Dark Bull

by seasidemeow

Summary:

Dean Winchester presented Omega, turning his entire world upside down. Now, he has a curfew, omega classes, and faces the possibility of losing his dream to go to Engineering School. He rebels against his restrictions, mourning the life he had as an un-presented 16 years old. Unfortunately, he realizes how much he had once he loses it all.

Claimed, kidnapped, bound for life to a man twenty years his senior - how can Dean keep on living?

Edit: mind the tags! It's not as graphic as some DDNE fics but it *is* graphic and it has elements of sadism.

Chapter 1

"Dean!"

The omega whipped his head around to see his father leaning over the open window of the Impala's driver seat. He could hear snickers from the other boys who sat around the bench. 

"You better run to your dad, Winchester," Jo said, chucking lightly, but there was no heat behind the words.

"I'm fine, Dad!" Dean puffed out his chest. At 16, he was taller than most of his alpha peers which made it even more incredulous that he presented omega just a few weeks prior. After not going into rut at 14, everyone was convinced he would remain a beta. 

"Dean, get in the car, now," John gestured impatiently. 

Dean rolled his eyes. Just because he went into heat once didn’t mean he was handicapped. He was still the tall, buff boy who once took out 3 alpha classmates that were bullying one another. Fighting his way out of sticky situations wasn’t unfamiliar. 

“Dean!”

“I gotta go,” he mumbled to his friends and turned toward the car. He threw his backpack on the bench and let himself fall next to his father. He slammed the door shut and purposefully stared out through the windshield. John put the car in gear and merged back into traffic. The ride was silent. The alpha didn’t even put on the radio. The light was fading fast in the twilight. By the time John pulled into the driveway, it was dark enough that the streetlights were on. Dean got out without a word and made a beeline for his room. He threw himself on the bed grunting in frustration. He damned the day he woke up in a messy pool of sweat and fever. Minutes past until a soft knock fell on the door.

“What?” Dean snapped.

The door opened and Mary entered with purposeful strides. “Young omega, we need to talk.”

“Ugh, don’t call me that.”

“Why not? It’s what you are.” Mary propped herself on the desk, boring into Dean. “You’re releasing omega pheromones, your scent has changed.”

“I’m still me!” Dean got up screaming. “I am not some dainty omega.”

“I never said you’re dainty but you are an omega and you need to be careful.”

“I can fend for myself.”

“I know you can fight, baby, but it’s harder to fight an alpha when you’re an omega. Your instincts might come in your way-”

“I won’t let some stupid inner wolf make me lose a fight. If they come close, they’re getting kneed in the balls.”

“Dean,” Mary stressed, leaning forward, her eyes shining dully in omega gold. “We’re hardwired to submit to strong alphas that want to mate and claim us. It’s in our code. You can’t fight it. You need to be careful out there.”

“How long, huh? Are you going to keep me locked in my room my whole life?”

“An eight pm curfew is hardly being locked in your room.”

“What about when I’m older, huh? What about college, huh?” Dean flapped his arms in frustration. Mary’s expression faltered and she cast her eyes down. A cold shower passed through Dean. “I am still going to college, mom, right? I want to be an engineer…”

“Sweetheart, unless you’re mated you’ll be safer at an all-omega college and usually these institutions don’t have an engineering major.”

Dean couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He threaded his fingers in his hair, pacing around the room. His life was ruined.

“It’s important to keep the eight curfew. If you don’t respect it, it’s just going to get earlier. It’s going to be seven, then six… don’t make me or your father have to pick you up from school.” Mary pushed herself off the desk and crossed the room. “Dinner is ready, come along to eat.”

“I’m not hungry,” Dean growled. That made Mary hesitate, but ultimately she nodded and left.

 

Dean did not leave his room for the remainder of the weekend. He was upset and he wanted everyone to know. It wasn’t fair. Why did he have to present as an omega? Why couldn’t he just be a beta? Everyone else in his friend group was going on with their lives, making plans for college and the summer holidays. And there he was, sitting in bed, his future burned to the ground. At some point he checked out a few all-omega colleges and most majors were all on the same page: Interior Design, Public Administration, Education, Library Science, Visual Arts, English, Foreign Languages, or Nursing Sciences. Dean rolled his eyes while reading what each one offered. He couldn’t see himself doing either one of them, so then what was he left with? Their whole society was so fucked up and rigged against omegas that it was almost impossible for them to work anyway unless mated or under heavy-duty internal blockers. 

Unmated omegas were considered too distracting for their alpha counterparts. There was also the fear-mongering the media kept up, shoving news about forced claims down their throats every night. Dean pulled up the statistics, he knew that in the United States, the forced claims rate was much, much lower than in other countries. So, all in all, what was the big fuss all about? Alphas were able to control themselves, right?

 

Monday rolled in, with blue skies and clear air. Spring was almost out, leaving room for the summer. Dean begrudgingly left his room to eat breakfast in order to go to school. Since he presented, people started treating him differently. He was called out by his secondary gender more often than not, he was tripped and picked on by the school bullies. A few well-placed right hooks took care of some of his new tormentors but on all.

By lunchtime, Dean was exhausted. His desire to be a beta was stronger than ever before.

“Hey,” Jo sat down on the bench, letting her heavy bag fall on the floor. She turned toward Ash, “so it’s on?”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t worry, Dr Badass handled it.”

“Uhm, guys?” Dean was confused. “What’s going on?”

“Oh, uhm,” Jo turned into a shade of deep pink, her mellow beta scent sharpening from embarrassment. “Oh, Ash and I have this project for AP Computer Sciences…” She didn’t say anything else, opting to dig in her meal.

“I didn’t know you’re taking AP Computer Sciences,” Dean furrowed his brow.

“I signed up recently.”  Jo smiled. “How about your mechanics class?”

“Oh, that.” Dean’s mood soured quickly. Another reason why being an omega was shitty. “Teach said I should withdraw from the class.” He swallowed. “Too many alphas. I’m a distraction.”

Jo frowned. “But you still go in the co-ed classes.”

“Yeah, but I’m wearing blockers and sitting. Doing work on cars would make my blockers fail.”

“Oh, right…” Jo fell silent and didn’t say anything else for the remainder of lunch.

 

Dean went straight home and spent the whole day in his room, doing homework. The sun was setting over the neighborhood. He leaned back on his chair, just watching as the golden rays were receding from the houses. It was quiet in Lawrence, as always had been. He looked at his bookshelf - there were plenty of books on engineering, car mechanics, history of cars. He had dreamed for so long to be an engineer. If people could work on internal blockers, maybe he could go to college on them as well. It was something worth looking into.

Chapter 2

“Dean, I said no ,” Mary scowled at him, her eyes a dark golden color.

“But, Mom, internal blockers would stop my scent altogether - I’d be safe and sound!”

“Those also suppress heats, Dean.” Mary turned her attention back to dicing carrots. 

“That wouldn’t be a bad thing,” Dean said thoughtfully. The heat he went through was a nightmare. Horny constantly, with weird images in his head, ass a leaky mess. He would gladly let go of all of that. Internal blockers could even allow him to pass as a beta. 

“Dean, baby, I know this isn’t what you imagined for yourself, but internal blockers have so many side effects. They disrupt the normal cycle, they can cause liver disease, they can cause clots, heart attacks… The list just goes on and on. Isn’t it better just to be cautious and choose safe spaces for omegas?”

“Yeah, I don’t think I can mom, there isn’t a single omega college with a decent engineering school. There’s only two in the country, and they’re two community colleges somewhere in the middle of nowhere.”

“What does KU offer?” Mary smiled, trying to be appeasing.

Dean groaned, rolling his eyes theatrically. “Interior Design, Visual Arts, Public Administration-”

“Oh, that could be good.”

“Public Administration?” Dean curled his lip in disgust.

“You could work for the government.”

“Yeah, no, thank you.”

“Okay, anything else?”

“Yeah… they have Education, Nursing-”

“Nursing!” Mary smiled wide. “I can see you as a nurse, Dean.”

“Really?”

“Yes! And just think about it, the human body is just this big biological machine. It’s like being an engineer for humans.”

“Uhm…” Dean frowned. The more he thought about it, the more it didn’t sound like a crazy idea. “Yeah… I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” Mary’s scent was blossoming from her happiness, and she turned back to preparing dinner. She was a kindergarten teacher, which was considered one of the best jobs for omegas. Dean helped his mom cook. He’d always had a knack for the culinary arts. Maybe that should have been the clue that he would turn up omega.

 

School was as boring as usual. Dean went to meet with the school career counselor and talked about his options. As expected he shot down plans for Engineering School - no such program would easily accept an omega and it was an alpha-dominated world. He was enthusiastic about Dean’s second option, Nursing.

“So, for you to qualify, you’d need better grades in Biology and Chemistry. You’re doing fine in Physics. I could suggest some volunteering activities that would boost your application. I assume you want to go to KU?”

“Yeah, KU is fine. I know my parents would want that.”

“Yes, I can imagine them wanting you near. Although, it’s generally safer for omegas to stay on campus. The college building and the dorms are in the same gated area so there are only omegas in there.” The beta man smiled, trying to be reassuring. Dean hated the idea. To him, it sounded like a prison. 

“Maybe if the alphas could keep their fangs for themselves then we wouldn’t need all this.”

The counselor coughed, suddenly uncomfortable. “Dean, instincts are a complicated thing and in this era when omegas want to go out of their houses and out of their packs in places where they don’t have the protection of their alphas, things will happen to them.”

“Things?” Dean growled.

“Forced claims,” the counselor said, leaning back on his chair. “This school is relatively safe for you - you are part of the pack. Statistically, violent claims happen with alphas that are not part of the omega’s pack.”

“Packs are an archaic way of life.”

“It takes a pack to raise a pup. That saying is still applicable. The fact that we have smaller packs is part of the problem. And socio-psychological studies have shown that our brains perceive people we are pushed together with as temporary packs.” The counselor leaned back forward, elbows on the desk. “There are modern packs being formed. Gated communities that work toward recreating pack mentality and pack dynamics. It’s beneficial for the mental health and safety of the vulnerable members.”

“Oh my God,” Dean sighed, “I didn’t come here for a speech about pack mentality. I… I just want to know what to do with my life. What career path can I have?”

“Honestly?”

“Yeah, please.”

“Find an alpha, get mated, and raise your pups with your alpha. Omegas are consistently happier if they stay at home and care for pups and nests.”

“Right.” Dean clicked his mouth and got up. “Thanks for the pep talk, sir.” He turned around and left. He was disgusted with the entire conversation. He wasn’t going to be a stay-at-home omega raising some alpha’s pups. He was going to be his own person. 

 

At home, Dean decided to work on Baby. The Impala was his Dad’s pride and joy, maybe even more than him and Sam. He prepped the area, and gathered the cleaning products. Washing and waxing was integral to caring for the car. 

Dean wheeled the power washer closer to the car and attached the nozzle and the soap bottle. There was something therapeutic about cleaning the car, distributing the foam evenly to break up older dirt. After the foam sat for 10 minutes, Dean reapplied another layer, took a microfibre cloth, and started working it in. Rinsing the car was a piece of cake and the omega reveled in the shine that came through. Dean lost himself in working on the car, taking a break from worrying about his future.

“How is she?”

“Huh?” Dean looked up to see his father smiling at him. “Oh, she’s fine. Oil levels are good.” He showed John the dipstick.

“Good. Take good care of her and you might drive her.”

“Uhm, sir?”

“Here.” John gave Dean the keys to the Impala.

“Uhm, for real?”

“For real.” John smiled. “I have the truck now. You can go to school or drive your friends around.”

“Thanks, Dad.” Dean straightened and threw himself in his father’s arms. The alpha’s musky scent made him happy and warm. It smelled of safety and childhood, home, and family.

Notes:

My personal Discord is Jefferson Starships

My usual hang out is Profound Bond server - lots of fun people.

Chapter 3

 

The following day wasn’t eventful until the very end. It started out dull, with the alarm going off at 5:30 am in the neighboring room. Dean cursed as he heard his prepubescent brother move in his room like an elephant in a china shop. The young boy had taken up jogging, and to accommodate that new hobby he woke up at ungodly hours. 

School was nothing more than the usual grind, sprinkled with fewer comments about his secondary gender. People seemed to have gotten used to Dean being an omega. 

It was when he reached home before his 8 pm curfew that his world was turned upside down. 

“So, what does Toscana offer again?”

“Schools, a community pool, a gym… I see there are two parks.”

“Sounds nice.”

John and Mary were talking in the kitchen. Instinctually, Dean knew it was about him, so he approached the open door carefully. 

“And the other one? The mountain-y one? What was it called again?” John sounded a bit irritated and Dean could hear the noise of typing on the laptop’s keyboard.

“Oh, right, Ridgeforge. Yeah, I see they also have monthly get-togethers for young people. This could be good for Dean, he could meet someone. And also a pool and an all-omega gym. I like this one more.”

“Yeah, I agree. But can we afford it? It’s more expensive than Toscana.” Mary’s voice trailed off.

“Well, we’ll have to. Sell this house, buy the new house on mortgage. We’re gonna make it work somehow. Even if the boys will have to bunk beds.”

“You can’t make them bunk beds, John. Sam is probably going to present alpha, they’d be at each other’s throats.”

“Right… So, it’s going to be tighter. But we have to do-”

Whatever John wanted to say, Dean never found out because he walked into the kitchen, scowling. “I am not moving! I don’t care what you guys think you have to do, I’M FINE.”

“Dean,” Mary got up, and the look on her face made Dean even angrier.

“I don’t need your pity mom! I pity you for thinking the world is such a dangerous place that I can’t enjoy a walk outside after 8 pm. Spoiler alert, no one cares. And now, what, you want to move to one of those stupid gates communities? Over me?”

“You’d be much safer living in one, yes.” John got up, squaring his shoulders and glaring at Dean. “We are your parents, we are here to make decisions based on facts not feelings, and definitely not the feelings of a hormonal 16 year old omega!”

“Oh, right, cuz I’m so stupid and hormonal…” Dean laughed bitterly.

“John! Dean!” Mary spread her arms in frustration. “You’re both reacting right now.” Mary scowled at John, then turned her attention back to Dean. “Yes, we are considering moving to a gated community where it’s safer. It is basically a pack life. Packs take care of their members and no one would dare violate you with a forced claim. You and Sam will like it.”

“I have friends here!”

“You will make new friends there as well. And Ash and Jo are more than welcome to visit you, any time.”

“Ugh, no! I don’t need to be coddled.”

“Dean,” John stressed, “this is about being cautious, this is about trying to do our best for you.”

“Well, I never asked you to!” Dean yelled then stormed out of the kitchen and climbed the stairs two at a time to get to his bedroom. He slammed the door and threw his backpack across the room. This wasn’t fair at all. Why was he a damned omega, of all designation? He was perfectly happy as a beta. That night, he cried himself to sleep, but he would never admit to doing so to anyone. 

 

Breakfast was tense, the atmosphere around the table so thick with uneasiness you could cut it with a butter knife.

“What’s going on?” Sam asked, squinting his eyes. The kid was all too smart for his own good.

“Why do you ask?” Mary smiled as she pushed a glass of OJ to him.

“Why are you answering a question with another question?” Sam squinted his eyes further, bitch face no 64 taking shape.

“Sam-”

“They want us to move away,” Dean cut his mother off, seizing the moment to shock Sam and secure an ally. “THey were looking at some gated communities.”

“Dean!” Mary turned her death stare on him, but that didn’t discourage him in the slightest, especially since next to him Sam was catching on.

“What? No!” 

“Sammy-”

“Don’t call me Sammy!”

“Don’t yell at your mother, boy!” John growled. “If we decide to move, we move, end of story.”

“But I have chess club! And debate club!”

“I am sure they will have chess and debate clubs at Ridgeforge Middle School too.”

“This isn’t fair!” Sam got up, knocking his cereal bowl in the process. “We’re supposed to compete in the state semifinals next month!” Milk was spreading on the table.

“Sam, stop yelling and clean the milk you spilled. NOW!” John got up as well, towering over him.

“No!” Sam grabbed his backpack and stormed out of the house. Dean was gleefully snickering on his seat but his mirth died as soon as the combined wrath of his parents came down on him. 

 

With ruffled feathers Dean entered the school, 20 minutes late. Ironically, he had been chastised for being late for school even if his tardiness was caused by his parents yelling at him and making him clean Sammy’s mess. 

“Why were you late, Winchester?” Jo whispered.

“Had an argument with my parents.” Dean whispered back, getting his notebook and pens.

“What about?”

“Quiet down back there!” The teacher pointed at them with her marker. “Winchester, don’t disrupt the class even more.”

“Yes, ma’am…”

The talk had to wait until recess, but once that bell rang, Jo excused herself and disappeared in the crowd. Dean was left alone in the hallway, feeling empty.

Chapter 4

Thursday rolled in, gloomy and sad. Spring weather was always touch and go. Dean hugged himself for warmth as he walked across the high school parking lot. Baby sat alone, empty spaces all around her. Dean wasn’t taking any chances, he didn’t want any knothead with a license to mess up her paint job.

“Hey, Winchester!”

“Hi!” Dean waved toward Lily, one of the girls he shared economics class with.

“How are you?”

“I’m fine, thanks.”

“I noticed you didn’t show up to any of the Housework and Home Econ courses.” Lily had a pensive look on her face. “Neither in Culinary or Childcare.”

“Uhm, yeah, I didn’t sign up?”

“What, why?” Lily seemed outraged.

“Well, why would I? I am not interested in that stuff.”

“But you’re an omega, Dean. What will you do when you mate and have to take care of your alpha’s household?”

“I assume I won’t be mating some idiot who can’t take care of his house.”

“That’s… Dean, that’s the omega’s job. An alpha would be well within their rights to slap you for that.”

“Ha,” Dean threw his head back laughing. “I’d like to see the alpha who’d dare try.”

“I think you’re playing with fire now, really.” Lilly sauntered off.

Dean felt somehow unbalanced. It wasn’t something she said… or was it? He couldn’t shake off the feeling of uneasiness, and it lingered with him all day, until lunch. The selection they had for lunch that day wasn’t very enticing - he settled for mashed potatoes, cabagge salad and a chicken thigh. Looking around, he noticed Jo and Ash sitting at a table on the far end. As he walked toward his friends, he could see they were deep in conversation, looking at one of their phones. When Ash raised his head, he spotted Dean and elbowed Jo. The omega frowned at that gesture but shook the feeling off. He had no reason to be paranoid after all.

“Hey, guys.” Dean sat down, smiling as wide as he could. 

“Hey,” Jo an Ash replied, a bit more reserved.

“Is… everything alright?”

“Yeah, sure, why wouldn’t it be?”

“Uhm, nothing,” Dean shrugged, trying as hard as possible to shake off the feelind of uneasiness. 

Initially, they ate in awkward silence, until Ash mentioned something about their omega math teacher. Rumor had it that the man was pregnant and not by his mate. The apha  was a cargo ship captain and would be gone for months at a time.

“Hey, losers,” Becky sat down, all teeth and good disposition. “Excited for the concert tonight?”

“Concert?” Dean frowned.

“Yeah, the Insomnia Daggers concert.” Becky frowned, “You’re coming right?”

Dean frowned then shot a look at Jo and Ash. The two teenagers avoided his eyes, and Jo massaged her neck, looking embarrassed.

“Ash and Jo are coming,” Becky continued, a big smile forming on her face. “They didn’t tell you, Dean?” She leaned on her elbows to try and see Dean’s face better.

Dean had suddenly lost his appetite. “No, they didn’t…” his voice sounded so low, he hated himself for how weak it was.

“Hey,” Jo leaned across the table to grab Dean’s hand but the omega pulled back. “It's at ten pm. You can’t make it, you’re on an eight pm curfew.”

“I could have talked to Dad!”

“Sorry, but just having your Dad there would be too awkward. Like he’s old .”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“He’s your Dad! We want to have fun !” Jo insisted. “Not have your Dad there, hovering like a hawk.”

Dean rolled his eyes. ‘Dad wouldn’t hover.”

“It’s just… Dean, we already bought the tickets.” Ash smiled sympathetically. Dean hated that smile. He hated feeling pitied. 

“Well, I’m sure Dean can still get one.” Becky pulled out her phone.

“He can’t come, he has a curfew.” 

“Hey. Who are you rooting for here, Jo?” Dean frowned. “If you don’t want me to come, just say so.”

“It’s not about that, Dean,” Jo said. “We don’t want you breaking your curfew and getting yourself in trouble.”

“Yeah, man…”

“You know what? I am late for math, so see ya.” Dean got up and stormed off. He realized he barely ate when his stomach started rumbling during his class.

Chapter 5

Dean sat down on his bed, and let himself backwards on the mattress. He couldn’t believe this was his life. It wasn’t fair. He was supposed to go out with his friends and enjoy life, not sit inside and waste away. He wanted to have fun.  Dragging himself in a semi upright position, he opened his phone. Googling Insomnia Daggers only made him feel worse. He felt left out. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t particularly a fan of the band. Being left behind hurt the worst. 

After dinner, he tried approaching Mary. 

“Hey, mom.”

“Yes, dear?”

“Uhm, there’s a concert in town… for Insomnia Daggers . It’s a band I like. Ash and Jo are also going. So is Becky.”

“A concert?” Mary turned with an eyebrow raised. “At what time is it? Where is it? What band is performing?”

“Hey, hey, slow down mom,” Dean laughed, trying to play it off. Mary didn’t speak but she did raise her eyebrow. “It’s at 10, at, uhm, the Jolly Root Pub.”

“10 pm? ” The way Mary’s voice went up two octaves, Dean knew he didn’t stand a chance. “ At a pub?” Dean didn’t think his mother could speak any higher, but he was wrong. 

“Ash and Jo are going! So is Becky!”

“And neither of them are omegas.” Mary put her arms on her hips. 

“Mom…”

“I won’t hear any of it, young omega. You need to understand your scent is changing, you have to understand that alphas will prey on you-”

Dean wasn’t listening to his mother anymore. “Don’t call me omega!” He yelled and then stormed off. The trinkets he had on the bookshelf trembled after he slammed the door to his bedroom. He ran his hands through his hair and kicked the trash can, making pieces of paper and wrappers roll all over the floor. Twenty minutes later, John came up and gave Dean a proper tongue lashing for his behavior toward his mother. 

“Don’t expect me to tolerate this behavior.” John scowled at him. “You are grounded. No TV, no phone after you reach home, no PlayStation, am I clear?”

Dean didn’t answer, committing himself to staring at an imaginary spot behind John’s head. 

“Am I clear, boy?” John stepped forward.

“Yes, sir,” Dean said with enough feigned remorse that John let him be. Things were only getting worse, he didn’t want to be an omega. He never asked for it.

 

The night of the concert came, and Dean was locked up in his room. He didn’t have his phone on him to check any social media but that was not helping his FOMO. It wasn’t fair. All he could think of was his friends going out and having a good time while he counted the stains on his ceiling. He turned his head and watched cars pass by his house. Jo would meet the others in front of the big fountain at 9:50, Dean had heard them plan. It was barely 9:30. If only he could get out of the house, he would make it. Then all he had to do was sneak back in and his parents would be none the wiser. His window opened just above the garage - it meant just a few easy jumps. Nothing much. 

“Fuck,” Dean swore when he fell hard on his knees after jumping off the garage. That surely drew blood. He dusted off the dirt and walked, heading straight for the fountain.

 

“Dean?” Jo’s arched eyebrow resembled Mary’s a bit too much for comfort.

“Hey, Jo. Ash.” Dean waved to his friends and then to the rest of the group. Aside from Becky there were a few more familiar faces from their high school. “So, are we gonna get this show on the road?”

“I thought your parents didn’t let you come.”

“Ah, I managed to make them change their minds,” Dean grinned. 

“And how exactly did you pull that off?”Jo asked.

“What are you, my mom?” Dean laughed it off and started walking. “If we’re all here, I say we go to the pub before the concert ends.” He heard footsteps following, and soon enough they were in front of the establishment. “Hey, uhm, Kev, can you borrow me money for a ticket?”

“Didn’t your parents give you money?” The beta frowned, but opened his wallet nonetheless.

“Yeah, but I was stupid and forgot the money on the bench in the hallway. I’ll give it back tomorrow at school.”

“Sure, no problem.”

Dean was grinning wide when he entered the pub. The band was on stage and getting ready to start the first song. They were just in time.

Chapter 6

Notes:

I am feeling like crap today so here is a chapter a bit early. Next chapter will be updated Next Thursday, as usual.

The concert was far better than he expected. Insomnia Daggers even released a new song, from their upcoming second album. Ash managed to get his hands on some cans of beers, and Dean drank one too. The night was awesome!

“Man, I’m thirsty,” he said to himself. It was almost 2 am. “Hey, guys, I am going to get some water from the gas station on Fifth.”

“Oh, we’re going to go straight home. Mum isn’t home so everyone is going to sleep at my place,” Jo said. “Come on, you can drink water when we get there.”

“I am really thirsty though.”

“Dean, that gas station is in the opposite direction. Just, come to my place.”

“Yeah, but it’s on the way to my house.”

“You shouldn’t walk home alone.”

To that, Dean puffed up his chest. He wasn’t a dainty, helpless omega. “Well, I am. I’ll be fine.” 

“Dean…”

“I’ll see you Monday, guys.” The omega turned around and walked with long strides down the street. He felt empowered, bold. The beer gave him a nice buzz, a pleasant lightheadedness. 

 

The gas station was empty. The beta behind the register didn’t move a muscle when Dean passed him. He went in the back, at the fridges and chose a cold still lemon flavored water. That’s when it hit him. An all encompassing scent. Sour cherries, bitter almonds and notes of cedarwood invaded his nostrils. He closed his eyes and opened his mouth, turning his head to find the scent. He let his nose guide him until he reached the snack aisle. There, looking at some Cheetos, stood a tall alpha, about 30 years old. He was wearing an all black suit. Tattoos covered his entire hands, including his fingers. Dean could see they went higher underneath his suit. More tattoos decorated his neck. The alpha had a well defined, sharp jaw and piercing blue eyes. His dark hair was tousled and stuck out in every direction. Dean was mesmerized. The scent was even more maddening. The alpha didn’t seem to have noticed him. He chose a Cheeto bag and walked away. Dean followed, scenting with his mouth open. He watched the alpha chose a few chocolate bars. The man turned his head and Dean side-stepped behind another aisle. His heart was beating a mile a minute. 

“Hello, little bunny,” a voice with a heavy Russian accent said in his ear.

“Shit.” Dean jumped, taking a few steps back.The alpha was leaning with his arm pressed against the aisle. He was smiling wide, exposing sharp, white fangs.

“You smell delicious,” the alpha purred, leaning in closer. 

“Uhm… thanks.” Dean looked around. The cashier was still looking at his phone, undisturbed. “I, uhm, need some, uhm… oats.” He picked up the first bag of cereal he saw and pointed toward the register. “I’ll be on my way.”

The alpha followed him all the way to the exit, watching him pay for his items. Dean left the gas station and walked fast down the street. He wanted to get away as fast as possible.

“Where are you going, little bunny?” 

Dean looked over his shoulder and saw the alpha grinning. His heart was beating out of his chest. He felt like the world was closing in on him and he ran.

 Fast footsteps fell behind him. The alpha was gaining ground on him. Dean took a sharp turn to the left, running down the empty streets. He looked left and right, trying to find ways to lose the alpha. 

“Heeeeelp,” Dean started screaming, hoping someone inside one of the houses would come out to his aid. That didn’t happen. Instead strong arms caught his shoulders. One kick in the back of his knees sent him to the ground. He yelled some more, kicking and trying to push off the alpha. 

“Such a feisty bunny,” the alpha chuckled. The sound of torn clothes filled the streets. Dean felt the cold night air on his skin. 

“No, no, no, heeeelp, shit,” he yelled even more strongly, hoping someone would finally come out. 

“Don’t fight it, bunny.” The alpha leaned in and scented across his shoulder. He found the mating gland easily and grazed his fangs across the skin. Dean’s whimpers fell on deaf ears. “It’s not gonna hurt that bad,” the alpha whispered in his ear before sinking his fangs in the mating gland. Dean screamed as hot blood trickled on his chest. His body went limp and his mind went silent. He barely felt the licks that cleaned the wound. The alpha was purring. “Come on.” The man lifted him up and carried him all the way to a dark Lincoln Continental. Dean was too zoned out to realize what year model it was. He was placed in the backseat, ass up, face down.

“ No…” was all he could think of as the alpha slid his jeans off. He kneaded the globes of the omega's ass. Dean  was manhandled în a better position and the alpha’s strong body leaned into him as the door to the Continental closed with a low thud. The alpha unbuckled his pants and drew the zipper down. Dean's nose was assaulted with the scent of ripe sour cherries and bitter almonds. To his horror his body seemed to have a mind of its own. He felt his muscles relax, as did his hole. He could feel his wetness trickle down his leg. 

" Bozhe moy ," the alpha muttered more sentences in Russian that Dean couldn't understand. The next thing the omega felt was a wide hot tongue lapping at his wet hole. 

"Fuck… fuck," Dean swore as his body continued relaxing. Against everything, it felt good and he was annoyed at how good it was. He was panting, thrashing in the alpha's iron grip as the man ate him out. "Shit, fuck, fuck," he gasped as the pleasure overcame him, passing through him like waves. The first orgasm that wasn't caused by his own hand. He was wrung out, dazed out of his mind. The tight space was filled with pheromones, alpha and omega arousal. He could almost taste his own release. Something put pressure on his relaxed hole. 

“Easy, easy, little bunny…” the alpha crooned above him, humming in a soothing tone. Dean whimpered but he realized he couldn’t move. He couldn’t even form words. “Ah fuck, bozhe … ah…” the man panted as the head of his dick passed the rings of muscles. “You’re beautiful, you’re so amazing…” When he was fully buried in Dean’s flesh, he leaned, draping himself across the omega’s body. “Ya vsyegda budu lyubit’ tyebya. Ya pozabochus’ o tyebye.*” The man whispered in his ear before moving his hips, thrusting in and out of Dean’s hole at a slow pace. 

Dean flailed his arms trying to find some purchase, something to hold on to as the pace increased. He grasped the handle and held on. He could feel the coil tightening in his gut against his will once more. His hole was stretched more and more by the growing knot. The alpha grunted, yanked Dean closer by the hips and hugged the omega tightly. He was moving less, keeping his knot buried inside the soft flesh. 

Dean came, this time spilling all over himself and the back seat. His ass contracted around the knot and that sent the alpha over the edge. The alpha howled from pleasure while Dean cried from the pain caused by the first knot he ever took. 

“Come here.” The alpha’s voice was ruined. He grabbed Dean’s head, turning him slightly. Without warning, he bit deep on Dean’s cheek. 

Seemingly satisfied, the alpha maneuvered Dean so that they both laid on the side to wait out the knot. Dean cried silently, tears mixing with blood as the alpha snored softly with his nose buried in the omega’s mating bite.

Notes:

*Russian translation: "I will always love you. I will take care of you"

My personal Discord is Jefferson Starships

My usual hang out is Profound Bond server - lots of fun people.

Chapter 7

Dean woke up and blinked multiple times, trying to make sense of his surroundings. He was lying on the backseat, covered with a thick blanket that smelled of Alpha: sour cherries, bitter almonds. Instinctively, his body relaxed. 

“ Fuck this, ” he thought. He realized the car was moving fast. Fighting against the lead feeling in his limbs, Dean sat on his elbow, on the side. He winced as pain shot through his shoulder. The alpha was driving, humming along with the radio. The highway opened in front of them. Panic passed through Dean - where was the man taking him? He swallowed around nothing and peered out the window. It was high noon by the looks of it. He couldn’t see any sign for him to guess where he was and where they were going.

“Ah, you’re awake, little bunny?” The alpha smiled in the rear view mirror. Dean growled in response. “Ha, I am hungry too. Uhm… what’s it called… hangry?” The alpha smiled even wider. “You know, I never thought I’d meet my True Mate in a gas station in Kansas.” He chuckled. So the sick fuck believed the non-sense about True Mates. He didn't say anything, fighting the fog in his brain to sit upright. 

"Are you feeling alright?" The man turned his head to look at him.

"Watch the fucking road," Dean growled.

" Watch your tongue, omega !" The man used his Alpha Voice. Dean felt as if a strong hand pushed on his nape. He felt the order in every fiber of his body. He dared look up at the man and saw a hint of alpha red at the edges of his blue irises. " Are you feeling alright?"

Dean pursed his lips, fighting the need to answer the question. 

" Are you feeling alright?" The man asked again, putting more strength behind the Voice.

"No," the word escaped Dean's lips and his body relaxed, his instincts clearly soothed by following the order.

"Okay… We'll stop for food and meds." 

Dean looked out the window. They were going down some highway. He craned his neck, watching out for a sign or a marker of some sort. When the blue marker was close enough he read “East, I-24, mile 108.” Dean tried to remember where I-24 led to as more and more miles flew past them.

The alpha pulled off the highway and maneuvered the car in line for the drive through.

"What do you want to eat?" The alpha leaned out to read the menu. 

"I can't see that far." 

"Come in the front, then." The alpha unlocked the car and Dean got out. He realized he was relatively free. The alpha was in the car, it would be a bit hard to pursue him. Dean looked around but was disappointed to realize he didn't have anywhere to run to. It was a stop off the highway - a gas station, a fast food joint, two small shops… and a whole sea of nothing around. Maybe other people could help him?

" Dean… "

The Alpha Voice was just as strong and Dean reluctantly let himself follow. He didn't have anywhere to run to anyway. He climbed in the front seat and scooted closer to the alpha, leaning to read the menu. For the first time, hunger hit him and he realized just how famished he was.

“So?” 

“Uhm, I want a cheeseburger and fries. And, uhm, a coke.” He licked his lips. 

“Okay.” The alpha maneuvered the car in front of the booth. A cheery voice came through the speaker asking for their order. "Two cheeseburgers, one with extra bacon, two big fries and two diet cokes, please." 

"Alrighty, sir, coming right up. Pay at the next booth, pick up at the one after that." 

"Thanks." The alpha switched the car in drive and drove off. 

"Diet?" Dean dared ask.

"Yes. Too much sugar in regular. We have to watch our weight and our health."

"Watch my weight?" 

"Uhm, yes. You have a bit of fat but it's fine. You still have a normal BMI probably."

Dean didn't know what else to stay so he stared outside, watching the cars in front pick up their orders.

Soon, they were parked on the far end of the lot, eating cheeseburgers and fries. Dean devoured his in just a few bites and he still felt hungry. He took another sip from his coke. With his blood sugar restored he felt he could see things more clearly. The pit stop they were in was in the middle of nowhere. His only hope would be to try and go to the bathroom and hopefully find someone that could give him a ride. 

"I, uhm, I need to pee." Dean put the coke down. "I'll go inside the gas station." He put his hand on the car's handle and waited for the alpha to make a move - the doors were locked.

"Here." The alpha pushed a button and with a low click the doors unlocked. Dean got up and bolted for the gas station. To his dismay, there weren't many people inside. Two alphas, which he disqualified from the start and a beta woman. He approached the beta woman.

"Hi, I, I need help." 

"Oh, my, you startled me." She jumped and looked around her.

"I need help, please," he begged her. 

"What is it?" 

Dean looked at her in disbelief. He was covered in dry blood and had a torn shirt - what else would he need to say. "I've been bit and kidnapped by some deranged alpha, I need to get away from him." 

"Oh…" The woman suddenly looked very uncomfortable. "Well, I don't know if I can be of any help, young omega." 

"Why? What do you mean? I've been kidnapped!" Dean struggled to keep his composure and his voice down.

"Uhm, you've been claimed and mated. I can't help you." 

"I'm not mated!"

"You smell mated. The bite caught. I'm sorry, I'm not getting between an alpha and his new mate, I don't want to die." The women grabbed a Gatorade and walked briskly to the register. Dean watched her go and his heart broke in a million pieces. The door dinged and he immediately scented sour cherries and bitter almonds. He all but ran to the bathroom. He didn't want the alpha catching him with a lie. 

It was the first time Dean saw himself in a mirror and he started crying. He had a deep bite across his cheek and jaw bone. That would be visible no matter what he did or what he wore. It had an orange tint to it - probably the deranged man put antiseptic on it. Dean inspected it closer - it didn’t go all the way through to his cheek and by the look of it, the edges were relatively clean.  The mating bite was on his left shoulder, where it met with his neck. It was bigger and deeper than the one on his face, with roughed, tattered edges. It had the same orange tint. Hot tears streamed down his face and he hugged himself. Nothing could get him out now. He was ruined, he was damaged, he was no good. 

"Oh, fuck… mom…" Dean sobbed even more. He realized his parents must have noticed he was missing. Were they looking for him? Would they even be able to find him? The door opened and a wispy little omega came in. She had a mating bite and a small pup hanging from a carrier that was strapped to her chest. She was way older than Dean, grey hairs sticking out at her temples.  

"Hi…" She said, looking at him with big eyes. "Are you ok?"

"No… I got claimed… You need to help me, I can't… I want to go home." Dean cried and tightened his grip around himself. 

"Oh… Oh no." The omega rushed to him and hugged him. The pup squirmed between them. "I'm sorry it wasn't a pleasant mating." Dean blinked but didn't react. "It's going to be alright," she continued, shushing him and wiping away tears with a napkin. "You just have to… talk to your mate. Find a way to communicate. It's going to be okay." 

"I don't want that!" Dean burst. "I want to go home to my mom!" He sobbed.

"You belong with your alpha now," she said in a soft tone."In his den, protected by his pack." The omega gave him a slight smile. "I know it's hard to accept now… We've strayed a long way from the old days, but… if he was so drawn to you that he lost control and claimed you,  it means you're compatible. It's how God intended for us to find your perfect mates." 

"I…"

"Wash your face and go back out there. Smile. Make conversation. Get to know your alpha."

"I want-"

"To go home, I know.” She squeezed his arms. “But that's not possible now. No one is going to get in between an alpha and his new mate.” The omega opened the tap. “And it's clear you can't outrun him. So, the easier life is to play along. For now. He has to live somewhere." 

"Is that what you're doing?"

"Yes… " she smiled. "My dad was happy I got claimed. I was heavy with a pup the following cycle." She kissed her pup on the head. "This is our sixth. It’s not what I imagined, but my alpha is kind and… it worked" 

"I don't think my alpha is a nice man…" Dean said, staring at the door. "He's… kinda weird."

"I'm sorry. Maybe your father will challenge the claim and win." 

"If he finds me…" 

"Is your home far from here?" The omega frowned.

"Lawrence, Kansas."

"Oh that's kinda far…"

Dean's heart sank. "Where are we?" 

"Tennessee." 

"Fuck."

Chapter 8

The road opened in front of them beautifully. Dean had always loved traveling by car but the current circumstances where fucked up to say the least. He was sitting in front next to the alpha. Back at the gas station, he washed his face, relieved himself then walked back out. The alpha was picking up sugar free energy drinks and water. That had been a few hours prior and many miles. 

"So, uhm, where are we going?"

"Hm?" The alpha glanced at him. He didn't seem mad or bothered, just curious so Dean repeated his question. "A gated community in Miami." 

"Miami, Florida?"

"Is there another Miami?"

"I guess not…" Dean worried at the seam of his shirt. More trees passed, more lighting poles. The song changed on the radio and the alpha started humming again. Dean cleared his throat and bit his lip. Sitting there was painful. All he wanted to do was run away and find a Grey Hound back home.

“So… uhm, what’s your name?” Dean asked, fixating his eyes on the alpha’s knees.

“My name?” 

“You… You never told me your name, uhm, alpha.” He tried being demure and submissive. It seemed the alpha would like that.

“My name is Castiel Kumarin.”

“Ca-, uhm…” Dean licked his lips trying to wrap his tongue around the weird name. “Cas…”

“People also call me that. It’s a nickname I allow my friends to use.”

Dean nodded and remained silent. Cas was easier to pronounce. Less weird. 

They drove in relative silence for the rest of the day. The alpha was humming along to whatever pop song was on the radio, taking phone calls from time to time. He spoke in Russian, so Dean had no idea what was being said. They stopped from time to time for snacks and bathroom breaks. Dean didn’t spot any other opportunity to talk to anyone but he made sure as hell to stare at every security camera on the way. He hoped his father was looking for him. Day was turning into night and Dean wondered if the alpha was really going to drive non-stop to Miami when the man spoke.

“We’ll stop at the first motel. I am getting sleepy.” The alpha yawned and adjusted in his seat. Not twenty minutes later, a yellow neon sign appeared, advertising vacant rooms at the Road Hive. Cas pulled in and stopped near the office. 

“Stay here, omega.” 

Dean didn’t think to try and leave anyway. The parking lot was deserted and they were once again in an isolated motel off the side of the road. He didn’t have any way of running away. The alpha came back a few moments later with keys in his hands. 

“Come along, now.” Cas held the door for him. The alpha took a duffle bag from the trunk and that’s when Dean felt he would be sick.  There was a mass, wrapped in a tarp, shoved in the back. It was unmistakably a body, by the shape of it.

“Is that a body?” His voice was shrieky and he could feel his knees trembling.

“Huh?”

“Is that a fucking body?”

The alpha tilted his head. “Don’t talk like that where everyone can hear you, Dean.”

“But-”

“ Shut up. ”

The alpha voice compelled him to tighten his jaw and keep his opinions and questions to himself. Cas closed the trunk and grabbed him by the arm, pushing him towards the room he had rented. It was small and stuffy. Cas tilted the windows open and then turned around, clearly getting into his nighttime routine. He pulled out a gun from a concealed holster. Dean watched him dismantle and start cleaning the weapon. The omega could have been no less than a table lamp. He moved around the room slowly, evaluating his options but he soon realized he had no other way of getting out other than the main door.

Inside the bathroom, he closed the door. Dean inspected his face in the mirror. It was swollen and orange from whatever the alpha had put on the bite wound. He cleaned his hands and decided to look closely. It was deep enough to scar but it didn't pierce his cheek. That would explain why eating was possible. He was so hungry he didn't even feel the pain. Undressing was a bit more difficult. The mating bite was much deeper and he couldn't raise his arm above his head because of the pain. He decided a shower was in order. The spray of cold water was a shock to his system. He started crying. Why didn't he listen? He could barely imagine his mother's anguish at him missing. What he wouldn't give to hear her scold him. He was kidnapped by a crazed psychopathic alpha that was driving around across state lines with a fucking dead body în the trunk of his car. The bite stung under the water spray but he welcomed the pain. It grounded him while everything else was spiraling around him. The door opened and sour cherries and sour almonds wafted into the room. Dean's heart rate started slowing down as a reaction to the presence of his mate. How fucked up was that?

"Dean?" The alpha was just outside the glass door of the shower. "Come here, please." 

It wasn't said with Alpha Voice but Dean didn't have any energy left to fight the alpha at that point so he obeyed. Cas had a medical kit in his hand. He gestured toward the toilet and Dean sat down on the lid. "Do they hurt you?"

"A bit…" Dean answered after a pause. "The… the mating bite is the worst."

"Okay." Cas took out a bottle of disinfectant and a tube of cream. "I'll clean your bites now." The alpha gently reached out to Dean, positioning him so he had better access. The cold disinfectant didn't stung as bad as the omega expected. When that was done, the alpha applied the cream on all the edges. "This will dull the pain."  Dean nodded. The alpha moved on the cheek bite, going through the same steps. "Get in the shower." Obediently, Dean stepped inside. Cas took the shower head and set the water on the colder side. The alpha took a but of soap in this hand and soaped Dean's body, cleaning the excess disinfectant, careful not to get water in the wounds again. "All done." Cas patted him dry and led him back to the bedroom. Dean stopped dead in his tracks. The covers were taken away from the bed and the only source of light was one of the night table lamps. The intention was clear. 

"Get on the bed." The alpha nudged him from behind.

"No…" Dean said, trying to push away.

"No?" The alpha frowned. "Are you playing hard to get with me, omega?"

"I…" Dean moved away. The alpha followed and captured his lips în a heated kiss. Dean felt his hole flutter, gushing out slick. 

"Get on the bed," the alpha whispered, his breath glossing over Dean's lips. The omega whimpered. His instincts were screaming at him to submit and let the alpha pleasure him. When the alpha cupped his balls and pressed on that point behind them he was lost. Dean got up on the bed and presented, keeping his knees spread. He felt the bed dip as the alpha climbed behind him. It didn't take long for Dean to feel the alpha cock breach his hole. The omega fisted the sheets and held on for dear life as the alpha pounded into him. Cas molded on his back, burying his nose in the omega’s hair. He was thrusting with shallow movements as the knot was beginning to catch. Dean howled and came all over the sheets when the knot finally popped and hot cum gushed into him. The alpha was squeezing his hands so hard on Dean’s tender flesh that it was surely to leave a mark. Once the orgasm passed, the alpha seemed to regain consciousness. He maneuvered Dean away from the wet spot and spooned him. He was careful to cover them with a blanket and to drag a pillow underneath Dean’s head. The knot in his ass hurt like hell. 

“Are you alright, bunny?”  The alpha nuzzled at the back of his ear. 

“I…” Dean couldn’t believe the alpha had the gall  to ask that. “Sure… I’m fine.”

“I don’t appreciate you lying to me.”

“I said I am fine.”

The alpha growled. "You're not. Tell me."  

"Your fucking knot in my ass hurts like hell." Dean spat out. 

"Hm." The alpha moved and a hand appeared on Dean's cock. "Relax."

"Easy for you to say." Dean tensed as the hand started moving up and down his shaft. It didn't do anything for him at first but then pleasure overcame anything else. He panted, trying to move to follow the first. He ended up rutting between the alpha's palm and his knot. The hand stopped, cupping his cock. “How is that, bunny?” Cas whispered in his ear.

“It’...”Dean rolled his eyes, annoyed to realize the man was right. Getting aroused and worked up relaxed something and the pain was gone. “It’s better, I guess.”

“Good.” The alpha kissed him behind the ear. “Knotting should feel nice.” He settled, nuzzling behind Dean and went to sleep. 

Notes:

My personal Discord is Jefferson Starships

My usual hang out is Profound Bond server - lots of fun people.

Chapter 9

Dean woke up with a jolt. For a few good seconds, he thought he was in his bed, at home. But then something squeezed his midsection. The alpha . Castiel Kumarin. The bite. 

“Shit…” he sighed. Dean tried to move, untangle from the mess of arms, legs and sheets. The arms tightened around him. “I need to pee,” the omega mumbled. “Cas, I really need to pee.” The alpha released him with a soft growl. Dean straightened and wobbled in the bathroom. He felt like his bladder was going to explode. The relief was fantastic. He washed his hands and splashed water on his face. Moving back in the main room, he noticed the alpha was fast asleep, snoring slowly. Dean could see it… a window of opportunity. He got dressed fast and went to unlock the door slowly. He winced at every soft click and paused every time he thought the alpha’s breath pattern changed. The door opened and he stepped outside. The relief was overwhelming. He closed the door and started walking. It didn’t matter where to, just as far away from the alpha as possible. 

The parking lot was empty, not a soul in sight. There were no lights on anywhere. He walked toward the highway, thinking he’ll walk toward the next town. It would have been useful to know in which direction the nearest town was, but as is, his best bet was walking forwards. He hoped the alpha would backtrack to try and find him. 

Dean walked right off the propriety limit and stood on the edge of the highway. The night sky was clear, with a big, shiny moon hanging overhead. He breathed in, trying to control his heart rate. But, then, with the next breath…

“What are you doing, bunny?” with a predatory growl, the alpha came from behind. Dean turned. The man was wearing loose sweatpants and hung very low on his hips. 

“I, uhm…” Dean licked his lips. He didn’t know what to say.

“Bunny?” The alpha came even closer, his fangs shining in the moonlight. 

Dean opened and closed his mouth. “I… uhm…” The alpha moved faster than he could react. Fingers dug into the soft flesh of his neck. 

“Bunny? Why are you out of our bed?” The alpha nuzzled into his ear, inhaling deeply.

“I just wanted to get some air,” Dean lied. He hoped the alpha believed him. 

“Okay…” Castiel released him. “We have a long drive tomorrow. We should go back to sleep.” The alpha wrapped an arm around his waist and guided him back toward their room. The lights were on. 

“Did I woke you up?”

“I couldn’t find you in bed.”

Inside the room, Cas undressed him again and prompted him on the bed. Dean watched as the alpha locked the room and put the key on underneath his pillow.  There was no chance of getting out that door again. Dean resigned himself in the alpha’s grip. He listened to the man’s soft snores until he fell asleep too.

 

The next day, Cas woke him up early. The alpha wasn’t very talkative, at least not until he was halfway through his coffee. Dean munched on the breakfast special in the passenger seat. He watched the billboards they passed but none had any Amber Alerts - did his parents not report him missing. He was under 17 years.

A few hours later, Dean saw the exit sign for Miami, and sure enough the alpha veered. Another forty minutes later, they were pulling up in front of a tall gate, just on the outskirts of the city. Cas pulled out an ID badge and scanned it. His car was allowed inside. Dean eyed the cameras that flanked either side of the gate. Security seemed tight. 

 

Once inside, the car winded a bit uphill in what appeared to be a small forest. Dean saw a quaint little village with  many houses nestled into each other. It was much larger than anything he’d imagined when he heard his parents talk about gated communities. Cas drove on the main road. Storefronts flanked them on both sides. Flower shops, cafés, little groceries stores. Most had Russian names and Russian lettering underneath the English ones. Dean worried at the seam of his shirt. His heart was hammering in his chest. Reaching the alpha’s house meant the end of the respite he had while in the car. Fighting the brain worms about sex and painful knottings he focused on the people walking down the street. Mated omegas were easy to spot - facial scars and collars to boot. Dressed modestly, with button ups, the mating scars were not that visible.

"Are…" Dean started but the words died in his throat. He wasn't going to give în to the alpha.

"What?" A moment of silence. "Did you say anything, omega?" 

"No." 

The alpha harrumphed but didn't press any further. He stopped the car in front of a clothes store. "Come along now." 

Dean got out and followed Cas. inside. The store was organized by sex and secondary gender. The alpha strode all the way to the back where the section for male omegas was. Dean glanced at the clothes - long sleeved shirts in various styles, long sleeved tight round neck T-shirts or turtleneck sweaters. None seemed form fitting in any way.

“Choose some clothes, my omega.”

“What kind of clothes?” Dean looked at the alpha. The man tilted his head then gestured toward the racks in front of them.

“Shirts… pants. Whatever you think you need.” Cas shrugged. “Underpants… just get what you need. 

Dean walked to the closest rack and sifted through the shirts. He chose a few flannel shirts and a Hawaiian themed one.  The alpha showed him a simple green long sleeved T-shirt. 

“This would go well with your eye color.”

“Okay, alpha.” Dean said. He kept thinking about what the omega said in the gas station - he had to buy his time and wait for his father to find him. 

They chose 6 flannel shirts, 10 different tee shirts,4 pants, 10 pairs of socks, 15 pairs of underpants and 3 pairs of shoes. With three bags of clothes, they got in the car. The alpha placed the bags on the backseat - clearly the trunk was occupied.

“First, I need to report in with my brother. Then, we’ll go home and I’ll show you our nest.” The alpha smiled, leaned in and kissed him on the cheek,

Dean sketched a slight smile and kept his gaze straight. He was steeling himself for whoever, or whatever the brother was.

Chapter 10

They drove through the community and reached what looked like a medieval fortress. Tall, three story walls with windows only on the second and third stories. In the middle there was a heavy set wooden gate which opened as they approached. Cas drove inside the courtyard and the double doors closed behind them. On the inside a beautiful garden opened up, with blooming roses and chrysanthemum. There were doors on the sides of the building, with numbers on them - Dean assumed they had to be apartments or something. Men came toward them and the alpha got out of the car. Dean didn't dare move.

"Come here, bunny," Cas said in a casual tone while he picked up one of the shopping bags. Dean didn't move. "Come. Now."

Dean jerked, startled by the alpha command. He felt an overwhelming need to obey, and so he got out. The men in the courtyard followed him with predatory eyes. For the first time since his abduction, he voluntarily skipped to be next to the deranged man that took him… only because at that moment Cas seemed the most sane. 

"Alpha," one of the men, a burly tall guy, came closer.

"The gift for Michael is in the trunk,” Cas gestured with his head. 

Dean watched as the men took out the tarp wrapped body. It was surreal and it made his head spin. 

“Come,” Cas grabbed his wrist and tugged him toward one of the entrances in the compound. Dean resisted. The men in the courtyard watched the silent tug of war with a glint of amusement in their eyes. "Dean," the alpha growled. Dean submitted reluctantly. The door Cas took him to had a greek letter alpha on it. Inside, a lavish foyer opened for them. Cas guided him further inside and pushed him inside a bathroom. “Let’s get this off of you.” He pulled at the blood stained tee shirt. Dean didn’t move as the alpha cleaned his wounds again and applied a dressing. “Now, I’ve been thinking on our way here, I think this green shirt would be the best.” The alpha pulled out a light green shirt and handed it to him. “Dress.” When Dean didn’t make any gesture to grab the garment the alpha narrowed his eyes. “Dress, now.”

Dean rolled his eyes but complied with the order anyway. He was still not feeling strong enough or confident enough to fight the alpha commands. 

“You know, I hope you’re not going to be so tiring all the time. I shouldn’t have to use my alpha voice on you so often.”

“You seem to like it…” Dean shrugged but that only got him a low growl in response. So jokes and snarky comments were off the table. Next the alpha grabbed his wrist again and took him through the corridors. They entered a library, with floor to ceiling bookshelves. The books were all bound in leather with golden lettering. 

“Wait here,” the alpha told him, then left.

The omega moved around the room, touching random surfaces: it was packed with end tables, armchairs and an imposing desk. It felt impersonal though, so Dean doubted it was someone's private space. He looked out the window and watched armed guards patrol the inner premises of the courtyard.  

Minutes passed and they turned into an entire hour and some change. Finally, the door opened and Cas came inside, followed by two alphas. He spoke to them in Russian. The older one, a graying bulky alpha approached Dean on the right while the younger, a lithe tall blonde alpha came on the left. He growled low. The older one spoke to Cas. He had a deep voice and the words sounded threatening. Cas shrugged. The younger alpha laughed and seemed to be making jokes, which darkened Cas' expression. Dean felt like an object.  

"So, what's the verdict?" He laughed. "Am I worth the trouble?" Dean saw on Cas' face that he made a misstep but he couldn't care less. 

"Actually yes," the older alpha said, disdain clear in his eyes. "I was telling my brother that I don't think you're worth the headache."

"Alpha Michael," Cas stepped forward, "the boy is my True Mate. Think of the pups we'll bring forth." 

Dean's head spun at the thought of being pregnant with the crazy man's pups. 

"Ah, true mates doesn't guarantee healthy children. We want good submissive omegas that won't stray away from our orders. Not…" Michael looked Dean up and down, "argumentative bitches." 

"Your mom's a bitch," Dean growled. Next thing he knew, the tall blonde alpha was on him, crushing his windpipe while pushing him against the wall. He found himself pinned and unable to breathe. 

"Lucifer!" Cas growled louder and jumped to Dean's defense. He pulled his brother off, growling fast in Russian. Michael intervened in their discussion. For five minutes, the three alphas talked in their language, clearly arguing over Dean. The omega hoped they would just kill him and end his misery. Eventually Cas turned and grabbed his arm, manhandling him roughly toward the exist. They crossed the courtyard and went up a flight of stairs. On the upper floor, he went for the third door. Dean didn't recognize the lettering nor could he read what it said. Cas produced a key from his pockets and opener the door. Dean found himself in a similar apartment, only smaller. It was saturated with the scent of the alpha. Cas pulled him further inside and stopped near a spanking bench. Dean saw them in the porn movies he sometimes watched and always felt weird about the hard on he got from them. Only this time, his dick was flaccid. 

"Wha-" He didn't get a chance to ask anything as the alpha roughly pushed and bent him over the bench. Dean tried to fight back but the man was much heavier and stronger. Tears fell from his face as Cas ripped his jeans and exposed his ass. 

"You disrespected my pack alpha. You disrespected my brother… you even managed to insult my mother." Cas came in front of him so he could see what he was doing: removing his belt. "You should show me some respect."

The first blow made Dean scream and it hurt badly. Nothing made the next 19 be any less painful.

 

Chapter 11

Dean woke up to the sound of some radio. Whatever the anchor said, Dean didn't understand. At first he thought it was the grogginess from waking up but once he came to his senses he realized it was because the language was Russian. Cas moved and shut off the alarm. He got out of bed and sauntered into the bathroom. Dean remained lying on his side. His ass hurt like hell and he couldn't even lay on his back on the soft bed. The blanket covered him completely and he felt at peace despite everything. His cocoon felt comfortable and safe. 

"Dean?" The alpha came in his view, towering over him. "What exactly are you doing?" 

"I'm… laying in bed?" Dean squinted his eyes.

"Oh?" Cas raised his eyebrows, a red tint coloring his deep blue eyes. "And who is going to make breakfast? The sparrows?" 

"You want me to make breakfast?"

"What did your parents teach you, omega?" The alpha tilted his head and squinted his eyes. "An omega cares for the alpha, the house and the pups… that's the omega's role, Dean." 

"I don't know, man… I've only been an omega for a month." Dean hugged the pillow, cursing the day he went into heat.

"Didn't your parents know you were omega?"

"Not until I went into heat. Dad thought I'd be an alpha or a beta…" Dean bit his inner cheek. Why was he giving the alpha information like that?

"Didn't they test you as a child?" 

"No… it's expensive."

 "But worth it. One must know the subgender of their child. We test all children." Cas' features softened a bit, if that was even possible. The alpha bent over him. Dean reacted, pulling away and showing his fangs. "Relax, bunny. You'll see I'm not that bad." 

"You… hurt me." 

"Only if you misbehave." Cas touched his hair lightly. “Come. We should make breakfast.”

Reluctantly, Dean got out of bed. He stopped in the bathroom to wash his teeth. He couldn’t help but notice the master bathroom had two sinks and two cabinets. The one on the right was empty. Dean snorted. Did the crazy man prepare for mating? He was truly insane. Finishing off with a short shower, he got dressed and walked slowly down stairs. His ass hurt when walking.

Cas was already in the kitchen, preparing something on the stove top. The air smelled nicely - whatever the man was cooking, it was sweet.

“Dean. Get the peanut butter and the jams out of the pantry. Set the table, please.” Cas turned toward him. “The pantry is over there,” he pointed, “the dishes are in the cupboard over here.”

Dean bit his lip, ducked his head and entered the pantry. It was well stocked, with condiments, jams, peanut butter, cereal, flour… anything anyone could need. He picked up a jar of peanut butter and a jar of blueberry jam. He thought it was the best combination.

“Good choice, bunny,” the alpha purred. 

Dean saw he was making pancakes. Without further delay he turned to the cupboard indicated and retrieved plates. He set the table with care. The alpha came from behind and set down a serving plate with fluffy pancakes. "Good job," the alpha kissed his cheek and sat down. Dean hesitated, thinking of his sore ass. "Sit."

"But-"

" Sit!" 

The order cut through him. Dean tried resisting, the prospect of sitting on his bruises completely unappealing. The alpha repeated himself and Dean found he couldn’t resist for long. He sat and whimpered as pain shot through him.

“Let the pain be a reminder of what happens when you disobey and disrespect your mate.”

“Yes, yes alpha,” he whimpered as the pain became worse. They ate in silence. 

“I am going to work now. I will be home by five.” The alpha kissed him on the forehead and left. Dean was alone in the apartment. He peered out the windows - on the courtyard side, he saw omegas mingling while the guards did their rounds. On the outer side, there were tall woods and no way to get down. The windows were also significantly smaller and it was impossible for Dean to fit through them. He found no laptop or PC. His phone had been taken from him. He had no way of contacting his family. 

Dean spent the day crying and sleeping on his belly. By four he started thinking that the alpha was expecting dinner so he dragged himself in the kitchen. Thankfully, he knew how to cook - it was always something that brought him joy. He made a casserole, something they nicknamed a “Winchester surprise”. It reminded him of his mother and his home and he cried again. 

That’s how the alpha found him, when he came home.

“Hello, bunny.” The man gently cupped his bitten cheek. “Do you miss your family?”

“Yes,” Dean sobbed and he was surprised to admit it in front of his captor.

“You’ll see them again when the time is right.”

Dean looked the man straight in the eyes. “Do you really mean it?”

“Yes… our pups have to know their grandparents,” the alpha spoke softly and stroked his lip. Dean hugged himself defensively. “Here, I have your new ID.” The man gave him a Florida driving license with Dean on it. It read “Dean Kumarin, omega” and it listed him as mated. Under notable marks it read “facial scar and mating scar on left shoulder”. “What’s for dinner?” The alpha strolled into the kitchen and opened the oven. “It smells nice.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Dean said in a flat tone. He pocketed the license and got up to set the table and serve the alpha. Again, they ate in silence. Dean wasn’t sure there was anything to say. After dinner they sat on the couch and watched TV. The alpha gathered him to his side and kept him warm and comfortable. Annoyingly, his inner omega enjoyed the attention and was purring with contentment.

“Let’s go to bed,” the alpha said eventually and closed the TV. Inside the bedroom, Dean smelled the arousal coming off the man. “Sit on your back.” 

“Uhm, I don’t know Cas….”

“Shhh, it’s going to be ok.” The alpha undressed him and pushed him gently on the bed. He undressed himself and climbed between his legs. Cas rubbed his entrance with the butt of his fingers, pushing in ever so gently. Dean gasped and soon enough slick was forming, permeating the room with the sweet scent of his arousal. When he was ready, the alpha lined himself up and pushed inside, slipping his cock in the omega’s channel. 

“Ugh…” Dean gasped, fisting the sheets. The alpha cock felt amazing, and he could barely feel any pain from his abused ass cheeks. The alpha covered him with his body and peppered kisses over his face and neck, massaging the mating gland. Cas set a slow, gentle pace that rocked Dean through multiple orgasms until finally his knot popped and spilled his seed deep inside. 

“How are you feeling?” Cas nosed at Dean’s face.

“Fine… it was nice.” Dean inhaled and nuzzled back instinctively. His omega was satisfied.

Chapter 12

Dean woke up earlier and made breakfast. After the last few days, he was sure the alpha would only show him once and punish him next. Dean’s ass was still very tender. When Castiel came down, the alpha was ready for work, dressed in a dark blue suit with a matching tie. Cas looked fine and his smell… Sour cherries invaded his nose and Dean moved closer, as driven by an unknown force. 

“Hell, Dean.”

“Hey… alpha…” Cas smiled at that, even purred a little. It was clear he liked that. Dean woke up from the trance he’d been in. “Uhm… I made pancakes,” he stepped toward the stove. “And, uhm, I heated some milk. I saw you have cereal in the pantry.”

“ We have cereal in the pantry. This is your house as well.” The alpha came behind him and inspected the pancakes. “Some of these are kind of burnt…” He left the sentence hanging. 

“Uhm… yeah, I’m still learning.”

The alpha made an undefined sound, which Dean didn’t know how to interpret. It was probably not something very bad since no hits landed on him and the alpha moved to the kitchen table. Dean hurried to put pancakes on a plate and bring them in front of the alpha. His hands trembled as he put the plate down.

“Bring me some jam too, please.”

“Su-sure.” Dean skipped in the pantry and pulled on the first jar he saw. Two more fell and turned into pieces on the floor, spilling their sweet contents.

“Dean?” 

He heard the chair scratching the floor, and steps getting closer, but all he could do was stare at the shards of glass.  What would his punishment be for this?

“Are you o-, shit!” Cas came inside and took stock of the mess. “That was a good jam…” he sighed, then fixed his eyes on Dean.

“Please, don’t hurt me!”

"Why would I do that?" The alpha tilted his head in a way that reminded Dean of a bird of prey. 

"I broke the jars?"

"It's just jam…." Cas shook his head. “Come here, step on my shoe. There’s shards everywhere.” The alpha took a step forward and extended his arms for Dean to take. After a moment’s hesitation, Dean put a socked foot on the expensive leather and stepped. “Make sure you wear shoes when you clean in here.” Cas pulled him back to the breakfast table. Dean fixed himself a portion of pancakes and jam and some milk for the cereal. He sat at the table and ate. Cas watched him like a hungry wolf. “We need to swing by the hospital for some tests.”

“Okay…” Dean said with a weak voice. “What kind of tests?”

“All sorts… just a general overview of your health… and of mine.” Cas shrugged. “And we need to go to the tailor for your wedding attire.”

“Wedding?” Dean stared at the man. He was sure he heard badly.

“Yes…?”

“Who is getting married?” Dean was sure they were supposed to go to some function or anything similar. 

“We are… Dean we’re mated but not married in front of God. That’s what a wedding is for. To sanctify and bless a mating.” Cas looked truly appalled that Dean didn’t know. "Don't you have weddings in a church?"

"Not really, no…" Dean lowered his gaze and continued eating. 

"I have some work to do, but I'm not going far. When I get back we'll leave for the hospital." 

"Okay…" 

They finished their breakfast in silence. Cas thanked him for it, then made his way toward the door.

"Oh," Cas stopped in the doorway, "I was told you stayed inside all day yesterday. You're free to go outside, Dean." With that the alpha left.

Dean wasn't sure what to do with himself. Mechanically, as if driven by someone else, he slipped on some shoes and cleaned the pantry. Then he washed the dishes from breakfast and put them away. When all was done, and he had nothing else to do, he found himself alone in the house. He was allowed outside… outside meant relative freedom. If only he could find a phone or a GreyHound bus station…

Dean dressed in the clothes the alpha had bought. He buttoned up the shirt all the way up, like the alpha showed him. He didn't want to draw unnecessary attention. 

The most nerve-wracking part was actually opening the front door. He wasn't sure what would lie behind it. Success wasn't guaranteed and if he failed, he could face even crueler punishments. 

"You can do it…" he whispered to himself and pressed the handle. 

The open corridor was empty. Dean took a few tentative steps. Down, in the courtyard there were 2 guards and a few omegas lying on the grass with pups. Dean saw they were working on something. In the center, between them, they had containers with multiple colored small objects. Dean assumed they were beads. He wasn't interested in knowing more about their activity, so he walked low toward the closest stairs. Once on the ground floor, he took the longer route toward the gate, staying as far away from the group as possible. He had the gate in his sights when someone called after him.

"Hey! Dean, isn't it?"

Dean froze and didn't dare move. The person insisted.

"I'm glad to see you coming out of the house. Come! Join us!"

Dean couldn't ignore the call and he turned around. 

An omega with a round face and shoulder length brown hair smiled and waved toward him. "Hi," she called again with an even wider grin. Dean felt his feet moving toward her. He took a good look at the rest of the group. They all had facial scars - one was a tall blonde with an icy look, next to her was a woman with a stern face and the most Karen energy of the group. Lastly, a tall male completed the circle. When he raised his eyes, Dean stopped, surprised. The man looked exactly like Castiel, albeit with a facial scar and a more rounded face and body. “We don’t bite,” the man said with a crooked smile. Dean closed the distance and sat on the offered seat.

“We were wondering when you’d make your appearance. Cas has talked a lot about you,” the woman that called him leaned in and touched his shoulder. Dean answered with a tense smile. “I am Hannah, I’m mated to Inias. This,” she pointed at the icy blonde, “is Lilith, she is mated to Lucifer, next to her we have Naomi, mated to Michael and lastly James. He’s Castiel’s brother and he’s mated to Akobel.” Hannah smiled and picked up the bag she had on her little working tray. “We’re only missing Muriel… she’s mated to Gabriel and she’s in her last months of pregnancy.”

“Pick some bags and tweezers. We don’t slack around here,” Lilith growled toward him. Dean wasn’t sure she didn’t bite…

Dean turned his attention toward the containers they had between them. They were filled with pills of various sizes and colors. They all had the same logo on them, an eagle with two heads. 

“We make bags of three, five and ten,” Naomi informed him with a stern voice. Definitely a Karen. 

Dean picked up the tweezers and started putting small yellow pills in baggies. He didn’t want to know what they were.

“How do you find your new home?” James asked, with a kind smile on his face.

“I… I like it,” Dean lied and kept his gaze down. All he had to do was get through the group activity and leave through the open gate. 

“Oh, good,” James smiled and he seemed much warmer and kinder than his brother.

“How… how are you an omega?” Dean heard himself ask. When Naomi gasped, he was quick to add, frightened he said something wrong, “I mean, if you’re a twin with Castiel… or… or you’re not twins?” Dean hesitated. He didn’t know what he did wrong.

“Oh, we are indeed twins. It’s… a rather embarrassing story,” James laughed but there was no mirth in it. “We are one of those extremely rare cases where twins have different subgenders.”

“That will be enough out of you, James,” Naomi’s voice cut like steel.

The conversation moved toward the pups. Dean learned each omega had at least two, the younger ones being the puppies strewn across the lawn around them. They were happy, healthy children with bright laughter. Dean’s inner omega purred at the sound, satisfied they had a safe space for future puppies. Dean himself ignored those instincts and suppressed them deep inside himself. His logical mind didn’t want to give in to the inner wolf.

After one hour. Naomi called an end to their activities, beckoning the omegas to feed their puppies. They would resume work after the little ones were put to nap. Dean saw the opportunity to try and walk out. 

The open gate was right there, within reach. He made one step after another, his ears drumming with the sound of his own heart. After what felt like an eternity, he was outside the compound and on the road that led toward the small village they passed through. All he had to do now was find a bus to Miami and then a GreyHound home. If he could get his hands on a phone in between all this, it would have been perfect.

Chapter 13

Notes:

Sorry for the delay.

I have been busy lately because I met someone and I have fallen in love. We've been spending a lot of our free time together and I just didn't get around to write in either of my WIPS.

I just told him about this hobby of mine and that I need time to work on it and he's supportive of this. He may not know about all the gay sex and weird kinky shit but he doesn't need to know lmfao

The village was quaint and pleasant, with parks, shops, cafes, everything anyone could ever need. Most workers seemed to be betas, rarely omegas, and those that were omega were unmated - if the lack of a facial scar was an indicator. What seemed weird was the low number of cars on the street. Most people seemed to walk or bike. For the past 45 minutes, Dean hadn’t seen a bus. He amassed as much courage as he could and approached someone.

“Uhm, hey…” he said.

“Oh, hello!” The woman straightened and smiled at him. She wore clothes that covered her upper body and the skirt went well below her knees. 

"I was wondering where I could find the bus stop?" 

"Bus?" She furrowed her brows. 

"Yeah… to go to Miami."

"Oh, no…" She shook her head. "We don't go to Miami alone. It's a cesspool."

"Uhm… my alpha allowed me to go." 

"That's…" She looked him up and down with an inquisitive look. "Who is your alpha?"

"Castiel Kumarin," Dean answered and he saw the woman go white. 

"Oh… I didn't know Alpha Castiel was mated. Has the happy event passed recently?" 

"Yeah, you could say that. So the bus?"

This time, the omega's attitude changed, becoming more standoffish. "If Alpha Castiel wanted you in Miami, he would have sent you with his car and his men… not on a bus. What are you up to?"  

"I… I…" Dean had to think quickly. "I want to surprise my alpha, you know? I'm so happy to be his mate that I… wanted to buy him a gift."

"You don't need to go to Miami for that. Come, I'll take you to the shops. Most of our shops are all on the same street." 

Dean reluctantly followed the woman. He had to keep up with the lie until he could get rid of her. She took him to the same street where the alpha stopped to buy him clothes. Now Dean could see there were several other shops around: jewelleries, clothes shops, bookshop, even a tech shop further down the street. Cafés and small restaurants were peppered between the shops. He entered the bookshop and thankfully the woman left and went on with her business. Dean walked between the shelves, eyeing the books. Most had religious themes, pertaining to Orthodox Christianity. Dean was unfamiliar with the concepts. There were a lot of books on cooking, house-keeping and general know-how, mostly aimed at stay-at-home omegas. Dean assumed most of the community did that. 

“Too bad there’s nothing on car jacking here,” he muttered to himself. It seemed like stealing a car might be his only solution to getting home. 

“Hello, there.” Someone came closer to him. Dean tensed up, waiting for the shoe to fall.

“Hi…” he said, turning slightly to catch a glimpse of who approached him. He relaxed instinctively when he recognized fellow omega, James.

“You’re a long way from home, aren’t you, little one?”

“I… I just wanted to explore the area.”

“Ah…” James had a weird expression on his face. “I assume you realized by now there is no way to get to Miami.”

“Uhm-”

“Oh, please, I know you don’t want to actually stay here,” James waved his protests off. “I am glad I bumped into you first though. It wouldn’t have been nice if my brother or his men found you first.”

“What?!” Dean’s voice went up an octave. He could feel his heart rate accelerate. 

“They are looking for you by now…” the older omega said nonchalantly. 

“I…” 

“Don’t worry, you’re with me.” James put a hand on Dean’s shoulder and guided him outside. “They’ll find you drinking bubble tea with me at Nikita’s. I’ll take the blame.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“Let’s say, I know a fraction of what you’re going through…”

Dean didn’t say anything else and allowed the older man to escort him toward one of the many cafes on the street. He hoped nothing too bad would happen to him.

Chapter 14

Dean sat down, staring at the older omega. They both had bubble tea in front of them, different flavors. “What did you mean, they are looking for me?”

“Oh,” James glanced at his watch. “By this time, Castiel returned from his… errands, and is searching for you to go to the hospital.”

“You know about that?”

“I overheard him talk to our brother about it, yes.” James sucked a few boba pearls and chewed.

“Shit.” Dean squeezed his glass so tightly his knuckles whitened. “Do you have a phone I can use?”

“I have a phone, you can’t use it.”

“What? Why? Come on, man, you said you understood me!”

“It’s unwise…”

“Dammit, dude!”

“You’re legally mated to my brother. Your bond is sealed. You belong to him now. Bringing in your family and generating a scandal is not going to help you. Worst case scenario your family ends up injured or dead. This is the kind of people you are dealing with here. It’s better to let them go.”

"I can't!" Dean crossed his arms and leaned back. He didn't want to look at James.

"I wish you could trust me, but I know you can't possibly do that right now." 

Dean wanted nothing more than to leave and go home. He closed his eyes, squeezing tight to try and stop the tears from falling but it didn't help. Soon, his cheeks were wet with tears. He didn't say another word as he drank the bubble tea. James honored the silence. By the time they were finished, the other omega's phone rang.

"Oh, hi there Cas," James answered. "I'm… with Dean right now, why?" A pause, then, "well, he seemed lonely so I took him out for boba tea downtown." James looked Dean in the eye. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you guys had an appointment later. We'll be right back." James closed the conversation and got up. "Come along now Dean, we need to get back." Reluctantly, Dean followed the older omega. Soon they were back in front of the complex. Weirdly the way back seemed much shorter. The alpha stood in the middle of the courtyard, thumbing at his phone. When he noticed them, he came in their greeting. 

"Dean! We're running late for the appointment." The alpha scowled, his scent becoming pungent and extra spicy. Instinctively, Dean lowered his gaze and exposed his neck. The alpha growled one last time and scoffed. He seemed appeased. 

They didn’t spend any more time in the compound. Dean was ushered inside the alpha’s car and they drove off toward the city. Dean’s head was filled with ideas about running away while inside Miami. It would be far easier than breaking out of the gated community. 

 

Miami rose before them, with glistening skyscrapers and palm trees. Dean felt the heat in his long sleeved shirt. It was buttoned up to the base of his neck and he was sweltering. He reached up to undo some buttons.

“Don’t.” Cas scowled at him. “You’re my mate, not some Miami strip whore.”

“How…” Dean furrowed his brows. “Dude, it’s a few buttons on my shirt. I am dying in this heat!” Inside the city, young people, people Dean’s age, barely wore anything. “I mean, look at that chick! She’s got short shorts and I can’t undo two buttons?”

“I don’t have undone buttons, and I am wearing a suit,” the alpha pointed out. It was true, the man was way too dressed up for the heat.

“Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m fucking melting here.” Dean pulled on his collar. His skin was clammy and sticky. “Come on, man, no one’s gonna get a boner from the base of my neck.”

“I…” The alpha rolled his eyes. “As long as your mating scar and mating glands are not exposed, I guess it’s fine.” He seemed tense, but Dean didn’t care.

“This is better,” Dean exhaled when the first 2 buttons were undone. He checked himself in the mirror and it was fine. His glands and his mating scar were covered. He lingered a bit, looking at his facial scar. It looked even better than the day before, it was healing well. He could only hope he’d have small, white scars and not something big and ugly. 

“I’m… glad it’s better.” the alpha extended his hand and, after a moment’s hesitation, he patted Dean on the knee. 

Half an hour later, they pulled in front of the hospital. Dean tensed up once more. 

“Okay, we’re on time,” Cas said. “I was worried about traffic, but it was surprisingly clear. “Here, I have something for you to wear while out of the community.”

“What do you mean?” Dean looked at the man suspiciously. He had reached in the backseat and retrieved a nice velvet box. 

“Well, inside the community, everyone knows everyone. We don’t see a necessity for this. But outside…” The alpha shook his head. “There are so many cocky alphas that don’t understand what your scar means.” Cas looked at the facial scar. His eyes glinted with something akin to satisfaction. “So, we use these.” Confirming Dean’s fear, the alpha opened the box to reveal a beautifully crafted leather collar. “I had it custom made from deerskin.” The alpha raised the collar from it’s silk bed and laid the box to the side. “Come here,” he said. Dean reluctantly bent forwards. He saw the collar had Cas’ name on it. It was…. Another blow, another humiliation. His whole body tensed up when the alpha’s hands brushed his skin and latched the collar in the back. “There,” The alpha leaned back to get a better look. “It suits you very well,” he smiled. When Dean didn’t say anything, the alpha continued, “Don’t you like it?”

“I mean…” Dean didn’t know what to say. “Yes, yes I do like it.” He watched as the alpha’s face lit up with a slight smile. His scent bloomed into something sweeter. Dean knew then he choose wisely. 

 

The hospital lobby was wide and decorated in a modern fashion with lots of greys, whites and black, chrome and inox shining everywhere. Dean pulled at the collar, he hadn’t gotten used to the feeling of it against his skin. Cas walked in front of him, moving his head from right to left like a hawk. Alphas and betas were sidestepping, making way for the two of them.

The receptionist smiled and raised herself when Cas reached her desk. 

“Hello, how may I be of assistance?” 

“Hi, I have an appointment with my mate at Dr. Pasternack.” Cas moved from one leg to the other. “Under the name Kumarin.” If Dean didn’t know any better he’d think Cas was nervous about the appointment.

“Yes, I have you right here. So, you have to follow that hallway on the left until you reach the elevators. Take elevator A up to the fourth floor and once you get off, it’s the fifth door on the right.”

“I understand, thank you.”

“Please put your feet on the wrap station - it’s a sanitary wrap for your shoes.”

Cas nodded and complied, then encouraged Dean to step on the machine. Clear plastic wrap was applied to his shoes using a jet of hot air. He followed the alpha along the hallways and soon enough they were in front of the door. The nurse asked them to wait on the seats in the hallway for a few moments. Dean sat next to the alpha and looked at the posters on the wall. He felt sick. Some of them depicted pregnant females and pregnant male omegas. The anatomical diagrams showed everything in detail. More disturbing were the diagrams explaining cosmetic surgery, detailing procedures that feminized the male omega’s genitals. Instinctively, Dean crossed his legs. He started praying, hoping the alpha had no intention to do that to him. He’d rather die than have that procedure forced onto him.

“Kumarin?” the nurse called after them.Castiel rose and pulled Dean after him. Suddenly, all the omega wanted to do was run as far away as possible. He yanked his hand back.

“What are you doing?” Castiel hissed toward him.

“I…” Dean licked his lips. His eyes darted back to the diagrams. “I don’t want mydickcutoff,” he said, running out of breath.

“What?” Cas tilted his head to the side. He looked Dean up and down. “I didn’t understand you.”

“Mr. Kumarin?” The nurse made a few steps their way.

“I…” Dean hesitated, seeing the nurse so close.

“One moment!” Cas extended his arm toward her, then leaned in closer. “What did you say?” He half growled.

“I… I don’t want my dick cut off.”

“How did you get that idea?” Cas tilted his head even further, confusion etched on his face.

“Just… the diagrams… I figured you’d want-”

“If I wanted a cunt, I would have mated a cunt,” Cas growled. Dean winced at the intensity in the man’s eyes. “Now, come, let’s go.” Cas took his wrist in his hand and pulled him inside the office.

 

Dr Pasternack was a middle aged puffy looking beta man with hardly any scent. He seemed non-threatening enough. Dean wondered why Cas chose this doctor, until they started speaking in Russian, of course. It all made sense then. The doctor gestured toward the examination table and Dean froze. Seeing the stirrups made him gag. The doctor said something to him again, and Dean just looked between the two men.

“Dean hasn’t learned Russian, yet.” 

“Oh, I see. Well, then, hop on, young mister Kumarin,” Pasternack smiled, trying to be encouraging. 

Dean evaluated the situation - he had no way to run away, and no way to refuse the examination without causing a scene. He figured Jimmy would have advised him against causing a scene. He bit his inner cheek and stripped down to his skin, then hopped on the table, legs in the air and all. Muscles contracted and he felt his balls twitch because of the cold air. 

“Well, everything looks fine,” the doctor commented as he put gloves on. Dean laid there through the examination, trying to think about anything else other than the hands and fingers that prodded his insides. 

“...well developed, good length to the cloaca. His genitals look… very well developed for a male omega…” the doctor had his hand on Dean’s penis. Dean felt the need to knee the beta in the mouth. “Do you-”

“No!” Cas said immediately, startling even the doctor. “He’s perfect the way he is.”

“I… okay, sir. Now, let me do the ultrasound.”

Dean sat through the transanal ultrasound, which was moderately uncomfortable. His pipes and whatnots seemed perfectly fine. The doctor even commented that Dean could get pregnant during his next heat cycle. Great.

Next up was an examination of his mating bite. 

“It looks perfect!” Pasternack exclaimed. “I haven’t seen a mating bite heal so well in my entire career!”

“Have you ever had True Mates?” Cas smiled and leaned toward the doctor. Pasternack said he hadn’t, which seemed to make the alpha bloom with pride. Dean rolled his eyes, but no one saw him. 

While Dean was cleaning up streaks of medical lube off his skin, Pasternack spoke to Cas in Russian. He saw the alpha took a prescription from the doctor, but from where he stood to dress himself, he couldn’t see what it was for. 

“Thank you, doctor. Have a nice day.” Cas smiled one last time and held the door for Dean.

“You too, Mr Kumarin!” The doctor was taking down some final notes while the cleaning personnel made the room ready for the next patient.

Dean felt an empty lump in the place his stomach was supposed to be. Cas probably wanted to impregnate him as soon as possible, maybe even induce his heat faster. Maybe that was what the prescription was for. He had to find a way to run. He had to .

Chapter 15

Dean wiped away tears with the corner of the pillow case. His ass throbbed around the knot. Cas was nuzzling behind his ear, half growling, half purring. He had his hands all over Dean, scent marking him thoroughly. As if Dean wasn’t already marked inside and out. Cas playfully nibbled at his ear lobe, without breaking skin. 

“You’re delicious, my omega.”

“Thanks,” Dean answered dryly. 

The alpha growled and pushed his knot even deeper inside Dean.

“That hurt.”

“You’ll get used to it,” Castiel squeezed his midsection, and settled in for his usual post knotting nap. Dean knew at that point that he’d have to wait out the knot for at least another twenty minutes. He exhaled and tried to relax. His eyes wandered around the room and stopped on the nightstand where Cas’ phone was. An idea struck him. With his arms stretched as long as possible he barely could touch the corner of the phone. He picked up a book that was next to it and began swatting at the phone, hoping it could get it closer to him. After the fifth or sixth swat, he was finally able to grab it. 

“Fuck,” he whispered, noticing it was locked. Carefully, with small incremental gestures, he managed to put Cas’ thumb on the print scanner and the phone opened. Dean had many options, he didn't know what to try first. With trembling fingers, he googled his own name. Nothing popped up at first, but just a few scrolls lower was a page titled “ Have you seen my son? ” Dean swallowed hard before clicking on the link but nothing could stop the tears running freely on his face. Pictures of him, with his family, were on every centimeter of space. Mary had written a concise time-line, clearly put together with the help of his friends. Lastly there was a picture of him, in the gas station - Castiel could be seen behind him, but the alpha probably spotted the camera, and kept his face turned away. Dean knew that back of head all too well by now. His mum apparently managed to find a few more blurry frames with Cas in them - the alpha clearly knew what he did. None showed his face - he either kept his head down, or his hand over his face, in his hair. Mary concluded that either “the man in black suit” took Dean, or saw who did. Dean wiped away tears and tried calming himself down. His scent had started to change and he didn't want to wake up the alpha. He pushed the “submit tip” button and started writing a letter to his mom. He didn't know how to start, so he just presented the facts. He mentioned where he was held, his new name. 

“I'm so sorry, mom,” he whispered to himself. There was a field for attaching pictures. Dean opened the camera and took a selfie. Even asleep, Cas’ face was out of the camera's view as the alpha nuzzled in Dean's neck. The omega pondered whether it was too much to add a picture. He was clearly naked and knotted. And his face was swollen from crying, which made the bite that more obvious. He discarded the photo and decided to add details that proved his identity. He hated the fact that the last conversations he had with his parents were arguments. With trembling fingers he pressed send. He swallowed a sob when the pop-up informed him his message had been received. He carefully deleted the browsing history and laid the phone back on the nightstand. The only thing he could do was wait. Buy his time. 

 

Cas woke up almost an hour later. They had a quiet breakfast. Dean tried his best to not give away his anxiety. After they were done eating, Cas instructed him to get dressed. They apparently had an appointment with a seamstress. Dean didn't argue. Whatever Cas wanted, he did, which even prompted the alpha to praise him for his obedience. 

The seamstress was located in a building in town. She was a chubby, round-faced omega with a kind face. 

“Oh, congratulations on the mating, Alpha Castiel Konstantinovich,” she smiled, flapping her arms in excitement. Dean tried to look away. “And he's such a handsome young thing.” She caught his chin and raised his head. “Wonderful eyes.” 

“We're going to need an outfit for the wedding,” Cas interjected. “I was hoping to hold it on Sunday.” 

“Oh, blessed day!” The woman smiled and nodded. “I may have some dresses I can alter on such short notice, but,” she extended a finger toward the alpha, “I am not making any promises.”

“Dresses?” Dean thought to himself. He bit his inner cheek to keep to himself. He didn't want to anger the alpha, especially now.

“I understand, Aliona Nikitichna,” Cas laughed. Dean kept to himself. 

“Fine, then. Let's go, youngin. What's your name?”

“Dean…” he whispered.

“Dean… and? What's your father's name?” She pulled him toward the back, through a long hallway. 

“Uhm, John,” he said, feeling emotional over his father. 

“John, John - well, that translates to Ivan.” She opened a door and gestured for Dean to enter first. It was the seamstress’ shop - multiple dresses were on mannequins, in various stages of completion. Some were pure white, wedding gowns, while others were simpler, and colorful. Dean noticed there were both male and female bodices. “I make different kinds of dresses, for all occasions. If anyone wants to dress traditionally, of course. The outside fashion industry doesn’t make these kinds of dresses for male omegas anymore.” She eyes Dean with a knowing eye, then went in the far back, to the rack that held several dresses. “So, you two already mated. So, I can’t make you a pure white dress - you’re not a virgin anymore Dean Ivanovich. What I can do is a traditional male dress with a sarafan.” She returned with a white long sleeved, simple dress and a trapezoid shaped dress. It had relatively thin straps. It was of a deep green color, with embellishments and complicated embroideries. “I made this over the months - as a project of love.” Aliona looked at the heavy material with pride in her eyes. “Let me bring you some undergarments as well. Then you can dress with the rest.” She gave Dean some white woolen tights and a loose shirt to wear underneath. She helped Dean put on the white cotton dress. Aliona encouraged him to get up on a stool and she expertly started pinning where the fit was too loose. When the dress was fitted properly, Aliona brought the other dress, the one she called a sarafan. It was made of heavy velvet, with shiny embellishments and embroidered wild animals. It took longer to take in the sarafan. At the end, Aliona had to call her daughter, so together they could extract Dean from all the dresses. The omega still got stung plenty of times. 

“Okay, so this is it. I’ll go tell Alpha Castiel Konstantinovich he’ll have a dress for you on Sunday.” She rubbed her hands and darted out the door. Dean started dressing himself, ignoring the other human in the room. 

“So, you’re the one that caught Alpha Castiel’s eye… or, erm, nose.” She laid the dresses on her mom’s working bench and came in closer. She had brown hair and brown eyes, yet still she seemed cold. 

“Uhm, yeah, I guess.” Dean finished buttoning up his shirt.

“My friend dreamed she’d mate Alpha Castiel.”

Weirdly, a surge of jealousy hit him. That was his alpha her friend craved. “Yeah, I don’t think that could have ever worked out. He’s not into that.”

“Not into what?” She frowned and tilted her head. Dean hesitated. He didn’t know how this weird, conservative community viewed gay men… outside of alpha-omega relationships. And, even though he hated Cas, he was tied to that man, and his standing in the community. 

“I should go,” he turned, wanting nothing more than to leave the room, and the conversation. 

“Hey, you didn’t finish your idea!”

“Well, it doesn’t even matter now, does it? I’m the one mated to him, right?” He growled at her. The best defense was a good offense. 

“Yes, you are correct.” She averted her eyes. “I am sorry if I offended you, Omega Dean Ivanovich.”

Dean was taken aback by the sudden show of deference. “Sure. Don’t… let it happen again,” he mumbled, then walked briskly back. He found Cas all smiles, joking with the seamstress.

“Ah, Dean, Aliona Nikitichna was telling me how handsome you will look in your sarafan.” Cas took his hand into his and squeezed it. “I am happy. Sunday we’ll have the wedding to bless the mating.” The alpha kissed him on the temple. “Goodday, Aliona Nikitichna. 

Outside, Cas put his arm around Dean and pressed the omega to his side. “You know, it’s almost been a week since our mating. Maybe we’ll get a… post mating heat,” he chuckled. 

Dean felt as if a giant ball of ice fell in his stomach. Heats meant ovulation. That meant babies.

Chapter 16

Sunday came faster than Dean wanted. He had no contact from his family. He wondered if they even believed it was him. Unfortunately, Dean never had another opportunity to try and access the website. 

In the morning, just before they sat for breakfast, Aliona Nikitichna came to drop off the clothes. Jimmy came to help Dean get dressed. 

“Now - the wedding ceremony will take place after the usual Sunday service.” James straightened the white cotton dress on Dean’s body before picking up the heavier green velvet sarafan. “During the ceremony, you will stand next to Cas in front of the altar. You’ll have to kiss various things - like icons or the bible.” Jimmy held the velvet dress so Dean could slip in it. He used the drawstrings to tighten it in the back. Dean felt slightly constricted but he said nothing. “The priests will let you know what to do, and when.”

“Okay,” Dean said but he didn’t recognise his own voice. He expected his parents to come find him by now.  

“Well, it’s not going to be as bad as the mating,” Jimmy laughed, but without mirth. 

“That’s… not funny, dude.”

“I know, Dean… It’s just, we don’t have that many choices, do we?”

“I guess not.” Dean sighed. He looked at himself in the mirror. For some reason, the entire look wasn’t that bad. The green velvet really did make his eye color pop. 

“Well, come along now. Castiel is waiting for us at the church.”

The church was right outside town, on the road that lead toward the alpha’s complex. It was surrounded by a small forest which explained why Dean hadn’t noticed it before. Inside, people were already gathered in quite a large number. Most stood, while a few were sitting in pews built against the walls. Toward the altar, the pews looked different, made with tall wooden throne chairs. There, Dean saw Castiel’s family. Jimmy pushed him in that direction. People moved to make way for Dean, all while staring at him. He knew they were all talking about him. When he and Jimmy reached the end of the nave, to the left, he saw Castiel sitting in a throne chair. Next to him, there was an empty one. Jimmy whispered to Dean, instructing him to sit. 

“You look wonderful,” Cas whispered in his ear. “Aliona did wonderful work.” 

“Uh-huh,” Dean nodded. He watched Jimmy take his seat next to his mate. He found some embellishments on the sarafan to play with. 

The priest came out of the altar and the crowd turned silent. He started talking in Russian, with a high voice. He opened a book, which Dean assumed was a Bible or something similar. For well over an hour, the priest read and sang. He had aid in 3 young men that sang alongside him. 

“How much longer?” Dean whispered toward Cas. The alpha squinted in response. “So?”

“Be silent, Dean.”

“I’m getting tired,” Dean complained further. 

“Shush!” Cas’ eyes flashed red. 

Dean bit his lip. “My ass is numb, Cas. He keeps saying stuff I don’t understand, at all.” 

“It’s not much longer, now shush. You’re making people stare at us,” Cas growled.

Dean looked around and, fair enough, Michael was watching them closely. He settled on playing with the embellishments on his sarafan, hoping the service wouldn’t last much longer. 

The priest stopped talking and took a breath. He looked at the crowd and cleared his voice, starting another speech. Dean heard Castiel's and his names thrown around. The alpha got up and motioned for Dean to follow him. They went and stood in front of the altar and the priest. Cas made sure Dean stood to his left. Deacons brought a table and various other objects. Dean was surprised to see two solid gold crowns. Jimmy came and stood next to Dean, while Akobel, his mate, went on Cas' right. Young, unmated, unpresented kids came next in line holding large candles. The priest began his sing-song service once more. Dean didn't understand a single word, but Cas seemed moved. Mikhail was watching them closely. 

Their names were mentioned a few times. Every time Cas made a sign of the cross, Dean made one. He tried to keep up with things. A priest approached them and placed the crowns on their heads. It was heavy and Dean had half a mind to complain about it. Cas lightly touched his wrist. Dean settled and decided it was in his best interest to not make a scene. An icon depicting the Virgin Mary with her Child was placed in front of Cas. The alpha leaned and kissed the gold gilded image. Dean did the same. The service went on. 

At some point, Jimmy took his hand in his. The older omega guided Dean to hold his hand underneath Castiel's. The priest took both their hands and continued talking in Russian. 

Approximately 20 minutes later, a deacon brought the wedding bands. Dean thanked God - it was a sign the complicated service was coming to an end. The Jimmy and Akobel put the bands on their fingers, and then the priest made a sign toward them. Akobel removed Cas’ crown while Jimmy took Dean's. They set them on the table. Cas wrapped a hand around Dean's waist and turned the omega toward the crowd. People cheered and they filed in front of them to congratulate them. Some spoke Russian, some spoke English, addressing Dean as well. 

After everyone congratulated the couple, they headed outside. Cas smelled happy, sour cherries and roasted almonds filling up the air between them. Even Dean's omega reacted to the happy alpha pheromones. He felt himself relax, leaning into the alpha. When they reached the house, Cas eagerly pushed him inside. They didn't make it to the bedroom. Cas pushed him against the counter and raised the sarafan over Dean's ass. He heard the tights being ripped open. 

“Fuck,” Dean mewled when he felt the alpha cock at his entrance. He was already wet so the slide was comfortable. 

“Oh, you feel so amazing, fuck.” Cas growled, then started pumping in and out. Dean squeezed the edges of the counter for some purchase. It felt good for him as well, and for a few moments he forgot where he was and why. He mewled with every thrust.

“Oh, oh that's the spot, Cas, fuuuck,” he yelped when one particularly strong thrust obliterated his prostate. He came all over himself, spilling his sterile seed over the counter. 

“Oh, oh, I'm so close,” Cas grunted, pushing his knot inside the tight ring of muscles. It didn't take long for the knot to pop and Cas growled all throughout his orgasm. He kneaded on Dean's shoulders. 

“Cas?”

“Huh?”

“Now what? I'm… I'm not particularly comfortable here, you know.” 

“Right.” Cas gathered Dean and together, with small steps they traveled to the couch. Cas nuzzled behind Dean's ear while the omega pulled some covers over them. Dean turned on the TV and browsed. At least he'd be entertained while waiting out the knot. 

“What are we going to watch?” Cas kissed him on the ear lobe.

“I don't know… Oh this looks awesome.” Dean settled on a car restoration show. The men were working on a classic American muscle car. 

“I didn't expect you to like this.” Cas cupped his cock and balls, fondling them gently. 

“I love cars. I… I, uhm, wanted to become an engineer… before.”

“Before?”

“Before turning omega fucked my life,” Dean said bitterly.

“Huh. We have a chop shop.”

“Isn't that… for like chopping up stolen cars?”

“It is. We steal all kinds of cars. Sell the parts.”

“I don't think I could chop a car, man. It's a shame.” 

“Some we remodel and give our men for… their activities. And, besides, the shop has a legit front. People bring their cars around.” 

“Okay,” Dean shrugged. He had no idea why the alpha was talking to him about the garage. 

Cas let him choose whatever TV programme he wanted to watch while waiting out the knot. Somehow, to Dean, it felt comfortable and domestic. He willfully decided to ignore that he was knotted to a deranged mafia member.

Chapter 17

The following days, Dean spent mostly inside the apartment. He didn’t venture outside unless someone prompted him to - he just wished time passed faster and his family would come to get him. 

On Wednesday a knock fell on his door. He opened the door - Jimmy was outside. 

“Hello, Dean,” he smiled. “How are you?”

“Fine, I guess. Do I need to come down for work?” Dean had been called to help bag pills and drugs. 

“No, no, I just wanted to see how you’ve been. How’s married life for you?”

“Just like mated life, I guess.” Dean stepped to the side to allow the older omega to enter. 

“Oh, I see,” Jimmy looked around the apartment. “I don’t see many changes… you didn’t want to make it your own?”

“No?” Dean frowned. It’s Cas’ house.

“It’s yours as well - why wouldn’t you want to make your mark?”

Dean pursed his lips - he didn’t want to admit he hoped he’d be rescued soon. “Well, I don’t know if Castiel would like that.”

“Why not ask him?” Jimmy took a seat, looking up at Dean. The resemblance between them was uncanny. 

“I don’t know… I just want to… lay low.”

“Hoping your family finds you?” Jimmy put his chin in his hand. 

“I… no .” Dean scoffed and turned toward the fridge. He tried to mask his anxiety by serving iced tea. 

“Oh, come on, it’s not that hard to guess. I am not your enemy, Dean.” Jimmy accepted the iced tea with grace. “What are you doing all day in here?”

“I’m… just sitting. Making food. Sitting some more.”

“Don’t you want to go back to school?” Jimmy sipped some more tea. “We have a highschool in town. For colleges you’ll have to leave the community and… I don't know if Castiel or Michael would agree to that.”

“I… I don’t know.” Dean realized he hadn’t thought about going back to school. “I guess I’d like that.”

“The uniforms are gendered though - omegas in sarafans and alphas and betas in dress pants.”

“Sarafans - like the one I wore for the wedding?”

“Yes, but much much simpler - a basic dark blue one.”

“Okay… and how are classes?”

“Regular classes… but omegas have home ec and cooking classes to boot.”

“I think I’d like that. It would beat sitting here all day.”

“Good - then you’ll have to tell Cas.”

“I- what?”

“I am not going to do it for you - you’ll have to talk to him. Think of this as an exercise. Ask to go back to highschool today, ask for decorations tomorrow.” 

Jimmy ended up staying most of the morning - he spilled most of the tea he could. Dean learned that Cas started out as an enforcer and an assassin. His main jobs were intimidating or beating up people. On rare occasions, even kill them. Most days, though, he had other engagements, but Jimmy didn't elaborate. Gabriel had his hands in drugs, with an emphasis on party drugs. Akobel - weapons trade. And Lucifer was a pimp - he owned most of the people that worked the streets in Miami. Jimmy left to make dinner for his mate and pups, which left Dean to his own devices. 

When Castiel returned home, he found a dinner of pasta bolognese - Dean didn’t boast exquisite cooking skills.

The alpha starred in his plate.

“I hope you’ll like it.”

“I hope so too,” Cas said and took a bite. “It’s… fine, Dean, thank you.”

Dean tasted himself and he knew the alpha was lying his ass off. He’d never tasted something more bland. “So, uhm, Cas… I was talking to Jimmy today…”

“Oh, that’s good.”

“Uhm, he was telling me about the high school in town. I… I kinda want to go back to school, if that’s okay with you,” he was quick to add.

The alpha paused for a second. “Yes… yes I agree, but with one condition.”

“Okay, which one?” Dean expected Cas to demand he wear a collar or something. 

“If you take cooking classes.” 

“Oh,” Dean smiled, “yeah that’s fine. I like cooking,” he admitted. “I’m not very good at it, but I like it.”

“Well, then I’ll talk to the headmaster. We’ll have to order some school sarafans from Aliona Nikitichna.”

“Yeah, Jimmy told me about those.”

“What else did Jimmy tell you?” 

“That you’re an assassin,” Dean said - he watched Castiel’s demeanor change. He was cold and he pinned a death stare on Dean.

“My job in the mob is none of your concern. Nor is it Jimmy’s.”

“I was curious what you did every time you leave.”

“I am not killing people every day. “ Cas sipped some red wine. “Most days I help Gabriel with his business.”

“Drug dealing?”

“Yes… Jimmy didn’t leave out any details, didn’t he?”

Dean let his eyes fall on his plate. He didn’t want to challenge the man.

“It’s fine, Dean. Now eat your food, it’s getting cold.”

“Su-, sure, alpha.”

 

True to his word, Cas did arrange for Dean to start school again - his first day back was Thursday. The navy blue sarafan reached below his knees. Underneath it, Dean wore a white dress shirt and some tights. He didn’t feel as awkward as he expected. Cas drove him to school, then left for his day. 

The school was divided into alpha and omega sections - two separate buildings in the same courtyard. Dean was led inside the Omega building, then to his class, by a teacher. There were about 18 other students inside - they all wore the navy blue sarafan regardless of primary gender. And for that matter only one other student was a male omega. They all fell silent when they noticed Dean. As far as he could tell, he was the only one mated.  There was an empty school bench in the back and he went there.

“Is this seat taken?” he asked the girl that sat right in front.

“No… it’s always empty,” she replied.

Dean sat down and put his things inside the table, except for a pen and a notebook. 

“Why are you here?” another girl came closer.

“Uhm… I wanted to come back to school? I’m a Junior. I, uhm, kinda want to finish highschool.”

“You’re mated,” she continued.

“Yes?” Dean shrugged.

“Mated omegas don’t come anymore, they stay home with their alphas and their pups.”

“Well… I don’t have pups and my alpha wants me to take cooking classes, so here I am,” he brushed the girl off, hoping it was the last he’d hear from her. 

“You don’t know how to cook?” she gasped.

“Well, I guess he didn’t choose to bite me for my culinary talents,” Dean answered sarcastically.

Their teacher came into the room, and they all fell silent. Dean was happy to be back to class - it offered a good distraction from the mess his life was. He even enjoyed home ec and the cooking classes - something about learning to properly cook made him relax. 

At the end of the day, Dean saw Cas was waiting for him. He climbed in the car and greeted his mate.

“Hello, Dean. You seem in a good mood.”

“Yeah, I kinda liked being back to school.”

“Good, I’m glad. I might not be able to pick you up every time - I’ll ask Jimmy to come for you when I can’t. Okay?”

“Sure, it’s fine.” Dean settled in the seat. He felt good, and the realization of that was like whiplash - he wasn’t supposed to feel good. He was supposed to buy time until his parents found and rescued him.

“Dean?”

“Huh?”

“Are you okay? Your scent shifted.” Cas looked at him.

“I… uhm, yes I’m fine.”

“But?”

“I…” Dean didn’t know what to say. “I just miss my mom, you know?” He confessed, hoping the half lie would appease the alpha.

“Oh, I see. You are still young.” Cas took a turn. 

“Yeah, but… I don’t think she even knows what happened to me. She has to be worried sick.”

“Well-”

“What if we have an omega pup and some guy just takes them - wouldn’t you go mad?”

“That could never happen to our pups. We’ll raise them here, where it’s safe.”

“Right…” Dean leaned on the backseat. He remembered his parents wanted to move inside a gated community. How angry he had been on stupid things. They arrived at the complex. 

“So, uhm, about telling mom where I am? I just want her to know…” I am alive, he thought, but he didn’t say that. “I just want her to know I’m well and unhurt,” he said, choosing his words carefully. The alpha didn’t say a word while he parked the car. 

“No - not yet.”

“But, Cas -”

“I’ve decided. We’ll wait until Christmas.”

“Why?”

“ Don’t question me, omega,” the alpha growled, using his alpha voice.

Dean’s hackles rose and he kept his mouth shut. He settled to spend the rest of the day cooking dinner and doing his homework.

Chapter 18

Another week passed relatively peacefully. Dean found a routine - 5 am knot, post knot nap, making breakfast, high school until 2 pm, then either one of the Kumarin twins drove him home. He made lunch and dinner, and did his homework or helped with packing drugs. He and Cas usually watched a movie or a show after dinner. They showered before bed and then went to sleep. Rinse and repeat. 

“The teachers are happy with you at school,” Cas said at dinner, Friday evening. 

“Ah, I, I, uhm, I'm happy to hear that.”

“You said you wanted to do engineering?”

“Uhm… yeah, that was the initial plan.” 

“Hm…” Cas chewed on his steak. “Your cooking skills improved.” 

“Thank you, alpha,” Dean said automatically. Jimmy gave him several crash courses on etiquette. 

“I'm pretty sure the University of Miami has an Engineering programme - what areas are you interested in?”

“Uhm, cars - anything about cars… combustion engines… stuff like that.” Dean didn't dare hope he'd be able to go to college. 

“I see… We'll, I'll have to check in with Michael and with the university.”

“Why the university?”

“To see if they accept omegas. Not everyone does.”

Dean nodded in understanding. “But… you'd let me go?”

“If it's possible… yes.” 

“Really?” Dean raised an eyebrow. He wasn't sure he believed Cas. 

“I… I can see how much… happier you seem since you went back to school. If it brings you joy, then yes.” 

“I'd… I'd like that, yes.” 

“Okay.” The alpha took more bites from his steak. “Is there… Anything else that would make you happy?”

“I… I, uhm no. I have everything I need,” Dean lied. He was still hoping his mom would get his message.  

“Well if anything comes up, tell me.” comes up, tell me.”

“Su- sure.”

The day passed as usual - until the third period. That’s when a very angry Cas, accompanied by an equally angry Michael barged inside Dean’s classroom. Dean’s inner omega recoiled from the bitter scent of the alphas. 

“Come. NOW,” Michael yelled at him. 

Cas grabbed his arm and yanked him out of his bench. Dean made a gesture to grab his stuff, but the alpha dragged him further away with no consideration. Without any explanation he was shoved in a blacked out SUV.

“What’s going on?” Dean asked. His nose burned from the scent of angry alphas. His inner omega was whimpering and demanding he do something to appease his alpha. “Cas?” he asked. Cas turned icy cold blue eyes on him. Dean felt his insides go numb.

“You betrayed us, omega,” was all the alpha said before he got cut off by his brother.

“I told you this, this, WHORE,” Michael yelled the word in Dean’s face, “is not worth the trouble. You were an idiot for picking him up. Have you learnt nothing from working with Lucifer?” Michael proceeded to yell at Castiel in Russian. Dean hugged his knees, trying to keep himself calm. If they were driving him to the woods to execute him, well, then at least his suffering would end. He only hoped his mother would find out what happened to him. The two alphas argued all the way until they reached the gate - they drove right through it, heading for the city.

Inside Miami, the two stopped arguing. Castiel stared out the window, resting his chin on his fist. Michael didn’t let Dean out of his sight - which made the young omega that much stressed. They stopped in front of a lawyer's office. Cas was the first out of the car, then he dragged Dean.

“I can walk, for fucks sake,” Dean burst. Cas increased the pressure digging his fingers in Dean’s tender arm. 

“Don’t disrespect me like this, omega”

“Don’t fucking hurt me like this,” Dean thrashed in the grip, trying to free himself. Cas pushed him roughly against the car.
“Castiel!” Michael intervened. Dean hoped it meant the abuse would stop, but the elder alpha simply said, “control your damn omega, boy.” Dean closed his eyes and braced himself for the slap, which indeed came swiftly. 

With a swelling face, Dean allowed Castiel to guide him inside the building. In the elevator, Michael pressed on the seventh floor button, taking them up to the “ Crowley and Talbot” law firm. 

Inside, they took a sharp left. They were greeted by a stout man with a round face.

“Michael, Castiel,” he said in a gravelly voice. “I suppose this is the youngest Mr Kumarin, eh?” He looked Dean up and down.

“Crowley, I really am not in the mood,” Michael grunted. “Let’s get this over with.”

“This way, then, gentlemen.” The lawyer turned and walked briskly on the hall. “I’ve set them up in the larger conference room.”

“So, what do they want?”

“Desolvation of the bond,” Crowley said. “They’re suing for unlawful mating.”

“He’s of age,” Cas growled. His hand dug even deeper in Dean’s arm. The alpha was possessive and some twisted part of Dean’s omega brain was pleased that his alpha was protecting him.

Crowley opened the door to the conference room and they stepped inside. Dean was shocked. His mother jumped out of her seat.

“Dean!” She yelled and ran to him only to be blocked by a growling Castiel.

“He’s mine.”

“No, he’s not!” Mary held the alpha’s stare. “He is my baby and you took him from me. You took and… and,” her eyes welled up when she really looked at Dean, “you hurt him. You’re a fucking monster.” She spat in the alpha’s face.

“Mrs Winchester,” a blonde woman with a Minesottan accent stood up. “I would advise you to return to your seat, please.”

“You should listen to your lawyer, love,” Crowley said. 

Mary seemed conflicted. Dean wanted nothing else than to hug his mom, bury himself at her chest and cry - she came for him.

“Mary.” That’s when Dean finally realized his mother wasn’t alone. Still seated, with crimson circles in his eyes, John Winchester was sizing the two Russian alphas. Dean knew that look meant trouble. He swallowed around nothing. With slow, deliberate movements, each person took a seat at the table. Dean had no choice but to sit next to Castiel.

“So,” the blonde lawyer smiled, “the law requires that we try to mediate before going to court. Mr and Mrs Winchester consider this mating unlawful - they were not asked for permission by the alpha. They’re also expressing concerns about their son’s safety and wellbeing.”

“As you can see, Dean is fine,” Michael said.

“I tend to disagree, Mr Kumarin. I have here a message Dean has sent to his mother, via the website she established to find her son.” The lawyer pushed a piece of paper toward them. To Dean’s horror he recognized it as a screenshot of his message. “Here,” she pointed at one of the paragraphs, "Dean is describing his kidnapping, and he goes into detail about being denied communication with his parents.”

“It’s not unusual to spend time away from your  parents as a newly mated omega  - they need the time to form a connection to their new alpha, stop seeing their alpha fathers as theirs…”

“Maybe in your culture, but that's not how it works here,” the lawyer smiled. “In this country it's considered domestic abuse to deny a mated omega access to his origin family.”

Cas growled next to him. “Dean is well taken care of.” 

“My son has a swollen face - I beg to differ.” It was the first time John spoke. His eyes were colored in a dark crimson, and Dean knew his father had to be wearing scent blockers. 

“He’s been disciplined, nothing more - that’s something you should have done more often,” Cas said. John got up so fast his chair fell over with a loud thump. Cas remained seated staring up in the other alpha’s eyes. Dean felt Cas’ grip tightening even more around his arm. 

“Mr. Winchester, I advise you to sit down,” the lawyer said. “We’ll do this the right way.”

“And, pray tell, what is your right way?” Crowley spoke, as John straightened his seat. “Misses…” he left the sentence hanging. 

“Donna Hanscum,” she smiled, showing all her fangs. For a moment, Dean dared to hope.

“So, Miss Hanscum, you’ve got us all here to mediate… what exactly?”

“My clients want the immediate return of their son and dissolution of whatever mating bond may have formed. Also, five hundred thousand dollars as compensation for emotional distress.”

“Out of the question,” Crowley smiled and brought his hands together in front of him. Dean saw Michael leaning to whisper something in Crowley’s ear. “My client is willing to pay one million dollars for Dean, as compensation to you.”

“You want to buy my son?” Mary’s voice went up almost an octave.

“Bride price,” Michael shrugged. “It’s more than he’s worth anyway - you should take it.”

“No. I want my son back.”

“Mr Crowley, I think you can agree this mediation is not working - I’ll see you in court.” Donna gathered her documents and stood  - so did the Winchesters. Dean had no choice but to remain seated, next to Cas. He had to watch his mother and father leave him behind.

“This isn’t over, Dean, we’ll get you back!” Mary said, just before her lawyer ushered her outside. 

“I told you he wasn’t worth the trouble,” Michael left together with Crowley, so Dean and Castiel were the only ones left in the room.

After what felt like an eternity, Dean spoke, “It hurts, can you please let me go Cas?”

“You have a lot of explaining to do, Dean.” Cas dragged him out of the chair, then down the hallway. “How did you even get access to the Internet? And how could you betray me like this?”

“I… uhm…”

“You’ve been a very bad boy, Dean,” Cas growled as he kept his punishing stride. Dean felt like he was going to be sick. He didn’t want to think about what awaited him once they reached their apartment.

Chapter 19

Dean stood in the middle of the apartment, awaiting the alpha’s judgment. It was clear to him the man was his judge and jury, now that they were alone. He wondered why on Earth did the lawyer show his messages. 

The door swung open and Castiel entered. The alpha smelled angry, his scent making Dean choke out.

“Why did you send that message?”

Dean remained silent.

“Why did you send that fucking message?” Cas asked again.

“Fuck you,” Dean said - he hated how his voice trembled. At least he tried keeping his posture straight and his head held high.

“Fine… if that is what you want.” Cas moved faster than Dean expected from the alpha. He was grabbed by the back of his neck and dragged outside. Cas marched him down the stairs, then down again, into the basement. Dean had never been there - it felt big, like it spanned underneath the entire complex. Cas pushed him inside a room. Dean fell to the ground and scrambled to get back up. He stood with his back to the wall, trying to guess what was going to happen to him. On a table there was a big container filled with water and ice. Cas put on a leather apron, then approached him.

“So, Dean… I didn’t want to do this - I only wanted to give you a good life - spoil you, love you. You chose this. You chose to defy me, you chose to disrespect me. I have to discipline you - I can’t have you disrespecting me.”

“Fuck you, Cas.”

“Even now, instead of apologizing you continue to disrespect me so…” Cas shook his head. The alpha fisted his hand in Dean’s hair. He dragged the omega in front of the container. “Why did you contact your mother and tell her all those lies about me kidnapping you?”

“You did kidnap me you sick fu-” Dean didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence. Cas dunked him in the ice cold water. He screamed underneath, the pain being almost unbearable. That made water invade his mouth and throat, making everything worse. The iced burned his skin, burned his eyes, his mouth - everything. The lack of air made his lungs hurt. He thrashed but the alpha had an iron grip. Just when he felt like he was on the brink of fainting, Cas pulled him out. He gasped for air.

“Why?”

“F-F-F-” Dean was pushed in the water again. Then again and again until his knees caved in and he almost fell. The alpha let him slide on the floor, then released his hair. Dean gasped and coughed. He was trembling with every inch of his body. 

“Wh- why are you doing this, eh, alpha?” He looked up at his torturer.

“Because I need to discipline you - I can’t look weak. And because you’re going to go through a physical exam before the trial, I can’t leave a mark on you. Icy water will have to do.” Cas sighed. “Why did you tell your mother those things?”

“Because it’s true.”

“You think I kidnapped you? Bit you against your will?”

“Uh, hello? Duh!” Dean coughed.

“You wanted this too,” Cas pointed an accusing finger toward him.

“I ran!”

“Yes!” Cas looked confused. “Omegas run and the alphas catch them to show them they’re worthy. It’s part of the mating ritual.”

“What century do you live in, dude?”

“I believe we are in the 21st century, Dean. And running and chasing is part of our instincts. It’s part of our being. It doesn’t matter what century we live in.” Cas tilted his head, confusion seeping in his scent as well.

“Yes it does! We don’t act like fucking knotheads, following our instincts, for fuck sakes.”

“So, then, why did you follow yours by coming after me in the shop?”

“I didn’t come after you!” Dean tried to sit up, but he felt dizzy and fell back down again. 

“I guess recollections may vary,” Cas said in a more sarcastic tone. 

“I guess you’re just a rapist and a kidnapper.” 

Cas’ eyes darkened. He grabbed Dean’s arm and dragged him out of the room. “I think you need some time to yourself to truly remember what happened that night.” Cas walked him in front of a row of small, narrow doors, close to each other. He opened the door to reveal a small room, about as big as any prison cell. He pushed Dean inside and closed the door. It was pitch black inside and no sound came in from the outside world. As much as Dean searched the walls, he didn’t find any switch. He did come across a thin mattress on the floor. With deafening silence crushing his courage, he let himself on the mattress and started crying.

 

Hours or days later, when the door opened, Dean felt his head was going to explode. His eyes hurt because of how bright the light felt.

“It’s time for school, Dean. Come along.”

“What?”

“You need to get ready for school.” Cas stepped inside and extended his hand to Dean. The omega ignored it and got up from the mattress on his own.

“So, what kind of trick is this?”

“Why do you think it’s a trick?”

“Why would you let me go to school?”

Cas tilted his head. “I thought it made you happy. You definitely smelled happier.” The alpha pursed his lips. “Well, it seems whatever I do, I’m the bad guy in your eyes.”

“You’re literally a mob hitman.”

Cas laughed bitterly. “Yes, I guess that is indeed true.” He tilted his head. “I don’t want to be late dropping you off at school. Come along, now.”

Dean saw no benefit in arguing with the alpha - plus him wanting to take him to school meant leaving the dark cell. After a quick shower and an even quicker breakfast consisting of milk and cereal, they left the compound. Cas dropped him off in front of the high school, then drove off. The day went by relatively normal at school and when it was time to return to the compound, Jimmy was waiting for him.

“How was school?”

“Fine.”

“How is your face?” Jimmy looked at his bruise. 

“I mean, it’s better than yesterday.”

“Good.”

The ride through town was silent. Dean watched the people on the street, paying extra attention to the unmated omegas - they were dressed modestly, walking slowly and with small steps. Dean licked his lips.

“Hey, can I ask you an omega question?”

“Uhm, sure, Dean, what’s up?” Jimmy took a turn and they exited the town.

“What’s a chasing instinct? Like… mating rituals…”

“Come on, Dean, you must know, you’re omega…” Jimmy frowned and sneaked a peak at him.

“Cas said I wanted this because I ran from him… but I ran… I was running away from him.”

“Oh, dear,” Jimmy sighed. “Didn’t you see in the movies? Simba chasing Nala? It’s a classic trope!”

“I don’t watch chick flicks,” Dean lied. Of course he’d seen all those movies, 13 going on 30, Notting Hill, Hitch, and even though he'd never admit it, even Bridget Jones’ diary. 

“Well… movies aside, Dean, it’s instinctual. I… When I go into heat, I want Akobel to chase and catch me, it feels good. It’s… like part of foreplay.”

“Huh,” Dean ripped skin tags from the edge of his finger nails. “I did not realize that.”

“No one told you? You never felt that… need to run?”

“I mean, I ran from Cas, but honestly, I felt it was more because he was scary as fuck.”

“And Cas’ instincts kicked in and he chased and caught you.”

“Yeah…” Dean looked out the window. “No running from alphas, eh?”

“I’d say that is omega safety one-oh-one, Dean…” Jimmy sighed. How long you’ve been an omega?”

“Including the time I’ve been here? Little over a month.”

“Your luck is not enviable…”

Dean laughed, which prompted Jimmy to chuckle too. “I guess it’s not.”

They were silent for a few moments. Jimmy spoke first, “I heard you sent your mother a message.”

“Yeah…”

“That was stupid, Dean. Michael is mad now. Cas is surely upset, both because of the message and because Michael is upset. The one person you never, ever want to upset Michael.”

“Cas tortured me last night then locked me in a cell,” Dean said bitterly.

“Michael would have you killed and then have your body dissolved into liquid and flushed down the toilet,” Jimmy said flatly. “Cas slapping you around and giving you a bruise is the least of your worries.”

“Well, then at least I’d be rid of the rapes, you know,” Dean bit his inner cheek.

“I’m sorry, Dean… I just don’t feel like getting yourself killed by Michael is optimal. Life is precious.” Jimmy paused. “Have you tried talking to Cas? I know he’s a knothead, he was raised a knothead. But he’s my brother and I know what he was like before we presented. I think you can reach him, and find a way to live together.”

“Or I can wait for my Dad to win the court case and go home.”

“I… highly doubt he’ll win, Dean. It’s held here, in Florida. We kinda have most judges in our pockets.”

“I can hope.”

They reached the compound and Jimmy parked inside the courtyard.  “I’d advise against that hope. Come on, I’ll help you cook dinner for Cas.”

The older omega walked him inside. He went straight to the fridge and the pantry, scanning the ingredients. “We can make some burgers, I am sure Cas will like it.”

“Whatever,” Dean threw his backpack on the couch. “I am not interested in making him happy.”

“Dean, I would really advise you to just… play along.”

“I’ll go take a shower.” Dean entered the bathroom and leaned against the door. He was tired. He wanted to go home. The sarafan went over his head and on the floor. He stripped down and hopped in the shower. The warm water engulfed him and he stayed under the spray until his fingers became wrinkly. He wanted to avoid the kitchen and Jimmy - how could the omega think he could possibly get along with Castiel?

When he went outside, the smell of burgers made his mouth water. He dressed in jeans, a tee shirt and a flannel shirt and went into the kitchen. The burgers were on the grill, alongside the buns. 

“Oh, Dean! I am glad you’re here. Can you help me assemble the burgers? Just put sauce, lettuce and tomatoes on the bottom bun.”

“Uhm,” Dean hesitated - on one hand he was hungry and wanted to help so he could eat, and on the other hand he didn’t want to help make Castiel food. In the end, his own stomach won. 

When Castiel arrived home, Dean was carefully placing a perfect slice of tomato on a bun.

“Oh, it smells delicious!” Cas flared his nostrils. 

“Hi, Cas,” Jimmy greeted his brother. “Dean made dinner, I helped him. He needs an omega mentor, so to say.”

Cas’ smile widened. “Oh, happy to hear that. Thank you for dinner, Dean, burgers are my favorite.” Cas smelled happy, more like a cherry pie. That infuriated Dean.
“I didn’t cook for you, fucking asshole.”

Cas’ smile faded fast and his scent soured. Dean’s inner omega whimpered.

“Dean?” Jimmy sounded concerned, but he ignored him. 

“You kidnapped and raped me and now you’re keeping me fucking hostage,” Dean yelled, ignoring his inner omega. “I am making, uhm, burgers because I am fucking hungry.” He flung the bun toward Cas and it hit him square in the chest. As Dean stared at the red and white tomato and sauce stain, he knew, he fucked up. He waited with bated breath to see what the alpha did. Scaringly, Cas said nothing. He merely tilted his head. His scent spoke for him, as anger, rejection and sadness swelled in it. 

“I think you need more time to think about your role and your situation.” The alpha grabbed him by the arm and pushed him outside. Dean was vaguely aware that Jimmy was talking to Cas, but his heart beat so fast in his chest he couldn’t understand a thing. Down in the basement, Cas roughly pushed him inside one of the dark cells and closed the door. This time, Dean had a feeling he would not be let out the next morning.

Chapter 20

Someone had been feeding Dean through a small hatch in the bottom of the door. It was the only light he saw in the day. The food wasn’t great, but also it gave Dean some idea of how long he’d been there. He estimated it had to be 6 or 7 days. He felt like his brain had turned into mush. It was so quiet that his mind started making up sounds. That’s when he decided to try and sing so he’d pass the time - at least he could track time as well. That activity didn’t last long. 

“Let me out of here!” He yelled. He wasn’t even sure he was yelling at the door. “Let me out! Come on you cowards, let me out. Assholes!” Out of frustration, he hit the wall. “Ouch!” Dean cradled his hand, which was throbbing with pain. “Shit.” He tried moving his fingers but that only made his pain worse.

With all his resources used up, he ended up sleeping between meal times. It was easier to be unconscious. 

On what felt like the eighth day, the door finally opened. Cas leaned on the door frame, one cigarette between his lips. 

“Hello, Dean.”

“Fuck you,” Dean growled. He didn’t move from the mattress.

“We have to go into the city. You have a court ordered exam.”

“A what?” Dean covered his eyes with his hand. It hurt to keep them open.

“A medical exam with a forensic medicine specialist,” Castiel answered. His scent was even, with notes of cherry pie. To Dean’s utter annoyance, his omega settled. “The court will decide who will have custody over you during the trial,” the alpha continued. “It will be based on the results of the exam.”

Dean made an effort to sit on his ass. He looked up at the alpha. “What about what I want?”

Cas tilted his head to the side. “Well, it seems neither of us gets what they want. I wanted my True Mate to be a submissive, proper omega that would greet me happily and raise my pups. What I got is a feisty, opinionated, rude omega that doesn’t fit the role.” The alpha opened his pack of cigarettes and drew another one. “I don’t want to be late. Come.” The alpha stepped outside, but Dean could see he was waiting for him. He got up, then went after the alpha, still rubbing his eyes, trying to adjust to the light. Firstly, they went back to their apartment, where breakfast was ready. Dean was surprised. 

“Uhm…”

“Yes, I made breakfast.” Cas picked up a coffee mug. “I was perfectly capable of cooking for myself before you came here. Eat.” 

Dean took a seat and chose a breakfast burrito for himself. It was delicious - it had eggs and avocado slices, tomatoes, sausages and turkey meat. Cas stared at him, while drinking coffee.

“Dude, you're getting kinda creepy,” he commented. “Why don’t you eat?”

“I’m not hungry, I had a long night.”

“Yeah? Why?”

“Hmm… I helped Gabriel with his… business. Had to deliver some drugs to a high end client.”

“Which one?”

“You do realize the more you know about the mafia the more you’re endangering yourself. Michael won’t let you leave our community - he’s going to have you killed.”

“Right…” Dean pursed his lips. It was just like in class, his big mouth getting him in trouble. “So, uhm, where is this exam?” 

“At the HCA.”

Dean nodded, despite the name not telling him much. He didn't think about anything else to say, so he ate his burrito in silence. After he was done, Castiel instructed him to shower and change clothes. When he discarded his clothes, Dean realized how much he stank. The cellar had a toilet in one corner but that was it. That was probably why every meal tray had a small bottle of hand disinfectant on it. Dean pushed away the memory of his internment in the solitary and went under the spray. He let the hot water wash away all the sweat that built up in eight days. 

Once clean and dressed, he made his way in the living room where Cas waited for him. The alpha got up and Dean noticed the leather collar he was holding.

“You're gonna put that on me?”

“Yes.” Cas stepped closer, so their chests almost touched.

“Well, I don’t want it.” Dean stepped backwards. Cas caught his arm and pulled him close.

“It doesn’t work like that, omega,”. He raised his hand and kept the collar open in front of Dean. When the omega didn't move, he did. Castiel slid the soft leather collar on Dean's neck then fastened the buckle in the back. Dean tried to ignore the tingles he felt up and down his spine. He clenched his cheeks and closed his eyes tight. Cas’ hands lingered on his nape. Then, he opened his palm, squeezing lightly on Dean’s nape. His inner omega mewled and rolled over, belly up. Next thing Dean knew, Cas was kissing him slowly. Dean clenched his fists, fighting the instinct that wanted him to touch the alpha. Cas broke the kiss and Dean felt the loss in his core. He almost chased after the other man, but he stopped himself at the last moment.

“We have to go.”

“Okay, alpha,” Dean said.

Cas smiled slightly, then took his hand.

The car ride was silent - Dean decided to pay attention to the city. White concrete and glass dominated the cityscape. Palm trees adorned every road. It was beautiful in a way, but he missed his home. He idly thought he wouldn’t see snow fall.

“Why are you sad?”

“Huh?”

Cas glanced at him before turning left. “You smell sad. Why?”

“Why do you care?”

“Why shouldn’t I?” Cas countered.

Dean remained silent for a while. He expected the alpha to use his Voice to force it out of him, but surprisingly that didn’t happen. Dean turned on the radio and settled on watching the buildings they passed. 

A little over an hour later, Cas parked in front of the HCA. It looked like any other hospital Dean had seen. He remembered all the times John had to drop off Mary at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.

“I was sad because I realized it doesn’t snow in Florida,” he heard himself say. Cas stopped with his hand on the car’s handle and turned his head toward the omega.

“Oh,” Cas seemed flustered. “I guess you are used to a white Christmas.”

“Yeah, kinda.”

“Well, our Christmas is a bit later…”

“What do you mean?” Dean furrowed his brows.

“We’re Orthodox Christian… We celebrate Christmas later than you Americans… You were raised Catholic, yes?”

“I mean, I guess… Mom and Dad aren’t particularly religious.”

“Ah… Well I can't make promises, but we could drive up for your Christmas.” Cas exited the car, leaving Dean staring in front of him. Did the alpha mean it or was it just a ruse?

Cas opened his door and offered his hand. Dean ignored it and climbed out of the car. Castiel slammed the door shut and walked briskly toward the entrance. His scent was laced with anger and rejection. Dean’s inner omega choked on it.

Inside the hospital, they found the waiting room for the forensic specialist fairly easily. 

“Dean, baby,” his mom jumped off the seat and hugged him tightly.  John stood up and growled low, a warning to Castiel. The alpha growled in response but remained further away. It was a precarious balance. Mary caressed Dean’s face, moving her fingertips along the healing wound he had on his left cheek. “Why did he do this to you?” She whispered.

“I don’t know… but I saw all the omegas in his fucked up community have these scars…” Dean hugged himself. “I don’t think he did it out of cruelty.”

“How can you say that?” Mary squeezed his shoulders. “Anyone who could maim their omegas like this is cruel.” She hugged him. Her sweet omega scent did little to calm Dean down. “Why are you so tense? It’s going to be okay. You’re going to get through this exam, then the judge will give you back to us.”

“What’s with this exam anyway, mom?”

“He didn’t tell you?”

“No…”

Mary shot a dirty look in Castiel’s direction. Dean felt the alpha’s scent change, spiking with aggression. He turned toward the alpha - the man stood next to the wall, his arms next to his body in a seemingly relaxed position, but Dean could see subtle signs that he was ready to pounce. His jaw was tight and his eyes were cold. 

“Mom, it’s fine, just tell me now.”

“Well, there will be some tests and a doctor will look at your mating bite. It’s used to establish if a mating bond was formed and if so, how strong it is.” 

“But, mom,” Dean laughed bitterly, “I have a mating bond. How can you say the judge will give me back to you?”

“Well, they’ll see it’s weak and made forcefully. You’ll be fine, you’ll be free and you’ll come home with us, I promise.”

“Okay…” Dean said and he sagged in his mother’s hug. He left Mary’s fingers around his neck, then the rustling of the belt buckle. The collar fell off his neck.

“There. You don’t need this.”

“What are you doing?” Cas growled and stepped forward. Dean looked at him and he saw the faint shine of a knife in his right hand - where was he hiding that. 

“Don’t threaten my mate!” John came closer too. They stood between the angry alphas. Dean felt like choking on the heavy, bitter scents of his familial alphas. 

The door to the doctor’s office opened and a tall male nurse called Dean’s name. All four of them turned to look at the nurse. 

“Dean Kumarin?” He asked again. 

“Yeah, that’s me.” The moment seemed to have passed, the two alphas took a step backwards each. After one last tight hug from his mother, Dean followed the nurse inside the examination room. It was a fairly large room, with an airtight door. Dean recoiled when he saw the stirrup table. 

“So, I’m Nurse Louis Cook. I see we have a claiming dispute, right?”

“Uhm, yeah, sure.” Dean worried at the edge of his shirt. 

“Well, with such a pretty thing like you, I get it.”

Dean felt instantly uncomfortable. He scented the air but all he got was sterile hospital scents. The man wore blockers. He couldn't figure out what his secondary gender was.

“Now, undress,” Cook said. 

“Uhm, why?” 

“We need to document the markings on you.” Cook picked up a camera and showed it to Dean. “Mating bites… and, uhm, any other territorial markings.”

With clumsy gestures, Dean removed his flannel and his tee, showing his bare chest to the man. 

“I need you to fully undress, Dean,” the man said, with a low voice.

“Uhm, I don't have any markings below my waist. It's fine.” 

“Well, it's not for you to judge that. We need to document.” 

“But I don't have markings.”

“Fine, then I'll take the pictures like this, your case will be dismissed and you'll be given back to the alpha.” Cook shrugged and turned the camera on. Dean panicked. He didn't want to go back to the gated community. With trembling hands, he took off his belt and undid his buttons. He piled the jeans on top of his shirts. 

“Underwear too.”

“What?” Dean was horrified.

“ Fully undress, Kumarin,” Cook emphasized. 

“I… okay, fine.” Dean pulled off his underwear and threw them in the pile. His inner omega was whimpering, cowering in a corner. He was butt naked in front of the man. He felt vulnerable.

“Good.” Cook raised his camera. “I can see why that alpha went crazy for you.” The shutter went off. 

“Weren’t you supposed to photograph my markings?”

“I am getting there.” Cook came closer and zoomed in from the lens. The shutter went off a few times. “Turn slightly, I need to see the mating bite better.” Dean did what was asked of him. Cook took a few pictures, then crouched, pointing the camera upwards.

“I don’t have markings on my ass,” Dean growled. 

“The doctor will be the judge of that.” Cook photographed away.

“I don’t think-”

“You don’t need to think about anything. Just pose as you're told.”

Dean sighed. He turned several times while the nurse took various pictures of his body. He tried covering himself with his hands but Cook slapped them away. Dean had no idea why pictures of his penis were important for his case, and somehow, he felt they really weren’t. Humiliated, he began crying. He could smell himself - he stank of fear and sadness. 

“Don’t you have enough pictures?” 

“You’re impatient.” Cook put the camera down and reviewed what he had. “Okay, now please sit on the table. I’ll get some samples from you.”

Dean sat on the tissue paper, hunching his shoulders, making himself small.

“Stay on you back,” Cook all but ordered. Dean complied. The gaping feeling of exploitation was sickening. The nurse came with supplies, rolling a wheeled table next to him. When the nurse touched him, Dean jumped half a foot in the air.

“Hey, easy, omega,” the nurse smiled. It was a sickly sweet and fake smile which did little to calm Dean down. Cook picked up a needle. “I’ll draw some blood now.”

“Don’t you need to disinfect the skin?” 

“Right.” Cook put the needle down and roughly wiped Dean’s skin with an alcohol wipe. His fingers pressed hard on Dean’s skin as he poked him. Dean felt like the touch burned him. There was no doubt left in his mind, this man was an alpha. Blood filled the vial, and he

changed it with another small vial, with a different cap. The alpha moved slowly, his fingers lingering on Dean’s skin. 

“You have very soft skin,” Cook murmured. 

Dean yanked his arm. A sharp pain ran through it, but he didn’t care. Cook swore. “Look what you did!”

Dean looked at his arm - he was bleeding profusely - more than he expected from a small prick of the needle. Droplets of blood fell on the table, then on the ground. Cook put gauze on the wound, then wrapped it tightly with some self adhesive elastic bandage. 

“Well, I guess we have enough blood samples.” The nurse labeled the four vials and placed them in a special rack. “Now, I’ll need some cloaca samples. Put your legs up in the stirrups.” 

“No,” Dean growled. His inner omega was defeated, but he still wanted to fight. At least against this alpha, if he couldn’t against Castiel. 

“Look, we need these samples.”

“Why? What are you looking for?” Dean kept his thighs tight. 

“We need to evaluate your fertility levels… and how close you are to a heat. The stronger the bond, the closer the heat.”

“And if I’m far from a heat?”

“You’ll be sent back to your family.”

Dean clenched his teeth. It was a difficult decision to make. “I want a doctor to get the sample.” He didn’t want Cook touching him. 

“The doctor will not do that. If you refuse the medical examination and the tests, custody will be awarded to your alpha.” 

It was a nightmare. His life was a mess. He didn’t want anything more than to return to Lawrence. Slowly, he opened his legs and put them in the stirrups. He thought about home, about his brother. He tried to do anything to think about anything else, but when Cook’s hands grabbed his ass cheek his mind went blank. The wolf inside him howled, cried and whimpered. Tears fell from his eyes freely. The speculum was cold and his ass hurt when the instrument opened inside him. The swab hurt even worse - it felt like Cook was stabbing his uterus. 

“Well, that’s that,” Cook straightened. He looked down at Dean’s hole. “You know, you do smell good.” One finger caressed his sensitive skin. It felt like burning. 

“Yeah, thanks. Is this over, now?”

“Huh?”

“You don’t need any more samples, right? It’s over? I can get dressed?”

“I don’t.” Cook took the speculum out. Dean gathered his legs to his chest, sitting on his ass. “The doctor will see you now. Wait here.” Cook called the doctor in from the other room. A tall man with cold, dead, black eyes came in. 

“I am doctor Paul McGill, forensic specialist. I am going to inspect your mating bite and any other markings you may have.”

McGill did a quick clinical examination, poking at all of Dean’s scars. He then dragged and echo machine close to the table and did a pelvic exam as well as an intracloacal one. Dean didn’t like the cold probe up his ass, and he felt exposed. Cook watched everything closely, which made the omega a thousand times more uncomfortable.  McGill was cold about the exam, almost robotic. He didn’t seem to care at all about Dean. Dean felt like a slab of meat put on display. 

“You may get dressed now. Please exit the room after you do so.” McGill went out himself. Dean got dressed as fast as he could and exited as well, without throwing a single glance toward the nurse. He heard McGill tell his father and Castiel that the results will be done in a few hours and forwarded to the judge. Dean went straight to his mother, burying his nose in her blouse. Her scent did little to calm him, but it was a welcomed relief nonetheless. 

“What’s the matter, honey?” Mary kissed his hair. 

“The nurse… he touched me in a bad way,” Dean whispered back. 

“How bad?” John asked him. 

“I… he touched me when he took my blood… and cloaca samples. It was… it was like he was getting off.” 

“Are you sure? This is a reputable hospital…” John fixed his eyes on the door.

“I…” Dean felt like a ball of ice cold steel fell in his stomach. “Yes, I am sure.”

“Maybe it’s just your omega being mad about another man touching you.” 

“John, come on. It’s not that. Dean doesn’t have a strong connection to that alpha.” Mary squeezed him to her chest. 

“You trust me mom, right?”

“I do… and I also know we’re fighting another battle now. Sometimes, honey, we need to choose our battles, and right now we need to win you back. Okay?”

“Dean!” 

The omega jumped when he heard Castiel calling his name. 

“Come. We’re going out for lunch.”

“I…” Dean turned to look at the alpha.

“ Come, now.”  

The Alpha Voice was compelling and Dean let go of Mary and walked toward Castiel. His face grew darker as the omega approached. 

“This is the last time you’re taking my son,” John threatened Castiel, but the threat fell on deaf ears.

Castiel put his arm around Dean’s shoulders. The scent of sour cherries relaxed Dean. He was safe. No one could touch him. He immediately felt guilty for the feelings his omega had.  Castiel guided him through the halls, back in the parking lot and in their car. 

“What happened to you?” Cas took his chin in his hands and turned Dean’s head so he could look in his face. “You smell horrible.”

“It’s nothing,” Dean pushed the alpha’s hand away, even though he was on the verge of tears. 

“It’s not nothing, Dean. You smell of fear… of… very deep fear.”

“It’s not like you don’t like it,” Dean snapped. He knew he felt fear when he was with the alpha. 

“No, Dean, I don’t. And I’ve never scented this on you…” The alpha’s scent was laced with worry. “You also smell of blood… lightly. What happened?”

“Nothing, Cas, just let it go.”

“No, I won’t-”

“So, what?” Dean yelled. “You’re going to force it out of me? Use your stupid Alpha Voice on me again?” Dean hit the dashboard so hard the glove compartment opened. He didn’t feel any pain. “That’s just what all you alphas do - take and take and take. FUCK YOU, CAS! FUCK YOU! YOU TOOK ME! YOU DID THIS TO ME! EVERYTHING IS YOUR FUCKING FAULT!”

“Dean, wha-”

“YOU KEPT ME LOCKED UP FOR EIGHT DAYS, NO LIGHT, NO NOTHING. YOU’RE A PSYCHO.”

“N-”

Castiel didn’t get to finish his sentance. Dean’s fist flew and landed squarely on the man’s jaw. The silence stretched on and on. Dean stared at Castiel’s jaw, where pink bloomed. His own fist hurt. This was it. He was going to get killed and then his body melted in a huge pot then dumped in the swamp.

Castiel started the car and peeled off, merging into traffic. The longer it took the alpha to say anything, the more convinced Dean was he was going to be killed. He was surprised to see the alpha pull up in a McDonalds drive-through. Fifteen minutes later he had a Big Mac menu in a bag on his lap. Cas was eating from his own burger. 

“You were in the cell for two days.” Castiel said all of a sudden. Dean looked at him, and the alpha continued, “I sent down three meals and two snacks… you were inside for two days. I know that hole warps your perception of reality, but it wasn’t a week.” Cas took another bite of his burger. I think we should swing by Target after this. You should choose some blankets and stuff for your nest.”

“Hopefully, I won’t need to make a nest in your house.”

“Why do you think I’ll lose custody?”

“I fucking hate you.”

“Yet my scent calms you down…” Cas tilted his head. “You listen to my Alpha Commands. And as much as you accuse me of rape you always smelled aroused and you were always wet for me… If your brain doesn’t want me… I know your omega does.” Cas paused. “I am not letting you go. In time, you’ll see our wolves know better than ourselves.”

Dean hugged himself. He was hungry.

“You should eat,” the alpha opened the bag for him. “ Dean, eat .”

The command went straight to his core. Dean’s inner omega jumped to obey. He let his brain go offline and he ate with robotic movements. In a few hours, he’d be free.

Chapter 21

 

They all reconvened at Crowley’s law firm. Dean noticed the sealed envelopes that were sent there from the judge. 

“Well, since we're all here… let's open them up and see who has custody of young Dean,” Crowley suggested. 

“Alrighty,” Hanscum smiled and picked one of the envelopes. Mary and John leaned in closer. 

Crowley lazily took the remaining envelope and opened it. He glanced at the paperwork inside, then passed it on to Cas. Dean watched everyone, anxious. He could scent anger and frustration coming off his parents… no… that couldn't mean that… Castiel’s cherry scent bloomed. The alpha handed him the document to read for himself.

 

“The Court gives Alpha Castiel Kumarin custody of Omega Dean Kumarin over the duration of the trial. 

The medical report concluded that a profound bond was established between the alpha and omega and that lengthy separations in this stage would result in severe separation anxiety, especially for the omega.” 

 

Dean felt sick. How could the court decide so? He tolerated that… that horrible exam for nothing ? He felt tears on his face.

“Don't worry, Dean, we'll fight in court. We'll win this,” Mary reached out and touched his hand. 

“I doubt that, Mrs Winchester.” Crowley stood up. “We have the stronger case… your son is of age, he has a… profound bond with my client… It’s a slam dunk.” 

“The judge will decide that,” Mary growled. John had red alpha eyes, but he said nothing.

Cas wrapped an arm around Dean's shoulders and forced him to stand.

“We'll see you in court…” He pushed Dean to walk forward and out of the room. 

 

For Dean, it was like a dream, or more like a nightmare. He didn’t come to his senses until he saw the giant Target sign. 

“Let me get your collar,” Cas retrieved the collar from his pocket. Dean saw that and recoiled. “It’s for your own good, Dean.”

“No… no, I want to go home. I don’t wanna go in any Target.”

“Your heat-”

“I DON’T WANT TO GO TO TARGET!” He yelled, and slapped the collar out of the alpha’s hand. He braced himself against the door, waiting to be punished, waiting for the pain. Instead of any of that, the engine started and the car merged back into traffic. Castiel drove back to the compound - it was an awkward, silent ride. When they arrived, Cas parked right next to the stairs of their apartment. Cas took him by the arm and dragged him up, pushing him in the living room.

“Fine… stay home…” Cas pursed his lips. “I have to go talk to Michael.” With that, the alpha left and locked the door behind him.

Dean cried, lying on the carpet. He was angry, he was sad.

“FUUUUUCK!” He yelled, and yelled, until his throat felt raw. He kicked the coffee table, sending everything on it flying. Then, his anger moved on the armchair. He swiped down all the objects on the counter. “Fuck me…” He clutched his hair in despair. He saw his own reflection in the TV. “I am a fucking whore. A useless fucking… fuck… THIS IS ALL MY FAULT!” Dean yelled as he pulled the TV off the wall and smashed it on the floor. He moved further in the house, pulling off all the frames from the wall and walking over them. He kicked the lamp on the nightstand, sending the object flying on the other side of the room. Inside the walk-in dresser, he pulled off every suit, shirt, and tee he saw. He punched the mirror, smashing it to pieces.

“Ah, FUCK,” he grabbed his hand. Blood dripped on the floor. He ran in the bathroom and stuck his hand underneath cold water. He saw himself in the mirror. Anger gripped him - it was his fault - everything was his fault and his damn omega. Why couldn’t he be a beta? He forgot about the pain and punched the bathroom mirror until the image was unrecognizable. Drained, exhausted he fell on the bathroom floor, crying with ugly sobs. 

He didn’t know how much time had passed before he heard the front door unlock. This was it. Castiel would see the mess in the whole house and kill him. He’d feed his body to the crocodiles. With bated breath he waited for the alpha to find him. 

“Dean?” Castiel’s voice was much softer than he expected. He didn’t look up. “Dean?” Castiel came in front of him and crouched so they’re eyes could meet. The alpha pinched his chin and raised his head. His eyes weren’t cold and his scent was even. Dean was confused. “What happened?”

“No- nothing,” Dean said.

“I doubt that - you hurt yourself.” Cas took his injured hand in his. “Why?”

“I-”

“Dean, you reek of fear… and agony…this isn’t because you’re not with your family.”

“How do you know, huh?”

“Because that longing smells different on you.” Cas pursed his lips. “Come on, let me take care of you.” With that, Cas made his sit on the toilet. The alpha grabbed the edge of his shirt.

“No-”, Dean almost whispered. 

“I need to clean you - I promise, no sex tonight… Now come on,” Cas pulled the fabric and undressed Dean from the waist up. The alpha paused when he saw the bandage on Dean’s forearm. “What’s this?”

“It’s where the nurse took blood from,” Dean answered with a small voice. 

Castiel frowned and removed the bandage. “Who the fuck did this?” Underneath the bandage a giant bruise bloomed. It was an angry purple and it hurt.

“I… it’s my fault - I… I pulled my arm.” Dean looked at the tip of Cas’ shoe.

“Dean…” Cas opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself. He turned and rummaged through the cabinet. He pulled out a first aid kit and… what looked like a bath bomb. The alpha then started the tub.

“What are you doing?” 

“Drawing a bath for you.” He threw the bomb in the water. Dean could hear it fizz.

“Why aren’t you killing me?”

“Why would I do that?” Cas tilted his head.

“I kicked you, I trashed your apartment… I trashed your clothes.”

“I won’t let you use me to harm yourself,” Cas stated simply. The alpha cleaned the cuts on his fist and bandaged it. He then helped him undress. 

Castiel laid Dean in the bathtub. “Come on, let’s get some suds on you.” The alpha rolled his sleeves, took a sponge and began scrubbing Dean’s skin. 

Dean felt… good. He felt dirt rub off his skin. He felt… renewed. Cas’ cherry scent relaxed him, soothed his inner omega.

“That’s enough,” Cas murmured. The alpha rinsed his body and wrapped him in a towel. He guided Dean back in the bedroom. Dean stared at the mess around him - he couldn’t believe he’d done that. He gulped.  “Wear these.” Cas helped him put on a tee and sweatpants. He was immediately engulfed in the alpha’s scent - they were his clothes, taken out of the hamper. They were soaked in the alpha’s scent. Dean immediately relaxed. “There, now you smell okay again.” Cas thumbed his temple. “Are you going to tell me what happened?”

“I… I’m kinda tired, Cas.”

“We’ll sleep, then. But, I need to know what happened to you, omega.”

Dean looked up at the man. “The nurse at the hospital… he was… uhm,” Dean closed his eyes.

“Did he come on to you?”

“Yes.”

“Did he… touch you in a bad way?”

“Yes.” Dean wiped a tear from his eyes.

Cas embraced him, pressing his nose against his chest. “Okay… I’ll deal with that after we sleep, okay?” The alpha kissed the top of his head. He guided Dean on the bed. He undressed and climbed in bed next to him. Dean allowed his instincts to take over - he burrowed in Castiel’s bare chest and inhaled the man’s scent. Soon, he drifted into sleep.

Chapter 22

Dean felt safe. His inner omega was purring happily. For a moment, he thought he was home, în Lawrence, but then again the pillow he was lying on had a heart beat. Pillows didn't have heart beats. Dean opened his eyes - of course he wasn't home. The bedroom was torn as if a hurricane had passed through. Castiel had one arm wrapped around his back, holding him close. The alpha was naked, except for underwear. 

“Did you sleep well?” Castiel nuzzled in his hair. Dean jerked and sat upright.

“I… I think I slept fine.” Dean got out of bed. He knew he had trashed the apartment, but he didn't remember fucking it up so badly. “So, what are you gonna do to me?” he asked the alpha, but didn’t dare look him in the eye. Dean kept his gaze on the wall opposite the bed.

“What do you mean?” 

“I fucked up your apartment.” Dean turned his head to stare at the man.

“You fucked up our apartment. I trust you can sort it out, in time. Feel free to ask Jimmy for help.” Castiel got up. Dean slapped his inner omega for admiring the man's body.

“And punishment?” Dean straightened.

“I…” Cas tilted his head. “Like I said earlier, I won’t let you use me to harm yourself. I think you’re acting out - I should… sort out the reasons you’re acting out. Starting with that… fucking nurse,” he growled the last words, a red ring appearing at the edge of the blue. 

“What are you going to do to him?”

“I haven’t decided yet… but it’s going to be slow.” Castiel entered the closet and picked out a suit and a shirt, and some gear. He dressed with sharp, deliberate moves. He put a sort of brace on his right forearm so his knife was always within reach. Dean had a bad feeling in his gut.

“You’re going to kill him? I don’t… I don’t want him to die.”

“It’s on him. He decided to mistreat you. “

“Yeah, but… we could tell the hospital? Or the cops? He’d lose his job or go to jail.”

“I know how the system works - we’ve been working it for decades. He’d get a slap over the wrist and a ‘don’t do it again’. I will not allow that to happen.”

“I don’t want him to die because of me!”

Cas tilted his head. “Why would he die because of you? He decided to do that to a mated omega. He ’s going to meet the consequences of what he did.”

“I’m… I don't know, I’m fucking irresistible, or something. My sweet omega ass… Like… that’s the reason you fucking kidnapped me, isn’t it?”

“Don’t compare what we have with what that fucking… asshole did.”

“Why not? How is it different?”

Castiel gave him a side eye. “We have a profound bond. You followed my scent… I played along. Then you ran - if you want to blame anyone, blame your mother for not telling you to never run from an alpha.” 

“That’s… unfair!” 

“Is it? Tell me, Dean, how did you feel in my clothes? How did you feel sleeping on me?”

Dean paused. He knew he relaxed, he knew his inner omega purred. He didn’t want to admit that to the alpha.

“Fine, if you don’t want to say it, I will. You smell so sweet when you sleep… like cinnamon apple pie, freshly baked. When you wake up and realize where you are, your scent becomes sharp - it has an edge to it. I don’t know what you actually feel, but through your scent and our bond I read… resentment. Not fear. So you resent me. Your omega likes me. As long as you and your omega are at odds, you’re never going to be happy. 

“I can’t be happy with someone who kidnapped me.”

“Well, then maybe you should try and be happy with your true mate.” Castiel was done getting dressed. He walked toward the door. “Don’t wait up. I’ll be late. I’m going hunting.” With that, the alpha left. 

-*-

 

Dean spent almost two hours putting all of the clothes back in their places. He didn’t understand why Castiel hadn’t punished him. He figured the alpha must have other plans. 

The hallway was filled with shards of glass from all the frames he smashed. Carefully, on his tiptoes, he passed into the kitchen to get the broom. Gathering the shards proved tedious and by the time he finished his back acked. He stacked the pictures and posters and left them on the coffee table. Some frames were smashed beyond repair so he shoved them in the trash bag. 

“For fucks sake, this is going to take me hours,” he groaned. He couldn’t even turn on the TV for some background noise - he’d broken that too. A knock fell on the door. Dean frowned and walked toward there to see who it was. Through the peephole he saw Jimmy, holding a bottle of wine. Surprised, he opened the door. “Hi?”

“Oh, hi, Dean. I put the little ones to sleep and I figured I’d drop by to see how you are.”

“Uhm…” Dean glanced at the trashed apartment.

“I saw Cas… leaving for a hunt. I am sure he’s going to be awhile.”

“How…?”

“He put a tarp in the Continental’s trunk. He only does that when he’s hunting someone.”

Dean swallowed around nothing. He felt sick, thinking someone would die that night because of him.

“Dean? Why don’t you let me in, we’ll drink some wine, relax. We can talk like omegas…”

“I… the house is a mess right now,” Dean hesitated. Castiel had said he could talk to Jimmy, but he was unsure if it was a trap. 

“Oh, come on. I’ve raised three pups, no mess can scare me.” Jimmy laughed and patted Dean on the back. With that, the older omega entered. “Oh… I see you did a number on Cassie’s stuff.”

“Well, yeah… I think I’ll stay up all night cleaning. I don’t want to think how he’ll punish me if he finds it like this.”
“He wouldn’t like the mess,” Jimmy said. He put the wine down and opened the cabinets. “Where do you keep the corkscrew?”

“Uhm, I’m 16, I can’t drink.”

“Eh,” Jimmy made a dismissive gesture with his hand. “It’s just a glass of wine.” The older omega found the corkscrew and did a quick work of the bottle. He poured two glasses - one smaller for Dean and an almost full one for himself. “So, I think we should start by throwing out the TV, and the trash bag you already have.”

“Fine…” Dean nodded. 

Carrying the TV down the stairs, even in two, proved to be a challenge. Dean felt like giving up - he wanted to throw the whole thing over the railing. It was broken anyway. When they reached the ground floor, Jimmy steered him toward the dumpsters. They leaned the TV next to one of the three the compound had. 

“That’s that,” Jimmy rubbed his hands. “Come on, we have more stuff to deal with.” The two started walking back.

“So, what do you think my punishment will be?”

“I… Well, usual punishments are a slap, some spanking, things like that. I know Cas locked you up downstairs - that’s unusual. He… was very upset with you.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m more worried about trashing his apartment right now. I also,” Dean licked his lips, hesitating, “I punched him.”

“Huh.” Jimmy seemed lost in thought for a moment. “Well, when you were down in the cell, Cas and I talked. I told him… he has to realize you’re not accustomed to being omega… much less part of a traditional society, like ours. And to add insult to injury, you’re sixteen , you’re… normally angry. My oldest is twelve, and God, he’s a handful. I think he’s gonna be an alpha.”

“But, now-”

“I don’t think Cas will punish you now. He wants things to work out.”

“He wants things to work out in his way,” Dean growled, sullen. The two of them entered the apartment. 

“I… yes, he does want things to be traditional, but… I think you can bring some… modern elements into your relationship but the key is you have to talk to him.”

“Why can’t I just go home?”

“Because you're mated to him. Breaking a bond can be deadly, you know.”

“I… I can die”? Dean stared at the other omega.  

Jimmy sighed and sipped some of his wine. “Yes. Breaking bonds can result in the death of one of both of the partners. It depends how deep the bond is.”

“I mean… I don't think our bond is that deep.”

“Tell me - do you relax in his presence? Does his scent bring you peace?”

“How can I relax when he's kidnapped me and raped me and-”

“Fine,” Jimmy interrupted, “then not you - does your omega do any of that?”

Dean paused. “Yes.” He kicked one of the chairs that was overturned. “What does that mean?” 

“Your omega likes his alpha. And you're not in tune with your inner wolf,” Jimmy concluded and sipped more wine. 

“I never wanted to be a fucking omega. It ruined my life,” Dean said sullenly. “Why can't I just be a beta?” 

“Oh, it's even worse,” Jimmy sighed. “You haven't accepted you're an omega, haven't you?”

“And what difference does it make? Cas fucking bit me against my will and kidnapped me.” 

“Well… It's complicated.” Jimmy lifted one knocked down chair. Dean did the same. “See, Cas is… in tune with his alpha. He's a hunter and a killer. Father always encouraged us to follow our instincts, give in to our wolves. I know some weres out there fight their nature.”

“That doesn't excuse- “

“It doesn't. Castiel shouldn't have done what he did to a were outside of our community. What we see as… fate or God's will to create a ‘perfect pair’,” Jimmy used air quotes around the last words, “… you see as rape. Because your mind is at odds with your omega. Just… the fact your body relaxes in Cas' presence is proof.”

“So you’re saying it’s, what, my fault? That I just have to change my perspective?” Dean laughed bitterly. 

“Uhm… it didn’t sound right, but I don’t know how to explain it. So… uhm, the old tales, they describe the perfect alpha-omega pair. The… True Mates. It’s said both partners will take great comfort in each other’s scents and that they’ll find each other… irresistible. Like… mouth watering scent. Father said our mother was his True Mate. He used to tell us that when he scented her for the first time his fangs tingled. He immediately felt the need to bite down.”

“And did he?”

Jimmy sipped some wine, almost finishing his glass. “Yes, he did. He and mother had 37 years together. When he died, mother… became sick - doctors called it broken heart syndrome. She didn’t recover.” Jimmy paused, staring in the depths of his wine glass. “She died a month later.” The older omega finished his glass, and poured himself another. 

“And… you’re saying my omega likes Cas’ alpha, and his alpha really liked my omega… and Cas… felt that and that’s why he’s confused why I don’t like him?”

“Uhm, pretty much, yes.” Jimmy put down the wine glass and began lifting the random bits and bobs Dean had thrown on the floor from the counters.

“What if I don’t like Cas the way my omega does - what then?”

“That would be unpleasant for the both of you, I am afraid. I’d be sorry for you, pup.”

“He raped me.” Dean was on the brink of tears.

“I know.” Jimmy put books back on the shelf next to where the TV used to be. “Has he forced himself on you since you told him he raped you?”

“I…” Dean frowned. “No, he hasn’t but what does this have to do with it, huh?”

“He’s trying to make it work, that’s what it has to do with it.”

“I don’t give a shit, Jimmy!” Dean yelled. “He raped me - I don’t care how much he wants things to work out, I don’t care what he does for me, I am not going to forgive him, and I am never going to stop wanting to go home.”

Jimmy looked at him for a long time after that. The silence grew heavy and Dean fidgeted on the spot. He wondered if this was it, if this meant he would be killed and disposed of in the swamp like a rag.

“Don’t let Michael or Lucifer hear you talk like that… or their mates for that matter.” Jimmy grabbed his wine, drinking some more. “I’ll talk to Naomi, get you out of your duties. It wouldn’t be good for you to run your mouth around others.” The older omega sighed. “I am sorry you feel that way. I don’t know how to help you in this case.”

“I… I still need some help with the apartment.”

“What for? You clearly don’t want to collaborate with Cas and find a common ground to build a relationship. So why bother with the apartment and how it looks?” Jimmy finished his glass of wine, took the remaining bottle and left. Dean stood in the middle of the living room, unsure what to do. 

There were still a lot of things thrown on the floor. Smashed things. Dean felt anxious just looking at it. “Why?” he asked himself. His inner wolf whined. “Is this mess making you anxious?” He felt stupid talking to his omega like that - it was essentially talking to himself. Whether it was his inner wolf or his brain - he didn’t like the way the apartment looked. He wasn’t going to clean it for Castiel, no - he was going to clean it for himself. 

With newfound motivation, Dean began methodically cleaning the apartment. John Winchester had drilled military discipline in them from a young age - as was fitting from an ex-Marine. Dean liked to think his father could easily overtake Cas in a one-on-one fight. For some reason, his inner wolf recoiled violently from that mental image. Dean felt his heart rate go up. “ Stupid wolf, ” he thought to himself. 

Dean finished cleaning everything at 3 am. Castiel hadn’t returned yet - but Dean didn’t care anyway. He enjoyed being alone. He climbed into bed and burrowed in the pillows - they smelled of bitter almonds and cherries. Soothed, Dean fell asleep instantly.

 

Notes:

My personal Discord is Jefferson Starships

My usual hang out is Profound Bond server - lots of fun people.

Chapter 23

 

Castiel rolled his head to stretch his cervical spine. He'd been waiting for the nurse to finish his shift for a few hours, as the cigarette buds laid testament. Finally, his target exited the building. Cook wore torn up skinny jeans that highlighted his muscular legs. Castiel growled low - that man dared lay his dirty disgusting hands on his Dean. He watched as his target got in an older model Dodge Charger. Predictable. 

Cook put the car in drive and peeled off, merging swiftly into traffic. Cas followed suit with fluid motions. He had no problem following the other alpha in traffic. They drove for a while, into one of the residential neighborhoods. It wasn't a particularly nice one. Cook entered the underground parking lot of a medium sized apartment building. Cas parked somewhere outside and waited some more. He didn't want to grab the alpha from his own house - too many ways things could go wrong. Ash had done a good job at going through Cook's digital tracks - the alpha was expected at a party in a well known night club. Cas wanted to follow him there and catch him on the way back home. 

Cook’s Dodge Charger emerged an hour later. Cas entered in the pursuit, driving smoothly until they reached Pink Flamingo, a club that was frequented by alphas looking for a hook-up. Omegas with loose morals found what they were looking for. Castiel parked a few spaces away from Cook. He opened the glove box compartment and got his glasses. He didn’t need them per se, he had 20/10 vision. But the frames and lenses were special - they had reflective properties that made his face virtually invisible on security cameras. Inside the bar, he quickly identified Cook - the alpha was in the middle of a gaggle of omegas, joking, drinking, talking and overall having a good time. Cas turned his lip upwards - the omegas were dressed in tight clothes that left little to the imagination. Some dresses began too late and ended too soon. Even from the bar, Cas could see the little swells on their shoulders where their mating glands were. Whores. He ordered a tonic water and took a seat to wait. A drunk alpha was easier to subdue. Cook danced with all the omegas, pinching them, rubbing against their bodies. To Cas, it looked like an orgy. How could so many omegas allow a strange alpha to scent mark them? At the same time? Cas shook his head. He was glad his Dean was pure. In that matter, at least, his parents did well. Cook decided to focus on one particular blonde male omega. He was a lithe tall man and the two were dancing closely together. At some point, Cas saw them head toward the back. They were probably looking for a free couch to make out. Cas hoped the omega would not want to return home with Cook, because he felt it wasn’t worth killing an innocent along with the alpha. It wouldn’t matter though… If the alpha brought the omega home, it was on him. Cas’ position at the bar ensured that Cook couldn’t leave without passing him- it was perfect. 

“Hey, handsome.” An omega with a broad smile came closer to him. “Are you looking for a good time?”

Cas forced himself to relax. “Hi,” he tried to smile. “I am, yes. But not with you, omega.” He sipped some more tonic.

“Why not, what don’t you like about me?” She pushed her boobs up to make them look bigger. 

“I’m mated, omega.” Cas raised his left hand where his wedding ring was.

“So what? She can’t make you very happy if you’re here looking at others.”

“He makes me very happy. I just like the music and the drink.” Cas kept an eye on his target, as discreetly as he could. They were still in the back.

“Oh, come one, live a little. Just a quick knot in the bathroom then you’re back to your boring mate. You’ll see, you miss the hunt.”

“Is it hunting if the prey comes and begs the hunter for a bullet?” Cas countered. The omega understood she was being shut down and left. Castiel leaned on the bar. 

By 1:30 am, Cook was still on the dance floor. This time he was entertaining another omega. Castiel drank slowly - he needed to pace himself. It would reflect poorly on his skills if the target slipped through his fingers while he was on a bathroom break. He was smoking - 4 buds were already in his portable ashtray. One thing he always did on missions was smoking in his portable ashtray. He didn’t want to risk losing a bud with his DNA or throwing ash everywhere to tip off police that the assassin was a smoker.

Finally, around 3 am, Cook moved toward the exit. Cas let him climb the stairs toward the door before leaving to pursue. In the parking lot, Cook was 10 steps in front of Cas. A small distance, easy to close. Cas walked casually until Cook reached his car.

“Nice car,” Castiel approached his target. “What year is it?”

“Uhm, 2008,” Cook raised an eyebrow. “What car do you have?”

“A ‘78 Mark V.”

“Continental?” Cook seemed amused. “Those are out of fashion, man.”

“I didn’t choose it for how fashionable it is.” Cas leaned on the car. “And what’s fashionable about a 2008 Dodge?”

“I… it’s a nice car, okay?” Cook showed a flash of his fangs. “Now, fuck off before I make you.” 

Cas chuckled. “You like forcing yourself on others, don’t you? So make me.”

“What the fuck are you on?” Cook spat.

“Make me,” Cas growled. Cook swung his fist but Cas dodged easily. He grabbed Cook by the arm and twisted sharply. A low crunch came from the joint and Cook screamed. Cas fisted a hand in his hair and hit his face against the Dodge. He growled to himself thinking he had to return and clean that. Cook tried to get away but Cas dealt a swift kick to the solar plexus. Cook fell to the ground, fighting to breathe. 

“It’s not so easy when you pick on someone your own size, is it?” Cas reached in his pockets and got out the chloroform and a rag. He put some on the rag, then bent to hold it over Cook’s mouth and nose. After a quick struggle the alpha succumbed to the anesthetic effect and became limp. The parking lot was empty. No one seemed interested in leaving the party. Cas picked up Cook, holding him straight and dragged him to his car. He popped the trunk and threw the alpha inside. He did quick work of tying him up. Cas closed the trunk and picked up his cleaning supplies from the backseat. He cleaned the side panel of the 2008 Dodge, making Cook’s blood disappear. He sprayed some chlorine on the concrete too. Satisfied, he returned to the Continental and left the parking lot, heading to their building.

 

Once he reached the interior of the compound, Cas got out and opened the trunk. He growled at the guards that offered to help him. Cas was going to handle this personally. The alpha looked at him with groggy eyes - the chloroform had run its course. 

“Who the fuck are you?”

“You’ll find out.” Castiel picked him up roughly and carried him on one shoulder in one of the basement rooms. He threw the alpha on a chair and tied him up, ignoring the man’s broken elbow.

“Fuck you, it hurts!”

“Good,” Cas replied. He turned and picked up the PVC apron from its hook. He donned it over his suit, then put on nitrile gloves. Torture was fun, but HIV or hepatitis weren’t. He chose the long thick needles and returned to face Cook. “You’re going to be in a lot of pain. You’ll die.” Cas played with the needles between his fingers.  “You shouldn’t have touched my mate, Cook.”

“What?” A bead of sweat trickled on the man’s forehead. 

“You should remember my mate.” Cas grabbed Cook’s hand and took the nail, pushing it underneath his nail. Cook howled in pain and Cas kept pushing undeterred. He didn’t stop until the needle reached the base of the nail. Blood dripped on the ground.

“What do you want?” Cook trashed in his bindings. He smelled of scared alpha and pain. 

“I want you to apologize to my mate.”

“Who the fuck is your mate?”

“You don’t know?” Castiel shoved a second needle in Cook’s next nail. The alpha howled. “How can you not know?”

“What?” Cook was crying with ugly tears. “Is it that chick Daphne?”

Cas cocked his head. “No, that’s not his name.” Another needle went up another nail. “How many people did you abuse in two days?” 

“Abuse?” Cook’s scent shifted. 

“Why are you confused?”

“I… didn’t abuse anyone,” Cook cried, confusion seeping more and more in his scent.

“Oh, really?” Castiel shoved 4 more needles under Cook’s nails. He was deaf to the man’s screams as he continued his actions, picking up more needles. The floor was wet and slippery from all the blood that now dripped from 10 nails. “Has your memory refreshed, Cook?”

“I…” Tha alpha was obviously exhausted. “I don’t know what you want.” 

“I want you to apologize to my mate. I’ll let you do that once you remember his name.” 

“I… I don’t know, man, I didn’t abuse anyone.”

“What would you call what you did to my mate?” Cas picked up a hammer. He aimed for Cook’s other elbow. He didn’t wait for an answer and swung hard. The alpha cried and screamed. His voice was ruined. 

“I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT!”

“YOU TOUCHED MY MATE. YOU ABUSED YOUR POSITION. YOU HURT HIM! Cas grabbed his face and turned it so he could look him in the eye. “You abused him, and you will pay.”

“What…”

“The omega you examined the other day svoloch, Blyat!” 

“Kumarin?”

“Yes… that’s my name… now what’s my mate’s name?”  

“Ah…” Cook scrambled for an answer. Cas hit him in the mouth, sending a few teeth flying.

“Remember his name, and I’ll get him down here so you can apologize. Then your suffering will end.”

Cook spat blood and cried. “I… Dan?”

“No…” Castiel hit Cook in the kneecap with the hammer. “Try again.”

“Dean!” Cook’s eyes lit up. “It’s Dean, now let me go!” His speech was slurred because of the missing teeth and the blood that was flooding his mouth.

“Good.” Cas put the hammer down. “I’ll go up and get Dean.” Castiel climbed the stairs, two at a time and reached his apartment on the first floor. He unlocked and entered. The apartment was tiddier, and Cas felt proud of his little omega. Dean had gotten his shit together and cleaned. Cas found the omega asleep on the bed. He put a hand on the young man’s shoulder and gently rocked him awake. 

“Dean, my love?” 

“Cas?” Dean’s eyes widened. “I… are you alright? You smell… you smell of blood.”

“It’s not mine, my love. It’s alright.”

“I… okay…” Dean turned and sat upright. “I, uhm, cleaned the apartment.”

“I saw, I’m proud of you. Now, come.” Cas caught his wrist and pulled him gently off the bed. 

“Where are you taking me?”

“Someone wants to tell you something, come along.” Cas encouraged Dean to follow. “You’re safe with me, Dean.”

“I… what’s this about, Cas?”

“It’s making things right. Justice being served. Now, come along.” Cas walked and Dean followed. They went to the basement and Castiel encouraged him to enter.

“The fuck,” Dean recoiled and his back hit Castiel’s chest. 

“It’s alright, Dean.” Castiel pushed Dean further in the room and stood in front of his victim. “Cook wants to tell you something. Don’t you?”

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry I touched you,” Cook said, spitting blood on the floor as he said that. “I’ll never do it again.” 

“Sure you won’t,” Cas smiled. He extended his hand, pushing on the button that released his knife from its special sheath. He caught it and in one smooth motion slit Cook’s throat. Blood shot out, flooding the floor. Cook’s body slumped motionless in its restraints. “Well… that is that.” Cas raised his head and when he saw Dean, his jaw dropped. The omega had gold eyes and his scent… it was pure ambrosia.

“Cas… I…”

“I told you I’d do anything for you. I will always protect you.” Cas made a few steps toward the omega. 

“Cas…” Dean ran through the door. Every fiber in Castiel’s body told him to give chase and catch his mate. He walked slowly to the door, pushing his inner alpha down. When he reached the door, he looked into the hallway. Dean was waiting for him at the base of the stairs. When they locked eyes, Dean bolted. Cas followed. The omega ran all the way to their apartment. Cas pushed through and slammed the door shut. He wrapped his arms around Dean and wrestled the omega onto the couch. He turned Dean around and hovered above him. Dean had omega gold eyes and smelled deliciously. 

“Dean,” Cas whispered, and ducked his head in the space between the omega’s neck and his shoulder. He inhaled deeply and nuzzled and licked and sucked. “You’re amazing.” Cas kissed him on the neck. “Dean, I want to fuck you.”

“Okay,” Dean sighed and bucked his hips upward. “Fuck me, alpha.”

Castiel didn’t need to be told twice. He tore off his clothes, throwing the apron across the room. He tore the sweatpants off Dean. He fucked the omega quick and dirty on the couch. When Dean howled through his orgasm, Cas had to bite his lip to stave off his own climax. He turned Dean around on his arm and legs and fucked him until his knot popped and spilled his cum in Dean. Cas spooned Dean on the couch and inhaled. The omega’s scent was so much sweeter after an orgasm. His inner alpha purred with satisfaction. 

“Cas?”

“Yes?”

“Is… is this my heat?”

Cas inhaled. Dean didn’t smell of heat. “No… you smell like your usual self. Besides, your heat is two weeks away.”

“How do you know that?”

“It was in your health report from the hospital.”

“Oh…” Dean paused. “And what’s… what’s going to happen during the heat?”

“What could possibly happen?” Cas laughed. “We’re going to fuck like rabbits. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.”
“I… I don’t want pups now, Cas.”

“Me either. I’m taking some, uhm, birth control.”

“What? Really?” Dean turned his head.

“Yeah… it’s supposed to make the tails of spermatozoa broken and short. So they can’t swim from your cloaca to your uterus. It’s fine. It’s completely reversible if I stop the pills.”

“Why didn’t you give me pills?”

“Omega birth control fucks with your heat cycles too much. Plus you’re too young.”

“What about condoms? Isn’t it easier?”

“Well, yes, but also, you’ll see - you’re going to crave my spent in your channel - it calms down your inner omega during heats.”

“That sounds gross and it’s not going to happen.”

Cas chuckled. “Okay, Dean, I’ll ask you again when you're spiking.”

“What’s going to happen to Cook’s body?”

“Alligator food. We have men that will deal with that part.” Cas squeezed Dean to his chest. “You should sleep, my love.” He nuzzled in Dean’s shoulder and relaxed. The omega’s scent was intoxicating. Cas feel asleep, cuddling his mate.

Chapter 24

Dean breathed in, deeply. His nose was inundated with the scent of cherries and bitter almonds. His inner omega was purring happily. He opened his eyes and stared at the empty wall. Right. They didn't have a TV anymore. Cas squeezed his midsection and nuzzled in his neck. The alpha breathed slowly in his sleep. 

He had a clearer head and as he recalled the events of that early morning he felt horrified. Cas murdered someone in front of him. Cas tortured and murdered someone in front of him. And he found that hot . Not only did he find it hot, he initiated sex. However he turned it in his head, he realized the fact was that he ran from Cas with the full expectation the alpha would follow. When he noticed the alpha wasn't following he waited. Not to mention Cas actually talked to him. Absolutely wild. And wrong. How could he find that man hot? By all rules and regulations he was a criminal. Someone Dean wasn't supposed to like or love. He scrunched his face, recoiling from his own thoughts. How could he even think of Castiel and love in the same sentence? 

Dean felt a drop and the pressure in his ass receded. He felt the alpha cum dribble out of his hole. Cas’ knot was down. The idea that the alpha was on birth control felt wild to him. 

“Cas?” Dean tapped the alpha on the arm. “Hey, Cas, buddy, your knot is down…” Dean had to tap more forcefully to wake the alpha.

Cas growled and raised his head. “What? What's happening?” He yawned, making his fangs show.

“Your knot is down. I kinda want to go in the shower.” 

“Ah, OK. Sure.” 

Dean extracted himself and moved toward the master bathroom. Cas followed with excited steps. 

“Uhm, I kinda want to be alone, Cas. Personal space…” 

The alpha seemed taken aback. “Uhm, sure. I'll just shower in the spare bathroom then.” 

Under the spray, Dean felt like crying. He was a whore. Nothing more, nothing less. He was a worthless whore for sleeping with Castiel. He also had to be seriously deranged to find the violent man hot. Maybe he even needed some therapy. Or just locked up in a mental asylum and have the key thrown out.

“Dean, are you alright?” Cas’ voice sounded a bit too loud. The alpha entered the bathroom but remained on the other side of the shower curtain.

“Yeah, I'm fine, why do you ask?” Dean let the water wash away his tears.

“I smelled sadness. I just… was worried.” 

“Yeah, well stupid omegas get sad sometimes.”  

 “You're not stupid.”

“Oh, really? Well that's great, it means I'm just crazy.”

“Why would you be crazy, Dean?”

“Just… I just am, okay?” Dean sighed and covered his eyes. What else would you call someone who thinks a murderer is hot? He watched the alpha murder someone, and he was aroused. 

“I think you should talk to James…” Cas moved closer, his scent wafting into the room. 

“James hates me.”

“He doesn't.”

“He's… mad about some things I said yesterday.” 

“He'll get over it. You should talk to him.” Cas opened the door and exited. Dean was left alone, with his thoughts. He didn’t like how he felt or what he was thinking. Dean cut the water and climbed out of the shower. He looked at himself in the mirror - his facial scar was a faded pink. The mating scar was flat, white and looked fine - Dean pursed his lips. As much as he hated it, the lingering scent of the alpha calmed his nerves a bit. He brushed his teeth and when he was done he wrapped a towel around himself and went out. Cas was already in bed, thumbing at his phone. The room was shrouded in shadows - the curtains were drawn, blocking out the sunlight and the only light source was the lamp on Cas’ nightstand. The alpha’s eyes locked on him.

“I am going to sleep - I’ve had a long night.”

“Okay…” Dean moved and dressed in his more casual clothes. 

Cas put his phone on the nightstand and pulled the covers over himself. “Wake me up for lunch.”

“Okay.” Dean slipped out of the room as Cas turned off the lamp. Dean let himself fall on the couch. He covered his face with his hands, but all he could see was Cas with the knife in his hand. The alpha never looked hotter. Dean bit his lip and chased the memory away. 

 

-*-

 

Dean put the hot lasagna on the counter - it was the only thing he felt confident making. At least, it smelled good. He went into the bedroom and gently rocked Cas. 

“Lunch is ready.”

Cas growled but moved and got up. He was pouty, making his chapped lips look irresistible. Overall, the man was adorably hot at that moment and Dean felt something stir inside himself. He suppressed it quickly. He wasn’t supposed to feel anything like this.

“What do we have?” Cas stood up and put on a fluffy purple robe. 

“I, uhm, made lasagna.”

“It smells good.” Cas put a large hand on his nape and pulled him in to kiss him on the forehead. It felt… nice. “Let’s eat, omega-mine.”

“Okay, alpha.” Dean followed Cas submissively. They ate in silence, but judging by Cas’ blooming scent, the alpha liked the food. 

“I think we should try going to Target again.” Cas tilted his head to the side, watching Dean. 

“Uhm… why?”

“Your heat is coming soon - we need some supplies.” Cas took a gulp of water and got up. “I’ll go get dressed.” 

Dean was left alone to clear the table and wash the dishes. He felt empty inside, going through the motions on auto-pilot. If his heat was so close, when was the trial going to start? Would the judge still give him back to his parents? Cas entered the room, holding a leather collar. The alpha came close and raised his hands.

“Come on, we should go.”

“I… do I have to wear that?” 

Cas leveled him with a glare - Dean didn’t feel like arguing so he exposed his neck to allow the alpha access. 

 

-*-

 

Target was overcrowded. Dean glanced at the alpha and he noticed he was hypervigilant, looking left and right. His scent was laced with nervousness. 

“You okay?” Dean touched Cas’ hand. The alpha’s head whipped toward him.

“I’m fine. It’s just… I don’t like crowds.” Cas’ eyes scanned the people around them. 

“I don’t think anyone is out to get you… or me,” Dean was quick to add.

A scantily dressed omega walked next to them, moving her hair to spread more of her scent. Dean wrinkled his nose because of the overly sweet scent - she clearly tried to pair a perfume with her scent but it backfired. 

Cas followed her with squinted eyes. Dean furrowed his brow. “What are you doing?”

“Hm?” Cas looked at him.

“You were checking that omega out. What the fuck, Cas?”

“I wasn’t. It’s just… I was… amazed how modern omegas dress like whores even in broad daylight in a Target.” Cas tilted his head.

“I… she had a short skirt, but I wouldn’t call her a whore , Cas. That’s hurtful.”

“Well, she shouldn’t be surprised if she gets unsolicited attention.”

“ I wasn’t dressed like a whore and I still got unsolicited attention,” Dean harrumphed and walked away. He couldn’t believe what Cas thought about other people. He stopped in front of the blanket aisle. There was a wide array of blankets, some fluffy, from acrylic fibers, some made of cotton - there was one for every taste. He didn’t know what he was doing there. 

“Do you see anything you like?”

“No, not really.”

“How about this?” Cas picked up a fluffy and thick red blanket and gave it to Dean.

“Why did you bite me?”

Cas hesitated. “You smelled like mate and home. And you came to me. Then you ran. I thought it was an invitation… like the one last night.”

Dean swallowed around nothing. The blanket in his hands was soft and felt nice. “Yeah, this is nice.” He put the blanket in the cart. They walked around the home decor aisles and picked up two more blankets and several pillows. Cas steered him toward the electronics aisle. He chose a Samsung with an AT&T plan and handed it to Dean.

“Do you like this?”

“I…” Dean hesitated. Was it some trick? “Why?”

“I want to buy you a phone. Do you like this?”

“I mean… yeah, I guess.”

Cas put the phone in the cart and walked away, urging Dean to follow. “What if the judge gives me to my family?”

“That’s not going to happen,” Cas replied assuredly.

“Why? Did you pay off the judge or something?”

Cas chuckled. “For this one, we didn’t have to. It's going to be easy.”

“You’re talking like you already know.”

“Crowley is good at his job,” was the only thing the alpha said. They had one last stop at the snack aisle before the cashiers. 

Dean helped Cas load up the car, then climbed in the passenger’s seat. He was holding the phone in his hand. 

“Can I call Mom on this?”

“Yes, of course. You can call whoever you want.”

As Cas merged back into traffic, Dean opened the box to get to the phone. He didn’t want to think this was going to be his life from then on, but he didn’t see any way out. 

Notes:

My personal Discord is Jefferson Starships

My usual hang out is Profound Bond server - lots of fun people.

Chapter 25

The blankets and the pillows were untouched inside the dresser. Dean wasn’t sure what to do with them. Something inside him was stirring, urging him to unpack them and throw them on the bed. And speaking of the bed, it felt out of place in the middle of the room. He found himself imagining how it would fit in the corner. Or better yet - what if they had a canopy bed? Or one of those bed tents. Make things safe and cozy. Good for pups. 

Dean shook his head to chase the thoughts away. He didn’t want that, didn’t he? He put down the big red blanket next to the others. And so, days passed. Cas would throw quizzical looks toward the small pile, but he said nothing. At most, Dean moved the pile of soft things from one corner of the dresser to the other. The pile occupied a good portion of his mind. He would constantly find himself fantasizing about how to arrange things. He ignored those thoughts and actively chased them away. Alongside the thoughts about nesting, he had recurrent wet dreams about the alpha. He experienced random boners throughout the day and hot flashes that left him sweaty and tired. It could only mean one thing: his heat was gearing up.  

The other thing that caused Dean stress was the phone - why would the alpha suddenly give him one? Dean was sure it was some form of trap and he didn’t want to fall into it.

“The trial starts tomorrow,” Cas said, one week and a half later, during dinner. 

“What… What about my heat?” Dean stared at the pasta on his plate. He had a few more hot flashes that day.

Cas shrugged. “We’ll see. Maybe we’ll get a decision fast, or the trial will be postponed until we finish this mating cycle.”

Dean stabbed a piece of pasta and chewed on it.

“I noticed you didn’t nest…” Cas said, somewhat awkwardly. “Do you not like the blankets and the pillows?”

“They’re fine…” Dean kept eating, trying to avoid conversation. 

“Oh… and… how do you feel? I noticed you smell sweeter… and I think you had a hot flash last night, you were really red and hot when you left the bed.”

Dean blushed - he didn’t think the alpha had noticed his 3 am shower. “I’m fine. They’re far and few in between.” The silence fell over them again. 

“How is your, uhm, family?” Castiel asked, trying to look him in the eye, but Dean avoided the alpha.

“I don’t know.”

“Didn’t you call them?”

“Mmm, no,” Dean got up to clear the table. The alpha’s plate was clean, and he himself had no more appetite. 

“Why?”

“I just… didn’t feel like it.”

“You’ve been stating quite adamantly that you want to go home… and you haven’t talked to your family on the phone?”

“No, I… I can’t remember their phone numbers,” Dean lied. Cas tilted his head, in that predatory way he had. Dean feared for a second that the alpha would see through his lie.

“Okay…” Cas dropped the subject and got up. He informed Dean he was heading to the gym and left. Dean’s inner omega whined when the door clicked shut. He was left with washing the dishes.

“Stop whining, you stupid mutt,” Dean whispered to himself. He smothered the empty feeling and kept himself occupied until Cas returned.

-*-

 

Dean leaned on the seat’s backrest. He sat next to Cas at the defendant’s table. Crowley put his documents in order, emanating confidence and self-assuredness. Mary, John, and their lawyer entered and made their way to the plaintiff’s table. Cas put a heavy hand on Dean’s nape, squeezing ever so lightly. Dean felt his body relax and go pliant. 

“All raise for the honorable Judge Armstrong.”

The name plate on the bench read Judge Kipling Armstrong. The judge, a well built man, sat on the chair and surveyed the room. A chill went down on Dean’s spine when the man stopped to look at him. Dean crossed his arms and hunched over, protecting himself. Cas’ thumb made circles in his nape, soothing his inner omega. Dean jerked, brushing Cas’ hand off. The alpha let out a small threatening growl and grabbed Dean by the nape again. 

“Don’t disrespect me in public, Dean,” Cas whispered in his year.

“I just don’t like it.”

“Your scent said otherwise.” Cas squeezed harder. “If you can use your mouth to complain about me, you can use that same mouth to tell me what’s bothering you.” The pressure was gone and Cas settled in his seat with his palms on his thighs.

Judge Armstrong opened a dossier, scanned its contents, then looked at each table.

“So, the plaintiff is suing for… wrongful mating,” Armstrong looked at Hanscum. “What are your arguments?”

“Your Honor, the omega in question, Dean Winchester-”

“Objection, You Honor,” Crowley leaned forward with a sleazy smile on his face, “his legal name is Dean Kumarin.”

“On what grounds?” Hanscum turned to Crowley. “I didn't even ask a question!”

“Overruled,” the judge answered. He seemed bored by the proceedings. “Carry on, Mrs Hanscum.” 

“The omega in question is just sixteen. He presented omega 3 months ago. Dean Winchester is young, inexperienced and he wasn't searching for mating that fateful night. He was returning from a concert where he went with highschool friends. He was brutally attacked, bitten against his will then kidnapped and dragged across state lines to Florida. We urge Your Honor to disband his marriage and this unlawful mating and return this young boy to his family. Thank you.” 

Armstrong nodded then turned to Crowley. “Mr. Crowley?”

“Your Honor.” Crowley got up. “We will demonstrate that, although Mr Dean Kumarin is young, his instincts were sharp enough to recognise and follow a potential mate. My client, Mr Castiel Kumarin, merely answered the call. After all, chasing and catching one's omega is why God gave alpha’s the chasing instinct. The two are True Mates - Castiel Kumarin knew that from the first whiff of Dean’s scent. Now, Dean might not have consciously recognised that - given how young he is and how he’s still disconnected from his omega… but his omega wasn’t confused. And isn’t confused. We will demonstrate the two developed a profound bond that shouldn’t be broken - for both their sakes.” Crowley sat down, smoothing out his tie.

“I see… well, today I’ll hear from the plaintiff, and you will have the opportunity to defend yourself in the next court appointment.”

Donna Hanscum stood up and began her speech. She mentioned witnesses and Dean’s eyes shot up. She went forward and put a thumb drive in the court’s laptop - CCTV images from the gas station appeared on the big display screen so everyone could see. 

“I am going to call our first witness, Mr Peter Abney, the clerk who worked at the gas station that night.” Hanscum turned toward the bailiff. The man nodded and went out to ask the witness to step inside. Dean didn’t remember the lanky beta, but if his parents brought him as witness, he must have been there.

“Mr Abney, do you recognise Dean Winchester?” Hanscum kept her hands in front of her.

“Yeah, I do. He, uhm, came from time to time in the gas station.”

“Did you see him on the night of the 22nd?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“What happened that night?”

“I… uhm, I was on my phone, I didn’t see that much. Dean came to the register with a bottle of water and I think some kind of oats. He paid and left. Then the scary tattooed dude left his items on the counter and went out after Dean.”

“Would you say the… tattooed man was chasing Dean?”

“Objection, leading,” Crowley said.

“Sustained.”

“Please clarify what you meant when you said the man went out after Dean.”

“He just left the station. He didn’t buy anything that was odd.”

“So he was so eager to get to Dean Winchester that he abandoned his items?”

“Your Honor, objection! Leading.”

“Sustained.”

“How did Mr Kumarin seem to you?” Hanscum was increasingly agitated.

“He seemed… fine, I guess. Definitely interested in the omega. He put the groceries down and just… went out the door.”

“Do you have security cameras in the gas station?”

“Yes, we have.”

“This tape - do you know where it’s from?” Donna pointed to the still frame on the screen.

“Yeah, it’s from the camera that’s above my register.”

“Let’s play it,” she said with a wide smile. She pressed play on the button. Dean saw himself walk into frame and dump the water and the oats on the counter. Abney scanned them slowly. The Dean on the screen turned his head back - black shoes came into view. It was Cas. Dean threw a 10 dollar bill on the counter, picked his stuff and left. Cas approached the counter on the far right, where his face was hidden from view by a cigarette rack. He left his groceries on it and then strode outside.. 

“So, Your Honor, you can see the defendant chasing after Dean Winchester even though the young omega didn’t engage with -”

“Objection!” Crowley cried from his seat. “Grounds for speculation! This is a less than 30 second video. All I saw was an exchange of looks, an omega paying for his groceries and an alpha leaving the gas station at the same time. And, as we could see, the alpha in question is walking calmly toward the exit. He’s not running, he’s not reaching for the omega. As far as the omega engaging with my client - where is the rest of the footage from the gas station?”

“Alright, I get it,” the judge interrupted. “Sustained. You’ll get your moment to defend your client when it’s your turn, Crowley.” Armstrong got up. “We’ll take a 10 minute break.” He left through his door, behind the bench. 

Dean felt ill. The suit and tie felt too hot and constricting all of a sudden. He got up and left, almost running in the hallway. He went into the omega bathroom. In the mirror, he saw his red, hot face. The scar was more visible because of the contrast. He undid his tie and loosened the first few buttons of his dress shirt. Cold water helped and felt good against his skin. The door opened and a familiar scent permeated the room.

“Mom?” 

“Hey, baby.” Mary came and hugged her son. “You're burning up,” she said as she put the back of her hand against Dean's cheek. “Do you have a fever? He shouldn't drag you here if you have a cold.”

“No, it's not that… I think my heat is coming.”

“Baby… you just had a heat when you presented. You can't have another one so soon.”

“Cas says-”

“Well what does he know? He's an alpha!” Mary took a moment and exhaled forcefully. “You shouldn't listen to him. He doesn't want what's good for you.”

“What if it's a mating heat?” Dean asked with a small voice. “Those are a thing, right?”

“I… guess they are, yes. But you don't have a profound bond,” she said shaking her head, “with, with this animal. So it can't be a heat. You're just sick.” 

“Okay…” Dean nodded. “He gave me blankets and pillows to nest. I… I kinda feel the need to use them.”

“Don't!” Mary pointed her finger at him. “They'll use the nesting in court as a sign that you're comfortable and happy. You can't seem comfortable and happy because you're not.”

Dean nodded. “He… he gave me a phone.” 

“Don't take anything from him. He only did that to make him look good. To show he's providing you with what you need. Reject anything he gives you. Don't have sex with him. If… if he rapes you, bite, scratch, whatever…”

“I can't mom. My… my stupid omega shuts me down, he says something in his fucking alpha voice and I'm on all fours, ass up.” Dean covered his mouth. He didn't mean to reveal that to his mother. 

“You need to say that once you're on the stand, Dean.”

“What? No!” He ran his hand through his hair.

“If you tell that to the judge, Donna can request the mating be dissolved due to abuse.”

“I…” he frowned. “Is that even possible?”

“Yes, there were precedents.” Mary dug in her bag and showed Dean summaries of trials. 

“Mom, all these omegas had horrific injuries… I… he forced himself on me but he didn't hurt me like this, ever.” 

“Don't humanize him.” Mary glanced at her watch. “We should head back. Come on.” 

Dean left the bathroom after his mom. He didn't put the tie back on, nor did he buttoned his shirt. He couldn't care less what Cas thought. 

The alpha stood outside the courtroom, thumbing at his phone.

“Dean,” he greeted when the omega approached. “Are you feeling any better?” 

“What do you mean?”

“Your hot flash.” Cas stated matter-of-factly. The alpha extended a bottle toward Dean. It had condensation on the surface and ice could be seen floating inside. “I got you some iced water. And also ice chips.” Cas pocketed his phone and showed Dean a Styrofoam box he had on the nearby bench. 

“Where…” 

“Eating ice chips could help.” Cas pointed to the jacket. “Take that off, and button your shirt. I don't want you showing off your neck like that.” 

Dean took a gulp of cold water before listening to any order. It was glorious. He put the water bottle down and removed the suit jacket. He hesitated for one moment but then he buttoned up his shirt. He wasn't in the mood to be punished for disobedience. They went back inside the courtroom. Cas opened the Styrofoam box and put it in front of Dean. Tortured by another wave of heat, he leaned and picked a few ice chips. They helped greatly and he could feel the flash receding. 

Crowley did short work of cross examining Abney. The beta couldn't say anything about Cas apart from him looking scary. When asked to define scary, the beta only referenced Cas’ tattoos and all black suit. Crowley rested his case and the judge scheduled another hearing for the following week. 

-*-

 

The next day, after breakfast, Cas informed Dean he would be late for dinner and to not wait for him. It suited Dean just fine. He spent the day locked inside the house, scrolling idly on his new phone. At least he had access to social media and Youtube. His former highschool mates were posting pictures of him with the caption “bring him home”. He doubted it had any sway on someone like Armstrong. Another hot flash hit him.

“For fucks sake.” He got up to take a shower. He was almost in the bathtub when the first cramp hit him. It was so intense he fell to the ground, grunting. His ass leaked slick, dampening his boxers. A painful boner strained against his zipper. He struggled to stand up.

“Oh, shit,” he cursed when he saw his omega gold eyes in the mirror. His heat started.

Notes:

My personal Discord is Jefferson Starships

My usual hang out is Profound Bond server - lots of fun people.

Chapter 26

Notes:

I want to say I love you all and the comments are giving me lifeeeee. So I was inspired to write part 2 of the heat arc.

Dean hugged his abdomen, crying as another cramp ripped through his body. He was tired and wrung out. After three hours squirming on the bathroom floor, he was absolutely done. One hundred percent done.

“Fuck you, you stupid fucking wolf,” he cussed out his inner omega. His dick was painfully hard and his ass leaked terribly. Nothing he tried worked. The orgasms he gave himself were small and didn't offer much reprieve. He unlocked the phone and formed his mother's number.

“Hello, this is Mary Winchester, to whom am I speaking?”

“Mom?” Dean cried.

“Dean! What… how did you call me?”

“The phone Cas gave me… I'm-”

“I told you not to use it, baby,” she interrupted him. “He could have it tracked, or tapped. Just… hang up and we'll talk when you get back home.”

“I'm in heat,” Dean cried, covering his eyes. His skin was hot and he felt like his eyes would cook in his skull. “It's bad. I feel horrible.” 

“Baby, it's too early for a heat, are you sure you don't have a col-”

“I don't have a fucking cold, ma! My ass is leaking and my dick is so hard you could hammer nails. I’m hot and horny and all my stupid wolf wants is him . I don't know what to do, I feel miserable.” 

“Dean…” Mary paused. There was a long, awkward silence. “You need to get somewhere else and just ride the heat. Or… somehow lock him outside. You can't let him know you're in heat.”

“What?”

“A heat so soon after a mating is a mating heat, Dean.”

“I know, I told you yesterday! Weren't you listening to me?” 

“I… Dean, they'll use this for the profound bond argument. They can't know you're in heat. Tell the animal you're sick or something, don't let him near you.”

“But it hurts. And I want him.”

“You don't want him. Your inner wolf is confused and thinks it wants him. That's different.” 

“Okay so… what should I do to make this better?”

“There's nothing you can do. Just ride it out. It should be gone in a day, a day and a half.” 

“Okay…” Dean cried. “He said he'd be late today.” 

“That's good. You can do this. Just ride it out.”

Dean closed the conversation and curled on the bathroom floor. He laid there, crying through cramps for what felt like forever. At some point, he ran out of tears and that's when he realized how thirsty he was. With slow movements he managed to sit against the tub. There was a Dean-shaped sweat puddle on the floor. 

“Fuck,” he said, or at least he wanted to, but no sounds came out of his parched mouth. With one hand firmly grasping the edge of the tub, he tried standing. He didn't reach an upright position before dizziness overcame him. He fell, smacking his head against the sink on the way down. Adding insult to injury his head throbbed. The last thing he needed was a migraine alongside the horrible cramps and pains he had in his abdomen. 

Dean didn’t know how many hours passed - he had completely lost track of time, locked in the bathroom. He tasted bile and that’s when his body seemed to reactivate. He crawled to the toilet just in time to hurl his stomach’s contents in the bowl. His body started shaking terribly. He leaned against the wall, cursing his own inner omega.

He picked up the cell phone and dialed Mary’s number again.

“Dean? I just talked to Donna, she said the mating heat could sink our entire case. You can’t let him know you’re in heat.” There was a pause. “Dean, did you hear me?”

“Ye- yeah, ma,” Dean whispered. 

“I’m sorry, hun, I didn’t hear you.

“I said yes,” Dean forced himself to speak louder. The cramps were stronger than ever and he was shivering. “I am feeling really sick, ma.”

“Baby, you can go through this.”

“I don’t think I can, ma.”

“You’re almost halfway through, Dean. You called me almost nine hours ago.”’

“Okay,” Dean whispered. “What if he comes home?”

“Just… don’t let him in. Tell him you have the flu. Lock the door”

“He’d barge in.”

“You have to try,”

“I don’t know if I can stand long enough to walk to the door.”

“Dean, move. Get up, get to the door and lock yourself in.”

“But ma-”

“I can’t come get you, Dean! You did this to yourself, sneaking out like that in the dead of night! You have to grab yourself by the bootstraps and go lock the door and pray to God he doesn’t come and find you. If you think you feel bad now, imagine how it’s going to be with that animal having his way with you - getting you pregnant. Do you want to have his pups?”

“N-n-no.”

“I figured. Now go lock the door and text him that you’re sick.”

Dean closed the conversation and tried walking. He held onto the radiator and the sink. His shaking legs took him as far as the bathroom door and he tumbled on the other side, falling on his left wrist. Pain shot up his arm, but he persevered, crawling to get to the door. Half an hour later, he barely managed to reach the kitchen island. His heart beat so fast in his chest, he half expected it to jump out. 

He lied on the floor, shivering. He felt cold, all of a sudden and the wet tee on his back made things worse. He vomited on the floor next to him, and this time he had no more energy to spend moving away from the gross wet puddle. He remained there, staring at the ceiling. The phone in his hand pinged. Dean looked at it - he had a message. With slow movements, he opened the app. It was a message from Castiel.

 

>> Might be out all night. Complications. How are you? 

 

Followed by:

 

>> How are your hot flashes? 

>> If your heat starts, call me ASAP.

 

Dean stared at the screen. The alpha could be gone the entire night, maybe even more. Maybe he could get lucky and have a short heat, and be done with it in twenty-four hours. He could do it. Just a few more hours. He closed his burning eyes, trying to relax.

 

-*-

 

Dean woke up with violent shivers. Somehow he had fallen asleep on the floor. Everything hurt, but most importantly he was extremely cold. What happened to his heat? Did it break? Dean took stock of his body - his ass was wet, his dick was hard, and, barely there, were the cramps. He just didn’t feel that hot anymore. He felt empty. Alone. Abandoned.”Fuck,” he tried moving, aiming for the soft carpet in the living area but he found that he couldn’t move an inch. He stared at the phone that lay next to him. He couldn’t do it. He was way too sick. He dialed Cas’ number and put the phone to his ear. 

“Dean!” Cas’ voice was stern. His footsteps echoed through the phone. “I texted you, with no answer - what do you think you’re doing?”

“Ca-a–as,” he barely whispered with a hoarse voice. He barely had the energy to talk. “I can’t… I can’t do this.”

On the other side, Castiel had stopped in his tracks. “I’ll be right there.” The line went dead. Dean stared at the ceiling. He was so tired. He didn’t even know why he had called the alpha. The thought of having sex made him nauseous. His body convulsed as his stomach tried to throw out more bile. He curled into a ball and waited. 

 

-*-

 

The lock clicked and the door opened. Dean lifted his head to see the alpha enter the room. Castiel’s eyes were alpha red when they zeroed in on him.

“Dean,” he growled.

Dean cowered, waiting to be roughly undressed and fucked raw on the floor. Strong arms grabbed him and lifted him on the couch. At least he could wait out the knot comfortably.

“You’re cold,” Cas mumbled. Dean looked at him - the alpha had a nasal spray he shoved in his nose, applying two puffs on each side.

“What’s that?” he asked.

“Scent neutralisers. So I don’t feel your heat scent.” Cas buttoned on his phone.

“Why?” Dean asked but his voice was so thin and small the alpha didn’t hear him. Instead Castiel moved into the kitchen while talking in Russian to someone on the phone.

“How long ago did your heat start Dean?” The alpha returned to his side with a water bottle and a straw. He opened the cap, placed the straw inside and gave the bottle to Dean. “Dean? When?” Castiel repeated himself.

“This morning.”

“This morning?” Cas’ face fell. “Dean, it’s almost midnight.” Cas cursed in Russian and talked on the phone again. “Okay, so that’s settled.” Cas looked at him. “ Drink the water, Dean .” The alpha voice compelled Dean to obey and sip water. It felt so good, so soothing, he almost felt like crying. Cas came behind the couch and leaned over him. Dean froze. So this was it? “You should have called me. You’ve been a bad boy, doing this to yourself.” Cas head bumped him, scent marking him. He nuzzled Dean's neck, kissing every expanse of skin. When he reached the mating gland, he took it in his mouth and massaged it gently. Dean groaned from the feeling. Somehow he felt more alive. His inner omega was happy. 

“I’m hungry,” he blurted out. “And… cold”

“I’ll get food and blankets. Just stay here.” Cas kissed him on the temple and moved toward the hallway. He returned with an expensive looking shopping bag. He gave Dean a baby blue blanket. When Dean touched it, he melted. It was by far the most soft and warm blanket he’d ever owned. Cas helped him unravel it and drape it over himself. The alpha kissed Dean roughly on the lips, in a possessive manner. 

He broke off and moved in the kitchen, also reminding Dean to finish the water bottle. Half an hour later, the doorbell rang. Cas put the hamburgers he’d made to the side to go to the door.

“Dean, this is Doctor Ivanek. He owes us…”

“What’s with the omega, Kumarin?” The doctor asked.

“He’s my mate… it’s his first heat after he presented”

“It’s abuse to deny a mated omega your presence during heat,” Ivanek seemed conflicted. “I do what you ask of me with bullet wounds, but… domestic abuse-”

“He neglected himself. All he had to do was call me and he chose not to until one hour ago.” Cas finished assembling the hamburgers. “I trust you can handle this?” Cas tilted his head, while holding the knife in a less than friendly manner.

“I…” Ivanek turned to Dean. “How do you feel?” 

“Like shit.”

Ivanek leaned over Dean, touching his forehead. The man had a soft beta scent.  “He’s cold.”

“Why?” Dean asked. 

“Ugh, your body is tired and overworked. You had too many spikes without relief, so your body is… shutting down.”

“What?” Dean panicked.

“Should we go to the hospital?” Cas asked. “Michael wouldn’t like that,” the alpha mussed.

“Oh, I know he wouldn’t.” Ivanek opened his medical bag. “I’ll hang a banana bag for him, so he gets some liquids and nutrients. You, you feed him. Do… whatever alpha stuff you guys do. But don’t engage in coitus until he gets hot again.”

Cas nodded. He used some more of the nasal spray. Ivanek got close to Dean with a cannula and some more supplies. He chose a spot on Dean’s left forearm. Dean hissed as his left wrist was moved. “Does this hurt?” 

“Yeah, I fell on it.”
“Did you hit your head too?”

“Yeah.”

“When was that?”

“Uhm, hours ago.”

“What did you hit your head on?”

“I tried standing up, lost balance and hit the sink on my way down.”

Ivanek checked his head wound first, then moved to the left wrist. “It doesn’t seem broken. Just bruised. Ice it, avoid putting pressure on it and you should be fine in a few days.” The doctor hooked the IV to the cannula. He asked Cas for something to hang the bag from and the alpha brought a metal clothes hanger. The IV was hung from the highest branch.

“After it’s done, you can pull the cannula out. If he gets worse, come to the ER,” Ivanek gathered his things.

“What about the head injury?” Cas followed the man with his predatory gaze.

“Looks like a simple bruise. Besides, if he had any internal bleeding, he'd have shown signs by now.” Ivanek left.

“He has wonderful bedside manners,” Dean commented after the door clicked shut.

“It’s not why we employed him,” Cas sighed. “Here, eat.” The alpha gave Dean the juiciest burger. Dean's stomach rumbled as he looked at the glorious fat cheeseburger. He took one bite and he felt like he died and woke up in Heaven. Crazy psychotic mafia murderer, but the man knew how to make a burger. Cas returned with a laptop and a small projector. He set up a cinema-like experience on the empty wall where the TV used to be.

The alpha sat on the couch with his own burger, close enough to touch Dean. Instinctively, Dean moved closer, burrowing himself in the alpha. “A new TV should arrive tomorrow. Until then, I guess we can watch something with the projector.

“Sure.”

Cas kissed him on the forehead and they ate their midnight dinner while watching a cheesy chick flick on Netflix. Dean felt better already, scenting the alpha next to him.

Notes:

I seem to be on a roll but I don't know how long I can keep this up because some real life shit needs to be dealt with.
I love you all and all your comments.

Chapter 27

Dean felt hot. He didn't like the feeling. This time though, with his nose buried in the alpha's torso, things weren't like before. Cas inhaled deeply, nuzzling in the young omega's hair.

“You feel hot again,” Cas kissed the top of his head. 

“Yeah… I guess you can knot me now.” 

“It would make you feel better.” Cas pushed Dean slightly. “I need to get up, the banana bag is finished.” Cas entered the bathroom and returned with betadine and cotton swabs. He put one betadine-moist swab over the cannula, applied just enough pressure, then pulled the thin plastic tube out of Dean. “Press here so you don't bruise.” 

“You know this kind of stuff?” 

“You have to, growing up in the mob. We don't exactly go to the hospital for most of our injuries.” Cas tidied up the empty IV bag and all the things that went with it. 

“Right…” Dean burrowed in the blankets. He felt warm and secure, and while his omega was happy, his brain was not. 

Cas came back and climbed over Dean, straddling the young omega. He ducked his head and pressed his nose on Dean's pulse point. 

“You smell delicious.” Cas bucked his hips and that's when Dean felt the alpha’s erection pressing on his thighs. 

“Cas?”

“The neutralisers are wearing off. I'll go into rut,” the alpha growled. Sharp fangs scratched Dean's neck. His inner omega yipped in happiness. The alpha's kisses became increasingly sloppy. Cas snaked his arms underneath Dean's shirt, reaching his nipples. Cas flicked the tender skin and Dean almost bolted off the couch, if not for the 170 pounds of alpha on him. Dean felt his body hot, his ass leaky and his dick throbbed against the confines of the boxers. He swallowed around nothing. 

“Come on,” Cas stood up and lifted Dean off the couch. He carried the omega to the bed, laying him down gently.  He pulled at the clothes Dean was wearing, revealing hot, flushed skin.

“Fuck,” Dean closed his eyes as Cas undressed himself. He was nervous about having sex with the alpha. He both didn’t want it and wanted it. “Oh, shit,” something wet touched his ankle, so he looked down. Cas was kissing up his leg, slowly. The alpha’s cock hung, huge and red from between his legs, already leaking precum like crazy. Dean let his head fall back down on the bed. He stared at the ceiling as the alpha progressed higher and higher. When something hot and wet enveloped his cock, Dean’s mind went white. Cas’ scent was intoxicating, the happy, horny alpha pheromones drowning out all and any mental noise from Dean’s brain.

“Cas,” Dean sighed, burying his hand in Cas’ hair. The alpha’s head bopped up and down, his mouth putting just the right amount of pressure around Dean’s cock. “Ah, fuck, Caaaas!” Dean bucked his hips and moaned as the orgasm ripped though him. He felt himself spilling in the alpha’s mouth. Cas swallowed everything and smiled up at Dean.

“How was that?”

“I… good.” Dean sighed - for the first time in hours, he felt fine. His body felt relaxed, he had no cramps. But…. “I feel empty.”

“I can solve that, too.” Cas moved Dean, placing him in a presentation position. The heavy alpha cock pushed against Dean’s throbbing hole. Cas hugged Dean, pumping in and out at a steady pace. Dean came all over himself a second time. He was wrung out but the empty feeling hadn’t gone away. 

“Cas, Cas…” he mewled as the alpha moved above and inside him.

“I’m close, baby, I’m close, you’ll feel so good after I fill you.”

“Yes, fill me up, Cas…” Dean fisted the sheets, anticipating the knot popping into place. 

“Ah, fuck,” Cas crashed into Dean and his body convulsed in the throws of orgasm. The knot expanded, tying them to each other. Dean felt the cock throb inside him and the empty feeling was gone, replaced by a bone deep satisfaction. As Cas moved slowly to drape the cashmere blanket over their naked bodies, Dean decided to let go. He wasn’t going to leave the alpha’s hold as long as he was in heat, and, honestly, it looked like he needed the alpha. Cas pulled him closed, squeezing his midsection. He nuzzled Dean's shoulder, purring. 

“Do you feel better, bunny?” Cas placed chaste kisses on Dean’s mating scar.

“Yes, I do.”

“Good. Sleep, you need your energy.”

“Can we move?” Dean felt anxious all of a sudden.

“How?”

“I just… I don’t know, I…”

“What’s your omega telling you?”

“I…” Dean pursed his lips and thought about it. What did his omega want? “Something over my head. Something… like a cave, I don’t know.”

“Hmmm…” Cas grabbed the pillows scattered around the bed. He constructed a makeshift pillow fort and pulled another blanket over them, to serve as a tent canvas. Dean was impressed how much the man accomplished while being tied to him. 

“Is this better, bunny?”

“Yeah… yeah, it is.” Dean settled in the alpha’s arms. He felt like a ton of bricks were on top of his head, he was exhausted. Cas nuzzled in the mating bite, purring happily. Inside their makeshift tent the air was saturated with happy, sated, alpha-omega scents. Dean relaxed, breathed slowly and fell asleep listening to deep purrs.

 

-*-

 

Dean woke up hot and bothered. 

“Ah, fuck when will this end?” He turned in bed and stared at the sheet above him. Cas was missing. Sounds could be heard from the other room - what was happening? He extracted himself from the tangled blankets and stood up. Being naked made him feel uncomfortable, so he grabbed the cashmere blanket and draped it over his shoulders. 

He found Cas in the living room working on a metal frame of some sorts. 

“What's that?”

“Dean!” The alpha smiled up at him. “It's a canopy. For the bed. You said you wanted something like a cave, so I ordered this.”

“I… how long was I asleep?”

“Almost seven hours. You were very tired, bunny.” Cas tightened the screw he had in his hand, then stood. “I'll drill some holes in the ceiling, put it up.”

“But… where did you get a canopy on the same day? I'm… confused.” 

“Amazon Prime, Dean. I asked Gabriel to bring it up.” Cas picked up another package. “Unfortunately the only curtain they had in stock available for same day delivery was this pink one… But it will do for now.” Cas pulled a bit of the fabric out. The sheer fabric had a dusty pink color, which Dean didn’t find ugly at all.

“It's fine. I mean… it's not Barbie pink, you know?”

“Yes, that is correct. It also has some integrated LED fairy lights so…”

“If it was dark blue it would have been like the night sky.”

“It wasn't available for same day delivery.” Cas’ scent dipped with something like disappointment. Dean’s inner omega mewled and scratched. It didn't like that at all. “Hey, I like it. I think it's going to be pretty.” Dean licked his lips. His inner omega nudged him. “Thank you.” 

Cas’ scent bloomed. He stepped closed and hugged Dean, kissing him on the neck and on the mating scar. “It has an adjustable pulley system. We can make it higher or lower.” Cas caressed his cheek. “You're hot… I should go get it ready before you spike again.” The alpha picked up the power tools and disappeared in the bedroom. “Oh, Jimmy sent food. It's in the oven. Go eat.”

“I'm not hungry…”

“ Go eat, Dean.”

The Alpha Voice compelled him to obey. He found a nice lasagna casserole in the oven. It was hot and cheesy and very well made. He ate with glee while drilling sounds erupted from the bedroom. 

An hour later, Dean was watching Netflix chick flicks on the new TV, which also arrived while he was asleep. Cas emerged, sweaty but satisfied. 

“I finished. Come on,” Cas offered him his hand. He stepped inside the bedroom and his jaw dropped. The canopy frame was held up by a pulley system that was fastened on the ceiling. Cas skipped to the bed and took the rope off its hook. He lowered the canopy. making the curtain pool on the floor. “See? It's a cave.” Dean approached the bed. 

“It's nice, Cas.” 

“Only the best for my omega. My precious mate.” He hugged Dean from behind, purring. “ Moya omega. Ya lyublyu tebya.” He kissed the mating scar, nuzzled and licked. Dean felt like he was floating. He let go, giving in to his instincts. 

“Fuck me.” 

Cas didn't need any special invitation. He pushed Dean inside the canopy on the bed. Dean gathered himself in a presenting position, showing his hole to the opening. Slick dipped so much, it wetted his thighs all the way to his knees. The anticipated cock didn't touch him. Dean straightened and looked behind. Cas had all the blankets and pillows from Target in his arms. He threw them on the bed then climbed inside, clashing his mouth into Dean's. “Do you wanna make a nest for us, bunny?” 

“I…” Dean stared at the pile of blankets. He had avoided them for so long, it felt awkward. But his alpha requested a nest and his inner omega wanted it. With slow movements he started pulling at the blankets, arranging them. Cas moved to the end of the bed and pressed on a button. The fairy lights lit up, glowing softly. It made Dean very happy. He pulled at the pillows and the blankets and made a circular border to the bed. He kept the softest blanket, the cashmere one, for them to cover up.

“It's done.”

“It's very pretty, Dean. Come here.” Cas pulled him and laid him on his back. The alpha kissed him on the lips slowly, threading his fingers in the omega’s hair. Dean bucked his hips. 

“I’m empty.”

“Not for long, moya omega.” Cas aligned himself and pushed inside. Dean sighed with satisfaction as the cock pressed on his insides just right. He opened his eyes, looking at the soft glow of the fairy lights. Cas moved slowly, carefully, building up the omega’s orgasm with patience.

“Ugh,” Dean yelped and bit on Cas’ shoulder as the orgasm ripped through him. He tried to find purchase anywhere, but he ended up scratching the alpha’s back. 

Cas growled through his own orgasm, pushing the knot deep inside Dean, filling him up with white cum. 

“Oh, fuck…” Dean sighed as his body turned into pudding. Cas was bleeding slowly from the bite on his outer shoulder. The alpha dabbed it with the closest cotton sheet. “I… I didn’t mean to-,” Dean began apologizing.

“It’s fine, moy vozlyublennyy . You were driven by instinct.” Cas kissed him on the lips. “I like it when you let your instincts work. Stop this from running your day,” Cas tapped him on the head. Dean didn’t say anything. “Come on, bunny, let’s move. I’m too heavy for you.” With careful movements as to not pull too much on the knot, they switched places. Dean snuggled into Cas’ shoulder, breathing in the alpha’s pheromones. Cas pulled the cashmere blanket over them. It was warm under the canopy, and Dean felt safe. Cas intertwined their fingers and kissed him on the head.

 

-*-

On the forth day, Dean woke up sated and calm. His skin wasn’t hot or flushed. He looked up at the canopy, admiring the fairy lights. Cas was on his side, with his head on Dean’s shoulder. He had his arms wrapped around the omega, holding him tight. Dean didn’t want to break the magic or the peace, so he laid there until Cas woke up.

“Good morning, Dean.” The alpha tilted his head, scenting Dean deeply. “Your heat died down.” Cas hugged him. 

“Yeah, it did.”

“How do you feel?”

“Fine,” Dean shrugged. His inner wolf wanted to do so much more, but he repressed it. He pushed Cas, extricating himself from the man’s embrace. “I’ll go make breakfast.”

“So we’re back at this?”

“At what?”
Cas made a gesture between them. “You rejecting me and our bond.”

“What bond,  Cas? I was in heat and horny. It could’ve been you or a door knob.” Dean got up, pushing the canopy drapes to the side. Cas followed.

“If it could’ve been a door knob, why did I find you half dead on the living room floor?”

“I wasn’t half dead-”

“You have a short memory. And you’re rewriting history. Your ego stopped you from calling me and you suffered for an entire day - you were dehydrated, hungry and you were cold. Do you know what being cold means for an omega in heat?”

“I-”

“It means,” Cas interrupted him, “that means your heat had exhausted your body so badly that it was shutting down. You’re mated. Heats are meant to be spent with your mate. They even let mates spend heats together when one is in jail .”

“What if you fucking die?”

“I…” Cas was taken aback. His scent was bitter with alpha rejection and burnt cedarwood. “Well, some omegas get broken heart syndrome and die with their mates… for the most part, they… go through a bond break and then… they’ll spend heats like any unmated omega… with door knobs or alpha whores.” Cas scoffed. He looked at the canopy and growled. He grabbed the curtain and pulled, tearing the material.

“No!” Dean jumped to stop the alpha from destroying the beautiful thing. “I like it, why are you ruining it?”

“I liked this morning, why are you ruining it?” The alpha spat.

“I… “ Dean let his arm fall. He felt like crying. “Fine, throw it away, see if I care.” He pulled the baby blue cashmere blanket and draped himself in it. He hesitated. That was also a gift from the alpha. He looked back at Castiel, as he was pulling down the canopy. He felt conflicted. “Please leave the canopy, Cas.”

“What?” The alpha seemed surprised.

“Please leave the canopy. I like it. I felt safe in…” he licked his lips, “in our nest.” Dean closed his eyes. “I don’t… I…”

“I’ll leave it.” Cas picked up the drapes to put them back on the frame. “Get dressed and go make breakfast. I have to leave for work.”

“Yes, alpha.”

Dean dressed in soft house clothes and raided the pantry for ingredients for waffles.

Chapter 28

Notes:

What can I say? I felt very inspired. I don't like sitting on Chapters for too long haha.

Dean heard a knock on the door. He put down the dust rag and went to answer. 

“Oh, hi, Jimmy,” he smiled at his brother-in-law.

“Hey, I wanted to check in on you after your heat.”

“I’m okay, uhm, thanks for the lasagna.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Come in,” Dean moved to the side, allowing the older omega to enter the house. 

“Cas left?”

“Yeah, he said he had to work.”

“Oh…” Jimmy made a face.

“What’s with the face?” Dean raised his eyebrow.

“Well, Michael gave him the week off, for your heat. He isn’t assigned anything until Saturday. I just don’t know what could’ve been so important to pull him from you.”

“Well, we had a fight… so maybe I’m the one that drove him away…” Dean picked up the dust rag and returned to dusting the bookshelf.

“That makes sense, then.” Jimmy opened a cabinet and pulled a bottle of whiskey. He poured himself a healthy shot. He then took out a thin, handmade cigarette and lit it. The smell hit Dean square in the face. 

“Are you… smoking weed?”

“Yes, I am.” Jimmy smiled, “you’ll get it too after you’ve been mated for over ten years.”

“Drugs are bad, dude!”

“Yes, they are, but this is weed.”

“I…” Dean watched in shock as Jimmy smoked the joint. “What if Cas smells it?”

“Tell him I was here, it’s going to be fine.” Jimmy drank some whiskey. “What did you tell my brother this time? That is… if you want to fix it.”

“I… I don’t know what I want.”

“Okay…” Jimmy took a seat, listening to Dean as the young omega talked about what he felt while he paced the room. When Dean was done, they were both sitting on the couch. “That’s a lot, Dean.”

“I…”

“It has to be hard.”

“No shit, Sherlock.” Dean pursed his lips.

Jimmy offered Dean the joint. “Want some?”

“Uhm, no, I’m good,” Dean smiled politely. 

“So, you essentially rejected Cas right after a mating cycle. That’s low. If you hope to fix it, you have to grovel. Appease his alpha, make him feel you need him. And fulfill your role - care for him, care for the house. Make his favorite food.”

“I don’t even know what-”

“Cheeseburgers. Those make him very happy.”

“Oh…” Dean let his head hang low. Everything was so confusing. “All of this, it’s not something I should want, you know?” He said with a small voice.

“I know.” Jimmy was almost done with his joint. “See, you’re thinking about things through your lens. The mob is bad,” he used air quotes. “What does bad mean anyway? We don’t adhere to societal norms, but we have our own society. In it, Cas is a damn good worker.”

“I wasn’t raised like you guys.”

“Well, from where I stand, you have two options…. Maybe three. If your parents win the trial, and you go with them, you’ll be miserable without Cas. Your omega will crave him. You could break the bond medically, but that’s no walk in the park either. If Cas wins the case, you’re here - you can either fight him and have a sad life… or give into your omega and try to know Cas for who he is. Maybe you’ll also like him. Maybe you’ll build a nice life for yourself.”

“If we have puppies, will they be like him? In the mob?”

“Depends.”

“On what Cas wants?”

“On what your pups will want. My eldest wants in, for example. Akobel agreed, Michael agreed… it’s out of my hands.” Jimmy drank some more whiskey.

“You can’t be okay with that.”

“No, I’m not, what gave me away?” Jimmy said sarcastically.

“But-”

“How did it go with your mom? I bet she didn’t want you going outside after dark, did she?”

Dean admitted defeat. Some things were just out of a parent’s control. “What will happen with my pups? I’ll be so worried.”

“It’s fine when they’re small. We don’t tell them until the alphas are 12 or the omegas are 16.”

Dean nodded. He thought about himself again. What was he going to do? Deep down, he knew Jimmy was right - he would suffer if someone forced him to leave Cas. But his logical brain argued that he’d be okay suffering through the bond break, if it meant he was free.

-*-

In the afternoon, when the house was spick and span, and Jimmy had left, Dean sat down on the couch to binge watch a Netflix show.

Dean’s phone rang. He stared at the number, bewildered. He didn’t expect anyone to call him. After a few seconds, he recognized the number as his mom’s.

“Hello?”

“Dean! Why didn’t you call me?” his mother admonished him in lieu of a hello. Dean rolled his eyes, he felt like he was home again. 

“I couldn’t call, ma.”

“Well, what stopped you, Dean?” Mary sounded even more aggravated. 

“The one hundred seventy pounds of alpha pounding my ass for three days straight, that’s what.”

Mary didn’t speak for a while. “You didn’t lock the door? What happened?”

“No, I didn’t, because I was sick . I was fucking sick, I couldn’t walk to the door. Cas found me.”

“Fuck… that means the heat will be on the trial.”

“I don’t know, maybe.”

“I’ve been talking with Donna. We could still claim domestic abuse. Just… tell the court he raped you during the heat. Judges don’t like alphas that abuse their omegas in heat.”

Dean pursed his lips. That wasn’t true. Cas had been many things up until that point, but during his heat he was loving and gentle. He hand fed him, he brought him water, he built a canopy… Throughout the days, the alpha made him feel loved and safe. “He didn’t, ma.”

“What?”

“He was… okay during my heat. He helped me.”

“Dean, your omega is confusing you.”

“I… no, ma, I’m not confused about this. He didn’t rape me during my heat.”

“Oh, so he raped you before, but not now?”

“I… ma, why are you arguing with me on this? I’m not saying he’s the most perfect mate ever, I am saying he didn’t rape me now and I don’t feel comfortable lying about it.”

“It would mean you getting home. Don’t you want to come home?”

“I do, but not like this. I don’t think lying would help. What if they prove I am lying?”

“They can’t. It’s your word against his, and judges will be inclined to believe the omega. Especially with your history. “

Dean was speechless. He didn’t know what to respond so he merely agreed to shut up his mother. He closed the conversation and stared at the phone. He sighed and went about his day watching Netflix shows. Without school or mob jobs, he had nothing else to do with his day. 

 

-*-

 

It was past dinner time when the door slammed open. Dean jolted, already on high alert. “Who’s there?”

“It’s me,” Cas growled. The alpha entered the house and threw his keys on the counter. He put a revolver on the counter as well. Dean saw there was blood on the alpha’s hands. 

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I am fine. Just had a hard day.”

“You have blood on your hands.”

Cas laughed. “Ironically, this time it’s mine.”

“If you’re injured we should go to the hospital.”

“And I’ll probably be arrested on a few counts of murder. We had a little scuffle with the Mexicans.”

“How will they know?”

“I may have a bullet in my arm. I didn’t feel an exit wound.” Cas grimaced when he removed his jacket. Dean could see the alpha’s left arm was bloody. 

“Do… do you need any help?”

“I’m fine. I’ll go take a shower, find the damn bullet.” Cas walked toward the master bathroom. 

Dean settled back on the couch to continue his binge. Half an hour later, he wondered what Cas was doing. How long could a shower take? His inner omega whined and nudged him to check on the alpha. When the episode finished, he got up and went to the bathroom.

“Cas?” No answer. “Hey, Cas, you okay in there?” Dean could hear the shower inside but the alpha wasn’t answering. He sniffed the air and he picked up on pain. Deciding he’d had enough he opened the door. Cas had collapsed on the floor, unconscious, wet and wrapped only in a towel. Dean’s heart skipped a beat.

“Hey, Cas, buddy?” He squatted next to the alpha and tried waking him up, with no result. He pulled on the towel, revealing the alpha’s body. Cas’ abdomen was black and blue with a big bruise underneath his belly button. Dean swallowed around nothing. It was clear the man was severely injured. He ran and grabbed his phone. He pressed 911 on the dial pad and stopped himself before actually calling. If Cas went to the hospital, he would become a suspect in the shootout. He could even be arrested and convicted. If Dean didn’t call, then Cas could die and he’d be free. His hands trembled on the mobile phone.

Notes:

My personal Discord is Jefferson Starships

My usual hang out is Profound Bond server - lots of fun people.

Chapter 29

 

The phone rang and rang, again, with no answer. Dean swore. What the fuck was Jimmy doing? Dean checked on Cas one more time. The alpha’s skin was cold and sweaty. He couldn’t let Cas like that much longer. He went outside and walked to another apartment. He wasn’t sure who lived there. He just knocked fast and hard, hoping whoever was behind those doors answered. 

“What?” a short man with dirty dark blond hair answered. His scent was sweet but it had the sharp musky undertones of alpha. He looked Dean up and down and frowned. “Who the fuck are you?” Dean heard the click from a gun’s safety being pulled.

“I’m Dean! Cas’ new mate?”

“Oh… I didn’t see you at any of the family functions so far. Cassie keeping you away?”

“I…” For a moment, Dean was speechless after hearing his alpha being referred to as Cassie. “I don’t have time for this, it’s Cas. He’s badly injured.”

“Injured?” The man’s face fell and he was quick to holster the gun in the waistband of his sweats. “How did that happen?”

“I don’t know, he came home, said he had a scuffle with the Mexicans and went to take a shower. I found him collapsed on the bathroom floor.”

“Show me.” The man walked out of the apartment and went to Cas’ with long strides. Dean ran to keep up. 

“He’s in the bathroom,” Dean guided the other alpha in the house.

The alpha entered the bathroom first and couched next to Cas. “Hey, Cassie?” He smacked him on the face.

“That won’t work, I tried that. He’s out cold. Can you call that Ivanek guy?”

“You know Ivanek?”

“He…” Dean pursed his lips. “Yeah, Cas called him on a house call for me. I wasn’t feeling well.”

The man nodded, then pulled out his phone. “I am going to call him, yes. Go get something warm to cover Cas. He’s going to need it.”

Dean skipped in the bedroom and ducked beneath the canopy. The heat and rut scents were still strong underneath the sheer pink organza. Dean felt dizzy but he kept his cool and grabbed the baby blue cashmere blanket. It smelled strongly of him, of them. He went back to the bathroom and covered Cas’ naked body with it. He kneeled near Cas’ head and stroked the man’s hair. His skin was clammy. 

“I called one of your brothers. I think…” Dean scrunched his face. “He has to be related, he lives in the apartment next to us.” Dean threaded his fingers in damp hair. “It’s going to be alright.”

The hallway in front of the bathroom was suddenly crowded. Dean growled out of instinct. Something hit him on the back, and he growled louder, only for a man to raise his cane once more.

“Growl like that at the Pahkan and I’ll whip you bloody in the courtyard tomorrow.”

“Rafael, for fucks sake, he’s an omega with an injured mate. I’d be worried if he didn’t growl at strangers.”

“I don’t know why you refer to me as a stranger, I’ve been with this family for years.”

Between the two men, he saw Michael standing in the hallway, watching the events unfold with cold, dead eyes.

“Yeah, but you’re not part of the family, Ralphie, that’s what I mean.”

The man, Raphael, seemed taken aback. “Just because your sister decided to break off our engagement-”

“I mean by blood,” the dark blonde man sighed and pinched the nose of his bridge. “You can’t blame the omega for being wary around you; he doesn't know you. I’m sure he wasn’t growling at Michael, right, kid?”

“No,” Dean shook his head. “I didn’t see who it was, I just…. Saw shadows. I reacted…”

“See, Ralphie? No harm, no foul.”

“I would appreciate it if you didn’t call me that, Gabriel.”

“And I'd appreciate you not hitting my brother's mate.” Gabriel puffed out his chest.

“Disrespecting the Pahkan earns you punishment, irrespective of whose mate you are.”

“For fucks sake, Cas is in bad shape, stop fucking arguing and do something to help him!” Dean lashed out. 

“You little-” Raphael exposed his fangs, growling. 

“That's enough,” Michael stepped out of the shadows. “This isn't the time to deal with my brother's disrespectful mate. And as much as I dislike the little mutt… he has a point. Where's Ivanek?”

“He's on his way,” Gabriel checked his phone.

“Well, whatever is wrong with Castiel seems a bit more serious. Gabriel, Raphael, get him out of here and into the living room. We have to be prepared in case we need to take him to an operating table.” 

Dean felt cold. His inner omega was agitated and anxious. Gabriel and Raphael used the towel to carry Castiel on the couch. They laid him down gently. Dean was at Cas’ head in a heartbeat. He was distressed and he didn't have any energy to fight his instincts. He cradled the alpha’s head, and watched the other alphas. Raphael was throwing daggers his way. Michael was acting as if the omega wasn't there. Gabriel was the only one being moderately friendly. 

“Cassie is a tough bean. He'll be fine,” Gabriel touched Dean’s hair, petting him lightly. The alpha smelled like sweet, ripe cherries and cotton candy. It felt familiar and slightly relaxing.

“Okay…” Dean stifled a sob.

Someone knocked on the door and Dean prayed it was Ivanek with his bad bedside manners.  

Raphael opened and the doctor did come through. 

“What happened?”

“There was a scuffle-” 

“I don't care about the mafia shit, only the injuries.” 

“He was shot in the arm,” Dean said. “I don't know how he got the bruise on his belly but, uhm, he fainted in the bathroom.”

“It's important I know how he injured himself.” Ivanek kneeled next to Cas and pulled the blanket off the alpha. 

“Car accident. Driver lost control and ran the car into a lamp post,” Michael intervened. 

Ivanek nodded. He pressed Cas on the abdomen gently. “Doesn't seem to have guarding… not too stiff.” The doctor talked to himself. “I'll do a lavage, check for any bleeding.” He opened his kit and took out needles, some syringes and some blue single use sheets în a vacuum bag. “Hold these.” He handed the sheet to Dean. Ivanek took the iodine bottle and poured it on Cas’ abdomen. “Open the sterile pouch but be careful not to touch the sheet inside,” he instructed Dean. 

“Okay,” Dean pulled slowly on from the designated tabs, exposing the sheet. Ivanek picked it with sterile gloves on. He draped it over Cas, also revealing the circular opening it had in the middle. 

“Open this kit,” Ivanek pointed at the equipment he needed. Dean complied. 

“Isn't that… big?” Dean stared at the long needle.

“I need to get into the peritoneal cavity.” 

Dean watched fascinated as the man inserted the needle a few inches below Cas’ navel. He took a syringe from the kit and sucked some liquid out. It was bloody. Dean swallowed around nothing. “That’s bad isn't it?”

“He needs surgery, yeah. Let's go to the clinic,” Ivanek said as he removed the needle. He dressed the puncture wound and gathered his things. Gabriel and Raphael moved in sync, picking up Cas from the couch. Dean moved to follow them but he was stopped by Michael. 

“I'm going with him.”

“No. 

“But-”

“ You will stay here and wait .” Michael’s alpha voice was strong and it made Dean’s knees quiver. Dean fought the instinct to obey. 

“I need to-” Dean didn’t get the chance to argue further as Michael punched him in the gut.

“You’re lucky you have to appear in that trial or I would have broken your nose. Stop being a brat and do as you are told.”

Dean fell back on the couch struggling to breathe through the pain. Michael left, slamming the door behind him. 

 

-*-

 

Dean sat crossed legged on the porch, watching the gate. If Michael and Raphael were idiot knotheads, Gabriel seemed nicer. He hoped the short alpha would at least tell him how Cas was.

At half past one, a blackout SUV entered the courtyard. Dean stood up, watching. His inner omega growled, demanding he go out and search for his mate. Dean didn’t want another punch in the gut, so he stood where he was. 

Gabriel and Raphael emerged, carrying a gurney between them. Dean saw a human shape on it - did they really bring Cas back?

“You brought him back?” Dean asked Gabriel when the alpha was in earshot. “Is he dead?”

“What?” Gabriel frowned. “No, he survived just fine. There was a burst artery in his abdomen - Ivanek and Jules patched it up. Get the door, please?”

Dean opened the door and held it so the two men could enter with the gurney. Cas was on it, breathing just fine. His skin was dry and less pale. “So… he’s going to be fine?”

“Yep. They didn’t even have to chop intestines, so that’s a major win.”

“Chop intestines?” Dean repeated, horrified.

“Yeah, sometimes with gut shit, they can’t save the intestines. It’s nasty afterwards.” Gabriel entered the bedroom and whistled. “I see you guys had fun,” he laughed. “Pink curtains?” The alpha had a shit-eating grin on his face.

“If you need to know, Cas chose those, so spare me.” Dean pulled the curtains, tying them on the sides so Gabriel and Raphael could lay Cas in the bed.

“Meg, one of the nurses on our payroll, will come around tomorrow to give him some antibiotics,” Gabriel straightened. “She’s a beta so don’t worry about her in your nest.”

“I mean, I can give him antibiotics just fine.”

“It’s iv drugs, kiddo. You should at least learn from her how it’s done.”

Dean nodded in agreement. “What about the bandage?”

“Meg will show you. You’ll have to change it daily.”

“Okay…” 

“And save my phone number, in case you guys need anything.”

“Sure.”

They exchanged numbers, and with that, Gabriel and Raphael left. Dean checked the locks and the windows, then climbed into bed with Cas. The alpha was warm. Dean hugged Cas’ arm and pulled the blue blanket over them. He dozed on and off until something moved, and he felt the alpha breathing in his scent.

“Dean?” Cas’ voice was hoarse.

“Look who's back from the dead,” Dean lifted his head and smiled at Cas.

“What happened?”

“You collapsed in the bathroom. I called Gabriel. He called Ivanek.” Dean smiled up at Cas. “They operated on you - you had a torn artery in your belly. You’re fine now.”

“I guess that crash was worse than I thought,” Cas grunted, pain seeping into his scent.

“Yeah… I guess the driver has to get checked too.”

“The driver’s dead.”

Dean’s face fell. He was shocked by how easily Cas said that. “That sucks, I’m sorry.”

“We live a dangerous life.” Cas moved his legs. He tried turning on his side, but gave up, grimacing in pain. “Ah, I hate this already.”

“Can I help?”

Cas looked around them. “I’d like to sit higher. Help me with pillows.”

Dean grabbed the pillows and arranged them around and under the alpha, offering optimal support. When Castiel was comfortable, Dean burrowed next to him.

“Thank you, Dean. I appreciate your care.”

Dean’s inner omega purred and melted into a puddle of happiness and contentment. Driven by his inner wolf, he reached out and kissed the alpha. He liked the taste of his lips. He ducked his head after and returned to his burrowed position.

Chapter 30

 

Dean filled two bowls with chicken soup. The steady supply of food was Jimmy’s way of apologizing for not answering the phone. Dean brought the food to the table. 

“Thanks, Dean.” 

“Jimmy made it, I just reheated it,” Dean deflected as he took his seat. 

“You've been very good these past few days.”

Dean's inner omega purred at the praise and flopped with its belly exposed. Cas put a hand on his nape, massaging that point that made Dean melt. He started purring, pushing his head against the alpha's hand. Cas leaned and kissed him on the lips, slowly. 

“Good omegas get rewarded,” he whispered against Dean's lips. He returned to eating his soup, leaving Dean staring into nothing.  

After lunch, they moved to the nest Dean had built on the couch. Watching TV was their main pastime while Castiel healed. It had been three days since he was operated on. Dean handled everything about Cas’ care after Meg showed him how to administer drugs through the cannula and how to change the dressing. She also showed him how the abdominal binder was supposed to fit. Cas had to wear it every time he got out of bed.

“Do you want to get the binder off and lay in bed a bit?” Dean asked when the episode ended.

“No, I'm okay.” Cas pulled Dean closer to him. “I'll have to sit in court tomorrow for hours anyway. It's better I practice, see how I feel.”

“Oh, right.” Dean had almost forgotten about the court case. Castiel's lawyer managed to find a reason to postpone the hearings. 

The alpha leaned in and kissed him on the neck. He smelled nice. “So, we’re back in court tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” Cas leaned back on the couch. The alpha rubbed his back. Dean leaned into it. They watched TV and Netflix for the whole day.

-*-

 

Dean looked at the jury. He was sure he was pumping scared omega scents. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Castiel fidgeting in his seat. 

“Dean,” the lawyer, Donna, came closer. “How are you feeling?”

“I…, uhm, a bit scared, I guess.”

“Why are you scared?”

“This. I’m nervous, talking in front of people,” he glanced at the jury. 

“Don’t mind them, Dean. Talk to me.” Donna walked to a TV and started a tape. Dean saw himself inside the gas station, paying for the oats and the water bottle. Tape-Dean exited the station, followed by the black shadow that was Tape-Castiel. 

“A man is following you at this moment, isn’t he?” Donna asked him. 

“Objection, leading,” Crowley said, almost bored.

“Sustained.”

“What's going on at this moment?” Donna asked again, her eyes almost glowing. 

“I, uhm, paid for my water and left the station. Castiel was following me.”

“Is this man here today?”

“Yes, over there,” Dean pointed at Castiel. 

“What is he to you, now?” Donna made a few steps toward him. 

Dean wasn't sure what to say. He opened his mouth, then closed it. “He's… my mate.” Dean swallowed around nothing. He saw his mom cringe and close her eyes. “I mean… he's my mate now… He took me because he wanted me.” 

“So you'd say he's your kidnapper?”

“Ye-”

“OBJECTION, LEADING, YOUR HONOR,” Crowley growled, filling the room with his voice. Dean cowered in his seat. 

“Sustained. I will ask the jury to disregard the previous statement.” 

Donna took a deep breath and looked at Dean with a slightly irritated look. 

“Did you want to go with Mr. Kumarin?”

“No.” 

“Did he ask you if you wanted to go with him?” 

“No…” Dean looked at his hands.

“What did he do?”

“He, uhm, chased me down the street… when he caught me, he bit me.”

“And then?”

“He… uhm,” Dean closed his eyes. He hooked a finger underneath the shirt’s collar, trying to loosen it up. “He took me to his car. It's, uhm, a nice vintage Lincoln Continental… I'm not sure what year it is… Maybe sixty-four?”

“Objection, relevance?” 

“Sustained. Omega Kumarin, only tell the jury what is relevant for these proceedings.”

“Uhm,” Dean felt his throat was dry like the Sahara desert. 

“Dean,” Donna's voice was warm and soothing. He focused on her. “What happened when Alpha Kumarin put you in his car?” 

“He, uhm,” Dean licked his lips but it didn't help much. “He raped me.” Dean hugged himself, leaning back in the chair. Some members of the jury had sympathetic faces. Dean didn't want their pity. 

“And then?”

“I don't know… I, uhm, woke up in his car… He was driving me to Florida.”

“Once you reached his house, what happened?” 

“I… nothing much. He bought me clothes, he… had me make food… stuff like that.” 

“Did he continue to rape you?”

Dean hesitated, then said, “yes.” 

“No further questions,” Donna put her hands together and sat down. 

Crowley cleared his throat and buttoned his jacket as he approached Dean. He put on another tape and pressed play. Tape-Dean had picked up a water bottle from the fridge. His head swiveled, with his nose in the air. Tape-Dean closed his eyes and took a deep breath and started walking. Dean remembered how that scent felt, how all encompassing it was. He watched himself follow tape-Cas through the store. Crowley stopped the tape when the alpha was talking to tape-Dean.

“What did you smell in the beginning?”

“Uhm… Cas’ scent.”

“Cas?” Crowley raised his eyebrows. 

“Cas-, Castiel… my alpha.” 

“Where does Cas come from?”

“Objection, relevance!” Donna leaned forward.

“It’s important to establish the relationship between the two mates,” Crowley addressed the judge.

“I'll allow it.” The judge nodded towards Dean so he could answer.

“It's his nickname,” Dean said.

“I see…” The lawyer smiled. “How did Cas’ scent feel to you?”

“I…” Dean didn't know how to answer. 

“In your own words, Dean, take your time.” 

Dean looked at his mother, trying to figure out what he was supposed to say.   

 “Uhm…”

“Did you find it repulsive?” 

“No!” Dean wrinkled his nose at the implication, then covered his mouth. Judging by his mother's face, it was the wrong answer.

“Does it calm you down?”

Dean pursed his lips. He looked down at his hands and tried to think fast. What was he going to say?

“Answer the question, Omega Kumarin.” 

“Yeah, it does…” Dean licked his lips.

“You said Mr Kumarin raped you… Now I have a question about that - did he beat you into submission?”

“Uhm, no, but-”

“Did he tie you down?”

“No, but-” 

“Did he deny you food or water, or clothes?”

“No, but-” Dean frowned, feeling frustrated that the lawyer didn't allow him the chance to explain things from his perspective.

“Did he call you names?” 

“No, he-”

“Did he rape you while you were in heat?”

“No!” he growled. Dean's inner omega growled at the question. He bit his inner cheek when he realized what he said. Mary couldn't look any more disappointed.

“Did he take care of you during your heat?”

“Yes.”  Dean sighed. He didn't like admitting it, but he couldn't lie.

“What did Mr Kumarin do when you were in heat?”

“He… he wasn't home when I went into heat, he was away.”

“But when he came back, what did he do?”  

“Cas made me food. We watched TV until I felt better.” 

“Did you have sex?”

“I mean… yeah, I was in heat.”

“Did you enjoy it?”

“OBJECTION,” Donna stood up, her eyes glowing with gold. “Argumentative, he's badgering the witness.”

Crowley made a show of extending his arms, looking dumbfounded at the judge and jury. “Your Honor, I'm just trying to establish the relationship between these two through simple yes or no questions.”

The judge nodded. “I'll allow them. Mrs. Hanscum please be seated. Omega Kumarin, answer the questions, please ”  

Dean hugged himself. He didn't want to talk about something like that in front of his parents and a bunch of strangers. “Yeah… yeah, I did.” 

“Did you beg for that knot?”

Dean felt his face flush hot. He glanced at his mom but she was looking out the window, not at him. He turned his head and looked at Cas. The alpha titled his head and looked him in the eye. 

“Dean-” Crowley started but he was swiftly interrupted.

“They got the point, leave him alone,” Cas’ voice was clear.

“Mr. Kumarin, please refrain yourself from speaking out of turn in my courtroom, or I will hold you under contempt of the court.” The judge dangled his gavel in Cas’ direction.

“Your Honor, I have no further questions.” Crowley took his seat. 

“Your Honor, I have a few, if I may.” Donna walked close to Dean's box. 

“Dean, where was Mr Kumarin when your heat started?”

“At… work.”

“What does he do for a living?”

“Objection, revelevance.”

“Sustained.”

“How much time did you spend alone?”

“Uhm… I'm not sure… 10, 12 hours?”

“How were you feeling?”

“Very bad… It was horrible.” 

“So, Mr Kumarin left you to suffer, alone, for 12 hours? What kind of loving mate does that?”

“Objection leading.”

“Sustained.”

“I have no further questions.” Donna took her seat, and for once, she seemed satisfied.

Crowley got up for a second time and posted himself in front of the jury. He looked at Dean and asked, “when you went in heat, who did you call?”

“I… I called my mom.” Dean felt like he had no chances of winning, whatever he did. Lying was punishable with prison time. Telling the truth meant he would probably be returned to the alpha..

“What did your mom tell you?”

“I… she said I should wait it out.” 

“When did you call Mr Kumarin?”

“In the evening.” 

“Why? What changed?” 

“I was… very ill.”

“And he came?” 

“Yeah, he did.

“No further questions.” 

Crowley took his seat. Their opposing counsel didn't want to continue the cross examination. The judge sent Dean back to his bench and called for a lunch break. The courtroom was filled with the sounds of furniture being pushed and people talking among themselves.

When Dean reached their table, Cas hugged him and nuzzled in his temple. For once, he let himself sink in and breathe the alpha's calming scent.

 

Chapter 31

“You have to eat something.” Cas took another bite of his beef sandwich. 

“I'm not that hungry.”

“You're stressed, Dean, you don't feel hunger. Eat.” 

Dean looked at his sandwich. Cas had chosen an avocado chicken one for him. It smelled nice and it looked even better. He took a bite, and then another one. Soon enough, he had eaten the whole thing. 

“See? I told you.” Cas ran his hand in Dean's hair and smiled at him. 

“Yeah, I guess I was hungry.” He hugged himself. 

“You did good in court.”

“Mom would disagree…”

“Stop trying to please her. She's more interested in winning than what you want.”

“I want to go home to them.”

Cas tilted his head. “I thought you were beginning to like me.” 

“I…” Dean opened and closed his mouth. “I kinda do… I like your scent… but this… us… how we met how you… how you kidnapped and raped me… that's fucked up.” 

Cas stood up. “I don't see things like that… but let's agree to disagree. I… want you to like me. I think you can agree I haven't… raped… you since you first expressed concern about it.” The bastard even had the audacity to use air quotes around the word. Dean stared at him, blankly. 

“I want an apology.” 

“What the fuck for, Dean?”

“Raping me.” 

Cas tilted his head. “I-”

“I don't give a shit how you or your backwards culture sees it. I feel raped. I'm hurt. I want an apology.” Dean stormed off, throwing in the sandwich wrapper in the closest bin. He saw Mary and Donna and he made a beeline for his mother. “Where's dad?”

“Hello to you too, Dean.” Mary sighed. “Your father couldn't make it, he wasn't feeling very well.” 

“What? Why?” Dean felt betrayed.

“This has taken a toll on him too, you know.”

“So, what, it's my fault now?”

“If you hadn't snuck out-”

“Oh my God, you're going on with that again?” Dean ran his hands over his face. “What the fuck do you want me to do now?”

“Don't say stupid things to the jury! He smells nice? He didn't rape you?”

“Mrs Winchester, as hard as it will be to… correct what was said and done in court this morning, lying to the jury isn't advisable. If he's found guilty of perjury he could even go to jail,” Donna intervened.

“He can't say things like that to the jury!”

“Dean, honey, it's… advisable to… bend the truth a bit… not lie.” Donna put a sympathetic hand on Dean's shoulder. He shied away from her comfort - if anything, he didn't want her pity. 

“That was the truth.” Dean frowned. “You're not a very good lawyer, are you?” He asked. 

“What did you say, Dean?” Mary looked appalled. “We're taking a mortgage on the house to cover the costs for this, for your mistake and you dare comment on Mrs Hanscum's capabilities?”

“Oh, a mortgage on the house , well, that makes sense now.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“I… nothing,” Dean backtracked, rubbing his nape.

“No, no, Dean, you started this, say what you meant by it.”

“I don’t know, ma, you say you want me home, but you only gave me shitty ass advice and your lawyer is getting run over by that other guy. She’s not as good, it’s just facts.”

“You’re being rude. I swear, Dean, I am appalled by your behavior.”

“Yes, sure, blame the victim.”

“Don’t play the victim card, you put yourself in that situation. I talked to your friends, you went out on your own. You went into a gas station, you ran from an alpha, what did you expect to happen?”

“I…” Dean had a hard time recovering after that curveball. “You never told me I shouldn’t run from alphas, ma.”

“You were still adjusting to being omega-”

“DON’T YOU THINK I NEEDED THAT VALUABLE BIT OF FUCKING INFORMATION?”

“Don’t yell at me young man!”

“I’m the one stuck with a psychopath.”

“You had a curfew. You were protected. I didn’t see a reason to pile so much new information on you all of a sudden. YOU FUCKING DECIDED TO SNEAK OUT TO A FUCKING CONCERT!”

Dean shook his head. “You’re unbelievable. Dad feels the same?”

“You father hasn’t seen anything other than the bottle since the last time you saw him. That’s what all this did to him.”

“He didn't come because he’s drunk?”

“We should return to the courtroom,” Donna intervened between them with her soft voice.

Dean didn’t wait for her mother to say anything. He walked briskly, taking his seat next to Cas. His heart beat a mile a minute. The courtroom filled slowly, as everyone returned from the lunch break. The jury was escorted by the bailiff to their box. Dean watched his mom and Donna take their seats.

“Are you okay?” Cas leaned, blocking his view of the two women.

“What?”

“You smell upset.”

“Oh, and now you care about my fucking feelings?” Dean crossed his hands and avoided making eye contact with the alpha. 

The judge entered the room and took his seat. Donna got up and called Castiel on the bench as a witness. The alpha complied. He threw a cold look to the jury, an even meaner one to Mary, before setting his dead stare on Donna.

“Alpha Kumarin,” she said with a straight face, “you hunted, caught, bit and raped Dean Winchester. Why did you do it?”

Dean felt Castiel’s gaze on him, but he kept his eyes low. 

“I didn’t…” Castiel started but his voice haltered. “I remember that night fondly. I understand Dean doesn’t feel the same.”

“You didn’t answer the question, Mr Kumarin.”

“Dean smelled like mate,” Castiel said softly. “I was… mesmerized by his scent. My alpha was… awakened and highly alert. Dean ran… I thought he wanted me to chase him. I let go of… inhibitions and let my alpha take the lead. Chase, catch, mate. Make love to. It’s how I see things. I… I’m sorry I hurt Dean that night. I will do better.”

Dean looked up. Cas smiled at him, holding his gaze. Was that real? He glanced at Crowley - the lawyer looked tense and unhappy with the alpha’s testimony. Did Castiel really go off script?

“What about all the other nights? You raped him, in a systematic and continuous manner.”

“Objection your Honor - badgering.”

“Overruled.”

“I never beat him,” Cas made a face.

“Did Dean ever tell you no when you wanted sex?”

“He played hard to…” Cas pursed his lips. “Yes, he did,” the alpha said, keeping his head held high.

“And what did you do when Dean told you no?”

“I used my Alpha Voice. I never forced him.”

Donna let out a small laugh. “Using Alpha Voice is a form of coercion, Mister Kumarin.”

Crowley let out a small growl and leaned back on his seat. Dean was sure by now that his alpha was seriously off script.

“That’s not how I was raised. Omegas listen to the Alpha Voice because they want to. Their wolves take over. It’s instinct. Omegas are made to submit to their alphas.”

“There are several studies to point to the opposite.”

“Objection, relevance. Besides, marital rape is a misdemeanor and not the object of this trial,” Crowley said, mild annoyance seeping into his voice.  

“Sustained.”

“I would argue that this entire marriage is based on a rape.”

“My client followed his instincts. Dean Winchester followed him, lured him with his scent, then ran. It’s obvious omega seduction.”

“Order in the courtroom.” The Judge banged his gavel. Dean didn’t want to pay attention anymore. He felt hurt and humiliated. The voices in the courtroom became hazy as he let his mind wander. His school was getting ready for the Halloween party - by now most of his peers would stress about what costumes to wear and who to ask out for it.  He had his eyes on Lisa. She was a beta girl, with a sweet fresh scent. Her hair was soft and shiny and she made Dean feel things. 

Thinking about his highschool, he realized how much he missed wrestling. He couldn't believe he didn't think about Coach Singer or the other guys on the wrestling team. Coach Singer was one of the few teachers that didn't change their attitude toward him when he came back to school after his first heat. He remembered the man even wanted to train Dean for the state competition, in the omega category. He didn't accept the offer… he couldn't accept he was an omega.

 

-*-

 

Dean hugged himself as he sat on the couch. Some random documentary was running on the TV. The apartment felt… sterile. The alpha felt tired after a whole day in court and opted to remain in the city and not make the one hour long drive back to their gated community. Since the apartment wasn't usually lived în, it lacked any kind of food, so they ordered something in. It was a nice, cozy, one bedroom apartment with an open floor plan. Nothing too fancy.

Dean jumped when the doorbell rang. He got up to open the door.

“I'll open it. Sit.” Castiel came from the bedroom, where he had been laying in bed since they had arrived. Dean heard voices from the entrance and then the smell of burgers and apple pie filled the room as the alpha brought the delivery bags inside. 

“It smells good,” Cas commented as he put the bag on the coffee table. He looked at Dean. “Set the table, will you?”

“Uhm… sure.” Dean complied. He had no issues finding plates and silverware in the small kitchen. They ate on the coffee table, watching random TV. 

“So, uhm, tomorrow we'll go to court again?”

“Yeah… “ Castiel wiped his chin of sauce. “They’re going to review your medical report and interview the doctor. And, I think they have another witness. Some friend of yours, Joanna?”

“Oh, yeah… that's Jo.”

“Isn’t Joanna a girl’s name?”

“She goes by Jo.” 

Cas nodded and ate more of his burger.

“And… when will they give a verdict?”

“After Jo's statement. This was all they had.” Cas shrugged. “Tomorrow night, we'll know.” 

“So… I might be on my way home after tomorrow?” Dean laughed. “That's a nice feeling.” His nose tangled from the smell of sad, rejected alpha. 

“I'll come after you,” Cas said solemnly. Dean froze. “I'll come after you and wait. You'll like me at some point. We'll be together later in life. Right person, wrong time, you know?”

Dean didn't know what to say, so he merely nodded in a noncommittal manner and attacked the apple pie, shoving a spoonful of it in his mouth.

Chapter 32

Notes:

Guess who's back? Back again... Nananana

Wow. I've been gone awhile. Honestly it's been a rollercoaster 5 months. My sailor husband (because yes we got married) has been home and we've been busy. We organized a small civil wedding and got married legally. We ran around to organize the big all out religious wedding with 150 guests for next year. We went house hunting. We found a house, we applied for a loan, we got the loan and then the work started - moving. My God moving. I don't want to do that again for at least 10 years.
Now I have my boards exam in late October.

With all these big changes and big emotions I either didn't have enough free time or I was... so full of stuff going on that I didn't have the mood to be creative and write.

I'm sorry for being rusty.

I just wanted to get the chapter our because it's been sitting in my mind enough. I have so many ideas that I couldn't put to pen and paper. But I kinda feel the juices going again so I'm riding on that high .

The courthouse loomed over Dean. He felt small and insignificant. The whole trial felt more like a skirmish between his mom and Castiel over who could own him. 

He watched the jury take their seats. The trial began with Crowley calling forth the doctor.

“Please state your name for the jury,” Crowley buttoned his jacket as he stepped forward. 

“I'm Dr McGill. ”

“You were appointed to perform a medical examination on the Omega Dean Kumarin?”

“Objection, leading!”

“Your Honor, Doctor McGill was appointed by the Court. I don't see how it’s a leading question.”

“Overruled,” the judge said. 

Crowley picked up his interrogation where he left it. The doctor answered in monotone, boring sentences. Dean remembered the examination and what happened during it. He hugged himself. A strong hand came on his nape.

“Are you ok?” Cas’ scent was pleasant and it calmed Dean. 

“Yeah, I’m fine…” 

“That alpha can’t hurt you anymore.”

“Yes,” Dean shivered. “I know.” He felt his scent souring as he remembered the dead body at his feet. Cas headbutted him, putting his scent mark on him.  

“So,” Crowley raised his voice, making everyone pay attention to him. “Would you say omega Dean has a mating bond with Castiel Kumarin?”

“Yes, without a doubt. A profound one.”

“Do you consider it would be beneficial for the omega to separate him from his alpha?”

“No - I expect separation anxiety to settle in quickly, followed by separation sickness.”

“Thank you, doctor. I have no further questions.”

Donna stood and cleared her voice. “Doctor McGill, do mating bonds require consent from the omega?”

“That is… a loaded question.”

“We have time,” Donna smiled. 

McGill took a deep breath. “Short answer is no. A bite can kickstart the forming of a bond. But the long answer -  the omega’s body has to create the bond, and this requires a certain degree of compatibility between the pair. It’s a bit like blood transfusions. We instinctively know who is our best match based on scent.”

“Dean didn’t want this bond - it was forced on him - he had no say in what his body did with the bite.”

Dean glanced at Crowley - he expected the lawyer to object in some way but the shrewd man merely put his hands together. 

The doctor pursed his thin lips. “The boy is a good biological match to the alpha - hence the formation of a profound bond that was followed by a heat. I am not here to make an assessment on whether the boy wanted the bond or not.”

Donna took a deep breath. “We have Dean’s declaration that he didn’t want the bond.”

“Objection, You Honor,” Crowley stood up, “Relevance?”

“Sustained. Mrs Hanscum, please keep your questions relevant to the witness's expertise.”

Donna tightened the suit jacket around her. She looked down at her notes, seemingly lost.

“So, Dr. McGill - can such a profound bond form against the omega’s will?”

The doctor paused for a while. Dean felt his heart hammer against his rib cage. “Not entirely, no. There had to be some form of attraction between the omega and the alpha.”

“You’re talking about attraction - being attracted to someone doesn’t mean you give that person your consent to do whatever. Does this type of bond require explicit consent from the boy? I am referencing the person - not the inner wolf, not our instincts.”

“Well, if you put it that way…”

“Yes, I am. Tell the jury, Dr McGill.”

“Objection, argumentative!” Crowley was on his feet once more.

“Sustained.” The judge banged his gavel. “Dr. McGill, please answer Mrs Hanscum’s question.”  

“No.”

“Can you please elaborate, Dr McGill?”

“The formation of a mating bond does not require the conscious consent of the omega. It’s not a choice the person takes like… choosing what to eat for breakfast. It’s instinctual - at an inner wolf level. Those are not… conscious choices.”

“So then… is it a conscious choice from the alpha to bite down on a mating gland or is it one of those… instinctual impulses we can’t control?”

“An alpha can feel the urge to bite down an omega they find attractive - the actual act of biting is completely voluntary.”

“And biting the face of the omega?”

“That is definitely a choice. Biting anywhere other than the mating gland is not instinctual.” 

“What do you think about Dean’s facial scar?”

“Objection, relevance.”

“Let the witness answer, You Honor. I want to high-”

“Come to the bench, you two, now.” 

The two lawyers went up and they started talking to the judge. Donna was moving her hands rapidly, explaining something. Dean leaned forward but he had no chance of hearing what was being said. In the end, Crowley returned to his seat.

“Answer the question, Dr. McGill.”

“Well, facial scars are not something I usually see in live patients. I found it intriguing.”

“Can you please elaborate?”

“It’s noted in the literature that more aggressive alphas tend to bite in places other than the mating gland in an attempt to further mark what they perceive as being theirs. With rape and murder victims, we often see bites spread across the body. Psychologically, the more aggressive the alpha, the more visible these extra bites are.”

“So, you’d expect an alpha that bites on the face to be more dangerous and aggressive?”

“Usually, yes.”

“No further questions, your Honor.” Donna took her seat.

It was Crowley’s turn. “Dr McGill, did you note any other… ‘extra’”, the lawyer used air quotes, “bites on Omega Kumarin’s body?”

“No. Just the facial one.”

“Do you think it’s a sign Omega Kumarin was abused?”

“Objection, speculation.”

“Overruled.”

Crowley’s face fell. He composed his face quickly enough and smiled toward the doctor. Dean swallowed around nothing. 

“I think it’s a sign of possible abuse. It’s scarring and unnecessary for the mating bond.”

“Did you find any evidence the omega has been submitted to systematic abuse?”

“No.”

“No, further questions, Your honor.” Crowley took his seat. Next to him, Castiel growled.

“You dropped the ball on that one, Crowley,” he whispered.

“Not as hard as you the other day, sir,” the lawyer retorted. “It was a gamble, it wasn’t a question I wanted him to answer.”

Dean stopped listening because the doors had opened and Jo came inside. She was being escorted to the witness box. Jo looked at him and smiled. Dean wasn’t sure why his friend was taking the stand.

“Miss Joana Harvelle,” the bailiff announced. Donna got up and took a step forward.

“Miss Harvelle, tell me what is your relationship with Dean?”

“We are friends.”

“What happened on the night of his disappearance.”

“I… I assume Dean snuck out-”

“Objection, speculation.”

“Sustained. Please state only the facts, Miss Harvelle,” Judge Armstrong said.

“Uhm, right. So we had to go to this concert. And Dean showed up at our meeting place. He came with us.”

“What happened then?”

“Well, we were going home and Dean wanted to go and get some water. So he left the group and went to the gas station.”

“Did you see him going to the gas station?”

“No… but I saw him leave it.”

Dean’s heart sank. Was it… possible?

“What happened?”

“After Dean left, we kept walking to my house, but I was worried. So I went after him.” Jo paused. “I saw him leave the gas station. He… he was followed by a tall man. Dean… looked at him once, then ran. The man ran after him.”

“What did you do?”

“I, uhm, I ran too. I heard Dean scream, but I couldn’t find him. I… I got there too late.” Jo had teary eyes.

“What did Dean scream?”

“He screamed for help.”

“I have no further questions, your honor.”

Crowley stood and walked in front of Jo. He stood silent for a long time, building up tension in the room.

“You said Dean looked back at the tall man.”

“Yes.”

“So, he acknowledged that he had caught the man’s attention.”

“Objection, speculation.”

“Sustained.”

“Why didn’t you find Dean in time?”

“The screaming stopped.”

“The screaming stopped…” Crowley repeated. “I feel it’s safe to assume the screaming stopped because Dean submitted to his alpha, right?.”

“Objection, speculation.”

“Sustained.”

Crowley shrugged. It was clear he merely wanted to throw that idea in the courtroom - he never intended for Jo to answer the question.

“What was the man doing?”

“He was… watching Dean.”

“Who ran first?”

“I don’t see the relevance-”

“Answer the question, Miss Harvelle,” the judge intervened.

“Dean ran first.”

“Dean ran first ,” Crowley repeated while looking at the jury. “So, the tall man didn’t move before Dean, correct?”

“Objection, leading.”

“Sustained,” the judge banged his gavel. “Be very careful Mister Crowley.”

Crowley did a small bow with his head before turning to Jo. ”When did the tall man start chasing Dean?”

Jo had clenched fists. “He ran after Dean ran.”

“So,” Crowley paused for dramatic effect, “the man waited for Dean to initiate the chase?”

“Objection, leading.”

“Overruled. Answer the question, Miss Harvelle.”

“Yes, I suppose so.”

“No further questions.”

The judge banged his gavel against the bench. “This is our last witness. All of the evidence has been presented. I ask the jury to retreat in order to deliberate. We shall return when there is a verdict.

-*-

Dean didn’t expect he would be back in the courtroom half an hour later. He was worried what it could mean if the deliberations were over so fast. Cas was calm and collected next to him.  

“Members of the jury, have you reached a verdict?”

“Yes, we have,” the lead juror stood. “In the case of Winchester v. Kumarin over the accusation of unlawful claiming, we the jury find that the claiming was lawful.”

Dean’s head spun. He felt like the whole world crashed on him. This couldn’t be happening. He was stuck with the crazed alpha.

“I therefore agree - the claiming is lawful,” the judge banged his gavel, cementing the verdict. “I can see there were multiple misunderstandings in this case. Therefore, I sentence the pair, Castiel and Dean Kumarin, to attend five sessions of couple’s counseling. For marital rape, Mr Kumarin shall pay a fine of 1500 dollars. Seeing the omega is underage - there has to be structured contact between the omega and his blood relatives. I will leave it to the families to agree on schedules.” The judge banged his gavel and got up. The courtroom erupted in noise, but Dean felt stuck. He couldn’t move. 

Chapter 33

 

Dean laid on the bed, looking up at the canopy. After the verdict had been given, his world was shaken. He had one hope - that his family could revoke the mating and get him home. From the talks Castiel had with Crowley it was almost impossible to secure an appeal for such trials. His mother had only vitriol on her tongue - Dean heard very little of what she was saying because Cas took him out of the courtroom with haste. The alpha sauntered inside the room and opened a window. 

“It stinks in here.”

Dean didn’t react. He could scent sadness and rejection on him, but he didn’t care. Cas came into his field of view. He was dressed as usual, in a black suit and a black shirt.

“Dean. Come on, get up. We’ll go into town.”

“I don’t want to-”

“ Get up. ” The Alpha Voice cut through him. He tried resisting it, but when Cas repeated himself his inner Omega cowered. He obeyed and got up. Cas made him dress in a green shirt and dark jeans, then fastened the collar on his neck. They went outside and Cas gestured for him to get in the car. Dean obeyed. All in all, if he resisted, the alpha would just use force to coerce him.

Cas climbed in the driver’s seat and they were off. The alpha was silent on the ride into Miami. Tall buildings flanked each side of the road. The streets were lit up - Dean watched the people on the sidewalk. No one else was wearing a long sleeved shirt. Young people his age filled the streets. They reached a huge mall - Brickell City Centre, judging by the lettering. Cas went into the underground parking. 

 

Inside the mall, the alpha walked briskly, dominating the space, without giving unnecessary attention to anything. Dean looked around him, as he walked slower, some two steps behind the man. A brief thought crossed his mind - maybe he could escape. He could get lost in the huge mall, then live off the streets in Miami or something. Beg for money. Get on a Greyhound back to Kansas. The alpha put a heavy arm around his shoulders. Reality came crashing on him. 

“We’re here.” Cas stopped in front of what looked like a fancy restaurant named Puttshack. He wasn’t sure what Cas wanted to do here. They went inside, then Cas went straight for the reception. “I want two putters, for me and my mate.”

The Beta behind the counter sized them up, then produced two putters. She gave the shorter one to Dean, who was increasingly more confused. Cas paid, took the scoreboard and gestured for the omega to follow him.

Inside, the space opened up. He realized it was a mini golf course - each lane was decorated with neon lightning. There weren’t the usual mini golf decorations like windmills or barns. It looked more like a set from Blade Runner 2049, with miniature bridges, billboards and futuristic cars. Everything looked sleek and modern. 

“Uhm, Cas, what are we doing here?”

The alpha frowned. “You were sad. Jimmy suggested I do something nice.” Cas shrugged. “I, uhm, read this… place,” he waved his hand, “was popular with the young people.”

“You… Googled… or what?”

Cas pursed his lips. He was tight and stand-offish.  “Yes, I googled... If you’re hungry, we can eat here too. It has good reviews.” The alpha looked at him - the lines around his eyes were tighter than usual. His scent didn’t change.

Dean swallowed around nothing. Was this really happening? He fidgeted with the putter in his hand. “So, uhm, what is this?”

“What’s what?” Castiel tilted his head.

“This.” Dean gestured between them. “What we’re doing this?”

“Uhm…” Castiel’s scent swayed as confusion seeped into his scent. “I suppose you could call it …a date.” The alpha put a golf ball down. “I’ve never played this game before”. He studied the lane with intense eyes, the lines on his face hardening.

“You have to put the ball in the hole,” Dean said. “Each shot is one point. The winner is the one with the least amount of points.”

Cas tilted his head and looked at him, like a bird of prey. “The least amount?”

“Yeah - because that means the least amount of shots. Best you can do is a hole-in-one.”

“Have you played before?” Cas took a stance next to the ball. His hips weren’t aligned and the image of this mafioso hitman trying to play mini golf seemed ridiculous to Dean. He went behind Cas and touched the man’s hips. He felt the alpha jerk under his touch.

“Yeah, I played before in Kansas.” Dean pushed Cas’ right hip down. “Keep your hips straight. Legs shoulder width apart.”

The alpha adjusted his stance. He swung the putter slowly in a practice shot and then he hit the ball. It didn’t roll - it flew over the lane. To Dean’s surprise, the ball fell on lane number 9 and rolled over the bridge and into the hole. 

“That’s… uhm… one point for you on hole number nine, I guess.”

“Does it count?” Castiel frowned.

“Why wouldn’t it? We don’t have to follow the order.” Dean wrote a 1 on Cas’ score sheet. “Now it’s my turn.” He placed the score boards on the bench next to the lane and put his ball down. He took his stance and planned the trajectory. He hit the ball, but it wasn’t strong enough. He had to try again and the ball fell inside the hole with the third strike. “So, that’s 3 for me,” he added on the scoreboard. 

They went through holes 2 to 4 in almost complete silence. After his hole-in-one miracle, the alpha had a harder time getting the ball to fall into the holes. 

“ Blyat, ” he muttered. “If this was someone’s head, I wouldn’t miss,” he growled in frustration. 

“You’re that good with a gun?’

“Yes.” Cas swore when the ball refused to go in the hole after the seventh strike. His shots were either too strong or too weak.

“Where did you learn to shoot?” Dean felt stupid for asking such a question. He felt his ears hot and it was safe to assume his cheeks were colored in pink.

“I… I can’t remember.” Cas paused. “It’s like… asking me when or where I learned to walk.” He shot again. The ball fell into the hole. “Have you ever held a gun?”

“Uhm, yes. Dad took us to a shooting range once.”

“Did you like it?” Cas turned to look at him. His blue eyes were like two lagoons.

Dean licked his lips. Was it a trick question? 

“I'm curious. That's all.” The alpha hesitated. “Jimmy suggested I talk more with you…”

“I didn't think you were close to him.” It was Dean’s turn on hole number 11.

“We were… until we presented,” the alpha said. There was a certain sadness in the man’s voice. Cas had the faraway look of someone lost in thought. Dean watched the alpha with curiosity. “We're the reason our community started testing for the subgender of pups.”

“What?”

“They figured we'd be alphas judging by our height, our built, our demeanor. Father raised us accordingly. At 12, I went into rut and James went into heat. We were separated and nothing has been the same between us ever since. I… I found that to change since you came around.” 

Dean was silent as Cas tried and tried again to put the ball in hole number 12. Pieces fell into place and now he understood why the omega had a soft spot for him - he probably saw himself in him.

“I liked it by the way,” Dean said. When confusion flickered on Cas’ face he clarified. “Shooting at the range. I like holding guns.” 

“Did you go a second time?”

“No… Dad said it's not safe for omegas.”

“Would you like to go?” 

“I mean…” Dean thought about what Jimmy told him as well - that he needed to communicate with Cas. How he could choose to make his life easier or harder. “Yeah, I'd love to learn to shoot.” He decided to make his life easier. Castiel nodded. 

They completed the golf course in little over an hour and a half. Dean was the winner by quite a margin. Cas congratulated him, then suggested they eat something.

The food was indeed good. Dean had chosen a cheeseburger and a cherry coke. 

“Do you like your food?” The alpha had ordered the same thing. His tattooed fingers held onto the cheeseburger tightly.

“Yeah, it's good,” Dean said with a full mouth.  “Uhm, can I go back to highschool?”

“Yes,” Castiel nodded. 

“Okay, thanks.” Dean hesitated, but then quickly added, “alpha.” He didn't like the silence that engulfed them. “What's your favorite animal?” He blurted out. Embarrassment twisted his insides. He expected the alpha to laugh off his silly question, but to his surprise, he didn't.

“I like bees,” the man answered. “You?”

“I… don't really have one.” Dean licked his lips. “Favorite band?”

“I like Beyonce.” 

Dean almost choked on his cherry coke. He must have misheard the alpha. “Like… ‘all the single ladies’ - that Beyonce?”

“Yes. Is that… a problem?” Cas frowned. 

“No, no, it's just… I didn't picture you as a Beyonce kinda guy.” 

“I also like Linkin Park… Rammstein… Metallica.”

“How about classic rock? Like Led Zeppelin or ZZ Top?”

“Is that what you like?”

Dean nodded enthusiastically and went on to talk about classic rock for the remainder of their dinner. When their plates were clear, Cas paid and they left. The alpha wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him close. Dean went willingly. His omega was soothed, purring belly up inside him. On the ride home, Cas let Dean choose the music so the conversation continued. 

 

Inside the apartment, Cas was quick to hug him from behind. The alpha nuzzles behind his ear, scenting deeply.  Dean picked up on the musky scent of the alphas arousal and if that didn't tip him off, then the erection pressing against his ass would have. 

“I miss you. I want to knot that ass, fill you up with my cum.” The alpha’s hands roamed on his body. Dean relaxed under his ministrations, ass beginning  to leak.

“If I told you no… would you stop?” Dean asked in a small voice. He knew the alpha had been slapped with a fine for marital rape but he doubted he cared for 1500 dollars… and the misdemeanor was probably nothing compared to his rap sheet. 

Cas turned him around and pinned him to the wall. His blue eyes were like steel, cutting through him.  

“I don't like being told no.” 

“Who does?” Dean decided to defy the alpha. On this topic, he would make his life harder. “I don't like being raped all the time.” 

Cas tilted his head. “You know, in my society there's no such thing as marital rape. Just an alpha taking what's rightfully his.” 

“Too bad we live in the USA.” 

“You think that's the only US law I've broken?”

Dean swallowed around nothing. “No. But what about your God? How does He feel about this?” 

“You're mine. There's nothing of yours that you can deny me.”  

Dean pursed his lips. He was sure he was going to be coerced with the Alpha Voice. Cas walked away from him. Without a word, the alpha entered the bedroom. Surprised, Dean followed - he found Castiel undressing. 

“What are you doing now?”

“I'm leaving you alone.” Cas squinted his eyes. “Isn't this what you wanted?”

Dean's ass leaked slick like crazy while the alpha’s lean, muscular body moved in front of him, making each tattoo almost come to life. Dean felt ablaze with want.

“I just…” he worried at the seam of his shirt.

“I don’t have the inclination to amuse mind games, omega. I won’t use the Voice on you for sex - you want it, fine - you don’t want it - fine. I’ll just find someone else that’s willing.”

“Someone else?” Dean frowned. “Are you… divorcing me?”

“No?” Cas frowned. “Why on Earth would I want to do that, after I fought in court for you?”

“But if you find someone else -”

“I meant taking a lover. It’s not unusual among our men. Gabriel has a few himself. Not to mention Lucifer always test drives the whores that work for him.” The alpha climbed into bed.

Dean’s inner omega howled. The wolf was so hurt, Dean felt pain in his chest. He rubbed his sternum to try and chase away the pressure. 

“I… That’s not fair!” He screamed at the alpha. “Fuck you, Cas!”

“Why wouldn’t it be? You don’t want to have sex with me and I’m done forcing you into submission… what’s wrong with that?”

“But… then why not cut me loose?”

“You’ll go into heat and then I’ll be here to care for you… and fill you up with my puppies.” Cas looked solemn. “You are my True Mate - you’re meant to have my pups.” Cas opened his phone and thumbed on the screen.

Dean hugged his lower abdomen. He was a prisoner, no more, no less.

“What if I don’t want your puppies?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Dean. You’re omega, of course you want puppies.”

The boy’s inner wolf purred at that, happy the big strong alpha wanted to sire his pups. Dean was so confused in his mind and body, he didn’t even know what his smell was - he could scent faint arousal, annoyance, rejection… everything and nothing. He didn’t even know what he wanted. He covered his face with his hands and tried to breathe. He felt stuck.

“Dean?” Cas’s slender fingers wrapped around his wrists. The alpha moved his hands, then pinned his chin to raise his eyes. Blue met green. “What’s wrong? Your scent is… all over the place.”

“I… I don’t know…”

“What does the wolf want?” Cas asked softly.

“I… the wolf?” 

“You omega.” Cas touched him gently on his chest. The wolf yipped at the touch, purring. Dean let the purr reach the surface and his chest began vibrating. That seemed to be enough of an answer for the alpha.

“And what does… your brain want?” Cas caressed his forehead.

“I… logical brain thinks you’re a murderer and a criminal… and I should run away… not let you touch me,” Dean whispered. His purr stopped.

“Okay. My… logical side and my wolf are on the same page. They want you. Preferably presenting on the bed.” Cas sighed. “This is going to be difficult.” The alpha pulled him into a hug. 

At first, Dean tensed up but when he saw that nothing more was happening, he relaxed slowly. The alpha’s pheromones lulled his wolf into a deep sense of relaxation.

Chapter 34

Dean felt like he was floating. He smelled cherries and bitter almonds. The scent engulfed him. He sighed in relief - he felt safe and he felt… good. So good, in fact, that he started purring. He opened his eyes to see the sun filtering through the pink canopy. He moved a bit - he hissed as the fabric of his boxers irritated his aching cock. It was ramrod hard and leaking - and so was his ass. His boxers were definitely ruined. 

“Fuck this,” he muttered. He was horny and his body felt empty. If anything he needed something to fill him up. His inner omega purred and supplied the answer.  

Cas was sprawled across the bed next to him. Judging by the tent rising across his midsection, the scent of omega arousal wasn't missed by his alpha nose. Dean sat and looked at the sleeping man. Objectively, he was damn sexi. His hair was tousled in every direction. The tattoos across his body were fascinating. Looking at them, he realized they were telling a story. It was bloody violent - guns, knives and bloody tears were strategically placed on the man's shoulders. Dean counted 85 blood tears dripping from the knife. There was room to add more and a cold chill passed through his body. It had the opposite effect on Dean's libido, as a new gush of slick exited his ass. 

“Cas,” he whispered. No response from the alpha. Feeling as if his inner omega took the lead, Dean reached out and rocked the alpha gently. “Cas… Cas come on wake up.” The alpha blinked awake, but as soon as his brain powered up enough, his head snapped to Dean. His eyes had a ring of alpha red around the blue. His nostrils flared, taking in the scent.

“You smell… amazing.” 

“Yeah… whatever…” Dean deflected the compliment, making the alpha growl. “Just… fuck me.” 

Castiel didn't need a special invitation. He surged forwards, pulling the boy back between the sheets. Before Dean knew it, his boxers flew off his body. 

“Bozhe moy, you're amazing.” 

Dean's inner omega purred hearing the praise. He widened his legs, making the scent of omega arousal bloom in the room. Castiel's tongue was quick to fill the emptiness. Dean moaned from the pleasure as the alpha ate his ass like it was his last meal on earth. He trashed against the sheet, fighting the orgasm that was building rapidly - the pleasure had to last longer.

“A-a-alphaaa.” 

“I'm here,” Cas said. The lower half of his face was shiny with slick. “What do you need, baby?” 

“Just… fill me already!” Dean bucked his hips on the bed.  

“If that's what you want, present!” Cas sat on his hunches, watching hungrily as the omega flipped on his belly. Dean raised his ass and waited. 

“Oh, fuck!” Dean yelped when the alpha cocked bottomed in his hole. “Fuuuuuuck!” He fisted the sheets, hanging on whatever he could grab as the alpha pounded on his ass. The knot grew larger and larger, putting just the right amount of pressure on Dean's inside. When Cas couldn't remove the knot anymore he settled for a slow, grinding rhythm that drove the omega insane.

“Oh, fuck, so good, fuck!” Dean mewled with every thrust. 

“Come for me, omega!”

As if on command, an orgasm ripped through Dean, so powerful he howled with abandon. Cas even muffled his mouth with a firm hand. Three more thrusts and, with a deep, guttural grunt, Cas followed him over the edge. The knot locked into place. Cas cradled Dean as the little spoon and nuzzled into his mating scar, inhaling deeply.  

Dean felt like coming out of a coma. He swallowed around nothing and covered his face with his hands. He had actually asked the crazed alpha for morning sex! He should hate it and never want that man's knot inside his ass. 

“Stop thinking.” Cas tapped him on the temple. “Too much thinking makes you smell bad.” 

“Oh and that's such an inconvenience for you,” Dean said sarcastically. 

Cas thrusted inside, hitting the prostate and making Dean see white stars as pleasure pooled in his belly once more.

“That's better.” Cas kissed him on the facial scars. 

“Ugh… don't kiss me there.” 

“I like them.” 

“Well I fucking don't!” 

Cas harrumphed, but stopped nonetheless. With gentle fingers he removed loose hairs from Dean's forehead. “You should try and sleep. When you wake up we'll get ready and I'll drop you off at highschool.”

“Okay…” 

Dean hugged a pillow and settled in the alpha's arms. As much as he tried to chase away bad thoughts they came back tenfold. He knew his scent had soured and the knot felt somewhat uncomfortable in his ass.  

“Dean-”

“I can't stop bloody thinking alright!” He erupted. “It's like… my omega is… quiet and now my brain is wide awake.” 

Cas harrumphed again. “What is it to think about?”

“How I shouldn't have liked it…” Dean said in a small voice.

“Well, why not? Sex is good for you. Orgasms make the good chemicals flood your body. Don't let this,” Cas tapped on his temple, “ruin the fun.” 

“It's just- “

“Stop thinking. Just… follow your instinct and your body.” 

“What's with the blood tears tattoos?”

There was silence for a few bears. He thought the alpha wasn't going to answer him. 

“Relax, take a nap on my knot… and I'll tell you what's with the tears.” Cas hugged him tightly. He kissed him on the mating gland, rolling it between his lips. It felt good. 

“Okay, Cas.” Dean allowed his body to relax under the alpha's ministrations. He was fast asleep soon enough. 

 

Dean woke up relaxed and sated. The alpha wasn't in bed, but judging by the sounds coming from the bathroom it was clear he was taking a shower. He decided to do the same in the spare bathroom. After a quick, clinical shower, he set up making breakfast. It was tight, but they surely had time for a bite of sandwich. 

In the car, Dean hesitated a bit before deciding to bite the bullet. 

“You said you'd tell me what's with the bloody tears?” 

“Hm? Oh yeah.” Cas grip tightened on the steering wheel. “It's the number of men I've assassinated.” 

“The fuck? I… counted 85!”  

“86, actually.”

Dean stared out the window. “Dude, how?”

“I've been in this business a long time, Dean.”

“I… do you like killing people?”

“What? No.” Cas frowned. “It's just… my job.” 

“Well, did you ever consider doing something else?” Dean gestured with his hands. 

“Keeping bees. Opening a bakery.”

“For real?” Dean frowned.

“Yes, ‘for real’,” Cas used air quotes. “Don't tell the others but I make a damn good honey cake.”

“Why shouldn't I tell them?”

“It's not very alpha like, that's all.” 

“What? How come? Like there's a ton of world renowned alpha chefs.”

“But not bakers. There's a difference, Dean.” 

They talked about the differences between baking and cooking for the reminder of the drive to highschool. 

 

For one, Dean didn't expect to find a routine with the alpha. He naturally woke up early enough to allow them a quick fuck and knot. This satisfied Dean's inner omega - the wolf usually purred like an engine. Highschool wasn't all that different from his former school. He missed wrestling and his friends. Being the only mated omega to attend highschool meant he was excluded from the rest. Nonetheless he enjoyed cooking classes and that reflected in the meals he prepared at home for Cas. The alpha praised his skill, which made his inner omega preen, purr and show its belly. However, Dean decided he wasn't going to give in to the bitch - he rejected any physical affection from Cas during the day, which made the alpha huff and growl.

Cas’ schedule was all over the place. Sometimes he was gone all day, other times he was gone most of the night. But whatever he did, he was always home come morning to fuck Dean's brains out and take him to school. 

 

It was eerly domestic and Dean's brain didn't like how comfortable he was getting in the alpha's house. Talking to Jimmy sometimes helped - the older omega knew what It was like to have your subgender shoved rudely down your throat. 

“And it's just that… I don't know, it just feels wrong.”

“You were kidnapped and brought into a very different community, of course your brain is at odds with that.” Jimmy made more baggies of drugs. They'd taken their share of pills and moved a few feet away from the rest of the omegas. Lilith threw dirty looks their way, but since Naomi didn't make any comment, she didn't dare overstep. 

“So… what's in these?” Dean looked closed at one of the pink pills. 

“Ecstasy.” 

“Oh.” He slipped the pill in a baggie. 

“Don't be tempted to do any drugs - you'll be severely punished.”

“Wait… you guys sell drugs but you have rules about not using them?”

“We make money by providing something people want. We don't care if they're harmful - but that doesn't mean they aren't.” 

Dean nodded and continued making baggies. Jimmy had begun picking him up for the group activities - making drug baggies, chopping vegetables for Sunday lunch or helping younger mothers with their small pups. 

Sunday lunches were something Dean didn't like. He had a hard time controlling his scent to not show his true feelings. Omegas weren't allowed to speak unless spoken to and most of the meal conversation consisted of the alphas talking business. Dean especially hated Lucifer and his talk about his “business”. He was crass and cruel and nothing that left his mouth was appropriate for meal time. 

“We've got this new whore. From Moldova.” Lucifer stuck a juicy bit of beef in his mouth. “She's stupid but that doesn't matter. Her pussy is juicier than this steak.” He pointed at the slab of meat on his plate. “I took her out for a test drive,” Lucifer laughed. “She was like ‘no no no’ but she changed her mind real quick when I used the Voice. Obedient little bitch even cummed when I told her too.” 

Dean stared at his plate - suddenly he'd lost the appetite for steak. Probably for good. He felt every word Lucifer said as the alpha continued to talk in great detail about the raping. He closed his eyes, trying to tune out what he was hearing while trying to control his scent. A hand squeezed his knee. 

“I think that's enough, Lucifer.” Cas’ voice cut like steel. 

“What?” Lucifer had a shit eating grin on his face. “Don't you like hearing about juicy pussies, brother?”

“It's disturbing my mate,” Cas growled. 

“Doesn't he like to hear about juicy pussies?” Lucifer laughed. “I guess he just likes cocks in his ass.” 

Cas stood up so fast, his seat fell down. Dean didn't know what to do. 

“Don't insult my mate,” Cas growled, pumping out bitter almonds. His scent was so thick with anger and aggression Dean felt he would choke on it.

“So touchy,” Lucifer tapped on his lip.  

“Enough.” Mikhail roared, making all the omegas cower. 

Castiel grabbed Dean by the arm and hoisted him to his feet. “I'm taking my mate home.” Without any other words, they left. 

 

Structured contact with his family meant Dean talked to Mary on the phone once every few days. The conversations were short and lacked emotion. Mary talked incessantly about appealing the judge's ruling but not being able to find a lawyer willing to take their case. 

“You should come visit us,” Mary said one day. “According to the ruling the judge made, he is obligated to allow you one visit per month. So… last weekend of the month - tell him you want to come over.” 

“Sure, Ma,” Dean replied mechanically. 

“Is he still raping you?” Mary asked all of a sudden. “Is he beating you? Is he leaving marks on your body? If he is, you have to take pictures and send them to me-”

“Ma, what are you talking about?”

“Systematic physical abuse can be a reason to dissolve a mating-”

“Ma, we lost, okay? I'm trying to… I don't know what, but I'm just tired.”

“Don't stop fighting him, Dean. If we have any chance of getting you back, we have to prove continual abuse.” 

“But… what if I like… being with him?” He asked. All in all, giving in to his omega and having unashamed sex with the man wasn't so bad. He made mental barriers in his head - like not allowing Castiel to touch him any other part of the day. The mornings were the only times he let his inner omega guide him.

“Dean. You don't like being with him. It's your inner wolf that confuses you because it's tied to his wolf.” 

“I don't know, Ma…” 

“Don't listen to your wolf, Dean.” 

He let Mary talk, without paying much attention to what she had to say. She was set in her tracks and nothing changed it, not even when Dean asked about his dad or his brother. Any time he asked about Sam, he was “out”.

 

One evening, during dinner, Castiel cleared his throat, drawing attention to himself.

“Tomorrow, after school -I'll pick you up. We have one of those… therapy sessions.” Castiel waved his hand.

“Do we have to?” Dean scrunched his face. He was tired of talking about his situation or his wolf. 

“Yes. It's court mandated. I need to provide proof we went.”

“Can't you like… pay someone off and not do it?”

Castiel raised an eyebrow. “That would be our way of doing it, yes… But, I figured it might help. You're… at odds with yourself most of the time.”

“Oh, so I'm the problem?” Dean snapped. “Not you, the psychotic alpha who kidnapped me? Sure… I'm at odds with myself.”

Cas tilted his head. “I'll go to therapy too… I… understand you see my way of life as reproachable.” He took another bite of the lasagna. “Besides… I've noticed how you act - letting me fuck and knot you in the mornings, then rejecting any form of affection… isn't that being at odds with yourself?” Dean didn't reply so Cas continued. “Tomorrow at 3 pm we have a session. It's decided.”

They finished eating in silence. 

 

Chapter 35

Dean worried at the hem of his shirt. It was hot and humid and he could have killed to unbutton just two buttons and roll up his sleeves. Cas leaned into him, bitter almonds wafting into his nose.

“Remember - we don’t specify exactly what I do. Clear?”

“Yes.”

“Is it clear?”

The Alpha Voice was strong - it was like Dean’s head had been pushed down and his inner omega yelped and submitted. “Yes, alpha - it’s clear,” he said through gritted teeth.

The door opened and a beta wearing a white linen midi dress smiled at them.

“The Kumarins?” 

“Yes, that's us.” The alpha stood up, unbuttoning his suit jacket. 

The women gave them an once over, then opened the door wide. “Please, come in.” Dean followed Cas as the alpha stepped inside with his head held high. “I understood you were court ordered to participate in these sessions?” The woman asked as they took their seats. Castiel leaned on the couch, the therapist sat on her armchair, opposite the couch and that left Dean with few options. He decided to sit on a floor puff, away from the alpha and the therapist. Maybe she wouldn't notice him.

“Yes, we were.” Cas kept his answers short.

“Why were you in court?” 

“Doesn't it say on our papers?” Cas pointed to the pile of documents that were on the therapist's clipboard.”

“I'd like to hear your version of events.”

“I… I was sued for wrongfully claiming my omega, Dean. His father had sued me.”

“Okay. So, you were well within your rights to claim this omega?”

“He was outside, he smelled like mate. He showed interest in me.” Castiel shrugged. 

“Okay.” The therapist had a tight smile on her face. “So, how therapy will work - firstly I want to talk to each one of you, separately and then we’ll do joint sessions so we can work together. I would ask you, Castiel, to step out for a bit, while I talk to Dean.” 

With that, Dean’s hopes that he would fly under the radar and be ignored for the whole session, blew away. Castiel harrumphed, but complied nonetheless. Left alone with the therapist, Dean was unsure what to do next.

“Hi, Dean,” she said with a warm smile. She moved from the armchair to another floor puff, across from Dean. “I’m Pamela Barnes. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Uhm, I’m Dean Winchester,” Deans said. He hugged his knees to his chest.

“So, why don’t you tell me about yourself?”

“What do you want to know?”

Pamela leaned a bit forward. “What do you feel comfortable sharing?” At that, Dean shrugged. He was unsure what he was supposed to say. “How old are you, Dean?”

“I'm sixteen,” Dean said. He felt his throat tighten. 

“You're so young.” Pamela reached out, but when Dean didn’t make any gesture to reciprocate, she took her hand back. "What can you tell me about your parents?”

“Mom’s Mary, she’s omega. Dad’s John, he’s an alpha. They were sweethearts in highschool, then married and had me. Then they had my brother Sammy.”

“When did you present omega?”

“Two weeks or so before… mister psycho out there claimed me.” Dean threw a side eye toward the door.

“That’s not a long time to accommodate with being an omega.” Pamela adjusted her stance. Contrary to what Dean expected, she did not have pity in her eyes. “How was the first heat?”

“Shitty as fuck. I was horny all the time…” Dean shrugged.

“How did your family react to you presenting omega?”

“I… they just freaked out. I wasn’t allowed out with friends, like I used to. They wanted to move to a gated community… It just felt like I was in jail and my life was over.”

“Did your mother teach you about being an omega?”

“She didn’t tell me much… she said she didn’t want to overwhelm me with information.”

“When did she say that, Dean?”

“At the trial.” Dean swallowed around nothing. He found a loose thread in his jeans and he was pulling at it with interest. 

“Okay. But what did she do to support you after you presented omega?”

“She just kept… yapping about how I changed, how my scent draws in alphas and how I can’t fight the Alpha Voice. How important it was for me to stay home… be safe. Yadda, yadda.” 

“Didn't she say anything else?”

“No,” Dean said bitterly. “I didn’t know I shouldn’t run from alphas.”

“What happened that night?”

“I… I snuck out with friends. On the way home I stopped at a gas station to get some water. And then, I felt his scent. It was… all I could think of, it was so intoxicating. Like nothing I’ve ever scented before. I don’t know why, maybe instinct but I followed the scent and then I met Cas. I ran from him, he followed me and he caught up with me soon enough. I’ve been with him ever since.”

“Did he give you that scar?” Pamela was looking at his cheek.

“Yeah. Every mated omega in his pack has one. We aren’t supposed to wear clothes that show our mating scars… or any other skin for that matter.”

“How does his scent make you feel now?”

“I… my omega feels safe with his scent. It’s… soothing. He just… curls up and purrs. It's…” 

“Yes? What does that make you feel?”

“It makes me feel nice and safe.”

“Do you disagree with your omega?”

“Of course!” Dean erupted. “He’s a fucking psycho, I shouldn’t like anything about him. Him and his fucking crazy family.”

“Do you call him a psycho because he claimed you, or is it something else?”

Dean worried at his lips. “The business they’re in…”

“What business is that?”

“He said I can’t tell you.”

“Okay. Why do you have to keep this secret?”

“I’m pretty sure his brother will kill me if I spill the beans.” Dean fidgeted on the spot, changing the way he held his legs.

“His brother?”

“The family head. The pack alpha. He’s… not my biggest fan and he’s… the boss of the business.”

“Dean, I'm bound by confidentiality-”

“I'm not going to go into any specifics. This thing they got going on, it feels straight out of some TV shit… like The Sopranos, you know?.”

The therapist raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. “How do you feel about their… business?”

“It's horrible. I hate it.” 

Pamela nodded. “Circling back a bit, I have to ask, are you afraid Cas would kill you?”

“What? No!” Dean’ inner wolf rejected the idea. After that reaction, Dean re;axed his body, thinking things through. “He’s… probably technically capable but I don’t think he’d… hurt me like that.”

“Has he hurt you in other ways?”

“He raped me. And he hit me a few times.”

Pamela’s lips became thin, the lines in her face hardening. “How often does he do that?”

“It used to be often - using the Alpha Voice for sex. But he toned it down after we had an argument.”

“How does your wolf react to his Alpha Voice?”

“Immediate shut down. It just… submits so fast.” 

“I see.” Pamela paused. She leaned forward a bit. “So, Cas responded to you setting a boundary.”

“I guess so…” Dean felt intensely uncomfortable.

“Has he used the Voice on you since you said something?”

“I mean, he uses it often on me, but… not for sex. Not since I told him not to.” 

“Was it only Alpha Voice or did he use physical force to coerce you into sex?”

“Just the Alpha Voice. My stupid omega is a whore.”

“Why are you calling your omega stupid?”

“Because he fucking is! Falling head over heels for… a fucking a-,” Dean bit his lips and covered his mouth. That was a close call. “For a fucking psycho,” he finished the sentence. His inner wolf was displeased, growling in his chest. Dean rubbed on his sternum to alleviate the anxiety coursing through his veins.

Pamela sighed. “I’ve rarely had clients who are so at odds with their inner wolves. For you, it’s almost like you have two distinct identities - the wolf, who is entirely dedicated to his alpha, and you, Dean, who finds Castiel so morally reprehensible you could never love him.” Pamela sighed. “It’s going to be difficult, Dean. You have to choose - either turn inward and heal the rift between your mind and your wolf, or turn outward, deepen that rift and try and get out of this mating. Whatever you choose, it’s going to have a great impact on your life. Staying with Castiel and becoming one with your wolf might be more fulfilling and lead to better mental health, although with how different you two are, there’s no guarantee you’re not going to experience anxiety and depression. Leaving him and breaking the bond with your inner wolf will lead to chronic depression and might make it near impossible to create a new bond with another alpha.” Pamela paused and brought her hands to her face. “I am truly sorry, Dean, both of those are shitty options.” 

“That's just my luck.” Dean finally managed to rip the thread on his jeans. “What should I do?”

“It depends on you.”

“No, it doesn't. It never does.” Dean covered his eyes with his hands. “My mom wants me back. She keeps telling me to fight him, break the bond and come home. Castiel wants to work on this relationship.”

“But what do you want?” 

“Ugh.” Dean felt like his chest was about to explore. “I WANT TO BE FUCKING LEFT ALONE. I WANT TO… FIGURE IT OUT,” he screamed. “I just… I just want to be a fucking kid again.” Tears formed at the corner of his eyes, making the world a bit more blurry. 

“Okay. Tell me - what's your situation where you live?” 

“My…situation?”

“Yes. How big is the apartment?” 

“Uhm, two bedrooms, one living room. Open space with the kitchen, why?”

“Okay… so, I want you to talk with Cas and create a space for yourself. Just yours. I suppose you're both sleeping in what was his bedroom?” Dean nodded in agreement, so Pamela continued. “Take the spare bedroom and make it yours. Put a bed in, a desk, anything that would make you happy. And if things are too overwhelming, you can go in your space and he's not allowed to enter unless you specifically invite him in.” 

“I don't think-”

“Stop thinking for now. And most importantly stop thinking what he might say. You have to live with the choice he made for you, not the other way around. You need your space, separated from him. That's going to be your homework for next time.”

“What if he says no?”

“If he refuses to create a safe space for you, that falls under omega abuse - There are several other forms of abuse that are accepted as grounds for divorce and dissolving of a mating: severe physical abuse,” Pamela accentuated the word, “because our lawmakers believe using the Alpha Voice is natural and can only amount to a misdemeanor if used excessively and also that a slap across the face is just discipline, failure to provide a safe space and a nest, failure to assist the omega during hears, and mating multiple omegas.”

“That’s it?”

“Unfortunately that’s all the reasons you can invoke. Unless he ups and decides to do an amicable dissolvement of the mating, which, judging from what I saw of him, he’s never going to agree to.”

Dean nodded - about that, the therapist was absolutely right. “He won't let me go, no.”

“Ask him for a personal space and we'll see how that goes.”

“Can't you tell him I need it?”

“No. My role here is to help you become more assertive and give you tools to deal with the changes in your life. You have to communicate with him.” Pamela got up and walked to a bookshelf. She gave Dean a book entitled “Omega, knowing your inner wolf.”

“Read this - it's a very concise manual and it goes through every aspect of being an omega, including normal alpha-omega interactions. For you, the most interesting part could be the one about traditional alpha omega relationships - it might shed some more light about your alpha's reactions.”

Dean hugged the book and got up. “O guess this is the end of our session?” 

“Unfortunately, yes. I'll ask you to tell Castiel to come in after you take a seat outside.” 

Dean complied. He found Castiel sitting on the couch, thumbing at his phone. The alpha looked at him with an inquisitive look.

“She said it's your turn.” 

Castiel got up in a second and made his way to the door. Before going in, he leaned and placed a chaste kiss on the corner of Dean's lip.n

Dean sat down in the now silent waiting room. He didn't know what he was going to do while waiting for the alpha.

 

Chapter 36

The one minute break between the partners wasn't enough for Pamela. She felt shaken up after talking to that poor confused sixteen year old boy. 

The man that entered now? She could easily read him - an alpha in tune with his inner wolf, driven by instinct. She could see it in the way he carried his body. He scanned the room quickly, then settled an icy cold stare on her, as if she were prey. He was dominating the space, exuding calm confidence. Castiel Kumarin took a seat on the couch, without needing to be invited by Pamela. He sat crossed legged, his upper body tense, controlled, hands intertwined and resting on his knee. Pamela could easily see the tattoos that adorned every finger. She took in a sharp intake of air.

“You like my tattoos?” Kumarin’s voice rumbled over her. He had a very faint accent. 

“They are definitely interesting, Mister Kumarin.”

“Hm.” The alpha tilted his head, reminding Pamela of a bird of prey. He squinted his eyes. 

“Are you attempting to intimidate me?” She asked.

“No. I know I already have.” He had a faint smirk on his face. “You recognize the designs.” It wasn't a question, it was a statement, and the alpha left it hanging in the space between them. In the end, Pamela swallowed around nothing and smiled forcefully. 

“They seem familiar… from a training course I did… on criminal psychology.” 

Kumarin's only reaction was to raise an eyebrow. “What did Dean tell you about me?”

“I can't discuss with you what he tells me. The same way I can't discuss with him what you tell me.”  

The lines in the alpha's face hardened. “Isn't this supposed to help us?” 

“My job is to first take care of the individuals and then see how, or if, I can help you as a couple.”

“What do you mean, if?” The alpha growled the last words, his scent becoming heavy with alpha aggression combined with his intense displeasure.

Pamela felt like she was choking. She pitied the young omega - this was a very dominating, very imposing alpha to whom even she had difficulty resisting. 

“Well, not all couple therapies end with the persons staying together. Sometimes they realize they would be happier going their separate ways.”

“Dean is my omega. We are True Mates and we are married in front of God. Nothing will come between us.” 

Finally, she saw a way in. Something to latch on and truly start this session.

“You believe God gave Dean to you?”

“Yes.” 

“For you to own?”

Kumarin harrumphed. “For me to claim and love. And for us to have strong, beautiful puppies.” 

“I see.” Pamela took a sip of water, focusing on how the water felt in her throat. She purposefully put the glass back down on its coaster. “How did you meet Dean?”

Kumarin adjusted his tie with sharp deliberate movements. “I was in Kansas for a business trip. I met Dean in a gas station. He followed my scent for a while, so I talked to him. He smelled like mate to me and my inner alpha saw red. All I could feel was the compelling need to sink my teeth in his mating gland. Dean ran away from me and that's all my wolf needed.” 

“So you let your instincts take over at that moment?”

“Of course.” 

“How often do you act on such primordial instincts?”

Kumarin shrugged. “Often enough.” 

“It’s common for people to filter their primordial desires and work with their inner wolf to reach a balance that benefits anyone living in a society.” Pamela watched as the alpha’s body tensed up even more.

“It’s not my fault society has lost the connection with our truest selves. Most people don’t even live in packs anymore,” he said with disdain. 

“So, you see no problem in claiming Dean?”

“Objectively, no.”

“That’s an interesting choice of words, Mister Kumarin. I guess your opinion has changed since it happened?” The alpha changed his position, switching his legs and adjusted his tie. “Has Dean’s attitude made an impact on you?”

“He’s ill mannered,” the alpha snapped. “He… he’s argumentative, he doesn’t know his place in a family or in a pack. His mother did a poor job raising him.”

“Why? What does he do that’s so… uncomfortable for you?”

“He’s rejecting my affection and… he accused me of raping him. All I did was ask for what was mine, in my Alpha Voice. He complied. How is that rape?”

“Mister Kumarin, you using the Alpha Voice forced Dean to submit.”

“No.” The alpha shook his head. “The omega only submits if he recognizes that the alpha using the Voice is one worthy of submitting to - familial alphas or mates. My Dean wouldn’t submit to any hillbilly using the Voice on him.” The smell of bitter cherries reached Pamela.

“Mister Kumarin, your understanding of biology is… somewhat correct but there are some nuances I think you’re missing.” At that, the alpha raised to his feet so fast Pamela didn’t have a time to react other than letting out a small yelp. Kumarin growled low, filling the office with the scent of his aggression. “Mister Kumarin, please take your seat and cease growling at me - it’s not appropriate,” Pamela said firmly. “You came here for a reason - I imagine a man of your means… could have circumvented these sessions. So why come here at all?”

The growling stopped, but Kumarin’s stance didn’t change. “I came here because I want to understand Dean. As much…” Kumarin passed his hand over his face and started pacing. “As much as my inner alpha is annoyed with Dean and his refusal to assume his role as the omega of our family… I’m also displeased that I scent bitterness and sadness on him. I… I need to make that scent go away. I just… want to scent him like I did that night. I… My brother made me understand that for that to happen something has to change. So, against Mikhail's wishes, I came here.”

“Your brother?”

“My… my twin, James. He’s omega too.”

Pamela gasped - it was extremely uncommon for twins to have different subgenders. She kept that observation for herself. Surely, Kumarin knew how rare it was, and the alpha seemed open to discuss his relationship with Dean, so she pressed further. “Why do you think Dean is sad and bitter?”

“He… feels that I hurt him. And he misses his family.”

“Did you hurt him?” The alpha growled again. “Mister Kumarin, it’s uncomfortable, but you have to face the truth - you hurt Dean. You used your Alpha Voice to force him into submission, knowing full well his inner omega would do anything your alpha asked of him, even against Dean’s will. He’s-”

“That’s fucking enough!” Kumarin’s scent became so bitter it was hard for Pamela to stand straight in front of him. She couldn’t help another wave of sympathy for the poor boy stuck with such an alpha. 

“No! It’s not enough, Mister Kumarin. Not only did you hurt him, he’s stuck with you in a strange community with strange rules-”

“What about his fucking whore of a mother?”

Pamela was taken aback by the sudden blame shift on the omega’s mother. “You know Dean presented only two weeks before you-”

“No, I am not talking about that.” Kumarin had red eyes. “Dean went into a mating heat. The fucking idiotic whore told him not to call me and just wait out the heat. He almost fucking died. He was ice cold when I reached him. What kind of a mother tells that to her son? And I saw her at the courthouse, she’s omega too. It’s…” Kumarin shook his head. “I may not know all the nuances ,” he said mockingly, “but I know it’s punishable by law if an alpha refuses to help their mate during heats.” His eyes reverted to ice cold blue. “The whore probably hoped to use this as a way to get the mating dissolved. To say I didn’t help him. So I’m not the only one hurting Dean in all this.”

“But you did hurt him.”

From bitter, the alpha’s scent swinged violently to sickening sour. The confident man that strutted in her office was gone and all Pamela could see was a broken man raised in a broken pocket of the society. 

“Yes, I hurt him.” Kumarin rubbed his eyes. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Have you apologized to him?”

“Yes… when I was on the stand.”

“On the stand, in court? Mister Kumarin, did you apologize to Dean, truly? Make it personal, talk to him, in private?”

“I don’t see-”

“And did your apology sound something like ‘ I’m sorry he feels like I raped him’ ? Because that is many things but not an apology. That puts the blame on Dean for how he’s feeling and that does not translate to you owning up to your actions that resulted in hurting him.” The alpha was silent, so Pamela pressed on. “And you’re somewhat right with the Alpha Voice. Omegas will submit more easily to alphas they see as worthy, but still, it’s ingrained in their wolves to submit when an alpha uses their Voice. Some are stronger, some are weaker - it’s not an exact science. Even if Dean's omega submitted, Dean didn’t want to - so it was wrong to force him. If man and wolf are on the same page, using the Alpha Voice can lead to some very satisfying play sessions for both partners, but that means Dean has to want that.” Kumarin listened to her with murder in his eyes but said nothing. After what felt like an eternity, the alpha nodded in agreement. Pamela checked the time - as much as she wanted to press on, it was late. She stood up. “Unfortunately, we’ve reached the end of today’s session, Mister Kumarin. My homework for you is to apologize to Dean. I want you to write it in a letter and then read it to him. We’ll discuss how that went next time.”

“Okay, fine.” Kumarin’s walls had been rebuilt. He turned and left without another word.

Chapter 37

After an awkward ride back to the gated community and an equally awkward evening spent with Cas, Dean didn't feel prepared to start the new day. The sun was shining through the pink canopy, warming up his body. His inner omega was his usual annoying self in the mornings, making Dean feel empty and slightly horny. He was expecting the alpha would wake up any minute and pounce on his ass. But, as minutes passed, the alpha didn't seem to wake up. Dean checked the time - it was late, seeing how long it took the knot to go down. Dean turned in bed and found Cas wide awake, looking up at the canopy. 

“Morning,” Dean said, frowning. “What's up with you?” 

“Hm?” Cas turned his head. “What do you mean?”

“You're usually knot deep in my ass at this hour. If you wanna fuck and knot, we better get it on because it's getting kinda late.”

“I see.” Cas’ scent betrayed the alpha's arousal, which triggered Dean's hole to slick. “I'm… not going to do that.” 

“What?” Dean was more confused than horny at that point. “Cas, do you have a fever or something?”

“No. It's… ” Cas stopped himself. “I’m fine, I’m just… not in the mood.”

“What?” Dean was confused. The alpha got out of bed and walked into the bathroom. Left alone in the bed, Dean realized his scent changed - omega rejection floated in the air. His stupid inner wolf was whining. There was nothing left for him to do, so he went into the kitchen to start on breakfast. He was halfway done with the pancakes when Castiel sauntered into the room, dressed in his usual black suit. The alpha growled slowly as he approached him.

“Cas?” Dean was unsure what was going on, but the next thing he knew, the alpha hugged him from behind. Castiel rubbed his head and chin onto Dean, scent marking him thoroughly. The alpha then busied himself with the coffee machine. “What was that about?”

“You smelled of rejection,” Cas stated simply. “Now you don’t.”

“Okay, but - you usually knotted me in the mornings, now you’re down to scent marking, I don’t get it. What’s going on?” Dean felt something stirring in his chest, like a thousand angry bees.

“I…” Cas cradled the hot coffee cup. He sighed, deeply, as if he let out the woes he held onto for years. “Nothing. It's fine.” Cas opened the cupboard and picked a travel mug. He transferred the coffee in it, took a pack of breakfast biscuits and made his way to the front door. “I've got some… stuff to do. I’all ask James to take you to highschool.”

Dean was left feeling confused, standing next to the stove. The smell of pancakes brought him back to the present and he flipped them just in time to prevent them from burning. Castiel rarely missed breakfast, especially since they had formed a morning routine. Feeling unbalanced, Dean ate on auto-pilot. 

 

James seemed tired as he coordinated his pups to get inside the car. Dean would ride in the back with the others. James had three pups, with the oldest being in 7th grade and the youngest just starting school. Oleg, the oldest, was no much taller than Dean’s own brother. Sitting next to the boy, Dean realized he missed Sam. He hadn’t talked to him since he had been claimed. He took out his phone and texted his mother.

>> Hey, can you give me Sammy’s number? I don’t know it by heart.

Dean didn’t have to wait long for Mary to answer.

<< Why do you want his number?

Dean frowned at the question - what was his mother thinking?

>> I miss Sammy, wanna talk to him.

<< When are you coming to visit?

Dean sighed and rolled his eyes. His mother could be so infuriating sometimes.

>> I didn’t get a chance to talk to Cas about that. Idk

<< What do you mean? Dean, it’s important you come and visit us.

>> Because you miss me or because you can somehow use it in some case against him?  

Dean felt overly annoyed. 

“You okay back there, Dean?” Jimmy asked him. The omega looked at him while they were waiting at a stop light. “You smell… annoyed or something.

“Yeah… I’m fine, I’m just…” Dean’s voice trailed off as his phone pinged again.

<< It would help a case, yes. We can go to a different doctor, get a new evaluation, document the abuse he's putting you through. We are going to file here in Kansas.

“Ugh, for fucks sake…” Dean sighed.

“Dean?” Jimmy’s scent was laced with worry. 

“It’s just I’m texting mom. She says she wants to appeal in Kansas,” Dean said bitterly. A small part of him perked up at the idea that there was a small hope, but mostly he felt tired and didn’t want to go through another trial, and certainly not through another fucking evaluation. 

“She’s free to do what she wants, but the chances of a different judge to overturn the decision are slim.”

Dean made a non committal sound.

>> I’ll talk to Cas. But pls give me Sam’s number.

Mary shared Sam’s contact with him, which made something warm and fuzzy grow in Dean’s chest - he could talk to his brother!

>> How’s Dad?

<< You’ll see when you come over.

Dean rolled his eyes and shoved the phone in his backpack. They had reached the highschool so he got out of the van, after thanking Jimmy for the ride.

 

School was as usual. He'd grown accustomed to the curriculum and the teaching style. Contrary to his assumptions, he enjoyed cooking classes. He learned how to bake a sponge cake and his cake was actually edible. The only downside of highschool was how lonely he felt - none of the other omegas would talk to him.

At the end of the day, he waited for Jimmy to come and pick him up. From the other building young alphas came out in droves. They were loud and obnoxious, pushing each other and howling. Dean rolled his eyes and leaned on the school's fence. 

“Oh, what do you have here?” One of the pimple ridden alpha pups came closer. “You're lost, baby?”

Dean made efforts not to burst out laughing. 

“I'm talking with you, omega!” The young alpha growled.

“And I'm ignoring you,” Dean said. For him, the little shit wasn’t a threat. He had beaten bigger, meaner alphas in the wrestling club. 

The pup might have said something more but a fancy car stopped in front of them. It was a black Range Rover with custom rims. The alpha growled a, “watch your back, omega,” then climbed in the Range Rover. The man behind the wheel ruffled the teeager’s hair before driving off. The clique of alphas spat a few more insignificant insults toward Dean before scattering.

Dean felt unbothered - nothing a group of teenage alphas could do could possibly be worse than everything he went through. And, to top it all, his inner omega was secure in the feeling that Cas would probably rip their throats out with his fangs if they dared touch a hair on Dean's head. 

 

After Jimmy dropped him off at his apartment, Dean took a shower and changed into normal clothes. He dialed Sam's number and called. The phone rang and rang, until, finally, his brother answered. 

“Hey, bitch, where are you keeping that phone?” 

“Dean?” 

“Yeah, it's me. This… uhm, this is my new phone number. Cas gave it to me.”

“Mom says you shouldn't use anything from him.”

“Yeah, well, that's not possible.” Dean said flatly. After a few moments of awkward silence, Dean asked Sam how school was.

“It's fine.”

“Wow, Sam, you sure miss me,” Dean deadpanned. He felt increasingly annoyed with his younger brother.

“Gee, Dean, I miss you sooooo much.” 

Dean could see with his minds’ eye bitch face no 35. 

“What's gotten into you?” He snapped, which he regretted almost immediately. Sam was family.

“You really have to ask that?” Sammy’s voice went up an octave. “Everything went to shit because of you!”

“I can't believe you're blaming me…” 

“Who else is there to blame, jerk? You're the one that snuck out in the middle of the night. Ever since then, Dad's been living in the bottle and it's only gotten worse since you lost the damn court case.” 

“I lost the case?” Dean felt like someone punched him in the stomach. “How can you fucking say that?”

“I heard mom talking to Jody, Dean. You said some pretty stupid shit on the stand. Like. couldn't you lie?”

“Mister lawyer here advising me to commit perjury. Great,” Dean said sarcastically. The conversation brought him no joy and he was increasingly annoyed with his baby brother. “It's complicated, Sammy. He's my mate and my omega likes him.” 

“Oh come on, don't be one of those ‘connect with the wolf’ loonies. You can't be serious, now, are you?”

“I…” Dean passed his hand over his face. “Sammy, your wolf hasn’t even woken up yet. We’ll talk when you present, okay?”

“I’m not gonna be some loony. I’ll still have my brain and my mind.”

“Yeah, look how much good my brain does for me.”

“If you used it, you wouldn’t be in this situation.” 

Dean had enough. Talking to Sammy felt more like talking to his mom, which he definitely didn’t want. 

“Yeah, it was great talking to you. Bye.” He hung up without waiting for a reply. Feeling miserable, Dean decided to explore the spare room. He had never entered - he saw no reason to. He didn’t know what he expected to see behind the door - a weapon’s cache, a sexual dungeon, ropes, tarps or anything in between. His surprise was great when, after pushing the door all the way open he saw the room was completely empty. Just plain white walls and hardwood floors. He didn’t know how he was going to ask the alpha to let him furnish the room. Besides, if his mom wanted to appeal, his nesting would be a sign that he was comfortable and safe, wouldn’t it? Dean sat on the floor and cried. He felt so alone.

 

Castiel’s aloof behavior continued well into dinner. The alpha complimented Dean on the food in a flat tone, then retreated to the couch, typing on his phone. 

Dean cleaned the table and set out to wash the dishes. His inner wolf was whining, so he rubbed his sternum in soothing circles.

“Are you ok?” Cas appeared on his right.

“Yeah, fine.” Dean made a dismissive gesture.

“How was your day?”

“Fine.” Dean shrugged. “Like any other day.”

Castiel tilted his head and squinted his eyes. “Your scent… it kinda says otherwise.”

“So?”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“No.” Dean put a plate in the drying rack and tackled the next one. “When can I visit my mom, up in Kansas?” Dean’s heart was beating hard against his ribs.

“The end of the week should be fine.” Cas’ lips became thinner. “I’ll buy you plane tickets.”

“Ugh, I hate, hate, hate, flying.” Dean was conscious his scent soured.

“I can drive you, but not this weekend. Maybe at the end of the month.”

“It’s a two day drive.”

“I’m well aware.”

“And where would you sleep?” Dean made a face as he just imagined the alpha crammed on his single person bed.

Cas shrugged. “Obviously not the same motel I stayed in last time. I don’t particularly want to stay under the same roof with your mother. We’ll just book a nice hotel or something.”

Thinking about the latest interactions with his family, Dean found himself reluctantly agreeing with the alpha. 

“There was this bed and breakfast two streets away from my house. We could go there.”

“Okay, fine.” Cas straightened. “I, uhm, have some work to do. I’ll be out with Gabriel.”

“Sure, alpha.”

Cas turned to leave, but after just two steps, he turned. “Oh, I, uhm, meant to ask you - did your bleed come through? It… should have, right?” 

“My… bleed?” Dean almost dropped the pan. “I…” He started counting the weeks that passed since his mating heat. “I don’t know. Should it have come? I mean… after I presented, I didn’t have any bleeding, but the doctor said it’s normal the first time. I… Should I have?” Dean felt panic rising in his chest. 

“Well,  that could be right… maybe you’re just too young.” Cas made his way to the door. “You should ask James. Or read in that book the therapist gave you.”

“But-”

“I’ll make an appointment with Dr Pasternack anyway.” Cas had his hand on the knob. “I’ll be home around midnight.”

With that, the alpha left, leaving Dean confused and afraid with a soapy pan in his hands.

Chapter 38

Castiel watched as the omega slept. His inner alpha was purring with delight as Dean's sweet apple pie scent invaded his nostril. The only time the omega smelled right was when he slept. The moment he woke up, the apples became tart. His scent had a certain acidicness, which displeased Castiel. His wolf was always on edge demanding he do something to soothe his mate. Castiel tried, but Dean's scent didn't improve which led him to think he was doing things wrong. So he tried harder, even going against Michael’s wishes and going to therapy with his mate. Castiel supposed he had to be thankful their father left the compound and left Michael in charge. He had a feeling that his father wouldn’t have been as forgiving as his brother.

Castiel decided it was time to get out of bed. If anything, to take a cold shower and get rid of the aching boner that hung between his legs. It took tremendous effort not to take what was his and knot the boy, but if he could control himself during a hunt, he could bloody well do it at home too. His inner alpha whimpered and growled from being denied the omega's sweet flesh. 

“Oh, shut up,” Cas muttered to himself. “Stop being a knothead.” He scowled at his erect penis and turned on the water, on the coldest setting. “ Blyat ,” he swore as the spray burned cold on his skin. At least the shower worked and his arousal had been curbed. 

“Cas?” Dean's voice filtered through the door.

“Yeah, I’m here. Go make breakfast, please.” Castiel leaned his forehead against the tiles. He felt lost, untethered. Nothing could have prepared him for such a difficult mate and marriage. Nonetheless he had to make it work. His wolf demanded that of him. 

Castiel got out and dressed in his usual black suit with black shirt. He knew he had to go down in the port and intimidate some dock workers in preparation for a big shipment of cocaine. Walking in the living space he was greeted with the mouth watering smell of cinnamon pancakes and the acidic stench of omega rejection. His stomach did a backflip. It was the second day in a row when Dean smelled like that. Castiel didn't understand. The omega had given him enough signals that he wanted to be left alone and yet… 

“Morning, Dean.”

“Oh, uhm, hey, Cas.” Dean didn’t even turn from his ministrations at the stove. No glance, nothing. Castiel passed him and reached for a coffee cup. His phone dinged, so he checked it while the coffee machine brewed the dark golden liquid into his cup. Gabriel had messaged him through their little in-game chat about their day. It seemed they had more work cut out for them at the docks. Their number one guy on their payroll called in sick just a few days before the cocaine shipment was expected from Colombia. That meant they had to find a new cooperating worker to help get the container empty. The messages disappeared as Gabriel cleared the chat. Cas’ little avatar waved at him from the screen. 

“I have to leave.” Castiel pocketed the phone. 

“Wha-” It was the first time Dean looked at him. His eyes were wide and his scent became even more tart. “What about breakfast?”

“I'll have to skip.” Cas took another pack of biscuits. He really liked the Belvita chocolate chip ones he saw they were low. He made a mental note to buy more. His inner wolf howled and perked up, grounding him in his surroundings. The scent of rejection had become predominant. “Dean?”

“I want to know what’s going on.” Dean said firmly. “You're being weird.” His breathing was shallow and his eyes were wide. Castiel could scent fear, rejection, sadness and anger, all mixed into a scent so acidic he felt his hackles rise. The distressed omega closed his eyes and leaned on the counter. He raised his hands and put them on either side of his neck. His breathing had become rapid and shallow and tears slid across his cheek. Castiel was next to him in one big step.

“Dean? Dean! Please breathe slower, bunny, it's fine. Nothing is wrong.” But his words were not reaching the boy. Dean's body leaned dangerously forward so Cas held onto him to keep him upright. His inner wolf was very demanding. Castiel tried some more to reach the omega but he was lost in his panic attack. “ Dean, calm down and fucking breathe,” the Alpha Voice cut trough the omega, his green eyes snapping up. Cas’ hands dug into Dean’s shoulders. “It’s fine, omega. Calm down. Alpha is here.” Dean breathed slower and slower and Cas could guess his heart rate was going down based on his carotid pulse. “Can you stand on your own?” Cas’ eyes searched Dean’s face. He realized his own scent was laced with worry.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine now.” Dean rubbed his sternum. 

“I’m sorry I hurt you,” Cas sputtered, half unaware the words were coming out of his mouth.

“Cas, I-”

“Using the Alpha Voice to force you into submission was wrong. I shouldn’t have done that. I… I’m sorry, Dean.” The apology letter he tried drafting on his phone had been thrown out the window. Cas opened his mouth to say something else, trying desperately to remember what else he wanted to say, but he was interrupted when Dean yelped, “the pancakes!”

Reduced to a black, charred mess, the pancakes were ruined. Dean swore as he tried to remove the burnt dough from the skillet. 

“Just throw it away, we’ll get another one. It’s not worth cleaning.” Cas said, looking at the skillet over the omega’s shoulder. He didn't want the omega to stress more over non-consequential matters.

“Yeah… okay, then. Still leaves the question of what I'll eat for breakfast.”

“We can stop on the way to school - there’s a bistro in town that serves various breakfast options.” When the omega didn't respond, Cas touched Dean’s arm. “You… uhm, heard what I said?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“Okay.” Cas squeezed his arm. “I… want us to work past this together. I know, deep down, we can make each other happy.”

“What if we’re never going to be happy together?”

“I don’t think that for a second. You and I share a profound bond. We’ll find a way to each other.” Cas had a tentative smile on his face. “Go get dressed. We’ll be late for school.”

 

Dean made quick work of changing and, within ten minutes they were in the car. The omega's scent was still polluted with negative emotions, which translated in a much more aggressive driving style on Castiel’s end. His inner wolf was of the opinion that the foul scent had to be either fucked away or beaten away. Taking into account what James and that therapist had told him… that was exactly what he wasn't supposed to do.  

Vlad’s Bistro was the community’s local bakery and bistro where people could stop, buy bread, baked goods, cured meats and anything in between, including ready-to-go sandwiches. It was owned by Vlad and partly financed by the mob. The portly beta probably suspected their true business, but, like most of the people in their community, he closed his eyes. If it hadn’t been for their influx of money, the community wouldn’t have existed and their way of life, their traditions, their religion, their very identity would have been lost in the big giant melting pot that was the USA. 

“ Ah, Mister Kumarin! Good day to you sir ,” Vlad was quick to greet him in Russian once they entered.

“Hello, Vlad,” Castiel replied in English. “This is my mate, Dean. He hasn't had the opportunity to learn the language.” Castiel put an arm around the boy's waist. 

“Oh, hello, young Omega Kumarin. Vlad Yeltsin, at your disposal.” The beta was very welcoming and had a large smile on his face. Castiel could feel Dean relax against his body. “What can I serve you two with?”

“Hmm. I'll have a sandwich with Doktoristka sausage,” Cas said thoughtfully. “Anything to your liking, bunny?” 

“Uhm…” Dean leaned closer to the counter. “I, uhm… I don’t know. Do you have something like… sweet?”

“Yes, yes, on the other end,” Vlad pointed in the right direction. “We have croissants.” 

“I… I think I want a plain donut, thanks.”

“Dean, I have to protest. A donut is not an adequate breakfast. What would you say to some blinis ?” Cas showed him the fluffy Russian pancakes.

“What's that… white cream next to them?” Dean's face betrayed his apprehension.

“Sour cream.” 

“But,” Vlad intervened, “I can add caviar on them if you want. Or yellow cheese. Or any other cheese to your liking.” 

“Uhm… yeah… one of those with yellow cheese. Thanks.” 

They ate their breakfast there, on the small terrace in front of the shop. Cas’ phone pinged again, but he made the executive decision to ignore it. 

“Aren’t you… late or something?” Dean frowned. His scent had become sweeter after eating half of the blini .

“Uhm, yes.” Castiel shrugged. “Right now, I’d rather spend time with you.”

Dean averted his gaze. The sweetest pink flush colored his cheeks, making his freckles stand out. Cas felt his heart swell. He’d never seen a more beautiful omega, and he had been in Lucifer’s club several times to act as security. 

 

When they stopped in front of the highschool, Cas reached out and tugged on Dean’s arm. 

“I want to kiss you. Come here,” Cas leaned in. The omega didn’t protest nor did he avoid him. The kiss was sweet and gentle and he felt soothed, his inner alpha purring happily. He felt intoxicated as Dean’s scent became even sweeter. He didn’t want to stop, but his phone rang.

“Damn,” he swore, moving away from the omega. It was Gabriel. 

“I, uhm, I’m gonna go. Bye, Cas.”

“Yeah, sure. Uhm, Jimmy is probably going to pick you up.”

“ ‘Kay, Cas.” With that, Dean jumped out of the car.

Castiel answered the phone, expecting the worst.

“What the fuck are you fucking doing?” Gabriel barked at him through the phone. “I’ve been waiting for you for almost an hour. We need to get this going, lil’ bro, or Michael is going to have both our asses.”

“Hello to you too, Gabriel.” Castiel put the car in drive and sped away, tires screeching against the dry pavement.

“Do you have any idea how important this shipment is? Like, does it penetrate your skull?”

“I am fine, thank you for asking,” Cas answered dryly.

“Nothing goes through that rabid dog brain of yours, does it?”

“Dean wasn’t feeling well this morning, so I had to care for him,” he growled into the phone as he launched through a red light. That seemed to give Gabriel some pause.

“I’m sympathetic with that, you know Muriel had the puppy and it’s tough… But the family comes first, lil’ bro.”

“Dean is my family.”

“You know what I mean, Castiel.”

“I’m sorry, Gabe, but my rabid dog brain didn’t let me leave a distressed mate alone. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” Castiel pushed the hang-up button so hard, he was surprised the glass didn’t crack. Sometimes he missed the old flip phones they used to have. It made for a much more satisfying hang-up experience.

 

---

 

Low Rider filled the room with its rhythmic beat. Castiel liked listening to music while doing his job. Castiel had tied the dock worker like a pig for slaughter and let his upper body hang head down from the desk.

“Like I was saying, cooperate with us, you’ll be rewarded. Oppose us…” Castiel let the sentence hang, but moved so that his knife could be visible to the beta. “We know everything about you.”

“I… sir, like I was saying, opening a container before Customs can check it is illegal.”

“Your daughter is what… eight?” The man didn’t answer but Castiel saw his face blanch white. If he hadn’t doused the man in blockers, he was sure the stench of his fear would fill the building. Castiel stretched his neck, trying to scratch a certain itch. The silicone masks he used for these kinds of jobs were a bitch on his skin. “How’s she doing in Maple Creek Elementary?”

“NO!” The man thrashed against the restraints he was tied with. “I… please, you can do anything with me-”

“I have no interest in doing anything with you . I am interested in what you can do for me. I am interested in you doing what I say,” he growled, pushing everything he had behind his Alpha Voice.

“Okay…” the man cried. “I’ll do it. I’ll… I’ll leave those containers behind.”

“Good.” Cas grabbed the man’s hands undid the bindings. He was satisfied to see they had left no marks. Lucifer laughed at him for acquiring hospital grade restraints but they worked gorgeously without leaving any bruises behind. He was good at his job . After releasing the beta and putting away all of his restraints in the suitcase, he turned to the man one last time. “Here’s the first half. You’ll get the second half once we’ve concluded our business.” He threw a wad of cash on the table and left just as Hozier came on the radio.

Castiel had just turned the corner in the hallway when his phone rang. 

“Yes?”

“The fuck, Castiel?” James swore at him. Cas rolled his eyes. It seemed it wasn’t his day in no way, shape or form.

“Yes?” Cas asked again.
“Is that really the only thing you’ll say?”

“I’m at work,” he growled as he passed more people.

“Oh…” James exhaled. “I talked to Dean, after I dropped him off. His bleed didn’t come through.”

“I know, I asked him about it last night.”

“Well, this is bad.”

Castiel’s blood ran cold. It wasn’t possible. It just wasn’t. “I’m on that pill, it’s like 1 in 1000 chance, he can’t be that fucking unlucky.”

There was a small pause before James talked again. “I… didn’t picture you the kind of knothead to use that.”

“It just seemed the most logical solution after I talked to the doctor. I didn’t want to pump Dean with those hormones, he’s too young.”

“Huh… interesting. Anyway, it’s still kinda late for him. When you’re on your way home, get some pregnancy tests. And make an appointment with his doctor either way. Let’s hope his organs are just immature and he doesn't bleed yet.”

 

---

In CVS there was an entire wall full of pregnancy tests. Early, Rapid detection, Results in words, wide tip , and everything in between. Cas growled and decided to just buy the first 4 tests his eyes laid on. His skin under the collar was itchy, so he decided to buy some hydrocortisone cream for the irritation. For some reason, his reaction to wearing the mask was worse that day.

 

James was waiting for him in the courtyard. For Castiel it had been weird for years to see his brother, to see what was essentially an image of himself getting pregnant, breastfeeding and running around after small children. They were supposed to hunt together, but things changed so fast. 

“James.” Cas approached his brother. “How are you?”

“I’m fine. The kids are sleeping. Akobel is out… doing whatever it is he does in the city.” James shrugged.

“So, uhm, how’s Dean?”

“Panicking. He’s currently convinced he’s pregnant.”

“But… that’s impossible.”

“Technically it’s not. It’s a one-

“-in a thousand chance.” they said at the same time. “Okay, let’s get these to Dean.” Cas raised the CVS baggie.

“Put those down!” James growled and pushed his hand down. His eyes shone omega gold. “I waited for you here because we need to have another candid conversation.”

“I…” Cas sighed. “I’d prefer if I was inside comforting my mate.”

“Which you will, after we talk ,” James growled in his Omega Voice. Cold shivers went down Castiel’s spine. His inner alpha’s chant of “protect, protect, protect” and “mate, mate, mate” shut down immediately. The wolf perked up, listening, and Castel’s mind felt clearer.

“Okay, what is it?”

“In the car.” James opened the passenger seat and climbed in.

Castiel felt annoyed, but joined his brother nonetheless. He started the car and turned on the radio. “Okay, so why so much secrecy?”

“If Dean’s pregnant - you need to support him in anything he wants. And you need to assure him he can terminate the pregnancy if he wants, be it a medical abortion or a curettage.”

“I… James, that’s a sin, life is-” Castiel didn’t get to finish his sentence as his brother smacked him over the top of his head.
“Dean is so young. He’s basically a child-”

“He’s not-” Cas tried to protest.

“I said basically ! And don’t interrupt me!” James pointed a finger at him and Castiel felt like a kid again. 

“You have the Dad scowl spot on.” That earned him another smack over the head.

“Don’t forget I’m older than you.”

“By… 45 seconds,” Castiel muttered, but he raised his hands in defeat when he felt James’ death stare on him. “Okay. No interruptions.”

“Dean hasn’t even accepted he is omega. If he goes through with this pregnancy, he’ll be miserable - imagine it! He’s not accepted his inner wolf, he’s not accepted he’s fucking mated, and what? You want him to have a baby? Go through labor? Breastfeed? It would destroy his mental health. So you, as the adult and the loving mate, have to help him and support him for his mental and physical health. And if that means abortion, you will be 110% behind it.”

“It’s a sin-”

“And killing… I don't know how many guys? Eighty? That isn’t a sin?” James raised his hands.

“Eighty-six,” Cas provided. His brother was right.

“We aren’t saints, we’re mobsters. We have no right to talk about right or wrong.”

“Well, yes, but- it’s not just about us. What would the others say? We’ll be ostracized.”

“No one needs to know. Just you, me and Dean. It’s going to be fine.”

“Okay.” Cas nodded. He sighed, and let his head fall on the headrest. “You’re right.” He held the bag close to his leg as he walked to their apartment. Inside, the scent of omega despair was so thick, Cas choked. His inner alpha went crazy. He bolted, searching for his mate, who was nowhere to be found. “Dean! DEAN!”

“Cas, Cas, calm down. I think he’s in the spare room,” James was talking to him, but Cas had no idea why would the omega suggest something so crazy. Why would Dean sit in an empty room? “ Cas! The SPARE ROOM!” The Omega Voice reached him, and once more, Cas could think clearly for a second. He opened the door, a bit too forcefully which scared Dean. The omega yelped and cowered in his corner.

“Dean!” Cas’ inner alpha whimpered. He kneeled next to Dean and hugged him, bringing him close. “It’s going to be alright, bunny, I’m here.” 

Dean inhaled sharply. He was shaking pretty badly. Cas was half aware James had entered the room and was kneeling behind him. 

“It’s going to be ok. We have an appointment with the doctor’s tomorrow. If you’re pregnant, we’ll talk options, ok? I mean, there’s pills you can take and it will go away. Or not. Whatever you want and need, bunny, ok? Please calm down.” Cas took Dean’s face in his hands. “Let’s take the tests and see what they say, okay? One step at a time, bunny. James will help you.”

“I’m here, Dean,” James said, extending his arm in their direction.

“Can you stand? Cas asked. Dean nodded, so Cas helped him up. James took over and the two omegas disappeared in the hallway that went into the bathroom.

The ten minutes Cas had to wait before he knew felt like hell. He drowned half a vodka bottle to numb his feelings.

When Dean came back out, his expression was lighter and his scent had turned sweeter. 

“I assume it’s negative?” Cas looked between Dean and his brother.

“All four are negative.” James poured himself a glass of vodka. “Seeing how… much time has passed and the rapid detection test you had… I say you’re both out of the woods and he’s not pregnant.” James took a sip and smiled. “Oh, this is the good stuff.”

“I’ve had a shitty fucking day,” Cas said and took another gulp.

“I’m just glad I’m not pregnant.” Dean let himself fall on the couch.

“Good. It was certainly not the time.” Cas stood and stretched his muscles. “So, should we go to the doctor?” Cas asked his brother.
“It would be a good idea,” James replied. “It’s most likely he hasn’t had a bleed because his previous heat was so close… and he’s so young. I remember my first two or three heats weren’t followed by a period. But, best to check.”

“Sure. Thanks, James.”

“Take care, you two!” James drank the rest of the vodka as a shot and left after hugging Dean.

Castiel sat on the couch next to Dean. The omega’s scent was sweet with some undertones of tartness, but it was better than the last few days. Castiel felt emboldened and put a hand around Dean’s shoulders and gathered him to his side. “Do you want to watch a movie?” He opened the TV and opened Netflix.

“Sure,” Dean said. He let his head fall on Cas’ shoulder and relaxed against his body. Cas’ alpha was running around in circles. For once, he felt like he did something right.

Notes:

Why is this Cas growing on me? I had full intention of making him an asshat knothead and he goes off and doesn't do that.

Anyway, I hope y'all enjoy!
Thank you for the comments!

Chapter 39

 

Dean stretched his neck and snaked a finger under his collar. It was very hot and humid and he wished he could have worn any other tee, but he was stuck in a long sleeve, high collar linen shirt. Next to him, in his all black suit, Cas was thumbing on his phone. 

“How come you’re not hot all the time?” Dean sighed and looked at the alpha.

Cas shrugged. “I suppose I got used to it.”

“But like, y’all always wear clothes like this?”

“We believe in modesty, winter or summer.”

“It’s almost like you’re Amish…” Dean pondered.

“In a way, maybe. We care deeply about our culture and religion.”

“And your… family business,” Dean worried at the hem of his shirt.

Cas squinted his eyes, letting out a short, guttural growl.  “Be careful, bunny. Family business stays in the family.”

“I figured…” Dean sighed. His phone rang - the screen lit up with “mom” on it. Out of all the people he wanted to talk to at that moment, Mary was not one of them. “I got to answer,” he said and stood up. Cas made no movement to stop the omega.

“Hello?” Dean answered. His heart was pounding in his chest.

“Hey, Dee,” his mom’s voice was sickeningly warm. “How is my boy?”

“Mom, what’s going on?”

“Why are you so suspicious, Dean?”

“You're being weird. Everyone's being weird lately.” Dean glanced at Castiel.

“I'm not being weird . When are you coming to visit us?”

“At the end of the month.”

“That's much too late. If he won't, then I'll buy you the plane tickets so you can fly this weekend.” 

“It's not about him, ma. Well… in a way it is-” 

“So he's intentionally making it hard for you to visit family?” Mary's voice perked up. “This will be perfect for the appeal.”

“I meant that he can't drive me this weekend and that's why we're coming at the end of the month.”

“Him drive you here?” There was a long, painful pause. “Dean, he's not welcome in my house, he will not set foot inside it.” 

“I doubt he wants to…”

“And where does he plan to stay?”

“We were thinking about staying at that B and B, you know, the one next to the park.”

“What? No, no, no… Dean, I want you under my roof. You can’t… go and sleep in a B and B with him .”

“Mom-”

“I’ll buy you the plane tickets if he doesn’t want to.”

“ I don’t want to, mom!” Dean raised his voice, frustration bubbling in his chest.

“Don’t yell at me, young omega!”

Dean pursed his lips and kicked a trash can. He felt powerless, like a plastic bag drifting in the wind.

“The flight leaves next Friday at one pm. You’ll go back to Miami Sunday, with the 11 pm flight. It’s… how the fuck do I spell your last name?”

“Uhm, Kumarin. Kay, u, em, a, er, i, en,” he spelled the name by letters. “But, I don’t want to fly. I hate flying, you know that. That’s why Cas was driving me.”

“Grow up, Dean. If you can sneak out, you can fly. Put your big boy pants on. It’s just 3 hours, and I got a direct flight. I’ll pick you up from the airport.”

“Mom-”

“I’ll book the appointments and we’ll get you evaluated. I am sure that psycho paid off the doctor to write a good report.”

“Ok,” Dean exhaled, accepting defeat. There was nothing about his life that was his anymore. The conversation died down and Dean hung up. The phone pinged again almost immediately - Mary had sent him the plane tickets. He returned to the bench where Cas was. The alpha’s nostrils flared out, concern etching in his face.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Dean plopped on the chair. 

“You don’t smell like it’s nothing, bunny.” Cas reached out to touch him on the shoulder, but Dean ducked. The stench of rejection rose in the space between them. “I just wanted to comfort you.”

“Don’t need it.” Dean hugged himself. “Not from you.”

Cas adjusted himself in the chair but said nothing more. Dean’s inner omega was weeping, demanding he soothe the sad alpha. Demanding to be soothed. Dean brought his feet up and hugged his knees. Compressing himself felt better. “Mom bought tickets for me to fly out to Lawrence next weekend.”

“Didn’t you say you hate flying?” Cas was scratching his forearm - he had some ugly looking eczema over his tattoos.

“You should get that checked out.” Dean pursed his lips. There were small bumps filled with a clear liquid.

“I’m fine. Answer my question, omega.” Cas pulled his shirt back over his arm, but he kept running his palm over the area.

Dean rolled his eyes. “Yes, I hate it, but… I’ll just put my big boy pants on and do it. I got myself mated, I can fly for a few hours.”

“Is that what she told you? That’s not very nice.”

Dean growled, displeased that Cas said that about his mother.

“Well, that’s the truth, it’s not nice. I am perfectly fine with driving you there.”

“And claiming me was nice?”

“Why does it always have to boil down to that?”

“Because it fucking happened!”

“How about we think about the future? I don’t want to… harm you. I’m not your enemy here, Dean.”

“Will you let me go? For good? Just… let me go back to Kansas.”

Cas’ jaw tightened, his scent swinging to a sickly, moldy stench. “I can’t… imagine my life without your scent in my lair.”

“Cas, you raped me.”

“Oh my God, just… I apologized! I… I haven’t used my Voice on you! Just…” Cas shook his head. He opened his mouth to say something else but the receptionist called out their names. Cas got up and motioned for Dean to follow.

 

The doctor greeted them with a wide smile. He spoke to Cas in Russian, to Dean’s utter annoyance. 

“My mate doesn’t know the language, Dr Pasternack,” Cas had a tense smile on his face.

“Oh, right.” Pasternack nodded and then opened their file on his tablet. “So, what brings you in today?”

Cas glanced at Dean and motioned with his hand, encouraging the omega to speak.

“Well, I went into a heat, and, uhm, my bleed didn’t come through. I… didn’t have one after my presentation heat, but I figured one should have come now?” Dean worried at the hem of his shirt.

“Yes… it should have.”

“We, uhm, took some pregnancy tests and, uhm, they were negative.”

“Home pregnancy tests aren’t as accurate as a blood test. There is still the possibility of a false negative, or that the pregnancy isn’t far enough along to show up in a urine test.” The doctor got up and pointed toward the examination table. Dean complied with the request. He stripped down to naked skin behind the privacy screen. He wrapped his midsection with one of the disposable spunlace towels next to him. He climbed on the table with awkward movements, and after he was settled the doctor came closer. 

“I’m going to do a physical - please remove your shirt as well.”

Dean instinctively glanced at Cas and the alpha nodded. He removed the linen shirt and threw it on the pile of clothes he had left on the chair. Pasternack touched his breast, which made him flinch.

“Sore?”

“A bit… I guess. I haven’t noticed it before.”

“Hmm. Please lie down, feet up.” After Dean was positioned, the doctor put on his gloves and a sheet on the internal probe and came closer. “Best way to see if you are pregnant is to do a transanal ultrasound.” Pasternack rubbed a bit of lube on Dean’s rim then pushed the probe inside. Dean felt uncomfortable and he gripped the sheet underneath him. Cas appeared in his field of vision on his right. The alpha put a hand on the top of his head, running soothing circles with his thumb. His scent was calmer, sour cherries invading Dean’s nose, making his body relax. It was tinged with mold, but Dean had to really pay attention to it to pick it up.

“Did you use protection, Alpha Kumarin?”

“Uhm, I was on the pill you prescribed to me.”

“Yes… well… the pill’s efficacy is maximum after three months of use.”

“You didn’t mention that, doctor.” Castiel’s voice was steely cold and his hand stopped moving.

“I believe I told you-”

“You most certainly did not.”

“Well-”

“Stop stalling and just tell us what you see.”

The doctor turned the screen of the echo machine so they could see it as well. Dean didn’t understand what he was looking at in the sea of grays and blacks that were moving on the screen. The doctor pointed at a little black bubble. “See, this is an amniotic sac. You are pregnant. Congratulations.”

Dean almost choked. “But… we had like 4 negative pregnancy tests. And one of them was an early detection one. What the fuck?”

“It’s possible it was a false negative - was the first urine of the day?”

“No.” Dean frowned. “Why does it matter?”

“First urine of the day is usually more concentrated, making the urine tests a little bit more accurate.”

“I want to double check, doctor. I want a blood test, and I want a second opinion.” Cas postured, puffing up his chest. Pasternack raised his hands and left the room. Moments later, a nurse returned and drew blood from Dean’s arm. More time passed and another, younger doctor came in, introducing himself as Doctor Mitchel. He performed another exam on Dean and came to the same conclusion. 

“It’s an amniotic sac. It’s… 2 centimeters wide, which is barely under an inch. The baby is… not bigger than a poppy seed. I…” Mitchel looked between them and pursed his lips. The air was filled with moldy, distressed scents. Dean felt like his life ended all over again. Only his stupid inner wolf was purring happily, but he locked him away. Cas’ scent was ripe with burnt almonds as he barely contained his anger. “Do you want to discuss options?”

“Yes,” Cas growled. 

“Well, since it’s in very early stages, an abortive pill is one option. It would be the… easiest route. An D and C would be too aggressive in my opinion. He can take the pill here at the hospital and go home. A bleed should start later today or early tomorrow morning. It would be significantly more abundant than a regular period, but it should stop in a few days. Then we’d schedule a follow up appointment with your primary doctor, or with whomever you choose.”

“I’d appreciate it if we could follow up with you. Doctor Pasternack is… too close to my community.”

“What are you talking about?” Dean felt like he’d woken up from a coma. “You want me to take that pill?” His voice was shrill, his omega thrashing against the confines of his chest. Nothing could happen to his puppy .

“I…” Cas tilted his head. “I assumed you wanted to end it, as you’re so young.”

Dean blinked, feeling confused and torn apart. Why was his life so fucking shitty? On one hand he didn’t want a child, and certainly not Castiel’s but on the other hand he wouldn’t be alone any more. He’d have someone. 

“I don’t want to be alone anymore,” he heard himself say.

“That’s why people get dogs, not children, Dean. It’s not just… not being alone. It’s a huge responsibility.” Cas turned to the doctor. “Isn’t he too young to safely have this…” he hesitated for one second, “this thing?” he finished.

“Well, pregnancies in very young omegas tend to have more complications, but sixteen isn’t that extreme of an age. And age alone isn’t a justifiable reason to perform an abortion.” The doctor adjusted his stance. “With proper follow up and with your love and care and protection, I see no reason for this pregnancy to not reach full term.”

Cas nodded and then looked at Dean. “We’ll, uhm, think about it. Thank you.” Mitchel left the room. “Get dressed, Dean.”

Dean complied, dressing quickly. His mind was blank, as if he was watching some lame TV drama. It was like he couldn’t comprehend.
“What do you want?” Cas came in front of him, ducking his head so he could catch his eyes.

“I… I don’t know.” Dean rubbed his sternum. “My omega wants nothing more than to have this child.”

“My alpha too.” Cas reached out and touched Dean’s waist.

“I’m not so sure about it,” Dean said and moved away. “I’m not… ready for children.”

“So, what do you want to do?” Cas stared at the hand he’d touched Dean with. His scent was sickly, making Dean’s omega growl in protest. 

“I want my mom,” Dean covered his face. “I don’t know what to do.”

“She’ll tell you to have the abortion.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I can bet on it.”

“I just can't think about it right now.” Dean hugged himself. “I need some space.”

“Of course, Dean.”

They waited for the test result in the waiting area for about an hour. Doctor Pasternack called them back in the office to give them a positive pregnancy test. He congratulated them again and prescribed Dean a vitamin regimen and some blood work he had to do, scheduling a follow up appointment in about one month.

 

Outside, they walked to the car.

“What do you want to do now?”

“When I said I wanted space to think about it, I didn’t mean ten fucking minutes,” Dean snapped.

“I… I meant now. As in with our day. I don’t have work. We could… stay in town and do something instead of going back.” Cas fidgeted with the car’s keys. 

Dean hesitated - what did the man want from him? “I don’t know-”

“How about we catch a movie?” Cas pulled out his phone, checking the internet.

“You don’t strike me as the movie going type, Cas. What’s this about?” Dean crossed his arms. 

Cas sighed deeply. “Dean, I need to tell you - abortion is… extremely frowned upon in my community. It’s not something you can simply go through. If… you tell anyone other than Jimmy, you’ll have to be ready to carry this pregnancy to term and have the… thing. Jimmy is the only one who can know and help. No one else! It’s a matter of your safety.”

“Okay…” Dean felt his anxiety rising, pain radiating in his chest. “But… I need to think about it.”

“You can. You just can’t tell anyone else.”

“Okay,” Dean nodded. “I, uhm, I understand.”

“So, uhm, I see there are some action movies and a few rom coms. Which one do you want to see?”

“Why the fuck do you keep asking me about movies, Cas?” Dean yelled. 

“I just wanted to be nice. A night out.” Cas pocketed the phone. “We'll go home then.” 

Dean regretted yelling at the man. A movie would have been nice after all, but the boat had sailed. Cas held the passenger door open so he slid inside. The drive back to the compound was silent. 

 

The apartment felt small when Dean stepped inside. He went to the bathroom to relieve himself. Washing his hands afterwards, he saw himself in the mirror. He was a kid. Standing straight, he touched his belly. He turned sideways and looked at his abdomen. It was completely flat. No one could have guessed he was pregnant. But he was. The room spun around him and he felt like something was crushing his chest. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't be pregnant. He just couldn't. Lowering himself on the floor he tried to concentrate on how the cold tiles felt on his forehead but that didn't help. Tears fell on the floor as he sobbed uncontrollably. 

“Dean?” Someone put a blanket on his back. Sweet cherries filled the room. The scent was soothing, heavy with jasmine. Jimmy sat crossed legged next to him. “Dean, please calm down. It's fixable.” 

“I… I don't know about it,” he cried.

“You're about 5 weeks pregnant. You can have an abortion up to 15 weeks. You still have time to end itt.”

“And then what?” Dean straightened, gathering the baby blue blanket around him. “I still can't go home. I'll have to carry his pups at some point anyway.” 

“Well, probably yes, but… it's one thing to have them at twenty something years and another thing to have them at sixteen.” Jimmy had a sympathetic face. “I talked to Cas, he'll support you.” 

“You think I should abort the baby?”

“Yes, I think that would be best.”

Dean's inner omega howled at the very idea. He felt like he couldn't breathe with his inner wolf thrashing in his chest. “My omega… is so fucking against that idea.” Dean swallowed around nothing, putting a hand over his belly. “It's my baby, Jimmy. I can't do that to my baby.” 

“Dean, it's really-”

“NO!” Dean yelled, suddenly feeling like his blood was boiling. “It's my baby!” He growled low, pinning the other omega with his stare. James raised his hands in defeat. 

“Okay, I hear you, omma.” 

Dean recoiled from the term. “Don't call me that.” 

“In about 18 months that is what your kid is going to call you as he or she crawls around the house.”

“I think I'd rather be Dad.”

“That's reserved for the alpha. You're omma.” 

Dean harrumphed, tightening his hug over his belly. With the panic subsiding, he thought about his options. His wolf provided lovey dovey images of him raising the pup. He finally saw himself having a purpose in this life that was thrust upon him. He could picture a future with his child, for his child, whereas before he had nothing to hope for. He was lying to himself if he thought any judge would order the breaking of their mating bond and his return to Kansas.

“I want to keep him.”

“Dean…” 

“No! I really want to keep him! I'll have something to do and I won't be alone anymore.”

“Those are both bad reasons to have a child.” Jimmy got up from the floor. “The latest term for having an abortion in Florida is 15 weeks. I think it's later for other states. Don't tell anyone before that 15 week mark - maybe you'll change your mind.”

“Cas won’t ever agree.”

“He will. And if he doesn't, you come to me and I'll kick his ass.” 

Dean stared at a point on the tiles behind the other omega’s shoulder. “What's it like? Being pregnant?”

Jimmy sat on the edge of the tub and started talking. Dean listened, picturing every stage as the omega went through the months. When it came to giving birth, Jimmy swallowed. “It hurts like an absolute bitch. It is horrible. Most… of our alphas think we deserve the pain of childbirth because Eve ate the apple, so they don’t sign off on pain relief or C-sections.”

Dean felt tingles in his body, the room spinning around once again. 

“I’ll talk to Cas. He seems open to… changing for your sake. I’m pretty sure I can reach him and tell him to let you have relief.”

“Okay.” 

Jimmy checked his watch. “I have to go get dinner ready. I’ll send some to you guys.” With that, the older omega left. Dean remained motionless on the floor. His mind was blank - he couldn’t imagine having the abortion but he could see himself raising pups. It was weird, for he never envisioned himself as a father - especially not as an omma. The bathroom door cracked open a bit.

“James sent some food. Come on, let’s eat.”

Dean went through the motions of getting up and setting the table. They ate in silence, the air ripe with alpha sadness. Dean’s inner omega was adamant about soothing his mate, but Dean just shoved him deeper in his soul. 

“I’m tired, I’m going to bed.” He didn’t bother washing the dishes, dumping them in the sink. After changing into his pajamas he climbed into bed and fell into a fitful sleep.

Chapter 40

Days past with few events. Dean was fluctuating between forgetting he was pregnant to full blown panic attacks about it. His inner omega was untethered, asking for comfort from his mate, but Dean refused to give into his instincts on that matter. Castiel hovered around him, worry etched on his face and sadness forever present in his scent. The alpha's rash got progressively worse as the days went by, only for the man to scoff at any concern Dean arose.  

Sunday night, Dean lay in bed, staring at the canopy above. Cas slid underneath the sheets, burrowing as close as possible to the omega. 

“I want to hold you. Be my little spoon?” The alpha purred.

“No.” 

“Dean, this… you're being cruel-”

“ I'm being cruel?” He snapped. “I'm-”

“The one who got claimed and raped, I know,” Cas cut him off, turning around in bed. His back was littered with pus filled pustules. 

“Your skin looks horrible.” Dean reached out, almost touching the alpha, but stopping just a few inches away. “You should really go see a doctor.”

“Why the fuck do you even care? At this point I'm sure you'd be happy if I died.” 

At that, his omega recoiled violently. He could feel his own scent was thick with despair and sadness. 

“My omega doesn't like that idea.” 

“Did you read the book the therapist gave you?”

“No.” 

“Why not?” Cas turned to face him. “You… you've been so adamant you had no idea what it meant to be omega or what to do, you've received a manual and you don't read it? It doesn't make any sense.”

“Well the worst happened, so what else can I learn now? It's not like I can change anything.” 

“You could learn to embrace your wolf so we both stop suffering like this.” 

“Both?” Dean shook his head. “You took everything from me and now you're playing the fucking victim? You're fucking unbelievable. I'm sleeping on the couch.” He made the move to get out of bed only to be forcefully pulled back into the nest. 

“I'll go. I can't stand your scent anyway.” 

“If you can't stand my scent why the fuck did you claim me?”

Cas put on a gray tracksuit within seconds. “I… I didn't mean it like that, I mean that-”

“What, huh? You don't like my pregnant scent? We'll that's your fucking fault too!”

“You don't smell pregnant yet. And…” Cas motioned with his hands in defeat. “Nevermind. I'll go…”

The alpha left without another word. Dean heard the door slam shut. His inner wolf whimpered. He felt lost and extremely sad, but he took comfort in his baby, stroking his belly with gentle fingers. 

“Your dad's being a dick,” he whispered to him. “But it's going to be alright, we have each other.” A calm feeling washed over him and soon he fell asleep.

 

The morning came and Castiel hadn't returned. It was getting late for him to get to highschool so he called Jimmy. 

“Hey, can you drive me to school, please?”

“Uhm, sure.”

Five minutes later, Dean joined Jimmy in the front of the minivan. 

“So, uhm, where is Cas? I saw his car wasn't in the driveway.”

“We kinda argued last night and he left.” 

Jimmy glanced at him with a crease between his brows. “That sounds pretty serious.”

“Well, he said he can't stand my scent so…” Dean shrugged. “Why would he even claim me if that's how he feels about me?”

“I don't think he meant it like that,” Jimmy mused. “Your scent is… heavy.”

“What? I… Cas said I don't smell… like that.” Dean pointed at his belly.

“No, not that .” Jimmy sighed. “You smell sad all the time. And… distressed in a way. It's probably difficult for him.” 

“I mean he did this-”

“Will you stop with the victimization?” Jimmy snapped.

“I am a victim!”

“And you choose to wallow in it.” Jimmy took a curve and stopped in front of the school. “Everyone out, I have to talk to your uncle.” The puppies filed out in an orderly fashion and soon enough Dean was alone with the older omega. “Nothing is going to change how you two ended up with your lives intertwined. What you can control is what you do with it. You're a victim, boo hoo, but get over it. No appeal will get you out of this, especially pregnant . You are having his child. You are his mate. If you think your scent doesn't affect his alpha you're dead wrong. He's stressed out of his goddamn mind. He's trying to be better. I know he's not perfect but you can't flip a switch on him and turn him into a nice cookie cutter sweet Hallmark Christmas movie alpha who bakes. He was raised to be a killer and a hunter. He was raised with the mentality that the alpha leads and the omega follows. He had no idea how to handle you. So he came to me.” Jimmy paused, his eyes shining from half formed tears. “It was the first time in decades when I had an honest conversation with my brother. It's like I got him back. And he overcame whatever… held him back from talking to me because he wanted to know how to make your sad scent go away.” Jimmy rubbed his face. “You're making both your lives harder than it should be.” 

“So it's my fault? It's always my fault right? I sneaked out of the house, I got myself claimed, I went into a mating heat, I got myself pregnant… it's always my fault, never his.”

“Oh my God,” Jimmy groaned. “I'm not saying it's all your fault, I'm saying you should get over the past and move on because continuing on this path will only make your lives bitter and sad. I'm saying you should make peace with your omega, follow your instincts and accept him. If not for you or him, then for the sake of the child.”

“What… do you mean?” 

“It's essential for proper puppy development for the omega parent to feel happy, safe and secure. You get those feelings from your alpha. It's also beneficial if the alpha is happy. You're both sad and distressed, and that is going to stress the fuck out of your baby.” 

Dean's hand flew to his still flat stomach. He didn't want his baby to suffer. Fierce protective instincts took hold of him. 

“Okay, I get it.”  

“Good. Go on to school, now.” 

Dean slipped out of the car and went inside the building. He texted Cas, asking him how he felt. The alpha replied quickly, stating that he was fine and would come to pick him up for their therapy session. 

Pamela tidied up the office before her next appointment. It did her good to ground herself before the Kumarins. Her smartwatch pinged, reminding her it was 2 pm on the dot. She went and opened the door to her office. Sure enough, the pair were sitting in the waiting room, but, to her surprise, they both looked worse for wear. 

“Mister Kumarin, I'll start with you this time.” She moved so the tall alpha could enter the office. As he passed her, she caught his scent - heavy, laced with sadness, rejection and despair. He sat down on the couch and she took her chair opposite to him.

“How has the last week been?”

“Fucking horrible.” Kumarin started scratching his forearm through his clothes. “I don't know what to do. Maybe it would be best to just… break the bond.” Kumarin covered his face, his scent swinging violently to sickness and festering. Pamela felt taken aback - what on Earth went on in their relationship to bring the alpha down so much? 

“Why do you think that, Mister Kumarin?”

“Dean… isn't allowing me to touch him. He's so…” Kumarin opened and closed his fist. “He smells sad almost all the time and he won't let me touch him to try and soothe him. My alpha is going insane. I can’t sleep, I can’t eat. I… I have this rash on my skin.” Kumarin lifted his sleeve to show her. Pamela felt pity for the man - his skin was red and swollen, with pustules and scratching lesions. “My alpha wants to touch him, knot him, kiss him. I'm holding myself off because he says no all the time.” The alpha crossed his arms. 

“You're going through rejection syndrome,” Pamela said softly. 

“I… thought that was it, yes.”

“Did you apologize to Dean, like we talked last time?” 

“I did. It wasn't ideal.” The alpha told her how the apology went. “Ever since, he hasn’t allowed me to touch him. I don't understand.” Kumarin got up, walking around the room. “He was stressed I wasn't touching him and then I apologized and I calmed him down from a panic attack and now he's not allowing me to touch him? He's being cruel.”

“Do you think he understood your apology?” 

“What do you mean?”

“Well you said he was experiencing a panic attack. It's very likely he heard the words but didn't grasp their meaning.” 

“I see.” Kumarin paused, his eyes unfixed. “Dean's pregnant,” he said all of a sudden.

Pamela was surprised and a wave of sympathy washed over her.

“How so?”

“Well, it seems the birth control I was taking wasn't in full effect. I'm to blame for that. He's… almost 6 weeks now.” 

“How did this change your dynamic?” 

“It didn't. If anything, Dean's been more… distant.” 

“Has he nested?” 

Kumarin shook his head. “No. He… sits in the spare room sometimes. It's completely empty and he hasn't made any… gestures to furnish it or ask me to furnish it.” 

“Well, it's clear why you are so stressed.”

“Dean doesn't smell pregnant, I had no idea before the doctor told us.”

“Well, his primary scent hasn't changed yet, but his pheromones have - you being his mate, your wolf picked up on it. Unconsciously, you knew and your need to comfort, soothe, reclaim and knot became even greater. It's biological.”

“Dean doesn't seem keen on it.” 

“Dean is fighting his wolf with all his being.” Pamela couldn't help but feel sorry for the both of them. “Pregnant omegas should nest and seek comfort from their mate. “

“Maybe he wants an abortion.” The alpha let his head hang, defeated. “My brother seems to think it’s in his best interest.”

“I would have imagined abortion is frowned upon in your community. “

“It's basically banned. If we go that way, removing…it, then it has to be a secret.”

“It?”

“Yes, the… thing inside him.”

“You mean the baby?”

“Please don't call it that.”

“You don't want to get attached…” Pamela sighed. She never had a case so filled with tragedy and suffering. “What did Dean say? “

“He hasn't spoken to me about it.”  Fear trickled into the alpha's scent.

“You should ask him. You two need to learn to communicate. “

They fell in a tense silence. Kumarin seemed lost in thought, so Pamela let him process. All of a sudden, he growled. “His mother wants him to travel alone to Kansas.”

“You disagree.”

“Yes. I think she's a bitch and I think she'd rather hurt him than let him be with me.” 

“You're thinking about the heat incident.”

“Yes.” Kumarin rubbed the back of his neck. “She won't be happy Dean's pregnant.” 

“As far as I know her, you're right.” 

“What… should I do about Dean now?”

“It's-”

“Don't give me some crappy metaphorical answer because I don't fucking need that. I… I just want to know what I have to do.” 

“What does your wolf say?” 

Kumarin made a theatrical gesture of annoyance with his hands, rolling his eyes. “My wolf wants to fuck his brains out and knot him. See his ass stretched over my knot. Scent his sweet apple pie scent, the one he gets right after he comes.” Faint alpha arousal filled the room. Kumarin adjusted himself on the couch. 

“Those are valid wants and needs.”

“I… that's not a fucking helpful answer,” the man growled, alpha red tinging the other corner of his eyes. 

“Well, I suppose the old you would just… take all that. Order Dean around in your Alpha Voice and make him submit.” Kumarin nodded, his scent dipping with regret. “How would any other alpha approach this?”

“I have no idea. That's why I'm asking you.”

“You've never seen a romantic comedy?” 

“No.”

“What about other alpha's around you?”

“Do you really think other alphas around me are nicer?” Kumarin laughed without mirth. 

“Okay… well, usually alphas would court the omega. Take them on a date, to a nice restaurant, buy them flowers, and offer gentle kisses. Things should… slowly progress to more. You need,” Pamela paused for a second, trying to find the right words, “you need to heat the oven before putting the bun in.”

“I don't understand that reference.” Kumarin's brows came closer together and he tilted his head. 

Pamela had to fight to keep herself from laughing. How could she have imagined the alpha knew anything about baking?

“I mean that… omegas need a bit more wooing to want sex.”

“Oh… right.”

“Unfortunately, our time is up. I need to air the room and get Dean in here.”  

“Right.” Kumarin got up. The alpha seemed to hesitate, and then he looked straight at Pamela. “Thanks.”

Dean curled into one of the puff balls, hugging himself tightly. Pamela moved on another puff. 

“How has your week been?”

“I guess it's been pretty hard.”

“How so?”

“I'm pregnant.” Dean licked his lips. “Psycho out there must've skipped his pills or something.” 

“Why do you say that?” 

“I'm pregnant? This wasn't supposed to happen!”

“Has he told you he skipped birth control?”

“No.”

“Why do you think that?”

“I don't know, it's something he'd do, I guess.”

“But… you have to have something to base your suspicion on.” Pamela felt sorry for both of them. She rarely had a pair hurting each other like this. 

“I don't know, it's just…”

“Could it be possible it was just an accident?”

“He says it was.”

“Has he lied to you before?”

“Not that I know of.”

“So, why would he lie about this?” Pamela saw how the omega was unsure. “I think you're biased because of your history with him and now you assume the worst. How did he respond to the news?”

“He said he'd support any decision I made, including abortion. He calls the baby it.” Dean's hand caressed his lower belly. “My baby is not an it,” he said lovingly.

“You don't feel like that.”

“No. He's my baby and I'll have him and love him. I won't be alone anymore.” 

“Have you told Castiel this?” 

“No.” 

“Dean, have you noticed anything different in your alpha?”

“He has this horrible rash and he smells sad all the time,” Dean answered immediately. “He won't fucking go to a doctor.” 

“Do you know what those mean?”

“No, why? He's not dying isn't he?” The scent of omega despair filled the room.

“You two…” Pamela shook her head. “Have you nested in the spare room?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“It's… I don't know, I just...” Dean opened and closed his mouth, his eyes moving from one object to the next. “It's just…”

“You're having his child, so I assume you chose to stay with him. It means you should strengthen your bond and that means actually talking to him. ” Pamela got up. It was a bit too early in their sessions, but based on the egregious levels of miscommunication, she felt it was for the best. She opened the door and called for Kumarin to enter the room. “Sit down, please, Mister Kumarin.” 

The alpha awkwardly sat on a floor puff next to the omega. 

“Dean, please tell Mister Kumarin what you decided to do about the pregnancy.”

“Uhm…” the omega blushed fiercely, fidgeting on the spot. Kumarin's jaw tensed and he stood still like a statue. “I decided I want the baby.” 

“Oh.” Kumarin's scent blossomed. “I'm glad.” 

“Mister Kumarin - do you want to say more to Dean?”

“Just… I'm sorry I hurt you. I didn't know any better. I want to make good by you.” Kumarin pulled onto his tie. “Sorry, my social skills are rusty, I… find it weird to talk with witnesses.” 

“Correct, I would rather have you two talk outside of these walls but it seems an impossible mission,” Pamela joined her hands and smiled at Dean. “Dean, do you want to say something else? This is a safe space, you have nothing to fear.”

“I, uh,” Dean laughed nervously, rubbing his sternum. “I want to nest in the spare room. Like… put stuff in it.” 

“Sure, bunny,” the alpha agreed immediately. “We can go to Ikea.” 

“Okay.” Dean reached out and took Kumarin's hand in his. The alpha squeezed back. He looked like he was on the verge of tears. 

“Good,” Pamela sighed in relief. It was good to see progress. “You two need to talk to each other. Stop assuming what the other one thinks or feels. Now, with a child on the way, it’s even more important to create an environment where the pup can develop properly.”

“I want the pup to be happy,” Dean whispered, cradling his abdomen. The alpha made a sound, half between a purr and a growl, his arm reaching behind Dean and pulling the boy into his side. Kumarin bunted Dean, scent marking on the top of the omega’s head. Their scents evened out, blossoming into something more pleasant. As much as Pamela didn’t agree with how their relationship started, she had to admit they were compatible - True Mates even, as rare as they were.

“I think we should end our session here. Dean - I want to hear all about how you nested.”

“Sure,” Dean tried to get up on his own, but the alpha was fast to help him rise to his feet.

After the pair left the room, Pamela lit a scented candle and fixed herself a sweet caffeinated drink on her capsule coffee maker. She had to decompress after that session. 

Dean settled in the passenger seat, feeling better for the first time in days. He hugged himself, craving warmth and comfort.

“Uhm,” Cas thumbed on his phone. “How about we eat something and then go to Ikea?”

“Sure.” Dean pulled the seat belt and secured it. 

“Also - I want to know what you’re going to do this weekend.”

“What do you mean?”

Cas pulled out of the parking lot. “Flying to Kansas, of course. Do you still want to go?”

“Uhm… Can I go? I haven't thought about it.”

“I mean, I can't stop you because then she can appeal and say I'm abusing you by denying you contact with your birth family….”

“No, Cas, I mean with the baby?”

“Oh, right. You can fly with the baby.” Cas reached out and placed a hand on Dean’s knee. His inner omega purred with happiness. It was like he had a V8 engine rumbling in his chest.

“I…” Dean thought about everything he was told. He looked at the alpha - Castiel was dangerous, that was clear. He had the tattoos, the scars and the dead stare to prove it. But, that meant he was a strong alpha, prone to father strong children and capable of protecting his pups and his nest. That night, Dean was irresistibly attracted to the alpha’s scent - that never changed. “I like that you’re calling the baby… a baby. I was concerned when you spoke of him as it.”

“I just… didn’t know what you had decided.” Cas took another turn. “Him?”

“It’s a boy. I just know.”

“Fine. I’m not going to argue with that,” Cas chuckled. 

“I hope he’s a beta… so he doesn’t have to deal with all this… bullshit with instincts.”

“I’ll be happy whatever - I just want a healthy baby.”

Dean turned on the radio, on a classic rock station and they traveled in relative silence until they reached the restaurant. It was called Tsar’s Table and it looked high end. 

“Uhm, I don’t think I fit in here,” he said, pulling on his plaid shirt.

“It’s fine.”

“It looks like the kind of place that has a dress code.” 

Cas got out of the car and came on the other side to open the door for Dean. “It's fine, bunny, trust me.”

Dean followed the alpha inside the restaurant. It was just as posh as the outside suggested - lavish furniture, paintings on the walls, waiters dressed in suits wearing white gloves. 

“Cas, really, I feel out of place here.” 

“It's fine.” The alpha grabbed his arm and guided him further inside the restaurant. People stared at them as they walked by - they had to be a sight to see: a heavily tattooed man and a plaid wearing teenager. 

“Cas, really, what-” Dean's sentence was cut off when the maitre'd posted himself in front of Cas. Dean was sure they were going to be thrown out. 

“Hello, sir. Will you be interested in a… private seating?”

“Yes. My mate said he's uncomfortable.” 

“My sincerest apologies,” the maitre'd lowered his head and exposed his neck. Dean couldn't help his mouth from hanging. Things got even weirder when the man turned to Dean and spoke. “What is bothering you, Omega Kumarin? I will ensure everything will be perfect for your next visit.” 

“Oh,” Dean whispered as understanding dawned on him. The place had to be a front for all of the illegal businesses the Kumarins had. No wonder Cas merely waltzed inside and demanded a table. “Everything is very pretty, it's just… I'm not dressed appropriately,” Dean smiled and tried to play off his uncomfortable feeling. “People are staring at us.”  

“You are perfectly well dressed, omega Kumarin. We do not have a formal dress code. “

“Thanks, I guess…” 

“Would the Hermitage be to your liking, Alpha?”

“Sure,” Cas shrugged, wrapping an arm around Dean's waist.

The maitre'd led them deeper inside the restaurant, showing them inside a smaller room. It was lavishly decorated, with walnut tables and velvet chairs - there were 3 tables, a six person one and two two person ones. Pictures with The Winter Palace decorated the walls, along with reproductions of famous paintings. Cas led Dean to one of the three person ones, sitting him down with his back to the wall. The alpha sat to his right, facing the door. A waiter came by quickly enough with menus and a water pitcher. He filled Dean and Cas’ glasses before leaving. 

“So… this is like your mafia… hanging spot?”

“Money laundering,” Cas replied simply. “We use the restaurant and several laundromats to clean money.”

“Okay…” Dean opened the menu - unsurprisingly it consisted of traditional Russian dishes, some with quite hefty prices. One dish, which contained caviar, was worth his mother's weekly grocery shopping bill. He didn't know what to choose. He stole a glance towards his mate but the alpha was staring at the wall with a tired look on his face.

“Uhm, what should I get? Any suggestions?” 

“Whatever you want.”

Dean felt deflated at that. He hoped he would gauge a price range from the man's suggestions. “What are you getting?”

“Ukha and some shashlik with fries after.”

Dean quickly searched for those dishes. His stomach turned violently over itself at the idea of a fish soup, but the shashlik looked digestible. 

“Is it like a kebab?”

“Very similar. Russian version.”

“Ok, I'll have that.” 

Cas leaned forward and placed a hand over Dean's wrist. “Dean, order whatever you want.”

“Well… ok, what's the price range for tonight?”

“We don't pay here,” Cas shook his head.

“Even if I ordered the 100 dollar caviar?”

“Even if you did,” Cas agreed. “Still want the shashlik?”

“Uhm… yeah. I still want that.”

Cas pressed a button and within 30 seconds the waiter was back inside,  notebook ready. Cas ordered for both of them, in Russian. Left alone again, the alpha leaned back on the chair, stretching his neck. Dean could see tiredness showing itself between the cracks of the man's mask. 

“So, uhm, any names for the baby?”

“We'll think about it later.” 

“Why?” Dean laughed. “I told you I'm keeping him.” His hand brushed against his stomach.

“It's bad luck,” Cas said with authority. “For now, Baby is enough.” 

“Okay,” Dean said with a small voice, joy seeping out of his body. A warm hand touched his shoulder, sour cherries invading his nose. Cas bunted him on the temple. 

“I didn't mean to sound harsh. It's the way it is. We can think about names in a few weeks, yes?” 

“Okay,” Dean looked Cas in the eyes, and he was met with warmth and love. “What's she giving you in therapy?” 

“What do you mean?” Cas frowned.

“You… you just seem different. Is she giving you some meds?”

“No. I've had a few… revelations.”

“What, like you were red-pilled?” When Cas didn't react and only looked confused Dean groaned. “Please tell me you at least watched The Matrix .” 

“I don't understand that reference, Dean.”

“ The Matrix? ” Dean emphasized, still incredulous that a grown man had no idea what The Matrix was. “It’s like one of the most influential sci-fi movies, like ever.” Dean watched in horror as Cas slowly shook his head. “Ok, we have to sort things out.” Dean put his arms on the table, leaning forward. “Have you seen Star Wars? The Godfather? Goodfellas? Pulp Fiction? Alien ?  Uhm,” Dean paused, thinking of all the movies that influenced him until that point in life.”T ombstone? The good, the bad and the ugly? True Grit ?” Dean licked his lips, pondering what else he could list. “ Erin Brokovich ? Every title was met with a blank stare and an occasional slow shake of the head. “I have work cut out for me. I need to educate you on movies,” Dean decided.

“Put some romantic comedies on that list. I need some examples.” Cas tilted his head. “I… I’m sorry for the things that happened between us. I didn’t know better. I understand I hurt you and I hope you can forgive me. I want… I want us to work.” 

Dean’s chest burst with warmth and fluffy, fuzzy feelings. It meant a lot to hear that coming from the alpha. He had no idea what the future held for him, but the outlook was improving. “Thanks, Cas. I… If we talk, I think we’ll be fine.”

The alpha leaned closer, his eyes flicking between Dean’s eyes and lips. He wetted his own lips, faint arousal making its way in his scent. “I want to kiss you.”

“Okay,” Dean heard himself whisper. He laid down his arms, allowing the wolf to take the lead. Cas kissed him tenderly, slowly, with clear intention. Dean’s heart skipped a beat and his hole clenched around nothing. As the kiss progressed and Cas grabbed the back of his neck, Dean felt slick dampening his boxers. “Oh, shit,” he breathed in the space between them. Cas growled, breathing in the omega’s scent. “I… I don’t want a stiffy right here and now, okay,” he laughed it off. Cas placed another quick kiss on the tips on Dean’s lips and retreated back in his seat. The alpha’s scent was happy and full, which made him feel safe and happy. He felt high on the pheromones. Their food came soon enough - the fish soup looked and smelled as horrible as Dean expected it to. Fortunately for him, the waiters added an appetizer for Dean. It was a type of layered salad and it was delicious. He devoured every last bit of it. 

“That was really good,” he commented as the busser took the empty dishes. “What was it?”

“Uhm, a shuba salad.”

“Shuba? That’s a funny name. What’s in it?”

“Potatoes, onions, herring, carrots, mayonnaise and beets.”

“Herring?” Dean repeated in disbelief. “I don’t… usually like herring.”

“It’s pickled after a Russian recipe. We do it here, in house. It has a different taste, I guess.” 

“Well, I liked it.”

“We have a smoked salmon version too, for those with herring aversion.”

“Oh, salmon is really good. We didn’t buy it often, more like…a holiday appetizer, but it’s so good.”

“You can try that next time,” Cas smiled at him. The alpha leaned closer, and Dean closed the gap and kissed him. He felt good and secure.

The shashlik was on a whole other level. Dean ate it without talking or thinking. When Cas proposed they take dessert, he declined.

“I’m so full, I feel like I am going to burst.”

“Okay.” Cas stood, straightening his tie. “Ikea?”

“Sure,” Dean replied with glee. He was happy to go around and shop.

-*-

 

Ikea was full to the brim with people. The alpha’s scent was laced with nervousness. His shoulders were tight and tension was etched in every crease on his face. He was posturing, holding his head high and throwing death glares to any alpha that came within 5 feet of them. As such, there was a wide clear circle around them. 

They skipped the living room and kitchen sections and slowed down in the Bedroom/Nesting section. There were a lot of options in front of them. Dean felt like he was in Heaven. His inner omega never felt happier or more gleeful. A hand came on his nape and squeezed - Dean listened to his omega, submitting and turning his face towards his mate. Cas kissed him fiercely, purring into the kiss. 

“You smell so good when you’re happy. It makes me happy,” Cas purred into the space between them.

“Calm down, alpha, I don’t want to wake up knotted in Ikea.” Dean patted the alpha on the shoulder, laughing off the faint arousal scent that trickles into the alpha’s scent. 

Cas laughed and released Dean. “So,” he made a wide sign with his arm toward the open space, “what do you want?”

Dean started browsing, touching every couch or armchair he saw. They were bigger than regular living room furniture, with several pillows. But, the perfect chair revealed itself halfway through the section. It was an oversized, cozy rocking chair. It had a large cushioned seat that looked extremely soft and inviting. Dean sat in it and felt cradled as he sank in the cushion. He removed his shoes and climbed into it, curling into a comfortable position. The chair offered support in all the right places and it rocked lightly. Cas came closer, with a light smile on his face. He pushed the chair, giving it more momentum in its rocking.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, I love it,” Dean said, looking up.

“Okay.” Cas took a picture of the tag, so they could find it. 

Dean would have sat in it for hours on end but they had to move on and they also had to let other people try the chair. Next, Dean stopped in front of a beautiful, solid wood modular crib. His heart fluttered thinking about the future child. “What do you think of this?”

“It’s pretty, but we’re here to furnish your nest, bunny. How about we look at the daybeds?”

“But… Cas, it’s going to be the baby’s room too. Why not buy it?”

“The same reason we’re not choosing names. It’s too early. It’s bad luck. We have time to buy baby stuff when you’re further along.”

“Come on,” Dean lamented.

“Just… let’s wait until we know the sex - ok? We can choose names and furniture and… buy them blue or pink.” The alpha shrugged.

“I… fine, ok.” Dean sighed, letting himself be led to the daybeds. They ended up choosing The Hemnes one for Dean’s nest.

At the end of their visit, they bought the furniture and a few more blankets and pillows  and squeezed everything in the Continental.

 

At home, Cas spent several hours swearing in Russian while assembling everything. Dean was not allowed to exert himself so he hovered around the alpha, watching every step. The last screw was tightened a little past midnight. Dean laid in the daybed sighing with satisfaction. His inner omega was purring, and soon enough, the vibrations reached his vocal chords as well. Cas sat next to Dean, but to that, the omega growled lightly.

“Sorry,” he said. “Thank you for building the furniture but… please get out. It’s… my nest.” He half expected the alpha to react poorly, but the man kissed him on the forehead, got up and left the room. Dean built himself a nest in the daybed and snuggled up underneath the fluffiest blanket. He felt safe and happy. 

 

Chapter 41

Dean stretched out. He had no idea what time it was, but he felt amazing. Getting his bearings, he realized he was in his daybed, inside his room, his nest. He must have fallen asleep in the nest of blankets he’d built. The house was silent. Dean stood up and walked in the living room, scenting. Sad and rejected alpha scents were still thick in the room, but so was something else - contentment. The content scent was fresher and stronger, so Dean followed it. Cas was asleep in their bed, sprawled over his side of the bed, his nose buried in Dean’s pillow. The omega climbed in the bed and snuggled against the man. Cas purred in his sleep, immediately opening his arms and pulling Dean into a bear hug, scenting over his glands. Dean allowed himself to be manipulated in a little spoon position. He fell asleep listening to Cas’ purrs.

---

Light filtered through the canopy. Dean sighed with content. His inner omega was sated and calm. Cas’ purrs were still going strong. Something else that was going strong was the thick boner that pressed against Dean’s ass. His own cheeks were slick. Dean swallowed around nothing and turned around to face the alpha. He pressed his lips on Cas’, inhaling the man’s sour cherries scent. 

“Dean,” Cas whispered in the space between them. Before he knew it, the alpha was above him, grinding on his pelvis. “Fuck.”

“Yeah, alpha, fuck.” Dean let his head fall on the pillow, enjoying Cas’ ministrations at the base of his neck. He mewled when the alpha rolled the mating gland in his mouth. Soon it was a mess of limbs and flying clothes as they struggled to get naked. When the alpha cock pushed inside his channel, Dean howled.

“You ok?” Cas’ large hand rested on his throat, his thumb running soothing circles over his pulse point.

“Yeah, yeah, alph-” Dean gasped - the air was punched out of him when the alpha bottomed out in one strong thrust. Cas didn’t hold back, fucking him quick and dirty. His hand rested on Dean's throat, applying a steady pressure. It also kept Dean's gaze on Cas’ face. There was no looking away as blue turned into red. Cas' thrusts became stronger and faster - Dean was completely at his mercy, but somehow, he found it tantalizing. His inner wolf enjoyed submitting to the dominant alpha. Cas' hips faltered as the knot popped, locking into place and expanding with amazing pressure on Dean’s insides. Cas collapsed on him, grinding his knot over the omega’s prostate as his seed spilled inside him. Dean came all over himself gasping as shockwaves of pleasure gripped his body. He felt limp and sated as the orgasm subsided. Cas nuzzled at his jaw.

“You smell so good when you come.” Cas placed his arms around Dean, lifting himself up a bit so he didn’t lay with all his weight on the omega. Dean found that the man’s muscular arms made for a good pillow. He reached out and kissed the alpha on his lips. 

“I love you,” Cas whispered to him.

“Uhm,” Dean felt his face burning with embarrassment. They were having such a good time.

“Shhhh,” the alpha caressed his face. “It's fine. Stop overthinking, you're chasing the happy scent away.” 

“Okay,” Dean relaxed his body. He wasn't in any danger. They snuggled while waiting for the knot to drop. 

 

School was boring as usual. The other omegas were ignoring Dean - it was hard being the only mated one among them. He sat alone all day, thumbing at his phone during breaks. 

Dean shot Cas a text during his third break.

>> Can I get back on social media?

He thought it was stupid asking the alpha for permission. He was his own person! Why did he even think he needed permission?

>> I'm gonna go ahead and log into Instagram and Tik Tok. If I get murdered, I get murdered.

<< Why would anyone murder you for that?”

Cas’ response almost made Dean laugh. 

>> I figured in ur line of business social media is a big no no.

<< I'm pretty sure Lilith has a few thousand followers. 

>> You're joking.

<< No. She's on the clock app? Tik Tak?

>> Tik Tok

<< Whatever.

>> What's her handle?

<< her what?

>> her username, Cas. how do i find her?

<< something…  releve. Rural releve I think. 

>> what does that even mean?

<< something ballet, i don't know. I don't usually pay attention to Lilith and Lucifer. 

Dean logged back into all of his accounts. On Facebook and Instagram he had dozens of messages from school friends, around the time of his disappearance. He paid no attention during English as he read all of the things his friends had said. Most were pity filled well wishes Dean rejected from the start. He saw his mother had a quite successful online campaign to outlaw claimings. She had amassed little over 5000 followers and had many likes in posts about claiming laws or videos about her legal struggles to get Dean back. Other parents had flooded her comment section with similar stories as they shared in their grief.

Brief pain shot through his pelvis, making him bend forward a bit. It was like someone squeezed his insides and it was gone a second later, only to return, weaker after a few moments. The cramps stopped after two minutes, but by then, Dean was already in a panic. He excused himself and hurried in the bathroom to call James. When the omega answered, Dean launched in a panic induced speech.

“Whoa, slow down, Dean. What happened?”

“I felt a few cramps? I just… I don't know, it felt weird.”

“Oh. Were they bad?”

“No, like… I don't know a small squeeze?”

“Did they last long?”

“One minute or so? Yeah… it wasn’t a lot.”

“It's fine. Some cramping is perfectly normal while you adapt.” 

“Okay… are you sure? It didn't feel normal.” 

“Yeah, I'm sure. It's fine.” 

“Okay…” Dean reluctantly agreed and closed the conversation. He washed his face and returned to the classroom. He was looking forward to the next two periods as it was time for the cooking classes. 

---

At home, Dean started on dinner for himself and Cas. He was eager to recreate the beef steak he learned to make at school. Missing a few ingredients, he phoned James.

“Well, you can go into the village and get them. There’s a lot of shops.”

“I don’t have any money.”

“Didn’t Cas give you a debit card or something?”

“No…”

He heard James sigh on the other side. “Then don’t cook anything. Tell him to bring take out if he won’t give you money to keep the pantry stocked.”

“Won’t he be mad?”

“You need to learn to communicate, Dean. Including the harder stuff.”

Dean ended the call, then dialed Cas’ number. The alpha answered after just a few rings.

“Hey. Can you get take out for dinner? I’m feeling burgers.”

“Uhm… why won’t you cook?”

“I’d love to make a steak, but I’m missing so many ingredients. You didn’t give me any money to stock the pantry.”

There was a long silence before Cas spoke. “Yes. You’re right.” The alpha sighed. “Burgers, you said?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. I’m on it.”

“Awesome.”

---

Castiel arrived home a little later than usual. He handed Dean the big brown bag that smelled incredible. Dean’s mouth watered as he opened the package and arranged the burgers and fries on plates. They ate while watching Netflix. After dinner, while Dean cleaned the dishes, Cas came from behind and hugged him. He buried his nose in the crook of the omega’s neck, his hands cradling Dean’s lower abdomen. Feel good hormones flooded Dean’s blood and a low purr rumbled in his chest. Cas purred back and hugged tighter.

“You smell good.”

“Pregnant?”

“Not yet. Just good.” Cas kissed him on the cheek and walked off. When Dean was done with the plates, the alpha called him back on the couch. “Here,” he handed Dean a card.

“What’s this?”

“Your debit card, linked to my account. So you can buy groceries.”

“Oh, thanks, Cas.”

“You’re welcome, my omega. Do you want to watch more TV?”

“Sure,” Dean replied. He snuggled into Cas’ side as they watched an action movie. Dean went to the bathroom halfway through the movie. He sat on the toilet, but when his eyes fell on his underwear, blood ran cold in his body. He felt sick. On the back of his underwear there were three penny sized pinkish-redish spots. He was sure it wasn’t normal. He called for Cas in a panicked voice. The alpha almost broke down the door, his scent acidic.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. Look - this can’t be normal! And I had some cramps this morning!”

Cas got his phone out and dialed. “James. Come now.” There was a pause. “I don’t care that you’re putting the kids to sleep! I… It’s Dean, he has some…” Cas threw his hand up in defeat, rolling his eyes, then handed Dean the phone.

“What’s wrong?” James asked. Dean could hear a child cry in the background. Dean described exactly what was on his underwear. “Well, it could be normal.”

“Normal? It doesn’t fucking feel like that.”

“You could go to your OB/GYN and talk to him. But I think it’s normal, you’re so young.”

“I… okay, I’ll tell Cas.”

“Awesome. Good night, Dean.”

“Night,” Dean replied, then handed Cas his phone back. James had hung up. “Uhm, James said it’s fine, but I want to go to the doctor and check.”

“Do you want to go now or do you want to go back to Dr Pasternack?”

“I don't know? I guess now I'd be seen by any doctor that happens to be on call… let's go tomorrow.”

“Sure, bunny. Anything.”

---

Dean had an agitated sleep. He felt anxious all day in school, the emotion settling in his chest and creating a heavy ball. He couldn't wait for the end of the day to come so Cas could pick him up and head for the doctor's office. 

When he was finally in the car with his mate he felt so anxious he couldn't hold a conversation. Cas gave up trying to talk to him and put on the radio. Dean had no idea what radio the alpha landed on, but the anchor was presenting a crime that had taken place in Joplin, Missouri. A father of 4 was found dead, with a broken neck, face down in the mud on the outskirts of town.

“What kind of radio is this?” Dean asked. The woman was going into gruesome details. 

“It's a podcast, from my phone.” The alpha was driving smoothly.

“What… kind?”

“A true crime one that follows active murder cases that seem out of place and unrelated. She tries to piece together patterns and clues in the event she can identify a new, active, serial killer.” 

“Why on Earth would anyone do that?”

“Adrenaline rush? Personal history? I don't care.”

“If you don't care why listen to her?”

“I'm technically a serial killer.” Cas paused. “Not really, I lack the emotional connection with victims. I don't murder for personal reasons. But nonetheless, I like to follow her and see if any of my assignments end up on her podcast.” 

“And if they do?”

“Well, if she would ever connect any of my assignments, I'd have to ensure my safety.”

“You'd kill her?”

“If it means not getting prison for life, or the electric chair, then yes.” 

“That's cold.”

“It’s a good thing my job doesn't require me to be warm and cuddly.” 

“I mean you could try and hug someone to death.” 

“Like a python?”

“Yeah, why not. Be all cuddly like a python.”

Cas laughed and put his hand on Dean's knee.

“I'm afraid our clients already know me as Koshchey . Can't go around changing my moniker to Piton.” 

“What does that mean?”

Cas smiled slightly. Koshchey Bessmertnyy ,” he said. “It means Koshchey the Immortal. He's an evil sorcerer in Russian folk tales.”

“And that's how people know you?”

“In the mob and outside yes. Only my brothers know I am Koshchey.”

“And now, me.”

“And now, you,” Cas echoed. “I trust you, Dean.”

---

Seeing the medical center building made Dean's anxiety hike up again. He was fidgeting on the spot as Cas filled out the paperwork at reception. The alpha put a hand on his nape, snaking his fingers underneath the collar. 

“It's fine, bunny.” 

“What if it isn't? What if the baby is sick or something?”

“We’ll see.”

“But-” 

“God knows best, bunny. God never gives us challenges we can't overcome. Even if there is something wrong with the pregnancy, we have to have faith in God.” 

“You're weird.” 

Cas shrugged. He used his right hand to make a symbol of the cross, using three fingers. He made a gesture with his head, encouraging Dean to walk. 

The doctor was all smiles when he saw them. He performed a thorough exam on Dean, including an ultrasound. He listened to the omega's detailed accounts of his symptoms.

“Well, I understand the anxiety, but everything looks normal.”

“It doesn't feel normal. The spots-”

“Spotting isn't unusual in the early stages of pregnancy, especially for someone your age.”

“Okay, but… I don't know, I just feel something is not right.” 

“Rest assured everything looks normal.”

“Okay,” Dean said with a small voice. The ball of anxiety lay heavy in his chest.

Cas looked at him, his nostrils flaring out. If the alpha said anything about overthinking and how it ruined his scent, Dean swore he'd go feral on him. He was just about to snap at the alpha when he spoke.

“Dean's not reassured, doctor. Is there anything else we can test so he can be certain everything is well?” 

“Well, we could draw some blood-”

“Great, do that.” 

“Your insurance won't cover unnecessary tests.” 

“I don't care what my insurance covers or not. If my omega wants something, he gets it.” 

“I am opposed to unnecessary tests. Your mate needs your comfort and not more fear mongering.”

“I am certain my mate knows what's best for our child, more so than a beta doctor.” Annoyance seeped into Cas’ scent. His body was tense as he leaned forward. “I want all the tests done. Now!” 

“Fine. But I will write these as unnecessary and you will pay for them out of pocket.”

“Fine,” Cas growled. His scent was unpleasant and acidic. Dean squirmed on the chair. He felt incredibly uncomfortable.

“I'll ask the nurse to come in and draw some blood. The results should be ready tomorrow afternoon.”

“Uhm, I have a flight at 1 pm. I'm going to see my mom in Kansas.”

“Good! It could do you well to have comfort from your mom.”

“But, is the flight safe for the baby?”

“No, flying isn't going to change anything. And it can do you good to be around your mother.” 

Cas growled but said nothing. After the blood was drawn they were on their way back to their community. 

“Do you still want to go on the flight?”

“Yeah…” Dean said. “The doctor seemed sure I'm fine and I don't want to get a tongue lashing from mom for not going. It's going to be okay.” 

“Fine.” Cas put a reassuring hand on Dean's knee.

---

The airport was loud and crowded. Instinctively, Dean leaned into Castiel for comfort. Alphas were glancing at him, but as soon as they saw Cas, they averted their eyes and lowered their heads. The check-in process was easy enough. Dean only had a light duffle bag, which he opted to take as a carry-on. Cas held it on his shoulder - he was adamant to spare Dean of as much exertion as possible. After they checked-in, Cas weaved through the crowd, one arm around Dean’s waist. Once they reached the TSA checkpoint Cas let go of Dean.

“Well, this is as far as I can get you.” Cas faced him and forced a smile. His scent was closed off and controlled. “It’s going to be fine.”

“What about the test results?”

“They’re not done yet. I’ll call you once the doctor calls me.” Cas raised his hands and cupped Dean’s face.

“Okay,” Dean said with a small voice. He looked at the TSA gate. It seemed daunting. He had hoped and dreamed for so long he could get away from Castiel, but right now, the murderous alpha’s presence gave him a sense of calm. He was like a rock in the middle of a stormy sea, he was an anchor point. The crowd moved around them, but no one could touch Dean as long as he was close to the alpha. Dean looked at him again. There were hard lines around his eyes and his lips were thin.

“You’re worried.”

Cas sighed. “Yes. I don’t like your mother. I…”

“I’m not going to tell her about Baby,” Dean said with conviction. He watched as the tension melted from Cas’ face.

“Good.” The alpha pulled Dean into a hug and kissed him on the top of his head. “I want you to wear the collar outside the house, so I know you’re safe.”

“Okay, alpha.” 

Cas kissed him on the lips and encouraged him to walk towards the security checkpoint. Dean kept his back straight, willing himself to reach the TSA agent. He was a burly alpha, with a big beard. 

“Put the duffle bag on the scanner belt.”

“Uhm, okay.” He complied and then faced the agent. He removed his shoes, his belt and his phone. The alpha then instructed him to walk through the gate. “I’m pregnant. I’d rather have a pat down?” The alpha nodded and called for someone else. A lithe omega agent was next to Dean in a second. She had a kind, round face. Dean listened to all her instructions as she performed the pat down. After receiving the green light, he passed the security check. He looked back to see Castiel watching, standing still. The alpha smiled and nodded, then turned and disappeared into the crowd. Dean blinked, trying to locate the alpha, but it was impossible. It was like he disappeared into thin air. 

---

Landing in Kansas City felt like a blessing. The flight had been horrible, with turbulence. He felt like his stomach was in his throat. Feeling solid ground under his feet was Heaven. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he called Cas.

“Hey, I landed. I’m sitting on a bench to get myself together,” he laughed.

“Why? What happened?”

“It was fucking horrible. There was some bad turbulence and it felt like the entire plane was falling. I screamed like a girl.”

“Well, it’s normal to be scared. I’m glad you’re safe and sound on the ground.”

“Yeah,” Dean sighed. His inner wolf whimpered as he wanted nothing more than to snuggle up to the alpha. Dean told him to shut up and composed himself.

“I miss you,” Cas said.

“Yeah, I…” Dean swallowed. “My wolf misses your wolf.”

“Your wolf will be with mine soon enough, I’ll see you Sunday. I’ll come pick you up.”

“Did you get the test results?”

“Not yet, no.”

“What? It was supposed to be done by now!”

“I’m gonna call the clinic.”

“Thanks, Cas.” Dean got up and straightened his legs. “I’ll go now. Talk to you later.”

“Bye, Dean. Goodnight.”

Dean closed the conversation and pocketed the phone. He went through the gates that led to the airport’s lobby and scanned the crows for his parents. Mary was alone, standing next to one of the pillars. She was tense and she looked like she aged five years since Dean last saw her. He made his way to her.

“Hey, mom.”

“Dean,” she sighed. She offered him a thin-lipped smile, her shoulders rigid. “How are you? You seem to have gained some weight.”

“Uhm, I don’t know. I haven’t gotten up on a scale lately.”

“I would have expected you to thin out from the stress.”

Dean shrugged. He wasn’t sure what his mother was expecting, but he said nothing. 

“Well, at least I know he’s feeding you well enough. Come on, we have to get to your appointment.”

“What? Now?” Dean’s shoulders slumped. “I’m tired, I want to go home.”

“If you want to get home, you’ll come to the doctor. We need this for the appeal.”

Dean sighed and followed his mother through the airport. His inner omega growled at everyone. 

“What’s with the collar?”

“I… Cas made me wear it.”

“Is it locked?” She stopped and she put her hands on his collar. She unbuckled it easy enough and handed it to Dean. “You can put it in your duffle and put it on on the flight home.”

“Uhm,” Dean fidgeted with the collar before putting it in one of the external pockets.

They went into an elevator to go down in the underground parking lot. One of the alphas inside liked his lips when he saw Dean. He blew a kiss toward him. Dean retreated to the other side of the elevator and growled. Mary looked behind her, at the man.

“Are you… looking at my kid? ” She growled.

“Oh, sorry. I didn’t know he’s your kid.” His smile tugged at one corner of his lips. It was a grotesque smirk and it made Dean’s stomach churn. 

“You’re a scumbag. He’s sixteen!”

“Good age. Tender flesh. Are you looking to mate him?”

Dean didn’t expect his mother to growl like that, or jump on the man. She slapped him so hard, his head snapped to the side. The doors dinged open and she caught Dean’s hand and flew through them. 

“Are you ok, Dean?”

“Uhm, yeah. Hopefully that guy doesn’t want to follow us.” Dean looked behind him, but he saw the coast was clear.

“I’m not letting anyone touch you, ever again.” Mary led him to a truck he’d never seen before. It was at least 15 years old but well maintained. 

“Where’s Dad? And Baby?” Dean asked as he threw his duffle on the backseat.

“Dad’s… out for a bit.” Mary dismissed his question.

They got in the truck and Mary peeled off, tired screeching. Soon, they were out in Kansas City. The evening air was pleasant. Dean wasn’t looking forward to whatever medical exam his mother had ready for him.

Chapter 42

Notes:

Mind the tags please :)
This is going to take a turn for the darker.

Dean thumbed on his phone. He managed to find Lilith on TikTok. He couldn't understand how or why she had millions of followers. Her content revolved around cooking, gardening and taking care of farm animals. Dean didn't even know they had cows around the compound! 

“What are you doing?” Mary asked.

“I'm watching some tiktoks.” 

“Can I see?” 

“Uhm… sure…” Dean handed his mother the phone. The light turned green and Mary drove off. She took a right turn, lowering her window at the same time. With a smooth motion, she threw the phone out the window.

“Hey! What the fuck, mom! That's my phone!” Dean stretched in his seat, looking behind them - he saw the phone was run over by another car. “Why would you do that?”

“Better safe than sorry.”

“About what?”

“That alpha tracking you.”

“Are…” his chest tightened and his mouth became bone dry. “Are you kidnapping me?”

“No!” Mary shook her head. “I don’t want him tracking you, that’s all. You deserve a real break from him.”

“I… mom, seriously why couldn’t you ask me about it? What if he calls and I don’t answer?” Dean’s inside twisted painfully - Cas was supposed to call about his test results. He wouldn’t know until Sunday night. And Cas would certainly worry once he didn’t answer. 

“So what?”

“You’re not worried he’d hit me or something once I got back?” Dean glared at his mother’s temple.

“It would be unfortunate, but - if it happens you have to document it and keep the pictures - they would be useful in a future trial.”

“Is that all you can think of?” 

“Yes, Dean!” Mary let out a dramatic sigh. “Why am I the only one who seems to care about you not spending your life with a psychotic man?”

“Ma-”

“No, I will not tolerate you talking to me like that! I struggled to find you! I fought for a good lawyer, I found the best one I could! I worked to get witnesses! You… you stood there and said you liked his scent. Now I have to work, work and work to get an appeal and God forbid I take every precaution so that man doesn’t know what is coming his way.”

Dean leaned back in the car seat and chose to remain silent for the rest of the car ride.

 

---

 

 

The doctor’s office was in a small building that had nothing of the impressive architecture of the hospital they’d been in Miami. Dean took a seat and waited to be called in. He felt so incredibly tired and swollen and nothing could ease the lead ball of anxiety that pressed on his chest. When his name was called, he thanked God because it meant he was closer to his bed.

“Hello, Omega Kumarin, yes?” the doctor read from the file and after Dean confirmed with a quick nod, he continued, “I’m doctor Nathaniel Hayes. I understand this is an evaluation for a wrongful claiming trial?”

“Yes. We're filing for an appeal,” Mary smiled, putting her hand on Dean's shoulder, giving him a squeeze.

“Okay.” The doctor leaned back on his chair. “What did the initial medical report say?” 

“I'd rather not tell you, lest it influences your opinion, doctor.” Mary's features tightened.  

“Hmmm. When did the bite happen?” Hayes got up and came to Dean's side. His eyes moved across the omega's face.  “He did that to your face?”

“Yeah. It's been… a few months already. He bit my face after he bit my neck.” 

“Can I see your mating scar?” Hayes gestured with his hand, inviting Dean to jump on the examination table.

Dean climbed up on the table and unbuttoned his shirt. Once he was naked, the doctor touched the mating scar lightly. His thumb went over the flat, white scar. The mating gland rolled easily underneath his examining digit. 

“Your mating scar healed exceptionally well. You definitely smell mated. I detect some… sour cherries? Is that part of your alpha’s scent?”

“Yes,” Dean answered with a small voice. “It’s in his base scent.”

The doctor drew some blood and took a scent sample by rubbing a special fabric over Dean’s scent glands. “How did you feel after being bitten?”

“Uhm…” Dean furrowed his brow. “My mind went blank. I… I know he… uhm, he had sex with me at that moment and then I think I lost consciousness. I woke up several hours later.”

“And after that?” The doctor asked kindly. 

“Nothing really happened after that,” Mary intervened.
“Mrs. Winchester, I would like to hear Dean’s answer.”

“Uhm, I had a heat after...” he whispered, hoping he wouldn't be heard.

“Okay. I assume you spent the heat with the alpha - are you pregnant?” Hayes followed up, clearly having heard the omega.

“No,” Dean said firmly. “Cas took these birth control pills.”

“Good - you are a bit too young for a pregnancy.” The doctor turned toward Mary. “I understand you want your son back - but as far as I can see, your son has an obvious strong bond with his mate.”

“Aren’t you going to do more exams, or something?” 

“More exams would drive up the cost of this consultation - and I don’t see why I should take your money - my conclusion will be the same. Based on how well the mating scar healed and his scent, it’s clear.”

“I chose you because so many other mothers got their kids back after your reports.”

“I’m sorry, Mrs Winchester, but I can’t change the facts - your son has formed a strong mating bond.”

“What…” Mary’s fingers worried each other. “What about intense physical abuse? Beatings?”

Hayes turned his head, looking at Dean. “Other than the facial scar, I see no other signs of physical abuse. I…” Hayes turned to Dean. “He bit you on the face after the mating?”

“Yeah, right after…” Dean choked out a bit, remembering that night. “Right after his knot locked into place, he just leaned in and bit down. He… He’s from this Orthodox community and omegas wear high collared shirts, so… a bite on the face shows the omega is mated. It’s… a thing there. Everyone has them.”

“I… I haven’t heard about that in Orthodox communities… Is he Hasidic?”

“Oh, no, he’s not Jewish. It’s Russian Orthodox - Christian. They’re… really conservative. We live in a gated community outside of Miami.”

“Okay, I understand…”

“What do you understand, doctor? It’s a form of abuse!”

“I mean… if it’s culturally significant for the alpha…”

“There are a lot of practices that may be culturally significant and still be barbaric and wrong. That is one of them!” Mary pointed at Dean’s scar. “My son did not consent to have his face mutilated.”

“That’s the only thing you can use in your appeal. I’ll note the facial bite and mention it is not biologically necessary to form a mating bond, but I think you have slim chances in an appeal.”

“We’ll have to try. I am not leaving my son with a psychotic man.” Mary crossed her arms, almost growling. Dean got dressed and waited in silence for the doctor to write his report. He was anxious - checking the time, it was clear his test results had to be done. With a knot in his stomach he imagined Cas trying to call him and give him the news, whether good or bad. What would the alpha do if Dean didn’t answer? Would he hop on a plane and come find him?

 

---

 

 

Dean wasn’t sure where they were heading next. He was increasingly tired and the ball of anxiety in his gut wouldn’t loosen up at all. Mary pulled the car in front of a large, sprawling church with a generous yard.

“Come along, Dean,” Mary ushered him outside.

“What’s going on?” He asked. “I’m very tired, I just want to get in bed.”

“This is going to help, come on.” She encouraged Dean to get out and walk toward the church. It was the New Hope Baptist Church. The motto was proudly displayed on a yard sign: Faith, Family, and Community. Once inside, Mary guided him through a side hallway to a fellowship hall. There was already a crowd gathered there - all omegas, based on their scent. Their combined scents were heavy, laced with sadness, sorrow and pain.

“Mary, hi.” An older omega, with graying hair came and hugged his mom. She had a sweet, yet faded scent. “How are you?”

“I… not so good. Bad news from Doctor Hayes, I’m afraid.”

“We’ll talk about it, we’re going to sit in a moment.”

“This is Dean,” Mary introduced him, putting her arm around his shoulders.

“Hello, Dean,” the older omega said warmly. 

“Hey,” Dean murmured. He had no idea what was going on as his mom guided to the circle of chairs. “Is this some… AA meeting or what?”

“What?” Mary frowned. “AA? Where did you get that idea? It’s a support group for claimed and abused omegas and their families.”

“Okay…” Dean let out a sigh. “How long is this going to last? I’m really tired, I want to sleep.”

“It’s just an hour or so. You can grab a coffee from the station.” Mary pointed at a small kitchenette at the far end of the room. Dean could see full coffee pots and snacks. He went and poured himself a mug of coffee but then he had a moment of panic - was it safe for him to drink coffee? 

“You're allowed to drink anything you want,” someone said behind him. It was the woman that greeted Mary. 

“Uhm, sure, thanks.” 

“I’m Agnes King,” she said. “I’m the group leader. I’ve been doing this for twenty years. I saw many an omega come through those doors.”

“I imagine.” Dean took a small sip of coffee. It was divine. He chastised himself for not asking the doctor or James about coffee. If he had his phone he'd google it. 

“This is a safe space. You don't have to worry about eating or drinking to your desire.”

“Sure…” 

“Your alpha won't find out anything.” 

“Unless I tell him…” Dean mused and took another sip of coffee. As the caffeine entered his body, tiredness left. 

“You don’t have to tell him. You don’t owe him anything.” Agnes glanced at the group behind them. “We should join the group.” 

Dean took his seat, next to Mary. His mom opened the meeting complaining about Doctor Hayes and Cas, referring to him as “ the alpha” . While she talked, Dean sipped his coffee and looked at all the other people gathered there. Some omegas had black and blue bruises on their faces. He saw some horrible mating scars, with red angry cheloids. There were a few pregnant omegas. Overall the scent of pain and sorrow was prevalent. When Mary was done, she sighed. 

“But… what if the alpha hurts Dean for losing the phone?” One of the participants asked.

“I… I didn’t want him to know where we were. I don’t want him listening in on our conversations. If he hurts Dean, then Dean can take pictures and we’ll have evidence of his abuse.”

“What will he take the pictures with? You destroyed his phone, Mary.”

Mary seemed to lose the ability to speak. She had turned pale white, then bright red. “The phone I will be buying for him, of course.”

“I don’t know if he’d accept that phone,” another omega chipped in. “Mine only lets me use the phones he buys for me. I know he had apps on it to stalk me. It's good these meetings take place in a church otherwise…”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” Mary put an end to the conversation. 

Agnes leaned forward and spoke to Dean, “do you want to add anything, Dean?”

“I…” Dean felt his cheeks burn. “Not really. I’m sure mom told you all about me,” he laughed it off.

“This is a safe space, Dean. You can talk with us, we all went through similar experiences.” 

Dean felt increasingly uncomfortable, with all the eyes focused on him. “I’m really tired.” He took another gulp of coffee. Looking into the mug, he sighed. “I was stupid for sneaking out. Castiel is… weird.”

There was a wave of growls from the crowd. “We don’t use alpha’s names here.”

Dean looked at each person. He thought it was insane. “Why not?”

“I know it can be tempting to say their name or even talk about them in a way that highlights them as a whole person. But in this group, we ask that you avoid naming them or humanizing them too much,” Agnes intervened. “They chose to enter our lives as violent alphas, we will keep them at arm's length. Talking in a way that humanizes their actions can make it harder to hold them accountable in your mind. And lastly, this is a space for you not for them. No alphas allowed here, not even with their name.”

“I think my therapist would disagree with that,” Dean commented.

“You go to therapy? How do you hide that from your alpha?” Another omega leaned in. Her lip was busted and crudely stitched. 

“We go together. Court ordered. He…. uhm,” Dean licked his lips. “It helped both of us.” Silence fell on the group. 

“I see…” Agnes leaned on her chair. “You… you fell in love with him, haven't you?”

“What?! No!” Dean brought his feet up on the chair. It was a ridiculous statement.

“It's not unheard of, Dean. It's actually quite common. From what Mary said you had… all the conditions for these… feelings to develop. Isolated in-” 

“I'm not that isolated.”

“No?” Agnes smiled with pity. That made Dean feel enraged. “You live in a gated community with other omegas in similar situations with no access to outside people. It's a cult.”

“It's not a cult. And mom wanted to move into a gated community too.”

“Dean, honey-”

“I'm not honey to you,” Dean growled. He reached his boiling point. “It's not a cult, he's Russian Orthodox, and so is the whole community. It's just their way of life, okay? It's… pack mentality.” Dean looked around him. “At least I'm not black and blue.” 

“But you were raped, repeatedly, Dean,” Mary added. “You can't justify his actions.”

“Thanks for telling that to the whole room. He got a fine for that, remember? And we're in therapy.”

“A fine…” Mary shook her head. “I don't know what to do with him…” Mary put her head in her hands. “He told the jury the alpha smelled nice.”

“I'm sorry Mary. Try and keep him away from the alpha as much as possible. Maybe take him to a different therapist if he is more inclined to listen to a professional.”

“Okay,” Dean stood up. “I like my therapist. I… “ Dean turned to Mary. “I chose to stay with Cas, okay? I… like his scent and I think I can like him as a person too. He's very,” Dean licked his lips, searching for the right word as rough didn't seem to cut it, “ sharp around the edges, but… he cares in his own twisted way. I don't want to go through an appeal. It's not going to work anyway.” Dean finished his coffee cup and went to wash it in the sink. After a few moments of stunned silence, the group moved on, discussing someone else’s woes. Agnes had reached out to Mary, whispering in her ear. Bright red in the cheeks, Mary came to him with long strides. She grabbed his arm and manhandled him to walk. 

“The fuck, mom?”

“Move, Dean.”

“What is going on?”

Mary didn’t answer until they were in the yard. “You… you didn’t follow the rules, Dean. You humanized that man and potentially triggered other members. You can’t just go around saying you like his scent .”

“And you can’t just thrust me into something like this and expect me to behave!”

“Watch your tongue!”

“Or what?”

“Dean-”

“No, seriously mom, or what? What could you possibly do to me now? Ground me? Fine.” Dean threw his arms out. “I can’t wait to sleep either way.” 

“What did you mean about the appeal? That you chose to stay with him?”

“Ma…” Dean sighed. “I talked to the therapist and I chose this. It’s… better for my inner omega.”

“What kind of quack therapist did he take you to?”

“Really-”

“Yes, really! He obviously chose a therapist that would tell you what he wants to hear.”

“Ground me or whatever, but let’s just go home.” Dean turned and walked out of the yard.

---

The car ride back to Lawrence was awkward and silent. Dean spent the time watching passing trees, wondering about his test results. He hoped they were good. Mary’s phone rang and she answered with a tremor in her voice.

“Hey, ma?” Mary paused while she listened to Grandma Deana. “You called an ambulance already? Okay.” She listened for a while. “But he’s still breathing?”, followed by a “oh good”. Mary glanced at Dean before continuing, “I’ll be there in 10 minutes.”

“What’s wrong now?”

“Your grandpa… he’s not doing that well.”

“Why?”

“Lung cancer.”

“I… I didn’t know grandpa had cancer!”

“There’s some things you missed while out in Florida. He’s not doing well. Mom called the ambulance.”

They arrived at Deana and Samuel's house before the ambulance. Dean jumped out of the car and a shiver went down his spine looking at the two storey house. He didn't have fond memories of his grandfather. He was a mean old man that didn't have a good opinion of his eldest grandson. He declared he wasn't surprised Dean turned out to be “a bitch”. Mary walked right inside as Dean followed slowly. He paused in front of the door, mustering the courage to face whatever was behind it. He looked down and frowned. On the porch, next to the door was a newspaper with blood on it. Picking it up, the stench overwhelmed him, making him swallow hard to keep from losing his stomach. Unraveling the newspaper he found a rotting dead fish. Fighting the urge to gag he threw out the foul package in the big bin on the side of the house. Why would his grandmother have a dead fish on her porch?

Inside the house, pain and sadness permeated the walls. It was dead silence on the ground floor. Walking inside the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water he noticed the landline. He picked it up and stared at the numbers. With a pang of regret he realized he did not know Castiel’s number. 

“Dean?” His grandmother entered. She looked haggard and thinner than usual. “Hey there, bubba. I haven’t seen you in such a long time.” Her arms wrapped Dean in a bear hug. Dean melted in the embrace, his inner omega purring, finally soothed. Deana caressed his face, her fingers tracing the scar. “Mary said he bit your face, but it looks better than I expected.”

“Yeah, everything healed really well. Doctors said it’s a sign of a strong bond.”

Deana nodded. “You smell mated, too. Mated and happy.”

“Happy, Grams? Really? I haven’t felt happy in a while, you know.”

“Yeah. It’s subtle, but your omega is happy.” She rubbed Dean’s chest.

“That stupid wolf is always happy when he’s with Cas.”

“Your wolf is not stupid. He knows what’s best for you. You should trust your wolf.”

“Hey, did you drop a fish from your shopping bag? I found a dead fish on the porch.” Dean watched all color leave his grandmother’s face and fear trickle in her scent. She was obviously distraught. 

“Did you see someone outside?”

“No, why?”

“Nothing, Dean, don’t worry about it.” Deana put her arm around Dean’s shoulders. “Let’s go upstairs.”

In the main bedroom, on the second floor, Deana had made a sick room for Samuel. The aging alpha was in bed, breathing heavily. The room was filled with the whirling sound of an oxygen tank that sat next to the bed.

“Samuel, you have to keep those in your nose!”  Deana struggled to out the nasal cannula back in the alpha’s nostrils, but the man was uncooperative. He didn’t seem to realize Mary or Dean were there.

“I tried too, with no luck,” Mary sighed. 

“Where is that damn ambulance?” Deana sighed heavily as she sat on the edge of the bed. 

Almost on cue, the street lit up with blue and red, the wailing siren of the ambulance penetrating the house. Mary jumped up and went downstairs, most likely to greet the paramedics. Soon, the room was full of people and equipment. Deana had an entire dossier with Samuel’s medical records. After examining his grandpa, the paramedics decided to take him to the hospital.  Deana was allowed to ride in the ambulance with Samuel, so Mary and Dean were left to lock up the house. The stench was back on the porch - the rotting fish had reappeared on the doorstep.

“The fuck?” Dean picked up the foul package, recoiling from the smell. “I threw this away…” His stomach churned as he stared at it, questioning his sanity. He took the rotting fish back to the bin. He froze at a startling realization—it was another fish. “Ma!”

“What?”

“There was one rotting fish on Grams’ porch - and now another one showed up. I don’t know what’s going on.”

“Probably some kids pulling pranks,” she said dismissively. “Just toss it and let’s get going”

Dean did as he was told and climbed back in Mary’s truck. This time, finally they were going home. 

 

---

 

 

Home was an overstatement. The house felt abandoned. John was nowhere to be seen - nor scented. The lack of the alpha’s scent was unnerving. Sam’s scent was extremely faint. 

“Where’s Dad?”

“He’s… away on business,” Mary said dismissively. 

“And Sam?”

“I don’t know, Dean, I just came home, with you. He’s probably in his room.” Mary sat on the couch, pulling her laptop close.

“What are you doing now?”

“Researching therapists and lawyers and stupid mating rituals.”

“You’re not giving up on that, are you?”

“No.”

Dean decided he was too tired to argue with his mom. He went upstairs - his first stop was to see his brother. When Dean opened the door, Sam jumped a mile high, slamming his laptop’s lid. The little guy growled. Yeah… definitely a future alpha. 

“Hey there, jerk.”

“Don’t know how to knock?” Sam said in lieu of a greeting.

“I’d… expected you’d be happy to see me.” Dean’s inner omega whimpered. 

“No. Go away.”

“Mom got you a laptop?”

“It’s none of your business, just get out.” Sam stomped toward him and pushed him out of the room, then slammed the door shut. 

Defeated and sad, Dean retreated to his old room - he was shocked to see it was virtually unchanged, down to the trash in the bin he held underneath his desk. Every little thing was the same as he left it. Dean collapsed on the bed and cried himself to sleep.

 

---

 

 

He woke up in a pool of wetness and in a world of pain. His back and lower abdomen were convulsing. Dean struggles to sit and reach out for the night lamp next to his bed. Once light filled the room he saw the wetness was red in color. He was laying in a pool of his own blood.

“MOOOOOM!” He cried out. Soon he was sobbing, yelling for his mother. Mary came barreling inside the room. She froze, taking in the scene.

“Dean, honey, what-”

“I’m pregnant. I’m pregnant. This isn’t normal, what’s going on, mom?” Dean sobbed. 

Mary sat next to him, gathering him to her side. “It’s going to be okay, bud, just hang on.” With trembling hands, she dialed 911.

Chapter 43

Notes:

Merry Christmas, everyone!
I bring this unholy chapter to you. There is some gore in it.

Castiel spent most of his Friday in the gym. It was easier to shut up his mind if he boxed or threw weights around. Hours had passed and Dean was supposed to have landed in Kansas City, but the omega gave no sign. It annoyed Castiel to no end. Checking his phone every two minutes didn't help. Other vory threaded carefully around him, lest they get the other end of Castiel’s sour mood. 

Around 6 pm, Cas gave up on waiting. First, he dialed the clinic.

“Hello, I want to ask about my mate's bloodwork - Dean Kumarin. It was supposed to be ready.”

“Hmmm… I see here we have a Beta-HCG test.”

“Yeah - is it done?”

“No… It's probably going to be ready on Monday.”

“ Monday? ” Cas growled, his anger tipping over. “Listen, my mate is pregnant and not feeling well, this is important. ”

“It’s not marked as urgent, sir. Unfortunately, we couldn’t process it today.”

“What do you mean not urgent? My mate is unwell!” Cas yelled.

“Sir, please don't raise your voice. Your doctor didn’t flag it as urgent and due to a high amount of requests, we were unable to process-”

“What about tomorrow? Why can’t you process it tomorrow?”

“Our lab’s schedule is Monday through Friday-”

Cas was tired of listening to the receptionist. He ended the conversation with a hard press on the red button. His inner alpha growled, displeased. Dean had to know about the test being delayed, so he called him. There was a short, flat tone, followed by an automated message: “the number you are trying to reach is not available at this time”. Cas’ anger dissipated as an ice cold feeling gripped his body. Dean wouldn’t have shut off his phone. Cas tried to call again and again, only to be met with the same cold robotic response. He was halfway through the process of buying a ticket on the next flight out, when his phone lit up with Lucifer’s name. Cas groaned - he had zero tolerance for his older brother at that moment. But the annoying knothead was higher up and the Brotherhood always came first. Suppressing his restless alpha, Cas answered.

“Da?”

“There’s a mess in the kid’s room.”

“I… can’t Merab help you?”

“No, Cas, Merab can’t help me ,” Lucifer said, then hung up. 

Cas sighed and opened the app they used to communicate. It was a silly Animal Crossing style game created by some smart guy back in Russia. Most brotherhoods used it and it was so popular that even Gatherings took place in the virtual space. It was so heavily encrypted no cop could hack in it - and since access to a “community” was only offered via an invite code, they were sure only vetted people gained access to the chat rooms. Cas’ avatar wasn’t developed. His “homestead” was barren and the little creature that represented him stood all day and all night in an empty house. Others actually played the game to some extent, decorating their little islands and further customizing their avatars. Cas pressed on the chat and saw Lucifer’s instructions. A clean up and a hunt? Cas read the details about his victim, then closed the app - the sooner he was done, the faster he could reach Kansas and find Dean. 

 

---

Cas canvassed the bus station. It was the closest public transportation station from The Sunset Key Hotel. Time was of the essence. The hooker he was hunting was a witness to a murder and Lucifer didn’t want her breathing. He had to find her before she could disappear. As such, he quickly applied dark brown contact lenses and a silicone mask before entering the surveillanced area. He scented the air, trying to catch a hint of her sweet jasmine scent. Other vory had been sent out with their underlings to search other parts of the city. 

Cas was sure the hooker had made her way to the station - for one, she had stolen cash from Lucifer’s client, and, secondly she had no identification. Her passport had been taken away and destroyed as soon as she touched American soil. Buses were the only way out of the city that didn't require an ID or a smartphone with an internet connection.

Cas made his way to the schedule display. He analyzed each line. In the list of departed buses, Cas spotted one that fit the timeframe - it had been timely scheduled so she would have had enough time to catch it by running from the hotel. That had to be it. The hooker was in Doral. 

Cas didn't wait around. He exited the bus station and climbed in his Continental. The drive took almost an hour and a half because of heavy traffic. It did  no good on  Cas’ mood. He drove on the same route as the bus, scanning his surroundings, trying to imagine what his prey might have done. 

Just on the outskirts of Doral, Cas saw a rundown motel - the sign was missing the “O” and the paint was peeling off the outer walls and doors. It was the type of place that wouldn't require an ID. Cas parked right in front of the reception. He checked how his mask fit in the mirror - it still looked good around the eyes and the lips. He went inside - the reception was just as rundown as the rest of the motel. A shaggy looking young man was scrolling on social media behind the counter. Cas leaned on the desk. 

“Hello.”

“We have 3 rooms left if you want. Cash only,” the man said.

“Perfect. I’ll take one.” Cas paid and took the key. The man didn’t even ask him for a name, let alone an ID. “I was wondering if my friend had arrived already.” Cas pulled a picture of the hooker on his phone and showed it to the man. 

“Ah, yeah. She came a few hours ago. She’s in room 237.” 

“Thanks,” Cas nodded and left. He was surprised he didn’t need to push more - bribe or threaten the man. Room 237 seemed empty. The lights were off and no sound came from inside. Using his lockpick kit, Cas gained access inside. From what he could see she had taken a shower and drank some water before leaving again. Standing in the doorway, Cas saw a diner just across the parking lot. Running away from the mob could work up quite the appetite. Cas smoked a cigarette as he walked toward the dinner. When he finished it, he extinguished the stub in the portable ashtray, then threw it inside. He closed and pocketed it before entering the dinner. There were few patrons inside, and none of them gave Cas any attention. He went straight for the bar and asked for an espresso. He sat on the high chair and turned slowly. His target was sitting alone at a table in the far end. As far as Cas could tell, she had no way of running from him. The bathroom was on the opposite end and Cas had the only exit covered. There was no reason for him to hurry.  He drank his espresso while checking his phone. Still no sign from Dean. Maybe the omega forgot his phone on airplane mode. Or maybe his mother had kidnapped him and they were halfway to Canada. Cas texted Dean, informing him of the blood test mishap. Maybe the omega had just forgotten the phone on airplane mode. Pocketing the phone, Cas made his way toward the hooker. God, I bear the heaviest of sins, unworthy of Your grace. I… I pray you grant her peace. Let her passing be swift and guided by Your merciful hand, he entreated. 

“Mind if I sit here?” He asked her, taking a seat without waiting for a reply.

“I…” The hooker was pale. She had a fake sweet scent - clearly Lucifer had doused her with scent modulators to conceal negative emotions that could… hinder the client's experience. “I mind,” she said eventually, in a thick accent. “I alone. Leave.” 

Cas nodded, but he didn't move an inch. “Can't do that I'm afraid.”

“I scream.” 

“That would make me very upset.” 

The hooker opened her mouth, but the scream died on her lips. Cas moved his jacket, showing off his gun. 

“Finish your tea and let's get going. I don't have all day.” 

“Where are you taking me?”

“Back home.” 

“Alive?” She asked.

Cas paused. His orders were clear - dispose of the witness. But he couldn't deny the girl some hope. 

“Yes, alive. You're a big earner.” The lie rolled off his lips easily. He got up and grabbed the hooker’s arm, raising her to her feet. “Walk, come on.” 

Cas led her back to the motel room. With keen eyes, he watched as she gathered her things, making sure she left nothing behind.

“Get in the car,” Castiel pointed to his Continental. He locked her inside and returned to the room. With deft hands, a microfiber cloth and his own cleaning solution, he made sure to wipe any fingerprints. He worked diligently, paying extra attention to high traffic areas - door knobs, faucets, cabinets and the remote control for the TV. The mini fridge and the door were the last things he wiped down before throwing the keys on the bed and closing the door. 

“Is Lucifer mad?” the hooker asked when Cas entered the car. 

“A bit,” Cas replied as he started the car. He peeled off and merged into trafficking. 

“Aliona dead?” the girl asked. “The man seemed… mad.” 

Cas glanced at the girl. She couldn't have been much older than Dean. 

“Why do you ask?”

“I worried.” 

Cas pursed his lips. Lucifer had told him the girl was a witness. Could his brother be wrong? 

“She’s…” he hesitated. "She's being taken care of". He couldn’t disobey his orders. Regardless of what the girl actually saw, she was in the room. Her testimony could contribute to a strong case against Lucifer’s client, maybe even Lucifer himself. It was what it was. He steered the car outside of the city and drove and drove, the landscape changing, giving way to open stretches of flat, sun-drenched land dotted with scrubby vegetation, like saw palmettos and scrub oaks with the occasional cluster of cypress trees sprinkled in between. The air grew heavier, thicker with the smell of earth and water, as the car went deeper into Florida’s untamed heart. 

As he left the highway behind the wetlands engulfed them. Soon, they were underneath the cypress dome. It was perfect. Cas veered off the road and drove the car as far into the forest as he could. He stopped when the road was barely visible. Crocodile infested water laid before them. 

“I need to take a piss. Stay here.”  Cas got out and walked into the thicket, reaching for his gun. Even with his back turned to the car, he was attuned to the sounds surrounding him, poised to catch even the slightest movement from the woman. As expected, the car door clicked and the leaves cracked under her steps. Hand on the trigger, Cas turned, aimed and took the shot. With a low thud, the hooker’s body hit the ground. Cas rounded the car and put two more bullets into her chest. 

“I'm sorry. May God forgive your soul.”  He made a sign of the cross and, with that, the moment of recollection was over. He wrapped the body in a plastic tarp and placed it in the trunk of his car. Next, with his chemicals, he took care of the blood that had spilled on the wet soil - no evidence could ever be left behind. Her body would be later processed and fed to the crocodiles. 

---

The Sunset Key Hotel raised above the Miami streets with its 55 storeys. Cas took his kit - a heavy duffle bag containing everything he needed. He also took out the suitcase. Walking as if he owned the place, Cas reached the elevators without interruptions. Room 5576 was at the far end of the hallway. It had an impressive corner balcony, making it a favorite for romantic escapades - even if they were fabricated. Cas slipped inside, taking in the scene. A dead hooker lay in bed, with black and blue marks around her neck. Lucifer came out of the bathroom, supporting a naked buff alpha. Cas tilted his head. 

“What are you doing?”

“Calming down this fucking knothead.” Lucifer pushed the alpha on the couch. He opened his own duffle bag and threw some clothes at him. “Get dressed!” He barked at the man. He gathered all the loose clothes in a plastic bag. “Help me with the hooker.” Cas and Lucifer undressed the hooker and bagged her clothes as well. The two of them carried her body to the bathtub. “For Christ’s sake, what a fucking mess.”

“Who the fuck is that guy?” Cas leaned on the wall. He glanced back in the room - the man struggled to put pants on. 

“Reyes, the city planner. He likes them young,” Lucifer replied.

“You’re going to take him home?”

“He’s too high and drunk. His wife might get suspicious. I’m going to get him back at the club, let him sleep it off.”

Cas nodded in agreement. The city planner was crucial for them. 

“Clean this mess. I’ll see you Sunday.”

“I… I think I won’t be able to come to Sunday lunch.”

“What? Why the fuck not?”

“I…” Cas hesitated. No one knew about Dean’s pregnancy and, if anything happened to him or Baby, he didn’t want his family butting in. “Dean asked me to join him in Kansas. We… uhm.” 

“Oh, so, what, you’re his bitch?” Lucifer raised an eyebrow.

“I’m his mate,” Cas growled. “We’re partners.”

“What’s with this fucking omeganism bullshit? Is this what that two-bit therapist is telling you?”

“She’s not a two-bit!” Cas pointed his finger at Lucifer. “She is helping me and Dean be better.”

“I don’t understand why you’re insisting on this omega. Why not take a good, submissive omega from our pack?”

“Dean is my True Mate, given by God. I am not going to give that up.”

“Oh, come on.” Lucifer laughed. “You believe in those fairytales about God and True Mates?”

“Don’t take His name in vain!”

“Why do you care so much, little brother? Even if God’s real we’re all bound for the deepest pit of Hell.” Lucifer pointed at the naked body in the tub.

“Just get Reyes safe and let me do my job.” As Lucifer left the bathroom, Cas continued, “and I believe I won’t be thrown as deep as you, as long as I keep the faith and repent.”

“Repent?” Lucifer laughed. “You can’t be serious.”

“I am.” Cas pushed off the wall. He reached into his pocket, fisting the prayer rope he always carried with him. “Just go, Lucifer.”

Cas started the shower, the water running over the body. He sighed. Judging by the sound of the door, Cas was left alone. He went back into the main room. Lucifer had taken the sheet and the pillow cases as well. Cas removed his silicone mask and gloves, packing them neatly in a special bag. He opened the kit and took out the industrial blender, the chemicals and the disposable coveralls. After he donned the protective equipment he returned to the bathroom with the blender and chemicals. Cas climbed in the bathtub and began dismembering the body. The blood was washed away by the water. The sharp butcher knife made the work easy enough. He cut the arms and legs and then deboned them. He let the torso and head to drain off blood underneath the spray, along with the hands and feet. He took a handful of meat and placed it in the blender, along with the chemicals needed to aid in its dissolving. He powered the blender on the highest speed until the contents resembled a strawberry smoothie. He poured it in the toilet and flushed it. The process was repeated six times, until there was no meat left. He rinsed off and walked back into the room, to grab the suitcase. Inside he had a giant collapsible water pouch. He used it to give the empty suitcase some weight, so it didn’t draw suspicions. He drained the water and collapsed the pouch. He took the remaining body parts, wrapped them in plastic and packed them neatly in the suitcase. Lastly, he placed the pouch on top and closed the suitcase. He placed the suitcase at the entrance and turned toward the room - he had a lot of work to clean it. It took him hours, but, by the time the sun was rising above the ocean, shining golden rays over the waves, the room was clean and fingerprint free. Cas put on the mask and the gloves before exiting the room. He sighed of relief once he was out of the hotel and had the suitcase and duffle bag in the trunk of his car. He drove home, respecting every street sign and circulation rule. The last thing he needed were the cops stopping him. Cas parked inside the compound and left the car unlocked. Their men were going to take care of the bodies soon enough. Cas walked to the church. It was always unlocked for anyone to visit in their time of need. At 7 am, the church was empty. He collapsed on his knees in front of an Icon of Saint Mary with Child Jesus Christ. 

“God, I once again ask for forgiveness for my sins,” he prayed. “I… I am the most wretched kind of sinner. I have broken Your commandments time and time again. This… unholy work is all I know. I come before you as a hopeless sinner. If there is any mercy for men like me… let me find it. Amen.”

 

Chapter 44

 

Samuel was unwell - he had a heart attack. The doctors told Deana it was caused by the stress the chemotherapy put his heart through. All she could do now was pray and hope her husband pulled through. She was trying to find the chapel - it had to be somewhere off the main lobby. 

“Oh, Mary!” Her heart fluttered, seeing her daughter in the lobby. She did not expect her to come and check in on her or Samuel. “I am happy to see you. Your father-”

“I can’t deal with that right now, ma,” Mary cut her off. Deana was taken aback. 

“If you’re not here for your father, why are you even here, Mary?”

“For my son. Everything I do is for my son.”

Deana felt her heart drop and cold chills entering her bones. “What’s wrong with Dean?”

“I think he's having a miscarriage,” Mary whispered.

“He's pregnant? But he's way too young!”

“Yes, he is… he told me after… the miscarriage started. I… I need to find out where they took him.” Mary hugged herself and walked forward.

“The poor thing…” Deana followed.

“I was right. That abusive alpha didn't even consider his age. He stuck his knot in my baby and put him at risk like this…” Mary reached the reception and leaned forward. “Hi, I'm looking for my son. His name is Dean Kumarin, he's omega.” 

“One moment, ma’am.” The receptionist typed away at her computer. “What are you to the patient?” 

“I said, I'm his mother .” 

“Okay, you can see him, he's up in the OB/GYN ward, room 244.” 

“Which way?” Mary asked, panic in her voice and scent.

“You can take that elevator over there,” she pointed toward the respective elevator, “up to the fifth floor.” 

The two women walked up to the elevator and called it. Deana reached out and touched her cross, shooting a quick prayer to God. 

“How… How's Dad?” Mary turned to face Deana. 

“He’s had a heart attack. He’s in Cardiology.”

“Fuck, mom…” Mary covered her face. 

The elevator dinged, and they got off on the fifth floor. Mary went straight for the reception. 

“Hello, I am Mary Winchester, this is my mom, Deana Campbell. I’m here for my son, Dean Kumarin. Downstairs they said he was here. I… I need to know what’s going on. I want to see him.”

“Yes, we have him here, he’s in room 224. Let me call the doctors inside.” The receptionist moved to a fixed phone and made the call. Mary couldn’t hear what she was saying. She was biting her nails in anxious anticipation. The receptionist turned back toward her. “The doctor is going to see you two,” she said while pressing a button. The doors swung open to their full extent. The hallway beyond them was well lit and silent as they entered. The doors swung back and closed behind them. A doctor came out to greet them. 

“Hello, I am doctor Julian Cross, ” he said, extending his hand. 

“Hi, doctor, Mary Winchester. My mom, Mary Campbell.” Mary shook hands with him.

“Ma’am,” the doctor acknowledged Deana. “As you know,” he addressed Mary, “your son came for abdominal cramping and profuse vaginal bleeding. We did tests and exams and, unfortunately, we determined there was no fetal heartbeat and we observed the passage of tissue through the cervix.”

“What… What does this mean?”

“Unfortunately, it means your son is experiencing a miscarriage. We cannot do anything to stop this miscarriage - we can make Dean comfortable and manage his symptoms. He’s lost-”

“Oh, thank God!” Mary pressed her hand on her chest. 

“Mary,” Deana exclaimed. She was appalled by her daughter’s reaction. The doctor seemed equally puzzled.

“Uhm… like I was saying, he has lost a lot of blood, so that is why he’s in a private room. We’ve given him a blood transfusion. I would… call the alpha father.” 

“Oh.” Mary’s smile faded a bit. “My husband has started a job as a long haul trucker. Uhm, he’s away now.”

“No, no, I mean… the alpha father of the… pup.”

“Yes, he’s away.”

The doctor seemed more and more confused. So was Deana.

“John left you?”

“No, ma, John just… started a new job.”

“I’m sorry, your husband impregnated your son?!” Cross had a confused look on his face, his eyes flickering between the two women. 

“What?!” Mary and Deana asked at the same time.

“I was asking about your son’s mate, not his father ,” the doctor said with emphasis. 

“Oh… oh, no - not that  asshole. He's abusive toward my son. Dean is pregnant because this man claimed him and raped him repeatedly. I’m glad my sixteen year old child won’t have to go through pregnancy and childbirth. I will not call that alpha.” Mary held her head high.

“I…” The doctor swallowed around nothing. “While I appreciate why you would feel positive emotions that your son lost the pregnancy, he’s very, very distressed right now. He needs support and you gleefully going in that room to tell him what a good thing this is will not help him. If you want to see him, you need to keep… at least a neutral stance.”

“I will, doctor, thank you.”

“So will I,” Deana added.

“Okay… right now, we are monitoring how the miscarriage progresses. We are providing supportive therapy through IV medication. If necessary we will intervene surgically, but… I will need the alpha’s approval for that.” 

“What? Why? I'm his mother, I can approve any intervention.”

“I need his approval because of the fetal life involved. It's the law, we cannot perform a D and C without consent from the mate.” 

“I… you just said you couldn't detect a fetal heartbeat. There's no more fetal life to require him.”

“It's the law, ma'am. If the miscarriage doesn't progress as it should, then we will have to call Alpha Kumarin.” 

Mary frowned. “I'm not going to call him. I don't even know his number.” 

“Don't worry, Mrs Winchester, we have Mr Kumarin's number on file. He is the policyholder for Dean's insurance.”

“Oh…”

“I’ll check back with you in a little while to keep you updated.” The doctor motioned for them to follow him deeper into the ward. “For now, stay with Dean, comfort him - keep your attitude neutral. Don’t hesitate to call for me if you need anything. Here is his room,” the doctor indicated the door, labelled 224. 

Mary and Deana entered with small steps. The scent of sadness and distress hit Deana like a ton of bricks. Her inner wolf howled and whimpered. The back of the bed was elevated, offering a reclined support for Dean. He was curled up on the bed, IVs in his arm and monitor electrodes stuck to his chest, underneath the hospital gown.

“Oh, baby,” she said as she approached her grandson. “Oh, you poor thing.” Deana sat on the edge of the bed, leaning back on the elevated backrest and hugged Dean. She removed the hair from his face as the young boy started crying.

“I lost the baby. This is all my fault,” Dean hugged his abdomen, as if trying to catch something. 

“No, no, bubba, it’s not. These things happen sometimes. It’s out of our control,” Deana cradled him, caressing the top of his head. 

Mary sat on the edge of the bed too, facing Dean. She placed a hand on the boy’s knee. “Don’t torture yourself. Sometimes things happen for a reason, even if we don’t see it at first.”

“What reason could there possibly be?” Dean cried out. “I wanted this baby. I didn’t want to be alone anymore.”

“You’re never alone, Dean. I’ll always be there for you, even if you don’t see it that way, sometimes.” Mary reached out and cradled her son’s face with one hand. “It’s going to be ok.”

“Does… does Cas know? Did… did they call him?”

“No, they didn’t.”

“He’s gonna be so mad. He wanted the baby, too. I… I am so-”

“Scared?” Mary provided and Dean nodded. “This is not a normal reaction, baby. Being afraid of your mate is not normal, it’s not what I wanted for you. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise.”

“What do you mean? Losing my baby… being a blessing?”

“Losing that man’s burden, maybe.”

“That’s harsh, Mary,” Deana whispered, tightening her hold on her grandson.

“He’s taken you away from all you’ve known, made you feel small, violated you in so many ways. If he’s so upset over something you have no control over that he leaves you… I think that’s the best thing to happen to you.”

“Mary, he's grieving, for God's sake!” Deana felt scandalized by her daughter’s attitude. Mary glanced at her with harsh eyes. 

“Stop worrying about him,” Mary continued, her gaze softening looking at her son. “You’re with me and grams, nothing can hurt you.” She took a deep breath. “Just focus on healing, Deanie. Breathe and let it happen, because there is nothing the doctors can do. The…” Mary hesitated, averting her eyes. “They couldn’t find a fetal heartbeat, Dean. It’s gone.”

At that Dean cried in earnest, even rocking Deana. She shushed him gently, whispering encouragement. She was of the opinion that the boy would benefit from a strong alpha's presence to make him feel safe. As much as she wished for it, she couldn’t replace that. 

Chapter 45

Dean seemed fine - he had stopped crying and he even ate a Jell-O, watching television.

“Did you call Cas?” Dean asked Mary.

“No, Dean. I think it would hurt you more than do you good.”

“But…” he put down the Jell-o. “I… he’ll have to find out anyway.”

“I don’t have his number, Dean.”

“If you hadn’t thrown away my phone,” Dean mumbled. 

“You threw away his phone?” Deana threw her hands out. “Mary, why on Earth would you do that?”

“Mom, please, just… stay out of it, okay? I am trying to do what is best for my son.”

“I think you’re missing the point, Mary.”

Mary scoffed. “The point is getting my son back. The point is not giving that animal a chance to track him. The point is not allowing that rapist the chance to brainwash my son any longer.”

Dean hugged himself, hanging his head low. The scent of omega desperation reached Deana. 

“Oh, you poor thing.” She reached out and gently moved Dean’s hair out of his eyes. “Mary, he needs his mate.”

“No, mom, he needs me.”  Mary put her arms around the boy’s shoulders, cradling him to her side.

Nurses came and went, checking Dean’s vitals and changing his diaper throughout the night. 

“You’re losing a bit too much blood, honey,” one nurse said in the morning. “I’ll let the doctor know.”

“But, it’s going to be alright, isn’t it?” Mary sat up, trying to gauge how much blood there was in the diaper. 

“The doctor is going to evaluate that.” The nurse looked closer inside the diaper. Dean swallowed around nothing. It was full of clots of different sizes and colors. The nurse frowned and turned around to pick up a sterile specimen jar. With a small single use wooden spatula she picked up a few fragments of clots in different jars.
“Is that?” Dean’s breath hitched. When the nurse removed a dark red brownish tissue fragment, she revealed a small gelatinous mass underneath. It was as small as a pea. 

“Yeah, it seems so,” the nurse answered with a small voice. She picked up the mass and put it in a specimen jar. 

“What… what are you going to do to him?”

“It,” Mary corrected Dean sharply, her scent turning acidic. “It’s not a him,” she said, pointing at the fetal tissues. "It's just a clump of cells.”

Dean whimpered softly. “I was sure… I was sure Baby was a boy.”

The nurse’ face softened. “We are going to take the utmost care with these samples. I will take these to the laboratory for now. There are tests that can be done to try and find out why this happened. The doctor can order them. We’ll just need approval from your mate.”

“There’s no need to get him involved in any of this. I’m the boy’s mother. I think he has been through enough and he doesn’t need this!”

“I’ll let you discuss this as a family. In the meantime, I will take these to the lab.” The nurse placed the jars on her treatment cart and put the diaper and all the blood stained pads in a big yellow biohazard bag. “Come on, sweetie, I’ll help you with a new setup.” The nurse and Deana helped Dean move, clean himself and then put on a new diaper. The omega then laid on the bed, his face sombre as he watched the nurse leave, wheeling out her treatment cart.

“That was my baby,” he whispered. Deana heard him and reached out to pull him into a hug. He started sobbing, wetting her blouse.

“Why are you crying, huh?” Mary put a hand on Dean’s leg.

“Do you really have to ask that, Mary?” Deana snapped, squeezing her grandson at her chest.

“What’s your problem, mom?”

“Just… Why don’t you go and get some coffee? I am… very tired. You could swing by Cardiology and ask about your father.”

Mary pursed her lips, but she got up nonetheless. “Okay, I’ll grab some coffee.”

 

---

 

Doctor Carter read the Kumarin chart to bring herself up to speed to the case she had taken over after Cross’ shift had finished. She had been notified that there was fetal tissue found in the diaper.

“It’s always good to do tests,” she sighed, putting the chart down. “Where is the family so I can get consent?”

“Uhm,” nurse Jones shifted in her chair, “his mother and grandmother are with him. Dr Cross allowed them to stay with him for emotional support. “

“Okay.” Carter picked up Kumarin’s chart again and checked something. She frowned. “I see a mister Castiel Kumarin listed as next-of-kin. He’s the policyholder.”

“Uhm, yes,” nurse Jones replied.

“Well, where is he? Has he been notified?”

“Uhm, I don’t know, I haven’t called him. I… suppose the patient’s mother did.”

“You… suppose?” Carter squinted her eyes. “Well, I need to obtain consent from the mate, as the policy holder.” Carter picked up the phone. 

“Doctor Carter, the mother said Kumarin is abusive towards her son. Nurse Williams said that was why… they didn’t call him.”

“Well, I am not going to expose myself to lawsuits - I am going to follow protocol.” Carter formed the number and put the receiver to her ear. “Hello? Is this Mister Castiel Kumarin? Hello, sir, I am doctor Evelyn Carter from Lawrence Methodist Hospital, I am calling in regard to Dean Kumarin.” She paused for a brief moment, then continued, “we need your approval to perform tests on the fetal tissues recovered during your mate’s miscarriage-” Carter stopped abruptly, furrowing her brow. “I… you didn’t know?” Surprise was clear in her tone. She glanced at nurse Jones. “Uhm, well, I don’t know why my colleagues from the last shift didn’t call you, sir, but yes, he is having a miscarriage. As far as I understood, there was no fetal heartbeat. I am sorry.” She took a deep breath. “I know this is a lot of information to handle but, I need your consent to order the tests. Do I have your consent to proceed?” The response was short. “Thank you, sir.” She hung up and formed another call, this time to the lab.

---

 

Dean lay in bed. He felt blood trickling slowly from his body. He felt exhausted. His inner omega was a shell, whimpering quietly in a corner of his soul. Deana stood by him, talking in a soothing tone. The TV was on with a random cooking show. Outside, the Midwestern weather was running amok, a harrowing storm beating the windows. Dean curled in the bed. 

“Why don’t you go home, mom?” Mary asked from her seat on the couch. “You have to be tired.”

“I am fine,” Deana replied.

“I’ll sit with him.”

“I know you will, I just want to sit with him, too.”

The door swung open and the scent of bitter almonds and sour cherries entered the room. Dean's inner wolf perked up. 

“Why did no one fucking call me ?” Castiel barked, looking at Dean, then Deana, and finally, Mary. His hair was wet and he looked awfully pale. “ What the fuck is going on ?” He said, turning back to Dean, the force of his Alpha Voice flooring the young omega. His inner wolf whimpered and a heavy pressure settled on his chest.

“Mister Kumarin,” a doctor followed him, arms out, her face apologetic, “Mister Kumarin, please, try and keep calm. Your mate is going through a traumatic expe-”

“I told that last doctor not to call him!” Mary shoved an accusatory finger in the doctor’s face. “He has done nothing but hurt my child.”

“So, you’re to blame,” Cas growled in Mary’s direction, his eyes turning crimson. “I suggest you take a long, hard look at him because you are never going to see him again.”

“Are you threatening me?” Mary squinted her eyes and took one step forward. 

“I am making promises.”

“I will take you to court! It’s an abuse to deny him access to his birth family.”

“So is denying him access to his mate!” Cas towered over Mary, but she gave no indication she was going to give in.

“I need you both to calm down, otherwise I will call security and have you both removed.” The doctor’s tone was firm, but she backed down when she was faced with Cas’ red eyes.

“If you remove anyone, it’s going to be her ,” he said, pointing at Mary. “She has no business being here.”

“I am his mother.”

“So?” Cas shrugged. “Your job is done. He’s mated and he’s mine. Do you pay for his food? His clothes? His insurance policy?”

“Is that all he is to you?”

“That is going to be enough! Out of the both of you!” Deana intervened. She had gathered Dean to her side. “If you can’t be civil, step outside. The boy is suffering greatly.”

Cas moved, reaching the other side of Dean’s bed in three big steps. He sat on the edge of the bed and put his hands on Dean’s cheek. The omega shivered as the cold fingers pressed in his soft flesh. Cas maneuvered his head to force him to look him in the eyes. Dean saw they were back to cold, dead, blue.

“What the fuck is going on, Dean?”

“I… I lost the baby, Cas.”

“How? What happened?”

“I… I don’t know. I went to sleep and I woke up covered in blood,” Dean cried.

“Did… did you eat anything weird, drank any… weird teas?”

“What? No…”

“Sir, food and drinks don’t cause miscarriages.”

“Unless it’s parsley…” Cas sighed. “Did you drink anything weird? Anywhere?”

“What is the purpose of this interrogation? For fucks sake, you’re hurting him!” Mary yelled at the alpha

“I… I had coffee. Did coffee do this?” Dean’s heart rate spiked, cold shivers running down his spine.

“No, no, no, bunny. It’s fine. Calm down .” Cas looked over his shoulder at Mary. “I am asking because I want to make sure no one hurt him.”

“You have some balls, coming here all accusatory-”

“Dean didn’t tell us he was pregnant,” Deana interrupted. “He only told Mary when he saw the blood and she rushed him here. So no, no one slipped him any plants or pills.”

“Mom, I can’t believe you-”

“I want peace in this room for Dean’s sake. If it means humoring Mister Kumarin’s interrogation, so be it.”

“I wanted the baby, Cas, I-” Dean’s eyes welled with tears.

“I know you did, bunny.” Cas wiped away his tears with his thumb. “I know.”

For a moment, no one yelled and no one argued. An eerie calmness blanketed the room. “I am going to leave you, now. If you need anything, use the call button.” The doctor took the opportunity to leave. 

Dean saw Mary approaching them, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Cas for long. His inner omega whimpered pathetically. He took a deep breath, sour cherries invading his nose. Based on his scent, the alpha was calm.

“Dean’s afraid of you, you know.” Mary crossed her arms. “I want to know what you plan on doing to my son.”

“What I plan? ” Cas stood up again. “I don’t have to justify myself to you. Like I said, your job is done.”

Dean felt so tired, so untethered. He had no idea what to think. He was on board with his mother’s idea of Cas saying what he truly felt. Because Dean knew he was a failure.

“If you want to punish him for this, I will not allow it.”

“Disciplining my omega is my job. I will decide when and if he needs a corrective punishment.”

“Your omega… he is not your propriety.”

“But he is my responsibility.”

“If you think even for a second this is his fault, I suggest you break the bond, leave my son alone and fuck back to Florida!”

Cas squinted his eyes. “Speaking of bonds…Where is your mate? I don’t scent him.”

“This isn’t about John, I want to know-”

“Mary, Mister Kumarin, this isn’t helping!”

Dean curled up on himself. He could feel blood trickling out of him. He was so dizzy, he closed his eyes for a second.

 

---

 

Cas was incredibly frustrated talking to Winchester. If she wasn’t his omega’s mother he would have had her fed to the crocodiles. His inner alpha felt threatened by her, making it hard to be the bigger person and step away from the argument. He wanted nothing more than to shut her up. Luckily, the older woman was the voice of reason between the two of them. He turned to to her. “We haven’t met… I am Castiel Kumarin.”

“Deana Campbell. Dean’s grandmother,” she replied.

“My Dean is named after you?” Cas let his eyes fall on his mate and his heart skipped a few beats. His omega had his eyes closed, and his breathing was fast. He looked pale and ashy against the hospital sheets. Cas patted him on the shoulder, stirring him awake. He was moving too slow. “You’re pale. How are you feeling?” Cas hand pinched his wrist in a clinical manner. The pulse was quick and thready, more like a flutter against the tip of his fingers. “Your heart is beating awfully fast.”

“You’ve been berating him since you entered the room, what do you expect?”

Cas ignored Mary. He lifted the sheet covering his omega. There was blood oozing from a diaper, staining the pad underneath red. Weirdly, it didn’t smell of blood as bad as he would have expected from that amount of blood.

“When was this changed last time?”

“Uhm, an hour or so go? Why?” Deana leaned over to take look for herself

Fuck, fuck, fuck. Too much blood, too fast . Where the fuck was the doctor?

 

---

 

Cas left the room, without saying a word. Dean’s inner omega curled up on itself as the walls came crashing down around it. His mate was leaving him. One of the machines he was hooked up to started beeping in an annoying manner.

Chapter 46

Dean laid in bed, ashy and unmoving, with more IV drips than Deana liked seeing on her grandson, including a blood transfusion. His blood pressure had crashed because of how much he had bled. Deana looked at the tall alpha - he was like a wall. She couldn’t read him very well, but her instincts were warning her. He was the type of predatory alpha any mother would warn her child about. It was not… sexual. It was something else. A primal violence type of thing. She could see how a young, impressionable omega could feel drawn to such an energy. 

Doctor Carter came inside, Dean’s chart in hand. 

“So, we have some… bad news.” The doctor hugged the chart. Deana saw the alpha’s jaw tightening. “Omega Kumarin bled profusely. It’s… a lot more blood than we would expect and it doesn’t seem to stop. We have him… tentatively stabilized with blood transfusion and some other IVs. But, he is not out of the woods. We need to intervene to stop the bleeding.”

“And how would you do that?” Kumarin asked, his voice rumbling over everyone. A dominating alpha, as if that wasn’t clear from the start. Deana began to understand why her daughter was so… wary of the man.

“We can perform a dilation and curettage, or a D and C - to clean out whatever fetal tissue might still be retained inside the uterus, and hopefully stop the bleeding…”

“Isn’t that…like an abortion?” The alpha shifted his weight. 

“Oh my God,” Mary groaned. “Really? That’s your concern?”

“Uhm, in a way, yes. It uses the same instruments, but the purpose is different. Now, this is the first option. If the bleeding is not controlled with a D and C, we will have to resort to a hysterectomy - which means removing the uterus.” Hearing that, the alpha growled, stopping abruptly as his jaw clenched shut. “I know it is extreme,” the doctor continued, “but if we cannot control the bleeding it can become life threatening.”

“He wouldn’t be able to bear more children,” Kumarin squinted his eyes.

“And that is why I don’t want him near you,” Mary pointed an accusatory finger at Kumarin. “I say do the hysterectomy. I want my child to have the best chance at living.”

“Uhm,” the doctor fidgeted with the chart, “Ms Winchester-”

“That is not your choice to make. I am his mate and I am the policyholder. I say what happens.”

“Oh, why? Because he is your property?” 

“If framing it that way makes you understand, then yes.” Kumarin took a deep breath. “I consent to the D and C… but I do not want the hysterectomy performed on him.”

“You’d rather have him die?” Mary got up. 

“You are exaggerating. Maybe the D and C works. I trust God will see him through this.”
“Oh… God. Funny you mention God after you kidnapped and raped him.”

“I claimed him, as it is my right to do so. He is my True Mate. And he is omega. He will want children in the future. I am not going to rob him of that choice when he’s sixteen .” 

“Choice?” Mary scoffed. “You impregnated him at sixteen!” 

Kumain's lips became a thin line. He shook his head but said nothing more. 

“Well, I don't know if my opinion matters…” Deana left the sentence hanging and when she saw the alpha didn't interrupt her, she continued, “but I too think that removing his uterus is extreme. He's too young.” 

“Is there any other option?” Kumarin reached out and threaded his fingers in Dean's hair. “Like… I don't know, like when you apply pressure in a gunshot wound. Isn't that all they say you have to do with a bleed?”

Carter frowned. “Uhm… well it's an internal organ…”

The intern took a small step forward and raised his hand. His voice trembled as he spoke. “Maybe we could use an uterine tamponade? With some hemostatics on?” Carter turned to stare at the intern.

“A what?” Kumarin frowned, looking between the two doctors.

“Uhm, my colleague is referring to something we don't use that often. It's a device, like a balloon, which we can place in the uterus and inflate. It will apply pressure on the cavity and it may help stop the bleeding.”

“Great. I… I want a second opinion, preferably from someone with experience in using this device.” Kumarin took a deep breath. “I do not care what our insurance states, I'll pay out of pocket if needed.”

“Okay, sir, I'll see who is available. I gather you would be OK with the possibility that the doctor might be out of network?”

“Yes, it's fine.” 

“We'll take him up to the OR for the D and C after the consultation. If an uterine tamponade is needed, we can insert it after the D and C.” The doctor gathered her intern and made her way to the door

Cas nodded. Dean stirred with a small whimper. 

“Dean, honey.” Mary moved his hair out of his face. “How are you?”

“Uhm, I’m sleepy and I’m cold.” Dean looked between Mary and the alpha. His green eyes softened.

“Well, let me get you another blanket of something.”

Kumarin growled lightly. 

Mary’s eyes snapped to face him. “I will not allow you to punish him.”

“I don’t think Castiel wants to punish him by keeping him cold,” Deana arranged the sheet around Dean, tucking him in better.

“I am going to get him a blanket.” Mary stood and stormed out of the room, just as a nurse entered. 

“Uhm, hello, did you call?”

“Yes,” Kumarin said. “My mate said he’s cold. Take his temperature.”

“Why? What’s going on?” Deana watched the nurse evaluate her grandson. She took a round, slightly larger electrode and stuck it to Dean’s chest with an adhesive patch. After a few seconds, the monitor displayed 97.2 F. 

“It’s normal.”

“Can you… take his temperature from his mouth or something? I… I know cold isn’t good. Cold and bleeding aren’t good,” Kumarin said, his accent thicker. 

“I can take his core temperature. Uhm… give me a moment, sir.” 

“Is this really nec-”

“Yes!” Kumarin turned to Deana with an ice cold stare. “I want to check everything. You,” he turned his icy glare to the nurse, “proceed.”

The nurse pursed her lips. “I’ll get the probe.” She returned after a few moments with a device slightly smaller than a tablet, but significantly thicker, with a wired, long probe attached to it. She gently helped Dean scoot upward. “So, I am going to insert this thin elastic probe inside your throat, to take your core temperature.” Dean nodded in understanding. “You can see I am putting on a single use, disposable cover on the probe.”

“Just get it over with,” Dean mumbled, leaning his head back. The nurse did her job with gentle and efficient hands.  “It says 97.4. It’s normal, sir.” Dean coughed as the probe exited his mouth. 

“Okay… okay. Uhm, can you please bring him a blanket?” 

“Sure thing, sir.”

“Thanks.” 

The nurse left. Deana felt a light spell of dizziness, so she sat down on the couch. Kumarin sat on the edge of the bed, cradling Dean to his side. “How are you, bunny? What's going on inside your head?” 

“Not much… I'm tired. I'm sad. It's all my fault”. The young omega curled, settling on Kumarin's chest.

Deana felt her chest tightening. From her place, laying on the couch she watched the two with baited breath. She was ready to intervene if the alpha caused Dean more emotional harm. 

“No, bunny. It's not your fault. It was… God's will. It's not on us to judge God's wisdom or question it. It's on us to keep the faith and move forward.”

“But… then maybe I did something to make God mad on me.”

“No, bunny. If anyone's to blame it's me.”

“How can you be to blame? I lost the pregnancy!”

“How can you lose it?” The alpha frowned. He pinched Dean's chin and forced his eyes up. “Did you forget it at the airport?” He asked with a serious demeanor, brows knitted together. Dean burst in a small snorting laugh, which elicited a small smile on the alpha’s face.

“No, dammit, Cas, I didn't mean lose it like that.”

The alpha made a short guttural sound. “You didn't lose it, da ?” 

“I…” 

“You didn't lose it, Dean. It's not your fault. I don't blame you.” 

“Okay, Cas,” Dean replied with a small voice. 

“And to answer your question… the sins of the father are visited upon the children and grandchildren to the fourth generation.” The alpha kissed Dean on the forehead and cradled the boy against his chest. “I have plenty of sins, bunny.”

Deana exhaled with relief. The door swung open and Mary returned with a handful of blankets.

“Did you raid their closets, mom?” Dean asked with a mischievous grin. 

“I insisted they give me blankets. Come on, lay down so I can tuck you in.”

“I feel better like this. Cas is warm.” 

“Dean, you can't lay on him. Come on-” Mary was interrupted by a low, threatening growl. 

“Knock it off, stop growling at my mom!” 

Kumarin stopped growling and glanced at his omega. He rolled his eyes. His hand lay heavy on Dean's nape. “Give me the blanket. I'll put it on him.” He reached out with his hand but Mary didn't move. She stared at the open palm for seemed like forever. Eventually she put the blankets down at the end of the bed and made her way to the armchair to sit down.

 

---

 

Deana stirred awake when she heard voices. She had managed to doze off on the couch. She sat upright, hastily arranging her shirt. Fortunately, no one was paying attention to her. The doctor had returned with another, slightly older man. He was clean shaven and had a kind face. 

“So, I believe an uterine tamponade is a good solution for Omega Kumarin.” 

“Okay, then do that,” Kumarin said.

“You're not going to ask Dean?” Mary seemed scandalized. 

“Uhm,” the doctor hesitated, looking between Mary and Kumarin. “The alpha's consent is really all we need to proceed.”

“The alpha's…” Mary laughed. “What if he refuses? You'd force some procedure on him?”

“Of course not, but-” 

“Dean, honey. Do you want to stop the bleeding and end your suffering or do you want to…” Mary pursed her lips as her scent became acrid, “to be some guinea pig for them?” 

Dean's eyes widened, his lower lip quivering. The scent of scared omega permeated the room.

Deana didn't feel like adding gasoline on the fire so she kept her mouth shut even though she itched to know what was going on.

“Come on, Dean-”

“Leave him alone,” Kumarin growled. “I am his alpha, I make these decisions.” He turned to the doctor. “Do the procedures as soon as possible.” 

“We can take him to the OR now.” 

“Now?!” Dean's breath hitched. 

“ Yes, now. ” Kumarin put a heavy hand on Dean's nape. “ Calm down, bunny. I've got you. Calm down.” Dean's breathing slowed down and his scent almost immediately evened out. He looked up at the alpha between his long lashes. The alpha continued, his low alpha voice rumbling through the room, “ the doctors will do the procedure. You will remain calm. Am I clear?”

“Yes, alpha,” Dean answered in a daze. 

Kumarin released Dean and straightened to his full height. “How long is it gonna take?”

“About 30 mins to an hour. It depends.” 

“Okay.”

“How can you all be ok with this? He… he is coercing Dean to agree!” 

“I see no coercion, Mrs Winchester. Alpha Kumarin is helping Dean remain calm.” The doctor turned to Kumarin. “Nurse Roberts will be here momentarily to take Dean to the OR.” 

---

 

Mary sighed and hung her head low as the automatic doors closed. They had followed Dean's bed as far as the hospital staff could let them. Mary leaned on the wall then let herself slowly slide down until she sat on the floor. 

Kumarin turned and left without saying a single word.

Deana weighed her options and took stock of her body. “I'm going to go get some coffee. Do you want some?” 

“So, you're leaving Dean, too?

“I'm going to get coffee.” 

“He's suffering and you're-”

“He is, but not how you think he is!”

“I…” Mary seemed to shut down. “What on Earth are you on about?”

“He's True Mates with the man.”

“Oh, come on!”

“You can't be so blind as to not see. He calmed him down in an instant!”

“Because the bastard used his alpha voice!”

“Oh and I suppose John's Alpha Voice worked the same on you?” 

Mary paused. “I was older than Dean! More mature!”

“You were 2 and a half years older, Mary….yes, so much more mature,” Deana shook her head. “Being so… deeply bonded has perks and downsides. I don't think that Alpha realized he was hurting Dean.”

“Don't be preposterous, Mom! You know he has 2 brothers in prison for violent crimes? He's probably part of some mob or something.”   

“You don't know that.”

“Haven't you noticed his tattoos?” 

Deana sighed. “I have.” She pursed her lips, worried about everything. She had noticed them and the aura of danger the man exuded. But what could they do now? The boy was mated and bonded. Ripping him away from his mate for too long would trigger separation sickness. “I am going to go for coffee.” 

---

 

Deana bought two coffees in paper cups. She added 3 sugars in hers, along with a swirl of amaretto syrup. The other, she left unsweetened. She took a few sugar sachets and made her way to Kumarin. The man was smoking just outside hospital grounds, leaning on a fence. 

“Fancy some coffee?” She offered when she was near him. 

“Uhm, da , thank you.” He took the unsweetened one and raised the cup to his lips.

“I didn't put any sugar.”

“I don't drink with sugar. Sugar is bad.” 

“So is smoking.”  

The man glanced at her with narrowed eyes. “Yes… I chose to poison my body with only one thing.” 

“Spare one for me?” 

While holding the cigarette between his lips, Kumarin took out his pack from the jacket's inner pocket. He offered the lighter as well. 

“Can you-”

“Sure.” Kumarin held onto both coffees while Deana clumsily lit her cigarette. Once she had it going, she took back her coffee.

“I haven't smoked in ten years.” 

“Why start up again?”

“My husband is dying of lung cancer. He doesn't even know where he is most of the time. The fucking thing spread to his brain. On top of that, he had a heart attack last night. He's doing ok so far… And beside all that my grandson was claimed and taken all the way to Florida. He comes once to visit and it all goes to shit because he miscarries. I think I'm allowed a smoke.” 

“You're allowed more than one,” Kumarin chuckled.

“You showed up fast. Did the hospital call you when the ambulance brought him?”

“No, they called me in the morning… when they found the baby. They wanted to know if they could do tests on… it to see why this happened.” 

“You… arrived awfully fast, then.”

“I was in Kansas City. My plane had just landed.” 

A cold shiver went down Deana's spine. “You wanted to take him back so soon?”

“I was just worried because his phone was dead.” They stood in silence for a few moments before Kumarin spoke again. “Do you think… Mary could have done this to Dean?”

“No!” Deana shook her head emphatically. “First of all, Dean didn't tell anyone. He didn't smell pregnant either. Secondly… I don't think she'd cross that line.” 

Kumarin nodded. Silence stretched on again as they smoked and drank coffee. “I'd have expected John to show up… I guess he's staying with… uhm… the brother. What's his name?”

“Sam….” Deana felt her blood running cold. “I don't know who's watching Sam. John left to become a long haul trucker. I…” Deana took out her phone and called Sam. Her younger grandson didn't answer. She dialed Mary's number next. “Mary? Where is Sam?” 

“Home, I suppose. Why?” 

“What do you mean why?! Who is watching him? Who is taking care of him?” She walked a bit further away from the alpha.

“He can take care of himself. The fridge is fully stocked.”

“Mary, he's twelve!”

“And he's very resourceful.” Mary sighed. “He knows to call me if there is something wrong.”

“Are you going to rely on a twelve year old's judgement?”

“He's an alpha, he's going to be fine.” 

“When did he present?” Deana frowned.

“He did n't , I've had him tested. I needed to know.” Mary paused. “He's fine, mom, and Dean needs me.”

“Mary, darling, I know this is hard for you, but Dean is a mated omega now. Sam is your unpresented twelve year old child. You can't neglect Sam like this.”

“I'm not neglecting him! How can you say that?”

“You've left him alone!”

“For barely a day! I don't think he even noticed that I'm gone.” 

Deana sighed. “You know what, I'm tired. I'll go to your house, check on Sam and rest there.” 

“Fine. I'm staying with Dean.”

Deana closed the conversation, pressing way too hard on the red button on screen.

“I miss the old flip phones,” she muttered. 

“Me too. We really had a much better experience hanging up angrily on someone.” The alpha had approached her. His bitter almond scent engulfed her. 

“No offense, but I still think you were too young to remember those.”

Kumarin chuckled. “I'm 35. I've had a few as a pup. Then… we used them at work for quite awhile. They had several useful advantages.” 

“I see.” Deana finished her cigarette and squashed the butt against the fence. “I, uhm, need to go to Mary's house. I'll check up on Sam and rest for a bit.”

“Do you want me to get you an Uber?” Kumarin fished out his phone.

“Uhm… yeah, that would be best. I came in the ambulance with my husband. The addres-”

“I know the address,” Kumarin interrupted. “I was coming down to check on Dean. There, it's on its way. It's a black Kia.”

“Thanks, uhm, Castiel.” 

“You're welcome.”

“I'll give you my phone number. Call me when you know more about Dean.” She dictated her number to the alpha. A few moments later the black Kia parked near them and she got in.

 

---

 

The house was completely empty. What was worse - the scents were stale and muted. Deana called her grandson again. 

“Hello?” Sam answered with apprehension. 

“Hi, there. Where are you, Sammy?”

“It’s Sam, Grams.”

“Ok, Sam, sorry. Still, the question remains, where are you?”

“I’m out, why?”

“Well, I’m at your house. I needed a break from the hospital. I… I’m going to make dinner and we can eat together, ok?”

“Yeah, whatever.”

“Come on home, Sam.”

“Dean is-”

“I don’t care what’s with Dean. I don’t want to talk to him ever!”

“Don’t say that, he’s your brother.”

“He ruined everything with his stupid.”

“We’ll talk about that later. Come home so we can eat.”

“Fine.”

Deana put down her phone. A heavy weight had settled in her chest as her omega growled. She got to work making a tatter tot casserole big enough to feed Sam and the rest of the Winchesters for a few days. God knew Mary wasn’t the best cook. 

Chapter 47

Sitting in the wheelchair didn’t seem real. Two days after the successful D and C and uterine tamponade, Dean was going home. Or, at least the room Cas had rented out somewhere in town. He watched as the alpha signed on all the dotted lines. Their case manager was pointing out various parts of their bill. 

“And this is the cost for the services your insurance does not cover - Doctor Vance’s consultation and his assistance with the procedure your mate underwent, and the genetic testing on the fetal tissues.”

“I understand,” Cas replied. His expression was unreadable. 

“You can pay now, or the sum can be added to your final bill, after your insurance processes the claim.”

“I'd rather get it over with. Where do I pay?”

“How much?” Dean asked with a small voice, rubbing his  hands. “How much is the bill?”

The case manager looked between Dean and the alpha clearly hesitating to answer for fear the alpha might retaliate. 

“I'm  taking care of it, it's none of your concern,” Castiel replied with a rather cold and dismissive tone.

“I'll bring the POS device. Please wait here, sir.” The case manager left. Cas rolled his head slowly, each vertebrae popping loudly like the cracking of an old wooden floorboard. The alpha flicked through the paperwork once more, his lips forming a thin line. The case manager returned with a thin POS device and, after thumbing on it for a few beats, pushed it toward the alpha. Castiel tapped his card, but the POS beeped once, long, which made the alpha frown.

“Uhm, it got rejected, sir.”

Dean felt like a lead ball fell into his stomach. Gathering his strength, he stood up and snuck a look at the documents. His heart stopped and his jaw dropped when he saw the almost five figure sum. 

“I… I didn’t mean to cost that much,” he said with a small voice. A wave of guilt washed over him. He had lost the baby and in the process cost the alpha a large sum of money. He was surprised the alpha didn’t beat him for it. Well, the day was young. Maybe the alpha was waiting to be alone with him to punish him. The thought of that solitary cell made him shiver.

“Sit down, Dean,” Castiel said with a firm, cold tone. “We’ll talk about this later.” The alpha grabbed his arm and guided him back in the wheelchair. “Let’s try again,” he addressed the case manager, “I’ve adjusted the limits on the card. It should go through now.” Sure enough, the POS beeped short and spat out a receipt. The case manager attached it to some other documents, which Cas signed. “Are we done?” He asked.

“Yes, sir. Have a nice day, and remember to have your mate rest for a few days. All the recommendations are outlined in the discharge portfolio.” The case manager turned to Dean. “Your mate already has all the details from the doctor, and you'll find everything written down in there for you to review.”

Dean held the portfolio with trembling hands. An orderly pushed the wheelchair toward the exit. Dean opened the portfolio and read everything. He frowned when he saw they were supposed to abstain from intercourse for four to six weeks. That was it. Cas was certainly going to dump him after this.

---

 

The drive was longer than Dean had expected. Cas was silent, which made Dean’s anxiety worse. He was unsure what was going on, but he was also too scared to ask. Lake Clinton came into view, and the alpha took a left on a dirt road. Fifteen minutes later, the alpha stopped the car in front of a small cabin with a lake view. 

“Come on, we’re here.” Cas got out and rounded the car, holding the door open for Dean. 

“What are we doing here?” Dean asked as he got out. The air was fresh and clean. Something inside him resonated with the nature surrounding them. 

“I rented it for us,” Cas shrugged. He put an arm around Dean’s waist and walked him to the porch, depositing him on the swing chair. 

“But, why? Aren’t we going back home?”

Cas gave him a small sad smile before he spoke. “In due time, bunny. The doctor said you should heal for a week before flying. I’ll go get the luggage.”

Dean watched Castiel as he brought in two duffle bags and some grocery bags. He stayed on the porch watching the lake and the ducks until the sun went down behind the tree line. 

“Dean?” Cas came next to him. “I made burgers.” He handed Dean a plate with a juicy burger on it. It smelled divine. Cas had his own burger and he sat down on a stool next to him. They ate in silence. When they were done, Cas helped him walk inside.

“Uhm, I’ll go take a shower,” Dean told the alpha. He found the bathroom easily enough. He climbed in the shower and stood under the fray. The water felt amazing on his body. Tears welled in his eyes and soon enough he was crying with ugly tears. After letting it all out, he gathered himself just enough to lather himself with soap and clean his skin. Getting out of the shower, he patted himself dry and went outside. Cas was relaxing in bed, watching the news. Dean swallowed around nothing and went for it. He walked to Cas’ side of the bed and let the towel fall from around his hips. Cas looked at his naked form with parted lips. 

“Hey, alpha,” Dean said in the sultriest voice he could master.

“Uhm, Dean?” Cas squinted his eyes. 

Dean climbed on the alpha’s lap and leaned to kiss the man on the lips.

“Uhm, Dean, didn’t you read the discharge papers?”

“Why?” Dean froze, looking at the man.

“We’re not supposed to have sex for a few weeks.” Cas cupped his face, thumbing his cheekbone. “Come on, bunny, I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You’ve hurt me before,” Dean said with a small voice. 

“I… “ Cas took a deep breath. “I know. I want to do better.” Cas pulled Dean into a deep kiss. Something in Dean broke and he ended up crying in the crook of Cas’ neck. “Shush, omega, I have you. It’s going to be ok.” Dean fell asleep as Cas petted his hair.

---

 

After two days of walking around the lake and sitting on the porch like a slug, Dean felt a bit stir crazy, so they headed for town. He wanted to eat ice cream from Sylas and Maddy’s. 

The ice cream shop was just as he remembered it. All in all, it had only been three months since he left. Cas chose a vanilla ice cream while Dean picked his favorite, princess raspberry flavour. Maybe he should have known he was going to turn out omega…

They picked their ice creams and sat down in a booth in the corner. 

“Uhm… I kinda want to see Grams…” Dean said as they sat down.

“Sure.” The alpha took a spoonful of ice cream and let out a satisfied hum. “We can go tomorrow.”

Dean dove into his ice cream and his mouth exploded with pleasure. It was just as he remembered it, even better. He enjoyed the cool sensation of the ice cream and the amazing raspberry taste. Raising his eyes from the bowl of pink ice cream, he froze. Jo and Ash entered the shop. The two froze when they noticed him, but quickly started whispering between each other. Dean watched them as they bought ice cream. When Ash put his hand on Jo’s lower back, he squinted. That was definitely new. 

“I’m going to smoke a cigarette,” Cas said all of a sudden. He had the pack in his hand. “I’ll be just outside, ok?”

“Uhm, sure, Cas.” 

Castiel leaned, kissed him on the forehead then walked outside. Dean watched him as he smoked. He ate slowly, stealing some of Cas’ sweet cream ice cream in between scoops of princess raspberry. 

“Hey, Dean.” Jo had come up next to him. “Uhm, we didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Yeah, Dean, how’s it hanging?” Ash patted him on the back.

“Uhm, fine, guys. Eating some ice cream,” Dean pointed at his bowl.

“Why… why are you here?” Jo asked. Ash’s eyes were following the lines of his facial scar.

“Can’t come visit my mother?” Dean shrugged. 

“Oh, of course. It’s just… didn’t expect that alpha to let you.”

“That alpha is outside, smoking. He’s actually coming back,” Dean said. He saw Castiel throwing the butt of the cigarette.

“Well, have a nice day,” Jo said quickly, dragging Ash away. They sat at a table on the other side of the parlour. 

Cas sat back down, smelling of cigarettes. His sour cherry scent was partially covered. “Hm,” he growled lightly, looking at his bowl.

“What?” 

“I think I need to search for an ice cream thief,” Cas said, throwing him a playful look. 

“Dunno, man, I sat here the whole time and no one touched your bowl.”

“Hmmm,” Cas squinted his eyes so Dean stuck out his tongue at the alpha. Both burst into laughter and continued to eat their ice creams. When they were done, they left. Jo and Ash watched them leave, whispering between them, but Dean didn’t care. His omega purred when Cas pulled him closer, holding him tight. 

Chapter 48

Deana’s house seemed quiet, lights on just downstairs, in the kitchen. The air was cool and still, giving Dean a sense of uneasiness. A heavy hand on his nape grounded him. 

“You ok, bunny?”

“Yeah,” Dean smiled up at the alpha. “It’s fine.”

Cas squeezed his hand, putting pressure on all the right spots. The alpha leaned and kissed him slowly on the lips. Dean felt like melting, his inner omega happy for the attention. The sour cherry scent invaded his brain, chasing away all the bad thoughts. They separated and Dean walked forward, the alpha following along. 

On the porch, again, Dean found a stinky, smelly, rotting fish. 

“Fucking kids,” Dean growled. “Can you believe this shit?” Dean rang the doorbell.

Cas frowned, his scent becoming sharper. “What’s with that?”

“I don’t know, I’ve found fish before. Mom said it has to be kids playing pranks.” 

The door opened with a smiling Deana inside the frame. “Bubba! How are yo-” Deana stopped talking abruptly, her eyes fixated on the dead fish. “Oh, uhm, just throw it away, dear,” she said with a small voice, gesturing toward the dumpster. 

“Grams, what’s with these?”

“I… kids pulling pranks, dear, don’t worry.”

“But, can’t you talk to their parents, or something?”

“I’m not sure whose kids they are, bubba.”

Dean frowned. “Don’t you have, like, a Ring doorbell or something?” He looked at the alpha. “Can… can we buy a Ring doorbell for Grams?”

“Sure, bunny. I’ll go to Best Buy, you stay with your grandmother.” The alpha turned around and walked slowly toward the car. He had deliberate movements, looking left and right, scenting the air. 

“He’s so weird sometimes,” Dean murmured as he threw the fish. He returned to Deana and they entered the house. “How’s Grandpa?”

“Still in hospital, but things seem to be getting better. The doctors said he’s responding well to the treatment. You, how have you been?”

“Uhm, fine, I guess. Cas has rented a cabin out on Clinton Lake. It’s really nice out there.”

“It really is. I used to go there every other weekend with Samuel.” Deana sighed. “Are you hungry? I’ve made a casserole.”

“Not really. Cas made borscht and we ate ice cream at Silas’ downtown.” Dean took a seat. “I’m feeling ok. Cas… is weirdly nice. I kinda expected him to be really mad.”

“Whatever for, Dean?”

“The hospital bill was something like 9000 dollars and that’s just the out-of-network stuff. We still need to wait for the bill from the insurance company.” Dean sighed. “I’d imagine he would be mad about the costs and… well losing the baby.”

“He was pretty clear about not blaming you for the miscarriage at the hospital.”

“I… I know, it’s just-”

“He wears nice suits. Those are tailored to his frame, Dean. He rented a Mercedes GLS. I don’t know what he told you about his finances, but he seems pretty well off.”

Dean was silent for awhile. “I… I didn’t notice what car he had.”

“Oh, you really are sick,” Dean laughed. “Dean, you like cars!”

“Yeah, I know, I was just… so into my head.”

“I understand.” Deana petted his head. “I don’t think you have to worry about your mate’s money. Besides, he chose to claim you, it’s his duty to care for you. If you have to endure the traditional role of the omega, he has to step up to the traditional role of the alpha. Which is to provide and protect.”

Deana put coffee and a glazed bundt cake on the table. They sat, eating, drinking coffee and talking. Dean learned more about her mother’s new found passion for activism and protests.

“So, who’s taking care of Sam?” Dean asked, frowning.

“She brings him around sometimes, when she has to leave town for a few days. Sam is… very angry these days.”

“Yeah, I noticed,” Dean acknowledged. The sound of an engine let him know Cas had returned. He frowned, realising it was the first time he heard a car pass. He got up to greet the alpha. “Did you find one?” He asked. The alpha answered simply by raising the box. The two of them installed the smart doorbell and helped Deana set up the app. With everything done, they left. Dean looked closer at the car when he got up. It was indeed a Mercedes GLS with leather interior and all kinds of fancy add ons. The alpha drove it with calm confidence.

“You know,” Cas spoked, gesturing toward the houses around them with his free hand, “these houses are sold. Where are these kids coming from?”

Dean looked at the houses - indeed most were boarded up and looked abandoned. “Uhm, I don’t know, but what else can it be?”

“Nothing good - a threat or something.”

“From who?” Dean frowned.

“I don’t know,” Cas said with an even tone. “I’m not sure what players are in the Midwest.”

“This isn’t some mob shit, geez. My grandma has nothing to do with stuff like that.”

“Yeah…” Cas’ voice trailed off as his eyes scanned the rows of sold houses. “This smells like… some development project. We… We do this shit in Miami all the time. Buy up houses, rent them out, launder the money.”
“Cas, it’s Lawrence, Kansas. Who the fuck would do that in Lawrence? ” Dean frowned. His hometown was a quiet college town where the worst thing that could happen were university kids getting into a brawl or a loose ball smashing some windows. Not… organized crime.

“You’re right, I’m probably overthinking it.” Cas shook his shoulders, as if ridding himself of darker thoughts.

 

---

 

Dean was nervous for his check-up. Seven days of rest and lakeside walks had increased his effort tolerance and his stamina. He was feeling well, physically, but his mental state had suffered. He had no idea why Cas was being nice, or when the ball would fall. Mary and Deana had also joined them for the visit. Dean was happy to see them, especially his grandmother. He found out his grandfather was back home in his bed, which made him happy.

Doctor Carter entered with his chart in hand.

“So, we have the results from all the tests we ran.” The doctor sat down across from them. “We also used some preserved blood samples we had from Dean’s time spent in the hospital to complete the testing.”

Dean glanced at the alpha. He was tight lipped, standing straight and still. He was unaware of further testing, most likely the alpha had approved it. For the thousand time, worry and guilt gnawed at his insides when he thought about the cost. 

“What is the result, doctor?” Mary asked.

“Well, the fetus didn’t have any chromosomal anomaly, that means it’s genetic code was normal-”

“What-” Dean choked out a bit. “What was it? Was it a boy?” he managed to form the question.

“Uhm,” the doctor hesitated. 

“Dean, I think that information won’t help you in any way,” Cas intervened, placing his hand on the boy’s nape.
“I really want to know,” he insisted, looking between his mate and the doctor.

“It… the genetic code was consistent with an alpha male fetus,” Carter said.

Dean felt floored. He was right, he was going to have a baby boy. Cas pulled him closer to his side, blanketing him with his scent. 

“And the other tests?” Cas asked.

“Well, the fetus was underdeveloped for the gestational age he was supposed to have. This was confirmed by the low beta HCG levels we received from your primary OB/GYN doctor. The tests we did on Omega Kumarin’s preserved blood have revealed a mutation in his genetic code - it’s called heterozygous Factor V Leiden.” The pause after that statement felt like a bomb had gone off. Was it his fault after all?

“While you’re not at any risk now, this is something that needs monitoring during future pregnancies.”

Dean’s omega whimpered, his wish to have puppies almost bursting out of his chest. But right now, it felt impossible.

“But… won’t my body… kill the pups?” He asked.

“Don’t talk like that,” Cas chastised him, squeezing him closer to him. “You said it needs monitoring - so it’s treatable?”

“Yes,” the doctor was quick to say. “It’s very much manageable, now that we know it exists. I’ve had several patients with this condition, and even worse ones, and they have multiple healthy puppies. We have many treatment options.”

“Good. See, bunny? It’s going to be fine. We just need to be careful and plan the puppies.” Cas kissed the top of his head. Dean’s inner omega purred, laying on his belly, submitting to the alpha. Somehow it felt easier to just let the alpha lead. “You’ll heal and you’ll grow up and we’ll have the puppies when you’re ready.”

Mary scoffed beside them. “You know, Kumarin, you’re old. Do you really want to wait for Dean to grow up, have babies in your 40s? You’ll die when they’re still little. And Dean… is broken goods, with this,” Mary gestured with her hand toward the chart, “this Leiden thing. Break the bond. Give my son back. Go home and find a nice omega of child bearing age and have puppies now.”

The doctor looked at Mary with wide eyes, too stunned to speak. Deana was fuming, glaring at her daughter.

“Dean’s my True Mate, given by God. Nothing will make me break the bond with him. We are meant to be together. If we cannot have children, it means this is God’s plan for us. Our lives are in God’s hand. If He chooses to give us children, we will welcome them with love and care.”

The discussion veered back to Dean’s care. He learned he had to take a shot of Lovenox before flying home to Miami. 

With the prescription in hand, they left the hospital.

“Dean, you still have your luggage at my place,” Mary said in the parking lot. “You should come over and pick up your stuff.

Dean looked at his alpha. He shrugged. “We can buy you other clothes in town when we get there. Or we can pick them up, if you so want.” 

Dean nodded and addressed his mother. “I, uhm, want my stuff. See you there.” Dean and Cas climbed in the Mercedes and drove, merging easily into traffic.

 

---

 

Sam was absent - Dean wasn’t surprised by this. He was sure the boy locked himself in his room when he saw Dean and Cas. Dean didn’t want to spend more time than what was necessary to gather his things and leave. 

“He stays out,” Mary pointed at Cas, who wanted to follow Dean up the stairs. The alpha grunted.

“Please wait for me in the car, Cas,” Dean said with a soft voice. Cas grunted one last time in Mary’s direction and went back outside. 

Dean was hoping to get his stuff and leave as soon as possible. Mary followed him upstairs.

“So, you’re going to leave with him?” Mary leaned on the doorframe. “He’s actually managed to wrap you around his little finger?”

“Mom, please,” Dean sighed. “I’m tired of this.”

“Sweetheart-”

“DON’T SWEETHEART ME!” Dean snapped. He shoved his conservative clothes in the duffel bag. 

“ Fine , Dean, everytime I see you, you’re smaller. Tiptoeing around him and his moods and feelings. This is not normal.”

“We’re working on it.”

Mary gestured with her hands in exasperation. 

“Mom, I… I think we’re true mates and I trust him when he says he cares for me.”

“He cares about having control over you! That’s all. Please, Dean.”

Dean swung the duffle bag on his shoulder. Giving his old room a once over, his eyes fell on the desk. His mother’s ramblings became something more like a background noise. Shining on the desk were the keys to the Impala. He picked them up and squeezed them in his hand. His father had given him the car, and there it was, sitting in the garage. God knew where his father was. 

“What are you doing?” Mary frowned.

“I’m taking Baby,” he stated simply, walking out.

“You can’t take the car! Your father-”

“Left,” Dean cut in. “And he gave me the car. So, I’m taking it.”

“And what are you going to do with it? You actually think that alpha will allow you to drive?” Mary laughed in his face. 

Dean hesitated for a moment, but then marched down the stairs and went outside, walking purposefully across the street to where Cas was parked. 

“Hey, uhm, I want to take my car back to Miami,” he told the alpha, jingling the car keys.”

“Your car?” Cas raised an eyebrow. 

“Yeah, Dad gave it to me. The pink slip is signed and in the glove compartment.”

Cas blinked slowly. “Can you even drive?” The alpha asked, tilting his head.

“Uhm, yeah, I can.”

“Do you know the way back to the cabin?”

“Yeah, alpha, why are you-”

“Actually scratch that,” the alpha waved his hand in a dismissive manner. “Follow me to the car dealership so I can return this,” he said, patting the Mercedes’ steering wheel. “Then you’ll drive us back to the cabin. How does that sound?” 

“Sure, alpha.” Dean jumped at the opportunity. He ignored his mother as she pestered him about how bad of an idea it was to take the car. Turning the key made Baby’s engine purr like a giant kitten. He laughed and drummed a beat on the steering wheel, barely containing his happiness as he slipped the car in drive. “Uhm, I guess I’ll see you… around. I don’t know,” he told Mary as he rolled up the window. “Tell Sammy I love him,” he shouted just as the car started slowly rolling out of the garage. In the street, the Mercedes peeled off the curb, rolling slowly forward. When Castiel was sure Dean was behind him, he picked up speed. 

Dean enjoyed driving Baby. He felt alive and, for the first time in months, actually happy.

Chapter 49

The road opened in front of Baby. Dean had one hand on the steering wheel while his other arm was propped on the door, the breeze caressing his face. The radio was set on a classic rock station, so the music soothed Dean’s soul. 

“How are you?” Cas asked.

“Hm?” Dean glanced at the alpha. “I’m fine, why?”

“You’ve been driving for a few hours. We could switch places.”

“No…” Dean took a deep breath. He was feeling almost normal. “I like driving.”

“Okay, then.” Cas took out his phone. “This is a really nice car.” 

“Thanks. Dad gave it to me… before we met.” Dean sighed, drumming on the steering wheel. He had many happy memories with Baby. 

“Is that what we’re calling it now?” Cas’ voice brought him back from his trip down memory lane.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Dean frowned, glaring at the man next to him.

“Nothing…” Cas made a dismissive gesture with his hands. “It’s just… you didn’t use to talk like that.”

“Yeah, well…” Dean shrugged. “I’m stuck with you - better make the best of it, right?” he said with feigned nonchalance. 

“Hm. I didn’t expect that out of all of this.”

“I don’t have anywhere else to go, that’s clear,” Dean concluded. He hummed the song that was playing on the radio. “Will you take a picture of me?” he asked, all of a sudden. “Like driving? Something cool.”

“Uhm, sure.”  Cas positioned himself and took pictures, the shutter sound effect going off a few times. “I think there has to be a good one here.”

“Send them all to me. I’ll choose one for Instagram.”

“Hm. You want to post something?”
“Yeah, I mean, if Lilith can have millions of followers, I guess I can post some stuff like I did before.”

“Sure, bunny.” Cas was thumbing on his phone. “Where do you want to sleep tonight?”

“I don’t know, man. Didn’t we stop somewhere when we first drove down to Miami?”

“We did, but I don’t want to stop there again.” Cas sighed. “We can do a little detour and stop in Nashville? We could go out on the town before bed.”

Nashville - the music center of the South, rich in history and tradition. Country wasn’t his favorite music, but rock had a strong presence there too. “That sounds nice,” Dean agreed.

As Nashville opened up in front of them, Dean sighed. He couldn’t wait to park the car and get in a hotel room for a nice warm shower. 

“I found us a room at The Westin,” Cas told him as they weaved into the city’s traffic. The alpha gave him directions until they reached the hotel. 

Dean looked up in awe - it was a tall, modern building with sleek signage on the front. It was clearly an expensive and luxurious hotel. He pulled out in front and a valet approached Baby. 

“Welcome to the Westin! How may I assist you?” The valet asked through the open window.

“We have a room for tonight,” Cas replied. “Dean, stop the car and give the valet the keys.”

“What? No!” Dean growled, his knuckles whitening over the steering wheel. “It’s my car, no one else drives it.” 

“Dean-”

“No! I’ll park it.” Dean turned toward the valet. “Where is your garage? I’ll park it myself.”

“Certainly, sir. She is a beauty, I can understand being protective,” the man said, his southern drawl hugging every word. “The garage is underground, you just have to take a right here, around the building.” 

“Okay, thanks, man.” Dean did as instructed. Once in the parking lot, he searched for the perfect parking spot.

“You passed… a ton of free spots,” Cas was looking left and right, pointing whenever they rolled past one.

“Yeah, but they aren’t good,” Dean sighed. “Someone might scratch the doors or something.”

“You’re very fond of this car.”

“I’ve got loads of memories with it. I think Dad and I rebuilt it twice.”

“I see.” Cas settled on his seat and didn’t comment further as Dean searched for his perfect parking spot.

Finally, Dean saw the perfect spot - it was flanked by columns on each side and no one could park too close to his Baby. He reversed into the spot, mindful to not hit the car. 

“Okay, that’s it,” Dean said triumphantly. 

“Good job,” Cas praised him. “Come on, let’s check in.” The alpha took their duffle bags from the trunk and they made their way to the lobby. The process of checking in took little time and Dean didn’t pay attention to it at all. Their room was on the tenth floor so they took the elevator. Cas opened the door and entered with his head held high. Dean saw him sniffing around, whipping his head right and left. 

“I don’t think there’s monsters under the bed, Cas.” The room was nice and homey and the queen sized double bed was looking very inviting. He sat down on it and sighed. He was so tired. Cas continued his ritual unperturbed. Dean watched him check behind the curtains, inside the wardrobe and the bathroom. With a satisfied grunt, Cas put the duffle bags down. “You didn’t check under the bed,” Dean said cheekily, which earned him a glare, but the alpha bent down and looked underneath.
“There’s nothing there,” Cas said with a low voice. Straightening, the alpha put his hands on each side of Dean’s hips and placed a small kiss on the omega’s lips. “You’re safe, bunny,”

“Thanks.” 

“What do you want to do?” Cas sat down next to him.
“What do you have in mind?”

“Well, we could go up to the bar and sit for a bit. Or shower and get in bed.”

“Why not both? Sit there for a bit and then come back for a shower and sleep?”

Cas nodded and stood up. They made their way back to the elevators and went up to the rooftop bar. It was a huge terrace lounge with amazing views of the city. He could hear faint street noises from the busy avenue on the ground. Calming blues music blanketed the lounge. Cas guided him to soft sofas and they sat down. A waitress came straight to them, offering them menus. 

“I’ll have vodka, neat,” Cas said from the get-go. 

“Uhm,” Dean panicked - he had no idea what he wanted. 

“My mate will think about it while you bring the vodka, thanks.” 

The waitress nodded and left. 

“What do you want to drink?” Cas put his arm around him, looking over his shoulder to scan the menu. “How about a virgin cocktail?”

“Uhm, I don’t know…” Dean went through the list. “I’ve never had any of these.”

“Well, pick something and if you don’t like it we’ll order something else.”

“I’ll have a Moscow Mule then… virgin.”

“Perfect.” 

About 10 minutes later both of them had drinks in hand. Dean relaxed against Cas’ warm frame. His omega was curled and purring happily. 

“Do you like your drink?”

“Yeah, I do,” Dean took another sip. It was spicy and refreshing, not too sweet. 

“Good.” Cas kissed him on the temple. 

“It’s nice here.” Dean looked around them - the seating areas were separated with plants and dividers, creating a cozy, intimate and comfortable atmosphere. 

“I’m glad we stopped here, then.” Cas gave him a slight squeeze. 

“Why didn’t you want to stop on the highway again?” Dean inquired, turning his head to look at his mate. “It would’ve been faster.”

“I… I wanted something different. I… didn’t want you to relive bad memories.” Cas threaded his fingers in Dean’s hair. 

“Huh… really? Where’s Castiel and what have you done with him?” Dean squinted his eyes, scanning the alpha’s face.

Cas chuckled and put the glass down. “Why do you ask? Is it so weird that I want you to feel good?”

“It’s weird you’re thinking about it. The Castiel I met would’ve just ordered me around in his Alpha Voice and made me present on the bed.”

“And could you fall in love with the Castiel you met?” The alpha looked up at him with a serious face, his blue eyes warming up a bit. 

“No.”

“So why are you so surprised I’m changing?” Castiel tilted his head. 

“People don’t change.”

“They do - hasn’t your mother changed?”

“I-” Dean swallowed around nothing - he knew the alpha had him. His mother had changed for the worse. “I guess you’re right,” he acknowledged. Leaning in closer to the alpha, he continued, “how far would you go for me?”

“To the end of the world, Dean.”

Dean searched the alpha’s face - there was no sign of deception, his scent was open and sincere. At that moment, he believed Castiel. At that moment, he felt like he could trust him enough to love him. 

“Okay.” Dean leaned in and kissed Castiel on the lips. 

The hot spray of water washed away all the sweat and dirt of driving all day. Dean sighed, rolling his shoulders, working out all the kinks in his muscles. The heat seeped into his muscles and bones, resolving any lingering ache. He rested his forehead against the cold bathroom tile. Beyond the sound of running water, he could hear the muffled sound of the TV from the main room. Castiel was watching TV, showered and dressed in light pajamas. 

Dean looked at his hands - his fingertips were pruny with soft, puffy skin. He had had enough water for one evening. He twisted the knob until the water stopped and reached out for a towel. He vigorously dried his skin before tying the towel around his waist and exiting the bathroom.

“So, now we have three murders - Joplin, Springfield and West Plains, all in Missouri. There isn’t much in common when we look at the MOs. But the victims all fall into the same profile -”

“You’re listening to that-” Dean wanted to ask his mate, but Cas’ growl made him swallow his sentence. The alpha paused the podcast.

“Sorry - yeah I’m listening to Threads of Terror - that murder podcast,” Castiel answered, as he stood up in bed.

“Okay, you can turn it back on, I don’t mind. I was just curious.” Dean let the towel fall off his frame and pulled a pair of boxers from his duffle bag. 

“Thanks, bunny.” Cas thumbed on his phone and the podcast started again. 

“ ...all fall into the same profile - alphas that were known to be abusive towards their mates. Brian Callahgan used to beat his wife, Elliot Marsh was a serial cheater and financially abusive, and Calvin Draper had a tendency to rough up sex workers in truck stops. I sincerely don’t know if there is a pattern forming here, but I will keep a keen eye on this region.”  

“Well, that was interesting,” Cas threw the phone on the nightstand.

“None of yours?” Dean climbed in bed, next to his mate.

“Nope. But I think she is on to something.”

“Why is that?”

“I don’t know, it’s something about it - the victims do share some similarities. If it is a serial killer, he’s just starting out, he doesn’t have a style yet.”

“That’s fascinating and all, but I want to sleep.”

“Come here, then.” Cas switched off the light, then maneuvered him into a little spoon. With satisfied purrs, the alpha planted his nose in Dean’s mating glad. “You smell good.”

“I know. Goodnight Cas.”

The next day, Dean and Cas checked out and continued their journey to reach their home. For lunch, they stopped at a roadside diner. It had a cozy, retro vibe, soft 50s music playing in the background. They took a seat in a booth, a waitress swooping in with menus right away. Ordering didn’t take too long - there were not a lot of options. 

“Here we go,” the waitress said when she came with their order. “One strawberry milkshake and a double cheeseburger with fries for the youngin’ and a double cheeseburger with extra pickles and fries for you, sir.” She smiled at them with all her teeth. “Bon appetit.”

“Perfect, I’m so hungry.” Dean pulled the milkshake closer - it had arrived in a tall, frosted glass. The inviting smell of vanilla and strawberry hit Dean’s nose, making him lick his lips in anticipation. It was pink, with a whirl of whip cream on top and bits of real strawberries floating inside.  He put his lips around the white and red striped straw and drank the cold, refreshing milkshake. “This is so good,” he said, smiling up at Cas, but when he saw the man’s face, he paused. Cas’ face was stiff, his lips thinned, his jaw tight. His eyes were cold and dark, a look that had no place inside a sunny roadside diner. Dean caught a flicker of something dangerous on the man’s face, but it was gone in a second. The alpha swallowed, rolled his shoulder and diverted his attention to his cheeseburger.

“Do you want one?”

“What?” Cas’ voice was unusually high.

“A milkshake?” Dean asked, pointing at his drink.

“No, no, no,” Cas was quick to refuse, shaking his head for emphasis. He threw the milkshake another dirty look. 

“Why’re you being so weird?”

“I’m not.”

“You’re looking at my milkshake like you want to murder it.”

Cas squinted his eyes, clearly unamused. “I can’t murder a milkshake.”

“It’s good, you know.”

“I am glad you like it, but I do not want… it.” Cas grunted and took a bit of his cheeseburger. “Now, this,” he said pointing at his food, “this makes me happy.”

After eating, they drove uninterrupted until they reached Valdosta, in Georgia. They stayed in a motel, nothing fancy, but Dean didn’t want any more - a shower and a bed would suffice. 

The last leg of the journey was short, compared to what was behind them. In just under five hours they were entering their gated community. Weirdly, Dean felt relaxed, like he had arrived home . It was so weird to associate that work with that place. When they reached the Kumarin compound, Cas instructed him to park next to his Lincoln Continental. 

“Perfect, bunny. You can leave it here.” Cas got out and took the duffle bags from the trunk.

“So, I’m gonna drive myself to highschool from now on,” Dean said as he locked the car. He slipped the keys in his pocket. 

“Uhm, sure, bunny.”

“You don’t want to let me? James drives his own car!”

“James is James. You know Michael doesn’t like you.” Cas tilted his head. “I think it’s going to be fine - as long as you don’t give him reasons to be paranoid.”

“Like what?”
“Like driving out of the community. Highschool, groceries and back here, ok?” 

“Okay, I guess I can live for that,” Dean shrugged and Cas kissed him on the lips. “For now, at least,” Dean raised an eyebrow. 

“For now. It’s going to take awhile before they warm up to you. You are an outsider.”

“Well, I guess I should join the other omegas for whatever it is they do all day.”

Cas put his arm around Dean’s shoulder, guiding him to their apartment. “It is a way to fit in. Steer clear of Naomi.”

“Okay, noted. I didn’t like her anyway.” 

“There’s nothing to like.” Cas unlocked the door and they were finally home. Dean let himself fall on the couch. “How would you feel if I ordered something for dinner?”

“Sounds good, what do you have in mind?”

“Sushi? Asian?”

“Perfect.”

Cas kissed him on the forehead and took the duffle bags in the bedroom. Dean turned on the TV and browsed shows and movies on Netflix. There was nothing better than eating good food while watching a good show.

Chapter 50

The chicken stir fry was good. Cas had gone to Miami to get the food, while Dean sat on the couch. He had no idea how time went by, as he channel surfed, not really paying attention to what he watched. He felt empty. 

Cas had plated the food and had chosen an action movie on Netflix, so now they were watching that. 

“You didn’t even want to think about names,” Dean stated all of a sudden. 

“Hm?”

“For the baby. You didn’t want to think about names.”

“Oh… right.” Cas put his plate down. “It’s just… our way of thinking.”

“I guess y’all are right…” Dean dragged the heel of his hand across his eyes, trying to force tears back. “It just… it doesn’t even feel real right now.” Suddenly, he lost his appetite. He put the plate down and bolted for his room, slamming the door shut behind him. 

“Dean!” Cas called after him, but didn’t open the door. “Dean, bunny, can I come in?”

“NO! STAY AWAY!” Dean burrowed underneath his blankets and started crying in earnest.

 

Dean woke up buried in his blankets on the daybed. His throat was itchy and dry and his head was pounding from all the crying he did last night. Moving slowly, he got up and stepped outside. The living area smelled nice, of fresh coffee and pancakes. The windows were open, inviting in the crisp autumn smell. Cas was drinking coffee while thumbing on his phone. 

“Hello, bunny.” Cas put the phone down and came closer, putting his hands on Dean's hips. “How did you sleep?”

“I guess it was fine. What time is it?”

“It's almost 8 am.” 

“What?” Dean couldn't believe it. He'd never overslept that much. “I’m going to get dressed - will you drive me?”

“Drive you where?” Cas frowned, but Dean was already moving. 

“To highschool, of course,” Dean paused, then looked back at the alpha. “What day is it, exactly? And what did you tell people?”

“First of all, I don’t think you should be going to school right now.” The alpha moved closer, stopping a few steps away. “Secondly, it’s Thursday.” He licked his lips, his expression softening. “Lastly, I told James the truth. The others think you had appendicitis.”

“Okay. It’s fine, I actually had appendicitis when I was 12.” Dean turned and went into the bathroom to take a quick shower and freshen up a bit. He then went and dressed in his school uniform and picked up his backpack. 

“Dean, stop it.” Cas came in front of him. “You should rest.”

“No. I can’t. Everything here is the same, but nothing is the same, is it? I just want to feel normal again, I’m not going to sit on my ass and stare at the walls. I’m going to high school.” Dean sidestepped and went for the door. If Cas wasn’t going to drive him, then he would drive himself. Outside, Lucifer was gawking at Baby, moving slowly to take in the whole car. He lifted his gaze when he heard Dean’s steps. 

“Hello, there, omega. Did my brother buy a new car?”

“No, it’s mine,” Dean answered simply.

“Oh, aren’t you funny?” Lucifer leaned on the car, tilting his head.

“Don’t do that.” Dean glared at the alpha, squaring his shoulders and lifting up his chin. 

“Are you… ordering me around?”

“I’m telling you not to lean on my car.”

“You little bitch-”

“Lucifer!” Cas appeared behind them, his eyes shooting daggers at his brother. “Why are you bothering my mate?”

“He’s being impertinent. You should do something about that.” Lucifer’s tone was clipped.

“I doubt that.” Cas put a hand on Dean’s shoulder and looked at him. “Bunny, what did my brother do?”

“He leaned on my car and then got pissed when I told him not to.”

“Ah.” Cas turned to Lucifer with a cold, dead expression. “This is Dean’s car. Don’t lean on it. Am I clear?”

“So, you’re the bitch in the family, huh, Cassie?”

Castiel reacted immediately. He fisted his hand in Lucifer’s shirt, then slammed the other alpha against the Continental. “I’m not taking relationship advice from you, Lucifer. Nor any advice on what it means to be an alpha.” He pushed Lucifer away, almost making the alpha stumble and fall. 

“You’re pathetic,” Lucifer spat, walking back to confront Castiel. The two alphas engaged in a staring contest for a very long and tense minute. Lucifer spat on the ground, next to Cas’ shoe then walked away.

“Thanks, Cas.” Dean hugged the alpha, inhaling his sour cherry scent.

“It’s fine, bunny,” Cas said tenderly. “Seeing as you’ve made up your mind… Do you want me to drive you to school?”

“I’d like to go by myself,” Dean confessed, showing the alpha the keys.

“Go to school then.” He lifted Dean’s chin and kissed him on the lips.

Dean removed himself from the alpha and got in the driver’s seat. It was amazing to drive on his own to school! It would’ve been better if he could have done that back home and seen Jo’s face when he rolled in the parking lot with the Impala. But he had to be happy for what he had. When he arrived at high school he parked Baby at the far end of the lot, where it was less likely anyone would come near her - who would want to walk that much to reach the school?

He entered the class late, after the teacher had already written almost a full whiteboard.

“You’re late, Omega Kumarin,” she chastised him, her lips a thin line. 

“I’m sorry, Miss Ashburn, uhm, I had a slow start this morning. You know, after my appendicitis.”

“Yes, yes, your mate mentioned that to the school.” She nodded, then continued, “sit down, then.”

“Thank you, Miss.”

“But… weren’t you supposed to return to class on Monday? I believe that is what Alpha Kumarin said.”

“Uhm, yeah, that’s true, but, uhm, I was going stir crazy in the house.”

“I gather you’re feeling well enough to sit in class?”

“Yes, Miss.”

“Okay. If you feel ill, please don’t hesitate to go to the nurse’s office.” Miss Ashburn returned to the whiteboard, continuing the lecture on logarithms.

Dean sighed - why did he have to suffer through logarithms in the conservative Christian high school?

The apartment was silent. Dean threw his backpack in the hallway and kicked off his sneakers. School was boring, but at least he didn’t spend the day rotting inside. 

“Cas?” Dean called out, wondering if his mate was home. He received no response - the alpha was not there. Being bored, Dean decided to cook something for dinner. He settled on steak and baked potatoes. 

As the potatoes became golden, the smell wafted in the entire house, making his mouth water. He was hoping Cas would return home in time for dinner, because Dean was hungry and he was not going to wait for the alpha for long. 

Speaking of the wolf, the door opened and sour cherries announced Cas’ arrival. 

“Hey!” Dean greeted him. “I made dinner, I’m glad you made it.” 

“Oh… good! It smells very nice.” Cas smiled at him. “Uhm, it’s just that I wanted to do something else this afternoon, together. Can you… put the food in the oven to keep warm?”

“Uhm, sure, I guess that would be fine. What do you want to do?”

Cas moved from one foot to another. It was strange to see the alpha nervous. “I want to honor the baby.”

“Do what now?” Dean frowned, not understanding.

“You said everything is the same but nothing is. That it doesn’t feel like… he was real.”

“I-”, Dean choked, unsure what to say. 

 “So, I made some arrangements to make a memorial for him. Would you… come do this with me?”

“Yeah, yeah… sure.”

Dean went through the motions to put the food inside the oven, on low heat. He felt empty inside. Once everything was put away, he followed Cas and got in the Continental. After a 10 minute drive, they reached a fenced perimeter. Soon, Dean saw the gate and so he could read the sign - “Holy Trinity Cemetery”. Cas parked and helped Dean out.

“What are we going to do here?” Dean asked his mate.

“Come, I’ll show you.”

Dean followed Castiel inside. There were a lot of monuments with crosses and many names written on - it seemed families buried multiple members in the same plot. They weaved through rows and rows of them until Cas stopped in front of one monument. Dean couldn’t read the name - it was written in those strange letters. Next to the monument he noticed a small iron cross cemented in the ground, shiny, untouched by the elements. It had a plate at its base which stated simply “Our Son” and on another line “Kumarin” and lastly, “In loving memory”. 

“Cas?” he looked at the alpha, holding back tears.

“I figured you’d like… having something physical.” The alpha took out a small box from his pocket. He opened it, showing Dean its contents. “We had a sonogram, from Pasternack. It was in all the papers he gave me.” The alpha licked his lips, moving from one leg to the other. “I figured we could bury it here.”

“What… is here?” Dean looked at the weathered marble monument.

“It’s… my mother’s grave.”

“Oh,” Dean stared at the monument, realising he never asked Cas about his parents. “How did she die?”

“I’m not sure. Jimmy and I, we were… one? Something like that. I can’t really remember what she looked like.”

“Don’t you have, like, pictures?”

“No,” Cas shook his head. “I just have my birth certificate. Uhm, James and I found her grave when we were ten.”

“What do you mean you found her grave?”

Cas sighed and closed his eyes, his scent becoming sharp. “Whenever we asked Michael where our mother was, he’d say she’s in the cemetery. One day, we came here to search. And we found her.”

“Where’s your dad?” Dean blinked rapidly, curiosity getting the best of him.

Cas shrugged. “I don’t know. He left the house when we were 5 or 6 and never came back.” The alpha put an arm around Dean. “But enough about my parents.” He lifted the little box. “Do you want to bury this?”

“Yeah… yeah, let’s do it.”

Cas gave him the box to hold, while he kneeled to dig in front of the small cross. When the hole was big enough, Dean bent down and placed the box inside. They worked together to cover it. Dean found himself crying over the grave. Strong arms pulled him into a tight hug. Cas was whispering something to him, but he didn’t pay any attention. He just cried and cried and cried.

Chapter 51

Scrolling through his gallery, Dean picked one picture of him driving down to Florida. He added a nice filter, captioned it with “back behind the wheel” and pressed post. He watched as his Instagram feed updated to include his new picture. It felt nice to do normal teenage stuff for once. He went inside the classroom and took his usual seat in the back. Classes were set to be boring - home econ, cooking, meal planning, child development and infant care, finishing off strong with sewing and mending. 

As usual, Dean kept to himself and went through the motions necessary to finish the classes. Each break, he checked his phone, scrolling on Instagram. His picture had gathered quite a few likes and comments. Most of them were people asking if he got out of the mating and if he was home. His mother had replied:

 

@supermommaryw: “Divorced? I wish. They left Lawrence with Dean behind the wheel. That man's manipulating him, giving him a false sense of freedom. I've seen less clingy plastic wrap. I pray my baby sees the truth soon and we can work together to free him from this mating.”

 

Dean rolled his eyes in annoyance. He hadn't anticipated all the speculation that would follow him posting a simple picture. As if things were so simple as walking out of a mating - the bond ran deeper that most people could imagine. Then came Mary's comment, biting and theatrical, like she wanted a spotlight for her crusade. Dean decided to ignore his mother. He typed out a comment to reply to everyone:

 

@dean.winchester: “I was driving back to Miami. It was a nice road trip - we stopped in Nashville.” 

 

With that he posted his comment. No other mentions of Castiel. Just a nod that the alpha was there. 

 

At the end of the school day, Dean walked lazily to his car - it felt good, not needing to wait for someone to pick him up. He was fumbling with his keys when someone dared lean on Baby . Anger flashed and Dean let out a growl. 

“Feisty - you should know your place, omega.” The boy was the same pimple ridden alpha that tried to get Dean’s attention before.

“Oh,” Dean tilted his head, putting all available sarcasm behind his voice. “Awww, the catcalling pup. I’d kick you ass but,” Dean gave him a slow once-over, then continued, “I see puberty beat me to it.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” The alpha’s eyes flashed red. He straightened to his full height, but he was still an inch and a half shorter than Dean.

“It means you should try and catcall a pimple cream. Cerave is a solid choice.”

Pimple Boy’s friends tightened the circle around them. Dean smirked. He had already moved the car keys between his fingers, creating a makeshift weapon—not ideal, but it would work in a pinch

He rolled his shoulders back, loose and easy. The stance came back to him without thinking: weight on the balls of his feet, chin tucked, center low. Muscle memory from countless matches both friendly and competitive. Coach Singer had made him a lightweight champ, before sarafans and headscarves replaced singlets and medals.

“What’s going on here?” A tall, fat alpha was walking briskly toward them. The teenagers scattered from around Dean, making themselves scarce.

Dean relaxed his stance, letting the keys hang from one of his fingers. The alpha stopped a few steps away from him. 

“What was all that about?”

“Who are you?”

The alpha’s face turned crimson. “You dare defy me, omega? I could have you whipped for insolence! Who's your alpha?”

“Castiel Kumarin,” Dean said, raising his chin. “I don’t think he’d be happy to hear you threatened his mate. ”

As fast as his face had turned red, it went white. “Oh…”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Dean unlocked his car and climbed in. He reversed and whipped into the lane, leaving the alpha to stare into nothing.

Dean drove with no clear target. He didn’t want to go home. The road took him to the community’s center. His gaze caught the local bookshop. Thinking it was not a bad idea, Dean parked and went inside to browse. 

The bookshop was small but welcoming, tucked between a grocery shop and a cafe. The front shelves were lined with leather-bound premium editions. The next rows had neatly organized rows of cookbooks, books on home managing, childcare, hobbies and crafts, theology texts and books on marriage. Some titles jumped out to him:

 

Faith and Family: The Omega’s Duty

The Good Omega’s Guide to Submission

The Orthodox Homemaker

Raising a Godly Home

The Art of Domesticity 

Cleaning with Natural Remedies.

The Role of the Father in Orthodox Parenting

Raising Tenderhearted Children

Christian Education for the Home.

The Little Prayer Book for Children

The Illustrated Bible for Children

The Art of Russian Embroidery

Modest Children’s Clothing: Patterns and Instructions

Functional and Modest Clothes for the Active Housemaker: Patterns

Love and Respect in Orthodox Marriage

 

Dean grimaced - every title felt like a heavy sentence, reminding him how small his life would be stuck in the confines of the gated community, raising pups, cooking and sewing clothes. He sighed, and looked at the discounted books. His fingers brushed a book titled " The Orthodox Omega Kitchen: Meals to Nourish the Soul ." He picked it up and skimmed through it - simple omega meals—broths, casseroles, breads, meals for fasting, sweets. Did Cas even observe fasting? Dean had no idea. The recipes looked simple enough while also appealing to him. He was confident he could pull off most of them. Holding the book to his chest, Dean continued to walk between the aisles. 

His eyes landed on a section toward the back of the shop - Science and Practical Knowledge . Dean’s heart skipped a beat when he was close enough to read the titles. Out of everything there, he picked up “Fundamentals of Engineering: A Guide for Future Engineers”. It had been so long since he thought about Engineering. Nothing he did in high school would help him in college - if he was even allowed to apply. He skimmed through the pages, smiling at engine diagrams and physics formulas. He couldn’t put the book back. It was his. 

Turning his attention back to the shelves, another book caught his attention: “Fundamentals of Nursing”. Right, caring for the sick - a very proper career for an omega, as his mother suggested. Maybe he had a better chance to be allowed to pursue that? Dean took out the book, ignoring the price tag. 

He made his way toward the register, his eyes lingering over titles. Just before the register, Dean stumbled upon the self-help section. God knew he needed help, that was sure. Dean gazed at the spines of the books, scanning the titles. He pulled a book from the shelf titled "The Way of the Alpha: Finding Purpose Within the Pack." The cover depicted large wolf silhouettes against a moonlit sky. It contained advice on how to manage territorial instincts in a pack. Nothing that would translate to Dean’s experience, so he put it back. Right next to it was another book: "Faith and Instinct: Embracing the Alpha and Omega". He took it out and opened it, reading the first paragraph his eyes fell on:

"The wolf within you is not something to be feared, but a part of God’s design. By embracing your nature, you find peace with the gift of life and the strength to serve the pack. Remember that in all things, the Creator’s love is the guide that will lead you to balance."

Dean raised an eyebrow - to him it all sounded silly. He flipped through more pages, reading random passages:

“The bond between an Alpha and an Omega is not merely a matter of individual choice. The Divine is involved, forging bonds that unite body, soul and wolf. To fight this connection is to fight your own nature, for it is the nature of the Alpha to find their mate, and it is the nature of the Omega to yield to them. Yielding means embracing their Alphas, reconciling the need for independence with the need to belong. 

The True Alpha will seek partnership, modeling themselves based on their Omega’s needs, providing protection and peace of mind. The True Omega will in turn provide a home, a nest and pups. The unbreakable bond of True Mates is one of equality, forged not by force but the very will of God. No one wolf can resist its calling once they have scented their True Mate.

In the depths of the bond lies the greatest challenge for both: to accept each other not just as mates, but as individuals. The struggle comes when the Omega seeks freedom from their own instincts, and the Alpha is unsure how to lead without overwhelming. But true peace is found when the two come together, not as separate beings, but as halves of a whole.

Embrace the truth of your bond, for it is a gift not only to you, but to the world around you. In understanding your True Mate, you come to understand yourself - not just as an Omega or an Alpha, but as a complete being. And in that completeness, you will find the strength to face your greatest fears, to reconcile your deepest doubts, and to walk the path that was meant for you.

True Mates are not perfect beings. They are two souls, flawed and beautiful, intertwined by God. To walk this path is to embrace both your nature and God’s plan, to let go of the fear that holds you back, and to accept the love that pulls you forward.

In the end, it is not about control, nor is it about surrender - it is about balance. The Alpha and the Omega, the man and the wolf, each learning to trust the other. Only then can you truly embrace your full potential and walk forward, united.”

 

Dean felt… transported somewhere else. His eyes stung from unshed tears. The passage struck a chord deep inside him, the song echoing hollow deep in his soul. His wolf whimpered - the bastard missed Castiel’s presence. Maybe… just maybe, their wolves were two halves of a whole, forever craving for each other. If Dean could accept that, if Dean could learn to love the human side of Castiel - then maybe, just maybe, he could find peace. He wasn’t hoping for happiness, but he would settle for peace. Holding the book so tightly his knuckles turned white, he took the last few steps to the register. 

“Hello! Welcome to The Shepherd’s Nook ,” the teller, a woman well past 60 years old, smiled warmly. “Oh, you’re new here. I thought I knew everyone in town.”

“Hi, uhm, yeah. I’m Dean Kumarin.”

“Oh, I heard the younger Alpha Kumarin found his True Mate in an outsider.” The teller scanned his books, pausing for a few seconds on The Fundamentals of Nursing, and even longer on the Engineering book. “Interesting choices for a young omega.”

“Yeah, I’m trying to decide what to do for college.”

“College?” The woman raised an eyebrow. “That’s… bold.”

“I’m not very domestic,” Dean replied coldly. He took out the debit card, waiting to pay.

“Oh, that’s not what I meant. We don’t have colleges here, and Miami is dangerous.”

“I’m already mated, what’s the worst that could happen?” Dean asked cheekily. 

“Well then, I wish you the best of luck. That’ll be 475 dollars and 25 cents. Card?”

“Yeah, sure.” Dean inserted the card and entered the pin number. After a few seconds, the POS device pinged, and the LEDs turned orange.

“Oh, I’m sorry honey, your card was declined.”

“Uhm, can we try again?” Dean was unsure what was wrong - Castiel had told him the account was full with more money Dean could ever spend. 

“Here you go,” the teller put the device between them so they could both watch the screen. Dean swiped the card, entered the pin, only for the LEDs to flash orange again. The message ‘Transaction Declined - Limit Exceeded’ appeared on the screen.

“Oh…” the teller pursed her lips. “It seems you have exceeded your spending limit, young man.”

“My… what?” Dean’s heart dropped. He didn’t understand what was happening - did Castiel restrict his card? With a bitter taste in his mouth he fished his phone. “My… uhm, my alpha said nothing about a spending limit, let me check with him.” Dean took a few steps away from the register and made the call. The alpha answered almost immediately.

“Hello, Dean.”

“Hey, Cas.” Dean exhaled. “Uhm, do I have a limit on my card?” He was not in the mood to make small talk. The teller was watching him with hawk eyes.

“A what?” 

“A spending limit on my card, Cas.”

“What happened? I don’t understand.”

Dean sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’m at the bookshop in town. I wanted to buy some books and the card got rejected. The device said “limit exceeded”. So, do I have a restriction on spending? You should’ve told me before, man. It’s not cool. I feel stupid now.”

“I don’t know, let me check. What is the sum?”

“Uhm, 475 dollars and 25 cents.”

“What are you buying? The whole bookshop?”

“You know what, nevermind.”

“No, Dean, don-”

Dean didn’t bother - he ended the conversation and stormed out of the bookshop.

 

---

 

The house made Dean feel uneasy. It felt restricting and claustrophobic as he was plagued with the images of what could have been - the nursery, the cradle. Their baby boy. Dean chased away the thoughts, trying to concentrate on the vintage car show that was on the History Channel. 

The door opened - the scent of sour cherries preceded Castiel. Dean’s inner omega wagged his tail, happy to be near his mate.

“Hello, Dean.”

“Hey. Dinner is in the oven,” Dean replied dryly. 

“Thank you, bunny.” Cas came to him, leaning in and kissing him on the forehead. “How are you?”

“Fine.” Dean eyed the bag the alpha was holding. It read “ The Shepherd’s Nook” in a bold font. 

“Here, I stopped by the bookshop and got your books. I hope Agnes remembered them well.” Castiel handed him the bag, then walked toward the kitchen. 

Dean took out each book - Agnes had indeed remembered every title he picked.

“Apparently the bank puts a default 300 dollar limit on omega cards,” Cas spoked from the kitchen, as he moved around to plate his food. “I admit I didn’t pay attention to the fine print. I called them and removed the limit. You shouldn’t have that problem again.” Cas sat on the couch next to Dean, with his food. “What are we watching?”

“Uhm… they’re restoring a 1967 Ford Mustang GT500.”

“Cool,” Cas shrugged, taking a bite of the steak.

Dean relaxed against the alpha, breathing in his calming scent - was this part of embracing his omega?

Chapter 52

Days turned into weeks as the weather became colder. Dean read from his books, switching between nursing and engineering. Something tugged him towards nursing - his mother was right, it was like engineering of the human body. Besides, he believed it would be satisfying to care for people. 

“I think I want to be a nurse,” he told Castiel one night.

The alpha finished his prayer with a sign of the cross and sat back in bed. “A nurse? Are you sure?”

“Yeah, why not?”

“Nothing, it’s just… people can be difficult. Caring for people can be… soul sucking.”

“I would have thought you would like it. Isn’t it the proper omega career? Besides, isn’t caring for the sick a good thing in your Church?”

“It is. It’s also a bad thing to kill people, yet here I am. We have to do the best with what life dealt us.”

“Maybe it’s on me to atone for your sins. Balance things out.” Dean settled in Castiel’s arms as the alpha curled around him.

“I just worry that maybe you’ll burn out. It’s a hard job.”

“Life’s hard anyway.”

“True… you can think about it, you still have time.”

“Yeah.”

Castiel squeezed him in his arms and kissed him on the top of the head. Dean started purring, almost against his will - his inner omega was happy and felt safe. Somehow, he resented it less and less. 

The next day, in highschool, Dean didn’t pay attention to most classes. He was absorbed in researching CNA programs around Miami. His heart skipped a beat when he found a 12 week course at Barry University, a Catholic school. Catholic could be close enough, right? Maybe Castiel would approve it. He bookmarked the website, allowing himself to hope the alpha would let him go. It would mean going outside the community, drive all the way to Miami. Somewhat freedom. 

They ended the day with cooking classes - the teacher showed them how to make borscht. Everything they cooked would be taken to feed the poor at a community kitchen. Nothing would go to waste.

Dean arrived home with hope mixed in with nervousness - he had a plan to ask Castiel if he could go to college after dinner. His backpack thudded against the floor as he kicked off his shoes. The house was quiet and still – he was the only one home. Dean took a deep breath to ground himself. He had to make a good meal, something that Cas would enjoy. He picked up his cookbook, The Orthodox Omega Kitchen: Meals to Nourish the Soul,  and flipped the pages, looking for the perfect recipe. He found it fast enough - he was going to make kotlety . 

He diligently prepared the meal - cutting and frying onions, cutting parsley, mincing meat and combining them all. He also added salt, pepper, a well beaten egg and minced garlic. He formed small patties and deep fried them. He chopped and boiled potatoes, then mashed them with milk and a bit of butter until the composition was silky smooth. The whole house smelled warm, familiar, and domestic. Truly nourishing his soul. 

Dean heard the sound of the gates opening and then tires on gravel -  was Castiel home? He opened the front door and stepped outside on the balcony. He saw the Continental parked near Baby, and Castiel walking on the alley toward the stairs. Dean jumped back in the house and removed his apron and washed his hands. He smoothed out his sarafan and stood by the kitchen island, waiting.

Castiel entered the house, his head turning immediately, nose in air, scenting. “Hello, bunny.”

“Welcome, home, alpha,” Dean said, in his most sweet voice. Castiel’s pupils dilated, his scent sweetening. 

“It smells so good.” Castiel entered the kitchen, looking at the dishes with approving eyes. 

They ate together in the living room, while watching the news. Dean barely touched his food – he didn’t have much of an appetite. His knee kept bouncing under the table. On the other hand, Castiel was wolfing down his food, praising Dean’s improving cooking skills.

Finally, after Cas set down his fork and leaned back slightly, rubbing his stomach with satisfaction, Dean blurted out: 

“I— I found something today. Online.” He winced at how his voice came out high pitched and shaky. 

Cas tilted his head and raised an eyebrow “Tell me.”

Dean swallowed hard, setting down his fork. “I, uhm, was reading about nursing careers and I found out I can take a course and get certified as a CNA…”

“What’s that?” 

“Certified nursing assistant. I’d help nurses and stuff. It would… look good on my CV if I go to nursing school later. Like this, I– I can work and see how it is– if– if I like it.”

“Okay… that sounds interesting.”

“And I found this college.” Dean got up and walked to Cas, showing him his phone. “Barry University, in Miami.  They have a CNA course. Twelve weeks long.” As Castiel was scrolling through the website, Dean burst out:

 “It’s… Catholic.” He fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. “I know… I know it’s not Orthodox, but it’s still Christian. So… maybe... you’d let me go?” His voice cracked on the last word.

Cas’ brow furrowed. The alpha looked up at him, and raised an eyebrow. Dean’s heart skipped a beat. For a horrible moment, he thought the alpha would say no. But his scent was open and crisp, sour cherries engulfing Dean.

When Castiel finally spoke, his voice was calm and sure, “This looks good. A fine school.” Cas gave him his phone back. “Yes, I guess Catholic is close enough. You can go.”
Dean’s breath hitched. Relief flooded him so fast it made him dizzy.

Cas raised and touched his hair lightly, smoothing it back. “I want you to be happy, so we can be happy.” Cas cradled his face. “I love you.”

Dean blinked hard, looking down, overwhelmed. Cas leaned and kissed him on the lips with reverence.

 

Nothing could grab Dean’s attention at school the next day. He was entrenched in researching all the requirements for the CNA program. There were a lot of them - he needed his GED, a CPR certificate and much more. He would have to talk to Castiel about it. The day flew by, and before he knew it, he was putting his books back in his backpack.

On his way to Baby, Dean heard someone scream. It was a high pitched thing that made Dean’s blood run cold. His hackles rose, his inner wolf growled. Looking around him, he saw a puppy, 6 or 7, being beaten by a group of teenage alphas - it was Pimple Boy and his clique. Other teens were giving them a wide berth.

“HEY!” Dean hollered, walking briskly. “Hey! Leave him alone!”

“Mind your business, omega!” Pimple Boy growled. 

“Fuck off!” Dean stepped inside their circle, pushing one of the alphas away from the boy. The little pup had a busted lip, blood trickling down his face. 

“ GO AWAY, OMEGA!” Pimple boy used his Alpha Voice, growling menacingly. 

Dean’s inner omega surged, answering the challenge with a deep growl. “Fuck you,” he said, widening his stance and letting his backpack fall to the ground. 

Pimple Boy made the mistake to try and land a hit. Dean sidestepped easily and landed an uppercut on Pimple Boy’s jaw. He fell down with a low thud. What followed was a deafening silence - the teen alphas were too stunned to speak. Then–

“ Get him!” Pimple Boy ordered. Dean found himself fighting 4 alphas at once. He ducked, satisfied that two of them hit each other, while trying to grab him. He kicked another alpha in the shin, then punched another in the dick. Pimple Boy caught him by his nape, pressing down hard. Dean pushed back, hitting Pimple Boy. They struggled, Dean kicking and punching with all his strength. He managed to kick Pimple Boy in the knee. The teen fell down - an opportunity Dean took. He climbed on Pimple Boy and began punching him in the face with all his strength. A strong arm curled around Dean’s neck and he was forcefully pulled off Pimple Boy. The bully’s face was a red mess, blood trickling from his mouth and nose. People were screaming. The scents in the air made his nose burn.

In a blur, he was carried away and he found himself in the principal’s office. The principal, a stocky, mean looking old omega was sitting across from him, listening to what the man that pulled him off had to say. Dean learned the man was a teacher from the alpha highschool. He swallowed hard, his heart beating a mile a minute. When the teacher was done talking, he threw Dean another dirty look and left.

The principal sat behind her desk. “You behaved poorly. Such… improper behaviour.”

“They were beating a small pup!”

“Don’t talk back to me, boy!” The principal hit the desk with her fist, making Dean flinch. “You put a stain on this highschool!”

“I think they put a stain on this highschool by beating a small pup .”

“I shouldn’t have allowed you in our highschool - I made an exception for Mister Kumarin, out of respect. It’s clear you have other priorities.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Dean frowned.

“It means you should take those protective instincts home and have a puppy with your mate… not beat up other pupils for… normal alpha behaviour.”

“There was nothing normal about what I saw! And how dare you say I should have a puppy?” Dean’s heart ached like his miscarriage happened the day before.

“That’s it! You’re expelled!” The principal stood up. “I will call Mister Kumarin so he comes and picks you up.

Dean’s world spun around its axis and crashed - expelled? No! He needed to finish highschool! He wanted to argue, to fight for himself, but the principal had already left the room. He spent 15 agonizing minutes alone as his mind raced with all the possible scenarios. Nothing could have prepared him for Michael entering the room. His scent was heavy with anger and disappointment, his eyes were alpha red and his expression was dark. Dean was fucked. He was so so fucked.

“You little slut,” Michael spat. Without any warning, Michael fisted Dean’s hair and dragged him out of the chair. He forced him to walk all the way to his car. Dean was pushed roughly inside and Michael climbed in the driver’s seat. “You little bitch, you slut. I told Castiel you’re not worth it. I told him he should keep you home, barefoot and pregnant and then kill you after you produced an alpha heir. But no! The idiot talked and talked about God and True Mates and all those fairytales. Fucking idiot.” Michael ranted all the way to the compound. When they arrived, Michael dragged him out of the car. Everyone was gathered in the courtyard. Michael barked something in Russian and people moved to obey. Dean didn’t dare lift his gaze from the ground – that didn’t help him. Michael slapped him so hard, he lost his balance and hit his head on the car before falling down. The alpha wasn’t satisfied. He pulled him up by his hair and hit his head on the car. Pain radiated across his head, throbbing in sync with his pulse.

“You’ll learn what penance is today.”

Michael dragged him by the hair again, taking him inside. He forced Dean to kneel over walnut shells, in front of some icons. Dean whelped as pain shot through his legs. Michael pushed him down. “You will pray for forgiveness, omega.”

“How long?”

That earned him another slap. Michael said nothing else.The alpha walked away, the sound of his footsteps fading. Michael let himself fall in at his desk, on the other side of the room.

Tears spilled on the floor, wetting the walnut shells that were painfully digging in his knees. To distract himself from the pain, he began praying – not for forgiveness, but for strength. It felt awkward - he had never done that before. But what else had he left?

“Lord… Lord, please… help me over this. Give me the strength to get over this. Let… Let Cas not be mad. Please, please, please.”

He had lost track of time. At some point, a creak let him know someone entered. Sour cherries and bitter almonds soothed his soul – it was Castiel. He heard the two alphas talk in Russian. Then Cas came to his side.

“Dean, come.” The alpha’s voice was cold. Trembling, Dean rose to his feet, steeling himself from falling. He followed Castiel out, without looking up. They crossed the courtyard in silence. Once they were inside their apartment, Cas spoke. “What happened?”

“Didn’t Michael tell you?”

“I want to hear it from you.”

Dean dared look up – Cas’ expression was much softer than he expected. His scent was open and even. Dean wetted his lips and told the alpha everything that happened. “I guess… that’s it. Barefoot and pregnant… that’s all I’ll ever be.” Dean swallowed hard, his heart sinking. Cas raised his hand, making Dean flinch.

“Easy, omega. ” Cas cradled his face, then leaned in and kissed him. “ You did good, ” he whispered in his Alpha Voice, making Dean shiver. He exhaled, relief washing over him – no more pain was coming. Cas kissed him again, deeper, more tenderly. His scent became sweeter 

as arousal snuck in. The alpha’s body was warm. “You did so good, protecting that puppy. My good, strong omega.” The kisses became more and more passionate as hands roamed. “Dean–”

“Yeah, yeah.” 

The alpha didn’t need a written invitation. Clothes flew across the room on the way to the bedroom. The alpha worshiped Dean’s body slowly, kissing every expanse of his skin. Dean mewled when the cock slipped inside his channel. They fucked slowly, exchanging kisses and tender whispers.

“I love you,” Cas whispered as he came, the knot popping into place. Dean followed the alpha over the edge, whimpering as the orgasm ripped through him. Tangled into each other, they fell asleep.

Chapter 53

Cas stroked Dean’s side gently, his purrs vibrating across the omega’s flank. Dean looked up. After coming down from the vigorous orgasm, his knees hurt, his head throbbed. 

“How are you feeling?” Cas nuzzled into his shoulder. 

“My knees hurt.”

Cas’ body stiffened, his scent souring. “I’m sorry…” The alpha caressed Dean’s face. “I… I don’t know what to do now.”

“What do you mean?”

“I can’t fight Michael… If I go against him, he’ll punish me... and you in the process. I can’t have that.” Cas sighed. “And yet, I can’t let him beat you like this.”

“So… you don’t want to keep me barefoot and pregnant?”

“No, Dean. I want you happy. That wouldn’t make you happy, would it?”

“No,” Dean acknowledged. “What about the kid? He was beaten pretty badly – those alphas were vicious.”

“I’ll look into it. Michael said you jumped in a fight and broke the alpha’s nose… and jaw –” Cas paused, “and knocked a few teeth out.”

“That sounds… bad.” Dean’s heart sank – he didn’t mean to break bones. He just wanted to protect the pup. 

Cas hooked a finger under Dean’s chin and gently lifted his face. Cas’ eyes were intense, warm and blue. “You were brave. I am proud of you for defending a puppy and yourself. My strong omega. You’ll be the best oma for our puppies. My True Mate.”

Dean’s inner omega melted in purrs. His chest felt warm as he snuggled closer to his alpha. 

 

---

Dean felt safe inside the apartment – Cas had instructed him to not leave. Out of sight, out of mind. Better to not draw attention to himself. The alpha went to sort out things at the highschool. Dean researched what he needed for the CNA program and his GED. In a way, being expelled suited him just fine – less paperwork for his GED. The doorbell rang and Dean jumped up, approaching cautiously. He looked through the peephole and saw Jimmy. He opened the door.

“Hey – long time, no see,” he said, smiling at the other omega.

“Indeed.” Jimmy slipped inside. He caught Dean in a bear hug, squeezing him at his chest. “What trouble did you get yourself in?” He shook his head.

“I defended a small pup.” Dean held his head high.

“That’s what Castiel said, too. I bumped into him at the school.” Jimmy sat down. “I don’t know if he can get you back in.” 

“Why on Earth is it okay for those alphas to beat a pup, but not for me to defend a pup?”

“Look, it’s different.”

“How?”

Jimmy sighed. “For teenage alphas, posturing and pecking orders are considered normal. Territorial fights, scuffles… are overlooked. It’s territorial development. It’s how they learn rank.”

“How is beating a 6 year old learning rank?”

Jimmy rubbed the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable. “It’s not. That part’s not normal. But teenage alphas lashing out, establishing rank? That is. People turn a blind eye, or just give a slap on the wrist.” Jimmy paused. “What you did was right, morally. But you also interfered with the natural order, with the expected order. An omega, beating up alphas? That can’t stand.” Jimmy’s lips thinned. “To avoid all this, you should’ve ignored it, or called for a teacher.” Jimmy grimaced, his scent dipping. “That’s the reality of living in our community.”

“Well, I don’t fucking like it.” Dean crossed his arms, huffing. 

“I know… “ Jimmy watched him for a long time. His face softened. “We haven’t had a chance to sit down and talk, just the two of us.” Dean knew that Jimmy’s kids had been sick with a nasty stomach flu. The moment one child was getting better, the other started showing symptoms. “How do you feel?” Jimmy asked.

“I’m fine.” Dean shrugged. “I’m looking into getting my GED…” 

“Dean…”

“I’m not gonna sit on my ass at home. I’ll get my GED and get a qualification. I’ll have a job. Cas said it was fine!” Dean was going to stand his ground on this. 

“I’m not talking about school, now.” Jimmy levelled him with a long look. 

Dean fell silent. He knew what Jimmy was talking about. His hand drifted toward his lower abdomen. “It’s fine.”

“Fine?!” Despite everything that separated him and Castiel, the omega’s eyebrow lifted just like his twin’s. “Did… did you talk to your therapist about it?”

“Yeah, I did. Talked through it so much, I went blue in the face.” Dean gritted his teeth, chasing away negative thoughts. “I… I get that it wasn’t my fault. I’m okay.” He opened the fridge and took out the orange juice. “Want some?”

“Yeah, sure.” Jimmy took the glass and sipped. “So… GED, huh?”

Dean hummed affirmatively. “I want to get into a CNA programme. Start working, getting some real life experience.”

“You’d be good at it.”

“You think so? Cas is worried I’d burn out.”

“Maybe you will… maybe you won’t. The beauty is you don’t have to work somewhere. Cas will always take care of you. If the workplace is toxic… just quit. Reassess. Find a different job.”

“Yeah…” Dean sat down. “Cas told me to stay inside. What… What are people saying?”

Jimmy hung his head low. “Well, most agree with the principal. You were out of line, you hurt a good boy –”

“He was beating a small child!”

“I hear you – but that boy has connections and he’s on the debate team. His team won the state competition, and they're expected to go on to the national contest. And you broke his jaw – which is now sewn shut and he can’t talk.”

“So, what? Now everyone hates me for decking a bully?”

“People don’t see him like that.”

“Well, what about that kid, huh?”

“The kid is fine - just a busted lip and a few bruises. It all started because the pup threw a spitball in the alpha’s hair. So they decided to teach him a lesson - respect the alphas.”

“At least the kid is fine.” 

They talked about other things – Jimmy shared more about his children, and what each of them was doing in school. It felt nice, safe. Domestic.

Later in the evening, long after Jimmy had returned to his home, Cas arrived home. His scent was sour, burning Dean’s nose. 

“What’s wrong?”

Cas sighed. “Well, the pup is not saying anything - his story is that his bruises and busted lip are from falling on stairs. The other teens said you jumped in a friendly scuffle and beat them up.”

“So… what now?” 

“I… don’t know. You can’t go back to this high school, that is certain.”

“Yeah, I figured. I’m planning on taking my GED and then start working. It’s fine.” Dean shrugged.

“I suppose.” Cas nodded, hanging his head low. His face was dark, eyes unfocussed. Dean wasn’t sure what was going on inside the alpha’s head. “Let’s eat and… watch a movie.” 

“Okay…” Dean went through the motions to prepare dinner, trying his best to calm down his anxiety and not let his thoughts race. 

 

---

 

The following days didn’t ease Dean’s growing anxiety. Castiel was unusually silent and sombre, insisting Dean shouldn’t leave the house. Dean felt stir crazy inside. Even the Home Econ classes sounded good - anything just to step outside. 

“Cas, when can I get out of the house?”

“A few more days, bunny.” Cas kissed him on the forehead. The alpha put on his jacket and left the apartment, leaving Dean alone.

With nothing else to do, Dean immersed himself in his books, reading up on human anatomy and physiology. 

By Sunday, Dean was certain he would end up going out no matter what. The small apartment felt oppressive. Too tight, too suffocating. He sat at the window, watching the others return from Church - only to see Castiel was not among them. Naomi raised her head, sweeping the upper floor with her eyes. Her gaze stopped onto Dean. Her eyes narrowed, cold, calculated. Dean ducked, moving away from the window. He hoped nothing would come of that short interaction, but a few minutes later, a forceful knock came on the door. Dean swallowed around nothing. He stood his ground, staring at the door as the knocks came down harder and harder.

“ I know you’re in there! ” Naomi screamed. “Open up, boy. NOW!”

Dean exhaled forcefully. He had no idea what to do - Castiel’s instructions were clear - don’t go outside, don’t open the door except for him and Jimmy.

“You little, ungrateful rat!” Naomi continued her bereavement. “I will speak with Michael. This can’t stand anymore. You will come out of there and you will face your true punishment, boy!” Footsteps receded as she walked away. Dean was left shaken, staring at the door - would they be capable of knocking down the door? He looked for his phone and rang Cas. The alpha would know what to do? It went straight to voicemail. Dean tried again and again, with no luck. His breath hitched as the room spun around him.

Trembling, he decided to lock himself in the bathroom. It was a thin protection between him and the world, but it felt better than nothing. Castiel was bound to return at some point, right? ‘

Time became a blur. Dean’s panic gave way to a weary, throbbing anxiety, made worse by the claustrophobic bathroom.  He counted the tiles on the floor, named every classic rock band he could think of—anything to keep from screaming.

Dean was counting the pink tiles when he heard the sounds. His breath hitched. Someone was in the apartment. He closed the light and jumped in the bathtub. Pulling on the shower curtain, he crouched down, hoping he wouldn’t be found. Footsteps fell heavy in the living room. The heavy tread moved in the hallway, then the bedroom, only to return in the living room.. Each footstep was measured, deliberate, echoing on the hardwood with a terrifying purpose. It wasn't the frantic sound of a search, but the unhurried pace of a predator who knew its prey was trapped. Dean’s heart was running a mile a minute, struggling against his rib cage. The steps came closer… closer… and then stopped, directly outside the bathroom door. 

“Dean?”

Dean let out a long breath. It was Castiel. “For fucks, sake,” he muttered. “Yeah, I’m here!” He answered, climbing out of the tub and opening the door. Castiel looked worn out, his cherry scent laced with anxiety.

“Why were you locked in the bathroom?” Castiel tilted his head. Dean was about to answer when the alpha put a hand on his shoulder and pulled him out. “Nevermind, we need to pack. Take the essentials.” The alpha led him to the bedroom where 4 big duffle bags were open on the bed. Dean took in the scene, stunned, as Castiel was shoving his clothes in one of the duffle bags. 

“What’s going on?”

“Take your books, and some clothes. Don’t forget your ID.” The alpha looked up at him. “We’re moving out and we’re not coming back.”

“But… I don’t-”

“Dean !” Cas pinned him with his Alpha Voice. “ Pack fast.”

The order hit Dean to his core and he started moving as if he was led by a string. Books, clothes, sneakers, everything was thrown into the duffle bags. Cas put two on each shoulder and held the other two in his hands. Dean followed Cas, with his head hung low. In the parking lot, he only saw the Continental, but not his Baby.

“Where’s my car?” He asked, his voice trembling. He dreaded the answer. Cas threw the duffles inside the trunk.

“It’s fine, Dean. Get in the car.”

“But… where is my car?”  

“Get inside the car, now!” Cas growled at him. 

Dean couldn’t fight the order. Unwillingly, he climbed in the passenger seat. Castiel joined in the next beat and started the car. He did a three point turn and exited the compound. They drove in silence through the village. Once they were on the open road, Castiel’s body relaxed, his fingers loosening on the wheel. Dean swallowed around nothing. He felt horribly used. 

“I’m sorry,” Castiel spoke. His voice was raspier than usual. 

“What for?”

“I used my alpha voice on you. I’m sorry.”

“Are you going to tell me what the fuck is happening?”

“Michael thinks you are a disruption. He decided you would be placed under Naomi’s direct supervision. You would not leave the compound. You would not drive your car. You would be taught, in his words, ‘to be a proper, submissive omega’”. Castiel’s knuckles whitened on the steering wheel. “He implied you’d be only useful until you produced an alpha heir for me.” The alpha paused. “I… disagree. So, we’re leaving. These past days, I secured an apartment in the city, found a high school for you and tried to ensure safety nets for you. It was important we left while everyone was at Sunday lunch.”

“You could’ve told me this in the apartment.”

“Maybe… I don't know… I was working under time pressure and adrenaline. I’m sorry.”

“You'd rather force me than explain,” Dean whispered with a small voice.

“I said I'm sorry, Dean! I really am!” 

Dean didn't respond. He felt it was pointless. As such, they spent the whole drive in tense silence. 

The sun had descended, hovering above the horizon. Dean leaned his temple on the car's window, watching the light catch the waves. He had never seen the ocean during sunset. it was a spectacle of warm colors dancing over cool blue. The image disappeared as Cas took a right turn, then a sharp left. They descended in an underground parking lot. They drove round and round a few times, until they reached -3. There, Cas took the Continental deeper in the garage. He stopped in front of a double garage door. He took out a remote control and opened one of the doors. 

“We’re here,” Cas told him simply as he rolled the car inside. 

Dean’s breath hitched - on the right parking spot was Baby. She was clean and waxed. Dean didn’t wait for Cas to pull the handbrake - he was out, circling the Impala. There were no scratches, no dents. She was in perfect condition. 

“I, uhm, brought it here so it’s safe,” Castiel said. The garage door came back down. “This is the private parking that comes with the apartment.”

“Where are her keys?”

“Upstairs.” Cas took out the duffle bags from the Continental’s trunk. “Come along, bunny. The night’s young.” Cas set the duffle bags on the concrete and took out his keys. That’s when Dean noticed the garage doors had pedestrian doors included. The alpha used his key to open the door. “Here - you lock the door behind us.” Cas threw the keys and Dean caught them midair. He was not going to let them fall on Baby’s hood. Dean put a hand on the cold metal, grounding himself, then followed Castiel in the main garage. Dean followed the alpha through the empty garage until they reached the elevator.

“Press 7, please.”

Dean complied. The elevator dinged and began its ascent. On the seventh floor, Cas lead them to apartment 707. Dean opened the door, then stepped inside. Cas let the duffle bags fall on the ground unceremoniously and marched through the apartment, checking every nook and cranny. 

“Ok, it’s clear.” Cas came in front of him, holding a gun. “Here, for you, to stay safe. You remember how to use this?”

Dean’s hand curled around the Glock’s butt. “Yeah, I do.”

“No one knows about this apartment. If anyone from the compound comes, it’s not safe. You shoot them. Am I clear?”

Cold shivers went down Dean’s spine. “Yeah… I get it.”

“Inside the dresser there is a small duffle back with 10 000 dollars. Use that to get to your mother if I don’t come back.”

“Come back from where?” Dean’s voice cracked.

“I need to go talk to Michael.” Cas checked his watch. “I have to go now. If… all is well, I’ll drive you to high school tomorrow.”

“Okay,” Dean answered with a trembling voice.

“Can I kiss you?” Castiel tilted his head, his sour cherry scent full of hope.

Dean shook his head before an answer could crystalize in his head. He felt overwhelmed and scared and he didn’t know what to do.

“It’s fine, shhhh. Don’t stress. I’ll see you later.” Castiel gave Dean a copy of the apartment keys and left without saying another word. Dean collapsed on the couch, his knees trembling. 

The sun cast long gold rays of light inside the apartment. Dean watched them play on the furniture until the sun set and darkness engulfed the apartment. Sitting in a dark room did little for his anxiety so he got up to find the light switch. Once the light was on, Dean could see the living room - it was large and furnished out of a modern catalog. It lacked any personality. Dean walked first to the kitchen, a restless energy buzzing under his skin. He opened the fridge. It was stocked with water, juice, eggs, and milk. A practical, thoughtful gesture that barely registered. He wasn't even hungry. The pantry was well stocked. He had enough ingredients to make pancakes. 

Next, he drifted toward the master bedroom. It had an en suite bathroom and also… another bedroom? This one was between the bathroom and the walk in dresser. It was a small room, decorated just like their spare bedroom. Dean immediately realised it was meant as a nest for him. Dean swallowed around nothing and walked out, returning to the living room. His chest felt tight as terror for Cas filled him. He stopped in front of the main window, pulling the curtains aside just enough to look down at the river of headlights flowing through the city. All he could do was hold the line.

Chapter 54

Dean jerked awake, the sound of keys inside the lock. He had fallen asleep on the couch. He clutched the Glock’s butt and got up to his feet, eyes pinned on the door. It swung open, sour cherries reaching Dean’s nose faster than his eyes could recognise Castiel. 

“Hello, Dean,” the alpha’s voice was ruined. He locked the door behind him and limped to the couch, leaning on the backrest.

“Cas?” Dean approached his mate. Cas’ left eye was swollen shut and purple. His lower face and shirt were heavily stained with blood. 

“I should… take a shower.” The alpha limped toward the master bedroom.

“Cas, what happened?” Dean asked, his voice trembling.

“You’re safe, that’s what matters.”

“What do you mean?”

“Michael accepted your… exile as punishment. And he gave me a lesson too…” Cas said, gesturing to his busted face. 

“What lesson is that? Do… should we go to a hospital?”

“I’m fine, Dean.”

“Fine?! You don’t look fine!” 

The alpha stopped and turned. He tilted his head, watching Dean closely. “I’ve had worse. It’s not as bad as it looks. I’ll be fine.”

Dean worried at the hem of his shirt. “And what… that’s all? You… you got a beating and I’m exiled?” 

“Mostly… I’ve also been demoted. I’m not the enforcer anymore. Michael thinks I’m now a pussy and a weak bitch… I’m just… the logistics guy at Gabe’s candy shop. Suits me just fine, honestly.” Cas reached out and caressed Dean’s cheek. “Things will be fine, Dean.” Dean jerked away, staring at the alpha’s hand with horror - his index finger was gone, cut just below the first knuckle. There was a crudely made bandage over the stump and it was stained red. 

“Ca-, ca-...” Dean stuttered, his heart beating a mile a minute. His breath became ragged as the room spun around him.

“ Dean, breathe. Calm down .” Castiel’s left palm was heavy on Dean’s nape. The Alpha Voice penetrated his panicked brain, and Dean’s breath became slower. Soon, he matched Castiel’s steady rhythm. 

“Your finger,” Dean managed to get out while he stared at the hand.

“Like I said, I was demoted.”

“But your finger!” Dean spoke loudly, grabbing Cas’ wrist and bringing the hand up. Had the alpha not noticed he was missing a fucking finger?

Castiel exhaled. “It’s part of the demotion, Dean - they took off my ring tattoo… and my trigger finger. I’m just a logistics guy now. A low level. But don’t worry - I have enough money to keep us comfortable.” Cas squeezed his nape gently and limped away moving slowly. “Please bring some ice packs to the bedroom.” 

Dean scrambled to obey, searching for the ice packs in the freezer. He found a towel in the walk-in dresser and waited. A few minutes later the water stopped and Castiel came out of the bathroom. His torso was black and blue. He sat down on the bed and winched in pain. He gestured for the ice packs and Dean gave them to him. The alpha put one ice pack on his ankle and the other on his swollen eye. 

Dean stared at the right hand. The thumb had a tattoo of a simple russian style church with one spire and the ring finger one lone dot. He couldn’t remember what the third tattoo was.

“What is it, Dean?”

“Huh? Nothing.”

“You’re staring.”

“I just… can’t remember your tattoo.”

Cas swallowed around nothing. “I had a skull there - the mark of an assassin. Now, I think the lower half might be visible a bit.”

“Oh… okay.”

“Come in bed, Dean. It’s almost 2 am. You have school tomorrow."

“I’m going to school?” Dean scoffed. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “I don’t know, can’t I skip school tomorrow?”

“Dean… I took you out of there because you want a normal life… Now you want to skip school?”

“I don’t know, man, seems pretty normal to skip school when my mate is a fucking shishkebab.”

“I’ll be fine. Come, sleep.” Cas extended his left hand, inviting Dean into bed. His inner omega stood no chance. He climbed in, cuddled against Cas’ chest and fell asleep almost instantaneously, engulfed in the alpha’s sour cherry scent.

---

It was still night when Dean woke up to get ready for school. With a heavy sigh, he got out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom, to take a shower and freshen up. With a towel around his waist, he went on to search for Cas. It wasn’t hard to find him, stumbling in the kitchen. 

“Hey, Cas.”

“Hello, Dean.”

“What are you up to?” Dean scanned the counter where he could see pre-sliced bread, ham, yellow cheese and sauces.

“I, uhm, was making some sandwiches.” Cas opened the fridge and picked the OJ box. He put a glass in front of Dean. His aim was shit - half of the juice landed on the counter. Cas swore up a storm, his scent dropping low.

“Hey, it’s fine.” Dean took the OJ box and poured himself a glass. Cas cleaned the counter with his left hand. The alpha straightened and returned to the sandwich station, picking up the knife with a trembling hand. Cas picked the ham, ready to cut a slice only for the knife to slide awkwardly over it and slamming in the cutting board.

“ Blyat,” Cas muttered, putting the knife down. His right hand was trembling even worse. 

Coming in slowly, Dean set the OJ glass on the counter and picked up the knife. He cut thin, equal slices of ham. “Can you put mayo on the bread, please?”

Cas nodded and picked up a spreading knife with his left hand. His movements were awkward and robotic, the mayo was spread unevenly, but the most important thing was accomplished - it was on the bread. Dean came in with the slices of ham and yellow cheese, throwing over them a second slice of bread and their sandwiches were done. 

Cas leaned into Dean, kissing his temple. His warm breath ghosted over Dean’s skin. “I love you,” the alpha whispered. 

Dean’s throat dried out, and he swallowed around nothing. 

“It’s fine if you can’t say it back.” Cas stroked his cheek with his left hand. “Get dressed. You don’t want to be late for school.”

“Okay.” Dean went into the bedroom and put on clothes. He chose a flannel shirt and buttoned it all the way up, closing the wrist buttons as well. He knew he would be the butt of jokes. “Here goes nothing,” he gave himself a pep talk, picked up his backpack and left the room. Cas was waiting next to the elevator. That was when Dean noticed what the alpha was wearing - slack pants, a blazer and a polo shirt. His usual dress shirt and tie were gone. Dean pursed his lips, realising the alpha had been unable to button himself up. “Okay, I’m ready, let's go.”

Cas frowned, his eyes sweeping over Dean’s flannel shirt. “We’re not in the compound anymore.” 

“Uhm, okay?”

Castiel raised his arms and clumsily undid two buttons, flattening Dean’s collar. He then undid the wrist buttons, and tried rolling up the sleeve, but he grunted in pain, his right hand trembling. He had tried to use his now-gone index finger to roll it up. 

“Cas?” Dean stepped closer. The alpha cradled his injured hand with his left. The bandage shone red, a bead of fresh blood forming on the tip. “Your hand!” His heart skipped a beat. 

“It’s fine, come on, we’ll be late.”

“No, it’s not fine.” Dean grabbed Cas’ arm and dragged him back in the kitchen, forcing him to sit down. He marched back in the bedroom and rummaged through the luggage for his book. When he picked up Fundamentals of nursing , he flipped through the pages until he found the section about bandages. He gathered the materials he needed and headed back to the kitchen. Luckily, Cas had a fully stocked first aid kit. 

The alpha was sitting sheeply on the stool, cradling his bleeding hand. Dean put his materials down and read through the essentials of caring for a wound and making a finger bandage.

“Gimme your hand,” Dean murmured. Cas obeyed. Over a bowl, Dean undid the ragged bandage, which was a dirty rag someone ripped out of a bigger one, to uncover the stump underneath. The skin was swollen, purple with ragged edges. The remnants of the skull tattoo were barely visible. Dean pursed his lips, breathing in deep to try and keep himself from throwing up. He took the iodine bottle and poured over the wound. Then, he picked up hydrogen peroxide and poured it over too, watching it foam and dislodge debris. It also had the advantage of helping stop the bleeding. He took out sterile gauze and set on making a bandage, first tightly packing the stump. Using a self adhesive tape, he did a series of back and forth zigzags over the tip, then secured it on the base of the stump. He could feel Cas’ eyes on him, but the alpha had an unreadable expression. 

“I, uhm, I think it’s done.” Dean let his hands fall next to his body. “I, uhm, followed the instructions in the book.”

“You are going to be an excellent nurse.”

Dean blushed and touched his nape. “I just read a book.”

“A lot of people can read books, Dean. Not everyone can bandage a finger so well.” Cas stood, looking down at his stump. “This feels much better. Thank you, Dean.”

“You’re welcome.” Dean set on to put the materials back, but the alpha stopped him. 

“We need to go - we’re going to be late.” Cas gently pulled Dean away, guiding him toward the exit.

They walked in silence until they reached their garage. Dean frowned. “We’re taking the car?”

“I’ll drive you, then I’ll go to work.”

“Cas, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I drove home last night. It’s fine.” Cas insisted, fumbling with the key. After he opened the door, they went inside, climbing inside the Continental. The bench was stained with dark red patches. Cas had bled in it. Dean swallowed around nothing, sitting uncomfortably. However Cas drove back during the night he was most likely high on adrenaline and faced little to no traffic. Dean watched as Cas struggled to turn the key with his thumb and middle finger. The Continental’s engine purred, springing to life. Cas pressed the fob with his left hand, making the door open. 

They drove off, exiting the underground and merging into traffic. Cas drove slowly, his left hand gripping the steering wheel firmly while his right hand resting on his knee. The joys of an automatic. Dean watched the other cars like a hawk, hugging his backpack as if it was a life raft. When they approached a roundabout, his breath hitched. Cas plowed through, seemingly unaware of the turning car.

“Break! Cas, break, break, break!” Dean yelled, his left foot instinctively pressing on the floor. The air cracked with the sound of blaring horns all around them 

Cas slammed on the brake, a jarring, sudden stop that sent the Continental screeching and their bodies thrashing forward against the safety belts. The driver in the blue Nissan had stopped inches away from Cas’ car door. The man got out, his eyes flashing red. Dean swallowed around nothing, and looked at Cas - the alpha was a wreck. He was staring at a point somewhere between the speedometer and the steering wheel, his left hand still white-knuckled on the wheel. Pale, breathing raggedly, he looked lost and small. Dean had never known him to look so lost. The image of the confident, strong, commanding enforcer was gone in a second. The blue Nissan driver had reached Cas window and pummeled on it, yelling. Cas made no gesture. Dean opened the door and got out.

“ARE YOU FUCKING BLIND?” the man yelled. His eyes were red with anger, his scent laced with alpha aggression.

“We’re sorry.” Dean raised his arms, coming up to the raging alpha. “It was a mistake.”

“SORRY?” the alpha turned to yell at Dean. “I have my daughter in the car.”

“I’m very sorry.” Dean tried to instill calm. “He’s not okay. I shouldn’t have let him drive in the first place.” At that, the alpha seemed confused for a second. “I’ll ask him to move to the passenger’s seat and I’ll drive out. Okay? We’re all fine, we’re all safe. There’s no need to escalate this.” Dean opened the driver’s door and put a hand on Cas’ shoulder, the scent of alpha shame and anxiety rolling outside. The alpha twitched, his eyes snapping up to meet Dean’s. “Hey, buddy. I think I should drive. Come on, move to the passenger’s side.” Cas didn’t seem to register what Dean was saying. Dean pursed his lips, aware the Nissan driver was watching them. He pulled on his inner omega, the wolf perking up, reaching out to Cas. “ Cas, get up and move to the passenger seat,” Dean said, his voice feeling thicker, lower. Whatever that was, the alpha moved like a puppet on strings, limping to the other side of the car. Dean turned back to the Nissan driver. “Thank you for understanding. Again, I am very sorry.” Not letting the other man time to reply, he climbed in the driver’s seat and drove off carefully. 

“Cas? Where is this high school?” Dean asked, stealing glances at the alpha. His hands trembling on the steering wheel. 

“I almost got us in a crash,” the alpha replied. “I… I put your life in danger.”

“We’re fine, Cas. I’m driving with no destination, man. What’s the name of the high school?” Dean stopped at a red light and leaned to touch Cas. “The name?”

Cas mumbled the high school's name and Dean punched in a navigation app. He left the phone where he could see the screen and continued driving. They drove in silence, Cas scent slowly evening out.

The high school looked like any other similar institution. Dean watched kids marching inside, chatting away without a care in the world. He parked on a free spot and turned to Cas.

“I don’t think you should drive.”

“Yeah,” Cas nodded. 

“So-”

“I’ll take an Uber to work and home. You take the car,” Cas said with a firm voice, his confidence seemingly making a return. Or at least he was faking it. Cas looked at him with soft eyes. “I hope you have a nice day. I’ll see you home.” He hesitated for a second. “Thank you for that back there. I… I don’t know where my mind went.” He pursed his lips, then whispered another “I love you” and exited the car, limping away faster than Dean thought he could. Dean sighed and leaned back on the seat, staring at the high school. It wasn’t the first time he dreaded going to high school.

Chapter 55

Dean walked inside the high school, aiming to find the administrative office. He didn’t have a hard time finding it - all high schools had similar layouts. The secretary was a blonde woman with a sweet scent, pear pies and wildflowers. She smiled towards him, only for the smile to falter when her eyes fell on his facial scar. 

“Hello,” she said, putting on a smile again. “How can I help you?”

“I’m Dean Kumarin.” Dean pulled his backpack in front of him and fished out the transfer papers. “I’m the new transfer.”

“Of course, give me those so I can process you.” The secretary took the papers and typed at her computer. “I see here you… attended Jefferson High School in Lawrence and then… Saint Tikhon Seminary for Omegas?” She glanced at him. “I’ve never heard of it.”

“It’s in, uhm, the Belogorye Gated Community, off I-75 near Weston.”

“Oh… I heard there are ethnic gated communities in that area… You’re Russian?”

“Just mated to one.” Dean pursed his lips. The secretary’s eyes widened but she made no further comments, typing away at her computer. 

“You need to pick a few electives.” She slid a piece of paper toward him. 

Dean read through it and picked Health Sciences, Fundamentals of Psychology and Wrestling. He smiled to himself - wrestling felt like home. 

“Great choices.” The secretary punched in his electives. “Your orientation buddy is on her way. I gave you a schedule as close to hers as possible - only your electives don’t match.” The secretary handed him the schedule, a locker assignment, and his high school ID. Dean shoved everything inside his pockets just as the door opened and a red haired omega burst inside.

“Hello, Theresa, how are you?” She asked brightly, flashing a grin. She wore a The Grateful Dead tee, a plaid shirt tied around her waist and ripped jeans. 

“Hey, Charlie - this is Dean Kumarin, he’s a new student. Please show him around.”

“Alright-y, then.” Charlie turned to Dean, smiling easily. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said, extending her arm. Dean caught a whiff of cinnamon and vanilla, sweet and inviting. The knot between his shoulder blades loosened up a bit. “Come on, I’ll show you the main features before the bell rings.”

They left Theresa’s office. Charlie’s first stop was at the cafeteria. “And here is the heart of Sunnydale High. This place makes or breaks you,” she laughed. “The cool kids sit over there.” She pointed to a cluster of 3 tables closer to the door that lead to the interior courtyard. “Me and my friends, we usually snag that table, next to the wall.” She turned to Dean. “Come sit with us at lunch - don’t sit alone.”

“Uhm, okay. Thanks.”

“There’s vending machines in the interior courtyard.” Charlie thumbed at her phone. “I have English right now, what do you have?”

Dean fished out the paper schedule. “I have English too.” He showed Charlie his schedule.

“Oh, Theresa is an angel. We have the same schedule,except for the electives. I’m in Advanced Computer Sciences, chess and cheerleading.” Charlie tapped on the paper. “I know Benny, in wrestling. He’s cool, but we don’t hang out regularly.” 

“He’s omega too?”

“What? No - he’s an alpha. I… don’t know if we have omegas in wrestling. You’ll be the first.” She punched his shoulder playfully.

“I was the first at my last school, too.”

“At Saint Tikhon Seminary for Omegas??” Charlie raised an eyebrow and laughed.

“How do you know about that?” 

“I may have taken a sneak peek at your papers, duh.” She winked at him. “Still - that place had wrestling for omegas?”

“No, no. I meant back in Kansas. I was state champion in junior lightweight.”

“Oh, wow.” Charlie’s grin became wider. “Coach Turner’s gonna love you.”’

“Where’s the gym?” 

“The fastest way to get there is through the courtyard.”

“Great.”

After stopping at Dean’s new locker, they made their way to English Class. It was as boring as Dean had expected, dissecting Edgar Allan Poe’s poems. The man was very sad. Boo hoo. Why make such a fuss over it? Dean ended up doodling on his notebook. His phone dinged.

>> How is highschool?

Dean grit his teeth and began typing a reply to his mate

<< fine. Got myself an orientation buddy, her name is Charlie. Signed up for the wrestling team.

>> Good. Need my signature on anything?

Dean frowned. He had not taken into account the possibility that he would need his mate’s approval for high school electives. Anger bubbled in his chest, but he decided to reply calmly so he typed out:

<< I don’t think so.

>> If you do, tell me. I’ll sign anything you need.

Dean exhaled slowly. He had to face the truth - the alpha was changing. But into what? And how would that change their relationship?

After English, Dean had to survive Math and Chemistry. Dean leaned back on the chair, toying with his pencil. Hexagons were dancing on the whiteboard as the teacher was explaining a complex chemical reaction. After so many months in omega seminary, Dean had fallen behind. He sighed and glanced up at the clock. It was big and red, with golden hands. He followed the second hand’s march across the watch’s face. Tick, tick, tick. He couldn’t hear the noise over the chemistry teacher’s monologue, but he knew how it sounded. Pamela had the same model in her office. Suddenly, he was back in there, staring at the same red clock, trying not to cry.

“It’s ok to cry, Dean,” Pamela had said. Her face was soft, annoying Dean. He didn’t need anyone’s pity. 

“I cried enough. It’s fine.”

Pamela had sighed. “You said Cas made a memorial for the baby?”

“Yeah, at his mother’s grave.” Dean had hugged his knees.

“But, you also said the pregnancy was a secret.” Pamela leaned forward. “I don’t want to worry you unnecessarily, but… wouldn’t a physical memorial give it away?”

“I don’t think so. I asked Cas about it - he said no one goes there.”

“Okay.” Pamela had taken a deep breath. “How did that make you feel?”

“Like it was real. Like Baby was real, not some… bump in the night.” Dean had put his chin on his knees, focusing on the clock.

The ring bell brought Dean back to the present. He was gripping the pencil so hard, his nailbeds had turned white. He took a deep breath, just like Pamela showed him. Their five mandatory sessions had ended weeks ago, but Cas still booked more. Said it was good for them. Maybe it was. Dean wasn’t sure yet.

“Come on, let’s go to lunch!” Charlie tapped him on the shoulder. Dean got up and shoved his things inside his backpack.

At lunch, he met Dorothy, Charlie’s friend. She was witty and she exuded a calm, confident energy, amplified by her zesty omega scent.

“Hey, there, guys!” A beta girl sat down next to Charlie. Her scent was faint, something like old books and leather. Her head snapped to Dean. “Why do you smell mated?”

“Krissy!” Charlie glared.

Dorothy put her spoon down and raised an eyebrow at Krissy. “Seriously? Just like that? Not a hello, how are you or something?”

“What?” Krissy raised her arms. “He does.” Her eyes snapped back to Dean. “Is that a fucking bite mark on your face?”

Dean sighed. He supposed he had to be grateful he made it to lunch with no one asking too many questions about him.

“Hi, I’m Dean,” he said dryly. “I smell mated because I am. Claimed by an alpha in September. He… also did this.” He pointed at the scar. “Not much I like to say about it. Feel free to tell everyone so I don’t have to.”

Krissy pursed her lips. “I’m sorry. That sucks ass.”

Dean nodded in agreement. “I… kinda got used to it.”

Dorothy gave Dean a small, knowing smirk. “If you survive lunch with Krissy, there isn’t much else this high school can throw at you.”

“Good to know.”

“But… who is the guy? Didn’t your family contest the claim? How…” Krissy tilted her head. “I don’t mean to be rude, I’m just… I’ve never met someone who was claimed. Can’t wrap my head around it.”

Dean swallowed around nothing. “He’s nineteen years older. He thinks I’m his True Mate and that he was within his God given right to claim me. Courts agreed. So, here I am.” He shrugged. “It sucks to be omega. Be grateful you’re a beta.”

“Is he hot at least?”

“Krissy!”

“What? I mean, it has to be some consolation? Can’t imagine having… The Penguin over me. You know the meme, right?”

Dean snorted, which developed into a full laugh, surprising even himself. “Yeah… he is hot – five-eleven, dark hair, blue eyes, firm body.” He stabbed the meatball with his fork. “Silver linings?”

“There you go! Positive thinking, make the best of it!”

“Krissy, seriously…” Charlie levelled her with a glare.

“Hey, it’s fine. I’m in a place where I can joke about it.” Dean paused, realising that a few months ago, he couldn’t have laughed it off. Especially not with how Cas had been behaving. “It’s weird, cuz he said he’d change for me and I think he’s actually doing it. Maybe I can have a nice life with him.” He took a deep breath and shook his head. “I’m sorry – I shouldn't have talked so much about myself.”

“Krissy started it. It’s fine.” Charlie rubbed his back.

“We lived in Belgoroye Gated Community until now. I didn’t have any friends there. I guess I got a bit… starved for conversation.” He took a deep breath and asked the girls about music. The conversation ebbed and flowed naturally, making Dean relax. The bell announced the end of lunch.

“Well, that settles lunch,” Dean grumbled.

Charlie gave a quick wink. “Ready for the last stretch?”

“Two more classes before wrestling,” Dean sighed, rolling his head. He’d missed the mat. “Let’s just power through this.”

The afternoon crawled by—a tedious mess of history facts and Spanish verbs. Dean struggled to concentrate, his thoughts drifting back to his conversation with Charlie and her friends. He wasn’t sure, but he had the feeling he’d just made a few friends. By the final bell, a familiar surge of energy mixed with the tension in his shoulders.

“Finally,” he muttered, shoving his notebook into his bag. “Wrestling is next.”

Charlie chuckled. “You’ll be great. I’ve got a free period – I’ll join you, for support, you know.”

 

The locker room smelled of sweat, hormones and a cacophony of scents. Dean wrinkled his nose at first, but he got used to it pretty fast. He borrowed a sports tee and shorts from the high school’s stock and changed. Reading through the notice board, he learned he would have to go through a tryout before officially joining the wrestling team. He swallowed around nothing. Would he even remember what to do?

Dean stepped outside, in the gym, and joined the others. Scanning the crowd he realised he was the only omega. Most were alphas, with a few betas scattered among them. The coach approached them - he was a gruff, middle aged man. 

“I understand we have new meat joining us today. I’m Coach Rufus Turner. Where you at, new meat?”

Dean cleared his voice. “Hello, Coach. I’m Dean Kumarin. Transferred from Saint Tikhon. Before that, I was at Jefferson High School, in Lawrence, Kansas. I, uhm, was on the wrestling team there.” A few of the alphas laughed, but they were quickly silenced when the coach glared at them.

Coach Turner did once over Dean’s frame.  "Dean.  Dean from Kansas, eh? You Coach Singer's kid?"

A surge of feelings erupted in Dean’s chest, almost choking him out. “Ye-, yeah. He trained me.”

“Old bastard bragged he had an omega lightweight champ.” Turner nodded. “You’re built like a beta. Good, we’ll crush those flimsy boys from Biscayne Bay.” The man paused. “Only issue - I can only pair you with alphas and betas.”

“Not an issue. Trained the same with Coach Singer. And, uhm, I beat alphas before.”

“Doubt that.” Someone in the crowd said, causing everyone to erupt in laughter. “If you could, you would’ve beaten the guy that claimed you.”

“Go back to the kitchen.” Another one chimed in. 

“Johnson, Anderson! Ten laps each and one hundred push ups. NOW!” Coach sent the boys running. “Everyone else, warm up.”

Dean fell into formation, moving his body to warm up his muscles. After it was done, the coach pointed at a six foot muscly alpha. “Lafitte, on the mat. Let’s see what Kumarin can do.”

Dean stepped onto the mat, feeling its spring under his sneakers. Lafitte was already there, solid and broad, stretching his arms overhead. The alpha was built like a bear. Even Castiel looked smaller next to him. Dean licked his lips, calculating how to overtake the alpha.

“Ready, newbie?” Lafitte teased, stepping forward, the muscles in his chest flexing under his t-shirt. “Don’t worry, I’ll go easy.”

Dean met him in a basic stance, knees bent, back straight. Lafitte came in first, trying to grab him in a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Dean ducked low, sliding under Lafitte’s reach and circling around him. He kept himself light on his feet. Lafitte tried to catch him, wrapping his big arms around Dean’s torso — but Dean twisted, using Lafitte’s momentum to step out and break free, hooking the alpha’s ankle in the process and making him fall.

“Not bad,” Lafitte said, getting up as they squared off again. “Fast little omega. I’m not gonna go easy on you anymore.” His scent was there, sharp and musky. Dean inhaled deeper. His inner wolf didn’t even lift his head - the scent was bland, completely uninteresting. 

Lafitte lunged. They interlocked their arms, the alpha pushing hard. Dean stood his ground, but then Lafitte went for a double-leg takedown. Dean fell, sprawled, back on the mat, Lafitte towering over him. The alpha’s scent bloomed. Dean wrinkled his nose. 

“What are you gonna do now?”

“Beat you,” Dean replied simply. He rolled on his side, raising his legs, kneeing Lafitte in the head in the process. Swiftly, he put his ankle underneath Lafitte’s chin. “Hell’s gate, motherfucker.” He squeezed, putting more pressure on the alpha, until, finally, red in the face, he tapped out.

“Good work, Kumarin. You’re on the team.” Tuner stepped to the side. “Today we’ll work on shoulders and back.” The others groaned, but the coach could not be dissuaded. Dean shook his hands, trying to release the pent up energy. He glanced at the bleachers. Charlie raised her arms, thumbs up. Dorothy laughed and joined in. Even Krissy was there. Anderson and Johson were still running laps. Dean exhaled slowly and turned back to the coach. He had work to do.

Chapter 56

The house smelled of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and pie. After coming home from school, Dean poured himself into making food. It eased his nerves. Something in the back of his head worried tremendously about the alpha’s reaction. All the times he abused you, duh. Dean closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. He sat down at the kitchen table, staring at the wall. Castiel hadn’t told him when he would be home. 

“Might as well do my homework,” he muttered to himself. He picked up his books and settled down to study.

Chemistry was the worst of the bunch - the teacher at Saint Tikhon was definitely not teaching after any approved curriculum. Dean ran a hand through his hair, trying to understand what the hexagons were. He tried reading earlier chapters in the book, with poor results. Youtube it was then. 

Dean was halfway through a video explaining benzene rings when the door opened. Castiel entered the apartment, his cherry scent laced with pain and suffering. Dean’s inner omega whimpered.

“Hello, Dean.” Cas sat down at the table and made a sound half growl, half sigh. “Homework?”

“Yeah… trying to figure out what these… benzene rings are.” Dean got up and opened the oven. It had been set on warming, so the food wouldn’t get cold. “Hope you're hungry, alpha.”

“Famished.”

They ate in silence, Castiel awkwardly trying to eat with his left hand. The alpha’s scent soured even more when Dean had to cut his meat into smaller pieces. “I’m useless,” Castiel muttered.

“No, you’re not. Just injured. You’ll heal.” Dean patted him on the shoulder. How did they reach the point where he was the one comforting the alpha? “How was your day?”

“Fine.”

Dean didn’t press further. When they were done with their meal, he insisted on checking Cas’ finger. 

“Dean…”

“No ifs, no buts. I want to see it better. And change the dressing.” Dean had already gathered all the required materials. “Come on, give me your hand.” The alpha complied. Dean moved closer, removing the bandage. He was almost done when he noticed the alpha’s eyes shone red. “You okay?” He freezed mid unweaving, holding two strands of gauze.

“What…is that scent on you?” Castiel squinted his eyes. “I scent… faint musk. An alpha. Who touched you?”

“Cas, chill. I told you I joined the wrestling team.” Dean swallowed around nothing.

“You sparred with an alpha?” Cas’ tone was dangerously low.

“I’m the only omega on the team. I… I…” Dean was unsure what to say.

“And?”

“And what?”

“Who won?”

“Uhm, I did.”

Cas grinned, his fangs shining in the light. “Good.” He paused for a second. “Shower after, for my sake.”

“I did - at school. I can’t scent it any more.” Dean raised his arm, trying to catch a whiff of Benny’s scent. “Nah, I don’t know what you’re smelling.”

“It’s there.”

“Told you, can’t scent it. I’ll take another shower after we’re done here.”

“Good.”

Dean took off the last of the bandages and inspected the stump. This time he didn’t feel the need to gag. He pursed his lips. 

“I can see bone there, Cas.”

“Fingers do have bones, yes.”

“I don’t like how this looks. I think you need stitches.”

“It will heal in time. Just patch it back up.”

Dean raised his head, looking the alpa in the eyes. “Cas. You have exposed bone.” The alpha rolled his eyes and looked away. “Listen to me,” Dean growled in a deeper tone. Cas’ head snapped back at him, his eyes wide. “You need stitches. I don’t want you getting an infection and dying, for fucks sake. What would happen to me if you die, huh?”

Cas pursed his lips. “Fine. But we have to drive out of town.”

“Great. We’ll take Baby.” Dean bandaged the stump. Castiel got up with slow movements, winching as he straightened. “You should get some X rays, too.”

“The finger will be enough. Don’t want cops getting involved.” Cas grunted.

 

---

 

Credence Clearwater Revival was playing, the engine was roaring and Dean was tapping the rhythm on the steering wheel. He was having a good time, and he almost forgot they were driving to get Cas some stitches. The alpha’s left hand rested against Dean’s back and for once he felt whole.

“Your Omega Voice is coming in nicely,” Cas said all of a sudden. “It… calms me. It reaches deep. Deeper than Jimmy’s ever did.”

“My what?” Dean frowned, half-glancing over.

“Your Omega Voice,” Cas repeated. His fingers curled, pressing softly on Dean’s back. “The Voice you used yesterday to save our asses. And today to make me listen. How… how do you not know what it is?”

Dean half laughed. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about man.”

“Omega Voice.”

“Yeah, I heard you the first time,” Dean huffed.

“It’s the counterpart to Alpha Voice. Instead of commanding, it soothes.” Cas’ fingers traced Dean’s collar, almost touching the mating scar. “It cuts through the noise and reaches the wolf. Silences all the… instincts and provides… focus. An anchor.” Cas took a deep breath, winching subtly. “Like yesterday - my mind was filled with all sorts of thoughts, but your Voice - it cut through. I obeyed because it gave me a mission and it felt right.”

“And what, you can’t ignore it?”

“No.”

“If I tell you to roll over, you do?”

Cas chuckled. “Not exactly. It’s… different from a command coming from an Alpha.” He moved his hand on Dean’s knee. “Alpha Voices reach the wolf and make it obey. Your body follows that. Your wolf is more inclined to submit to alphas he deems worthy and resist those beneath you. I… now know your mind doesn’t agree with your wolf, yet still, he submits to me.”

“Yeah…” Dean replied bitterly.

“Omega Voice quiets the wolf so the man can think clearly, or listen. The world stops spinning.” Cas tapped on Dean’s thigh. “Didn’t your mother soothe you with her Omega Voice?”

“Not that I know of.”

“I guess she never told you about it either.”

“Nope.”

“Another way she failed you…” Cas sighed. He glanced up, looking at the road sign. “Turn here. It’s far enough.”

 

---

 

The small ER smelled of antiseptic, burnt coffee and stale air. Dean sat stiffly in the plastic chair, watching the nurse remove the bandage from Cas’ hand.

“The bandage is well done,” the nurse commented.

“My mate did it.” Cas beamed with pride. The nurse stole a glance in Dean’s direction. The stump looked just as ugly, raw red and purple edges, a bone fragment sticking out. 

“How did this happen again?” The doctor asked, pulling on a pair of sterile gloves.

“My cleaver slipped and I accidentally took the finger off,” Cas replied calmly.

“And where is the rest of the finger?” The doctor looked up at the alpha. Cas hesitated.

“An eagle took it.” Dean jumped in the conversation.

“An eagle?!” The doctor looked between them. Cas was staring at Dean.

“Yep. Big one, too.” Dean leaned forward, doubling down on the lie. “We were preparing a barbecue. The eagle swooped in and took it, along with the beef. Damn bird.” He rubbed his hands together. “Wish I had a gun. Could’ve shot it and recovered his finger.” 

“Alright. I guess that happens sometimes.” The doctor sighed, focusing on the stump. “Re-attachement would have been impossible anyway, given it’s been over twenty hours. I’ll do local anesthesia and stitch you up.” He picked up the syringe and injected the anesthetic in two spots at the base of the stump. “We’ll give it a minute or so to kick in. Your mate could wait outside, this will look ugly.”

“He wants to be a nurse,” Cas replied, glancing at Dean. “I guess it’s a good opportunity for him to get a glimpse of what it’s like in healthcare.”

Dean got up and stepped closer. The doctor nodded in agreement and prepared his instruments.

Once the anesthesia kicked in, the doctor began working, first cleaning the wound. He created a flap from skin at the back of the stump and covered the bone. Stitches came in rhythmically, bringing the margins together. Once it was done, the doctor doused the stump in iodine then made a bandage. 

“That’s it. I’ll give you antibiotics - take those for ten days. Do daily dressings with iodine. Come back in three days for a check up. The sutures will dissolve, there’s no need to remove them. If a fever comes in, or puss comes out, come back.” The doctor got up and threw the gloves. “Clear?”

“Yes, doctor.”

With that, they left the hospital and aimed for home. Back on the highway, Cas opened his mouth.

“You realise eagles don’t live in Miami, right?”

“I panicked, ok?”

“A-ha. The bit about shooting eagles also came from that panic?”

Dean shrugged. “At least I had an idea. You were just staring at him.”

“I didn't expect him to ask pointless questions. Why ask about the finger after so much time?”

“I don’t know man. Good thing, he didn’t seem to question my story.”

“Maybe he also doesn’t know that eagles don’t live in Miami.”

“So, what’s the nearest CVS?”

Cas thumbed at his phone and opened the navigation app.

---

Luckily for them, there was a 24/7 CVS on their way back home. Dean went straight to the pharmacy counter. He slipped the piece of paper toward the pharmacist.

“Hello. I need this filled.”

“For Castiel Kumarin?”

“Yes, he’s my mate.”

“Any allergies?”

“Nope.” Dean rolled on his heels.

“It’ll be fifteen minutes. We’ll call you when it’s ready.”

“Thanks.” Dean turned, heading for the aisles to search for the alpha. He found him easily enough, in the soap aisle. “What are you up to?” he asked his mate.

“Here.” Cas handed him a bar of soap. 

Confused, Dean looked at it. “Enzymatic scent neutralizing soap?” He turned the bar over, reading the instructions. “The soap will remove all scents from the skin, including the user’s own scent. Excellent for use before the application of scent blockers,” he read aloud. Castiel gestured for Dean to put the soap in the shopping cart. 

“Wash with that after your training sessions. I don’t want to scent… them on you.” Castiel grunted but said nothing more. 

“Okay, alpha.” Dean dropped the soap in the cart, trying hard not to smile. They wandered through the CVS, picking sterile gauze, iodine, bandages and other items they needed to care for Cas’ stump. A jumbo bottle of Tylenol was also added to the cart. Their name was called, so they picked up the prescription, paid for everything and left for home.

---

 

Wednesday, Coach Turner called Dean into his office. It was decorated like any coach’s office - medals, prizes, and pictures with his best athletes.

“Sit down, kid.”

“Yessir.”

Turner eyed Dean’s collar. “You didn’t have that on you last time.”

“Took it off. Didn’t think it was a good idea to wrestle with it.”

“Indeed.” Turner nodded in agreement. “Kid, I talked to Bobby. You’ve got talent. I want to put you back on the competitive track. That means 3 training sessions a week, meets and competitions. You up for that?”

Dean almost choked on emotions. “Yessir,” he answered emphatically. “I… I missed this.”

“Good. I just need these signed, by your mate.” Turner pushed some paperwork across the desk. Dean picked them. “Preferably, I’d like to meet him. Don’t need some possessive mate coming and making trouble. Invite him over for a meet. First one’s in two weeks. 

“I’ll get these signed and back to you.”

“Great. Now, there’s someone who wants to talk to you.” Turner picked up his phone. He turned it towards Dean. It was a video call - Bobby Singer answered.

“Winchester,” Bobby greeted him. His voice was gruff, but filled with warmth. “How’s your hell’s gate?”

“Still good, sir.” Dean smiled. He blinked tears away.

“Don’t forget to train legs, boy.” Bobby straightened, gesturing to Dean as a whole. “You can’t go making a fool out of me.”

“I won’t let you down, sir. I can beat anyone.”

“I am sure you can. Make me proud, son.” 

Overwhelmed, Dean could only nod. 

“Next time you’re in Kansas, come see me. Rufus is gonna give you my phone number and address. Call when you need someone to talk to.”

“Thanks, sir.”

Dean left the coach’s office more hopeful than ever, holding a life line to his old life. Maybe there was still a chance he could have a normal life.

---

 

Saturday was slow and domestic. Dean cooked, then kept busy doing homework. When that was done, he decided to read more on Omega Voice from his books. He finally opened “Omega, knowing your inner wolf”. 

 

The Omega Voice differs fundamentally from the Alpha Command. While an alpha’s tone compels obedience through dominance, the omega’s resonance works through connection.It carries an undertone that calm distress, soothe fear, and foster trust. When an omega speaks in alignment with their inner wolf, their words gain weight — not through power, but through presence. Pups respond instinctively, calming down and obeying their omega parents. Alpha Voices have little effect on pups and studies have shown that the harsh undertone may even cause harm and distress. Alpha Voices used excessively on young pups can even cause something akin to a trauma response. Omega Voices are primal signs of safety. Properly used, the Omega Voice can de-escalate aggression, strengthen bonds, and remind even the fiercest wolf of their shared humanity.

In mated pairs, during moments of closeness, the two Voices weave together, synchronizing breath, heartbeat and instinct. The omega willingly submits to their alpha, completely trusting, receiving pleasure from their mate, while the alpha is reassured of their bond, soothed and confident. It is a closed feedback loop that says you are safe, you are mine, you are loved. Psychologically, giving into one’s wolf and inviting in primal pleasure, ensures peak mental health and balance for both partners.

Not every Omega finds their Voice easily. For some, it lies dormant, muted by fear, trauma, or years spent suppressing instinct to survive in a world that does not feel safe. In homes ruled by harsh, dominating Alphas, who use their Voice excessively for trivial matters, or where tenderness was seen as weakness, many Omegas learned to silence themselves.

 

Dean continued reading until he finished the chapter, feeling more self conscious than before. He had no idea how he reached inward and used his Voice. Especially since he thought Cas fell in the category of harsh alphas. The idea that Dean could be one of what the book called, “exceptionally strong omegas” that only submitted to their True Mate and carried a strong Voice, felt ridiculous to him. But there was one thing he wanted to test. 

Dean got up and walked in the living room. Cas was hunched over his laptop, looking at listings for baking supplies. 

“Hey, Cas,” Dean spoke softly. The alpha didn’t reply – he was focused on reading up the specs page for brown sugar. Dean pursed his lips and took a deep breath. Thinking about how he wanted the alpha’s attention, he reached within. “Cas”. His voice was lower, heavier. The alpha’s head snapped back, eyes wide.

“Yes, Dean?”

“Kiss me.”

Castiel all but jumped off the couch, reaching Dean in two large steps. His lips crashed into Dean’s, kissing him with abandon. Dean put his hands on the back of Cas’ head, holding him close.

“Fuck me,” Dean whispered in the space between them, his Voice carrying weight. He felt Cas shuddering against his body. In a blur of movements and flying clothes, they reached the bedroom. For a brief moment, Dean hesitated – it had been so long since they had sex. 

“Present, omega,” Cas growled in his Alpha Voice. Dean moaned, submitting with ease. His inner wolf purred happily as his mind quieted. The bed dipped with the alpha’s weight. Dean lifted his ass higher, anticipating the pressure. Slick coated his cheeks and inner thighs, filling the room with heavy, sweet omega arousal. Cas grabbed his hips, positioning him better. 

“Fuck, Cas,” Dean moaned as the cock slid inside his channel. Cas thrusted inside him once, twice before stopping. Dean looked over his shoulder to see the alpha was pale, breathing shallowly. His red eyes shone bright, standing out starkly against the purple of his black eye. “You okay?”

“Ribs hurt,” Cas whispered, pulling out. Slick gushed out of Dean, reaching the sheets.

“So, uhm, what can we do?” Dean turned, sitting on the bed, thinking. Cas laid down on the bed his cock red, angry and standing at attention. That gave Dean an idea. He moved to straddle Cas.

“What are you doing?” Cas frowned.

“Something I’ve seen in porn,” Dean replied simply. “Maybe it doesn’t hurt you.” He maneuvered the cock and sank on it, moaning. The pressure was perfect. “Fuck, you feel good, alpha.” Cas’ fingers curled on Dean’s hips, nudging him to move up. Dean happily complied, undulating his hips as he moved up and down. “How’s that?”

“Good,” Cas muttered, his eyes focused on his dick disappearing inside Dean. “Don’t stop, omega.” The command went straight to Dean’s wolf, erasing any tiredness from his legs, or hips. Now he had to see them through. He could feel Cas’ cock growing bigger and bigger until it couldn’t pass beyond his ring of muscles. Grinding, Dean leaned down and kissed Cas on the lips. 

“Come for me, Dean.” Cas reached out and pumped the omega’s cock, sending Dean over the edge. 

“Knot me, alpha,” Dean whispered as he came down from his orgasm, his ass contracting around the knot. Cas came with a grunt, filling Dean up with his seed and locking them together. Dean gingerly laid on Cas’ chest. 

“Does this hurt?” he asked his mate.

“Not that much, it’s fine, bunny.” Cas whispered back, petting Dean’s side. “Fuck, Dean, that was… fucking amazing.” He kissed the top of Dean’s head. “I love you.”

Dean hugged Cas tighter. He wasn’t sure if he felt love or not. “My wolf loves yours.”

Cas chuckled, the vibrations resonating in Dean’s chest. “Did… did you mind me using my Voice? I… reacted to yours, I didn’t-”

“It’s fine,” Dean interrupted him. “I wanted it. Wanted to test something from that book Pam gave me.”

“And what did you find?”

“Submitting willingly does lead to fucking amazing sex,” Dean lifted himseld to look Cas in the eyes. “Key word is willingly here.”

“I’ll use mine if you use yours.”

“Deal”. Dean kissed him on the lips. “What about you? Did my Voice… do something for you?”

“Never felt calmer… nor happier.” Cas smiled at him with soft eyes. “You’re a gift, Dean.”

Dean wanted to argue, but he decided against it. Jimmy was right - if he didn’t let go of the past, they couldn’t move forward. It was clear Cas was trying. Maybe it was worth it to try alongside the alpha. Dean snuggled back to wait out the knot.

Chapter 57

Dean woke up just as the sun hit his face. He stretched in bed, releasing all the kinks in his muscles. His inner wolf purred, curled up, feeling sated and safe. The bed smelled of them - their fucking, their releases and of safety. Not pain or fear. Throwing his eyes at his phone, Dean froze. It was 8 am. He flew out of bed, scrambling to find Castiel. The alpha wasn’t in the kitchen, nor in the living room. A cold draft caught his attention - the balcony door was open. Outside, sitting at the small outdoor table, Castiel was drinking coffee and smoking.

“Cas, what’s… what’s going on?”

The alpha looked at him and tilted his head. The cigarette sat haphazardly between his middle and ring fingers on his right hand.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Cas took the cigarette to his lips and inhaled.

“We’re so late for Sunday service, man.” Every Sunday, Cas had dragged Dean to church for the service. It was held completely in Russian, so Dean understood nothing, but that didn’t seem to matter much. 

“Dean, do you remember what I told you when I brought you here?”

Dean scrunched his face, trying to remember the conversation from last Sunday. “Uhm, I’m exiled and you’re demoted.”

“Yes. You know what exile means, yes?”

“I can’t live there anymore.” Dean shrugged. “What’s that gotta do with Sunday church and you? You liked that,” he hesitated, his lips half way from forming the word shit, before correcting himself and continued, “stuff.”

“You can’t enter the community grounds, at all.” Cas tried to tap extra ash from his cigarette, only to drop it in the ashtray. “Blyat,” he muttered, awkwardly picking it back up and using his left hand to tap ash. “If you can’t go, I won’t go… unless it’s some work related shit. Which, given I’m a low level in a front business, will be incredibly rare.” He took a drag from the cigarette, followed by a sip of coffee.

“But you liked Sunday service…”

“Yes… but I love you. Priorities, Dean.” Castiel extinguished his cigarette and stood up with a grimace. “It’s fine. With how many sins I have, not going to church is… the least I’ll have to repent for.” He took another sip of coffee before stepping closer to Dean. After a brief moment of hesitation, he leaned in and kissed Dean on the lips. Quick, loving, out of habit. Cas stepped back inside the house, Dean following closely. 

“So, uhm, what now?”

“Relax. Read… Whatever you want.”

Dean took a deep breath and wandered into the kitchen to make himself something for breakfast. “Did you eat?” he asked the alpha. 

“No, I wasn’t hungry.”

Dean nodded, settling on making breakfast burritos for the both of them.

“Did you talk to your mother lately?” Cas asked him all of a sudden.

“Nah.” Dean pulled out the necessary ingredients.

“Why not?”

Dean scoffed. “She doesn’t call me, I don’t call her. I got nothing to say to her.” Turning toward the stove, he set on making the eggs. The memory of his miscarriage was still raw. “She wouldn’t have anything nice to say, just bad advice.”

Castiel hummed. “You know, we’re court ordered to have structured contact with your birth family.”

“Fuck that.” 

“Dean…”

“I mean it!” Dean sighed. “My brother wants nothing to do with me, mom is insane, dad is in the wind.” He shrugged. “I don’t care what the court ordered.”

Castiel put the empty mug in the sink. “Fine, whatever. I didn’t like you talking to her either way. But… if she sues me for denying contact, you’ll testify that you didn’t want contact, da?” There was something dark about the alpha. His eyes were sharp and cold. Dean didn’t cower. He held Cas’ gaze. 

“What the fuck’s gotten into you?” He snapped.

“Dean,” the alpha stepped closer, crowding him, “if she proves I denied you access, it’s abuse. A judge could dissolve the mating. I will not allow that.” 

“Right, I already know that, Cas.” Dean rolled his eyes.

Castiel seized Dean’s throat with his left hand. Softer than Dean expected, but still.

“Let go of me, Cas.”

Castiel growled.

“I won’t accept this behaviour from you.” Dean pushed Castiel’s hand away. “I don’t like it.” He swore - the eggs were burnt. “Dammit,” he muttered, throwing away the eggs. “Move, so I can wash the damn frying pan.” The alpha didn’t budge. “I said move.”

Castiel closed his eyes and grunted. “I’m sorry.” He tapped on the counter. “Let’s go through this again.” 

Dean grumbled, but put the pan down. He crossed his arms over his chest, glaring at Cas. “Okay.” He took a deep breath. “I don’t want to talk to mom.”

“I don’t want her using that to dissolve the mating in court.” Cas pursed his lips. “From where I stand - you either promise me you’ll testify in court that it was your choice, or I will video call Mary each Sunday, and shove the phone in your face.”

Dean took out his phone, opened Cas’ contact and started recording a voice message. “I, Dean Kumarin, don’t want to talk to my mother, Mary Winchester. It’s of my own volition. Castiel has offered me plenty opportunities to call or visit her. I chose not to. I promise I will testify to this if mom sues.” He sent the message - Cas’ phone pinged. “Happy?”

“Thank you.” Cas’ body relaxed visibly. “Come, let’s get something to eat.”

“Right,” Dean replied sarcastically. “Move out of the way so-”

“I would… like it if we tried talking softer to each other.” Cas sighed. “I… “ the alpha was flustered. 

“What? Come on, spit it out!”

Castiel glared at him. Right.

“You can tell me, Cas. I’d like to hear it.” Dean felt like he was placating a toddler.

“I have been talking to Pam about my… temper. I get riled up fast. I’ve poor control over my… aggression. Especially out of… hunts,” he said, emphasizing the last word. They both knew what it actually meant. “If you’re snappy, I get more aggressive. So, I think it would benefit us both if we made a conscious effort to be… calm. Polite.” Cas pointed at the pan. “It’s my fault you burnt the eggs. I can’t wash dishes,” Cas raised his right hand, “but I can take you out for breakfast. Would you like that, Dean?”

“Sure.” Dean nodded. They left the dirty dishes in the sink and left the apartment. 

 

---

The crisp morning air had Dean reaching for light jackets before heading to school. Castiel was truly trying, saying ‘thank you’ and ‘please’. Dean mirrored his alpha, speaking more softly and avoiding sharp remarks. It seemed to work - Castiel smelled calmer than Dean was used to. His scent bloomed and Dean discovered the alpha had undertones of honey, that sweetened his scent. 

Christmas was a few days away, and everyone at school was talking about their plans over the holiday. Dean was somewhat bummed that he hadn't even properly started school again and he had a holiday. Three weeks had passed since he’d transferred, and the days were finally starting to feel normal. 

Dean had asked Castiel - they wouldn’t go to Belgoroye, nor in Kansas. Dean also learned that Orthodox Russians celebrated Christmas on January 7th anyway. Nonetheless, he didn’t know how he felt about spending Christmas just with his mate, who wouldn't even celebrate. He was used to a big ruckus – his dad grumbling about in-laws, his grandparents coming over for lunch, while his other grandfather would pop in in the afternoon. Ellen and Jo would also stop by. Mary would invite friends over. Their house was usually very full.

“We have an invitation to lunch,” Cas said, two days before Christmas.

“What invitation?” Dean frowned.

“My cousin, Balthazar, invited us. He doesn’t live in Belgoroye.”

Dean mused on the offer. “Who else will be there?”

“No one from the compound. A few others that live in the city. Gadreel and his wife, Joshua and his wife, Anna and Samandriel. They're my cousins. Father had five brothers and a sister.”

"I thought you guys don't celebrate Christmas now."

"It's more a lunch get together." Cas shrugged. "Everything is closed off for American Christmas anyway. Why not have fun? Besides, I figured you'd like it." 

---

Balthazar’s apartment was larger than Castiel’s. All nine of them sat comfortably at the large, oak, dining table. The meal in front of them was a weird combination of Russian and American cuisine. The turkey was definitely American, through and through, so were the mashed potatoes. The cranberry sauce was missing, to Dean’s discontent. Schuba salad was in, as were plenty of pickled vegetables and smoked mackerel. Balthazar sat at the head of the table. To his right sat Castiel, Dean, then Joshua and his wife Marina. On the other side, Ana, Samandriel and Gadreel with his wife, Elena.

Dean couldn't help but notice neither wives had facial bite marks and they were both omegas.

Cas was awkwardly cutting the meat with his left hand. The alpha was getting better and better at using his non-dominant hand. His right hand was still a bit sore. The wound was healing well with no signs of infections. 

“To another year of profit,” Balthazar said with a grin, raising his glass. His scent carried a citrusy edge of bergamot and oranges.

“To our pup on the way,” Gadreel added, squeezing Elena’s hand. She was heavily pregnant, glowing.

The others joined in with their own brief toasts — to family, to peace, to quiet winters. Then, everyone looked at Castiel.

He cleared his throat. “To my mate,” Cas said simply. “And to the lessons God has seen fit to teach me these past months.”

Balthazar’s gaze lingered on Cas a moment too long, weighing him. “I wouldn’t be happy with a demotion,” he said softly. His eyes stayed sharp, studying, calculating.

Castiel shrugged. “It was what Michael decided. It’s not my place to question him. Nor God’s plan.”

“No way of getting back in his good graces?”

“I am happy, Bal.” Cas shook his head. “I was growing tired of the job, anyway.”

“Well, then, the normal thing would have been for you to retire. Not lose a fucking finger.” 

Castiel made a dismissive gesture with his hand. “One can be asked to come out of retirement. It’s fine.”

“Why did it even come to that?” Joshua asked, before stuffing his face with schuba salad.

Cas glanced at Dean. 

“Uhm, I jumped in to stop some bullies from beating a pup,” Dean spoke out, idly pushing around a piece of meat on his plate. “Guess it’s frowned upon when an omega breaks an alpha’s jaw.”

Gadreel’s eyebrows shot up. “You broke his jaw?”

“Dean’s a lightweight wrestling champ,” Castiel provided.

Dean huffed. “Lost the title. I wasn’t in Kansas to defend it.” 

“You’ll win one in Florida soon enough.” Cas had seen him wrestle at a friendly match. He had talked to Coach Turner, and agreed to allow Dean to compete. 

“So how did it go from Dean hitting a bully to you being demoted?’ Anna asked. 

“Michael wanted Dean punished. I refused to allow that.” Castiel shrugged as if it was obvious.

Dean noticed the looks everyone gave each other. As if… 

“So, uhm, you're not talking to Michael anymore?” Joshua asked, weighing his words.

“No,” Castiel replied casually. “Gabriel handles me now.” 

The atmosphere around them suddenly shifted, as if everyone let out a collective sigh. 

“Thank fuck you're out-out.” Balthazar breathed, slumping in his chair.

Cas looked at him, confusion seeping into his scent.

“We were worried about inviting you over,” Joshua added. “We were afraid Michael… kicked you out for show, you know?”

“Why would he do that?” Cas frowned. 

“To send you snooping on us, outsiders,” Bal murmured. “That place is a bloody mad house. You know it's a Goddamn cult, right?”

“Cult?” Cas was stiff. “I don't…”

Bal sighed. “It started with our grandfather. We don't voice our opinions around… zealots. Hopefully you're not one of them anymore.”

“Or we're all dead,” Samandriel murmured, stabbing a piece of turkey with his fork.

“We shouldn't talk about this now,” Gadreel shifted in his seat. “It's upsetting Elena.”

“Right.” Bal lifted his glass. “To health and happiness.” They toasted and changed the subject. 

Dean stared at his plate. His appetite had been curbed. His facial scar didn't even have any “cultural” significance. It was, as his instincts had told him, just a horribly abusing, mutilating mark of ownership. Cas’ hand stroked his thigh underneath the table. Dean moved his leg away from the touch. 

 

---

 

Cas inhaled deeply, the cigar smoke burning his lungs, but in a good way. He needed it. He, Bal, and the other mafiosi retired to the kitchen. Anna, Elena, Marina, Samandriel and Dean had stayed in the living room. They were not part of the life.

“So, uhm, tell me again about the cult thing.” Cas’s eyes bore into Bal.

“Our great-grandfather founded Belgoroye.”

“I know that.” Castiel made an impatient gesture with his hand.

“It went to shit because of our grandfather. Total fucking nutjob – bit his mate’s face. I see y’all are still doing that shit.”

Cas exhaled forcefully. “I don’t understand-”

“He started taking religion out of context. I don’t know what combination of drugs and homegrown American cultish whackadoodle he was on in the seventies but… things in the compound changed, and fast. My father, along with four of his brothers, jumped ship and moved to Miami. Which is why me, Gadreel, Samandriel, Joshua and Anna, we’re normal. Uncle Chuck and Aunt Amara stayed behind. And that’s why you, Gabriel, Lucifer and Micky are brainwashed.”

“I thought we were special, being close to Michael, living in the compound,” Cas murmured. He took a deep drag of the cigar.

“That’s what they want you to think.” 

“For fucks sake, Cas, if Michael would ‘promote’ me and invite me to live in the compound, I’d fucking start swimming to fucking Mexico,” Bal hissed. “Count your blessing for that demotion.”

“Why did you invite me?” Cas eyed his cousins.

“Because we heard rumors, we weren’t sure what to think,” Joshua tilted his head. “We wanted to see you and get a feel of where you are at.”

Cas pinched the bridge of his nose.

“We’re the lower tier, the working class,” Gadreel said. “We report to Raphael and kick up the appropriate percentage. We’re not too good at our jobs, lest we get ‘promoted’.” He shrugged.

“Don’t worry too much about being promoted.” Bal’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “We’re neither pure nor religious enough to make the cut. Being allowed in the compound is more than just being a good little mafia dog. It’s about upholding Micky Kumarin’s standards.”

Cas’ heart hammered inside his ribcage. What had he done to Dean? Fuck. 

“Hey, Cas, look at me!” Bal put a hand on his chest. Cas’ inner alpha rose, growling. “Stop your growling and listen.” Bal shook him. “You yap about any of this to Gabe, we’re all dead. Including that kid you mated.”

“He’s not a kid.”

Bal levelled him with a look. “He’s sixteen and you’re thirty-five.”

“You’re making it sound weird.”

“Well, it wasn’t inside the compound. It kinda is outside it. And don’t bring up the argument that it’s legal.” 

Cas leaned harder against the counter. He felt dizzy. “I won’t talk to Gabe.” He sighed, thinking about his brother. “We haven’t really spoken since I got exiled.” Cas tapped ash from his cigar. He remembered the first and last real conversation he had with Gabe, after the exile. How his brother had called him a rabid dog at least a dozen times, and somehow he was also a pussy. A pussy rabid dog? That made little sense to Cas. But Gabriel had continued his tired. How bad it was for everyone that Cas had been demoted - Cas himself being paid less, Gabriel losing the ability to use him to intimidate people or deliver sensitive orders, Lucifer losing the ability to use him as a fixer or enforcer. Most of it slid off him like water off a duck’s back but… one thing hurt. Rabid dog or not, he had worked logistics for the candy shop for almost fifteen years. And the candy shop never lacked anything because of his careful management.

Notes:

So the family tree is like this
Unnamed great-grandfather --> unnamed grandfather who had Chuck ( who fathered Castiel, Jimmy, Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer), Amara, Bal's father, Galadreel and Samandriel's father and Joshua's father.

Chapter 58

Dean lay in bed, incapable of sleeping. All he could think of was what Anna and Samandriel had told him about Belgoroye and its history. The two didn't know much - their fathers shielded them from the mob part, cleaned up their money and left behind legit businesses with good revenue. 

However he turned the story around, his thoughts drifted back to Jimmy, stuck behind. 

Dean turned around - maybe he would fall asleep if he stared at the ceiling. 

“You're awake too?” Cas sighed. 

“Can’t sleep.”

“Me either. How about we–”

“M’not in the mood for sex.” 

Cas let out a loud breath. “Wasn't going to suggest that.” The alpha got out of bed. “I'm going to make some tea, then smoke on the balcony.” 

After a few minutes, Dean followed. 

 

The tea was hot, the warmth spreading across his hands. Despite being wrapped in a thick fluffy house robe and thick socks, Dean was a bit chilly. He couldn't wrap his head around how Cas could sit there in thin pajama pants and a T-shirt. Russians.

“What are you gonna do about Jimmy?” Dean asked. He sipped from his tea.

“What is there to be done?” Cas tilted his head.

“He's in there with all the nutjobs, Cas! His kids are there. You can't possibly think we should leave him there!”

“Hmmm…” Cas’ gaze was heavy. The cigarette lit up his face as he inhaled deeper. “We can't do anything.”

“You can't be serious, Cas.” 

“I am.” Cas took a gulp of tea. “Let's look at this the other way around. How would we get him out? Just him? Michael and Akobel would never agree. Now if I went around and just took him away – I'm dead. Michael would call me a disturbance and kill me. He'd make a show out of it to be sure everyone knows what happens if they rock the boat. Then what happens to you, huh? A severed mating bond can kill you, if we assume Michael would be generous enough to let you live.” 

A pause for another drag. “Or what… I kill Akobel? I'm not doing that – I'm done killing.”

Another pause. Light warmed up Cas’ face as he inhaled deeply.  “And the final alternative would be WITSEC.” Cas visibly shuddered. “Which has its own flaws.” Cas tapped the ash. He was getting good at tapping with his maimed hand. “One, Michael could kill me and you before the paperwork is filed. He has half of Miami PD in his pocket. Your family in Kansas doesn't qualify – and Michael knows where they live.” Cas didn't need to spell it out for Dean to grasp what that meant. 

“Two,” Cas continued, “I don't have enough knowledge to bring them all down. DAs want corroboration, paper trails, tangible evidence.” He made a dismissive gesture. “Besides, I fucking killed 87 people, destroyed evidence for at least 50 other murders, and don't even ask me to try and count all the assaults.” Cas ground the cigarette butt in the ashtray and reached for another. It was barely visible, but Dean noted his hands were shaking. 

With a fresh cigarette between his lips, Cas continued. “I'm what DAs would call an extremely violent and dangerous individual. They wouldn’t just let me happily stroll into WITSEC. Realistically, I'd be facing death row, but they could come up with an ‘offer’ of 20 years with parole after 15. Which again, means I'm dead. Michael has men in all state and federal prisons in Florida. I wouldn't make it past the first week” His hands were shaking visibly now, fear permeating his scent. “Oh, and about WITSEC – I can't fucking disappear. I've my entire criminal CV on my body.” Cas waved his hand so Dean could clearly see his tattoos. “I can be in fucking Alaska, ice fishing, and a guy could clock me.” He put a finger gun at his temple, tattoos on full display, and clicked. He shook his head. “Best we can do is be fucking grateful we're out.” 

Dean sat there, staring at Cas unsure what to think. The alpha's scent was growing more and more unpleasant as fear became dominant. Honey undertones were gone, leaving room for burnt cedarwood. Dean choked on the heavy scent. 

Castiel finished the third cigarette and went back inside. Dean followed, hugging himself. 

“What’s gotten into you?” Dean asked. He watched Cas pour himself a vodka shot and downing it in one smooth motion. Another two followed. Dean's inner omega nudged him forward to comfort his mate. “Hey, Cas–” 

“I'm fine!” The alpha shouted. He was breathing faster and shallower. He shook his head and took three steps behind. “I'm going for a walk.” Before Dean could form any coherent thought, Cas was out of the apartment, barefoot and only dressed in pajamas. 

Dean was numb. He had no idea what to do, so he pulled out flour, eggs, chocolate, milk, oil and began baking muffins.  

 

The smell of muffins replaced the stink of alpha fear and Dean felt more settled. Something nagged at him – why didn't he think of using his Voice to calm down the alpha? His wolf was nudging him on, but he didn't heed the call. Dean sighed and sat down. 

Worried, Dean took out his phone and called Castiel, but the phone started ringing in the bedroom. Right. With nothing else to do, he opened Instagram. 

 

When Castiel came home, the muffins had cooled down enough to be eaten. Dean offered one to the alpha.

“What's with these?”

“I stress baked,” Dean replied simply. He scented the alpha and found sour cherries and bitter almonds. No fear scent… but no honey undertones either. 

Cas took a bite and sat down next to Dean. His feet were dirty with mud and dust.

“Where'd you been?”

“Around the block. I just needed to move. The apartment felt… small.”

“Wanna talk about it?”

Cas shook his head as he finished the muffin. “I'm fine.”

“Right,” Dean sighed. “You should shower before bed,” he said softly. He reached out and put a hand on Cas’ shoulder. The alpha pulled him in a tight hug, scenting deeply. They stayed like that, breathing each other in, for a while.

---

Two days later, Dean found something unusual in the bathroom. He frowned as he picked up the box of ScarAway gel. It had been placed on the shelf that ran underneath the mirror’s frame. The label stated it should be used twice daily, for up to 90 days to reduce scar redness, inflammation and itchiness. Dean looked in the mirror - the bite marks on his cheeks had a pink-reddish color and were still slightly raised. The gel felt good on them. He applied a thick layer on each scar, put the tube back on the shelf and continued his usual morning routine. 

Cas was outside, on the balcony, smoking his morning cigarette. Hot coffee steamed on the table. Dean leaned on the balcony door frame.

“What was that about?” he asked his mate.
“If you’d specify what you’re referring to, I will give you an answer.”

“The ScarAway gel, Cas.”

The alpha’s body stiffened. He took a deep drag of his cigarette. “I, uhm…” He mumbled. “It’s…” He sighed. “We can’t do much before the six months mark. This gel thing seems to help. So, I bought it.”

“Why didn’t you ask me if I wanted anything done?” Dean made an exasperated gesture with his hands.

“You said you hated it, many times. I assumed–”

“Stop assuming, and fucking talk to me.”

“Please don’t swear at me, Dean.” Cas closed his eyes for a brief moment. “I’m sorry I assumed. If you want treatments for it, or surgery or something, we can study the options when the scar tissue has matured enough.”

Dean pouted, looking over the railings at the city sprawled in front of him. “Yeah, I’d like that. The gel feels nice.”

“Good, I’m glad.”

“I’m sorry I swore at you.” 

Cas grunted, but didn’t comment further. “Please make some breakfast.”

“Sure.”

“Thanks, Dean.” 

Dean pushed off and entered the apartment. It had become their quiet morning routine. Cas would wake up earlier. Cigarette and black coffee on the balcony,  then breakfast. Of course, Dean only indulged in breakfast and coffee with a pinch of sugar. 

 

---

“Hey, Cas.”

“Yes?” The alpha turned his head to look at him. 

“Charlie invited me out to the mall to watch a movie.” Dean licked his lips, his fingers hovering over the phone’s keyboard. 

Castiel’s jaw stiffened. Dean was sure the alpha would say no, until– “Sure.” Cas nodded. “It’s fine. Just… tell me where you are, and it’s fine. You don’t have to ask for my permission to go out.” 

“You sure you're ok? You seem tense.”

“I’m adjusting, Dean.” Cas stood up. He cupped the omega’s face in his hands. 

“Talk to me, Cas,” Dean said, Omega Voice reverberating in his chest. 

Cas purred, visibly relaxing. “Had a few candid conversations with my cousins. It’s fine.” He smiled and walked to the fridge. He took out a vodka bottle from the freezer and poured himself a double in an old fashioned glass. Dean frowned. 

“Have a nice evening out.” Cas kissed him on the forehead and returned to his spot on the couch. 

 

The movie had been fun. Dean missed going out and having fun. 

“We should head for the south exit,” Charlie chimed in. “My grandma is coming to pick us up.”

Dean frowned. “Where are we going?”

“Home. But she’ll drive us.” Charlie shrugged. “It’s a bit late, you know?”

“It’s barely 9 pm…” Dean sighed. He remembered the curfew he had once he presented omega. “Right, yeah. I guess that makes sense.”

“What does?” Krissy tilted her head.

Dean shrugged. “Curfews. Getting picked up by someone.” He looked around him – there were few omegas in the mall at that hour and most were either mated or part of larger groups. “Isn’t it fucked how we gotta protect ourselves from fucking insane alphas?”

“It is.” Charlie let out a breath. “Unfortunately alphas don’t see it as a them problem.”

“At least we have the gland guards.” Dorothy waved a hand, letting out a humorless laugh. 

“What now?” 

The three girls exchanged a glance. 

“Gland guards?” In unison, they pulled off their T shirts to the side, revealing thin, plated collars that covered the skin over their mating glands. “They’re meant to prevent bites. They’re not ideal, I mean, the alpha could yank them off, but that takes more time since the harness goes under our arms too.”

Dean felt hollow. Sure, Castiel wouldn’t have been deterred, but still. “Yeah. Well, uhm, I’ll see you later, then.” He offered them a tight smile.

“What do you mean? Dean, grandma is going to drive you home too.”

“I drove here myself. I’ll drive back, it’s fine.” 

“But the parking lot isn’t that safe.” Charlie pouted. “You know, according to the National Bureau for Omega Safety, 18% of all sexual assaults on omegas happen in parking lots?”

“I’m not leaving Baby in the mall’s parking lot,” Dean said firmly. “See you guys soon.” He waved and began walking. 

“Wait, we’ll come with you to your car!” Krissy took a few steps in his way.

“Grandma’s already here!” Charlie had her phone out and she answered. “We’re on our way! Five minutes, okay?”

“It’s fine, guys!” Dean walked further and further away. He didn’t want to stay with them either – he felt increasingly angry. There were so many things he had no idea about. Why couldn’t he be a beta? He pushed the door and went down the stairs to the parking lot. The stairwell was well lit, albeit it smelled of stale air and popcorn. 

“Hello, little omega.” Someone was standing in the middle of the stairs, blocking him. An alpha, judging by the scent.

“For fucks sake,” Dean sighed. Right, 18% percent of all assaults. God, or whatever other entity was scripting his life had a twisted sense of humor. “I’m mated. Get out of my way.”

“Don’t care,” the alpha shrugged. He was tall, with brown hair and hollow black eyes. “Come to me, little omega.”

The alpha voice pierced through him, reaching his omega… and the wolf merely huffed. It had tingled. Dean tilted his head. “No, I won’t do that.” He took a step backward. 

“I said COME HERE.” The alpha put all his might behind the Voice. 

“Sure… yeah, this is exactly how I pictured my day ending.” Dean glanced up – a door flung open a few floors up and a gaggle of people were coming down the stairs. Another movie must have ended. Dean knew better than to run. He looked back at the alpha. 

“You little shit. Come to me.”

“Not happening,” Dean retorted. No matter how the alpha tried to, Dean was unyielding to his Voice. It was like wind brushing over steel. The group of people had reached them. No one seemed to notice the tension in the stairwell. Dean joined the group. The alpha was forced to go down the stairs as well. Once in the open parking lot, Dean walked to where he’d parked Baby. At least he had enough mind to park her close by. The alpha was watching him with murderous eyes, but he didn’t dare move on Dean with so many people around. 

Once he was locked inside Baby, he let out a shaky breath. 

---

Castiel perked up when he heard Dean entering the apartment. 

“I missed you.” Castiel buried his nose in Dean’s neck, inhaling.

“Hi to you too, Cas.”

“What’s wrong, bunny?” The alpha lifted his head and frowned. “You smell sad.” 

“Asshole alpha in the parking lot. I’m fine, though.” 

“What happened?” Cas pulled Dean closer as he listened to the omega’s story. His face was dark, his scent sharp with alpha aggression. “Who?” he growled.

“Random ass guy, Cas. Brown hair, black eyes.”

“I’ll fucking kill him.”

“No,” Dean reached out with his Voice. “You said you were done with that right?”

“I need to keep you safe.” Cas was increasingly agitated. “The compound was safer–” he stopped himself. “But–” He paced around the room. “You could’ve been raped. Taken. Trafficked.” Cas ran a hand over his face. “This can’t happen again, Dean. You shouldn’t have gone off on your own. I shouldn’t have let you leave the house.”

“That’s your solution? Keeping me a prisoner, again?” Dean shook his head. “The world is scarier as an omega… but I think I should learn to navigate it. Not lock myself up in your apartment.”

Cas stared at him silently for a long time. “I can’t risk losing you.”

“Well, same, but I still let you get out of the house, right? You’re in the mob. What if you get shot? Or arrested?” Dean shrugged. “Fuck, Cas, you could even be run over at a crosswalk. Life sucks,” he sighed.

“You’re a bit too young for that sentiment.”

“Been through a lot,” Dean threw Cas a pointed look.

The alpha didn’t answer. For one, he was disarmed. “I’ll think about strategies.”

“Why couldn’t I be a fucking beta?” Dean threw his jacket – it landed haphazardly on the back of a kitchen chair. 

“Why couldn’t I’ve been born to a normal fucking family?” Castiel shrugged. “I could’ve been a baker. Or a bee keeper. Or, I don’t know, a fucking accountant.” The alpha rubbed a hand over his face. 

“I guess God laughed at both of us.” 

“Yeah, sick sense of humor.”

Dean paused, looking at the alpha. “Why say that?”

“Nothing, it’s fine.” Cas waved a hand, dismissively.

“You like God and all that stuff. I mean–”

“I don’t know, Dean, okay?” Cas raised his voice. “I… I don’t know why anything happens. Stop looking at me for answers.”

“I wasn’t, Cas. I was just… upset.”

“Well, so am I.” The alpha leaned on the wall. They didn’t talk for a while. “I want you safe, Dean.”

“Yeah… I’ll just park outside from now on.” Dean took off his boots. “Or take the damn elevator.”

“Marked pepper sprays,” Cas mused. 

“What are those?”

“They got this brightly colored dye in them that marks the perpetrator. A bitch to get off skin.”

Dean tilted his head. “Yeah, why not?” He reached out to Cas. “Come here.” As he buried his nose in Cas’ chest his inner omega purred. He was safe here. 

“Bal invited us over for New Years. He’s hosting a party down at the piers.”

“Sounds good,” Dean sighed. “You know what, I’ll google that thing Charlie mentioned.” He broke off the embrace and lifted the lid of Cas’ laptop. “National Bureau of Omega Safety. Silly name.” He shook his head, scrolling through the website. He pointed at the screen, making Cas lean over his shoulder. “Online situational awareness courses. And how to avoid confrontations with alphas. I bet the number one rule is ‘do not run’. Could’ve come in handy, I don’t know, four months ago.”

Cas chuckled. At least he took the joke in stride. He kissed Dean on the top of his head. “Come, bunny, we should sleep. It’s late.”

“Yeah…” Dean admitted his eyelids were heavy. He closed the laptop and followed Cas in the bedroom. 

Chapter 59

 

When Cas said pier party, Dean imagined some extravagant get-together – champagne towers, caviar tins, the kind of event where people pretended to enjoy oysters while talking about stocks. Instead, Balthazar had rented out a small restaurant tucked at the end of the pier, overlooking the bay. The place was warm and low-lit, smelling faintly of grilled fish and sea salt. Fairy lights strung along the railing completed the look. 

There couldn't be more than thirty people inside including the people Dean already knew. He eyed Anna, wearing a gleaming green dress, Samandriel a few feet away talking to four men and Balthazar, close to the bar, old fashioned glass in hand.

The alpha spotted them and walked out to greet them. 

“Kasya! Welcome!” Bal kissed Cas on the cheeks 3 times. “Dean!” It was Dean's turn. Bal had a mellow bergamot and sagewood scent and he smelled like family. Dean's inner omega relaxed. “We have all sorts of alcohols and poisons.”

“Dean's underage, hopefully you also have some soda.” 

Bal laughed. “Against my wishes, I did order some, yes.”

“Perfect,” Cas nodded.

 

The table was heavy with dishes. Dean knew most of them from Sunday lunches, but not all.

“What's this?” Dean asked, pointing at a layered salad. It certainly had some beetroot. 

“Shuba salad,” Cas replied. He put a warm hand over Dean’s. “It's, uhm, herring, potatoes, onions, eggs, carrots and beets.”

“With mayo, I guess,” Dean sighed. Russians liked mayo.

“Da, of course.” 

“So it's like Olivier, plus the herring and the beet. I can live with that,” Dean admitted as he put two spoonfuls on his plate.

As dinner drew to an end, the music shifted to something generically pop, pop-rock. Something that made Dean want to move. Anna, Samandriel and a few others were on the dance floor. 

“Do you dance?” Dean asked Cas. The alpha's arm froze, midway to taking the vodka glass to his lips. 

“Dance?” Cas blinked. “Not unless I'm under duress.” 

“Consider this duress.” Dean stood up and tugged on the alpha's arm.

Cas threw the remaining vodka down his throat and let himself be dragged on the dance floor.

Dean moved to the rhythm. “If you were any stiffer you'd be a corpse.” He poked Cas in the chest. “Come on alpha, dance.” Dean put his arms around Cas’ neck, pulling him closer. 

 

Dancing was the main entertainment until it was time to go out on the pier for the countdown and the fireworks show.

Balthazar and Anna were weaving through the crowd, giving out pieves of paper, pens and lighters. Dean frowned when they gave some to him. 

“What's with this?”  Dean looked between the two of them. 

“Blyat, you're also missing champagne.” Bal called for a waiter, who promptly came with a tray of champagne flutes. “Here.”

“I'm sixteen–”

“Oh, for fucks sake, it's champagne!” Bal waved a hand dismissively.

“It's still alcohol, right?”

Bal rolled his eyes dramatically. Cas laughed and encouraged Dean to take a flute. “It's fine, bunny. You can sip a bit at midnight and I'll finish it.” 

“Okay, fine. But what's with the paper?”

“When the clock strikes midnight you write a wish on it, then burn it and let the ashes fall in the champagne,” Anna explained. “You have to drink it fast!”

“That sounds… unsanitary,” Dean said, eyeing the glass of champagne.

“That’s the point,” Balthazar said. “If you don’t risk something, it doesn’t work.”

Bal and Anna moved further, making sure people had paper, pens and lighters. 

Dean wasn't sure what to write. 

“ONE!” 

The countdown began. Still thinking what to wish for, Dean fidgeted with the pen. He could wish for health, prosperity, better grades. A spot in a CNA program. Seeing Sam again. Winning gold at wrestling.

Cas curled his hand around his waist. Around them people continued the countdown.

“SIX”

Cas nuzzled at his temple, breathing him in.

“FIVE.” 

“Never spent New Years with someone,” the alpha confessed. 

“How so?”

“FOUR.”

Castiel shrugged. “Usually Michael had me working security at Lucifer's club.” 

“THREE.”

“I'm glad to spend it with you.” The alpha smiled at him.

“TWO.”

Dean searched Cas’ face. His expression was soft and loving. He knew what would follow. 

“Say it in your Alpha Voice, Cas.”

“I love you, Dean.”

Dean's body shuddered as waves of intense emotion coursed through his body. It was almost as if he had an orgasm. 

“ONE.”

“Happy New Years, Cas.” Dean surged forward, capturing the alpha's lips. He could hear fireworks exploding above them in the sky, but he didn't care. Cas had engulfed his entire being. Mind, body and wolf, he was fully concentrated on the alpha. His hand wandered on Cas’ body, settling on the side of his neck. The kiss ended but they remained embraced. 

“My alpha,” Dean whispered against Cas' lips. He was beginning to believe it. His inner wolf purred contentedly, filling his chest with warmth.

“Yes, yours,” Cas whispered back. “I'll always try my best to do good by you.” 

“I guess that has to be enough, eh?”

“We'll make it work. We have to.” 

An exceptionally bright firework suddenly lit up the entire pier. Dean turned his head to watch the show.

“It's weird having a warm New Years, you know?”

“It's quite chilly, actually.” 

Dean laughed. “Try, like, 20 degrees.” 

“That sounds miserable.” 

“Nah, it has its perks. I miss snow.” Dean put his head on Cas' shoulder. 

“We could do a mountain getaway.” Cas squeezed his shoulder. 

“Nah, I'd hate to miss school. Plus, I'm so far behind on stuff, I need all the time I can get to study.”

“Behind?” Cas frowned.

“Yeah, well the seminary didn't exactly follow the curriculum…”

“Do you need anything? Remedial lessons or something?”

“I'm fine, for now. Charlie is helping me.” 

Castiel kissed his temple. 

“Oh, aren't you two cute!” Anna exclaimed. She raised her phone and took a picture of them. “I'll send this to Castiel.” As if on queue, the alpha's phone dinged. “Come on, you have to join us for Durak.” Anna skipped back to the restaurant and they followed.

“Dean!” the alpha stopped in his tracks. “The wishes!” Cas put his flute on a high top table and scribbled something on his paper.

Dean stared at the blank page. He looked at Cas, burning his paper. An ideea struck him, so he wrote ‘I wish to be happy. I wish Cas gets better’. The piece of paper erupted in flames, ashes falling in champagne. 

“Na zdorovie” Cas toasted. “Here's to a good year together.”

“Cheers, Cas!” 

They tossed the champagne back. Dean felt dizzy almost instantly, the champagne buzz crawling under his skin. Cas wrapped an arm around his shoulders and guided him in the restaurant.

The restaurant smelled of fried fish and champagne. Someone had pushed two tables together near the window, and Gadreel stood next to it, holding a card pack.

Anna took the pack and shuffled with the air of a Vegas dealer, gold bracelets clinking against each other.

“Okay, we’ll play three rounds – loser has to finish the vodka bottle.” Samandriel placed a huge vodka bottle. It must have been nearly a gallon, but now there was only an inch of vodka left. “Dean, you watch until you understand what’s going on.”

Dean leaned over the back of Cas’s chair, the warmth of the alpha’s shoulder brushing his torso. Outside the window, fireworks still cracked above the water. Anna dealt the cards – six for each player. 

“Durak means fool,” Balthazar provided, arranging his cards. “who can think three steps ahead. Which rules you out, darling,” he said, throwing a poignant look at Cas.

Cas snorted, with a slight uptick of the corner of his lips. “Jealousy is unbecoming, cousin.”

Anna rolled her eyes. “Focus.” She slapped one card in the middle of the table, face up. “Hearts are out trump cards! Remember that!” She pointed at Gadreel – “You start.”

The first attack went fast. Gadreel threw down a six of clubs; Balthazar beat it with a seven. Anna followed, and Cas increased the pressure with a quiet precision that made Dean smile. His movements were so calm, almost meditative.
“Wait,” Dean said, “so what’s the goal?” He followed the flurry of attacks and defences. “Get rid of your cards?”

“Yes, while also piling as many cards as possible on the others,” Anna said, without looking up. “Whoever keeps them last is the durak—the fool.”

“So basically Uno, but angrier,” Dean muttered.

That earned a laugh from Gadreel, who’d just managed to dump half his hand onto Anna. “Accurate,” he said. “Except in this one, there is pride involved.”

“And vodka,” Balthazar added. He downed his penalty shot, slammed the glass down, and declared, “I am surrounded by amateurs.”

Cas’s mouth twitched. “You’re losing.”

“That’s because Anna cheats.”

Anna flicked a card at him. “Sore loser.”

Dean watched them bicker, realizing he’d never seen Cas this relaxed before—no edge, no paranoia, just a quiet humor behind his eyes.

When the round ended, Anna clapped. “Durak!” she shouted, pointing at Gadreel.

“Impossible,” Gadreel said. “I was one card away!”

“Rules are rules,” Balthazar said, delighted. “Drink, fool.”

Gadreel sighed, lifted his glass, and toasted the table. “To fools,” he said. “And to living long enough to become one.”

They all laughed, glasses clinking. Cas downed the shot in one fluid motion.

 

They reached home almost at 4 am. Dean was beat. He stripped down to his boxers, then sat down on the toilet to relieve himself. Cas came in, reaching for his toothbrush. 

Dean sighed and decided to check the picture his alpha had sent him. It was the one taken by Anna.

The picture was perfect. Cas’ arm curled around Dean, hand resting on his hip. The alpha looked very handsome in his suit, black hair perfectly tousled, blue eyes shining bright, champagne flute in his other hand. Dean himself looked fine, if he could say so himself. His facial scar didn't stand out too much - it had turned a very faded pink thanks to the ScarAway gel. He was smiling softly, leaning against the alpha.

“Hey, Cas.”

“Uhm?” The alpha turned to look at him.

“Can I post this on Instagram?” He gestured at the photo. 

“No. Nothing with my face or my tattoos.” 

“Okay…” Dean didn't hide his disappointment, but he knew the alpha was right. He sighed and tried to crop the picture. The result was a zoomed in portrait of him, with a few inches of Cas’ shoulder in the frame. “How's this?” 

Cas glanced and nodded. “Fine.” 

“Great.” Gleefully, Dean uploaded the picture to Instagram. His fingers hovered over the keyboard. He captioned the picture with “happy new years – guess it ain't so bad to have an alpha” and pressed post. 

Dean set his phone to charge on his nightstand. Cas came behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist. 

“You smell good, bunny.” The alpha kissed him on the neck.

“You clean up pretty nicely yourself.” Dean turned around and kissed his mate. He could feel slick pooling in his boxers. With a devilish grin, he took off his T-shirt, letting it fall on the ground. Next, his pants were gone. Cas raised an eyebrow at him, but said nothing. He merely started undressing himself. 

 Dean settled on his back on the bed, spreading his legs wide. “Come here, alpha.”

Castiel didn't need to be told twice. He was already ramrod hard as he settled between the omega's legs. Dean mewled as Cas’ fingers teased his hole. 

Cas coated his cock with slick, then guided the head to Dean's hole. He looked up, locking eyes with the omega. Without breaking eye contact, he pushed in. 

“Fuck,” Dean sighed as Cas bottomed out and blanketed his naked body. 

“I've got you,” Cas whispered. He kissed Dean and set a lazy rhythm.

Dean locked his ankles together behind the alpha's back. The drag of Cas, cock over his prostate felt amazing. Cas moved slowly, teasing, building him up brick by brick.

“I love you, Dean,” Cas whispered in his Alpha Voice, sealing the declaration with a kiss. Dean came hard, ass clenching on Cas’ cock, making the alpha falter to a slow grind.

“My alpha,” Dean replied in kind. 

Cas came with a grunt, locking them in, his cock throbbing inside Dean's channel. He nuzzled in the crook of Dean's neck, finding a comfortable place to snuggle.

Dean relaxed, breathing in Cas' honey-sour cherry scent. He was heavy, but Dean didn't mind. 

Chapter 60

The Omega Situational Awareness Course had been immensely informative and Dean was glad he had completed it. He had even successfully managed to get an omega parking placard from the DMV, with Cas’ help. Apparently, he needed his mate’s “approval” to drive and own such a placard. Not that it was an issue. The alpha signed everything there was. 

Now, Dean knew to park in the omega parking spots that were brightly illuminated, had video surveillance and were closest to the exits. In the mall, they even had dedicated elevators. Back in Lawrence he gave no thought to those golden spots. His mother never used them and more often than not they were occupied by anyone. 

His keychain had welcomed a personal alarm and a pepper spray with marking dye. 

On top of that, Cas had shown him stuff he didn't learn in wrestling. He felt more confident in his capability of incapacitating someone, although ideally he would avoid conflict. 

 

Castiel, on the other hand, started working longer hours. 

“I give Bal a helping hand,” Cas replied when Dean had asked him.

Dean wasn't sure how long Cas would help Bal for, but it seemed to be the new normal.

Sometimes, they would go to sleep, Dean wrapped around him, only for the omega to wake up to an empty bed in the middle of the night. When he went to find his mate, Dean would see him in the kitchen or on the balcony, smoking and drinking vodka. Cas would dismiss his concern, saying he was just having nightmares.

 

---

Castiel sighed as he entered Pamela’s office. He wasn’t sure what he would talk about, but he knew he felt like crap.

“Pam,”

“Castiel, welcome. Please, sit.”

Castiel sat down on the couch, running a hand over his face.

“We haven’t seen each other in a while, with the holidays.”

“Yeah, no shit…” Cas cleared his voice. He looked down at his hands. The stump looked almost healed, albeit the scars were still pink. 

“How are you adapting to living in Miami?”

“It’s fine. It’s, uhm, nice to have a shorter commute.”

“What did you and Dean do over the holidays? Did you visit his mother?”

“My whole life is a lie.” Castiel said in a small voice. His wolf was circling, growling, displeased and confused. Untethered. Pamela didn’t talk. She sat there, hands folded on her lap. “Fuck.” Cas stood up, pacing the room. “The gated community apparently is a cult.” He made a wide gesture with his hands. “Apparently I was raised in a cult,” he let out a humorless laugh as he shook his head.

Pamela tilted her head slightly. “That sounds like a big realization. What makes you say it was a cult?”

“Well, uhm, my cousins invited us for an American Christmas get together. We Russians, we celebrate Christmas in January, but still, it was nice to, uhm, get together.” Cas swallowed around nothing. “At first they interrogated me. Asked why I moved out, what happened. Then they told me – it’s a cult. Started by our grandfather. My uncles ran away, moved to the city. My father stayed.”

“Okay – what did it mean for you?”

“Structure, worshiping God, protecting our way of life, our omegas.” Cas waved a hand. “Now, my cousin tells me it had nothing to do with the motherland or even true Orthodoxy, it was just some drug-induced dream of my grandfather’s.”

“Why did your father stay?”

“I don’t know. Father left when I was a small child.” Cas paused. “I don’t know what happened to him. I was raised in the community.”

“Structure and community feel safe, especially when that is all you’ve known.”

“And I took Dean in that madness.” Cas sank on the couch. “Poor soul, he even tried to adapt.”

“That is a testament to Dean’s resilience. But… how does that realization make you feel?”

“Horrible. Unworthy of his love.” Cas barked a short laugh. “Not that he loves me, but… I was trying to win that.”

“Let me ask you this – when you took Dean there, did you think it was the best in order to keep him safe?”

“Yes,” Cas replied without hesitation.

“And when you left with him – did you leave in order to keep him safe?”

“Yes–”

“Then it’s okay to let go of that guilt, Castiel. You acted in his best interest with the information you had at the time.” Pamela leaned forward. “You were misguided, Castiel. You made poor choices on poor information.” Her face softened. “I remember we talked about how you were raised to follow your instincts, always. How that led you to bite on Dean without his consent. We worked through that. This,” she tapped on the coffee table, “this is similar.”

 

There was a moment when nothing but the wall clock’s ticking could be heard in the room. Castiel looked up at it, following the seconds limb march forward.

“When it gets too much — when that guilt or the memories come up — what do you do to quiet it?” Pamela asked with a perfectly poised tone.

“I drink,” Castiel answered flatly, eyes still glued to the clock. He sighed, lowering his gaze to meet the therapist. “Vodka, neat. No ice. Dean’s been asking about it, but– I can’t burden him with all the shit going on in here.” Cas pointed at his temple.

“Don’t you think he’s already concerned, seeing you drink?”

“Maybe, but maybe it’s less concerning if he doesn’t know I think about blowing my brains out.” The admission fell like a bomb in the middle of the room. 

“Why would you go there?”

“Because–” Castiel choked out. “I was raised to do… bad stuff for bad people who never even appreciate the work I do. My brother calls me a rabid dog.” He raised his hand to wipe his face. What had gotten in his eyes? “I should be on death row, or serving life in prison and I tied Dean to me, egoistically.” 

“So you think you deserve to die?”

“I should.” Castiel shrugged. “If I were any braver, or morally good, I’d dissolve the mating and send Dean to his mother, then off myself.” He turned his head, looking out the window. “But suicide is a capital sin in my religion and Dean is the only good thing in my life and I can’t let go of him. So what does that make me, if not a rabid dog?”

Pamela let him sit with the silence for a while before she spoke again. “You know, you were only mandated to get five therapy sessions. You’re still coming here, months later. Why? Because you’re trying. I’ve seen how hard you’re trying. Not perfectly – no one can be that – but you are. You show up, you challenge yourself and how you were raised. Even coming here had your brother feel threatened, didn’t it?”

“I… kept our sessions secret. But, yeah, he was mad I chose you and didn’t… fake them.” Castiel frowned. “I wouldn’t say I’ve been trying hard.”

“You fought to get him in the Omega Seminary, despite it being against the unspoken rule of your community. You shielded him and left the community when they threatened him. You signed him up for regular high school and you’ve allowed him to explore college options. That gives him autonomy, a job, a salary and he won’t depend on you. That’s huge, even if you don’t see it that way.”

“I don’t think that’s anything huge–”

“They are, Castiel! They show love that’s growing and changing. Nurturing love, not controlling or obsessive. You had no idea what that kind of love was, but you’re learning it, for Dean’s sake.”

“I still fail him, in so many ways.”

“Yes… it will happen. We all fail our loved ones in one way or another. The thing that sets you apart is that you’re trying. Genuinely trying. That’s the important thing, Castiel - you’re alive and trying.” Pamela leaned forward. “Next time you reach for the bottle, or the thoughts weigh too hard, remember that phrase – alive and trying. You don’t have to be perfect. Just alive and trying.”

“Alive and trying,” Cas felt the words form in his mouth, but they felt foreign. He nodded in understanding.

“Great. Now, please let me ask Dean in.”

“Thanks, Pam.” Castiel got up and left the room. In the waiting room, Dean sat up and smiled up at him. The omega’s scent reached him, calming his frayed nerves. He hugged Dean, burying his nose in the omega’s neck. Apple pies, lemon zest, undertones of pinewood and most importantly, mate and safety. When he scented Dean, he was home.

“I gotta go, big guy,” Dean whispered softly. “See you for the joint session, okay?”

Cas nodded and took a seat to wait for Dean to be done with his individual session.

 

---

Pamela’s office still smelled faintly of sour cherries and bitter almonds. Dean took a seat on the couch where Cas had been earlier, curling his hands around a cup of tea she’d set down for him.

“Hello, Dean.”

“Hi, Pam.” Dean smiled, sipping from the warm tea. “Nice blend,” he commented.

“It’s a strawberry-mango black tea blend from Tea Co.”

“Great.” Dean settled the cup on his lap. “My new high school is awesome, I've made new friends.” He launched in a lengthy presentation of Benny, Charlie, Dorothy and Krissy. Benny was his wrestling teammate and he’d usually walk with Dean through the parking lot since they both parked at the far end, on account of their cars. Benny had a ‘78 Mustang GT, a real beauty. Nothing could compare to Dean’s 1967 Impala, but still. Charlie and the girls were his school day friends, sharing most classes and eating together for lunch each day. 

Dean reached the mall incident and the courses he found. “And guess what the number one rule is in the course about avoiding confrontations with alphas?” Pamela raised an eyebrow, allowing Dean the dramatic pause before he burst. “Do not run!” Dean shook his head. “I have no idea how mom didn’t teach me that. Like, she’s omega too! How the fuck does it make any sense?”

“Different times, smaller towns. Your grandfather was strict, from my understanding.” Pamela tilted her head. “I want to go back a bit – you said that alpha’s voice did nothing to compel you?”

“Nada.” Dean shrugged. “I guess it’s because I’m mated?”

“No,” Pamela shook her head. “Being mated doesn’t act as a shield to an alpha’s Voice. Haven’t you heard about the Hollywood scandal, with the director who used his Voice to coerce actresses into sex?”

It was Dean’s turn to be confused. “No. But… what does that mean?”

“It means you’re an exceptionally strong omega. Your inner wolf sees those alphas as lesser, as unworthy.” She leaned back on the couch, letting silence blanket them.

“So… my omega liking his alpha is special?” Dean couldn’t believe it. “Is that what you’re saying?”

“I am not – I’ve just stated your omega is a strong wolf. You’re a resilient person.”

Dean shifted his weight around on the couch. “Well, I do wrestle alphas at school. They’re just… idiots.” He shrugged. “And that knothead, he was so… bland.”

“And Castiel?”

“He’s…” Dean didn’t know what to say.

“How did you find him that night you met him? Before he bit you?”

“Greatest scent I ever scented. His presence, his– I was mesmerized.” Dean licked his lips. “He was special to me.” After a sip of tea, he added, “it still would have been nice if he talked to me first, for fucks sake.”

Pamela chuckled. “Well, yes, we’ve established that. What I wanted you to think about is your connection to him. How do you see it now, that you’re allowed to move in the world and interact with other alphas?”

“I guess… It's special.”

“How is your home life now?”

“Good. I cook, he likes it. Sex is great now. I, uhm, even tapped into my Omega Voice. It really is… something, when I let go, you know?” Pamela sat there, allowing silence to stretch between them. “He’s been working longer hours now. I don’t know why, cuz like, he’s been demoted. And… he’s been drinking more. Before, he had maybe one or two glasses of wine at Sunday lunch, rarely vodka during the week. Now, I find him, in the middle of the night, drinking. I hate that. We had to buy vodka twice last week. Small bottles, but still… I don’t like it.”

“Did you ask about it?”

“He said he has nightmares. I don’t know how to help him.” Dean worried his thumb on the mug’s lip. “I want to help him.”

“What does he do when he’s home?”

“He eats, we have sex, we watch movies…”

“Church?”

“He’s not going anymore. He said he’s exiled from the community. Then again, I think it’s good he’s not going there.”

“What do you know about the community?”

“His cousins told me it started out normal, then their grandfather snorted too much LSD and listened to too many Armstrong sermons. Went nuts, mixed Russian Orthodoxy with some whacked ideas. Didn’t help that he was a priest, too.” Dean sighed. “Apparently he ordained the priests in their community before he died. And they ordained others. They’re completely off the loop.”

“How does that affect you?”

“Well, not much. Glad we’re out.” He pointed at the facial scar. “Even more annoyed at this, but now Cas is talking cosmetic surgery. He’s even bought me ScarAway gel. It actually helps a bit.”

“And how do you think it affects Cas?”

“I think that’s why he’s drinking. I don’t know how to help him,” Dean repeated, the weight of helplessness heavy in his chest.

Pamela hummed. “What about… going to a different church with him? How were you raised?”

“Methodist. I don’t think he’ll like that. We don’t have all the pomp and incense they use.” Dean shifted on the couch again. “I googled Russian Orthodox… I was curious what the differences were between whatever they had there and the real thing.”

“And?”

“Surface level, not much. How they dress and burn incense and sing. I don’t understand the words though.”

“Well, why not take him to a nearby Orthodox church? Russian, Greek, whatever. Help him find some structure — and you’ll feel like you’re helping too..”

“Okay… yeah I can do that. I’ll drag him out to church.”

Pamela smiled. “You talked so much about your new life. You haven’t mentioned your mother – I understand you didn’t visit with her this holiday season?”

“Nope,” Dean popped the word. 

“Why not?”

“Well, for once, she wants me to leave Cas.” Dean licked his lips. “I’ve decided to stay with him, for better or for worse and she can’t accept that.”

“So, you’ve gone no contact?”

“You can call it that, yes.” Dean shrugged. “I’d answer if she called, but she doesn’t.” He sighed, thinking it over. “My birthday was yesterday. I’m seventeen now. And she didn’t seem to care.”

“How did you celebrate?”

“Cas took me out. We had cake and good food, just the two of us. Then the real party followed. I had no idea – he called his cousins at our apartment, so when we got back, everyone yelled surprise and happy birthday. I even got a second cake!”

“Sounds amazing, Dean.” Pamela smiled softly. “I think it’s a good time to ask Cas to join us. How do you feel about that?”

“Okay. Awesome.”

Pamela got up, her soft beta scent reaching Dean as she passed him. She opened the door and Cas walked in. Dean relaxed, the alpha’s scent conveying the feeling of home, safety, and love. Cas smiled at him and sat down, next to him, wrapping his arm around Dean. Pamela sat across, in her chair.

“This session is for truth and openness. You can ask each other questions — about your thoughts, your feelings, or your actions — anything that’s been on your mind. You don’t have to answer anything you’re uncomfortable with, but honesty is encouraged.” Pamela folded her hands in her lap.

Dean turned his head to look at the alpha. “Uhm, I wanted to know why you’re working longer hours lately. Are… are you back at your old job?” His heart beat against his rib cage, fearful for the answer. “Because you said you were done with that.”

Cas squeezed him slightly. “No… I’m helping Balthazar with his shipping company. I hope to move to his company, permanently. But it’s not that easy, you know. So, I’ve got to work both jobs for now.”

Dean nodded in understanding. “Okay, Cas.”

“I wanted to ask you… if you’re happy, Dean?”

Dean blinked. “I guess I am, yes. I like the apartment. I like my new friends. My birthday was awesome.” He ran a hand on Cas’ chest. “My wolf purrs when we’re close. I love your scent. Sex is awesome." Dean smiled shyly. “Didn’t think I would be happy with you, but I’m fine.”

Cas leaned in and kissed his forehead. Dean rested his head against Cas’ shoulder, breathing in the alpha’s scent. Across from them, Pamela was watching them, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. 

Chapter 61

Dean took a few steps back to appreciate the shine on Baby. He had spent most of the morning cleaning and waxing the car. Pride swelled in his chest. 

He wiped a stray streak off the chrome with the edge of his shirt, leaned in, checked his reflection. Not bad. Baby looked like she rolled straight out of a showroom. Dean popped the hood again, just to double-check the oil level. It was a bit low, so he decided to top it off.

He took out the trash, got in the car, and drove slowly home, hands loose on the wheel. Private parking had a lot of perks, the most important of which was not having to worry about someone scratching Baby.

The apartment smelled of tea and cookies. Cas had bought an electric samovar and he was making even more tea than before. Dean toed off his boots by the door and stretched his shoulders, feeling the pleasant ache from polishing the car. The soft hum of the samovar filled the kitchen.

“Hey, Cas.” 

“Hello, Dean.” Cas smiled and kissed him softly. “How's the car?”

“Great. Added a bit of oil. Shined it up and cleaned it.”

They ordered some fast food for lunch. Dean didn’t feel like cooking. 

The bags smelled amazing - grease, bacon, fries. Everything good and weirdly addictive. They sat down and watched car shows while they ate. 

“You know, Cas, there's a Russian church not that far from here. I think maybe a 30 minute drive? Let's say 40 if the traffic sucks. Do you wanna check it out tomorrow?” Dean leaned into the alpha. 

Cas eyed him, taking another bite of his cheeseburger. “If you want to…”

“Yeah. I'd enjoy it. The services are nice,” Dean lied through his teeth. It was more important to him to help Cas. It didn't matter if he sacrificed a few hours of his Sunday.

 

Saint Vladimir Russian Orthodox Church stood proud in the middle of a beautiful garden. It had white walls, huge wooden double doors and a blue dome at the top of the bell tower. Inside, it was similar to the church they had back in Belgoroye. 

Dean pulled the scarf over his head, covering his hair, as was the custom for women and omegas. Cas put a hand on his lower back, guiding him deeper inside. They stood at the back, near the right wall. 

Priests came out of the altar, chanting, spreading incense. Castiel relaxed, his lips silently following along with the verses. 

“Blagosloven Bog nash…” the priests sang fast. A barrage or “gospodi pomilui” followed. 

Cas made so many crosses, Dean had lost count. He tried to follow along, but he was always one beat behind. 

The eldest priest paused and cleared his throat. “And now, the Lord’s prayer.” Dean was relieved to be able to join in something as he recited along. He made a sign of the cross at the end. The priest was looking straight at him. Oh, right… he didn’t do the cross with three fingers, like Cas. He had to remember that.

More chanting followed, more prayers, most in Russian and some in English. The old priest held a short sermon in English, talking about God' s love for each one of His children, then repeated the message in Russian. As the service drew to an end, people slowly filed out of the church. 

One of the priests was giving communion to children, in front of the iconostasis. The old priest was walking among the people, blessing them by making signs of the cross on their forehead with holy oil. When he reached Dean and Cas, he paused, his eyes scanning them quickly. 

“You two are new,” the old priest said, the corners of his lips tugging slightly upwards. “You,” he pointed at Cas, “I saw you sing along. You’re Russian. But you, young one – you’re what? Catholic? Protestant?”

Dean fidgeted on the spot. “Methodist. I’m from Kansas.”

“Ah.” The old priest nodded. “I’m Father Daniel Bogomolov.”

“Nice to meet you, Father.” Cas bowed and kissed the priest’s hand. Father Daniel put his hand on Cas’ head. He drew a cross sign on Cas’ forehead with holy oil. 

“Where are you two from?”

“Uhm, we moved to the city recently. We lived in Belgoroye until now,” Cas said.

Father Daniel’s demeanor changed in an instant. All color had drained from his cheeks, his scent swinging violently to shock. “Oh…”

“Anything wrong, Father?” Cas frowned, confusion seeping into his scent. 

“That place… uhm… it has a… dark history.”

Castiel took half a step back, unsure how to proceed. 

“Come… come let’s talk.” Father Daniel took Castiel to the side. 

Dean sat down on one of the chairs and waited for his mate to return. The church was empty by the time Cas approached him with a dark expression on his face.

“What's wrong?”

“I'll tell you when we get home.” Cas took Dean's hand and guided him to their car.

 

Dean could only sit there and listen to Cas cry as he recounted what Father Daniels had said. 

Castiel's grandfather had been defrocked and placed under anathema for schism and heresy after he'd transformed the Belgoroye parish into his personal cult. Meaning that anything he did, it was outside the Church. The priests he had ordained were not Orthodox priests, they were cultists. Cas’ voice broke as he reached the conclusion.

“Meaning my baptism isn't valid because it wasn't performed by a real priest. Neither is our wedding.” Cas wiped tears from his face. “Fuck, Dean.”

“But… can't you get back in the Church now? Get baptised properly?”

“Who would even accept me?”

“Father Daniel. He seemed nice. Jesus was all about forgiving and repenting for sins, wasn't he?” Dean licked his lips. “You're going to talk to Father Daniel and you’re gonna get baptised,” he said with conviction. 

Cas stared into nothing, his scent muted. 

“I’ll even redo the wedding, but Cas, please… no sarafans this time,” Dean softened.

“I don’t know…”

“I do.” Dean took a deep breath. He opened the laptop and began researching on the Church’s website. “It says here that if you’d never been baptised before you need to talk to a priest, go to Sunday liturgy and, uhm, live an Orthodox life. You’ve been doing that.”

“I’ve not exactly–”

“Oh, come on!” Dean cut him off. “You go Sunday to church, you take care of me, you say prayers.” He shrugged. “I’ll even cook you fasting food Wednesdays and Fridays.”

“I’m in the mob.”

“Eh,” Dean shrugged, leaning back on the couch. “You’re not an enforcer anymore. You don’t sell drugs or manage prostitutes, do you?”

“No, no. I mean… Gabriel deals drugs but I merely work for his front business. The candy shop.”  Cas swallowed around nothing. “There’s the work I do for Bal…”

“You only move boxes around. You’re not the one selling drugs to ten-year-olds.” Dean leaned closer, trying to catch the alpha’s gaze. “We can work with this, Cas.” Dean patted him on the back. “Next Sunday, we’ll go talk to Father Daniel and everything will be fine.”

“Okay…” Cas nodded slowly. He got up, walked to the fridge and pulled out the vodka bottle. Dean pursed his lips, but decided to say nothing

---

Practice ended with Coach’s whistle slicing through the gym. Everyone groaned in unison and started grabbing water bottles before heading toward their assigned locker rooms. Dean always had to be careful not to accidentally barge into the alpha and beta male locker. On the bright side, he was the only one strutting around his locker.

Dean was rolling his shoulders out when Benny wandered over, hair damp with sweat, shirt clinging to him like a baby koala to its mother . He hooked his fingers through the strap of his jumbo water bottle and gave Dean a grin.

“Good takedown on Carter,” Benny said. “You nearly flattened him.”

Dean huffed. “He kept dropping his left hand. You’d think he’d learn.”

“That’s why you’re going to regionals and he’s… Carter.” Benny smirked, then took a long drink from his water bottle. The scent rolling off him was relaxed and warm. 

Dean tilted his head. He was never sure what Benny was up to. “You did good too.”

“I always do good,” Benny said, teasing. “But you—you’re getting sharper every week.”

Dean shrugged off the compliment, but Benny didn’t let him.

“I mean it,” he added, voice lower. “Solid instincts. You see openings before anyone else does. Coach knows it. I know it.”

Dean swallowed. “Thanks.”

Benny's eyes lingered in him a bit just too long. 

“What?” Dean frowned. 

Benny shifted his weight, toeing the mat with his shoe. “You wanna stay a few minutes tomorrow? I can help you tighten that switch move.”

“Yeah,” Dean said, chastising himself for seeing too much into things. “I’d like that.”

“I’m bringing the music.”

“Lookin’ forward to it. See ya tomorrow.” Dean play punched Benny in his shoulder and went to his locker room.

---

Castiel sat on the edge of his office chair, palms pressed to his eyes, trying to breathe past the pressure inside his skull.

Gabriel’s scent permeated every space of the back offices — overly sweet, ripe cherries and cotton candy. A scent Cas had learned to fear. A scent that pulled him back to the cold concrete floor of the compound's basement. Michael yelling. Kicks failing on his rib cage. Pain. Gabriel's grin as he held the butcher's knife. How unreal it felt, seeing his trigger finger roll on the table. The pain. His stump throbbed to the beat of his rabbit heart.

Cas took a deep breath. It helped nothing. He felt like the world was crashing down on him. Lies, lies, lies, nothing but lies. He pressed harder. What am I even good for? Rabid dog. Animal. Unpleasant thoughts danced in circles inside his mind.

The office felt too small, too tight, too stuffy. Castiel snapped, pulling open the desk’s drawer. He rummaged for a bit and took out the vodka bottle. He threw back a healthy shot, straight from the bottle. 

“Fuck,” he sighed, capping the bottle and throwing it back inside the drawer. He ran a hand over his face and stared into the screen. The numbers danced between columns. Castiel groaned as he tried to make sense of what he was supposed to do. 

The door burst open as Gabriel stormed in. 

“What the fuck are you doing?”

Cas blinked, unsure what was going on.

“We’re out of fucking sugar, you idiot!”

“Oh…” Cas liked his lips, flicking through his spreadsheets. “Uhm… Yeah… yeah, I’m ordering some now.”

“NOW?” Gabriel screamed. “You can’t be serious!”

“No, no.” Castiel felt like the room was spinning around him. “I mean it’s ordered, I just need to track the shipment.” His heart hammered against his chest. I’m useless, he thought. “It’s going to be fine, Gabriel.”

“It better be!” Gabriel waved a threatening finger at him. “We can’t bake anything for tomorrow.” He turned and left, taking his angry scent with him.

Cas breathed out, ordering the necessary sugar. But it wouldn’t arrive in time. There was a Costco nearby, so he didn’t hesitate and bolted. 

Forty minutes later, Cas hauled five 25-pound sacks of sugar into the kitchen, one by one. Gabriel eyes the bags, raising an eyebrow.

“Shipment came?”

“It’s delayed. But, uhm, I solved the problem.”

Castiel spent the rest of the day frantically checking their stock, tracking shipments and ordering ingredients. Five pm couldn’t have come faster. He closed all the spreadsheets and left somewhat calmer after checking everything twice although he still felt a certain tightness lingering in his chest. 

The docks smelled of salt, sea and diesel. Cas zipped up his light jacket and walked faster. He recognized Balthazar’s figure and headed toward him.

“There he is,” Balthazar drawled, straightening. He was holding two steaming cups of coffee and he offered one to Cas. “You look like a corpse, darling.”

Cas didn’t have the energy to pretend. “Long day at Gabriel’s.” He took the cup and took a sip.

“Mm. Save the confessions for a priest.” Balthazar handed him a clipboard and motioned toward an imposing cargo ship. “The Riga shipment docked early. Containers C17 through C21 need our special… attention.”

Cas read through the paperwork as he sipped coffee – paper goods, furniture, frozen seafood and assorted electronics components. Something told Cas that the frozen seafood would have gone off and would need to be discarded. 

Balthazar patted him on the back. “Do your magic, Cas.” He took another sip of coffee. “A few more shifts like this, and I’ll go to Gabriel and ask him to give you to me.”

“Thanks, Bal.” Cas nodded. “I’ll, uhm, get on it.” He finished the coffee and walked toward the ship to supervise the unloading. 

The last of the containers was empty and Cas put the clipboard down in the 3PL’s office. Unsurprisingly, the refrigerated container was found too warm as the sensor had “broken”. Bal’s men drove off with the container to have its contents discarded. Cas didn’t care what the mob had actually smuggled in with the shrimps, either cocaine or pot. The paper goods were, of course, cigarettes. Cas poached one carton for himself. Perks of the job. 

Cas closed the lights, took his jacket and walked to the car. He climbed in, throwing the cigarette carton on the passenger’s seat. He turned the key and the car came alive. Music came out of the radio,  low, rhythmic rap filling the space. Cas frowned – it wasn’t his usual station. 

 

Probably a metaphor for everything I've learned

Like how the only love I'll have is gonna crash and burn

Or how the poorest I've felt was after the most I've earned

The biggest lie I told is that no one should be concerned

There's gotta be another highway that don't lead to Hell

A star to lead me through the darkest night like Christian Bale

I hid from God for more than two decades of life

And when I came back to the light, He didn't ask me if I'm Christian still

 

Cas ran a hand over his face as he listened to the lyrics, every word hitting like a confession he never made. He stared out, overlooking the ships, the containers and the trucks, trying to breathe. Waves of emotions he couldn’t pinpoint washed over his body.

Lash out

Need to take a breath and calm down

Try to regulate, don't know how

Wasn't taught that in my house

Kids of my own, I step back

Look at those smiles and feel sad

Hope they don't wind up like Dad

Stuck in this loop like I am

 

Cas swallowed around nothing, pushing out of his mind the memories of him hitting Dean, of Michael hitting him, of another man hitting him. Was that Chuck? Cas couldn’t remember his father’s face clearly. But he did remember the pain. He let out a shaky breath and opened the glove compartment. The vodka bottle stared back at him, waiting. Maybe just one sip to calm his nerves. It couldn’t be good to drive with trembling hands. One shot. It burned his throat in that familiar way and something settled. He threw the bottle back, slammed the glove compartment shut and slid the car in drive. He didn’t want to think. He just wanted to drive. 

The apartment was warm, the smell of pork roast and baked potatoes rolling out of the kitchen. Cas inhaled, picking up Dean’s scent. His alpha instantly relaxed, scenting his mate, his everything. 

“Hey, Cas!” Dean called out. 

Cas walked into the kitchen and dropped the cigarette carton on the counter. He watched Dean move through the kitchen. The omega’s cooking skills had improved dramatically. 

“How was your day, alpha?”

“Fine, yours?”

“Good. Coach Turner selected me for regionals.”

“That’s nice.” 

Cas felt tears prickling at the corner of his eyes. He was so grateful God had chosen Dean as his mate. The omega was a gift. A wondrous creature that Cas had to protect, love and cherish. But… Did God choose Dean for him even though he wasn't even properly baptised? Was he even a Christian? Dean, the wonderful Dean, had devised a fasting menu. Tomorrow was all about bean tacos. He had even emailed Father Daniel and gotten a list of what Cas had to do to get baptised at Saint Vladimir. They had gone through it and it wasn’t undoable, it was just… The tightness in his chest returned, sharp and suffocating. Cas opened the fridge, aiming for a glass of orange juice or milk or something. He found beer. That would do. The beer flowed smoothly, cooling his throat. 

“Food smells nice.” Cas stepped closer to Dean and put a hand on his hip.

“Thanks.” Dean smiled up at him, then placed a light peck at the corner of Cas’ lip. “Gotta get the potatoes out.”

Cas watched Dean move, soft and content in the warm light of their kitchen, trying to focus on this simple, peaceful moment but his mind wasn’t quiet, at all. He took another long pull from the beer, wishing it would settle the tremor under his skin.

Chapter 62

The apartment was still dark when Castiel returned into the living room after having finished his cigarette. The quiet pressed around him, leaving too much space for him to… think. 

His phone connected automatically to the speaker.

A familiar voice slid into the room.

“You’re listening to Threads of Terror. I’m Mariah Winters, and today we’re revisiting the southeastern cluster—cases six through nine.”

Cas pinched the bridge of his nose. Nine. He’d forgotten she was already up to nine consecutive murders that fit a certain pattern. He flicked the lights on and fired up the coffee machine. It rumbled as it ground the coffee beans.

“We covered the Missouri murders—Callahan in Joplin, Marsh in Springfield, Draper in West Plains—and the Arkansas and Tennessee victims. Today we’re moving further south into Alabama and Georgia, and looking at why the FBI still refuses to acknowledge these as linked homicides.”

Cas watched white steam rising slowly from the coffee cup. He took a deep breath, listening to Mariah recap the profile the victims fell into – male alphas, in their 30s, with a history of domestic abuse and forced claimings. 

“Florence musician Shane Whitmore had claimed his omega when she was just sixteen and Gadsden security guard Dustin Wheeler was a repeat offender, collecting domestic abuse fines like they were Pokemon.  Both vanished within twenty-four hours of each other, only to be found dead. Shane had been beaten to death, while Dustin had his throat slit. 

The last victim I could find is Trevor Gaines in Anniston—taken right out of a gas-station parking lot. Unfortunately the gas station’s security cameras were non-operational. Trevor was a history teacher. At first glance, you wouldn’t think he fits the pattern, but, my sources have confirmed that his young omega male mate has had multiple hospitalizations for broken bones. Young Mister Gaines always declared his injuries were accidental, but… it seems they weren’t.”

Cas took the mug between both hands, letting the heat soak into his fingers. He leaned back on the counter as he listened. He took a sip of coffee, let the bitterness settle on his tongue. His inner wolf perked up, wagging his tail. Mate. He turned just in time to see Dean enter the room, rubbing sleep away from his eyes.

“Morning, bunny.” He combed his hand through Dean’s hair and leaned in to put a soft kiss on the omega’s lips. “Love you.”

Dean hummed and hugged Cas, nuzzling in the alpha’s neck. “Mmmcoffee,” he mumbled.

Cas chuckled and offered Dean his coffee. He made another cup for himself. They ate breakfast in comfortable silence. 

Down in the garage, they kissed, then split – Dean, in the Impala, going to school, while Cas was going to work.

---

 

The bakery was open for 10 minutes when Cas arrived. Traffic had been a bitch and Cas had also taken a wrong turn, forcing him to detour. 

He weaved through the few clients present at that hour and went through the staff only door. The hallway was dimly lit, the hum of the backstore activity reverberating across: chatter from the accounting office, soft music from another office, the bustling activity of the kitchen. 

“Castiel!” Gabriel hollered, coming out of his office. Silence blanketed the entire backstore. Gabriel stepped out of his office, holding a letter. “You’re late.”

“Uhm, traffick-”

“Spare me,” Gabriel rolled his eyes. He stuck out his arm, shoving the envelope in Cas’ chest. “You didn’t leave a forwarding address, idiot. I signed for you.”

Cas frowned, but his blood ran cold when he caught what was written on the envelope.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS ENCLOSED

SERVICE OF PROCESS — OPEN IMMEDIATELY

COURT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

Re: Custody Complaint / Petition Alleging Interference With Visitation

Cas took a deep breath and looked on the back of the envelope. It simply listed Ketch & Associates, PLLC from Lawrence, Kansas as the return address.

“And before you ask — boss said you can’t use Crowley. He’s for men who aren’t pussy fuckups playing house,” Gabriel’s tone was cold.

“Right…” Cas shoved the envelope in his back pocket. He glanced at the door.  “I should go and talk–” 

“On your own time, nahui,” Gabriel cut him off. “Right now you have to work.” He shook his head and began walking away, muttering tuporýlyy.

Cas’ head was spinning. He spilled into his office and slammed the door shut. He sat down, then jumped back up, shrugging off his jacket. His heart was hammering against his chest. 

“Fuck.” He punched the desk, making everything rattle. “Right…” He pulled out the envelope and opened it, reading it diagonally. As he would have expected, Mary was suing him for denying Dean access to his birth family. He called Crowley’s firm, the main number. An intake staff answered. 

“Hello, my name is Castiel Kumarin. I am calling under the Kumarin retainer contract. I need a lawyer assigned for a civil custody lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade County.” Cas sat down. 

The staffer had a warm voice that soothed Castiel’s anxiety a bit. “Hello, Mister Kumarin. Let me see the contract and check when Mister Crowley is available.”

Cas involuntarily pursed his lips, waiting for her to click through the program. 

“Oh…” her surprise was obvious. Cas felt his stomach drop. “It, uhm, seems the contract has been updated and, uhm, Mister Crowley cannot take your case. Please give me a moment to see who is available.”

“Sure.” As he waited Cas fired up his computer and began sifting through the online orders. He had to make routes and send the couriers out with the goods. 

“Thank you for your patience, Mister Kumarin. Mister Metatron Aronson is available and can see you for a consultation this afternoon.”

“Thank you. Have a nice say.” Cas closed the phone and set on creating the day’s routes. 

---

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing a wide lobby that smelled of expensive scent diffusers. Marble walls gleamed under the recessed lighting, and huge three-dimensional gold letters spelled out Crowley & Talbot. Cas paused. He’d walked into this building countless times before, but this time it felt overwhelming.

A receptionist looked up from his sleek desk. “Hello, how may I help you?” she asked, eyebrows lifting slightly. 

“I’m Castiel Kumarin. I, uhm, have a consultation with Mister Aronson?

“Oh, yes.” He stood up. “If you’d please follow me.:

Cas nodded, swallowing past the tightness in his throat. He walked behind him, past a series of glass-walled offices. The corner office, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, had a view of the city and a glimpse of the ocean. Inside sat Crowley himself, lounging behind a massive mahogany desk, whiskey tumbler resting in his hand. Their eyes met for half a second. Cas’s pulse quickened. Crowley raised an eyebrow, but Cas was the first to look away.  

The receptionist’s heels clicked against the polished floor as they turned down a narrow hallway. Finally, they stopped in front of a modest wooden door. Cas exhaled and stepped inside. The room was small, cluttered, with a single desk against one wall. Behind it sat a man adjusting his glasses, looking up with sharp, assessing eyes. Through the window, Cas could only see the opposite building. 

“Mister Kumarin?” the man said, voice even but curious.

“Cas,” he said, extending a hand. “Castiel Kumarin.”

“I’m Metatron Aronson,” the lawyer replied, shaking his hand firmly. “I understand you’ve been… reassigned.” He began shifting through the dossiers on his desk. “Crowley was kind enough to give me the file on your previous lawsuits. Well, his interns, but…”

Cas sank into the chair across from him, glancing down at his hands. The stump stuck out to him worse than ever, like an insult. 

Metatron opened a legal pad. “Let’s get started,” he said gently. Cas exhaled, bracing himself. He handed the lawyer the papers he was served with. Metatron read through it carefully.

“Well… this is problematic, Mister Kumarin.” Metatron pushed his glasses lower on his nose. “She has a solid case – missing Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, the boy’s own birthday?!” He let out a long sigh. “Didn’t Crowley tell you you had to allow him regular visitations and contact? I’m going to be frank with you. This is almost textbook coercive control.” He tapped on the papers. “And judges hate when minors are isolated from their families.”

The pressure in Cas’ chest felt heavier. “Uhm, Dean refused to talk to his mother. I didn’t stop him from calling her or visiting her.” He swallowed around nothing. “I…” he hesitated, the memories still a bit too raw. “About Thanksgiving, Dean had a miscarriage while visiting her. I had taken him to a cabin just outside Lawrence to rest before we flew back to Miami. Mary didn’t talk to me or to him.”

Metatron frowned. “So he was visiting her for Thanksgiving?”

“No, no. He went earlier but… then he miscarried and it was complicated. He almost died. By the time he was discharged, Thanksgiving was just around the corner. Mary didn’t say anything, Dean was too sick, I don’t actually care for it.” Cas shrugged. 

“And the other holidays?”

“Dean refused to speak with her. She didn’t call.” 

“But why wouldn’t he speak to his mother? He’s sixt– no, seventeen now. Still..”

“Because she’s a horrible bitch,” Cas spat out. “When he was bleeding out after the miscarriage, she tried to push him into accepting a hysterectomy, under the assumption I’d leave him if he were barren. She called him damaged goods, to his face, because he has a clotting issue.” 

Metatron gasped. “She actually said that?

Cas could feel his blood pressure rising. “Yes! And she told me I should leave him and take another mate because he can’t have puppies.” He shook his head. “He’s my True Mate. He–” Cas hesitated. “I love him. I was wrong for forcibly claiming him, and I want to do better by him. So, when he said he didn’t want to talk to her, I respected that.”

Metatron was taking notes on his legal pad. “We can work with this, Mister Kumarin.” He paused. “But you didn’t bring him today… will he testify against her?”

“He will.” Cas shifted his weight. “Before Christmas, I had a talk with him about all this. Told him she can sue me. He said he didn’t want to talk to her and he’d testify if needed.”

“Great. I’ll petition for an emergency bench hearing. Us, them and the judge. The judge will decide if he gives a resolution or if he sends us to a full trial.” Metatron scribbled some more on his pad. “We can be in front of a judge before Friday. Swing by tomorrow with Dean so I can take his affidavits.”

---

 

Dean pushed the gym’s doors open with his foot. Benny was already by the mat, thumbing at his phone. Upbeat 80s rock filled the room.

“Hey!” Dean called out.

“Hey, cher!” Benny put his phone down, stretching his arms and legs. “Ready?”

“Yeah!” Dean bounced on the mat, eyes narrowing. 

“Alright,,” Benny said. “Watch my hips and shoulders. That’s where the power comes from.” He turned around and instructed Dean to catch him in a takedown position from behind. 

Dean put his arms around Benny’s waist, trying to push the alpha down. Benny has a stable, wide stance. He lunged to the side, pulling Dean forward. Hunching over, he reached behind him and caught Dean’s thigh, pulling Dean off balance. 

Dean stumbled forward, arms flailing, landing on the mat. Benny grabbed his leg and lifted it.  Dean titled to the side, failing to control his stance. It wasn’t hard for Benny to lunge, lock one arm around Dean’s chest, controlling his torso. With a smooth shift of weight, Benny slid over him, pressing his chest to Dean’s back. 

Dean’s arms were trapped, pinned to the mat, his legs splayed under Benny’s hips.

Dean struggled, twisting, trying to lift himself, but Benny’s knee pressed across Dean’s lower back, and his weight pinned Dean’s chest firmly. He couldn’t move without tipping Benny further forward, which would only tighten the hold.

“Relax, use your core, don’t fight my weight,” Benny coached, leaning close. “See? It’s leverage. I control the base, you control the flip—but right now… I’ve got you.”

Dean groaned, chest pressed to the mat, the effort of pushing himself up wasted against Benny’s superior positioning. He was completely pinned, every breath pressing against the firm hold. Benny had an iron grip.

Dean sighed, putting his forehead on the math. His body was tense, muscles primed to fight. He struggled, trying to move his legs. Benny chuckled, the vibrations rumbling through Dean’s back.

The music changed suddenly. Something slow, sensual, like foggy autumns. Dean’s throat went bone dry.

Got the music in you, baby, tell me why

Got the music in you, baby, tell me why

You've been locked in here forever, and you just can't say goodbye

Your lips, my lips

Apocalypse

Dean’s inner wolf growled. 

“Fuck you, Benny,” he spat, pushing in his knees and elbows, lifting himself up enough to he spat, planting his elbows and knees into the mat, arching his back as hard as he could. The pressure shifted slightly, enough that Benny’s chest slipped a hair forward. Dean twisted, pushing against the mat with every ounce of muscle. His shoulder popped free for a second, and he wriggled, hips kicking, until he managed a shaky roll to the side.

He landed on his hands and knees, chest heaving, eyes glaring up at Benny.

“What’s wrong?” Benny frowned.

“The fucking music!” Dean pointed at the speaker. “The romantic shit!”

“Oh–”

“Oh,” Dean mocked him. “I’m not interested, Benny, and that is fucking dirty.”

“Hey, hey.” Benny raised his arms. “My playlist is on shuffle. I have all sorts of shit on it. I didn’t mean it.”

Dean took a few steps to the side, eyeing Benny with suspicion.

“Check my phone, man.” Benny pointed to the smartphone. 

Dean walked over and picked up the phone. The song was by a band called Cigarettes after Sex. He thumbed through the playlist. It did have over 300 songs, across multiple genres. He pursed his lips. “Sorry I overreacted, it’s just–”

“I get it. You’re mated.” Benny shook his head.

Dean put the phone down and rolled his shoulders. “Let’s try that switch again.”

Benny grinned, taking up a fighting stance. His eyes raked over Dean’s body, a little too long. They practiced for an entire hour until Dean was capable of executing perfect switch moves. Sweaty and tired they went to shower. 

“Ah, fuck.” Dean sagged as he realised the omega male locker room was locked.

“Come here,” Benny held the door to the alpha beta male locker room. “I promise I won't bite.”

“Sure…” Dean slipped inside, scrunching his nose at the cacophony of scents inside. “Man, you guys stink.”

Benny chuckled and closed the door. They slid in the showers, as far from each other as possible. Dean scrubbed his entire body with the enzymatic scent neutralizing soap religiously, keeping his eyes on the white tiles. He tied a towel around his waist and slipped back into the locker room. He pulled on boxers and a T-shirt. 

Benny walked in the locker room, buck naked, walking confidently, Dean couldn’t help but stare. The alpha got dressed slowly. 

“I can’t scent you.” Benny turned, frowning.

Dean pulled on his jeans.  “Yeah, I use neutralising soap. My mate doesn’t like scenting others on me.”

“Ah, right.” Benny nodded. “He the jealous type?”

Dean glared at Benny. “Yeah… and I’m not the cheating type either.”

“Even if he, like, claimed you?” Benny tied his shoelaces and stood up again.

“He’s my mate, I lo-” Dean swallowed the word. “I like him and I respect him,” he saved the situation. He shrugged. 

“Hmmm. Too bad, cher.”

“What for? We’re just having a normal conversation.” Dean eyed him. Something about his talk to Benny felt dirty. Guilt washed over him.

---

 

By the time Cas had arrived home, Dean had made dinner, put on a washing machine, and did his homework.

His inner wolf purred and flopped when Cas’ scent filled the room. Dean hugged Cas, settling in the crook of his neck. He inhaled deeply. 

“Missed you today, alpha.” Dean meant it. After all the awkwardness with Benny, he craved for his alpha’s scent and stability. 

Cas threaded his fingers through Dean’s hair, scent marking him. He kissed the top of Dean’s head, purring. 

“How was your day?” Dean kept his hands on Cas’s hips, touching Cas’ jaw with the tip of nose. 

Cas sighed long and deep. “We’re being sued.”

“Mom?”

“Yes. Accused me of coercive control and denying you access to your birth family.” Cas started the kettle. 

“Great…” Dean shook his head. He sat down, tired. “When will she fucking stop?”

“Hopefully after Friday. Our lawyer is attempting to fast track this.” Cas chose his tea of the evening and put the bag in his mug. “He wants to see you tomorrow.”

“That Crowley guy, right?”

“No, we, uhm, got a different lawyer for this, but from the same firm.” Cas leaned in and kissed him slowly. “Things will be fine. You didn’t want to call her. You testify to that and things will be fine.”

Dean nodded. They ate in silence, watched a movie and got in bed early.  Dean snuggled next to Cas, enjoying the closeness. Cas kissed him on the top of his head and they fell asleep.