Chapter Nine

They headed back to the house as the sun crept up. Streaked with dirt and sweat the four were exhausted. As they cautiously entered the house, Honey's eyes strayed to the young tree right in front. Something nibbled at the back of her memory but she couldn't place her finger on it.

“It definitely feels different,” Honey murmured. They stood in the living room, looking around. Sam’s eyes fell to the painting of the house and he found himself studying it. “Almost peaceful.”

Trixie looked around. “Is it awful of me to be thinking of how much money I can make selling some of this stuff? Not to mention those gold bars!”

Honey laughed. “Maybe a bit morbid.”

Sam felt it first, and whirled around. “Dean! Salt gun!” he shouted.

Dean whipped around, shoving Trixie behind him as he raised the gun and fired at the forming black shape. It didn’t disperse this time but kept growing and began to howl.

“Oh God,” Honey whispered.

“Sonofabitch, we burned the wrong bones!” Dean said grimly.

“I guess it’s Bea after all,” Trixie said.

“Get outside. We’ve got to find Bea’s grave,” Dean snapped.

The spirit suddenly vanished.

“It’s toying with us. Get out of the house, now!” Sam ordered.

Honey grabbed Trixie and they bolted for the door as the howl pierced the air.

The door was shutting and the girls had to throw their combined weight against it to get out. It slammed shut behind them, along with the shutters.

“The boys are trapped,” Honey whispered. “How are we going to find that grave?”

“I don’t know, but let’s get the hell away from the house,” Trixie said. They hurried to the Impala. “How are we supposed to know where she’s buried?”

Honey studied the house, and the younger tree just off to the left. “Oh-Trixie! I think I know where the grave is!”

“What? How? Where?” Trixie demanded.

“Sam told me that sometimes trees were planted to mark a grave. That tree is way smaller than the rest of these-maybe only ten years old!”

“Get the shovels,” Trixie said determinedly.

***

Inside, Dean and Sam stood tensed and ready to fire, as they looked around, waiting for Bea to strike again.

“It’s gaining strength, I think we seriously pissed it off!” the older brother said.

“I’m going to the kitchen, see if I can find any salt. Try to hold it off.”

“Sure, I’ll play poker with it,” Dean snapped. “How are the girls going to figure out where the grave is?”

“I don’t know, but I hope they do. I didn’t have time to tell them my theory about the tree in that painting,” Sam answered. Without warning he bolted for the kitchen.

“What theory? What painting?” Dean shouted after him. He felt the invisible punch to his face and staggered back.

“Sonofabitch,” he muttered, firing again into the mist. He needed to reload the shotgun and fast. “Sammy, hurry it up!”

***

Honey and Trixie dug as fast as they could. Already weary from the previous digging, they were thankful for the previous night’s rain that left the ground soft and easy to dig. Luck was on their side, time had eroded the soil and Trixie let out a shout of joy when she saw something white. A loud crash in the house spurred them on. It was followed by another shotgun blast.

“The growing roots might have pushed the bones up,” Honey panted as she dug through dirt with her hands.

“Lucky for us,” Trixie muttered. “Grislan probably wasn’t strong enough to bury a deep grave either. Too bad Reddy isn’t here, he’d help dig!”

Their smiles vanished as they heard another blast and both dug faster, pulling the white, dirt encrusted bones as fast as they could find them..

***

“I hope they figure it out and fast,” Dean muttered, getting to his feet. “I don’t know how long we can keep this up.”

The black mist suddenly vanished.

Their cell signals were blocked and Dean went to the door to yell to them, neither girl answered. They couldn’t see out the windows, Bea had slammed the old shutters shut as well.

“Spoke too soon,” he grinned.

“No, I think she’s regrouping,” Sam said, his eyes darting around the room. “She might be wearing out.”

The brothers stood back to back, ready for the next assault.

***

“Thank goodness Grislan was too weak to dig deeper,” Honey panted.

“No kidding.” Trixie picked up the skull and added it to the pile. “That looks like enough don’t you think? Grab the salt!”

Honey poured salt over the bones while Trixie tossed just a bit of lighter on fluid on them. Hands trembling, she lit the match and dropped it in. The flames jumped up and both girls turned towards the house, watching anxiously.

***

Dean lay on the floor in pain. He hated it when he got thrown around. At least Sam hit the sofa, sliding it back. Dean had hit the coffee table and it was solid wood.

Sam rebounded faster, grabbing for the salt box he had dropped. It was table salt, not rock, but it was better than nothing. Sam didn’t have the space to draw a good circle around them but he kept flinging handfuls at it. While it was distracted he was able to draw a sloppy circle to protect him and his brother. The room was a mess, furniture had been thrust at them, and several vases thrown and shattered in pieces.

“We can’t keep this up, Sammy. It’ll break that line,” Dean moaned, trying to sit up. His head was spinning.

“We can’t do much else unless the girls get in here or find those bones.”

The spirit’s howls grew louder and the boys could feel it pressing against the salt barrier. Sam threw another handful at it, and it backed off for a minute, circling them.

Dean winced as he sat up.

“Can you call Honey? Tell her about the tree?”

“No signal, I already tried from the kitchen,” Sam answered. The mist was moving around them.

Without warning the mist took a female shape and then burst into flames before it vanished.

“They found it!” Dean exclaimed.

“You seem surprised,” Sam laughed. “They’re resourceful.”

A moment later the girls burst through the front door.

“Sam! Dean!” Honey called. They found Dean sitting on the floor next to the coffee table and Sam standing over him. Sam moved forward and hugged Honey tightly, lifting her off the floor easily.

“You did it!” Sam smiled. “You figured out where the bones were!”

“I remembered you telling me about trees being used as markers, and I was looking at the painting earlier. It occurred to me when we were outside that one tree was much younger than the others.”

“I knew you were smart.” Sam couldn’t stop smiling down at her.

Trixie helped Dean to his feet. “You okay?”

“I’ve had worse.” He gave her the seductive smile, but she could see he really was in pain. She let him lean on her and couldn’t help but notice again how strong he was. Solid, muscled; damn, even his neck was sexy, she realized. She had been too long without a boyfriend, she reminded herself. Maybe she should have a round or two with Dean after all.

“Is she really gone?” Honey murmured against Sam’s jacket.

“Yeah, she is.” He kissed the top of her head.

All of the spirits, including Beatrix, were released, which meant his and Dean’s job, and their time here, were done.

***

Trixie shut the door behind them after Dean was in the room.

“Sit,” she told him, digging through the bag for the ice pack. He shrugged his jacket off, rotating his shoulder slowly.

“It’s okay,” he grunted.

“I wasn’t talking about the shoulder. Take your shirt off.”

Dean leered. “I knew you had an angle.”

“Oh, please,” she groaned in irritation. “I have three brothers and grew up around a bunch of boys. I’ve seen a man’s chest before.”

Dean smirked and took his shirt off, and Trixie had to gulp. The guys didn’t have a chest quite like this: lean, six pack, tanned, and smooth. His amulet gleamed against his chest. She broke the ice pack to activate it and slapped it against the large bruise.

“Son of bitch!” he exclaimed in pain, jumping to his feet.

Trixie smirked.

“I don’t need you fussing me over me,” he snapped, swatting her hand away. “I’ll be fine.”

“Baby,” she muttered. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his embrace, crushing his lips against hers.

“I told you, Curly, you talk too much,” he growled. ***

A while later Dean chuckled as the water began to cool. Trixie ran her hands over his close cropped hair as she kissed him again. Reaching over, he finally shut the water off and reached for a towel, wrapping it around her.

“I think I should dry you off,” he murmured into her neck. Trixie wasn’t going to disagree.

“Was I too rough?” he asked quietly. She shook her head as she laughed.

“No. No, that was uh, just the workout I needed.”

He flashed her a charming grin. “Good. But you know,” he kissed her gently as he rubbed the towel lightly over her back, “I think we need to work out some more.”

Trixie laughed. “I think for once, Winchester, you’re right.”

“For once?” he demanded. “For once? I’m-”

Trixie cut him off as she pulled his head to hers for another kiss.

***

Sam and Honey walked hand in hand along the small street under the light of the moon. They were nearing the girls room, and Sam found he didn’t need to talk much with Honey, but when he did, she listened well.

“Sam,” she asked quietly, “I have a question for you.”

“Sure,” he answered, knowing what was coming next.

“Will I see you again? After tonight, I mean,” she said.

Sam sighed as he turned to face her, staring down into her pretty face.

“I don’t know, Honey,” he answered. “And I hate that I have to say that. I never know where Dean and I will end up next, or when we’ll be back. We may not be back in this part of the country for years.”

Honey nodded as they reached the girl’s room. They could see that two doors down the light was on in the brothers’ room. Honey knew she wasn’t going to be seeing Trixie that night.

“Come in for a bit?” she asked softly. Sam nodded.

“Knowing Dean, he’s going to keep Trixie occupied for a few hours,” Sam shook his head.

“It’ll take a lot for him to catch her,” Honey laughed, as she opened the door. “Trixie is stubborn and determined.”

“Then they’re a perfect match,” Sam laughed, following her in and shutting the door. “Because so is he.”

Sam shrugged off his jacket, hanging it on the back of a chair as Honey slid her coat off, laying it carefully over a chair.

“I need a shower,” she sighed. “Desperately.”

“So do I, but you go first,” he said. “I’ll wait.”

“I’ll try to leave you some hot water,” she offered.

He laughed. “I’m used to Dean hogging it all.”

After her shower, Honey felt a hundred times better. While Sam took his turn, she combed out her hair, thinking. She didn’t want them to go the next morning, but she knew they would. They needed to. She slipped out of her robe, into the pretty, short night gown she usually wore to sleep in. The water had shut off in the bathroom.

Sam came out of the bathroom, holding a towel around his waist, his dark hair still wet.

“I just realized,” he said sheepishly, “I have no clothes in here.” His next words died on his lips as he stared at her.

Honey stepped up to the tall young man and slid her arms around his waist.

“You don’t need any,” she said softly, her big hazel eyes staring up at him. “This might be the last time I see you, and I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she laughed nervously. “I’ve never done something like this before.”

“Like what?” Sam almost whispered, his heart pounding. He wanted her. He hadn’t wanted anyone the way he wanted her. He didn’t dare tell her about the vision last night, where she was looking up at him with such love and joy he was almost positive this was the woman he would someday marry. She was trembling as he slipped his arms around her.

Her hands reached up to his face, pulling him down so she could kiss him gently once, then again, more intensely, until his arms came around her. He held her close, tongues teasing gently, until her fingers ran through his hair and he knew he needed her.

“Honey,” he gasped as she began to kiss his neck lightly, “are you sure about this?”

“Yes,” she murmured. “I-I know I barely know you, Sam, but I need to be with you, tonight, now.”

Sam pushed her back slightly, his green eyes on hers. “Women die because of me,” he whispered. “I told you about Jess, about Madeleine. I’m not like Dean; I don’t go after every woman-”

She nodded. “I know. Sam, I’m not worried. I’m no one special that the Yellow Eyed Demon would come after. I know I might never see you again, and I still want this. I want you. I want to be with you tonight. I’ve only been with one man. And I want you to be the next one.”

Sam touched her face gently, wishing, not for the first time, that they didn’t live this nomadic, hard, warrior life. What he wouldn’t give to be able to settle in one place, with a woman like Honey, and raise a family. A real family, with lawn mowing, schools, barbeques in the backyard-everything he had never had.

Staring into her hazel eyes, Sam knew this might be the last night of happiness he’d have in a while, and he wasn’t going to let it slip by. ***

They lay together, her slender frame against his lean one, his arms around her snugly, his chin resting on her head. One of his hands ran up and down over her back, enjoying the feel of her soft skin. Sam’s eyes were barely opened, but he’d swear they were both covered in a soft, golden outline.

“Thank you,” Honey whispered.

“For?”

“Indulging me,” she smiled, her face against his shoulder. He was a good eight inches taller than her, and she loved how his height and strength made her feel so safe. This was a man who would truly protect her, she knew.

Sam looked down at her, his hazel-green eyes worried as he brushed back a strand of her honey colored hair.

“Honey, I didn’t make love to you to indulge you. I made love to you because I wanted to. I haven’t wanted anyone so badly in, god, probably two years. I can’t even say what it is about you, but ever since the other day-I don’t know. I needed to be with you tonight too.”

“I’m glad you felt that way,” she smiled up at him, eyes shining. “I knew there was something special about you, as corny as it sounds.”

“It doesn’t sound corny,” he assured her, kissing her gently. “Believe me.”

***

Trixie lay on her stomach, Dean’s warm body wrapped around hers.

He made no promises and she didn’t mind. She didn’t want to settle down any more than he did. The agency was doing well, and she was happy with some casual dating. Besides, after Dean, any other guy was going to have a hard time impressing her in bed.

Dean didn’t want to talk afterwards, and that was okay too. It was nice to just lay together, that beautifully muscled, strong body over hers. No conversation about what might happen or could, just two consenting adults sharing their bodies.

Turning over, she found herself cuddling into Dean’s arms, half expecting him to push her away, but he didn’t; he pulled her up against him as he shifted onto his back. Trixie knew he kept everyone at a distance, especially women, but Trixie found it interesting that he was pulling her closer. Maybe she had slid through a tiny crack in his tough guy exterior.

At any rate, she snuggled closer, kissing the bare chest in admiration. His hand ran through her sandy curls, but she could tell by his breathing he was almost asleep. Smiling, Trixie let herself doze off.

***

The next morning found Dean and Trixie still in bed in the boys’ room, as well as Honey and Sam in the girls’ room. There was some momentary awkwardness as Trixie returned to Honey’s room, and Sam to Dean’s room.

The four had shared one final breakfast. Sam and Honey cuddled in the one side of the booth, Dean’s arm resting along the back of the booth, Trixie next to him, as they squabbled over coffee.

When it was time to go, Dean tossed their bags into the trunk while Trixie leaned against the side of the Impala.

Sam and Honey stood several feet away, talking softly. Sam held both her hands in his.

“You have my cell,” he said softly. “It’s sometimes hard to return calls, but I will.”

“I’m not worried, Sam. I’m pretty sure our paths will cross again,” she answered with a smile.

Sam touched her hair gently and kissed her lips once more. “Be careful, okay? You come across anything else supernatural or dangerous, don’t hesitate to call me.”

Honey nodded. “Don’t worry. I promise to salt all my doors.”

Sam chuckled and hugged her tightly.

Dean shut the lid on the Impala and turned to Trixie.

“Stay out of haunted houses,” he told her.

She smirked. “Watch where you point your gun.”

Dean grinned, leaned over, and kissed her soundly.

“Take care, Winchester,” she smiled.

His green eyes twinkled with amusement. “You too, Curly.”

He walked to the driver’s side and called out, “Yo, Sammy! Get a move on!”

Sam rolled his eyes as he let go of Honey. He gave her a final kiss, and then got into the passenger side of the Impala. Dean started the engine, and Sam glanced at Honey one last time before the car pulled out and the Winchester boys hit the road again.

Trixie stood next to Honey for a moment as they watched the black car fade into the distance.

“Think we’ll see them again?” Trixie asked.

Honey smiled, more to herself than to Trixie. “Yes,” she said quietly. “I do.”

Back   Home   Next

Author Notes - A big "You forgot the pie!" to my lovely editor, Mary. All mistakes are mine! Quote from Season 3, "In The Beginning", Dean.
- Word Count, 3,170

Disclaimer: Trixie Belden® is a registered trademark of Random House books. These pages are not affiliated with Random House Books in any way, shape or form. No profit is made here, only entertainment. Images of Trixie Belden and other series characters are copyright © All non-Trixie Belden canon characters belong to AmazonWitch, Inc. Random House books. Images, references and characters and are used lovingly and respectfully, albeit without permission. Dean and Sam Winchester belong to © Warner Brothers Studios.

This website is © 2005-2025 Mal. All rights reserved. All graphics created by Mal and may not be used without permission.