style mansion and worked his way up to the second floor where the bedrooms were. He explained that his bedroom used to be inhabited by his great great grandfather, Tristan Padalecki and his partner, Ross. Tristan had been married briefly and produced an heir. After that, he ended his marriage and pursued his true passion. Tristan and Ross were the first gay couple in the family and had caused quite a controversy in their days at Shadow Brook. No one could argue with the success of their horse breeding and training business so they were tolerated in the horse centric community. They were never invited to local social gatherings, but from all accounts Tristan hadn't been a very social man. He preferred to stay at Shadow Brook and tend to his business and his partner. The third level of the house was taken up by a huge attic that had a locked room at one end of it. Jensen and Misha took some time looking at the antiques and old clothes stored there. Ti padded around curiously sniffing and exploring the large crowded space.
Jensen walked to the locked door and called out to Jared. “What was this room used for?”
Jared looked at the door, then back to Jensen. He put a forced smile on his face. “I think it was used as a classroom for some of the kids of the employees here.”
“Oh.” Jensen said but he wasn't entirely convinced that was the truth. He felt that Jared was lying to him, but he didn't want to cause any discord right now.
Next, Jared led Jensen, Misha and Ti to the huge breeding barn. From there they went to the stable where the saddle horses were kept when they weren't out in the pasture. The last stop was the training arena. The small group watched a man with long dark hair working a young horse on a lunge line.
“That's Christian Kane our trainer. His mother is Carla, our cook and his father is Jackson, our maintenance man. He was trained by Sawyer, our old trainer, who worked here for over fifty years.” Jared looked at his watch and sighed. “I've got some business to attend to. I'll see you both at dinner.” Jared announced. He gave Jensen a quick kiss, then strode away toward the house.
Chris had noticed the onlookers. When he finished with the horse, he walked over and said hi to Jensen and Misha who introduced themselves.
“Do you both ride?” Chris asked as he looked between the two attractive men.
“I used to ride when I was younger, but it's been years.” Jensen replied as he petted the dapple gray that Chris had been exercising.
“I haven't been on a horse since I was twelve.” Misha admitted as he smiled at Chris.
“I could give you both some riding lessons. Everyone rides at Shadow Brook!” Chris offered with a bright smile.
~*~
Three weeks passed and Jensen was growing more concerned over Jared's erratic behavior. It seemed every night at dinner, he would fly into a rage and say hateful things to Jensen. Then, Jared would leave the house and go for a long ride on Spense. He would return hours after dark and go straight to his room. The next morning, Jared would be his old self but increasingly weary. Jensen was becoming terribly worried about his partner. In the evenings, Jared acted like a man possessed. The situation was taking a toll on Jared's mind and body. Jensen was a raw bundle of nerves from sleeplessness and anxiety. He felt he had to do something. He had to figure out a way to help Jared.
That Friday evening, Jensen and Misha sat at the dinner table awaiting Jared's arrival. They were both on edge wondering what would happen tonight. When Jared finally appeared, he looked tired. He gave Jensen and Misha a small smile, petted Ti, then sat down at the dinner table. They all began to eat in silence. Jensen was afraid to say anything that might set Jared off into a rage. They ate quietly for several minutes, then Jared looked up from his plate and his eyes locked onto Jensen.
“You know the real problem with you. You have no respect for your Lord and Master. You don't see to my needs. My wine glass is empty and you haven't filled it. You are useless. You don't even warm my bed.” Jared snarled at Jensen as he pinned him with a hateful gaze.
“Jared please.” Jensen said as he held up his hands trying to stop Jared's rant.
Jared shot up out of his seat and stalked around the table. He yanked Jensen out of his chair and pulled him up against him. “I know exactly how to please you.” Jared growled and kissed Jensen's plush lips hard forcing him to open up. Jared plundered Jensen's mouth, then bit down on his lower lip hard enough to draw blood.
Jensen cried out as he tasted blood in his mouth. He tried to twist out of Jared's arms, but the taller man held him tightly in a bruising grip.
“You belong to me and only me. Never forget that!” Jared declared in a dark tone as he shoved Jensen away from him, turned on his heel and strode out the door.
Jensen raised his trembling fingers to his lips and winced as they came back bloody. Misha got up and walked over to him. He hugged Jensen tight until his friend stopped shaking.
“I think we should leave, Jensen. I'm afraid he's going to really hurt you.” Misha stated.
“He needs my help. I can't leave him, Mish. I have to figure out what's happening here. You can go, if you want. I won't ask you to stay.”
“If you're staying, I'm staying. I won't let you face this alone.” Misha vowed.
Ti cried at the men and Jensen bent down to pick up the gray tabby. He hugged Ti close to him and the cat purred deep in his chest. He wanted to help too.
~*~
Jensen was just finishing a riding lesson with Chris, when he heard a voice from behind him.
“You could still use some work. I would have thought Jared's partner would be an expert rider to share the reins here at Shadow Brook.”
Jensen turned the mare he was riding and spotted a beautiful blond on a leggy bay. “I don't believe we've met. I'm Jensen Ackles.” He said as he rode closer to the petite blond who was exuding hostility. She was wearing a tailored riding habit that emphasized her trim figure.
“I'm Katie Cassidy. Jared and I were very close when he used to visit here often. We spent many long days and nights riding together.” The blond said suggestively as she gave Jensen a smug smile.
“It's been years since we've seen you around here, Katie. I suppose you've had lots of new friends to ride with.” Chris said with sharp look at the blond.
Jensen gave Chris a thankful smile before turning back to Katie. “Would you like to come in for some coffee or tea?” He asked determined not to be put on the defensive by her superior attitude.
“I'd like coffee.” Katie replied as she dismounted and tied her horse to the corral.
Jensen dismounted and Chris took the reins from him. They exchanged a smile before Jensen turned back to Katie and they headed into the kitchen entrance. Jensen served Katie coffee and cinnamon spice cake before he sat at the table with her.
“It's a pity you can't produce any heirs for Jared. His family must be very disappointed. I know if Jared was mine, I'd give him lots of sons to fill Shadow Brook and carry on the family name.” Katie declared as she smiled at Jensen over her coffee cup.
“When the time comes for children, Jared and I have several options to pursue. I look forward to being a father.” Jensen kept his voice calm and even. He wasn't going to lose his temper over this shrew of a girl.
“Oh, I thought you'd be the mother since Jared is obviously the man in your relationship.” Katie remarked with a raised brow.
Jensen was getting ready to respond to that when Misha entered the room with two strangers. Jensen looked up at Misha questioningly.
“I just answered the door and two of your neighbors were there. Jensen, this is Edna Clover and her son Ken. Their land is adjacent to Shadow Brook.” Misha announced before he grabbed some cake and coffe.
Jensen stood up and greeted his neighbors. “Hello, I'm Jensen Ackles. It's good to meet you. Would you like some coffee and cake?”
“Yes, of course.” Edna said with a dismissive wave of her hand as she sat beside Katie. “Where's Jared? He's been back at Shadow Brook for weeks and hasn't called on any of his neighbors. We're all wondering if he's forgotten his manners or perhaps he's worried about yours.” Edna said with a pointed look at Jensen.
“Jared's business here at Shadow Brook takes up the lion share of his time. I'm sure he plans to pay his respects once he gets caught up with his work.” Jensen remarked as he served the coffee and cake.
“Thank you.” Ken said and smiled at Jensen.
“You're welcome.” Jensen said and returned the smile. At least, one of his uninvited guests had some manners.
“Has anyone told you the story of Jared's great great grandfather, Tristan Padalecki. They both share the same um... appetites.” Edna said as she stared at Jensen pointedly.
Katie displayed a decidedly unpleasant smile and Ken looked down at the table.
“I haven't heard the story.” Jensen said feeling sure that it wasn't going to be pleasant from the way Edna was looking at him.
“Tristan was thirty years old when he went to Texas to buy a famous retired thoroughbred stallion for his breeding program. While he was there, he came across a young stable boy, Ross, barely eighteen. Tristan brought the lad back with him to Shadow Brook. He had developed an obsession with the boy and had to have him. Ross, however, was afraid of Tristan and wanted only to return to his family in Texas. Tristan soon tired of trying to win the young man's affections. He flew into one of his rages and locked Ross into a room he had built in the attic. Many have said you could hear the boy crying for help day after day, week after week. No one came to his rescue. Eventually, Tristan forced the young man to submit to him. Tristan kept Ross a prisoner here in Shadow Brook until the day he died.”
Jensen's face went pale and he felt cold dread in the pit of his stomach. Was Jared being possessed by the spirit of Tristan Padalecki? Was that why he was being cruel and unreasonable? If he was possessed, what could Jensen do to save him?
Shadow Brook Part 2