Sam Winchester has big, warm and gentle hands. Castiel can appreciate that much, even if he's unlikely to appreciate much else about the man. That's not an assessment based on his family's wealth or status, it's not something Castiel thinks to be dismissive.

It's just that Castiel has had to face a long row of unpleasant, awkward meetings with people who clearly regarded him as a status object, a way to gain more power and influence, a breeder, a trophy mate. He won't enjoy another meeting like that.

Sam Winchester looks nice, but then, all the alphas presented do. Sam is the tallest, Castiel can tell that much easily, and he has charming dimples to go with his smile.

"You have my gratitude for the gesture."

Because it's just that. Just another trinket that Castiel won't ever regard twice, proof of wealth - or lack thereof, in this case - meant to impress Zachariah more than Castiel. But when he unwraps the package, he finds a book. It's not a first edition, very obviously, and for a moment Castiel isn't sure what to do with it. Then his eyes widen when he recognizes the author name and the title.

He devoured this book, and others from the author, as a child. They remain among his favorites to this day, and the dead author's signature makes this copy fairly valuable despite its lack of literary mastery.

"This... is very thoughtful, Sam. I'm... thank you."

He looks up, then, wonders how he knew, if he knew, or if this was chance.