skin. He placed her onto the couch, a blanket draped over her small frame, Salem curled protectively under her arm. Dean's glare could have set the flickering candle nearby alight. "You know what? You're right. I'm not gonna kill her. I think slow torture's the way to go" he hissed, his voice low to avoid waking Jovi. His gaze flickered over to Sam, who was walking towards the table.

"Dean, look, you got to relax" Sam told his brother, his tone measured.

"Relax?! Oh, yeah, yeah, I'll relax" Dean scoffed, turning his back to Sam and running a hand over his face in exasperation. "I can't believe she got another one over on us!"

Sam glanced up from the book he was reading, muttering under his breath, "You."

Dean snapped his head back towards Sam, raising his brows as he took a couple of steps forward. "What?"

Sam tensed up before repeating, "I-I mean, she got one over on you, not us."

They shared a look, the silence between them thick and tense. Dean finally muttered "Thank you, Sam! That's very helpful."

A loud knocking at the door caught their attention. "Hello? Could you open up?!" Dean glanced at Jovi, seeing her stir at the noise. Both brothers rushed to the door, throwing it open to reveal Bela. Her deep blue eyes darted between them, her expression reluctant.

"Just let me explain" she said, stepping inside.

"I sold it" Bela admitted from her seat at the table. Dean leaned over her shoulder, his eyes burning holes into the side of her head. "I had a buyer lined up as soon as I knew it existed."

Sam shook his head, sharing a look with Dean, who then stood up, making finger guns and pretending to shoot Bela. "So, the whole reason for us going to the charity ball was..."

"I needed a cover. You were convenient" Bela confessed, meeting Sam's eyes.

"Look, you sold it to a buyer. Just go buy it back" Sam suggested, his voice laced with carelessness. Bela looked down at the table, thinking about her decisions which ultimately lead to this fate

"It's halfway across the ocean. I can't get it back in time" she replied.

"In time for what?" Dean asked from behind her, but she didn't respond. Her eyes settled on Jovi, a soft expression crossing her face as she watched the child's peaceful breathing. Sam squinted suspiciously. "What's going on with you, Bela? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Bela didn't meet his eyes. "I saw the ship."

"You what?" Dean's eyebrows shot upward, his voice incredulous as he realized why she'd seen the ship. He couldn't fight the chuckle that escaped his lips. "Wow, you know..." Dean took small steps towards her. "I-I knew you were an immoral, thieving, con-artist bitch, but just when I thought my opinion of you couldn't get any lower."

Bela turned to face him, confusion etched on her features. "What are you talking about?"

Sam walked over, holding a file. "We figured out the spirit's motive." He pulled out a picture, showing it to Bela. "This is the captain of our ship, the one who hung our ghost boy."

"So?" Bela asked, her eyes narrowing.

"So, they were brothers — very Cain and Abel. Now, our spirit is going after a very specific kind of target: people who've spilled their own family's blood. First, there was Sheila, who killed her cousin in a car accident, and the Warren brothers, who murdered their father for the inheritance. And now you" Sam explained, his glare piercing Bela.

Bela's face morphed into one of understanding. "My god."

Dean leaned over her shoulder, one hand on the back of her chair, the other on the table. "So, who was it, Bela? Hmm? Who'd you kill? Was it Daddy? Your little sis, maybe?"

"It's none of your business," Bela replied, her voice holding multiple emotions, her eyes refusing to meet Dean's judgmental gaze.

"No? Right, well, have a nice life—whatever's left of it" Dean said, giving her a pat on the back before walking over to his daughter. "Sam, let's go."

Dean reached down to lift Jovi into his arms, but Salem hissed, swiping at his hand as if to say, 'Don't you dare.' Dean glared at the cat, hastily pulling his hand away. He had really started to grow a hatred for the animal. Maybe he should have gotten Jovi a dog — it probably would have liked him more, unlike this cat that seemed to despise him.

Bela stood up, desperation in her eyes. "You can't just leave me here!"

Dean looked at her over his shoulder as he prepared to move Salem, the cat's green eyes daring him to try. "Watch us."

"Please" Bela pleaded.

Neither brother said anything. Dean finally mustered the courage to pick up Salem from Jovi's arms. His hands reached around the cat's stomach, lifting him. Salem meowed in protest.

"I need your help" Bela added, catching Dean's attention. Salem seemed to sense Dean's hesitation, sitting still for a moment. The man kept a hand under Salem's front paws, holding the cat against his chest.

"Our help?" Dean questioned, taking steps toward Bela. "Now how could a couple of serial killers possibly help you?"

"Okay, that was a bit harsh, I admit it, but it doesn't warrant a death sentence" Bela argued, her face practically begging them to help her.

"That's not why you're gonna die" Sam interjected.

"What did you do, Bela?" Dean demanded.

"You wouldn't understand. No one did" she said, her voice breaking. Sam and Dean just looked at her, expecting her to continue. "I'll just do what I've always done. I'll deal with it myself." She turned on her heel.

"You do realize you just sold the only thing that could save your life," Dean called after her.

"I'm aware," she replied, looking back at him.

"Well..." Sam sighed heavily. "Maybe not the only thing."

As Dean turned to look at his brother, Salem took the opportunity to escape. The cat let out a sound that to Dean sounded demonic before his back legs kicked at the air, clawing at his hand. Dean let go, and Salem jumped down to the table, hissing once more before strolling over to Jovi. Dean glared, hissing out, "Damn demon cat."

☆

They were at a graveyard now, Jovi laying in her fathers arms after refusing to stay in the car mainly because she was somewhere that many spirits would be and that's what freaked her out. She looked out at the graves seeing all different people walking around or just staring into a void of nothing, she whimpered her heart beat picking up before she shoved her head into her fathers neck no longer wanting to see them. Dean glanced down at her in concern, brows pulling together "Jov? You okay?"

"People everywhere" she told him voice slightly frightened, he hated when she said shit like that. Yellow eyes stated that she'd be a powerful asset to him, that there was something special about her - though he never told Dean what. The man held her a little tighter trying to comfort her "no one's gonna hurt you, okay? Not while I'm here, i promise" Bela watched the two with a knowing look on her face, she still hadn't told him about Jovi's little ghost friend but she'd have to do that when Jovi wasn't in earshot. She sighed shaking slightly from the cool air surrounding them "do you really think this is gonna work?" She asked looking between the brothers, Sam stood off to the side where he'd set a ritual up candles and a pentagram all set up "almost definitely not" Dean responded before thunder crashed in the sky, Jovi flinched at the sound. She didn't like thunder or lightning, after the things she'd seen and experienced she associated it with the bad

Rain started pouring down, making all of them cringe readjusting their jackets, Dean put his daughter down taking off his top jacket putting it over Jovi's head so she wouldn't get wet. He then looked up at Sam both his hands on his gun "Sammy, you better start reading!" Jovi pulled the jacket around herself more shivering at the cold, Sam began reading the Latin as the storm picked up. Jovi backed up into Belas legs the woman put a reassuring hand on the child's shoulder keeping her close while Dean watched their backs ready to shoot "stay close!" Dean yelled to them over the rain, Jovi then noticed a familiar face appearing behind her father only this time be actually manifested "daddy, behind you!" She cried pointing, Dean quickly span around only to be grabbed by the male ghost that had been responsible for the drownings and then thrown across the graveyard hitting one of the headstones "daddy!" Jovi screamed as Bela pushed the child behind her, Jovi gripping her leg.

The ghost reached out, its ethereal fingers curling around Bela's face, causing her to spew water violently. Jovi's heart pounded in her chest as Bela began to choke, doubling over in agony. Panic gripped her, the cacophony of thunder, Sam's frantic shouting, Bela's desperate gasps, and the relentless rain creating a maelstrom of chaos. As Bela collapsed to her knees, Jovi screamed "No!" Her eyes blazed a bright sapphire blue, and an intense burst of energy erupted from her, sparing her family but hurling the ghost into a nearby headstone. Bela gasped for breath, momentarily freed from the ghost's grip while it struggled to recover from the blast.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Dean stared at his daughter, his eyes wide with shock and a tinge of fear. Was this what Yellow Eyes had meant when he claimed Jovi was special? This revelation only deepened the mystery surrounding her. Sam, staring at his niece in utter disbelief, felt his mind whirl. He had known that Yellow Eyes wanted Jovi because she was special, but he hadn't realized that this was what he had been talking about.

A wave of nausea and dizziness washed over Jovi. She gripped her head as the light in her eyes dimmed, her face draining of color before she passed out, collapsing into Bela's arms. Bela, equally startled by Jovi's outburst, was nonetheless thankful; she could breathe again. "Jovi!" Dean yelled, scrambling over to her. He took Jovi from Bela's arms, cradling her protectively. Before he could react further, water spewed from Bela's mouth again. He looked up to see the ghost back on its feet, its expression twisted with fury.

"Sam, read faster!" Dean shouted, desperation lacing his voice. Sam snapped out of his stunned silence and turned back to the book in his hands, chanting the Latin incantation with renewed urgency.

In a heartbeat, everything stilled. The rain ceased, the wind died down, and the thunder and lightning subsided. Sam glanced around, panting heavily, his breaths echoing in the sudden silence.

A new sound reached their ears—the ghostly creak of a ship. Another ghost appeared, this one a captain, the true orchestrator of their vengeful spirit's death. His eyes blazed with wrath as he glared at his brother. "You... hanged me" he hissed. The other ghost's expression was one of regret. "I'm sorry" he murmured. The captain's anger only intensified. "Your own brother" he spat. "I'm so sorry" the brother repeated, his voice trembling. The captain rushed at his brother, dissolving into a wave of water that crashed into the other spirit, enveloping him in a liquid embrace. It looked like a torrent hitting the captain, who then vanished along with the water.

Sam and Dean shared a look, their expressions a mixture of relief and lingering unease.

☆

The brothers had spent the majority of the evening deep in discussion, their voices low and urgent as they tried to make sense of what they had seen Jovi do. They hadn't reached a conclusion yet about what it was or how she had managed to do it. Dean's mind reeled at the possibilities, refusing to believe she was a supernatural being. Jennifer wasn't, he wasn't, so how could Jovi be? It defied logic.

As soon as Jovi stirred, Dean was at her side, his voice thick with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked. Jovi's eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding her green gaze as she responded with a hesitant "Yeah." Dean pressed on, asking if she remembered anything. The little blonde girl shook her head, her loose waves bouncing slightly.

Dean sighed, a wave of almost-relief washing over him. If she didn't remember, it gave him and Sam more time to figure out what had happened before she discovered how to use that mysterious ability again. The weight of the unknown hung heavy in the room, but for now, they had a momentary reprieve.

Jovi sat on the worn, comfortable couch beside her father, who was meticulously packing their belongings. She held a laser pointer in her hand, the red dot dancing across the floor as her cat pounced after it. A small, contented smile played on her lips as she watched the playful scene. Suddenly, the front door creaked open, and Bela strode in, her presence immediately noticeable. Sam sighed heavily. "You boys should learn to lock your doors. Anyone could just barge in" she said, a smirk curling on her lips as she strutted toward them. Salem, ran up to Bela, brushing himself against her leg, earning a gentle pet. "Anyone just did" Sam responded coldly.

"Bela!" Jovi squealed, springing off the sofa and running to the woman, throwing her arms around Bela's waist. "Hey, you" Bela replied warmly. Dean couldn't hide his frustration, knowing that Bela had won his daughter over, which probably meant he'd hear about her more often. "Did you come to say goodbye or thank you?" Sam asked, his tone laced with impatience as he shoved more items into his bag. Bela reached into her bag and pulled out three large wads of cash. "I've come to settle affairs" she said, her voice steady. "Giving the spirit what he really wanted — his own brother. Very clever, Sam. So here" she continued, tossing a wad of cash to each brother and another to Dean. "It's $15,000. That should cover it." Both brothers raised their brows in confusion. "I don't like being in anyone's debt."

Dean raised the cash in his hand, eyebrows still arched in surprise. "So ponying up 15 grand is easier for you than a simple thank you?" Bela shrugged nonchalantly. Dean grinned, unable to resist a dig. "You are so damaged." Bela smiled smugly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Takes one to know one" she shot back. Dean couldn't wipe the smile off his face as their eyes locked. "And for the record, that second stack is exclusively for Jovi. Anything she needs, etc." Dean nodded, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Bela knelt down to Jovi's level, her gaze softening. "I told you that bracelet brings out your eyes" she said, noticing the shimmering diamond and emerald tennis bracelet on the girl's wrist. "I'll never take it off" Jovi promised, her voice earnest.

Bela smiled adoringly at the sweet girl before sighing. "I'll see you soon, Jovi."

"Bye" Jovi whispered, wrapping her little arms around Bela's neck for one last hug. They broke apart, and Bela left the house, leaving a quiet sense of anticipation in her wake.

Dean stepped up beside Sam, both sporting stunned expressions. Both sets of eyes locked onto the door the woman had just left through "She's got style, you gotta give her that" Sam remarked, his voice tinged with reluctant admiration.

"I suppose" Dean replied, still processing the whirlwind of events.

"She's awesome" Jovi chimed in, joining the two brothers. She scooped Salem into her arms, the feline nestling comfortably against her, far more content than when Dean tried to hold him.

"You know, Dean, we don't know where this money's been" Sam said, his gaze shifting to the wads of cash. He noticed the mischievous glint in Dean's eyes, the corners of his mouth twitching into a grin.

"No, but I know where it's going" Dean responded, his grin broadening as he took Sam's stack of money, the bills rustling between his fingers. The air crackled with a newfound sense of hope, the weight of uncertainty momentarily lifted from their shoulders.

☆

"Seriously, Atlantic City?" Sam questioned Dean from the passenger seat of the Impala. The car roared down the highway, the night sky a canopy of stars. Their next destination loomed ahead. Jovi sat asleep in the back, her cheek pressed against the window, her breath fogging up the glass. Salem was curled up beside her, purring softly in his sleep.

"Hell yeah, play some roulette. Always bet on black" Dean responded, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. His eyes drifted to Jovi's sleeping figure, and his expression softened. He ran a hand over his jaw, the stubble rasping under his fingers. "Hey, listen. I've been doing some thinking. I, um, I want you to know I understand why you did it. I understand why you went after the crossroads demon. If the situation were reversed, I guess I would've done the same thing."

Dean glanced over at his brother, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging heavy in the air. "I mean, I'm not blind. I see what you're going through with this whole deal. Me going away and all that, but you and Jovi are gonna be okay."

Sam glared at the road ahead responding "You think so?"

"Yeah. You'll keep hunting, keeping Jovi out of trouble. You'll live your life, she'll live hers. You two are strong, you are. You'll get over it. But I want you to know I'm sorry. I'm sorry for putting you through all this, leaving you to look after my kid."

"You know what, Dean? Go screw yourself." The harshness of Sam's words caught Dean off guard.

"What?"

"I don't want an apology from you. And by the way, I'm a big boy now. I can take care of myself" Sam responded, his tone sharp with annoyance.

"Oh, well, excuse me" Dean muttered, his irritation seeping through.

"So would you please quit worrying about me and Jovi? That's the whole problem in the first place. I don't want you to worry about me, Dean. I want you to worry about you. I want you to give a crap that you're dying!" Sam's voice rose in a fierce whisper, his frustration palpable.

Dean seemed to ignore his words, his face a mask of forced calm as he stared at the road ahead. "So, that's it? Nothing else to say? About the fact you're abandoning your daughter? Who might I add is going to need you of these powers develop further" Sam pushed, his voice cracking with emotion.

Dean's expression didn't change. He thought about Jovi's newfound abilities, it was true, he needed to work out what was happing with her before his time ran out. He knew he couldn't leave Sam with unanswered questions and his daughter without his help or guidance but he couldn't bring himself to focus on that right now "I think maybe I'll play craps," he said, his voice void of emotion.

Sam scoffed in disbelief, shaking his head. The tension between them hung thick in the air, unspoken words and unresolved emotions swirling like a storm. The Impala sped through the night, its occupants lost in their own turmoil.

☆

This is the longest chapter ever so if you made it to the end congratulations! Put a lot more effort into this one so do we like the longer detailed chapters or the shorter ones? Lmk!