‘thoughts’

Warnings: Violence and swearing. Nothing too huge....>.>

Closing his eyes as he waited for Morgan to cover their tracks off of the road, Jared sighed and then shivered before huddling into his hoodie more. It had gotten really cold overnight and he didn't think he'd be able to stay warm if they were going to be constantly out in this kind of weather. He glanced over as he heard the crunch of boots on leaves and watched as Jeff came into the little glade that they'd taken refuge in for lunch. He quickly caught the sandwich and water that was tossed at him from the side bags and smiled at Jeff in gratitude before tearing open the stale sandwich and digging in. He moaned a bit as he swallowed the food, enjoying it even if it was stale, but then his stomach flipped a bit when he heard Jeff's low chuckle before the older man settled onto the ground across from him. He watched the other man for a minute as he ate, and then finally decided to ask about the other night. "So, um...where were you last night?" he asked before taking another bite out of the sandwich.

Jeff didn't look at him as he chewed before murmuring, "Out casing the perimeter. Why?"

Jared frowned, not liking the answer as he watched the hawk come to land on Jeff's shoulder and taking the offered bit of sandwich delicately from Jeff's fingers. "There was a wolf and he attacked that old farmer dude and killed him. And then there was this other guy...felt like a dream..." he mumbled as he toed at the ground before taking another bite of his sandwich. When there was no answer, he glanced up into a pair of intent hazel eyes and swallowed. 'What did I say?'

"Tell me about this dream guy...maybe he'll come visit my dreams," Jeff requested softly and Jared blinked when he saw the soft longing and sorrow on the older man's face. He also felt excited because this confirmed that Morgan was definitely into the male companionship.

"He was tall, about as tall as you. Pale skin with freckles I think and the most amazing green eyes. His lips were full and I wanted to kiss them, yet he had such...sadness in his eyes that I held back," Jared said as he sat up, remembering the guy who had appeared to him the other night. "He looked like he knew everything that had happened and was confident when he went to meet the wolf. It was almost like...they knew each other and were companions," he added, trailing off in a mumble as he thought about the other night. He looked up at Morgan again and felt his heart ache at the barely hidden despair. 'Why does it feel like he knows who I'm talking about? What's going on?' he wondered before shutting up and finishing his sandwich.

"We'll rest here for a couple of hours. The hawk will warn us if we're in danger," Morgan murmured as he sat back and pulled his hat down over his eyes. "Stay close," he added, more than likely hearing Jared shifting around.

Feeling guilty, for he had been thinking of just taking off, Jared snuggled as best he could into his hoodie and relaxed. In truth, he hadn't slept well the other night, too scared of the wolf and that strange man and what they might do to him. So it didn't take him long to relax and fall asleep. It seemed like he'd just fallen asleep though when he was shaken awake. He mumbled and looked up into Morgan's amused face and felt his heart stop again with how near the older man was. He couldn't understand why he was reacting as he was. And not just to Morgan, but to that stranger he had met the other night. Sure they were both incredibly hot, but to be lusting after them both after what he had gone through with Welling...shouldn't he be feeling just a bit more on guard and a lot less horny?

'You'd think so,' he muttered silently as he got up with a hand up by Morgan, then brushed himself off after stretching. He scratched at his head sleepily and sighed as he wandered over to Morgan's side as the older man got things packed into his bags. He stopped though as he saw a glint of grey. It was the shirt that he had glimpsed on the other guy! Biting his lip, he watched Morgan and saw the longing again and wondered just what was going on. He looked down and made a decision then. No matter how much he wanted this guy, he had to get away. Something fishy was going on and he didn't want a part of it. He glanced up as the hawk swooped by with a cry and looked over as Morgan nodded and got onto the Harley. He didn't hesitate to help Jared on as well before revving up the bike and driving back towards the road, heading once more towards New York City.

They stopped again about an hour before sunset at a rundown cabin that appeared to be abandoned and Jared knew this was his chance. Faking that he was going to get some firewood, he stepped out of the cabin. But before he could get anywhere, a hand on the back of his neck stopped him and he looked up slowly into Jeff's amused gaze. He was caught.

"Jared, I can't have you going out into the woods at this hour," Jeff stated deeply and Jared had a really hard time figuring out if his shiver was from fear or desire. This guy just had that kind of effect on him.

"I'm not going far. Just getting firewood," Jared protested and was mortified when he whimpered as he was sat down on the top step of the cabin, facing towards the door. He struggled a bit and whimpered again as a handcuff was clicked around his wrist before his arms were gently maneuvered back and the second restraint was locked into place. He pulled a bit, but while it was loose enough to not cut into his skin, it was still locked so that he couldn't escape. He looked up as Jeff came around and squatted in front of him. "Jeff..."

"We have a stack of firewood in the cabin, so I knew what you were doing. I can't let you escape, Jared. You're my only ticket in to getting close enough to that bastard so I can end his miserable reign." Jeff's eyes were filled with sympathy, but also a hardness that told Jared he meant business. Still, it didn't help when a large hand cupped Jared's cheek tenderly, relaxing him a bit. "Stay here. You're safe. I'll come back to you soon," Jeff ordered before standing and trotting down the steps and into the woods as the sun went down.

Jared curled up a bit and shivered as the sun went down and it got darker. A cool wind blew up and he looked out, watching as a storm started rolling in from the west. 'Great...a snowstorm or something,' he thought to himself, and then shivered as he heard a wolf's howl nearby. "Man I thought I'd lost that guy," he whined and struggled a bit with his bonds.

Suddenly, he heard some huffing and branches breaking and saw the stranger from the other night dart past, trying to catch a rabbit as it dashed through the dead leaves. He watched for a minute, just observing the strength and agility that seemed to flow with the strong lithe body, but then he saw his opportunity. He cleared his throat and then felt chagrined as he caused the other man to lose his prey. "Hey...sorry 'bout that..." he said apologetically as accusing green eyes focused on him after the other man sat down hard while huffing and puffing.

"Who're you?" the stranger asked as he wiped at his brow before glaring at where the rabbit had darted to freedom.

"Jared...who're you?" Jared answered and smiled winningly when the glare turned onto him.

The glare softened and a warm chuckle floated out. "Name's Jensen. Jensen Ackles. What are you doing tied up?" Jensen inquired as he stood up and, after brushing off his ass, came over and up the stairs to squat in front of Jared.

Jared swallowed hard and looked pleadingly up at Jensen. "These guys came and tied me up. They went to get some beer after telling me that they were going to use me. Please...let me go?" he pleaded and bit his lip as it wibbled.

Jensen frowned a bit and sighed before looking around. He found a piece of wire and, after straightening it, leaned in close to Jared and began picking the handcuffs' lock. When they opened, he sat back, but Jared could feel his body still tingling with Jensen's nearness and the scent of pure male clung to his nose. He smiled up at Jensen as the other man stood and he rubbed his wrists while eyeing the handcuffs still in Jensen’s hand. “Thank you,” he said and stood as well, then pulled back when he ended up nearly pressed into Jensen. He flashed a smile and trotted down the steps just as the wolf howled again. He glanced back to see Jensen coming down as well while looking around watchfully and wondered again what the older man had in connection with the wolf. ‘It’s kind of like with Jeff and the hawk...’ he thought then saw his opportunity to escape when Jensen turned towards the woods where the wolf was howling. He quickly dashed down the path that they’d taken to get to the cabin and ran as fast as he could until he came to the road.

Crossing the road to the other side, he headed right, not really sure which way he needed to go outside of getting away from Jeff and his weird ass crusade. He ran for another few miles, glad that he’d actually kept up with his running since leaving San Antonio, but he knew he couldn’t do it for too long. He slowed down after a while and just jogged, then walked for another few miles. He finally allowed himself to stop at a small grocer that was situated in a tiny town. He snuck in and bought some food and a couple of drinks, then some chips, apples, and jerky. He didn’t make eye contact and mumbled a thanks before stuffing his items into his backpack as he walked out of the store and going right again. He went into the woods and kept moving, not really wanting to relax just yet. He had a feeling that Morgan was a really good tracker and plus there was that wolf pair. If they knew Jeff, then they’d be eager to find him for Morgan.

He stopped as the sun began to rise and smiled as he watched the sky change. No matter how sucky his life was, he loved the scenic views that nature offered him. His smile slipped though as he saw that he was on the edge of a large field that was cut in half by a river. There were rolling hills surrounding and running through the field, but no trees. He sighed and rubbed his head while looking around, hoping to see if there was an easier way to get across. Not seeing anything, he was just about to head down when he was yanked back and pinned. He cried out in shock and struggled to get free, then froze as a dark chuckle reverberated through his back from the strong chest that he was being held against.

“Well well...looks like you lose and I get another promotion. I wonder if I can go any higher than Commissioner...” was murmured into his ear and he shuddered. He cried out again and groaned as his hair was grabbed and he was forced to his knees and looked up to find himself face to face with Kane. “You should have stayed going south, brat,” Kane stated and then laughed before shoving Jared at the other two cops that were with him. “Head back to the cars and keep an eye out. If this kid is here, Morgan more than likely won’t be far behind since he’s obviously taken to this brat,” he ordered as the cops pulled Jared to his feet. They nodded and pushed Jared towards where Jared figured their cars were parked.

Instead they turned and went down a pathway heading towards the small village that was near the river. Jared saw that there were several other cop cars and swallowed hard. He was in trouble. He was shoved along until they came to a picnic area and four other troopers. He grunted as he stumbled from another rough push and fell as they all laughed nastily.  He groaned as he was hauled up and forced to stare into Kane’s eyes again. “You guys sure do have bad breath,” he commented and grunted as he was smacked. He spit out the blood that came to his mouth and glared at the cop.

“You have a smart mouth, which I’ve heard is also good for sucking things, so  suggest that if you don’t want to end up being a young glory hole, you cut the smart mouth and tell us where Morgan is,” Kane stated darkly and sneered as Jared paled at the threat.

Shaking in the hold that was pinning him, Jared glared at Kane before swallowing hard against his fear. “How should I know? I left him hours ago,” he shot back and gasped a bit as the grip was tightened and his arm was drawn up painfully. “I swear! God let off, man! I left him last night after sundown! I don’t know where he is...I fucking well don’t know where I am!”

“You’re in so much trouble you won’t be able to walk when we’re done with you and that won’t even count towards whatever the mayor has planned for your sorry Southern ass,” Kane declared softly and chuckled as Jared swallowed hard and looked away. He glanced at the cop holding Jared and smirked. “He was coming from the south, so let’s head south. Morgan will be looking for this brat. Just remember the orders...avoid hitting the hawk.” He snapped his fingers and Jared was taken to one of the squad cars.

They drove along slowly and Jared ignored the pointed barbs the two troopers kept shooting at him through the cage as he thought about Jensen and Jeff. They both were attractive to him in more ways than he wanted to admit. He thought his feelings for George had been something special, but his connection with those two men went beyond physical. Sure he wanted them to do him six ways to heaven, but he felt comfortable with them in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time. ‘And here you betrayed them and ran away. Make up your fucking mind, idiot,’ he told himself silently. He looked up as the car stopped after turning and wondered what was up as the two cops got out of the car. He watched as they met up with the other cops and talked quietly before looking south and suddenly he knew.

Jeff was nearby.

He shifted in his seat and looked out the window and caught sight of a hawk. He didn’t know if it was Jeff’s hawk, but he had a feeling it was. A very strong feeling. He sat up as the door opened and snarled as he was yanked out roughly, banging his head on the roof of the car in the process. He stumbled to his feet and glared at the group of cops who were watching.

“Morgan’s nearby. He’ll be passing through this town. Move the cars into hidden positions and set up around the town. When he gets into range, we have him. Wound him if you can...but if you happen to kill him, well...” Kane sneered and his subordinates laughed softly as they nodded. Jared was dragged with one of the lieutenants to a nearby building and Jared noted that a lot of the folks that should have been there were MIA, which was probably a good thing since Jared had a nasty feeling a gun fight was going to start soon.

He was forced to sitting and gagged by his captor and glared at the cop as his hands were handcuffed behind him. He growled softly through his gag and glared at the cop as a gun was waved at him in warning, then looked over as an order of silence was sent through the walkies. Jared scooted over silently as the cop turned away from him and watched the road. He swallowed hard when he saw the dust rising from the road and knew it was Jeff. He had to warn him.

Carefully, he started shifting until he got his arms under his butt before moving them completely out from behind him. He reached up frantically as he heard Jeff get nearer and slow down, the low growl of the bike getting louder as it got closer. It almost drowned out the sound of the cops cocking their shotguns, sending fear through Jared as he worked at getting his gag undone.

But his captor saw him and grabbed at him to stop him and they wrestled for a bit before the guy’s shotgun fired off into the sky. Jared saw stars when he was punched upside the head, but he knew he’d done it. He’d warned Jeff.

His head spun as he rested against the side of the building and hoped to god that the sounds of guns firing meant that Jeff was protecting himself. He looked up to see the hawk flying nearby and knew he was safe at least, then saw that the cop supposedly watching him was taking aim at Jeff. He lunged forward and grabbed the just as he fired and slammed him into the building wall, knocking him out. But his heart froze as he heard a shriek and looked up to see the hawk floating down in a mess of feathers. He heard Jeff’s cry of horror and then pain and saw him grip his shoulder where he’d been shot. Jared grabbed the unconscious guy’s shotgun and aimed it at a cop that was taking aim and fired. He didn’t wait to see if he’d gotten the guy before running down to where Jeff was gently gathering the injured hawk into his coat.

Jeff looked at him as he fell to his knees. “Jared...take him to the next town over about five hours east of here. There’s a man named Mike running an old saloon type bar. He’ll know what to do,” he whispered pleadingly, his voice rough with pain.

“B-But Jeff...he’s done for...” Jared protested tearfully as he reached for Jeff.

“Don’t say that!” Jeff cried and Jared flinched a bit. Jeff looked down at the hawk who was chirping within his wrappings. “Please...Jared...I’m trusting in you...” he pleaded before looking up at the young man.

Biting his lip, Jared nodded and stood with Jeff before heading to the bike. He got onto the bike and gently accepted the chirping bird before looking up at Jeff. Jeff leaned in and rested his forehead against Jared’s forehead and cupped his cheek. “Drive safely...” he whispered and Jared closed his eyes at the gentle request before nodding.

“I won’t fail you...promise,” Jared whispered back before revving the bike and driving off, thanking all the gods out there that his brother had taught him how to drive a bike back when he was learning to drive. ‘Jeff, thanks for those driving lessons,’ he thought as he drove as fast as he could towards the next town. He didn’t have a lot of time and feared that the hawk would die before he got there, but he also knew that driving himself off the road wasn’t a good idea either.

He finally reached the town and slowed down in his search for the bar Jeff had described in the waning light. He looked down at the bird and touched a gentle finger along the feathered head, then hissed in pain when he was nipped for his efforts. He smirked though, happy to hear its angry squawking that meant it was still alive. He carefully got off of the bike and walked over to the weathered porch. He pounded on the door, his heart beating as he realized that he had to hurry. “Hey! Anyone in there!?” he shouted as he pounded on the door again.

Stepping back as the door unlatched after a minute of his pounding, he waited anxiously for his answer. He blinked as a bald headed young man who looked to be the same age as the mayor and Jensen peered out, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Yea whaddya want?” the guy asked, his voice gravelly more than likely from smoking.

“Do you know Mike? I was sent here with this injured bird,” Jared explained as he held up the bundle in his arms.

“Yea I’m Mike, though I’m not really in the mood to cook at the moment. Though I suppose I could get in the mood to humor a handsome young man such as you,” the man named Mike replied as he smirked and looked Jared up and down appreciatively.

‘What the hell is with me meeting all of these perverts!’ Jared thought in annoyance before pulling the cloth off of the hawk. “This isn’t a hawk to eat! A man named Jeff Morgan told me to come to you! Now can you help?” he demanded angrily.

Stepping back as he paled, Mike looked down at the bird then back up at Jared’s face. “Come in, hurry. Take the bird up the stairs to the room on the right. Hurry now don’t dawdle!” he snapped out as he stepped to the side and opened the door farther. "And keep to the left side of the stairs!" he added as he waved his hand, gesturing Jared inside.

Snorting, Jared went inside swiftly and headed as instructed towards the stairs. He stomped up the stairs while staying to the left, not caring for finesse as he just hurried to get to the room he’d been told to go to. When he got there, he laid the bird down onto the bed that was in the room and carefully moved the cloth from around the hawk and hushed him as he chirped in pain and anger. A hand on his shoulder pulled him back and he looked up into the nervous and slightly panicky gaze of Mike. “What can I do?” he asked softly as he straightened.

“Go downstairs and make sure no one comes in. Leave the rest to me and stay out of this room. Get going,” Mike ordered tersely and turned Jared away from the hawk before gently, but firmly, shuffling Jared out of the room and shutting the door in the youth’s face.

Raising a hand up as he opened his mouth to protest, Jared stared at the door in shock before letting his hand fall to his side. ‘Mike’s right. I can’t help in this and would only get in the way,’ he realized silently and sighed. Turning, he headed downstairs and made sure the doors were locked and the sign was turned to ‘Closed’ before going to the bar and sitting on one of the stools. Propping his chin on his hand, he waited to see on what he could do.

TBC