Chapter Text
The Way to an Alpha’s Heart is Through his… Stomach?
Chapter 1
Dean Winchester, Chef Extraordinaire
A life with hope, a life with the love of an alpha that was his. A life filled with laughter and the financial ability to not have to wonder if he was going to be able to feed his two pups or have to rely on the wealth and generosity of his Alpha little brother Sammy. That was the kind of life that Dean Winchester, single father of two and chef of his friend Benny’s restaurant, dreamed of at night while he stared into the dark stillness of his bedroom. He would never let his pups go hungry, he would do whatever was needed to ensure that never happened, and he doubted his little brother would ever let it get to that point.
He's twiddling his thumbs before he turns to check the clock on his nightstand for the millionth time in the last hour. It was two minutes until 4 a.m. when his alarm would go off, signaling the start of another long and stressful day. He had gone to bed around midnight and woke up at 3 a.m., something that was not uncommon for him. He sighed and flipped the switch on the clock, throwing the blanket back and sitting on the edge of the bed. As he stood his knees cracked and he thought to himself like he did every morning that he was too young to be that creaky. He was only 28, a young and healthy Omega. But the last few years had not been kind to his joints, especially his knees.
He walked out into the small hallway (if you could call it that) and took an immediate left turn into the only bathroom in his small two-bedroom apartment in Queens New York. Dean laughed to himself in a sour way while he brushed his teeth in the tiny bathroom. His apartment wasn’t technically a two-bedroom apartment, it was a one bedroom with an office. It was cheaper than a two bedroom and with Sam paying half the rent in his determined and insistent way, this was what Dean would settle for. The rooms were surprisingly roomy, though Dean took the smaller room so his two pups could have the bigger one. His pups, Ben who was 10 and Emma who had just turned 4, and himself were rarely in the tiny apartment. Dean tended to work late and most of the time it was Sam’s Omega mate and fiancé Gabriel, who would pick up his pups from school since he also worked there as the history and gym teacher.
Most nights Dean found himself sneaking into his brothers roomy Manhattan three-bedroom condo around two or three in the morning, quietly showering and crawling into bed next to his baby girl just because he missed her. He had his own bed in the second spare room but most nights he needed snuggles from his pups to bring his anxiety down to a more reasonable level.
After he’s finished with the usual bathroom needs, he headed into his pups shared bedroom to start the process of waking up. And boy was it a process. Dean decided to start with his youngest Emma, since she was his early riser. Ben on the other hand, was a night owl and mornings were hard for him, especially since he had to get up earlier than most so they could make it to the school in Manhattan on time.
Dean squatted down at the head of Emma’s princess toddler bed and ran a hand gently through her long blonde hair.
“Emma, sweetheart.” He whispered. She inhaled deeply as she started to stir, the sound of Dean’s voice bringing her out of her dreams like it did every morning. “Wake up little pup.” He coaxed, his voice soft and gentle.
She stretched and yawned widely before cracking an eye open to look at him. “Morning Daddy.” She mumbled.
“Mornin.” He smiled. Spending time with his pups was the only time he was truly happy. “Time to get up. I’m gonna work on waking up your brother. Can you go to the bathroom and brush your teeth, then grab a bowl and the flour out of the pantry so I can make pancakes?” He asked.
A bright smile spread across her face as she jumped up, yelling “OK!” as she ran out of the room and into the bathroom. Dean smiled after her as he stood up and walked over to Ben’s bed. He sat down on the creaky mattress and pulled back the batman comforter to reveal the back of his son’s head.
Dean ruffled his son’s hair and said, “Hey buddy. Time to greet the day before the sun is even up.” He joked. That got Dean a groan and a shake of the head.
“Ah come on. I know it sucks but you know the drill. I promise pancakes for breakfast and at least today is Friday.” Dean tried to bargain with the promise of the weekend, which got him another groan, but his son did roll over to squint at him in the mostly dark room.
“Can’t I sleep until breakfast is done?” Ben asked, giving Dean the same puppy dog look that his little brother Sam still gives him from time to time.
“Sure buddy. But not a minute later. We don’t want to be late to school again.” Dean agreed.
“That wasn’t my fault. You bought tickets for the wrong train.” Ben teased him.
“Yeah, yeah don’t remind me.” Dean grumbled good naturedly and threw the batman plushy that was at the foot of the bed towards his son. Ben laughed as he caught it and turned back over to sleep for another few minutes.
Dean left the door open as he left and went into the kitchen to see what mischief his daughter had gotten into. She loved to help him cook and took him up on it anytime she could. He walked into the tiny kitchen to find Emma standing on her stool pulling a few eggs out of the carton and placing them in a small bowl next to the flour. She had Dean’s famous pancake recipe memorized.
Dean kissed the top of her head and said, “Thank you baby. Can you get the orange juice out of the fridge and pour some for all of us?”
“Ok Daddy!” She answered cheerily.
Dean smiled as he watched her while mixing the pancake batter. Emma was such a happy pup, she never complained or whined about having to share a room with her brother or that she might have less toys than some of her peers at preschool. She had everything she needed and that seemed to be enough for her. It made Dean happy but also slightly pained him to know he couldn’t afford to buy her the latest toys and provide her with a room of her own. All his income went to food, bills, and the basic necessities. He was hoping that in time, he could provide both pups with the necessities and more; a larger home where they weren’t on top of each other, name brand toys and clothes instead of stuff he found in thrift stores. Having Sam and Gabriel did help, they would splurge during birthdays and Christmas. Dean’s parents back in Kansas sent the pups and Dean random packages from time to time and the pups were spoiled by John and Mary during birthdays and Christmas. Dean loved that his family adored his pups just as much as he did.
Dean knew his pups were just fine, they had what they needed, and he worked hard to put food on the table. He felt lucky that he did have help if he needed it, but he really wanted to make it on his own. His pups came first though, and he would do whatever it took to provide for them. Even if keeping two jobs was exhausting him, he was determined to do everything in his power to follow his dream and take care of his pups. But that was easier said than done.
He shook his head to bring himself out of the self-deprecating thoughts he was in, he had pups to feed and places to be.
----------------------------------------------------------
An hour later Dean had both pups dressed and out the door, heading for school. There were only two weeks left in the school year which meant that they would be spending everyday with Sam and Gabriel for majority of the summer. Since Gabriel was a teacher and had the summer off as well, the pups would stay with him while Dean worked. Dean was always sad when summer or any holiday came around. His pups got a break, but he didn’t, especially during Christmas when he was working harder than ever to buy presents for them. He loved his pups and anyone who doubted that was clearly blind or stupid.
They had been in New York for two years. Two years since he decided to break free of the hometown that always seemed to be out to cause him pain. Sure, his parents and uncle were still there, but other than them, there was nothing left for him in that town but heartbreak and he was stronger than that. So, right before Emma turned two years old, he packed up and moved in with Sam in the small apartment he had before he graduated. He and the pups spent the first year with Sam while he finished his law degree and Dean worked his ass off while the pups were in school. Dean decided to move out when Sam and Gabriel decided to finally move in together. Both Sam and Gabriel tried to convince Dean to stay but he refused. Those two had dated for two years before they mated and moved in together, Sam proposing not long after. Dean thought they deserved to have some time alone. (Not that it happened often since Dean and the pups were always there.)
After Dean dropped off the pups, he headed to his first job where he would work the first ten hours of his day. His best friend’s Cajun restaurant was near Central Park, and he would have just enough time to change his clothes and get on the train to head to his second job at a high-end steak house that was in the Financial District when his shift was over.
The owner of the Steakhouse had agreed to hire him much to Dean’s surprise. He had no schooling and no experience in such a fancy kitchen, but apparently the British Beta, Mr. Crowley took a liking to him. Dean had been hired to work where he was needed in order to gain experience where he could. The downside was he was being paid what a dishwasher would be making. But Dean couldn’t really complain, he had learned so much in the year he had been working there, the head chef making sure Dean was watching when he was preparing something he thought would help Dean on his road to becoming a professional chef one day.
He reached the entrance to Benny’s restaurant, before he entered, he took a deep breath and put on his most charming smile, though it was becoming harder and harder each day to fake it. He weaved his way through the dining room and through the door into the kitchen.
“Morning Benny!” He called as he passed his boss/best friend’s office to go into the break room where he would throw his messenger bag. He heard Benny’s muffled greeting.
He came back out with his apron on and went to the kitchen sink to wash his hands, saying hello to the few servers and other kitchen employees that were there. When he turned around, he came face to face with Benny.
“You look like hell Dean.” Drawled the large Cajun Alpha.
Dean rolled his eyes and went to get the grill ready to start breakfast. “Thanks a lot Benny.”
“I’m serious. You got dark circles under your eyes; you look like you’ve lost some weight.” Benny sighed as Dean turned around to glare at him. “I’m concerned brother. You gotta be around to take care of those pups of yours and you’re running yourself ragged.”
“I know.” Dean whispered and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Just take care of yourself. Maybe take a few days off.” Benny suggested. Dean opened his mouth to protest when Benny cut him off and continued, “I’ll give you a few days off with pay so don’t try to argue with me.” He pointed an accusatory finger at his friend.
“Yeah, ok Benny.” Dean gave in. He agreed with Benny, he could use a few days off.
“Good. Don’t come in tomorrow. You can have Saturday and Monday.”
“Ok. Thanks.” Dean nodded.
“Of course. I’m going on a supply run so I’ll see ya later Cher.”
“See ya Benny!” Dean called after him as he left the kitchen.
Dean huffed a sigh and turned back to the grill in front of him, eager to get the day over with so he can start his weekend with his pups.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
It was just before 3 a.m. when Dean was dragging himself through the front door of Sam and Gabriel’s condo. He was exhausted and felt awful. He was grateful that Benny had given him the next day and Monday off. Even though he would have to go work at the steakhouse in the evening, he would still be able to sleep in and enjoy some extra time with his pups.
When he turned around after locking the door, he was surprised to be met with the concerned looks of his brother and his soon-to-be brother-in-law.
“Why the hell are you two awake at three in the morning?” Dean questioned, letting the exhaustion seep into his voice. His brother and Gabriel were never awake when he came in. They were sitting at the kitchen table, both had coffee cups in hand.
“Waiting for you to get in.” Sam simply said. Gabe nodded in agreement.
Dean walked further into the condo and threw his messenger bag in the chair next to Sam. “Well, you are wasting your time. I’m going to shower then head to bed. Were my pups good today?” he looked to Gabe with his question.
“I think you already know the answer to that Dean-o. The pups are always good.” Gabriel answered with a smirk, knowing full well that Dean was trying to get out of whatever conversation they wanted to have with him. Dean didn’t fool them. Benny had called Sam when he went on his supply run, begging him and Gabriel to talk Dean into going down to one job and move in with them; get a different job that might pay more but in a different field than food, or possibly move back to Kansas. But they all knew Dean would never do that, so they were hoping to talk him into something else; and Gabriel had the ace up his sleeve.
Dean rolled his eyes; he was in no mood for games. He just wanted to shower and go to sleep.
“Dean, Benny called me this morning. He’s concerned your working yourself too hard.” Sam started gently. Hoping not to upset Dean more than necessary.
“I’m fine ok. Benny is just overprotective. He gave me tomorrow and Monday off so I will have the day to spend with the pups before I go into the steakhouse. That’s plenty of time for me to rest.” Dean turned to head into the living room and down the hallway. He didn’t make it more than a few steps when his brother stood from his chair, the legs of the chair screeching across the hardwood floors as the scent of pissed off Alpha filled the room. Gabriel shrunk slightly in his chair, his biology telling him to submit to his Alpha whereas Dean was nearly immune to his brother’s scent having lived with him most of his life.
“Dean. Sit. Down.” Sam fumed.
Dean, now pissed off as well that his little brother would try to use his Alpha voice with him. Sam knew it most likely wouldn’t work on him, but it was worth a shot.
Dean turned quickly and pointed an accusatory finger at Sam. “Don’t you try to pull that Alpha voice shit with me Samuel. We both know it doesn’t work.”
“Then sit down so we can have a rational discussion like normal adults!” Sam roared.
Dean could see and smell the emotions rolling off his brother. It pulled at his heart, so he reluctantly gave in, cursing as he took a seat.
Sam took his seat, seeming to calm down when Gabriel started to rub his shoulder from the chair next to him.
Dean took a deep breath, taking stock of his entire body and the way he was feeling. It all came crashing down around him before Sam or Gabriel could even say anything else. He knew he was probably digging himself into an early grave and the thought of leaving his pups before his time was supposed to be up… It was gut wrenching. He couldn’t do that to them just so he could chase a dream and provide for them, that would be selfish.
At that moment tears started to fall from his eyes as he stared down at the table, not really seeing the table but focusing on the images in his mind’s eye. In a flash he saw what his future might be if he continued to treat himself the way he had; he would get sick, miss important events in his pup’s lives and maybe die of stress and God knows what else in a few short years. He couldn’t do that, he refused to leave his pups. He hadn’t realized that Gabriel had gotten up to get him a glass of water and Sam was frantically saying his name, trying to get him to snap out of the trance he was in. The white noise in his head started to fade away as his brain registered his brothers panicked voice. He realized he was hyperventilating as well, having something he hadn’t had time to have since he was 18 and found out he was pregnant with Ben. A panic attack.
He finally broke the haze with a gasp of air, grabbing the glass of water and downing more than half before turning his tear-streaked face to stare at his brother wide eyed.
“Dean, are you ok?” Sam asked, concern lacing his words as he rested a hand on Dean’s shoulder.
Dean nodded, still trying to catch his breath before saying, “Yeah. And your right.” He looked down at the table, unable to meet the gaze of his brother.
Sam chuckled, unsure about why his brother would say he was right when he was always adamant that he was fine, and Sam was overreacting. “You don’t even know what we were going to say.”
“But I do. And your right. I am working myself to death and it’s not good for me or my pups.” Dean finally admitted. He looked sadly at his brother, “Fuck Sammy what have I been doing?”
“Trying to provide for you and your pups while also trying to follow a dream.” Sam smiled fondly.
Dean snorted, “Sounds so stupid when you actually say it.”
“No, it doesn’t. You’re just trying to do your best for your family.” Gabriel offered.
“Thanks Gabe.” Dean smiled weakly. “What am going to do though? I can’t go back home, there’s nothing for me there. I can’t ask to move in with you, that’d be too much.” Dean was feeling defeated and like he failed himself and his little family.
“You don’t have to worry about that. I have the perfect solution.” Gabriel said with a huge grin.
Dean looked slightly cautious at his prank loving brother-in-law. “What’s that?”
Gabe leaned forward and rested his arms on the table, mischief in his eyes. “I have a job interview lined up for you at 11am tomorrow.”
Dean stared at him, waiting for him to continue and give more context. “Care to elaborate?” Dean said sarcastically.
“Sam called me after he talked to Benny, and we came up with a plan. See my brother needs a cook, a private chef of sorts for him and his daughter. He works long hours and is tired of ordering takeout constantly. So, I called him, and he agreed to give you an interview.”
“Gabriel I greatly appreciate that, but no one would hire me as a private chef when I have no professional schooling or experience.” Dean sighed. It sounded like it would be a good job, just not the right one for him.
“You have plenty of experience! Besides, we’ve both tasted your cooking, it’s phenomenal. Anyone would be stupid or blind to not hire you. You’re catering our wedding for god’s sake.” Sam insisted.
Dean chuckled, “Thanks but I’m not so sure.”
“Just go to the interview. You might be pleasantly surprised. Plus, it’s a really good job, you would be able to have more time with Ben and Emma working one job.” Sam paused.
Dean caught his brother’s scent had turned sad momentarily. (No one usually wore blockers in their own home.)
“Emma was crying last Saturday after you left. Ben told me it was because that you were wearing blockers more and when you weren’t, your scent didn’t smell like their dad. Like they knew it was you, but it was distorted.” Sam informed him.
Dean felt guilt wash over him. He knew the pups would catch on eventually, especially Emma since small pups tended to want to scent their parents for reassurance and to feel safe more often than older pups. He started wearing blockers around the house, hoping they wouldn’t become scared that his scent had turned burnt and sour, not his usual cinnamon, apple, and whiskey scent. It was the byproduct of an exhausted, overworked, and unhappy Omega.
Dean rested his face in his hands and groan, “I know. I started wearing blockers at home, not wanting to make them worry. I guess that was a bad idea.” He looked between his brother and Gabriel before giving in, knowing it was what would be best for his family. “Fine, I’ll go to the interview. It’s Castiel, right?”
“Yup. I know you two have yet to meet but I think you will really hit it off with him.” Gabriel said encouragingly.
“Isn’t he a mated Alpha?” Dean asked cautiously.
Gabriel’s face fell a little, “Alpha yes. Mated, no, he was not mated to the Beta he was with. She is, let’s just say no longer in the picture and won’t be coming back. It’s just him and his twelve-year-old pup Claire.”
Dean nodded, wondering what happened to the Beta but decided he would let Gabriel’s brother elaborate on that if he felt it necessary for Dean to know. “Ok. Where do I need to go?”
“His architect company occupies the top floor of the Flat Iron building so it shouldn’t take you long to get there.” Gabriel said.
Dean let out a low whistle as his eyes widened. “Flat Iron building. Wow. That’s pretty cool.”
“Yeah, Cassie loves it. He hated the old skyscraper that the company used to be in near Grand Central.” Gabe commented.
“Well, I’ve always wanted to see the inside of the Flat Iron, so I guess I’ll be killing two birds with one stone.” Dean chuckled, exhaustion seeping further into his bones.
Sam smirked. “Go take a shower and go to bed. Emma was missing you and I’m sure she would love to wake up next to you.”
This made Dean smile. Emma was his baby, and she was always glued to his side when she was with him. He stood and bid his brother and Gabriel goodnight. By the time he showered and pulled on his sweats, it was 4 a.m. He crawled into bed next to Emma, kissing her forehead before sleep overtook his exhausted body and mind. Tomorrow was a new day, and he was completely unaware of how his life was going to change after the events of the day.