J2 Fic: My Lovely Part 22/?
Sep. 5th, 2017 05:52 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
fedaykin_hereTitle: My Lovely
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Rating: NC-17
Word count: 6,285
Warning/spoilers: explicit violence, sexual situations
Disclaimers: I own nothing, this is pure fiction from my crazy mind when I don’t get enough sleep. Please don’t sue and please don’t steal.
Summary: Haunted by the demons of his past, Jensen Ackles moved to the sleepy town of Prairie Hill, Texas hoping to finally escape to a quiet, peaceful life. He had earned it as shown by the numerous battle scars decorating his body. What he finds instead however will require all the training and experience he thought he had left behind him. As he deepens his involvement in the hunt for the monster that stalks residents of the quiet little town, he begins to realize…. he himself has become the prey. As if fighting for his life isn’t enough of a complication, somehow he has gained the unwanted attention and wrath of the richest oil tycoon in Texas, Jared Padalecki. Story has been beta’d by the phenomenal oldbatj. The gorgeous banner was created by 2blueshoes.
Part 22
Interlude: A lazy Sunday morning
All he felt was a wall of heat, hugging close to his body. A familiar masculine scent surrounded him, bringing him comfort, chasing away any lingering terrors he had from his nightmares. When he felt kisses being placed along his neck, big hands caressing his bare stomach underneath his t-shirt, he groaned, burrowing his face into the soft pillow.
“Too early….” Jensen complained. But the big man behind him paid no attention to his weak protest. He knew what his Lovely needed to start the day right. The powerful tycoon continued to worship his resisting lover’s body. With each kiss, caress, or touch he was slowly driving Jensen mad with lust. He smiled against his Lovely’s skin, sucking and licking the pale flesh until it became flushed pink with desire.
Jensen growled, shoving his face deeper into the pillow, refusing to give in to his demanding lover. His skin tingled more with each gentle caress and lovingly placed kiss but he still refused to acknowledge the giant man hovering behind him, worshipping his scarred body.
His mind was still sluggish from a restful slumber. Since he’d been sharing Jared’s bed, the constant nightmares that had previously plagued his sleep had all but disappeared, while he slept cocooned in the tycoon’s powerful, protective arms. It was as if Jared’s very presence chased away the demons that had resided in his dreams. The peaceful rest made Jensen very appreciative of his sleep; he was often unwilling to get up on the weekends much to Jared’s displeasure. The tycoon looked forward to the weekends with his Lovely. Of course, with a house full of people that had seemingly moved in to be close to the town’s sheriff, Jensen was never alone on the weekends or evenings.
The one place Jared knew that they would be left completely alone was in their bed. Jensen might hate early weekend mornings but that time of the day was Jared’s favorite. Jensen was his to cherish during the twilight morning hours. Even though his Lovely might protest Jared’s gentle caresses, the sheriff would eventually reciprocate after a few heated kisses. Jensen could never deny Jared, for the big man knew exactly what he needed most…. sweet loving.
“Lovely…I want you to remember something,” Jared muttered against Jensen’s pale skin, leaving a trail of wet kisses from his shoulder to his jaw.
“It’s too early, Jared...,” the still drowsy sheriff groaned.
“You’re mine.”
Jensen snorted and buried his face even deeper into the plush pillow.
“Your body….” Jared kissed along the sheriff’s spine. “Your heart…” The tycoon placed another few kisses along Jensen’s back. “Your soul…are mine, just as I am completely yours. I love you, Lovely.”
Jensen groaned into his pillow before lifting his head and glaring accusingly at the grinning tycoon.
“Dude, it’s too early for this chick flick moment. Go back to sleep.”
With lightning fast speed, Jared flipped his Lovely onto his back, and immediately covered him with his big body, pinning his wrists over his head. Surprisingly Jensen did not feel threatened by the gesture. Perhaps it was because it was his Jared that held him so securely in his arms. Or perhaps he had just become used to the tycoon’s dominating nature.
Jensen knew that Jared usually was unable to curb his domineering behavior but the big man always slipped up in the middle of sex. Jared loved to hold him down, ravishing him with kisses and caresses, teasing him until Jensen begged in submission. It always made the lawman flush with embarrassment when he recalled his wanton behavior with Jared. But he knew how his moans only drove the big man crazy with lust. It seemed the more Jensen surrendered his body to Jared, the more loss of dominance Jared suffered, his hazel eyes dark with passion, his movements fraught with suppressed hunger. Although it might be Jensen who submitted, it was clear that the ultimate control lay in his hands and not Jared’s.
“Are you going to deny me?” Jared growled into his right ear, licking his earlobe which caused him to shiver with desire. He had never known ears could be so erotic until he had met Jared. The big man had spent hours in bed with him, mapping out every inch of his body with kisses and caresses, driving Jensen mad with desire.
“What are you going to do if I do ‘deny’ you?” Jensen countered. He smirked when he saw the big man pouting at him. Deciding to put Jared out of his misery, Jensen stretched upward, kissing his lover. Jared quickly responded by crushing his lips against his Lovely’s, swiftly taking control of the passionate kiss.
The big man suddenly pulled back, surprising Jensen. He looked deeply into the flustered green eyes of the man in his arms. “I want you to remember this moment, Jensen. As long as I breathe, I will never let you go. You are mine as I am yours. Say it.”
“Jared…come on…”
“I will not fuck you until you do.”
“Are you seriously threatening to cut off sex with me?” Jensen asked, raising his right eyebrow. They both knew how much of a horn dog the tycoon was for Jensen. The big man could not go for a single day without making out with his Lovely. If Jensen was honest with himself, he couldn’t either. The tycoon had somehow wormed his way not only into his life but also into his heart as well.
“Good point. Then I will show up at your workplace every day….”
“And how is that any different from what you do now?”
“I wasn’t finished…. I plan to serenade you with a full band while providing backup vocals to the music.”
“You wouldn’t! You would be too embarrassed. I’ve heard you sing when we’re in the shower together. You’re terrible at it,” Jensen groaned.
“I have a few regrets in life. Failing to proclaim you as mine publically will never be another one of them.”
“Shit!” Jensen muttered, closing his eyes. He could already picture his friends giving him a hard time. Kane would never let him live it down.
“……” Jensen mumbled.
“Can you repeat that?” Jared crowed.
“Your big ass is mine.” Jensen gritted out.
“And….?” Jared pressed. He didn’t care that his Lovely did not repeat the exact words that he had spoken. All that mattered was the message that was being conveyed.
Jensen sighed, closing his eyes with the intention of sleeping a few more minutes. However he relented when he felt Jared’s big fingers caressing his hard, aching cock that was pressed against his thin pajamas bottoms. The tycoon had slid his hands away from Jensen’s wrists and had begun to caress any exposed skin on Jensen’s body.
“I’m yours as you are mine. Happy?” Jensen grumbled before moaning as Jared rewarded him by stroking his weeping cock harder and faster.
“Was that so hard, Lovely?” Jared smirked before leaning down and kissing his handsome Sheriff once more.
“Prick…” Jensen retorted before moaning when the big man once more started to rub at his leaking cockhead.
“Do you want me to stop since I’m such a prick?” Jared teased. But the big man quickly forgot about his mocking when he felt Jensen’s hand reaching for his engorged dick. Soon the lovers were consumed with loving each other, moaning and gasping with heightened pleasure.
“I love you, Lovely. Remember that….”
+++++++
Unknown location in Oregon
“We did not fucking pass a forest ranger station on the way up this damn mountain!” Sheppard exclaimed. “We must be going the wrong way.”
“Would you calm down? Yelling will only attract attention from wild animals that will tear your flesh apart,” Morgan pointed out, patting his friend on the back. He was hoping the teasing would calm the hitman down.
“Is that supposed to comfort me?!” Mark shrieked causing JD to flinch, clearly his poor attempt at humor was taken the wrong way.
“Sorry, I was trying to distract you with a joke.”
“It wasn’t very funny.”
“My apologies... Do you want go back and stop at the ranger’s station to rest for a while?”
Sheppard narrowed his eyes, tilting his head to the side, suddenly glaring at the man who was half-carrying him down the side of the mountain.
“I’m dying, aren’t I?! That’s why you’re being so nice to me, isn’t it? Because… I’m a dead man walking!” Mark burst out.
“Oh Lord….” Morgan groaned in aggravation.
“You’re praying! I knew it! I’m dying!” Mark whined causing Morgan to chuckle. He tried to suppress his amusement but a few sniggers had escaped.
“You are not dying.”
“Then I’m going to lose my leg! I’m going to be a cripple….a hot cripple but still a cripple!” Mark wailed.
“You only have a flesh wound. At worst you’ll have a nasty scar. Stop being a bigger drama queen than the one you already are.”
“Why are you being so mean to a man who’s three feet away from Death’s door?”
“You are not dying. If you were, you wouldn’t have enough energy to complain and whine so much.”
“I am not whining!”
Morgan gave the baker an exasperated look as he wisely remained silent. He then realized that they had covered a significant distance as they had bickered. Behind them, the small ranger station was now a distant building as they continued downward toward what he hoped was the right path home. Despite his earlier words, Morgan was truly afraid for Mark’s life. Although the bleeding on Sheppard’s leg was momentarily halted, he knew that the bandages were only a temporary fix. He was painfully aware that the other man had lost a significant amount of blood.
“You have a glum expression on your face. It’s very unattractive. Are you sad at the thought of my death? I knew you loved me!” Sheppard crowed.
“Now I know you’ve suffered too much blood loss. You’re getting even more delusional than usual,” JD snarked.
“Still doesn’t change the fact that you love me,” Mark countered.
“If that misconception is what keeps you moving down this mountain, then I’m all for it,” JD retorted sardonically. However a smile was tugging at the edge of his lips. He had a sneaky suspicion that Sheppard was trying to keep him distracted as well. This surprised JD as it was Mark that was suffering from what could very well be a serious wound in this rugged terrain. He then realized that the hitman was always constantly concerned for his welfare even when JD wasn’t worried for himself.
“You really are a good friend,” JD muttered, astonished at his confusion.
“You finally realized that just now? When I’m two feet away from Death’s door?” Mark exclaimed.
“You are not two feet away from Death’s door. You’re too short to be that close.”
“How does my height have anything to do with being near Death’s door?”
“It doesn’t. I just wanted to point out how short you are.”
“I’m not short! I’m of average height.”
“Then explain to me how everyone in our group towers over you?”
“That’s not true, I’m taller than Hodge.”
“He’s in a wheelchair!”
“Are you discriminating against him because he’s handicapped?”
“No, just pointing out the fact that the man you claim to be taller than is in a wheelchair.”
“Doesn’t matter, it still counts! I’m still taller than him.” Mark pointed out stubbornly.
“Congratulations, you are taller than one person out of our entire team.”
“That’s not true. I’m taller than Kane.”
“You are not taller than Kane!”
“Yes, I am! The man clearly wears heeled cowboy boots to increase his height. It’s the oldest trick in the book.”
“And you would know that because you’re so short, right?” Morgan needled.
“I really don’t understand why I consider you my friend,” Sheppard grumbled.
“It’s because I’m your only friend,” Morgan retorted.
Mark gave him a long look before replying, “You’re right.”
Laughter burst out between the two friends as they continued their journey down the shadowed path in the quickly fading light.
+++++++
Pain radiated from his swollen, right knee. His bruised and bleeding feet had long ago become numb to the small, jagged-edged rocks that jabbed relentlessly into his soft bare soles. His body was covered only by his thin shirt and pants, so he shivered incessantly from the cold, windy early evening air. Despite the throbbing agony with each movement, Jensen refused to rest. Each minute he spent outside his prison was one minute closer to obtaining his ultimate goal.
He had believed for months that he had killed the monster that haunted his nightmares. Yet like a demon from Hell, Marsters had risen from the darkness and continued his devastation. Escaping to freedom was not on Jensen’s mind now, especially since the Angel Killer had evolved in his MO. The sadistic murderer was no longer satisfied with merely killing individuals; instead he had begun gathering followers, indoctrinating them into his psychotic beliefs, insanely twisting the members into irrational, deluded, religious zealots.
In order to confront the Angel Killer on a more even ground, Jensen had to lure the man away from his disciples by providing Marsters with the perfect bait, himself. Marsters was a careful killer, always planning his moves to remain three steps ahead. However his one weakness was his obsession with Jensen. For whatever reason Jensen still hadn’t figured out, Marsters had made Jensen a central character in his malicious plans.
Jensen knew the odds. He was alone, nearly freezing to death with no shoes, weapons or phone. Help was not going to come in time. In some ways he was glad that his team wouldn’t be able to get to him in time. He had no intention of arresting Marsters. He never did. He was going to finish what he had started so long ago. He was finally going to kill James Marsters and put an end to the Angel Killer’s reign of terror… even if it meant his own demise.
+++++++
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Special Federal Agent Steven Williams watched the suspect leave his home, his gut telling him that something terrible was going to happen. He had been given a special assignment from Director McNally to watch the millionaire Sterling Brown for any suspicious activity. There was circumstantial evidence that indicated Brown was connected to a terrorist group. Williams didn’t know how legitimate that information was but he had a duty to follow orders.
At first glance, Brown seemed to be an upstanding civilian. However Williams had over twenty years of a background in studying human behavior. Everything about Brown appeared too perfect, too pristine. And from Steve’s past experience, when things looked too clean, that meant a man had something to hide. The longer Williams had observed the wealthy gun manufacturer, the more his gut had been telling him that Brown was bad news. Although he had nothing concrete, he learned through the years as an active field agent to rely on his gut.
“Sir, it seems our suspect is leaving and based on our electronic surveillance it indicates Mister Brown will be driving to the airport to board a plane for a week long business trip to California. Do you want to take him in for questioning now? Once he boards that plane, we may not get the opportunity again,” Agent Adam Fergus asked him.
Steve maintained a blank expression however his mind was racing a mile a minute. Sterling Brown was a very wealthy and influential man, crossing him could result in career suicide. Despite that, Williams didn’t care about promotions or moving up in the Bureau. He enjoyed field work and special assignments. If Brown gave him any trouble, Steven had his own connections. In the course of his twenty five year career at the Bureau, Williams had met dozens of important people, so there were many influential people that owed him favors.
“Bring him in for questioning.” Steven ordered.
“Do you need to get a warrant or higher permission first, Sir? Mister Brown is well connected,” Agent Fergus questioned; his voice nervous with apprehension.
Steve gave him a sharp smile. “I am the lead agent. Don’t make me repeat myself, Fergus.”
“Yes, Sir!” Fergus answered when he saw the look in Steve’s eyes. He immediately shoved open the door, almost tumbling out in his haste to escape Steve’s wrath.
The older Federal Agent smirked as he watched Adam cautiously approach Brown. Based on Brown’s face and body language, the man was being extremely uncooperative as he listened to Fergus’s request. Since they were not arresting Brown and only wanted to take him in for questioning, the gun manufacturer did not by law have to comply with their wishes and quite obviously he had no intention of doing so voluntarily.
The only way to ensure that Sterling Brown did not get on that airplane and fly off to some unknown location, now that he knew of the Bureau’s interest, was to arrest the wealthy business man immediately. One false step could result in a forced early retirement for the senior FBI Agent, but Steve Williams trusted his gut. It was telling him that Brown was up to something bad. He also knew that a former FBI agent’s life was on the line.
Even though he had never met Jensen Ackles, he did know of him. Everyone in the Bureau knew about the legendary Ackles who had been in the process of being groomed by McNally himself to take over the Director’s position. It had been a shock to everyone when Ackles abruptly departed from FBI. Steve was so surprised that he began his own investigation since it didn’t sit right with him.
Steven thought there had been a conspiracy, a dark secret perhaps that Jensen had uncovered that made him too dangerous to keep around. But he was shockingly wrong. Jensen wasn’t pushed out of the Bureau as he wrongly assumed. Instead the Agent had left because of the horrendous, life-altering tortures he had endured. Steven had read the medical reports and was amazed that Jensen had actually survived with his sanity intact. But his survival had come at a price. Ackles had left the FBI to forget. However the Bureau never forgot about Jensen Ackles. Nor did it seem that the Angel Killer had either.
No one actually knew how horribly much Jensen had suffered. That was the way Jensen wanted it to remain. Steve knew that if anyone truly knew what Jensen had survived, his legacy would become a very public legend. Jensen wanted his privacy and Steve respected that about him. Maybe that was why he was about to do what he was going to do. He never thought of himself as a sentimental fool, especially over someone he had never met, but he even managed to surprise himself sometimes.
Senior Field Agent Steven Williams slipped out of the vehicle, resolutely making his way toward Brown and Fergus.
Back straight, head up, he approached the influential businessman. “Mister Brown, I am placing you under arrest,” he announced in a clear, crisp voice. He saw Fergus’s shocked expression out of the corner of his vision.
With a shocked huff, Brown narrowed his eyes and demanded indignantly, “On what grounds?”
“Terrorism.”
+++++++
Unknown location in Oregon
Jensen watched the guard scanning the area, looking for him. The man didn’t realize that his prey was hiding behind a tree, less than five feet away from him. Jensen had carefully studied the man, noting that he did not appear to be carrying a weapon. He was also alone. He had a walkie-talkie attached at his right hip.
The Sheriff waited patiently, biding his time until the man had radioed in his update. Once he did, Jensen made his move. Moving swiftly, Jensen leaped behind the man, locking his forearm around the guard’s exposed throat in a tight chokehold. The man desperately tried to loosen Jensen’s steel grip around his neck, but the harder the man struggled, the quicker he lost his breath. Before long, the guard had fallen into unconsciousness, becoming limp in Jensen’s arms. Jensen continued his punishing hold a few seconds longer, ensuring that the man was truly out cold before letting go.
He searched the guard for any hidden weapons, finding none. He glanced at the man’s feet, checking to see if they wore similar sized shoes. For once Lady Luck was smiling down on him. A flicker of a smile flitted across his face as he hurriedly tugged the man’s boots off and slipped his own battered feet into the warm Timberlands. Jensen stripped the man of his thick, black outer coat. He didn’t feel too bad for the guard since the man still had on thick socks and a warm vest over his wool sweater.
The Sheriff dragged the man to a nearby tree. He threw dead leaves and branches over the man, hiding him from view and predators, providing a modicum of warmth from the cold weather. Then Jensen reached down and grabbed the walkie-talkie. He set off toward the north, moving closer to the denser forest. He limped toward his destination, ignoring the stabbing throb he felt with each step he took. Despite the boots, his feet were heavily damaged, his right knee swollen nearly twice its normal size. But he continued to push forward. It was time for the second stage of his plan to come into play. He had accomplished his first goal, obtaining the ability to communicate with the Angel Killer. Now it was time for him to set the stage for their final confrontation.
+++++++
Parkland Hospital Burn Unit,
Dallas, Texas
Elizabeth Padalecki stared through the windows of the waiting room at the Parkland Hospital Burn Unit. Her eyes glazed over with painful memories of the past. It seemed like only yesterday when she had had to bury her sweet daughter and loving husband. After that her son had become a distant stranger, filled with seething rage and a need for revenge, while her home quickly became an empty mausoleum. She had spent many dark months grieving for her past life, not able to see a happy future for Jared or for herself. She never could have imagined in a million years that the new Sheriff who came into town would have any impact on their lives, much less change them for the better.
Elizabeth had never been a religious woman but she now believed that Jensen Ackles was a true miracle.
Somehow her handsome son had been able to break down the barriers that were erected around the Sheriff as a form of self-preservation. And once Jared had forced his way into the new lawman’s life, Jensen had been able to see past the arrogant, ruthless Padalecki shield that Jared presented to the outside world, to truly see the emotionally injured man within. She knew her son well, knowing that Jensen must have pushed Jared away a dozen times, rejecting the younger man’s advances. Yet somehow Jared’s actions hadn’t scared the Sheriff away but instead had somehow intrigued him into finding the real Jared. Either Jensen Ackles was one hell of a stubborn man or a crazy son of bitch. Elizabeth was thankful for either option.
She watched as the ice around her son’s heart was slowly melting the longer he was in Jensen’s company. The constant anger in Jared’s eyes was being replaced with something she hadn’t seen for a long time… happiness. This didn’t mean that Jared wasn’t still the Padalecki tycoon, ruthless and cunning in business deals against his rivals. Elizabeth was aware of her son’s dark plans for revenge against the bastards who had plotted their family’s tragic destruction. Hell, she had her own plans as well. However, before Jensen’s arrival she had been convinced that Jared’s desire for vengeance would consume him. But her worries decreased greatly when Jensen entered the picture. With the Sheriff present in her son’s life, Jared’s thirst for vengeance began to decrease as Jensen became a more prominent presence in his life.
Aside from Jensen changing her son’s life, he also made a big impact on her. She never realized how lonely she had been until Jensen came into her life. She had always been a very independent woman but had become even more so after the accident. Elizabeth had refused to change her lifestyle even when she became chained to her wheelchair. She would aggressively lash out at anyone that offered her help. She didn’t want their sympathy or their pity. Her bitter attitude pushed people away. By the time Elizabeth began having doubts, it was too late. Everyone aside from her son had left her alone in her empty ranch.
Determined not to show any regrets, she continued her abrasive defiance toward the citizens of Prairie Hill. No one seemed to be able to see past her facade until Jensen Ackles appeared on the scene.
On the day she met the Sheriff, he had rescued poor DJ Qualls from the tongue lashing she was giving him, but the one Jensen truly saved was her. She had become a bitter, lonely widow with only hatred and vengeance in her heart. But Jensen slowly drained all the bone-weary loneliness away by constantly checking up on her. Even if it was a just a quick five minute phone call, Jensen always made some time for her during his busy day. Then he introduced his band of merry friends to her. After that, she was lucky to have 5 minutes alone in her day. If Jensen wasn’t calling her, it was Aldis, Chad, Kane or Josh. Once Momoa joined the group, he too began calling and checking up on her. Her once empty home was filled once more. Her heart was no longer filled with just hatred and angry. There was a new family for her to care for.
Caring for her new family came with a double-edged sword as Chad lay in the hospital, fighting for his life from the bomb blast of mad man. She was terrified that they would lose him. They had already suffered greatly from Stephen’s death. She didn’t know if they could recover from losing Chad as well. She glanced over at Aldis who sat near the door, waiting for news from the surgeons that were working feverishly on Chad. She tried to speak to him several times but the Federal agent remained silent, his eyes never once leaving the empty doorway. She knew Chad and Aldis had a special friendship. The shy blonde deputy always pushed Aldis to the extreme, either making him furiously mad or having him laugh until tears flowed from his eyes. She knew how much Chad meant to Aldis even if the stubborn man refused to admit it to himself.
She rolled her chair next to his once more. Elizabeth reached over and placed her hand over top of his, silently giving him support. She felt her hand being squeezed back in response. They both sat quietly, waiting for answers. Then she saw the doctor approaching them. She knew only too well the expression on his face. It was the same expression she had seen on the doctor’s face who had come to tell her that her beautiful, daughter had died.
“No,” Aldis whispered vehemently before shouting, “NO!!!”
+++++++
Unknown location in Oregon
“You got to be fucking kidding me. Talk about full fucking circle...” Jensen snarled underneath his breath when he came to a stop. He had been traveling north, pushing his weary body forward as his mind raced thinking about the final phase of his plan. He had barely paid attention to his surroundings. The Sheriff stopped when he noticed the familiar landscape that overlooked the cliff that had been front and center in so many of his nightmares. If he wasn’t mistaken, this was the exact same cliff that he had pushed that bastard off of. The man he had believed to be the Angel Killer, believing it had been to his death.
“Motherfucker!” Jensen cursed as he limped to a nearby tree. His trembling fingers bled as he tore at a young sapling, breaking off an 8 inch long, wickedly sharp piece of a sturdy branch. He slipped the makeshift weapon inside his heavy coat sleeve. Closing his eyes, he tried to calm his racing heart. He knew that the Angel Killer’s men were probably already on his trail. He wasn’t exactly careful in hiding the evidence of his trek to the cliff. Now it was time to lure the spider into his trap.
He picked up the walkie-talkie and pressed the button as he leaned against the tree. His body ached with exhaustion while he felt feverish; sweat had begun to drip down his forehead and back.
“James Marsters, this is your chosen warrior…pick up.” Jensen let go of the button, waiting for a response. The only sound he heard was static.
“Come on…you’ve been toying with me for months. Hell… you concocted this elaborate plan to bring me here. So I’m here. I’m ready to listen to what you have to say. Are you afraid to answer me? Or do you have something to hide from your people?” He needled. Yet again there was no response. Jensen waited for a few more minutes.
“Aww shit. He’s not going to answer,” Jensen muttered. However he jerked to attention when he heard a nearby voice call out to him.
“I will always answer you, Jensen. You are our warrior, our savior from the Darkness that is fast approaching us.”
Jensen carefully pushed himself away from the tree, his body trembling from exhaustion. He watched James Marsters and a group of three men coming toward him. Marsters’ red eyes were on full display. He no longer wore colored contacts to hide the unique shade. Although the man acted like he was calm, Jensen detected the tension in his stance, the tightness around his eyes. The man was furious.
“I thought we were going to have private conversation. What’s with the army?” Jensen asked.
“These men are not soldiers; they are here to help you. I know your condition has worsened the longer you’ve been out in this cold. You need to come back with us so that we can heal you. We need you to be at full strength."
“I’ll make a deal with you. Tell me again about the prophesy of this great evil that I am destined to fight against. Convince me as you have with these people and I’ll willingly come back with you.”
“Are you trying to trick me into letting you go?”
“Where am I going to go? I’m stuck on a mountain. I’m unarmed and most likely coming down with a fever and infection.”
“Then by your own admission I don’t need your willingness.”
“That’s where you are wrong. God always gives us free will. You can’t force me to become your savior, your weapon, unless I give you my consent. Isn’t that what the great Bible says?” Jensen knew he’d caught Marsters in a trap. Based on the man reaction, James knew he was caught as well. In order to save face, he had to dismiss his guards and allow the private conversation to happen between just the two of them.
“I am aware of what the Bible says, Jensen.”
“Then talk to me. I’m willing to listen. To believe….” Jensen knew he used the right words when Marsters tightened his lips and gave a quick nod to his men. The three guards immediately walked back into the woods, giving Jensen and Marsters privacy.
“The Bible speaks to the great war that is closely upon us. The army of darkness which is led by the Antichrist will wage a great war with humanity. Our last hope, our only chance of survival is to be led by the warrior of God, the sword of Michael. The sword is not a weapon but a human warrior, our last defender. I have searched for years for this warrior. There were many impostors sent to deceive us. But I was not blinded by these false soldiers.”
“You told me this before…your tests that tortured and killed your victims.”
“They were not innocents. If they were pure of heart and meant to be part of the chosen, they would have passed the test.”
“No one passed the test!” Jensen retorted.”
“You did.”
“Barely...” Jensen snarled.
“Do you think it was an accident that you were assigned to my case when you were at the FBI? I have watched you for years, Jensen. Those that I picked had been thoroughly studied before moving to the next phase. I am not the monster that you have built in your mind. I am merely a man listening and following God’s word.”
“And you think God told you to torture and murder all those victims?”
“God works in mysterious ways. Who are you to judge him?”
“I’m not judging Him, I’m judging you. I don’t believe that God talks to you. And if He does, He wouldn’t be telling you to hurt and kill your own brothers and sisters. He is a merciful and loving God.”
“So you think I’m lying?”
“Show me evidence that you are telling the truth. Aside from your fancy words, there must be some sort of evidence like stigmata of the palms. Did you have that?”
Marsters narrowed his eyes. “You ask many doubting questions. You promised to keep an open mind.”
“I did and I have. But I need more than your words. I’m a Sheriff. Before that, I was a Federal agent. We were taught to follow the evidence. Aside from your words, I need more.”
“Faith is about believing.” Marsters pointed out.
“Yes, but we are talking about the Apocalypse. The Bible had given specific signs for this in Revelations. It also talks about the Antichrist, giving us descriptions to be wary of. Yet there has not been any description about the so called Sword of Michael.”
“God spoke to me directly. He told me the details of Sword of Michael. It is my destiny to prepare you for the Great War that is coming….but if you do not truly believe in your role….perhaps you are not the warrior that we were seeking.” Marsters threatened him.
“So let me get this straight. Because I’m questioning you, you are going to disregard all the signs that told you all this time that I’m the Sword of Michael and get rid of me?”
“Only a select few knew about you. You can be replaced.”
“What about God? I thought He told you to find me?”
Marsters gave Jensen a sinister smile. “I am only human. I can make mistakes as well.”
“So you are willing to kill me if I don’t fall in line.”
“As you said before, Jensen…. God gives us free will. It is your choice on how this ends.”
“You are nothing but a fraud. You have misled all these people over your sick twisted power games. You are not some prophet peaching God’s words. You are just a psychopath who wants to torture and murder as many people as you can,” Jensen snarled.
“I see you have made your choice.”
“Yeah…I have.” Jensen replied, holding up the walkie-talkie in his hand. “Did I forget to mention that I had this on the whole time we were talking?” Jensen said, smirking at the furious expression on Marsters’ face.
“You think you will turn my people against me? Do you know who I am?” Marsters snarled.
“I know exactly what you are. You are the same scum I spent my whole career chasing and putting away. I have exposed you for what you are to your congregation. I might not have reached everyone, but those that I have I believe I have placed some doubts in their minds. Sooner or later, they will start to question. Your hold on them will lessen and eventually they will finally see what you are…. the Antichrist!” Jensen proclaimed, knowing his words caused a major impact on those that were listening on the other end of the walkie-talkie.
“Turn that off!” Marsters yelled, pulling out his gun and aiming it at Jensen’s chest.
“Are you scared now that I have exposed your secret? You are the devil in disguise sent to mislead the chosen. I, as the Warrior of God, know your true identity.” Jensen snarled.
BLAM
A shot rang out in the dead, quiet forest.
Jensen dropped the device onto the ground as speckles of blood splattered against the grass. He stumbled forward, falling against Marsters’ body. The red-eyed mad man instinctively grabbed him, his face sneering at Jensen’s pain. “You thought you would turn my people against me? Do you know who I am?!.”
“Dead man walking….” Jensen croaked before viciously plunging the jagged, dagger-sharp piece of wood, he’d kept hidden in his sleeve, deep into Masters’ thigh, severing his femoral artery. Both men collapsed to the ground, bleeding profusely.
Marsters howled in agony, clutching at his bleeding thigh as blood gushed from his mortal wound. Jensen lay on his side, grimly watching the murderer die. He refused to close his eyes until he knew that Masters was truly dead once and for all. Based on the amount of blood the madman was losing, he would die in a matter of minutes.
With his vision dimming, Jensen saw the guards rushing toward Masters, but the evil bastard had finally stopped screaming, his chest no longer moving.
“I’m sorry Jared….” Jensen muttered, as darkness consumed him.
+++++++
Author’s Note 1: A million thanks goes to my amazingly wonderful beta, oldbatj! She has been reminding me for months, heck every week to keep writing! Even when I lost everything due to a computer virus, she gave me one week to mourn then whip me back into action! I love her dearly as she is an incredible person. Thank you, hon!
Author’s Note 2: Many apologies for leaving you hanging for so long! Thank you for being so patient and supportive! Hugs to everyone!
Author’s Note 3: We are definitely wrapping up the Angel Killer arch! And what cliff hangers I leave you with!! I sure love to hear your thoughts as your comments to me are like rainbows after a rainy day!
Pairing: Jared/Jensen
Rating: NC-17
Word count: 6,285
Warning/spoilers: explicit violence, sexual situations
Disclaimers: I own nothing, this is pure fiction from my crazy mind when I don’t get enough sleep. Please don’t sue and please don’t steal.
Summary: Haunted by the demons of his past, Jensen Ackles moved to the sleepy town of Prairie Hill, Texas hoping to finally escape to a quiet, peaceful life. He had earned it as shown by the numerous battle scars decorating his body. What he finds instead however will require all the training and experience he thought he had left behind him. As he deepens his involvement in the hunt for the monster that stalks residents of the quiet little town, he begins to realize…. he himself has become the prey. As if fighting for his life isn’t enough of a complication, somehow he has gained the unwanted attention and wrath of the richest oil tycoon in Texas, Jared Padalecki. Story has been beta’d by the phenomenal oldbatj. The gorgeous banner was created by 2blueshoes.
Part 22
Interlude: A lazy Sunday morning
All he felt was a wall of heat, hugging close to his body. A familiar masculine scent surrounded him, bringing him comfort, chasing away any lingering terrors he had from his nightmares. When he felt kisses being placed along his neck, big hands caressing his bare stomach underneath his t-shirt, he groaned, burrowing his face into the soft pillow.
“Too early….” Jensen complained. But the big man behind him paid no attention to his weak protest. He knew what his Lovely needed to start the day right. The powerful tycoon continued to worship his resisting lover’s body. With each kiss, caress, or touch he was slowly driving Jensen mad with lust. He smiled against his Lovely’s skin, sucking and licking the pale flesh until it became flushed pink with desire.
Jensen growled, shoving his face deeper into the pillow, refusing to give in to his demanding lover. His skin tingled more with each gentle caress and lovingly placed kiss but he still refused to acknowledge the giant man hovering behind him, worshipping his scarred body.
His mind was still sluggish from a restful slumber. Since he’d been sharing Jared’s bed, the constant nightmares that had previously plagued his sleep had all but disappeared, while he slept cocooned in the tycoon’s powerful, protective arms. It was as if Jared’s very presence chased away the demons that had resided in his dreams. The peaceful rest made Jensen very appreciative of his sleep; he was often unwilling to get up on the weekends much to Jared’s displeasure. The tycoon looked forward to the weekends with his Lovely. Of course, with a house full of people that had seemingly moved in to be close to the town’s sheriff, Jensen was never alone on the weekends or evenings.
The one place Jared knew that they would be left completely alone was in their bed. Jensen might hate early weekend mornings but that time of the day was Jared’s favorite. Jensen was his to cherish during the twilight morning hours. Even though his Lovely might protest Jared’s gentle caresses, the sheriff would eventually reciprocate after a few heated kisses. Jensen could never deny Jared, for the big man knew exactly what he needed most…. sweet loving.
“Lovely…I want you to remember something,” Jared muttered against Jensen’s pale skin, leaving a trail of wet kisses from his shoulder to his jaw.
“It’s too early, Jared...,” the still drowsy sheriff groaned.
“You’re mine.”
Jensen snorted and buried his face even deeper into the plush pillow.
“Your body….” Jared kissed along the sheriff’s spine. “Your heart…” The tycoon placed another few kisses along Jensen’s back. “Your soul…are mine, just as I am completely yours. I love you, Lovely.”
Jensen groaned into his pillow before lifting his head and glaring accusingly at the grinning tycoon.
“Dude, it’s too early for this chick flick moment. Go back to sleep.”
With lightning fast speed, Jared flipped his Lovely onto his back, and immediately covered him with his big body, pinning his wrists over his head. Surprisingly Jensen did not feel threatened by the gesture. Perhaps it was because it was his Jared that held him so securely in his arms. Or perhaps he had just become used to the tycoon’s dominating nature.
Jensen knew that Jared usually was unable to curb his domineering behavior but the big man always slipped up in the middle of sex. Jared loved to hold him down, ravishing him with kisses and caresses, teasing him until Jensen begged in submission. It always made the lawman flush with embarrassment when he recalled his wanton behavior with Jared. But he knew how his moans only drove the big man crazy with lust. It seemed the more Jensen surrendered his body to Jared, the more loss of dominance Jared suffered, his hazel eyes dark with passion, his movements fraught with suppressed hunger. Although it might be Jensen who submitted, it was clear that the ultimate control lay in his hands and not Jared’s.
“Are you going to deny me?” Jared growled into his right ear, licking his earlobe which caused him to shiver with desire. He had never known ears could be so erotic until he had met Jared. The big man had spent hours in bed with him, mapping out every inch of his body with kisses and caresses, driving Jensen mad with desire.
“What are you going to do if I do ‘deny’ you?” Jensen countered. He smirked when he saw the big man pouting at him. Deciding to put Jared out of his misery, Jensen stretched upward, kissing his lover. Jared quickly responded by crushing his lips against his Lovely’s, swiftly taking control of the passionate kiss.
The big man suddenly pulled back, surprising Jensen. He looked deeply into the flustered green eyes of the man in his arms. “I want you to remember this moment, Jensen. As long as I breathe, I will never let you go. You are mine as I am yours. Say it.”
“Jared…come on…”
“I will not fuck you until you do.”
“Are you seriously threatening to cut off sex with me?” Jensen asked, raising his right eyebrow. They both knew how much of a horn dog the tycoon was for Jensen. The big man could not go for a single day without making out with his Lovely. If Jensen was honest with himself, he couldn’t either. The tycoon had somehow wormed his way not only into his life but also into his heart as well.
“Good point. Then I will show up at your workplace every day….”
“And how is that any different from what you do now?”
“I wasn’t finished…. I plan to serenade you with a full band while providing backup vocals to the music.”
“You wouldn’t! You would be too embarrassed. I’ve heard you sing when we’re in the shower together. You’re terrible at it,” Jensen groaned.
“I have a few regrets in life. Failing to proclaim you as mine publically will never be another one of them.”
“Shit!” Jensen muttered, closing his eyes. He could already picture his friends giving him a hard time. Kane would never let him live it down.
“……” Jensen mumbled.
“Can you repeat that?” Jared crowed.
“Your big ass is mine.” Jensen gritted out.
“And….?” Jared pressed. He didn’t care that his Lovely did not repeat the exact words that he had spoken. All that mattered was the message that was being conveyed.
Jensen sighed, closing his eyes with the intention of sleeping a few more minutes. However he relented when he felt Jared’s big fingers caressing his hard, aching cock that was pressed against his thin pajamas bottoms. The tycoon had slid his hands away from Jensen’s wrists and had begun to caress any exposed skin on Jensen’s body.
“I’m yours as you are mine. Happy?” Jensen grumbled before moaning as Jared rewarded him by stroking his weeping cock harder and faster.
“Was that so hard, Lovely?” Jared smirked before leaning down and kissing his handsome Sheriff once more.
“Prick…” Jensen retorted before moaning when the big man once more started to rub at his leaking cockhead.
“Do you want me to stop since I’m such a prick?” Jared teased. But the big man quickly forgot about his mocking when he felt Jensen’s hand reaching for his engorged dick. Soon the lovers were consumed with loving each other, moaning and gasping with heightened pleasure.
“I love you, Lovely. Remember that….”
+++++++
Unknown location in Oregon
“We did not fucking pass a forest ranger station on the way up this damn mountain!” Sheppard exclaimed. “We must be going the wrong way.”
“Would you calm down? Yelling will only attract attention from wild animals that will tear your flesh apart,” Morgan pointed out, patting his friend on the back. He was hoping the teasing would calm the hitman down.
“Is that supposed to comfort me?!” Mark shrieked causing JD to flinch, clearly his poor attempt at humor was taken the wrong way.
“Sorry, I was trying to distract you with a joke.”
“It wasn’t very funny.”
“My apologies... Do you want go back and stop at the ranger’s station to rest for a while?”
Sheppard narrowed his eyes, tilting his head to the side, suddenly glaring at the man who was half-carrying him down the side of the mountain.
“I’m dying, aren’t I?! That’s why you’re being so nice to me, isn’t it? Because… I’m a dead man walking!” Mark burst out.
“Oh Lord….” Morgan groaned in aggravation.
“You’re praying! I knew it! I’m dying!” Mark whined causing Morgan to chuckle. He tried to suppress his amusement but a few sniggers had escaped.
“You are not dying.”
“Then I’m going to lose my leg! I’m going to be a cripple….a hot cripple but still a cripple!” Mark wailed.
“You only have a flesh wound. At worst you’ll have a nasty scar. Stop being a bigger drama queen than the one you already are.”
“Why are you being so mean to a man who’s three feet away from Death’s door?”
“You are not dying. If you were, you wouldn’t have enough energy to complain and whine so much.”
“I am not whining!”
Morgan gave the baker an exasperated look as he wisely remained silent. He then realized that they had covered a significant distance as they had bickered. Behind them, the small ranger station was now a distant building as they continued downward toward what he hoped was the right path home. Despite his earlier words, Morgan was truly afraid for Mark’s life. Although the bleeding on Sheppard’s leg was momentarily halted, he knew that the bandages were only a temporary fix. He was painfully aware that the other man had lost a significant amount of blood.
“You have a glum expression on your face. It’s very unattractive. Are you sad at the thought of my death? I knew you loved me!” Sheppard crowed.
“Now I know you’ve suffered too much blood loss. You’re getting even more delusional than usual,” JD snarked.
“Still doesn’t change the fact that you love me,” Mark countered.
“If that misconception is what keeps you moving down this mountain, then I’m all for it,” JD retorted sardonically. However a smile was tugging at the edge of his lips. He had a sneaky suspicion that Sheppard was trying to keep him distracted as well. This surprised JD as it was Mark that was suffering from what could very well be a serious wound in this rugged terrain. He then realized that the hitman was always constantly concerned for his welfare even when JD wasn’t worried for himself.
“You really are a good friend,” JD muttered, astonished at his confusion.
“You finally realized that just now? When I’m two feet away from Death’s door?” Mark exclaimed.
“You are not two feet away from Death’s door. You’re too short to be that close.”
“How does my height have anything to do with being near Death’s door?”
“It doesn’t. I just wanted to point out how short you are.”
“I’m not short! I’m of average height.”
“Then explain to me how everyone in our group towers over you?”
“That’s not true, I’m taller than Hodge.”
“He’s in a wheelchair!”
“Are you discriminating against him because he’s handicapped?”
“No, just pointing out the fact that the man you claim to be taller than is in a wheelchair.”
“Doesn’t matter, it still counts! I’m still taller than him.” Mark pointed out stubbornly.
“Congratulations, you are taller than one person out of our entire team.”
“That’s not true. I’m taller than Kane.”
“You are not taller than Kane!”
“Yes, I am! The man clearly wears heeled cowboy boots to increase his height. It’s the oldest trick in the book.”
“And you would know that because you’re so short, right?” Morgan needled.
“I really don’t understand why I consider you my friend,” Sheppard grumbled.
“It’s because I’m your only friend,” Morgan retorted.
Mark gave him a long look before replying, “You’re right.”
Laughter burst out between the two friends as they continued their journey down the shadowed path in the quickly fading light.
+++++++
Pain radiated from his swollen, right knee. His bruised and bleeding feet had long ago become numb to the small, jagged-edged rocks that jabbed relentlessly into his soft bare soles. His body was covered only by his thin shirt and pants, so he shivered incessantly from the cold, windy early evening air. Despite the throbbing agony with each movement, Jensen refused to rest. Each minute he spent outside his prison was one minute closer to obtaining his ultimate goal.
He had believed for months that he had killed the monster that haunted his nightmares. Yet like a demon from Hell, Marsters had risen from the darkness and continued his devastation. Escaping to freedom was not on Jensen’s mind now, especially since the Angel Killer had evolved in his MO. The sadistic murderer was no longer satisfied with merely killing individuals; instead he had begun gathering followers, indoctrinating them into his psychotic beliefs, insanely twisting the members into irrational, deluded, religious zealots.
In order to confront the Angel Killer on a more even ground, Jensen had to lure the man away from his disciples by providing Marsters with the perfect bait, himself. Marsters was a careful killer, always planning his moves to remain three steps ahead. However his one weakness was his obsession with Jensen. For whatever reason Jensen still hadn’t figured out, Marsters had made Jensen a central character in his malicious plans.
Jensen knew the odds. He was alone, nearly freezing to death with no shoes, weapons or phone. Help was not going to come in time. In some ways he was glad that his team wouldn’t be able to get to him in time. He had no intention of arresting Marsters. He never did. He was going to finish what he had started so long ago. He was finally going to kill James Marsters and put an end to the Angel Killer’s reign of terror… even if it meant his own demise.
+++++++
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Special Federal Agent Steven Williams watched the suspect leave his home, his gut telling him that something terrible was going to happen. He had been given a special assignment from Director McNally to watch the millionaire Sterling Brown for any suspicious activity. There was circumstantial evidence that indicated Brown was connected to a terrorist group. Williams didn’t know how legitimate that information was but he had a duty to follow orders.
At first glance, Brown seemed to be an upstanding civilian. However Williams had over twenty years of a background in studying human behavior. Everything about Brown appeared too perfect, too pristine. And from Steve’s past experience, when things looked too clean, that meant a man had something to hide. The longer Williams had observed the wealthy gun manufacturer, the more his gut had been telling him that Brown was bad news. Although he had nothing concrete, he learned through the years as an active field agent to rely on his gut.
“Sir, it seems our suspect is leaving and based on our electronic surveillance it indicates Mister Brown will be driving to the airport to board a plane for a week long business trip to California. Do you want to take him in for questioning now? Once he boards that plane, we may not get the opportunity again,” Agent Adam Fergus asked him.
Steve maintained a blank expression however his mind was racing a mile a minute. Sterling Brown was a very wealthy and influential man, crossing him could result in career suicide. Despite that, Williams didn’t care about promotions or moving up in the Bureau. He enjoyed field work and special assignments. If Brown gave him any trouble, Steven had his own connections. In the course of his twenty five year career at the Bureau, Williams had met dozens of important people, so there were many influential people that owed him favors.
“Bring him in for questioning.” Steven ordered.
“Do you need to get a warrant or higher permission first, Sir? Mister Brown is well connected,” Agent Fergus questioned; his voice nervous with apprehension.
Steve gave him a sharp smile. “I am the lead agent. Don’t make me repeat myself, Fergus.”
“Yes, Sir!” Fergus answered when he saw the look in Steve’s eyes. He immediately shoved open the door, almost tumbling out in his haste to escape Steve’s wrath.
The older Federal Agent smirked as he watched Adam cautiously approach Brown. Based on Brown’s face and body language, the man was being extremely uncooperative as he listened to Fergus’s request. Since they were not arresting Brown and only wanted to take him in for questioning, the gun manufacturer did not by law have to comply with their wishes and quite obviously he had no intention of doing so voluntarily.
The only way to ensure that Sterling Brown did not get on that airplane and fly off to some unknown location, now that he knew of the Bureau’s interest, was to arrest the wealthy business man immediately. One false step could result in a forced early retirement for the senior FBI Agent, but Steve Williams trusted his gut. It was telling him that Brown was up to something bad. He also knew that a former FBI agent’s life was on the line.
Even though he had never met Jensen Ackles, he did know of him. Everyone in the Bureau knew about the legendary Ackles who had been in the process of being groomed by McNally himself to take over the Director’s position. It had been a shock to everyone when Ackles abruptly departed from FBI. Steve was so surprised that he began his own investigation since it didn’t sit right with him.
Steven thought there had been a conspiracy, a dark secret perhaps that Jensen had uncovered that made him too dangerous to keep around. But he was shockingly wrong. Jensen wasn’t pushed out of the Bureau as he wrongly assumed. Instead the Agent had left because of the horrendous, life-altering tortures he had endured. Steven had read the medical reports and was amazed that Jensen had actually survived with his sanity intact. But his survival had come at a price. Ackles had left the FBI to forget. However the Bureau never forgot about Jensen Ackles. Nor did it seem that the Angel Killer had either.
No one actually knew how horribly much Jensen had suffered. That was the way Jensen wanted it to remain. Steve knew that if anyone truly knew what Jensen had survived, his legacy would become a very public legend. Jensen wanted his privacy and Steve respected that about him. Maybe that was why he was about to do what he was going to do. He never thought of himself as a sentimental fool, especially over someone he had never met, but he even managed to surprise himself sometimes.
Senior Field Agent Steven Williams slipped out of the vehicle, resolutely making his way toward Brown and Fergus.
Back straight, head up, he approached the influential businessman. “Mister Brown, I am placing you under arrest,” he announced in a clear, crisp voice. He saw Fergus’s shocked expression out of the corner of his vision.
With a shocked huff, Brown narrowed his eyes and demanded indignantly, “On what grounds?”
“Terrorism.”
+++++++
Unknown location in Oregon
Jensen watched the guard scanning the area, looking for him. The man didn’t realize that his prey was hiding behind a tree, less than five feet away from him. Jensen had carefully studied the man, noting that he did not appear to be carrying a weapon. He was also alone. He had a walkie-talkie attached at his right hip.
The Sheriff waited patiently, biding his time until the man had radioed in his update. Once he did, Jensen made his move. Moving swiftly, Jensen leaped behind the man, locking his forearm around the guard’s exposed throat in a tight chokehold. The man desperately tried to loosen Jensen’s steel grip around his neck, but the harder the man struggled, the quicker he lost his breath. Before long, the guard had fallen into unconsciousness, becoming limp in Jensen’s arms. Jensen continued his punishing hold a few seconds longer, ensuring that the man was truly out cold before letting go.
He searched the guard for any hidden weapons, finding none. He glanced at the man’s feet, checking to see if they wore similar sized shoes. For once Lady Luck was smiling down on him. A flicker of a smile flitted across his face as he hurriedly tugged the man’s boots off and slipped his own battered feet into the warm Timberlands. Jensen stripped the man of his thick, black outer coat. He didn’t feel too bad for the guard since the man still had on thick socks and a warm vest over his wool sweater.
The Sheriff dragged the man to a nearby tree. He threw dead leaves and branches over the man, hiding him from view and predators, providing a modicum of warmth from the cold weather. Then Jensen reached down and grabbed the walkie-talkie. He set off toward the north, moving closer to the denser forest. He limped toward his destination, ignoring the stabbing throb he felt with each step he took. Despite the boots, his feet were heavily damaged, his right knee swollen nearly twice its normal size. But he continued to push forward. It was time for the second stage of his plan to come into play. He had accomplished his first goal, obtaining the ability to communicate with the Angel Killer. Now it was time for him to set the stage for their final confrontation.
+++++++
Parkland Hospital Burn Unit,
Dallas, Texas
Elizabeth Padalecki stared through the windows of the waiting room at the Parkland Hospital Burn Unit. Her eyes glazed over with painful memories of the past. It seemed like only yesterday when she had had to bury her sweet daughter and loving husband. After that her son had become a distant stranger, filled with seething rage and a need for revenge, while her home quickly became an empty mausoleum. She had spent many dark months grieving for her past life, not able to see a happy future for Jared or for herself. She never could have imagined in a million years that the new Sheriff who came into town would have any impact on their lives, much less change them for the better.
Elizabeth had never been a religious woman but she now believed that Jensen Ackles was a true miracle.
Somehow her handsome son had been able to break down the barriers that were erected around the Sheriff as a form of self-preservation. And once Jared had forced his way into the new lawman’s life, Jensen had been able to see past the arrogant, ruthless Padalecki shield that Jared presented to the outside world, to truly see the emotionally injured man within. She knew her son well, knowing that Jensen must have pushed Jared away a dozen times, rejecting the younger man’s advances. Yet somehow Jared’s actions hadn’t scared the Sheriff away but instead had somehow intrigued him into finding the real Jared. Either Jensen Ackles was one hell of a stubborn man or a crazy son of bitch. Elizabeth was thankful for either option.
She watched as the ice around her son’s heart was slowly melting the longer he was in Jensen’s company. The constant anger in Jared’s eyes was being replaced with something she hadn’t seen for a long time… happiness. This didn’t mean that Jared wasn’t still the Padalecki tycoon, ruthless and cunning in business deals against his rivals. Elizabeth was aware of her son’s dark plans for revenge against the bastards who had plotted their family’s tragic destruction. Hell, she had her own plans as well. However, before Jensen’s arrival she had been convinced that Jared’s desire for vengeance would consume him. But her worries decreased greatly when Jensen entered the picture. With the Sheriff present in her son’s life, Jared’s thirst for vengeance began to decrease as Jensen became a more prominent presence in his life.
Aside from Jensen changing her son’s life, he also made a big impact on her. She never realized how lonely she had been until Jensen came into her life. She had always been a very independent woman but had become even more so after the accident. Elizabeth had refused to change her lifestyle even when she became chained to her wheelchair. She would aggressively lash out at anyone that offered her help. She didn’t want their sympathy or their pity. Her bitter attitude pushed people away. By the time Elizabeth began having doubts, it was too late. Everyone aside from her son had left her alone in her empty ranch.
Determined not to show any regrets, she continued her abrasive defiance toward the citizens of Prairie Hill. No one seemed to be able to see past her facade until Jensen Ackles appeared on the scene.
On the day she met the Sheriff, he had rescued poor DJ Qualls from the tongue lashing she was giving him, but the one Jensen truly saved was her. She had become a bitter, lonely widow with only hatred and vengeance in her heart. But Jensen slowly drained all the bone-weary loneliness away by constantly checking up on her. Even if it was a just a quick five minute phone call, Jensen always made some time for her during his busy day. Then he introduced his band of merry friends to her. After that, she was lucky to have 5 minutes alone in her day. If Jensen wasn’t calling her, it was Aldis, Chad, Kane or Josh. Once Momoa joined the group, he too began calling and checking up on her. Her once empty home was filled once more. Her heart was no longer filled with just hatred and angry. There was a new family for her to care for.
Caring for her new family came with a double-edged sword as Chad lay in the hospital, fighting for his life from the bomb blast of mad man. She was terrified that they would lose him. They had already suffered greatly from Stephen’s death. She didn’t know if they could recover from losing Chad as well. She glanced over at Aldis who sat near the door, waiting for news from the surgeons that were working feverishly on Chad. She tried to speak to him several times but the Federal agent remained silent, his eyes never once leaving the empty doorway. She knew Chad and Aldis had a special friendship. The shy blonde deputy always pushed Aldis to the extreme, either making him furiously mad or having him laugh until tears flowed from his eyes. She knew how much Chad meant to Aldis even if the stubborn man refused to admit it to himself.
She rolled her chair next to his once more. Elizabeth reached over and placed her hand over top of his, silently giving him support. She felt her hand being squeezed back in response. They both sat quietly, waiting for answers. Then she saw the doctor approaching them. She knew only too well the expression on his face. It was the same expression she had seen on the doctor’s face who had come to tell her that her beautiful, daughter had died.
“No,” Aldis whispered vehemently before shouting, “NO!!!”
+++++++
Unknown location in Oregon
“You got to be fucking kidding me. Talk about full fucking circle...” Jensen snarled underneath his breath when he came to a stop. He had been traveling north, pushing his weary body forward as his mind raced thinking about the final phase of his plan. He had barely paid attention to his surroundings. The Sheriff stopped when he noticed the familiar landscape that overlooked the cliff that had been front and center in so many of his nightmares. If he wasn’t mistaken, this was the exact same cliff that he had pushed that bastard off of. The man he had believed to be the Angel Killer, believing it had been to his death.
“Motherfucker!” Jensen cursed as he limped to a nearby tree. His trembling fingers bled as he tore at a young sapling, breaking off an 8 inch long, wickedly sharp piece of a sturdy branch. He slipped the makeshift weapon inside his heavy coat sleeve. Closing his eyes, he tried to calm his racing heart. He knew that the Angel Killer’s men were probably already on his trail. He wasn’t exactly careful in hiding the evidence of his trek to the cliff. Now it was time to lure the spider into his trap.
He picked up the walkie-talkie and pressed the button as he leaned against the tree. His body ached with exhaustion while he felt feverish; sweat had begun to drip down his forehead and back.
“James Marsters, this is your chosen warrior…pick up.” Jensen let go of the button, waiting for a response. The only sound he heard was static.
“Come on…you’ve been toying with me for months. Hell… you concocted this elaborate plan to bring me here. So I’m here. I’m ready to listen to what you have to say. Are you afraid to answer me? Or do you have something to hide from your people?” He needled. Yet again there was no response. Jensen waited for a few more minutes.
“Aww shit. He’s not going to answer,” Jensen muttered. However he jerked to attention when he heard a nearby voice call out to him.
“I will always answer you, Jensen. You are our warrior, our savior from the Darkness that is fast approaching us.”
Jensen carefully pushed himself away from the tree, his body trembling from exhaustion. He watched James Marsters and a group of three men coming toward him. Marsters’ red eyes were on full display. He no longer wore colored contacts to hide the unique shade. Although the man acted like he was calm, Jensen detected the tension in his stance, the tightness around his eyes. The man was furious.
“I thought we were going to have private conversation. What’s with the army?” Jensen asked.
“These men are not soldiers; they are here to help you. I know your condition has worsened the longer you’ve been out in this cold. You need to come back with us so that we can heal you. We need you to be at full strength."
“I’ll make a deal with you. Tell me again about the prophesy of this great evil that I am destined to fight against. Convince me as you have with these people and I’ll willingly come back with you.”
“Are you trying to trick me into letting you go?”
“Where am I going to go? I’m stuck on a mountain. I’m unarmed and most likely coming down with a fever and infection.”
“Then by your own admission I don’t need your willingness.”
“That’s where you are wrong. God always gives us free will. You can’t force me to become your savior, your weapon, unless I give you my consent. Isn’t that what the great Bible says?” Jensen knew he’d caught Marsters in a trap. Based on the man reaction, James knew he was caught as well. In order to save face, he had to dismiss his guards and allow the private conversation to happen between just the two of them.
“I am aware of what the Bible says, Jensen.”
“Then talk to me. I’m willing to listen. To believe….” Jensen knew he used the right words when Marsters tightened his lips and gave a quick nod to his men. The three guards immediately walked back into the woods, giving Jensen and Marsters privacy.
“The Bible speaks to the great war that is closely upon us. The army of darkness which is led by the Antichrist will wage a great war with humanity. Our last hope, our only chance of survival is to be led by the warrior of God, the sword of Michael. The sword is not a weapon but a human warrior, our last defender. I have searched for years for this warrior. There were many impostors sent to deceive us. But I was not blinded by these false soldiers.”
“You told me this before…your tests that tortured and killed your victims.”
“They were not innocents. If they were pure of heart and meant to be part of the chosen, they would have passed the test.”
“No one passed the test!” Jensen retorted.”
“You did.”
“Barely...” Jensen snarled.
“Do you think it was an accident that you were assigned to my case when you were at the FBI? I have watched you for years, Jensen. Those that I picked had been thoroughly studied before moving to the next phase. I am not the monster that you have built in your mind. I am merely a man listening and following God’s word.”
“And you think God told you to torture and murder all those victims?”
“God works in mysterious ways. Who are you to judge him?”
“I’m not judging Him, I’m judging you. I don’t believe that God talks to you. And if He does, He wouldn’t be telling you to hurt and kill your own brothers and sisters. He is a merciful and loving God.”
“So you think I’m lying?”
“Show me evidence that you are telling the truth. Aside from your fancy words, there must be some sort of evidence like stigmata of the palms. Did you have that?”
Marsters narrowed his eyes. “You ask many doubting questions. You promised to keep an open mind.”
“I did and I have. But I need more than your words. I’m a Sheriff. Before that, I was a Federal agent. We were taught to follow the evidence. Aside from your words, I need more.”
“Faith is about believing.” Marsters pointed out.
“Yes, but we are talking about the Apocalypse. The Bible had given specific signs for this in Revelations. It also talks about the Antichrist, giving us descriptions to be wary of. Yet there has not been any description about the so called Sword of Michael.”
“God spoke to me directly. He told me the details of Sword of Michael. It is my destiny to prepare you for the Great War that is coming….but if you do not truly believe in your role….perhaps you are not the warrior that we were seeking.” Marsters threatened him.
“So let me get this straight. Because I’m questioning you, you are going to disregard all the signs that told you all this time that I’m the Sword of Michael and get rid of me?”
“Only a select few knew about you. You can be replaced.”
“What about God? I thought He told you to find me?”
Marsters gave Jensen a sinister smile. “I am only human. I can make mistakes as well.”
“So you are willing to kill me if I don’t fall in line.”
“As you said before, Jensen…. God gives us free will. It is your choice on how this ends.”
“You are nothing but a fraud. You have misled all these people over your sick twisted power games. You are not some prophet peaching God’s words. You are just a psychopath who wants to torture and murder as many people as you can,” Jensen snarled.
“I see you have made your choice.”
“Yeah…I have.” Jensen replied, holding up the walkie-talkie in his hand. “Did I forget to mention that I had this on the whole time we were talking?” Jensen said, smirking at the furious expression on Marsters’ face.
“You think you will turn my people against me? Do you know who I am?” Marsters snarled.
“I know exactly what you are. You are the same scum I spent my whole career chasing and putting away. I have exposed you for what you are to your congregation. I might not have reached everyone, but those that I have I believe I have placed some doubts in their minds. Sooner or later, they will start to question. Your hold on them will lessen and eventually they will finally see what you are…. the Antichrist!” Jensen proclaimed, knowing his words caused a major impact on those that were listening on the other end of the walkie-talkie.
“Turn that off!” Marsters yelled, pulling out his gun and aiming it at Jensen’s chest.
“Are you scared now that I have exposed your secret? You are the devil in disguise sent to mislead the chosen. I, as the Warrior of God, know your true identity.” Jensen snarled.
BLAM
A shot rang out in the dead, quiet forest.
Jensen dropped the device onto the ground as speckles of blood splattered against the grass. He stumbled forward, falling against Marsters’ body. The red-eyed mad man instinctively grabbed him, his face sneering at Jensen’s pain. “You thought you would turn my people against me? Do you know who I am?!.”
“Dead man walking….” Jensen croaked before viciously plunging the jagged, dagger-sharp piece of wood, he’d kept hidden in his sleeve, deep into Masters’ thigh, severing his femoral artery. Both men collapsed to the ground, bleeding profusely.
Marsters howled in agony, clutching at his bleeding thigh as blood gushed from his mortal wound. Jensen lay on his side, grimly watching the murderer die. He refused to close his eyes until he knew that Masters was truly dead once and for all. Based on the amount of blood the madman was losing, he would die in a matter of minutes.
With his vision dimming, Jensen saw the guards rushing toward Masters, but the evil bastard had finally stopped screaming, his chest no longer moving.
“I’m sorry Jared….” Jensen muttered, as darkness consumed him.
+++++++
Author’s Note 1: A million thanks goes to my amazingly wonderful beta, oldbatj! She has been reminding me for months, heck every week to keep writing! Even when I lost everything due to a computer virus, she gave me one week to mourn then whip me back into action! I love her dearly as she is an incredible person. Thank you, hon!
Author’s Note 2: Many apologies for leaving you hanging for so long! Thank you for being so patient and supportive! Hugs to everyone!
Author’s Note 3: We are definitely wrapping up the Angel Killer arch! And what cliff hangers I leave you with!! I sure love to hear your thoughts as your comments to me are like rainbows after a rainy day!
