fromfryingpantofire | Now I'm strong and I won't kneel/Except to thank who's watching over me

Entry tags:

castiel,
rp

Now I'm strong and I won't kneel/Except to thank who's watching over me

It had been a very long day so far. For Sam, that day mostly meant waiting, fidgeting with the present in his hands.

More than a few of the others had watched him as they waited, wondering what he was doing here and, more than once, Sam had found himself wondering the same. The Novaks were a family with a lot of wealth and a lot of connections, political and otherwise. He'd done his research. The family was full of Alphas and Betas, insinuated into massive companies and running more than a few of their own. They were old money and old power and most of those who had come to court were the same.

Not Sam. Certainly, the Winchesters were an old family, but they weren't wealthy by a long shot. They were involved in law enforcement, which wasn't exactly a rich occupation to begin with. Sam was going to law school, but his interest wasn't in making money but in helping people and putting away those who abused their positions and their power. But, long ago, John Winchester had made a promise to the Novak family because Mary Campbell had mated him rather than Michael Novak. That one of his children would be offered as a mate to the Novaks should there be a compatible one. It had been a sop, meant to quiet tensions between the families but nobody had thought much of it. Dean had been a Beta and Sam had been an Alpha and that seemed that.

Until the Novaks threw an Omega. Not unheard of, but rare. And, suddenly, Sam seemed to be the one Winchester with a chance, small enough though it might be.

He started when he heard his name called, pulling himself to his full height with the present clutched in his hands. He followed Zachariah Novak trying to ignore the feeling of unworthiness. He was an Alpha from a good line. There was no reason, other than money, to think he didn't have a chance here.

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"Guests are received in the pack house." And there's no budging on that one in Sam's voice. "Our homes outside of that are closed to guests unless specifically invited to see them. They're also expected to remain in the public spaces of the pack house, as our single members of the pack still live there. But yes, there are plans already for a larger house. I will, of course, be expecting Castiel's input on the building."

Because it would be his home as well. There isn't a point in building the larger property if Castiel won't be comfortable there. "As for letting the pack get close to him? I don't see a problem in that. After all, I don't see a reason why he would have to leave."

Even if they can't conceive (and considering the subtle pressure that Zachariah is putting on the Omega, he figures the stress will make things difficult), Sam has no intentions of ever letting Castiel return to his old pack. He will find a wedge to break the contract open with. For Castiel's sake, if nothing else.

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."

Sam raises an eyebrow at Zachariah. "It's going to take a lot more than a missed greeting to make me angry," he replies mildly. "Especially when others have been monopolizing the conversation." And, therefore, not letting the boy get a word in edgeways. The rebuke in his tone is entirely for Zachariah. Which, really, it's lucky that he's dealing with Sam. Dean likely wouldn't be as polite about it.

The look he turns on Castiel is bright and welcoming, his smile wide as he reaches out his hand in offer to Castiel. "Hello, Castiel. I am very, very glad to have you here." Because, no, he hadn't missed the emotions that chased across his expressions. But there's no way other than this to help him believe that he IS welcome and wanted here.

A gentle little smile tugs on Castiel's lips. He can't help it, Sam's warmth is infectious in all the best ways.

He made the worst choice in the eyes of his family, marrying so far below his pack's status, but Castiel learned during the courtship that Sam is kind, considerate and full of respect. He could have knotted Castiel right there. It wouldn't have been considered rape - an unmated omega in heat is considered consenting by default. But the only thing Sam did was make sure Castiel was safe and that...

That is more than Zachariah has ever given him.

So Castiel reaches out to grasp Sam's offered hand with both of his. Zachariah snorts, making it clear what he presumes Sam is happy about - the promise of access to large funds once he's gotten Castiel with child. But Castiel thinks he knows better from the little time they spent together.

He thinks Sam would rather see him be much more than a trophy, one day.

It's a pity he'll have to disappoint him.

"I apologize for not being available earlier, and for inconveniencing your pack like this."

To be honest, Sam doesn't much care what Zachariah thinks. He knows that he's not the other man's first choice for a mate for Castiel. In fact, he's pretty certain he's near the bottom of all potential Alphas in the world. But it doesn't much matter to him because the one who does matter is Castiel.

"A little warning would have been nice, but only so that I would have been here to greet you when you arrived instead of making you wait." He raises his head, looking to Zachariah. "You are, of course, invited to take supper with the pack tonight." Though he doubts that Zachariah will. In fact, he's counting on it. Because there's somebody he'd really like to call to have supper with them instead.

Zachariah seems a cross between amused and sickened by the display in front of him. He's butted heads with Castiel over this issue, made it very clear that the pack doesn't condone his marrying so far below their status. The Novaks haven't gained that status, prestige and money only to waste it on something as ordinary as the Winchesters. But the boy had been adamant. No amount of bribing or threatening had swayed him from the decision, no doubt a hormonal whimsy because he went into heat an all but climbed that walking lamp post called Sam Winchester. And there was nothing Zachariah could do about it, except make sure the unsuitable match won't last more than a single year.

The clock's ticking away. Castiel is on borrowed time and he knows it.

The less Zachariah has to see it, the better. He smiles that sickening smile again.

"I have other dinner arrangements, and Castiel will certainly appreciate the opportunity to get settled into this new... level of comfort afforded to him here, before you start breeding him. Do dust the place though, will you, it wouldn't do if you got our pup sick before he can fulfill his duty in your bed."

The discussion is crude, and Castiel feels uncomfortable with it. Yet at the same time, he's used to being talked about as though he's cattle. A breeding bitch.

"Remember to get those papers on my desk. And do make sure to keep us up to date on any offspring progress. After all... we're practically family now."

The place had been dusted and aired out entirely in the past week, so Sam let it roll off of his back. No need to get upset over it, after all. "The paperwork will be on your desk the day after next at the latest." There were things that needed to be done, after all. A procedure that...couldn't really be followed, thanks to Zachariah's demands. "You will be missed at supper, though. I know my brother was looking forward to having another chat with you."

He tugs Castiel closer, toward the shelter of his own body against Zachariah's glare. Because 'chat' wasn't exactly the word that Dean had used about talking to Zachariah again. "However. I understand that previous plans must take precedent. Which is why I'll do my best to call and let you know before we come to drop off the papers."

Another subtle stab at Zachariah's lack of manners. "Do have a safe trip home."

Zachariah openly sneers at this, dropping all hints of pleasantries. He's had it to here with these insolent Winchesters, and the mention of Dean just sours his mood even more.

"Well I'm sure he'll be happy to continue molesting my nephew now that he's readily available. How fortunate that he's merely a beta. Speaking of... Castiel. I'll leave you to your future duties now. Do at least try to produce an alpha. It's time you stopped disappointing."

And with that he leaves.

In other families, there would have been hugs and tears and kisses, farewells and well wishes, gifts to the future couple. Zachariah simply turns and walks away, leaving Castiel standing beside Sam, a little stiff, a little awkward, not sure what to do with his hands, although his cheeks flame red at the reminder how Dean... came to his aid. Logically he knows that it wasn't something sexual and more of a... medical assist. That doesn't stop the pang of shame Zachariah was aiming to instillt.

And just like that, Castiel is forced to integrate himself into a new pack, a new... family, all on his own without time to learn anything about or from them.

"I must apologize, Sam. I know this isn't how it's supposed to go... I'll be a more dutiful mate than this in the future."

Sam watches Zachariah go without any of the satisfaction that he'd hoped for. Though there's definitely a small growl when he talks about Dean, but that's just an Alpha wishing to protect his pack.

Sam's not a usual Alpha in most respects, but he is in that one.

His hand goes automatically to Castiel's back, rubbing soothingly. A far more familiar touch than he's been allowed with the Omega before, but he remembers John doing it to Kate a few times when she'd been worked up. "Your uncle is no reflection on your ability as a mate, Castiel," Sam replies, finally looking down once he can hear the man's car pull away from the house. "And no, it isn't the way that it's supposed to go, but that's not on you, either. Your uncle's mad that he can't get me to kowtow to him just because he has money and your family has connections, rather than angry with him because your entire family has done so badly by you."

He takes a breath and shakes his head, before looking down at his hand and pulling it away. "Sorry. I shouldn't...I know you're going to be my mate, but I shouldn't take liberties with your personal space."

That's almost amusing to Castiel. They will marry and consume their marriage shortly, yet Sam is worried about personal space now.

He's a good man like that.

A good alpha. Castiel thinks he's chosen well, and is glad that his feeling proves right - this wasn't an act in front of others. Sam really is just that warm. There is none of the grabbing and groping that Castiel would have expected of others.

So when Sam pulls back, he steps closer, right into the alpha's personal bubble. It's almost challenging, almost daring, such brash behavior from a young, unmated omega. Almost as an afterthought, he tilts his head, showing unblemished neck. Almost submissive, but not quite. Not quite. His uncle would slap him for insolence like this. Here... he can learn new boundaries, beyond what he knows.

"We'll share a bed," he points out.

It's actually refreshing behavior from Castiel. Away from his family, away from the watchful eyes of his uncle and cousins, Sam thinks he's getting a better look at the real Castiel. And yes, he's finding he likes it very much.

He bends, leaning down to press a kiss to the long line of neck that Castiel is showing. "We will," he agrees as he pulls away. "Though not until tomorrow night, after we're married." Sam pauses, then sighs. "I'm sorry that...it's not going to be a very big wedding. On such short notice, it'll mostly be a justice of the peace and the pack. I mean, we've had things planned as much as possible and there's a really lovely grove on the grounds..."

But it wasn't anything like what Castiel would be used to. He's marrying far below his family's wealth, after all.

Castiel almost trembles. He's been kept chaste and "pure", never got to experience physical intimacy.

Even hugs are incredibly rare in his pack. People aren't affectionate. He's not sure how satisfied Sam will be with Castiel's lack of experience and knowledge, his lack of routine dealing with even small affections like that. But Castiel is determined to learn by example, to integrate himself.

If he only has a year to be happy, he'll soak up as much of it as he possibly can. He hums softly, content with the kiss and showing positive reaction to it. Sam won't own him... but he'll be Sam's partner. It's a dizzying concept. But if he has to lose it all, he wants desperately to have it, first.

"I'm grateful that your pack has prepared anything at all, Sam. With my uncle being too b-... with my uncle not reaching out to you and plan with you, I would have understood had you chosen not to do anything special at all."

he imagines this must not be what Sam envisioned when he courted an omega from a rich house, either.

"Your uncle is an asshole." The corner of Sam's mouth kicks up slightly in a half smile. "And entirely too used to getting his own way. For right now, I think it's safe enough to head back up to the main house. Let you meet Ellen. I have a few phone calls to make to get things sorted for tomorrow. Tell Dean that's it's safe enough for them to come back now." He knew his family well, after all. It had been prudent to get his brother and Jo out of the house when faced with Zachariah. Neither of them were good at holding their tempers.

"And of course we'd make it special. Just because it's short notice doesn't mean we can't manage something." He smiles down at Castiel as he moves his hand to the other man's back again. "Maybe later, when things have settled down, we can talk about another, larger celebration." At that point, there would be a lot worth celebrating, after all.

Castiel nods - whether to the assessment of his uncle or in confirmation of Sam's suggestions is anyone's guess. Maybe both.

"I would like to make things right with Ellen. It's true that I've grown up with a large staff taking care of everything, but I hope I can carry my weight in your household."

Though he's still worried about it. There's a lot he doesn't know, a lot for him to learn. For now, he leans into Sam's touch. It's the first time they've been alone, truly alone, and Castiel isn't ashamed to admit that he's pleased with how he feels in Sam's vicinity. He's not sure it's love or instinct. But it's a good start at any rate.

"Knowing Ellen, you can probably make it right with her by allowing her to fuss for a bit. And don't worry, she'll teach you anything you need to know." Sam leans down, pressing a light, chaste kiss to Castiel's lips. "Come on. Let's head up to the house so I can get those phone calls made."

He starts toward the house, then considers. "I should probably tell you, since you might worry about it. The case we're working on is a runaway, not anything dangerous. Or, at least, we can't find anything that means she's in considerable danger. My earlier insinuation that women could be killed? Kind of a reminder to your uncle that just because he doesn't consider the work we do to be important doesn't mean that it isn't."

Castiel looks up at Sam, relief in his eyes. He had been worrying about it, but had not been able to bring it up in front of Zachariah. He walked in here thinking his arrival had endangered someone - and while hearing this hardly makes it all well and good, it certainly assuages his guilt.

"I believed it at first. Thank you for letting me know... Your work is important." They walk side by side, arms occasionally brushing. "What rules will I have to follow, living here? I'd appreciate being able to avoid stepping on toes."

"There's not a lot of rules, really. Dean and Ellen are pretty much the only ones allowed to do any cooking." Sam glances over at him. "I'm pretty damned awful at anything other than cereal or toast." Sam had just never had a chance to learn how to cook, really. "We all tend to chip in where needed, though. We don't really stand on ceremony or titles here. Pretty much the only rules are that you don't go where you aren't invited. And that if the door to my office is closed, knock and try not to be upset if I don't let you in. That usually means I'm either deep into studying for law school or there's something sensitive that I need to concentrate on."

He shrugs. "I know it's not really what you're used to, but I hope you'll be okay with things."

That... certainly is different, and it shows in the obvious confusion on Castiel's face. He's not sure if Sam is serious, but he must be. It's not that Castiel considers himself above such a way of living, it's just that... he's not used to it. To him, it's strange than an alpha, and the leader of the pack especially, would be willing and expected to handle chores. It's unthinkable in the circles Castiel comes from and yet... here it's normal. Here it's just something Sam does. Dean, too, as his second.

How strange. Not bad, just... very different. Castiel wonders how much help he could even possibly be. Wonders if Zachariah had it backwards - that he won't be the one sneering over the Winchesters because they're "poor", but that the Winchesters will sneer at him because he's spoiled.

"I chose you, Sam. And I chose you knowing being mated to you would be a drastic change in life style."

"There's 'drastic change' and then..." Sam shrugs, letting his arm drop to Castiel's waist. "It's a lot to get used to. But I want you to know that if you need anything or need to ask questions, don't be afraid to ask. If not me, then at least Ellen." Ellen being an Omega might mean she was easier for Castiel to talk to. Then again, maybe not as he probably hadn't been around many Omegas in his life. "You are welcome and wanted here, Castiel. Just so that's clear."

Of course he's welcome. There isn't a pack in the world that wouldn't welcome an omega like him in with open arms. Well... until they know he won't give them the offspring they want, naturally.

"Thank you, Sam. I appreciate your kindness. Then and now. You're... a good man. A good alpha."

A good mate, Castiel thinks. He deserves much better than what he gets from Zachariah.

"I've never been around many omegas. I was told they were... competition I should not associate with."

Sam snorts and shakes his head. "Well, you really don't have to worry about that with Ellen. She only has eyes for Bobby and even if she didn't? She practically raised me and Dean. Besides that, I have better control of myself than that." The only Omega he wanted was Castiel, after all. Which was the first time that had happened, really.

"Ellen's a good person, too. You'll get along great with her, I think."

"I'll be looking forward to our acquaintance, then." He means it. Castiel knows this is a very different life from the one he's used to. He knows he has a lot to learn in order to be a part of this pack. His uncle might think Castiel will spend his time on his beck, letting Sam breed him, but the young omega is well aware there will be more to his life than that.

He's just... not quite sure what all of that entails just yet.

Once they reach the house, Sam kisses Castiel's cheek and says he needs to go to his office for a while. To make the various phone calls that are needed to set things up for the next day.

Which is when Ellen swoops in to take Castiel's arm with a promise to get him settled. Which includes a cup of tea and a promise to let him come to her garden and see what she has planted. Because nobody else in the pack is anywhere near as into gardening as Ellen is. Though she does promise, with a wink, that she'll wait at least a couple of days after the wedding before dragging him out to the garden.

Once that's done, there's another trip out to the cottage with Castiel's bags to help get him settled in. Most of Sam's stuff has been migrating out over the past week, so while the cottage isn't exactly lived in, yet, it's not sterile. There are definitely signs of life there. The pack is still getting the place wired for cable and internet, but Ellen makes certain Castiel knows he's welcome at the main house at any time. Even if he might have to share the TV in the common room with Charlie and Kevin gaming.

By the time they get back to the main house, the rest of the pack has arrived home. And Sam is out of the office so that he can make the necessary introductions. The pack is fairly small, really, running heavily to Betas (Charlie, Kevin and Ash), with Jo the only other Alpha in residence, though Sam mentions a younger half brother in college who is an Alpha as well.

All too soon, it's time to sit down for supper, the table expanded for the new seating arrangement. Though, by the time everybody sits, it's obvious that somebody is missing, with the chair on Castiel's other side being empty as yet.

Castiel has been raised very differently, and it becomes immediately obvious in the way he talks to people. He's overly stiff, formal, can come across as stoic and cold. He tries, though. Listens, even if the staring seems to put people off. Overall, he says very little. He's quiet, contemplative.

He doesn't fit in, but then, nobody expected that immediately. It's not his fault, and it's not their fault, and it will come with some time, perhaps. Charlie finds him dreamy, which he supposes is a compliment, Dean claps him on the back, and overall he feels... well, tolerated, which in any other situation would possibly sound unpleasant to say about your new pack, but for Castiel means more than his own pack has given him.

When they sit down, he frowns at the empty seat next to him, then places his hand on Sam's next to him, looks at him with a slightly puzzled expression.

"Is there someone I haven't met yet, or did you accidentally include my uncle in the arrangement after all?"

Sam grins at him. "No, I didn't include your uncle in the arrangement. There's a guest that should be arriving soon. He really should have been here by now--"

He's cut off by a knock at the door.

"I got it," Dean says, as he's seated closest to the door out of the dining room. Once he leaves the room, Sam gets to his feet, one hand on Castiel's shoulder as he waits.

The man who returns with Dean is a good several inches shorter than the older Winchester, with blond hair and hazel eyes that look almost golden amber in the light of the house. He's young, maybe three or four years older than Castiel himself, more of an age with Sam himself.

Sam grins, looking down at Castiel. "Castiel. I'd like you to meet our silent partner in the Winchester Agency. Gabriel Novak."

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