Cherreads

Chapter 9 - Fight -

Jared and Paul found one of their trucks and filled it with empty beer bottles and cans, pouring what liquid was left on their unconscious forms.

When one started to wake, Paul hit them again with a grin, "What?"

"I hope you're pulling your punches; we don't want them dead," said Jared.

"Speak for yourself, help put them in the truck, and let's get this over with," said Paul, picking one up.

Then gives Jared a light smack with the back of his hand, "Heads up, someone's coming," indicating with his head at an approaching woman.

"I got it, you finish up here," said Jared, only for Paul to drop his guy unceremoniously.

"I got it, you finish up here," said Paul, shoving him back, taking great strides towards the woman.

"Asshole," said Jared while putting the rest of the men in the truck after stripping them.

Hopping into the truck, he starts it, looking over at Paul laughing with the woman. Shaking his head, Jared drives away looking for a good place to put them.

...

Meeting up with Jared back in the bar, Dean looked around. "Where's Paul?"

Jared shrugged, "Last I saw, he was flirting up some woman."

"Are you shitting me?" asked Dean, feeling more than a little vexed.

It wasn't long before Paul came bursting through the door, shirtless with dried blood on his back, slamming it behind him.

"Where have you been?" growled Dean.

"No time, explain later, I've been made, they're right on my ass," said Paul, looking back through the window.

"Explain now!" ordered Dean.

"Look, I know I fucked up. What can I say? I got horney. It was a little difficult to explain my temperature, but she didn't seem to mind. Little did I know she had a husband, who was an amazing shot by the way, hit me all the way from the bedroom window, through trees and bush, right in the fucking shoulder. Hurt like a bitch, good thing I got the same healing perk or that could have been bad, anyways, a vamp showed up. Must have smelled the blood and came to investigate, he's been following me since," said Paul, peaking through the window.

"Did she even know your age?" asked Jared, which Paul scoffs at, ignoring him.

"Don't bother looking, he's likely left to inform the others. Come on, if we're quick, we can catch them all together at their place," said Dean, pushing past Paul.

"You're lucky your brains didn't get blown out, not that there would be much to blow out. Didn't think of that, did you?" said Jared, also pushing past Paul, who was momentarily silenced by the sobering thought.

"Actually, anything short of armor-piercing likely can't penetrate our bones, and as long as our brains are intact, we'll heal from anything within reason," informed Dean.

"Within reason?" questioned Jared.

"If let's say half your body gets blown to pieces, the chances of you surviving go down drastically if there isn't enough material left over to regenerate you," said Dean.

"Good to know," said Paul.

They headed to the woods to shift.

(Okay, I got his scent; he is heading home. Was going to go back to the reservation and grab Sam to help, but it looks like we're doing this now, I hope you boys are ready,) said Dean.

(Born ready,) barked Paul enthusiastically.

(Ready as I'll ever be,) said Jared less so.

(This isn't going to be easy; this will be our first coven. I counted at least 3 that were there while I was scouting with several other unconfirmed scents. Now that Paul's been made, we have no choice but to attack or risk word getting out that unidentified supernaturals are in the area,) said Dean.

Paul's ears dropped momentarily at hearing his name used negatively, but that wasn't enough to kill his excitement.

They arrived at the largest property with the nicest house placed farthest away from the town, and carefully circled it at a distance, keeping wind patterns in mind.

(That's the place, no telling how many are inside now or how many might show up once this starts, so keep close together and watch each other's backs. Be wary of any newborns, newly turned vamps, they tend to be stronger than the average vamp, it'll be bad if they get a hold of you, and of course, if there's any gifted, we killed them first,) said Dean, stalking closer.

(Got it,) said Paul.

(Understood,) said Jared.

(This isn't a game, if we're not careful we could die, I wasn't planning on facing a coven until we had at least another wolf, so we're basically down two men, don't overextend and isolate yourself, we're already outnumbered, no need to make it worst on yourself,) said Dean.

(We got it already, fuck, do you want us to roll over and die?) asked Paul angrily.

(Are you...) Dean started but was cut off by Jared.

(Paul's right, you need to work on your speeches,) said Jared.

(Okay, I'm not much of a speech guy or all that social, considering, but here it goes,) said Dean who felt the urge to clear his throat, (We're going to kill them because we're better than them in every way, we're made for this, live for this, this is our time, our hunt, our prey, we're going to fucking kill them, and then I'm going to fucking eat them like the apex predator I am!)

(Better?) asked Dean.

(Don't quit your day job,) Paul grumbled.

(It was... fine,) said Jared hesitantly.

The two of them glance at one another, having heard about what he does, but not really thinking about it. After catching a whiff of their first vamps, they were glad they didn't need to eat them, and couldn't understand why he would or does.

Ears perked up at movement from inside. (I think they noticed us; I'll take the front door and try to draw them out, be ready to ambush them. We don't want to be fighting inside in enclosed spaces, and take note that this area's thicker with trees, they won't burn in the shadows,) said Dean, rushing ahead.

The door swung open as Dean continued into the waiting grips of what could only be their muscle, a big guy who thought he could squash him like he would any other unruly dog, no matter the size.

However, Dean's strength and momentum were too much for the vamp, as outstretched claws slammed him down, pinning him by the shoulders as a gaping mouth of razor-sharp teeth closed over his head the following second.

Barely taking note of the surprised occupants and cries of anguished protests, Dean shot forward for the next, aiming for the window behind them on the far side. Bounding over a coffee table, up and over a couch, he leapt.

The shocked vamp barely dodged in time, losing an arm for his troubles, crying out in pain.

Crashing through the window, he ran for the woods with one on his tail. (Four left, one in pursuit, three still inside, one injured,) said Dean, making an abrupt turn, snapping at the vamp who skillfully dodged, flipping over him and gracefully landing on his feet.

Facing each other, they begin to circle one another.

...

(Nobody else is coming out, we're going in,) said Paul.

(Wait! I hear a car approaching,) said Jared.

(If the ones inside aren't moving, hide and ambush them. I'll be there shortly,) said Dean.

A black-tinted SUV and a red convertible drove up to the house.

Three more vamps got out of the SUV, plus the female in the convertible covered by a head scarf and sunglasses.

...

Observing the golden beast, the male vamp comments, "Definitely not a werewolf," as he continues to circle.

"Never seen anything like you before, let's see what you're made of," it taunted, zooming at Dean, who quickly showed him how foolish he was for swinging a fist at a wolf.

Realizing his mistake, the vamp pulled his punch, avoiding the jaws, and transitioned into a spinning kick that caught him in the head by surprise.

Shaking off the kick, Dean reinitiates the attack, lunging faster than the vamp was ready for. It dropped low, into a duck and roll underneath the great beast as a claw caught him on the way, leaving a small gash on his left arm, dripping venom blood.

Standing, the vamp flinches as his blood begins to sizzle from a small streak of sunlight breaking through the treetops. Swiftly stepping back, he swipes it off, scowling at the wolf.

"As interesting as you are, I think it's time I get back to the others," said the vamp, lifting his open right hand in the air, slowly closing it along with the entire wooded canopy, cutting off all sunlight. Darkness descended upon the forest floor.

...

(Uh, four more vamps here, I don't know if we can take them if the three inside decide to join,) said a concerned Jared.

(Speak for yourself,) growled Paul, readying to pounce on them at a moment's notice.

(I'm dealing with a gifted, you'll have to make do until I finish him, I'll let you know if I need help,) said Dean. The treetops in the area suddenly become thicker, blanketing everything in shadows.

Alerting the vamps that something was wrong, along with the unknown repugnant smell. Two of them glanced at the female before zooming towards the house.

Paul and Jared didn't miss their chance, jumping them as they passed. Jared tore into his foe fiercely, desperately ripping him apart as nerves got to him. Paul, cool as a cucumber, was a natural, taking the head clean off.

"NOOO, KILL THEM!" screamed the female, racing at them with the other two males taking point.

(Jared!) barked Paul, waking him up from his frenzy as the rest arrived.

...

Sprinting towards the vamp, Dean was on guard for anything unnatural. A tremor from the ground was enough for him to dodge right, escaping a pointed root piercing up.

He knew then this wouldn't be easy, zig-zagging and dodging follow-up attacks.

Growing frustrated, the vamp brought out more and more roots, surrounding himself in a living barrier while twisting other roots into thicker weapons.

Seeing the vamp's concentration change, Dean went for him, blowing through the barriers, jaws reaching for his prey.

"Nice try mutt," ridiculed the vamp as he jumped back with the help of a root, propelling him off the ground. Smacking Dean away with one of his oversized intertwined creations.

Landing upright, Dean's claws dug in, preventing him from sliding away. Looking up at the gloating vamp situated all snug on a tree branch.

"It's been fun, but it's time to end this. I'll be sure to make good use of your pelt," the vamp said, pointing his arms at him with closed eyes.

The whole ground started to shake.

Knowing what comes next, Dean booked it out of there. Roots exploded out of the ground in a 300-foot radius behind him.

The vamp laughed, " Almost had you there, I can't wait to wear your pelt."

Ignoring that there wouldn't be a pelt left if that hit him, Dean glared up at the vamp, trying to think of a way to get to him.

Then the vamp did the most unfathomable thing and jumped back down.

"Don't run away little wolf, here I am," taunted the vamp.

Dean bared his teeth angrily, to think he was actually being looked down on by prey no less. This was something his pride couldn't let stand.

Charging over, Dean could see the vamp grin as if he had won, his eyes closing once more as the entire ground shook.

Pushing his speed to the limits, Dean went for the vamp, carefully watching the interwoven roots swaying overhead. The grin never faltering, the closer he got, treating it like a game of chicken of who would break first, the vamp or him.

Almost there, Dean could feel the roots about to burst beneath his claws, could see the swaying roots above moving to protect, the question remained, who was faster?

Dean leaped as the twisted roots encircled protectively around the vamp, the ground beneath erupting in spikes. Ignoring the pain coming from his lower half being skewered, the wooden spikes breaking off in him as his propulsion carried him forward.

Pulling his wolf body up and over with his front claws, he dove into the barrier's center jaw first to a wide-eyed vamp, who instinctively threw his arms up in defense. Rapidly pulling in the root protection from all around in an attempt to catch, stop, and squeeze the golden wolf to death, not like he needed to breathe, being a vamp.

While simultaneously shooting spiked roots out from under him, skewering the wolf's left eye, and shoulders, and willing the ones inside to push in further, trying to snuff out his life.

All of it was too little, too late though, as the jaws took his left arm.

"Aghhh, damn you, " cried the vamp. Making an opening in the barrier behind him, he fled, but not before Dean wiggled his way closer and caught his left leg, tearing it off halfway down below the knee.

"Ahhh! You bastard!" wailed the vamp, crawling desperately away. Looking over his shoulder, he would have paled several more shades if he could have upon spotting the bloody beast stepping through the opening.

Petrified, the vamp managed to will it close on top of him.

Seeing nothing but red and practically foaming at the mouth, looking far more rabid than sentient, Dean clawed his way free, tearing fur and flesh as the smell of his frightened prey ignited his fuel for death.

Panicking, the vamp lost all reason and raised his last good arm, sending out everything he could against the monster.

"You dirty fucking mutt! Die already!" shouted the vamp frantically.

Blowing through every attempt to stop him, grunting through every additional spike, nothing prevented Dean from getting to his prey, who let out one last pathetic cry as his jaws reached his head.

Coming to, Dean took a moment as the pain washed over him, panting tiredly. Knowing there was no time to lose and that the others might need help, he sucked it up, ate what he could to refuel, and started limping towards the others. Gritting his teeth as he forced himself into a run.

...

The two male vamps tackled Jared and Paul, rolling over the ground as they thrashed about.

Paul, getting the upper hand on his opponent with little issue, ended it quick.

The vamp facing Jared seeing this, hurriedly kicked him away and ran for it with Jared in pursuit.

The female vamp, looking for an easy kill, sprinted at a diagonal to cut them off, going for Jared's back.

Paul, witnessing this, didn't hesitate to follow, aiming for the bitch as she leapt from an elevated position, nail-like claws extending ready to plunge into the unsuspecting wolf's backside. He ran over parkouring off the side of a tree to get the extra boost he needed to reach her, intercepting her mid-flight, right above Jared, who was none the wiser as he caught up to the fleeing vamp. Both tearing their respective vamps apart.

Her screams drawing Jared's attention. (Would you just end her already,) he sighed.

(Sure thing buddy, save your life and now your ears, no need to thank me,) scoffed Paul, silencing her with a quick snap of his jaw.

(What?) asked Jared.

(He saved your life, pretty skillfully, I might add. I'll have to remember that one,) Dean chimed in as he limped into view, (Got to be aware of your surroundings Jared, though Paul could have warned you.)

(Whatever, I saw a chance to get her, I took it,) said Paul, pausing in shock as he saw Dean's bloody form for the first time.

(By using your friend as bait,) growled Dean, causing Paul to look away in shame.

(Holy shit! Are you okay?) asked a concerned Jared.

(I'll be fine, never underestimate a gifted, this is my second time facing one, and it wasn't any easier,) said Dean.

(You should have called us,) said Jared pointedly.

(Next time. Did you get them all?) asked Dean.

(No, we left the three inside, if they're still there,) said Paul, risking a glance.

(Let's go see,) said Dean, limping towards the mansion.

(You are far from okay, you're missing a fucking eye Dean, stop and let me help,) said Jared.

(It'll heal, but yeah, alright, I'll need help pulling this shit out,) said Dean, indicating the many bloody roots that were still firmly implanted.

(Here, let me," said Jared, shifting back to human.

(I guess I'll see if they're still there,) said a subdued Paul.

(Let me know, Argh, fuck, that hurt,) said Dean as Jared began pulling.

...

Paul found the three cowering inside, and for once couldn't bring himself to be angry at them.

Dean and Jared arrived shortly after.

(Newborns, likely forcibly turned if they're acting like this,) said Dean.

(Can we do anything for them?) asked Jared.

(Afraid not, once turned, they're doomed to forever be ours and everyone else's enemy,) said Dean.

(So we kill them?) asked Paul redundantly, looking more put off by the idea than one would expect.

(I don't think I can,) said Jared, looking upon their cowering, confused forms.

(You guys can leave, you did good today, you did more than enough. I'll take care of this. I'll meet you back at the reservation,) said Dean.

(We can't just leave you,) argued Jared.

(And if it's something we have to... get used to, we should stay,) said Paul reluctantly.

(Suit yourself,) said Dean, strolling towards the cowering trio.

Dean sighed, (No one said this was going to be easy.)

Jared couldn't help but look away as he listened to their terrified screams.

...

After finishing them off, Dean turned to the other two wolves, looking far paler than normal.

(This was far too messy, with too many mistakes. From now on, no wolf fights alone. We must always run in a pack. Take these bodies, and drag them into the sun, but leave the rest,) said Dean.

(Why? Didn't you say they eventually regenerate like us if left for too long?) asked Jared.

(True, but I need them,) said Dean.

 (He's going to eat them,) said Paul, remembering what they were told.

Jared's eyes widened upon the reminder, (Don't tell me you want to eat these poor souls?" he asked forgetfully.

(I told you to burn these three, didn't I? As for the rest, they deserve no such luxury,) said Dean.

(Are you that hungry?) asked Paul.

(I'm always hungry! But more importantly, I think it makes me stronger, not much but enough that I believe if I get a suitable amount to eat then maybe shit like this won't happen again, and maybe others won't have to fight and die for something that was thrust upon them without consent!) ranted Dean, silencing Jared and Paul.

(From now on you let me eat them whenever possible.) said Dean.

When he had finished eating, he found Paul and Jared waiting nearby, lounging in their wolf forms.

(Let's go home.) said Dean.

More Chapters