Castiel Novak and his twin brother Gabriel were abandoned at the ripe age of 6 months old. They were found just inside the pack's border on patrol. Alpha John Winchester took a liking to Gabriel and started training him to become the best tracker on the land. Meanwhile, Castiel was left behind and treated like a runt. Gabriel protected Castiel whenever he could, but he wasn't there most of the time. Castiel was labeled an 'Omega', which they thought suited him. The heir to the pack, Dean Winchester, has always shown his disgust for the Omega ever since early childhood. Luna Mary Winchester had forced the two of them to share almost everything. She absolutely adored him. Castiel always looked up to Dean, even though Dean hates him. He's always looking to please Dean. He just wants to be validated for once. What happens when Dean turns 18?

•~•~•~•~•~•

*Dean's POV*

I wake up around 8pm. My dad wanted me rested so I could celebrate before I roamed the pack for my mate. I'm so excited. I can't wait to see who she is.

I hope it's Bela. Her accent, beautiful brown hair, along with her curves. I love all of it. She's perfect for me.

I walk downstairs only to see the Omega cooking all the food while trying to clean at the same time. A very small part of me feels bad, but the rest of me is disgusted. He's going to ruin the food and probably poison someone along the way.

Entering the kitchen, I watch him work feverishly. He checks up on the food every so often, making sure it's perfect. Just to piss him off, on his way back to the food, I trip him. He holds his hands out to block himself from hitting his head.

I turn around and walk out of there, laughing my ass off. A part of me breaks when I hear the soft cries coming from the kitchen. God, he's such a crybaby. It's just a little burn.

"Good luck trying to prepare now that the food's ruined," I call to him.

It only makes his soft whimpers increase. My wolf is screaming at me to apologize to him. He's thoroughly pissed off right now.

As I walk down the deserted hallway, I decide to call him out on it.

"What the hell is your problem?" I whisper harshly.

Apologize.

"No!" I say sternly. "Why should I? He's useless and pathetic! He won't leave me alone!"

Well maybe that's because you're such a fucking ass to him. He wants to be happy for once. Is that such a bad thing?

I scoff. "You're seriously making me out to be the bad guy here?"

You are the bad guy here! He did nothing to deserve this torment! Please, tell me why I'm stuck with you. You're a douche and honestly I don't know if I can take it much longer.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask. Okay, now I'm getting worried.

It means, clean up your act or it'll be like I was never here. In other words, you'll basically be human.

"You can't do that!" I growl.

Yes, I can! Now go help him! I'm not letting him suffer because you decided to ruin him. You know, you're lucky you didn't blind him?

That makes me stop in my tracks. "Blind him?" I ask.

The hot water in the pan could've splashed across his face, blinding him. Now, I didn't see much, but I know he's hurt.

I stand in the middle of the hallway. "Worse than usual?" I ask hesitantly.

Usually, he's just pushed around. Doesn't really get hurt much besides a few bruises. Now? He'll have swelling and blisters that are very painful.

"Shit," I mutter quietly, turning around. "Will he be okay?"

He should be, yes. By tomorrow it should go away but you don't want him hating you for the rest of your life. Please go help him.

As I near the room, I hear the Omegas' sniffling. "Wait, how am I supposed to help him?"

Make sure the burns are in cool water for about twenty minutes. During that time, he needs to calm down. Panicking is only causing him more pain. I'll let you know what to do after that.

I stop in my tracks. "Why do you care?" I ask.

...

"Why?" I repeat sternly.

...

I groan in frustration, entering the kitchen. My wolf whimpers at the sight. The Omega is curled into a ball, his torso and arms are soaked in what I'm assuming is water. He's sobbing softly and repeating: "I'm so stupid. Fuck up, idiot. It's my fault."

I feel my composure dissolving with every single word he speaks. What have I done? Have I really broken him to the point where he can barely even move?

Hesitantly, I walk over and bend down. "Hey," I say softly. Almost immediately, his head is lifted and our eyes connect. My breathing hitches at the sight. Those eyes. Beautiful blue eyes. If he was a girl, I'd gaze into them 24/7. They're enticing and I can't help getting lost in them.

You can ogle him later. Snap out of it.

Instantly, I do. "I wasn't ogling him," I whisper, barely audibly. If the Omega was listening, he didn't show any signs of reaction. I carefully take one of his wrists in my hands, leading him upstairs to the private showers.

There is a huge showering room attached to the hallway. It can house half the pack at once. The warriors, trackers, protectors, and regular wolves. The pups share with mothers who just gave birth and nobody else. Mothers, and pups. That's it.

Private showers are used only by my family: the Alpha, Luna, my brother Sam, and me. As I lead him to my room, I notice the shock and awe.

Instead of saying something, I take him to my bathroom. I sit him on the toilet as I work on filling up the bath.

"I'm sorry, Alpha," the Omega whispers.

I look at him in confusion. "Why are you sorry?" I ask him.

"Because you wouldn't have tripped me if I noticed your presence," he says softly.

I take a shuddering breath. Why is he being so nice to me? Does he really think that it's his fault?

"That wasn't your fault," I admit. "You were preparing the entire house by yourself. And I ruined it." He goes to speak, but I raise up my hand. Immediately, he closes his mouth and sits still. I notice the pain, even if he doesn't want to show it. "Can you get in alone or do you need help?"

Shakily, he gets to his feet. I watch as he takes a step towards the bath, but he whimpers and falls. I catch him in my arms, quickly readjusting my grasp so he's not in pain. I help him into the bath, keeping him fully clothed. All he has on is a loose tank top, and knee-length shorts.

He whimpers softly, laying down so the cool water washes over his torso and arms.

"Is it gonna go away?" He asks softly.

"Of course it is," I say sweetly. "Just a couple more hours, okay? I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you this badly. I only meant to ruin the food." At the mention of food, he tries to get up. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Nobody else is going to make it. I still have to make more pies! Four pies can't feed the whole pack!" He persists.

"Hey, hey, calm down," I whisper soothingly. He whimpers and relaxes. "Why wasn't the pie out with the rest of the food?"

"I kept it hidden," he admits softly. "I know it's your favorite so I thought you'd like more than one. I didn't want anyone eating it. It's for you."

My heart warms at the thought. "Thank you," I tell him. He nods softly. "I'll go make sure someone cooks the food. I'll be back, okay?"

"Okay," he whispers.

When I'm in my bedroom, I collapse on my bed. I need to take a breather. I have no idea what's happening. Why am I helping him? And why is he being so nice to me? I'm the reason he's hurt.

"Dean," Sam calls, through the mind link.

"Yes, Sammy?" I ask.

"Dad wants the Omega to, and I quote, 'get off his lazy cock-sucking ass and remake dinner.' He listens to you. You'll get him to continu–"

"No," I say sternly.

"'No'? What do you mean? He listens to you. So what if you have to be around him for a bit?" Sam asks.

"I'm already with him, Sam. And he's not going to be cooking," I tell him.

"But, Dean–"

"But, nothing, Sam. Get someone else to do it. If not, then there's no party," I say sternly.

"The party is to find your mate, Dean. You need one," he reminds me.

The next thing that comes out of my mouth stuns us to silence. "I already found–" I had cut myself off before I could say anything else. So that's what he was keeping from me. The Omega is my mate.

"You already found her?" Sam asks.

I bite back the correction that's begging to spill from my lips. But I can't hold my wolf back from growling at Sam.

Him. Always him. Nothing and nobody but him.

"Shit," I sigh. "Don't say anything, Sam. Forget I said that. I've gotta go."

"Wait! Just please, tell me where you two are," Sam begs.

I enter the bathroom, averting my gaze to the ground. "The bathroom."

"The bathroom? The pack showers?" He asks.

"No, my bathroom. In my room. I'm blocking you out. Bye, Sam."

"Dean?" the Omega calls out softly. God, I hate how broken his voice sounds. It's high pitched because of his pain.

"Yeah, it's me. Let's get you out of there, come on," I say softly.

Somehow, we make it to my bed. "Can I get a change of clothes?" He asks, gesturing to the door.

I sigh, seating him on the bed. "That's too much walking for you, and I'm not leaving you alone in here." I walk to my closet, pulling out a hoodie and sweatpants. The hoodie is actually Sam's, so it's huge. I make my way over to him and look down at him. "Just put these on, okay?"

He nods softly, slowly lifting up his shirt. I sit beside him, attaching my gaze to the floor.

I hear a soft whimper of my name and look over. His shirt is half way off, but he's in too much pain. I help him take it the rest of the way. He looks up at me with those doe-eyed blue beauties. I can't help taking in his appearance.

My eyes stop on a fresh scar. It looks like a claiming mark, but it's not in the right spot. I grit my teeth, raising my hand to it gently. He whimpers and my wolf lets out a protective growl.

"Who?" I ask sternly. He shakes his head. My Alpha voice threatens to seep into my words. I take a deep breath to calm myself down. "Please. Don't make me use it. Who tried to claim you?"

"A warrior," he replies softly. I take a deep breath and get him fully changed before he decides to speak again. When he does, it's almost inaudible. "Megan."

I bite back a growl before tensing up. "Why?" I ask sternly.

"She's liked me ever since we first met. Remember my ninth birthday? How I begged you and begged to hang out with you and you wouldn't?" He asks.

I lean back, trying to remember. And then it comes to me. "That was your birthday?" I ask.

"Yeah," he admits softly. "I shifted the night before and I wanted your opinion." He chuckles softly, shaking his head. "I eventually just stopped asking you. Nobody's ever seen it. Not even Gabriel. I guess I just realized I could have that one thing to myself, since everybody seems to invade every other part of my life."

Way to go, you ass. Ask him if he can show you now. I want to see him.

I grit my teeth, taking in his words. He was right, I'm an ass. "Can you show me?" I ask softly.

He looks to the ground. "I...haven't been able to shift since my thirteenth birthday."

"What?"

"I can't shift anymore," he repeats.

My wolf whimpers. I feel his pain. I actually feel bad. "Why?" I ask. He stays silent. "Hey, hey, come on. What just happened? You closed me off."

"It...was her. She tried to claim me but my body rejected the mark. I was told until my mate marks me, I won't be able to shift. Luna Mary took care of me for awhile. The only reason I'm alive right now is the hope to find my mate. That's it. I'd be dead if I didn't have that."

I get mixed emotions. I'm seething with the thought that she tried to claim him twice. She almost killed him and she's still going after him. But, I'm also happy. He was waiting for his mate. Me. She can finally leave him alone.

"Dean, it's time for the party. You're late. Are you coming or not?" Sam asks.

I look at the clock. It's 11:50. I have ten minutes until I can actually reject the Omega.

No. Don't. Please.

"I already have my mate with me. I'll come down later," I tell him.

•••

*Castiel's POV*

I'm awoken the next morning by a string of curses from next to me. Instantly, I freeze. Last night comes back to me. Soon-to-be Alpha Dean Winchester is my mate.

My ass and shoulders hurt. I sit up, groaning in pain. "Fuck," he mutters.

"Alpha?" I ask hesitantly.

He turns rigid. "Don't call me that," he says sternly. "Pack up your stuff and get out. I, Dean Winchester, reject you, the Omega, as my mate. I also exile you from the pack."

I feel the bond break slowly. Tears stream down my face as I put on the hoodie and sweatpants. It's the only thing of his that will keep me sane when I'm gone.

Opening the door, I look back at him. His hands are resting over his face and he looks miserable. "I'm sorry for not being good enough, Alpha," I say, trying to keep my voice strong. "I hope you find someone worthy to be your Luna."

As I turn to the hallway again, I stop in my tracks. Sam Winchester, Dean's brother, is standing there standing at me in shock.

I bow my head in respect. "I'll be taking my leave. Please tell your mother that I thank her for her hospitality. I hope to find someone as nice as her in my new pack."

I walk to the steps, only to be stopped by Sam's voice. "You're leaving?" He asks.

Hesitantly, I turn to face him. "I was just rejected and exiled from the pack, so yes I'm leaving. Goodbye, Alpha Sam."

I notice the shock and rage on his face before he quickly turns and stalks into Dean's room. He slams the door shut, making me jump.

I walk down the steps, seeing everyone staring at me. I have my clothes from yesterday clutched tight in my arms and I keep my head bowed. Making my way through the crowd, I hear every undignified word that slips past their lips. They're berating and harassing, but I don't feel it anymore.

All I feel is the rejection and broken bond with the pack. I pack all of my things, which can fit into one backpack, and leave. I almost stop to look for Gabriel, but I don't. I run out of the house and into the forest.

Shift.

I stop in my tracks. "What?" I ask.

Shift.

I shed my clothing, packing it in my backpack before shifting into my wolf. I shake my fur a couple times, relishing in the fact that I can finally do this again. I pick the bag up with my muzzle and dart through the forest.

Dodging trees, climbing over rocks, maneuvering through the terrain. I make it to the end of the pack border and halt. I take one last look behind me before running over the line. In the distance I hear a wolf howling just as I step onto the other side.

Shivers run throughout my body, knowing exactly who it was.

Forget about him. Go. Go east.

So I do.

•••

I don't know how long it has been. I've been running for so long. I slept at nights when I could find shelter. Other than that, I was on the run.

Suddenly, I pass through a pack's border. Three wolves come out from the bushes and surround me. The four of us shift at the same time. The three of them did so behind trees and I did it in the clearing before getting dressed in the clothes I got from Dean. They surround me again, but I keep my bag clutched to my chest.

They look between each other before pulling me with them harshly. I don't bother trying to escape. They never asked why I was here. It's mandatory to do so.

They bring me into a basement with cages I'd see in pounds. They shove me into one before taking my bag.

I hear the door opening and the strong Alpha scent wafts through me. But I don't mind it.

I push myself against the cage and whimper. "That's my bag! Please!"

"What's inside it?" the Alpha asks one of the men, who were rummaging through the bag.

"Pictures and clothes, mostly. Not much," he replies, looking at the Alpha.

I look over to him at the same time he looks at me. He's hot. What's with all the Alphas looking like meat?

"What's your name?" He asks, walking over to me.

I back up and bow my head in respect. "They called me the Omega in my last pack, sir," I say politely.

I hear him growl softly. "The Omega? That's it? You don't have a name?"

"I do," I tell him.

"Look at me," he says softly. Hesitantly, I follow his order. "What's your name?"

"Castiel Novak, sir," I tell him.

He furrows his brows in confusion. "I know that name," he says.

"You do?" I ask.

He takes a deep breath before backing up and opening the cage. I stare at him in shock. He takes the bag from the three others and hands it to me. I put it on my shoulders, wincing when it comes in contact with my marks. I have one mating bite on each side of my neck, meaning I'm mated to an Alpha.

"Are you hurt?" He asks.

"I'm fine," I say quietly.

He leads me upstairs, immediately taking me to the kitchen. He hoists me up onto the counter, making me giggle softly. He smiles at me.

"Are you sure?" He asks. "I can take a look at it if you want."

I sigh, pulling down the sweatshirt to show both of my marks. He stares at me in shock.

"So that's the scent I smelled on you," he says softly.

"No," I say, shaking my head. "This is his outfit."

"What happened to him?" He asks softly. "And your old pack?"

I show him a look of confusion. "Nothing. I was rejected and exiled," I tell him.

He winces in pain. "I know the feeling. Well, in a way. My mate rejected me for an Alpha she met once. Then she left the pack to go be with him."

I intake a sharp breath. "I'm sorry," I say softly.

He shrugs. "It's not like we mated or marked one another. It's been awhile," he tells me.

"What's your name?" I ask softly.

"Alpha Wesley Kingston," he tells me.

I smile softly. "I like it," I tell him.

He chuckles softly. "Thank you. Just call me Wes, okay?" I nod. He takes a deep breath. "I have to ask this. Why did you step into our territory?"

"My wolf told me to go east after I was exiled. I don't even know how long I've been gone. Eventually, I just ended up here. She didn't tell me to run away, so I'm still here."

"She?" Wesley asks.

My eyes open wide and I stutter for words. Eventually, I calm down enough to tell him. "My wolf is a girl. Only in my mind, though. When I shift, I look more like an Alpha."

He laughs softly. "Yeah, my patrol thought you came to fight for the title. Your clothes smelled like an Alpha, and your wolf looked like an Alpha. Why is your a wolf a she only in your mind?"

"Probably because I was supposed to be Luna," I shrug, looking to the ground. "All I did at my old pack was cook and clean. I waited on the pack's hand and foot. It hurt when I left, but I feel better now. She takes care of me."

"Well, Castiel, would you like to join my pack?" Wesley asks. I nod. "I, Alpha Wesley Kingston, accept Castiel Novak to my pack."

I hear the pack link flowing through my mind. Multiple people are welcoming me to the pack. I thank them before closing the link.

"Thank you, Alpha," I tell him.

He chuckles softly. "Wes, please," he insists. I nod. He helps me to the ground before taking my hand in his. "Would you like to see your room?"

"Yes, please," I reply. He leads me up the steps, to a door at the hall. Wesley opens the door.

Before I can appreciate it, someone mind links me. "Hello?" He asks. I stumble into the room. Wesley carefully places me on the bed as I groan in frustration.

I put my hands over my face before sighing. "What do you want?" I ask him.

"I want you to come back," he says.

"And why would I ever do that?" I ask.

"I...I'm human," he tells me.

I drop my hands in shock, looking around the room before laughing. Wesley looks at me in confusion.

"Are you really? Oh my god, that's hilarious! Can you even shift anymore?" I ask.

"No," he admits.

"Well is your dad giving the pack to Sam now?" I ask.

"Not if I get you back before he finds his mate," Dean says.

"I'm not coming back. I'm in a wonderful pack and the Alpha actually cares for me. I have my own room and he's patient, and calm. You deserve to be human," I tell him, saying it aloud also, so Wesley can hear what I'm saying about him.

Wesley laughs softly, sitting down next to me and kissing my temple. "Well thank you," he says.

"You're welcome, Wes," I say, both aloud and in the link. I want Dean to know how happy I am now.

"Wesley Kingston?" Dean asks.

The rest of the conversation, I decide to do the same thing. "Yes, why? Do you know him?"

"Shit, I'm coming. Stay there," Dean says.

"It'll take you a lot longer than me to get here. You don't have your wolf anymore," I tell him.

"Fine. I'm sending Gabriel," he says.

"I'm okay with that. He won't be able to get me to come back, though," I tell him.

"I know. I just want to make sure you're in a good place. And please, don't break the link."

"Why?" I ask him.

"It's the only thing keeping me alive," he says softly.

I lean forwards, staring at the ground in shock. "Where are you?"

"I'm stuck on bed rest with a stupid IV and nurse 24/7 until I get better," he tells me.

My wolf whimpers, even though we were rejected. He was only thing keeping me alive. The last I can do is leave the link open so he lives.

"I'll keep it open," I tell him. "You saved my life. It's only fair that I return the favor. Can you just...check in every so often? Even if you rejected me, I still care. I've always cared."

"I know. I was just an idiot not to notice it," Dean says.

"12 o'clock and 9 o'clock? Does that work for you?"

"What?" He asks.

"Twice a day, you check in with me. Remember that. Those times. Twelve in the afternoon, and nine at night. That's all I ask of you. Please."

It's silent for awhile. I sit on the edge until I hear the soft reply. "Okay. Goodbye."

"Goodbye, Dean," I say, successfully ending the conversation.

"Dean?" Wesley asks. "Dean Winchester?"

"How do you two know each other?" I ask.

"He's the Alpha my mate left me for," he tells me.

"He's not an Alpha, though," I point out.

"Not yet," he reminds me.

"What's her name?" I ask.

"Lisa Braeden," he sighs. I scrunch up my face in disgust before wiping it off my face. "I saw that. What was that about?"

"I...she wasn't nice to me. At all. I grew up with Dean. His mom made us share everything. Dean absolutely hated me up until...well, maybe he still does. I don't know. But, I always came to him when I was happy about something. First time I shifted, I came to him. I pestered him for months but gave up because he started to push me if I asked."

Wesley inhales a sharp breath. "Doesn't sound like a very good mate," he admits.

I clench my jaw as my wolf threatens to break free. "Calm. Down." I say sternly.

She whimpers, but does as told. "Sorry," Wes says.

"No, you're right. He was a terrible...mate." My voice strains as I manage to get the last word out. My wolf isn't happy with me. "Stop. Can you seriously tell me you don't agree with what I'm saying?"

...

"That's what I thought. You can hate admitting it, but it doesn't make it any less true," I tell her.

The night before.

I stop in my tracks. My breathing hitches. The night before he rejected me. "That's different," I say sternly, lying through my teeth.

No, it's not. And you know it. He was acting how he was supposed to. He wanted to kill Megan. He took care of you. Like a good mate is supposed to do.

I stay silent. She's right. Then I remember something. "He was a 'good' mate for one night. The morning after, he rejected and exiled me. No good mate would reject you. We were–hell, we still are bonded. If he was a good mate, he would want to keep me and the bond."

I take a shuddering breath. Why wasn't I good enough for him?

Ask him then.

"He's practically on his deathbed. I'm not asking him that," I say sternly.

Castiel, ask him. He's our mate.

"And if I don't ask him?" I ask.

I'll take over and run back there by myself.

I groan in frustration. Fine, I'll do it. "Dean?" I ask hesitantly.

"Omega?" He asks curiously.

I take a deep breath. "Seriously? You don't even know my name, do you?"

"I...no," he admits.

"It's Castiel. Novak. Remember it and use it," I say sternly.

"Sorry..." he says softly. "Are you okay? Why'd you want to talk?"

"I just want to know something," I say hesitantly.

"Go ahead. Not like I'm busy," he says, laughing sarcastically. In a way, I feel bad for him. He's human, he lost his Alpha title, and he's all alone.

"Why wasn't I good enough?" I ask bluntly.

My breathing speeds up as I wait for a response. Wesley pulls me into his arms to attempt to calm me down.

"I just...always had a close relationship with my parents. When you came along, I started to lose them. I was forced to hang out with the one person who tore my family apart."

"Dean, that wasn't my fault. Plus, John hates me ever since they took me in. He was with Gabriel all the time. Not me. You can't blame me for screwing up your family. I was six months old. Either blame the person who abandoned us, or blame your parents for taking us in."

It's silent for awhile. I watch Wesley tidy up my room a bit while waiting. It doesn't really need cleaning, but he's doing it anyway.

Finally, he responds. "Fuck. You're right. You're completely right. I fucked up. Badly. Worse than imaginable. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Go to him!

I let out a soft whine. He's having a fucking breakdown on bedrest. And I caused it.

"Dean," I whine. "Calm down. Please. Calm down."

Wesley is by my side in an instant. I cling to him but I can't help feeling how wrong he is for me. "Is he hurting you?" He asks.

"I'm the worst Alpha, and the worst mate in history. I can't take it back and that's all I want to do. Go back to childhood and start over. I'll be your friend. Your best friend. I'll keep away everyone who hates us together or tries to tear us apart. I'll be gentle when we mate and I won't reject you. I'll have you as my Luna and I would love you forever. Fuck, I want that so bad. I want to go back!"

"Dean, calm down," I whimper. "Please. I need you to calm down for me."

Dean lets out a loud whine, and I match it with my own. I'm tempted to go back, but I can't. I'm not ready. It's too soon. I wouldn't be able to show my face let alone live in that pack again.

"Do you want to go back?" Wes asks.

I dig my head into his chest, shaking it. "Not now. I can't," I beg. "Please don't make me leave. I can't go back there. At least not yet."

"Hey, hey, I'm not gonna exile you, or force you to leave," he says softly. "Stay as long as you'd like. If you have to leave, I'll let you go. Just know you're always welcome here."

"Really?" I ask, pulling away from him and looking into his eyes. He smiles and nods. "Thank you."

"Castiel, I'm so sorry. I'm going to make this up to you. I don't know how right now, but I will. Gabriel left already and they had to move me to your old room just so I can keep your scent with me. If I make it through this, I want to see you."

"Dean, you'll make it. Okay? I'm not letting you die on me. I'll allow you to see me but I'll have to ask Wes. You need to get better, though. Does talking to me make it better?" I ask him.

"Yes," he whines.

"Good. I'll ask if he has a laptop I can borrow and we can video call, okay?" I ask hesitantly.

"I've got one you can have," Wes whispers.

"I look awful. I don't want you seeing me like this," Dean admits.

I laugh softly. "Dean, we've been close ever since I was taken in. Even if you didn't want to hang out with me, I stayed anyway. We saw each other at our worst."

He laughs dryly. "Yeah, you're right. God, you held me after I shifted the first time. I was so tired from running all night and I was sweaty and throwing up. You didn't care. You climbed in next to me and held me until I felt better."

"And then you kicked me out, yes," I say, chuckling. "I wanted to be with you, and I took advantage of that time."

"You helped me, Castiel. I talked to my dad after you left and he said I should've still been sick. Now I know why."

I laugh softly. "I didn't get sick when I shifted, Dean. And I have an Alpha wolf."

"You do?" He asks.

"Yeah. Hell, they thought I was going to try to kill Wes and try to take over his pack. I had on your scent and I looked like an Alpha, so they thought the worst."

Dean laughs softly. "When can we call? I want to see you, even if it's over a screen."

"Soon, Dean. I promise. But don't think this means I forgive you. I don't want you dying on me. Got it?"

"Got it," he replies.

Someone opens the door to my room and I smell the food from downstairs. Bile rises in my throat and I rush to the bathroom.

"Gotta go, bye!" I tell him, so he doesn't get worried when I don't reply.

I lift the toilet seat and empty the contents of my stomach. I hear footsteps come closer and stop next to me. Wesley rubs my back soothingly.

"Are you okay?" He asks as I continue to vomit.

"No," I croak out. "Close the bedroom door and get whatever the hell you call food away from me."

"It's seafood, Castiel," Wes points out.

I look up at him in confusion as I wipe my mouth with a hand towel. "That cant be seafood," I tell him.

"It's seafood," he repeats.

My wolf is bouncing in joy, making me hurl again. She really needs to calm down.

Sorry! I didn't mean to make you sick.

I lean back, chuckling softly and wiping my face once again. "It's okay, I promise. Just don't do it again, okay?"

Okay.

"Why are you so happy, anyway?" I ask.

It's been a week since you left him.

I scoff. "And you're happy about that? I thought you wanted me to go back to him, not celebrate being away."

It's been a week since you mated with him. You know, did-the-do.

"You can call it sex," I point out, laughing softly.

I'm not a guy.

"What's your point? Girls can't say sex?" I ask. "Am I stuck with a sexist wolf?"

No! I didn't mean it like that. I meant, guys usually use more foul language. I don't want to end up like you.

"You are me," I retort. "But what's your point? It's been a week since I slept with him."

"Shit," Wes mutters.

"What?" I ask, turning to face him.

"Nothing," he says quickly.

I groan in frustration. "Will either of you tell me what's going on?"

Neither of them say a word. I grunt, getting to my feet and flushing the toilet. I brush my teeth as I wait for either one to speak.

I'll tell you. On one condition.

I rinse my mouth before speaking. "I'll do anything. Just tell me," I reply.

You might regret that.

"What? Why?" I ask.

Because what I want you to do, is not tell Dean about this. Any of it. The sickness, anything.

"What? Why?" I ask.

If he knows he has an heir, he has to tell his dad. Do you know what John would do if he found out you're carrying his sons pups?

I make an indignant sound. "What?!" I exclaim. "You've got to be kidding me. That's why you're a female? Because I'm mated to an Alpha?"

...

"Damn it!" I say, slamming my hand on the counter, looking into my own eyes. The blue flashes to golden, which is my wolf. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Wesley standing by the door, waiting for me to talk it out with her. "How long have you known?"

Ever since I could remember. Why do you think I kept wanting to be around him? We're not allowed to tell you until both of you turn 18.

"So you knew he was my mate," I reiterate.

Yes.

I shove everything off of the counter, growling loudly. I take a step back, stumbling and hitting the wall behind me. I slide down to the floor and dig my head into my knees.

"Why?" I ask, voice breaking. "Wouldn't his wolf stop him from hurting me all those times? Why'd you make me go to him if you knew he was going to hurt me?"

You don't choose your mate, Castiel. And his wolf probably tried. You know all the times he'd leave us alone or avoid us? That was his wolf trying to stop it from happening without Dean knowing. If Dean knows, he can fight back. That can damage his wolf, so he has no choice but to watch it happen.

"I'm having his pups. Doesn't he have the right to know?" I ask.

He does, but it would put your pups in danger. People could take you, and therefore me, and when you have the pup, they'll kill you. They'd overwork the poor pup and he could die early. Is that what you want for him?

"Why do you keep saying him?" I ask.

Majority of wolf pregnancies have a male as their first pup. It's so the bloodline can continue.

I sigh. "Thank you for telling me. I won't tell Dean."

"Uh, I've gotta go. I just got a report of three scents that aren't from my pack," Wesley says.

Quickly, I'm on my feet. "I'm coming with," I say.

"What? No!" He says sternly.

I walk past him and out the front door. I go into the woods, shedding my clothes and shifting. I hold the clothes in my mouth, since I didn't bring a bag. "Where'd the scent come from?" I ask Wesley.

"Same spot they found you," he replies.

I dart to the place I was in earlier. I see ten wolves surrounding the three wolves. I recognize one of them immediately as Gabriel.

Wesley catches up to me and growls at them. I go in the middle of the circle and turn to face Wesley.

"It's my brother and two wolves from my old pack. I think one is Dean's brother, Sam. Tell them to stand down."

"Stand down, everyone. False alarm."

I walk behind a nearby tree, shifting back and putting on Dean's outfit once again. I walk over to the three wolves.

I cross my arms over my chest. "Shift, behind a tree, please," I say softly. They do. Wesley stands next to me, with the ten wolves behind us. As expected, Sam and Gabriel walk out. What I don't expect, is Meg. I back up, but Wes wraps an arm around me to keep me in place.

"You're an Alpha?" Gabriel asks me.

"Yes," I reply. "How did you get here so fast?"

"We've been following your scent the whole time," Sam points out.

I growl softly. "Give me a minute," I tell them.

"Do it quick," Wes whispers. "They're getting restless."

"Dean, are you there?" I ask.

"Are you okay?  You left all of a sudden, sounding panicked. I was worried."

I chuckle softly, smiling. "I'm okay. Are you?"

"Not dead, so that's good."

"Dean, why are three wolves here? Wasn't it supposed to just be Gabriel?" I ask.

"I only sent two: Gabriel and Sam. Who's the third?"

"I'll get back to you on that," I say sternly.

I walk over to Meg, shoving her to the ground. The wolves run forwards but I growl at them.

"Miss me, Clarence?" She asks, smirking.

"Dean didn't send you. So go home. Alone. I don't care if you die on the way, just leave. You aren't welcome here," I say sternly.

"You're not the Alpha of this territory," Meg points out.

Wesley tugs my arm, pulling me back to him. "No, but I am. And if he says you're not allowed here, then you leave," he says, using his Alpha tone.

Meg has no choice but to bow her head and retreat back to the pack. "Why are you listening to him?" Sam asks him.

"Both of our mates rejected us," Wes tells him. "I see how much he needs someone and your pack treated him horribly. What kind of mate pushes their other half around? And he's the soon-to-be Alpha, which means the whole pack follows suit. Do you realize how much torment that is? I've seen the whole pack go against someone, and it's not pretty."

Gabriel takes a step forward, halting when the wolves behind us growl at him. I turn around to face them. "He is my brother. He isn't any harm. If you want a fight that bad, go train."

Before they can growl, or do anything, Wesley steps in. "Do as he says. No questions asked. If you cannot behave, go back to the pack house."

"So you move on from my brother already?" Sam asks.

"I didn't 'move on'. I'm with a new pack, with an Alpha that actually respects me. Excuse me if I act like I'm his Luna. I have your brothers mating bites, so I'm going to start acting differently," I retort.

"The bond is broken, Cassie," Gabriel points out.

"Not completely," I tell them.

"What do you mean? He exiled and rejected you. It's completely gone," Sam says.

"Last time I checked, Dean's still alive. If the bond was completely broken, you'd be planning his funeral instead of being here with me," I retort.

"Last time you checked? You've been gone a week," Sam points out.

I groan in frustration. I look to the ground before speaking aloud, along with the mind link.

"Dean, I'm back. Are you still there?" I ask.

"Yeah, who was there?" He asks.

"I'm not sure you'll want to know," I reply.

"Why? It's not like things here could get any worse," he points out.

"It was Meg," I say.

I hear a whimper, making me match his in retaliation. "Why...is she there?" He asks, voice sounding strained.

I whimper, sitting on the grass so I don't fall over. "Dean, are you okay? What's happening?"

"I'm...here," he says weakly.

"Wes, is there internet connection here?" I ask.

"What? Probably not, but I can turn on a hotspot. Why?" He asks.

"Do you have your phone with you?" I ask. He nods. "Wes, I need it! Dean is weak, and I think him seeing me will help him."

Quickly, he pulls it out, signing in and handing it to me. "What?" Sam asks. He walks over to me and sits next to me, looking at the phone as I type in Dean's number.

I click FaceTime and wait for him to pick up. "Is that you calling?" Dean asks softly.

"Yes. Have the nurse answer and put the phone in front of you," I say.

The call connects and Dean shows up on screen. I hold the phone tighter and whimper. He's pale and he has sweat across his face. Bags are under his eyes. His nose is all red and Dean is squinting to look at me.

"Dean," I say softly.

"Cass," he whimpers, coughing for a bit.

"Dean, look at me. She's gone. I sent her back, and Sam's here with me," I tell him.

He opens his eyes a bit more and I notice him relax. A small, almost unnoticeable smile forms on his face. "You look good," he says softly.

I chuckle, rolling my eyes. "Now isn't the time, Dean. I need to know you'll be okay," I tell him.

"Ask Nurse Lisa," Dean says softly.

My eyes open wide and I hear Wesley whimper softly. "She's your nurse?" I ask hesitantly.

"He's been so good," Lisa says sweetly. "Sick, for sure, but he'll get better in time. You're lucky he's hot, or I wouldn't be doing this."

She says it as a joke, but I know the truthfulness of it. A deep growl escapes my lips. The camera shifts a bit before going back to normal. I probably scared her.

Good.

"You better just be taking care of him. If I hear you've made a move on him while he's under your care, I will kill you myself," I seethe.

"Cassie, it was a joke," Gabriel says softly, sitting down next to me.

"The only fucking reason she joined that pack is because she loves Dean," I tell them. Wes whimpers. "Wes, go home. Please. You don't need to be here for this."

I hear a soft whimper on the other end of the call. For a moment, I think it was Dean. But it was Lisa. "Wes?" She asks hesitantly.

"I've gotta go," Wes says sternly. "Come to the pack house when you're done."

I hear retreating footsteps and the wolves run back with him. "Is it true?" Dean asks, looking off camera.

"Yes," Lisa says softly. "I rejected him and came to this pack for you. I had hoped you didn't find your mate so we could be together."

I let out another deep growl. The word 'mine' almost escapes my lips, but I catch myself. He's not mine.

"And when you found out he rejected me and turned human, you took the first chance you had to jump at him again. Did you or did you not hope by healing him back to health, that he would be yours?" I ask sternly. A little Alpha seeps into my voice, shocking everyone.

Dean's smile grows and his eyes open fully. He still looks weak and pale, though. "I did," Lisa mutters.

"Get Dr. Harvelle to treat him instead," I say sternly. She goes to put the phone down, but I growl. "Mind link. He is not to be left alone at any time or day. Got it?"

"Got it," she squeaks.

"Damn," Sam laughs. "You'd be a better Alpha than me."

"Thanks," I laugh. "You look better, Dean."

"I feel better," he admits.

"You sound better, too," I point out.

"Hopefully I'm off bedrest soon," he laughs softly.

"Hopefully," I repeat.

"How long did it take you?" He asks.

"Over two weeks. But you never visited or talked to me, so it went slowly. Probably a day or two before you're off bedrest," I tell him.

He sighs in relief. "You should get some sleep, Dean," Sam says softly.

"I'll talk to you when you wake up, okay?" I ask. He nods softly.

"G'night, Cass," Dean says softly. "Night, Sammy."

Lisa hangs up the phone. "I didn't get a goodbye," Gabriel whines. I chuckle softly, getting to my feet.

"You'll deal," I reply. "Come on, let's get to the pack house."

"Ellen just took over for Lisa," Sam tells me. "She figured I'd want to know."

"Thanks, Sam."

We walk to the pack house in silence. When we enter, I groan in frustration. They had reheated two plates of seafood for Sam and Gabriel. I run to the nearest bathroom and hurl into the toilet.

I hear multiple footsteps as I continue to puke. "Cassie, you okay?"

"I'm fine," I say, voice cracking.

"Shit, sorry," Wes says, rubbing my back soothingly. "I didn't think you'd be able to smell it from here."

"Close the door," I say weakly.

The door shuts and I sigh in relief. I flush and wipe my mouth again.

"Sam, did you tell Dean I'm sick?" I ask.

"No," he replies. "I was going to, but I want him to sleep."

"Don't tell him," I plead, leaning my head against the wall behind me.

You can tell them, as long as they don't say anything.

"What? Why can't I tell him?" Sam asks.

"Because I'll be killed," I reply vaguely.

"What?" Gabriel asks.

"I'm having pups," I say weakly. "It's why I have a female wolf inside of me. Because his bloodline needs to continue."

I look over to them, seeing two shocked faces. They're stunned to silence. Wes looks at me hesitantly. "You sure you should've told them?" He asks.

"As long as nobody says anything, I'll be fine," I remind him.

"Dean has a right to know," Sam mutters.

"I already used that defense," I retort. "There's no point going against it. Just go along with it if you want Dean to survive."

Sam doesn't respond. "I won't say anything," Gabe promises.

"Please, go eat the seafood so I can leave this bathroom," I say.

He laughs softly. "Sure thing, Cassie."

•••

It's been over two months. I was told that Alpha pregnancies are shorter than normal. Human pregnancies are 9 months, wolf pregnancies are 6, and Alpha's are three. Meaning I'm due in about a month.

I'm the size of a beach ball. Sam went back to my old pack, while Gabriel stayed to help take care of me. During the two months, a lot happened. Sam had sent five warriors to protect me at all times. They're the most loyal and trustworthy warriors of the pack. Sam had a house built a mile away from the pack house, so almost nobody knew about the construction.

Me, the five warriors, and Gabriel started the journey back to my old pack about two weeks ago. We've had to go a lot slower, since I can't shift and I'm like a balloon. Thankfully, we're close to my new house.

I had fretted about Dean knowing about my presence, or people claiming I'm a rogue, but I was assured that the six scents surrounding me would overpower mine.

We're inside the border, and I see the house in the distance. I start to walk faster, wanting to take a break, but not wanting to stop until I get there. They help me get the rest of the way and Sam waits on the porch.

"Hi, Sam," I say shyly.

"Well, shit, Cass. You look exhausted," Sam says. He opens the front door and ushers me to the living room. I lay down on the couch, sighing in relief. "Feel better?"

"Yes, thank you. Do you have any peanut butter?" I ask.

"Charlie, the peanut butter," Sam says.

The redheaded warrior walks away, coming back with the peanut butter. They help me sit up, and I start to eat the peanut butter.

"How's the pack doing?" Gabriel asks.

"It's half-and-half," Sam shrugs. "Dean is doing better, but he misses you, Cass. He sulks all the time and follows our mom around."

I laugh. "How's she doing?" I ask.

"Good," Sam says.

"How about you?" Gabe asks him.

"Me?" Sam asks. Gabe nods. "I'm fine. I've been busy preparing everything for Cass. By the way, when do you want to be welcomed back into the pack?"

I look up at him with doe eyes. "What?"

They laugh. "Everyone has to be there if you're coming back to the pack." I wait for him to continue, but they all drift off, as if they're getting a mind link. When they go back to normal, Sam continues. "The Alpha ceremony is later tonight and they're giving it to me, even though I'm not 18 yet."

"Can't they wait two days for your birthday?" I ask.

"They can. They just don't want to," Sam says. "We've gotta go set up and get ready. Gabriel will stay with you and bring you when the ceremony starts."

And then they're gone.

•••

I took a nap when they left. I wanted to be well rested if I was going to be around people. I need the energy if I'm going to panicking about people's thoughts about me.

Gabriel leads me to the ceremonial area, to the private area that nobody is allowed to go into. We watch as the ceremony starts.

"Thank you all for joining us tonight. The role of Alphas is shifting tonight. Sam Winchester will be the new Alpha. Please join me on the stage," John says, getting to the point. Sam walks on the stage, up to his dad. "Do you accept the duties that follow being the Alpha of the entire pack?"

Sam doesn't answer right away. The silence it daunting. The wait feels like an eternity. "I don't think that's wise," he replies. The place goes into an uproar.

John silences them. "What do you mean? Why wouldn't that be wise?"

"Hold on," Sam says. "Dean, get up here." John watches in shock as Dean walks over to them. My wolf yips at the sight of him. Gabriel holds me in place, so I don't run to him. "Dean should be Alpha."

"He rejected his mate. Not to mention, his mate is a male. We need an heir and you're our only hope, Sam," John points out.

"Now, that's where you're wrong," Sam retorts. "Gabriel." Gabe slowly leads me to the stage. Where we were, you'd only be able to see me if I stood on the stage. As I come into view, everyone gasps in shock. Dean turns to me and his face lights up. "Now, as you see, we already have an heir. Dean deserves the title, not me."

Dean breaks out of his shock and runs over to me. He wraps me in his arms and I let a couple whines escape. "I missed you," I whine.

He pulls back, looking to my belly. "Is this why you stayed for so long?" He asks softly.

"My wolf convinced me it wasn't safe to come back here," I admit. "Now you know why we only talked through the link."

His eyes tear up. I watch as he directs his hands to my stomach. I lay my hands on top of his, choking out a cry of happiness.

"Oh, my god. I'm having a pup," he whispers in disbelief. "I wanted you back so badly. I missed you so much. I was going crazy. I heard Alpha Kingston was taking care of you and I wrecked my entire room."

I laugh softly. "He understood that I belong to you, and only you. Hell, he basically let me lead his pack."

"What?" He asks.

"My Alpha, I couldn't control him. I barked orders at anyone and everyone and he let me. He understood that I was changing and let it happen. Imagine how cranky I would be right now if he didn't," I laugh.

He chuckles. "Well I'm glad he took care of you, but it's my turn now. And it'll be that way for the rest of our lives."

I smile up at him. "I'm glad," I reply softly.

"I, Dean Winchester, accept you, Castiel Novak, as my mate," Dean says loudly.

The broken bond between us repairs itself. "I, Castiel Novak, accept you, Dean Winchester, as my mate." We're both smiling, tears in our eyes. Alpha John clears his throat. I glance over at him quickly before looking into Dean's eyes. "You should probably go now."

He laughs softly. He takes one hand in mine before leading me over to Sam and John. Gabriel follows behind, for some odd reason. Who knows with him?

"Dad," Sam says, breaking him out of his shock.

John clears his throat. "Okay. Dean, do you still want to be Alpha?" He asks.

"Yes, sir," Dean replies.

"Mary," John calls out. Mary runs onto the stage and pulls me into a tight hug.

I squeal at the tight pressure. "Too tight," I whimper.

She pulls away. "Sorry," she says.

•••

It went on for over an hour. Dean and I have now taken over the pack. John is doing his last announcement right now.

"Dean?"

"Yeah?" He asks.

"Do we have to stay for this part?" I ask hesitantly.

"Yeah, why?" He asks, looking over to me.

"It's nothing," I lie.

"What's wrong?" He asks. "You can't lie to me, you know."

I sigh. "I'm hungry," I admit.

Dean smiles, laughing softly. "I'll go ask my mom if we can leave."

I nod, so he goes.

*Dean's POV*

As soon as I step away from him, I want to go back. I look back to make sure he's okay. He smiles at me, which I return.

I walk to where my mother stands. We stay still, but I talk to her. "Mom, can we leave?"

"No, why?" She asks.

"Cass is hungry. We both know how he was when we were younger. I don't want to see how bad it'll be now, especially in front of the entire pack," I tell her.

She sighs. "You can go."

"Thank you," I reply. I walk over to Cass and help him to his feet. "Time to go."

I chuckle softly, watching as he waddles across the stage. He's so cute. And he's all mine.

"Hold it," dad says sternly. Cass and I freeze in place. "Turn around." We obey. "You can't leave. Haven't you been listening?"

"Well excuse me for worrying about my pups," Cass retorts. "I care about this pack, but every single person in here is able to tell me the information later, or on the way home. There's such thing as multitasking. You made a big deal about having an heir, so let us take care of it."

Everyone stares in shock. My heart swells with pride. He's the first person to stand up to him, besides Sam. He needs to be put in his place when he's in the wrong.

He's also balancing the pups and pack. He's right, we can multitask. The pups are just as important as the pack.

"Excuse me?" John asks incredulously.

"You heard me," Cass says. "I'm not repeating it again, because it's only going to waste everybody's time."

A small growl escapes my father's lips as he stalks forward. His jaw clenches and his hands ball into fists. My eyes open wide at the situation. "Don't," I warn him. "Just because he's standing up to you, it doesn't give you the right to growl at him. I'm not even going to think about what you planned to do if you came over here, but it stops now. You may be an elder, but we're the Alphas. You respect and obey us. You certainly don't attack us if you don't agree with what's being said. Now if you'll excuse us, I have a hungry mate to feed."

I lead Castiel off the platform and into the fresh breeze of air. Five warriors run after us. I watch as Castiel smiles at them.

"Dean, these are the warriors who protected me while I was gone," he tells me.

Instantly, I have respect for them. "Thank you," I tell them.

"You're welcome, Alpha," the redhead says.

"That's Charlie," Castiel says.

"I'm Crowley," a guy with an accent says.

"Lucifer," a different guy says.

"Jo," a girl says.

"Dr. Harvelle's daughter?" I ask. She nods. "Thank your mom for me, okay?"

"Will do," she replies.

"And that's Balthazar," Castiel says, gesturing to the last person in the group.

"I'm guessing Sam ordered you all to follow us around until the pup is born?" I ask. They nod in unison. Creepy. "Where are you staying, Cass? The pack house?"

"No, Sam had a house built for me and the pups," Castiel says.

"Cass," I start hesitantly. He looks at me, waiting for me to continue, as we make the journey to his house. "You keep saying 'pups'. Are you having more than one?"

"I don't know," he admits. "Every time I had an appointment, Sam was the only one who got any information. I refused to know more information than you. Carrying your pups is one thing, but it's unfair of me if I know more about it than you do. I wanted us to know at the same time."

My heart warms at his speech. "So now we're on the same page?" I ask. He nods.

"The only information I wanted was to know if they're healthy. I have a feeling it's going to be more than one, hence 'pups' instead of 'pup'. But that's all I know," he tells me.

"Well, when everybody is dismissed, I'll have Sam come over and tell us everything. That sound okay?" I ask.

"Yeah," he replies.

The walk to his house is silent after that. When it came into view, I was stunned. It was absolutely beautiful. It's the perfect house to raise our pups in. Ever since I realized Castiel was my mate, I had pushed having pups into the back of my mind.

Of course, I've always wanted some of my own, but I never thought Cass was able to bare them. It crushed me, but I deserved it for how awful I was to him. When I saw him on that stage, full with my pups, I thought I was going to explode. He looked – and still does look – absolutely breathtaking.

I never realized how happy he could, and does, make me. I'm extremely lucky that he was able to move past my mistakes and see how happy he made me.

As we walk up the front steps, Castiel pulls out a key. We enter and he goes straight to the kitchen. I laugh, following behind him.

I notice there's an envelope in his hands. "What's that?" I ask.

"I don't know, but it's addressed to both of us," he replies.

"Alright, you get your food and I'll take this to the living room. Deal?" I ask. He nods.

We copy what I had said, and I wait for him to join me. About ten minutes later, he walks in with Luci and Charlie at his side. The three of them are carrying a plane of their own. Well, Cass has two.

He hands the extra plate to me, shocking me. I take it gratefully as he sits down next to me. We leave the unopened envelope on the table as we eat.

The wait is treacherous. I wait for him to finish before lunging to the envelopes in front of us. Castiel laughs, but it's cut short when I dump the contents on the table.

The first thing that catches my eye is a picture. Castiel picks it up and puts it between us. My eyes tear up at the sight. It's an ultrasound picture. Two pups are in the picture.

"Two," I whisper, running my fingers over the photo softly.

"Dean, there's a letter," Cass points out.

I put the picture down and pick up the letter.

Dear Castiel and Dean,

I had collected everything from your appointments and put them in this envelope. I hope you two are reading this together. If not, go to each other. The pictures show the progress you've made, Castiel. You're having Alpha pups, and they've been draining you. I know you don't want anybody to know, but I know how sick you are. Alpha pups are a big responsibility and your body is trying to handle two of them at once. Be careful and be safe.

P.S. It's two boys. I know it's difficult to see in the photos.

From, Wesley

"Two boys," I choke out. I wrap my arms around Cass and take a deep inhale of his scent. "Twins."

"Dean...he's right," Cass whispers.

I tense in his arms before pulling away. "What do you mean?"

"I'm sick," he says.

It's like my heart stops. I don't know what to do. I can't help but think that he's going to die. It puts me into a panic. My breathing speeds up and I start to hyperventilate.

"Alpha?" Charlie asks hesitantly.

*Castiel's POV*

My eyes snap to Dean's and immediately, I think about how to calm him down.

"Dean," I say softly, putting my hands on his cheeks. "Look at me." His eyes stay glued on my bump, making me sigh. "Dean, snap out of it. You're acting as if I'm dying. I'm sick, not dying. Do you think they'd let me roam as much as I do if I was dying? I'd be in bed rest. I'm only on month two. I need you for this last month, but I can't do it if you can't focus. Get it together, please."

It seems like that's the right thing to say, because his eyes snap to mine. His breathing slows down to normal, but his heartbeat is still irregular. He nods softly and I smile.

I notice Balthazar walk into the room with a bottle of water. He stops behind Dean and taps on his shoulder, holding it out for him. Dean smiles weakly and opens the bottle, chugging half of it right away.

"Thanks," he says hoarsely.

"You're welcome, Alpha," Balthazar says.

•••

Dean was by my side 24/7 during the last month. We made all pack decisions together. Everything went smoothly up until I was due. I started to panic about the pack being defenseless, since Dean and I weren't available.

I had been pregnant for three months, only the Luna for one month; I didn't want to fail my pack.

We ended up naming them Ross and Tristan. It seemed to fit them perfectly. One grew up to be an Alpha, the other an Omega. Tristan, the Alpha, protected Ross at all costs.

Their relationship was nothing like I've ever seen. Sam and Dean often compared their relationship to them. Family first, consequences be damned.

Dean and I handed over the pack to Tristan when he turned 18. We grew old, watching our two boys grow up. That's all we wanted. And we were happy.

*A/N: Here's a small scene to hopefully make everybody happy. It occurs a couple months after the twins are born.*

*Dean's POV*

"Cass, come on!" I plead, tugging his hand so he follows me.

"Dean! I'll show you later!" He chuckles, following me regardless of his statement.

"You said that earlier!" I whine. "Just lemme see!"

He groans exasperatedly. Then his expression shifts. A grin splits onto his face as he suddenly tugs me outside of our house and into the backyard.

We laugh the entire time. I feel giddy. He probably does, too. I've never seen it yet, and he's always wanted to show me.

When we get there, he lets go of my hand and runs to the forest. I stop him before he can disappear behind the trees.

"Dean, not in front of you," he chuckles.

"Come on, it's not like I haven't seen you naked before," I retort.

Castiel flushes, slapping me playfully. "Shut up. Someone could still see. Someone who hasn't seen me naked."

I raise my hands in defense, backing away. A grin is on my face, though. I can't seem to wipe it away.

He disappears behind a tree. I turn around, swinging my hands by my side as I wait. I walk aimlessly until something touches the back of my leg.

I stop in my tracks, turning around. "Holy shit!" I exclaim, stumbling backwards. The wolf moves swiftly behind me and nudges me so I'm standing upright. It easily goes up to my waistline. I run my hand along his neck, sighing happily. "God, you're beautiful." He paws at my leg. "What?" Suddenly, he plops into a sitting position. He just stares at me.

He wants you to shift, idiot.

I clear my throat. "Right," I mutter. Almost instantly, I'm on all fours. I disregarded my clothes. They're ripped into shreds now, but I can always get new ones.

"You're beautiful. I meant that," I tell him.

"Me, or my wolf?" He quips.

"Both," I reply. "You ready to run?"

"Oh, so we're running now?" I nudge his neck with my snout. Suddenly, Castiel isn't beside me anymore. I see him disappear through the forest trees and take for after him.

"That's unfair! I wanted a fair race!" I complain.

And then I'm plowing into a hard surface. We go tumbling before hitting a boulder. I whimper in pain. When I hear another whimper, I'm instantly on my paws again.

Slowly, I make my way to the wolf. I notice a small cut by his eye. My tongue laps out over the fur, cleaning the wound.

In a split second, I'm groaning in pain. Cass had kicked me onto my side, giving him enough time to get up and come over to me. I manage to get onto my stomach before he does anything.

"What are you—?" I get cut off when he nuzzles my neck.

Instantly, I'm happy. He lays down next to me and pushes his face into the mating mark. I hear him softly purring and it soothes me.

"I love you, Alpha," he tells me.

I can't help the surge of happiness and protectiveness that overcomes me. It's as if it's just me and him against the world.

"I love you too, my Luna," I reply, scooting closer to him.

We lay there, taking in each other's scent happily. I don't know for how long. I'm content being here with him, right here right now.

In the back of my mind, I'm thanking everyone and everything that Sam was watching my kids so I could have the time to do this. I owe him.

And I won't forget it.