For the first time, Castiel looks up at Sam. He seems surprised, suspicious, relieved, a conglomeration of emotion flitting across bright blue eyes. The omega's obviously not quite sure about his standing with his new family just yet.

Zachariah's smile pulls open further, a grotesque mask. "Why, then there won't be anything to worry about. Castiel, you haven't even said a word of greeting to your future mate. Go on, you've been taught manners. The living conditions might not be what you're used to, but that's no reason to be rude. You wouldn't want to anger your future alpha."

No, he wouldn't. Castiel has been told, in detail, about how painful is first knotting will be. He holds out hope that Sam will be careful, but the stories he's heard still make him nervous enough not to want to provoke any ill will between them.

"My apologies... Hello, Sam."