pThe wind combed over the hilly land like a graceful dancer, the grass bending to its force. A deer and her two fawns slowly ate their breakfast without a care nearby. Suddenly the mother's head snapped up, ears darting forward in alert. The ground thundered under her hooves and the growing sound of laughter and yells had her fleeing to the nearby woods with her twins. A few moments later two horses, one black and the other a creamy brown, burst over a large hill into the peaceful meadow. The black stallion had a small lead on the other, but only barely. The rider was wearing the normal apparel for horseback riding; white jodhpurs, a snug black riding shirt, and black half chaps. His nearly matched except he also wore a helmet. The two raced for the tree line and straight into the forest without pause./p

pEach horse jumped and dodged passing roots and tree trunks with ease, seeming to know this land well. Brother, the stream is near! The man riding the cream colored mare yelled over the trotting and beating wind to the brunette in front of him. We should stop so the horses can drink!/p

pGreen eyes glanced over a muscled shoulder to the other, half a smirk visible on his face. Very well, but this means I win yet again Samuel. His laugh was friendly and filled with pleasure when his brother made a crude gesture, both slowing their animals to a walk. He knew how much Sam hated his full name, but being an older brother it was his duty to exploit that. The two casually strolled side by side, the sound of rushing water drawing closer./p

pWhat brought on the impromptu riding expedition Dean? Sam asked trying to catch his breath./p

pI needed to get out of there for a while Sammy Dean sighed out. He could still see the mountain of paperwork on his mahogany desk, along with his advisors ranting on and on about irrigation problems, riots in the western corners, and the lack of medical supplies. I had to clear my head before making some decisions./p

pBenny isn't going to be to thrilled you left without warning. Sam smiled, imagining the look on the personal guard's face by now./p

pBenny works for me, he is not my father Dean spoke confidently, but Sam knew he had a slight fear of the Alphas response. It was only natural for an Omega like Dean to hold such feelings. Omega. Sam frowned at the thought. It was never to be spoken out loud or King Dean Winchester, first born son of the great Alpha John Winchester, would lose everything. On instinct Sam sniffed close to his blood brother. A very faint scent of Omega pierced through the magical ointment and mingled with his sweat./p

p...We shouldn't stay out here too long. Sam warned as they reached the stream. Both dismounted and let their horses roam while sitting at the bank. Sam splashed cool water on his face as Dean stretched out on the ground./p

pHe knew what his little brother was worried about and it agitated him that he had to fear being discovered. He was a wonderful and beloved King. Dean has ruled for ten years, since his father's untimely demise, and prosperity is all he has brought. It would mean nothing if his true nature was discovered though. An Omega was considered nothing more than property; a person whose only purpose in life was to carry pups for an Alpha. It disgusted him. He was no one's pup maker; he was the first born of Winchester blood, he was raised to bear the burden of the crown, and he'd be damned if anyone tried to take what was rightfully his./p

pWater hitting his face snapped him out of his thoughts as he sneezed to get the liquid out of his nose. Sam, the culprit, laughed heartily but quickly jumped to his feet and into a full on sprint when Dean lunged for him. After thirty minutes of play, the now soaked siblings called for their horses. Dean had blown off enough steam to return to work. The black stallion appeared first, trotting to Dean's side with eagerness. He smiled and gave him a pat on the neck./p

pGood boy, Baby He whispered in his ear before kissing his snout. Moments later Sam's Mare appeared, slowly walking up next to her owner with a tiny bow of her head. Sam smiled, scratching her ear./p

pThat's my girl, Lady Jess. Sam said with too much affection that Dean rolled his eyes. Sam had recently mated a beautiful woman from the Western Lands named Lady Jessica Wells, daughter of Duke Daniel Wells. He had fallen head over heels in love the moment he saw her three years ago./p

pI still can't believe you named a horse after your mate Dean said, mounting Baby. Sam followed suit and just gave Dean a harmless glare./p

pIt's romantic. She's beautiful and so is this mare. Sam defended as they began their trip home./p

pYes, every woman loves for her beauty to be compared to that of a horse. Dean quipped. You think like such an Alpha./p

pBite me. Sam retorted./p

pNot interested. Dean reached over to shove at his shoulder./p

p/p

p Dean said before lightly kicking Baby's sides and galloping ahead. Sam shook his head with a smile and quickly followed./p

p/p

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p/p

pBack at the stables Dean had just finished removing Baby's saddle and harness, much to the stable boy's protest; such a job was for a King, but Dean only pawned him off on Sams mare. He had cared for this horse since it was given to him as a colt by his father. Baby was one of the last gifts he'd ever gotten from his beloved sire. Once safely cleaned, watered, and fed Dean let Baby run freely in the fenced in land./p

p The deep, slightly agitated voice from behind him made the King stiffen slightly. With a deep breath he turned to face his most trusted guard, Benny. The man was large, a good foot taller than Dean and at least 60 more pounds of pure muscle. He wore the traditional silver armor with the Winchester family crest carved on the chest plate. His helmet was off, but chainmail still covered his brown hair. His beard was becoming very thick. His right hand rested on the hilt of his sheathed sword. He was definitely a soldier you'd want on your side./p

pGood afternoon to you, Ben, is everything alright? Dean said sweetly, playing dumb like a champion. He was satisfied with Bennys soft growl at the shortening of his name. Just like Sam, he disliked it, which meant Dean must use it./p

pIs everythin- Bennys growl deepened in his chest as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Sire, you can not keep running off without telling me! I am here to protect you, how can I do that without your cooperation? His fire had died out by the end of his sentence and Dean could see the worry etched on his face./p

pI was perfectly safe, Sam was with me. Dean smiled, thumping his fist gently against the guard's armored chest. A simple ride in the woods on my land shouldn't require a trained warrior, but if it did Sam and I can handle a little trouble on our own./p

pYour fighting skill isn't the concern I have, Master Benny hinted quietly. He was speaking of what would happen if Dean was found out to be Omega. Yes, Benny knew because the man was Dean's oldest and most trusted friend. He was also completely loyal to the Winchester clan, like his parents before him and so on./p

pI will not spend my life in fear. Dean walked passed Benny, who bowed on instinct before following behind the young King. I would also not put myself in such a dire situation. Especially with Sam near./p

pThe light breeze felt good on Dean's damp clothes as the two walked out of the stables and toward the castle. It was a nice stretch of land between the two places, and quite deserted. Benny felt confident enough to speak freely. You know it is almost time for your heat. What would you have done if it came on early? What would your brother have done? He whispered, his agitation returning. It wasn't uncommon for siblings to mate, it kept the bloodline strong, but neither Sam nor Dean desired such a thing. Under the spell of an Omega in heat though, none of that would have mattered to the young Alpha or Omega./p

p...You're right. Dean sighed. He would've hated himself if his brother was caught up in his heat. He never wanted anything but happiness for Sam. The happiness he could never have. He had to admit that his carefree days with his brother, the memories he cherished before either presented, were in the past. Sam was a mated Alpha who would soon have children of his own. The thought was bittersweet, Dean holding back tears. His brother was an adult. Forgive me, I won't let it happen again. Benny was surprised by how easily Dean gave in. The smell of despair filled the Warriors nostrils and he quickly understood. His King was slowly accepting the fact that Prince Sam was no longer an innocent pup. He had to start putting up certain walls to protect, not only himself but his beloved sibling as well. The rest of their walk was in silence./p

pOnce inside the palace Dean was quickly pulled back into his work. He approached each problem with a cool confidence and time seemed to fly by. The sun had set by the time Dean finished signing the last piece of parchment. He placed the quill back in the opened bottle of ink and fell back into his chair. Rubbing his aching wrist, Dean stood and walked to the closest window. He watched the stars twinkle and the moon light up the fields below; the stable where Baby slept could be seen it the romantic glow. Everything was so calm, yet Dean felt nothing but unrest. It was the very first sign that his heat was approaching, the feeling he needed to prepare for his nonexistent mate to come for him./p

pHe wanted to nest./p

pWith a loud sigh he backed away from the beautiful view and headed out into the hall. He wasn't surprised to find Benny standing guard. When the taller man bowed then looked at him, Dean nodded./p

pIt's time. It was all he needed to say for Benny to bow once more and hurry off the make the preparations. Dean wasn't sure how far off his heat was, but he knew it close enough that he had to leave. Soon he wouldn't be able to hide his secret with any cream. Every Alpha and Beta for miles would pick up the unique scent of Omega./p

pWaking his brother, he had to inform him of his departure. Sam untangled himself from his sleeping mate and stepped into the hall to speak with Dean. Both knew by now how this went. Sam would fill in for Dean, telling any curious advisor that his brother was checking the borders of their lands and would return as soon as possible. Dean knew his brother was competent enough to keep peace for a couple weeks and wouldn't have trusted anyone else with the job. Their goodbye was short, but sweet, Sam pulling him into a tight embrace which he returned./p

pBe safe, brother-mine Sam whispered as he let go of Dean./p

pBrother-mine, be safe. It was something they had said to one another since they learned to speak. It was the closest either came to saying 'I love you. With one more half hug, Dean turned from Sam and headed to his room to grab his already packed bag of supplies./p

pBenny was waiting by the entrance, Baby saddled and ready to go on his right and a brown spotted war horse on his left. Quickly tying his bag to side of Baby's saddle, he climbed on top and grabbed the reigns from Ben. After mounting his own steed the two galloped off into the night./p

pWhen the moon was high above the two men on horseback, they decided to make camp and rest for a few hours before continuing to a hidden place; a cottage built ages ago and then abandoned at the near center of the Eastern lands. It was surrounded by a small patch of dense trees. It was the perfect place to keep away from Alphas during a heat./p

pIf we start moving at dawn, we should reach the cottage by nightfall tomorrow. Benny thought outloud, adding kindling to the small fire hed finally got started; his rabbit roasting nicely. Dean nodded, not really paying attention to the other. The stars had captured him, as they always did. It was like an ocean of gleaming lanterns, putting on a light show that could be compared to nothing the King had ever seen. He let a smile ease on his face, content to stare for hours. He had finally changed from his dirtied riding clothes into a comfortable brown tunic and matching hosen with cowhide boots. They were peasant clothing, but that is exactly what Dean wanted. He was no King for the next week or more. Benny finally sat beside him once the bedrolls were laid out. His armor was replaced with a loose white tunic and brown hosens; he chose to wear no shoes. Both remained silent and star gazed for several minutes. Benny broke the silence first with an awkward cough, moving slightly away from Dean. Forgive me mlord, but...your scent is The guard's neck reddened as he once again shifted uncomfortably./p

pDean's scent was steadily becoming stronger, which meant he had to apply his lotions twice as often. Giving the poor man an apologetic glance, he quickly stood and walked to his bag next to his bedroll. Pulling out a large container, he unlatched the top. Inside was a white familiar cream; he wasted no time applying it to his body, making sure to get the his neck and shoulders well covered. Once he was sure he'd gotten all the major areas he latched the lid and put it away./p

pPerhaps we should sleep now? Dean asked, wanting to get to the cottage as soon as possible. Benny didn't argue, but served the rabbit./p

pFood first, Sire...You'll need your strength. Dean didn't argue and ate his share with a silent thanks. He wasn't sure what he'd do without Benny during this time, but he felt bad for pulling him from his mate. She was a fiery woman and Benny loved her deeply. Dean always felt like a burden to everyone around his heat and he hated it./p

pThe rest of the night went smoothly, Dean being pulled from his sleep by Babys light nibbles on his hair. He only laughed sleepily and swatted the animal away. It wasn't long after that, that the two were once again racing across the land. It was freeing, the wind in his hair and the open meadow before him. Dean felt the most relaxed when he was flying across open meadows, nothing weighing him down as Baby gave all he had./p

hr /

p/p

pAre you sure you'll be alright? Benny asked again. He worried every time he was told to leave his King alone at this place. It was barely appropriate. The two had just arrived moments before the sun began to set. I can stay if you'd like?/p

pDean scoffed, taking the saddle and reigns off Baby, so he could roam freely. The animal could be trusted not to wander far; always coming to Dean with one whistle. Benny, you may be a happily mated Alpha but you are still an alpha Dean pointed out, clapping his hand on the larger man's armored shoulder. Your senses will leave the moment my heat kicks in and you'll become exactly what I am hiding from...240 pounds of horny Alpha./p

pBenny bowed his head in shame at even the thought. ...Of course sire, but leaving you here alone Dean patted his shoulder before releasing it with a small laugh./p

pI have been perfectly safe here since my heat started on my 15th summer. Why would this trip be any different? Benny followed him into the small home, having to turn slightly to fit through the door, and sighed heavily./p

pI know you're right my lord but-/p

pEnough with the and My lord bullshit, huh? The castle is miles away and we grew up as litter mates Dean growled out, dusting off the furniture with a bit too much force./p

pSorry sir-Dean...It's become a habit. Benny smiled toward his best friend, walking over to help move the couch with Dean so he could sit and look out the window./p

pYes, well, I can't blame you for it The young King plopped down on the raggedy piece and cushion and wood with a frown. Benny followed, but much more carefully. Every one of my friends, besides you, won't even have a normal conversation with me without bowing their heads or kneeling the whole time Dean may be the King, but he felt so isolated at times. Especially since Sammy found himself a mate./p

pIt's simply how these things are my lo-...uhm...heh...Dean. You are our King, not that little pup who broke into the kitchen and stole an entire platter of cookies right from under the chef's nose. Both had a chuckle at the memory of ten small children trying to shove 24 dozen cookies in their mouths before an adult caught them./p

pThat was the day I was unofficially crowned you know Dean grinned and Benny rolled his eyes./p

pYes, by a bunch of sugar crazed brats/p

pStill... less horrifying than the real one. Dean grimaced at the memory, watching the wind blow through the field, making the wildflowers dance./p

pThe crown only stayed on your head because of your ears Benny snorted and Dean spared him a quick glare. The warrior remembered the day with pride and sadness. Dean couldn't play with him or any of the others after that. He had to train, eat, and be educated with only a toddler Sam and elders chosen by his father to watch over the young prince and King upon his death. It made the boy become a man a lot quicker./p

pYou're lonely. Benny stated, and Dean was not surprised he guessed so easily./p

pAt times I Dean's ears reddened, the admission was very personal after all. I long for a matebut to have one Id have to sacrifice/p

p Benny finished, giving the man a sad stare. Normally a person began a search to find a mate after their first heat, but Dean would want a male alpha instinctively. It was what an Omega desired in a mate, someone who could protect them while they carried children./p

pDean cleared his throat, the silence becoming unbearable. It will be sunset soon, so you should leave to get a few miles away before nightfall and set up camp. My heat isn't scheduled for another four days, but it might try to come early with the scent of an alpha so close Benny slowly stood after Dean and reached for the hurting man. He pressed their foreheads together. An affectionate way to say goodbye that he'd never attempt at the castle./p

pStay safe Dean...I will be back on the 7th night. Your heat should have well passed by then Benny whispered./p

pDean pressed a little harder into the man before smiling and forcing himself to pull away. He shouldn't spoil himself by getting used to so much intimate physical contact. It makes living without it that much harder. Stay safe He repeated as Benny walked outside to his horse. He gave his friend one final look as he sat in the saddle then sped off./p

pDean watched until his friend disappeared through the thick trees then he turned to head back into his temporary home. The stone walls were covered in moss from inside to out and the wooden roof had seen better days, but it would do for a week or so. Dean decided to put his irritating need to nest to food use and began to sweep the floors and dust the furniture. Night settled in quickly and Dean lit a few candles. He gave the fireplace a long glance, but decided the smoke from the chimney might be noticed by outsiders./p

pWell...here we are He mumbled to himself, looking around the now much neater space. The only reply he got was the chirping of crickets in the distance. Dean hugged himself and took a few steadying breaths. Anxiety clawed at the back of his mind; he hated being alone, it was his biggest fear. He furrowed his brow and clenched his jaw. There is no reason to be afraid, you've done this so many times Memories of his past heats came rushing back to him. The sweating, the panting, and so much whining. Imagines of him trying to get himself off, with little success had him swallowing a large lump in his throat. He could rarely bring himself to orgasm with just pulling at his cock. He needed...more, but his inexperience in how to masterbate as an Omega usually left him more frustrated than sated. He curled up on the sofa and bit his lip./p

pHe wasn't looking forward to this at all/p

hr /

pbr / Dean woke up with a groan, gripping his neck. He had fallen asleep in the wrong position and now his neck muscles screamed in agony. The sun was reaching the center of the sky. He had slept half the day away. Carefully he stood, still cradling his head, and grabbed his bag with his free hand. There was a small hot spring in the back, just inside the cluster of trees. It would be a perfect way to relax the muscles and get clean all in one go. It took him some extra time to walk there, his head tilted sideways the whole time, and even longer to undress, but it was well worth it. He moaned freely as the hot water caressed his naked body as he slowly submerged himself up to his ears. Before long his neck relaxed and he twisted it gently. He then sat up until the water was only up to his nipples./p

pThat's the stuff He practically purred, eyes closing as he inhaled lungs full of wild flowers and steam. His body was still not any closer to that frenzied heat today, which Dean was grateful for; the anticipation always drove him a little nutty though. He lost track of how long he laid there, splayed out in the warm water, but the sound of Baby's stressful whinnies made him bolt out of the water in an instant./p

p He called, standing stark naked by the spring as he listened for more cries. He whistled for him and when he heard nothing, fear struck his heart. Did he fall into a hidden fox hole and hurt his leg? Maybe he ran into a predator of some sort? The horrible thoughts churned in Dean's head until Baby screeched again. He ran toward the yells, leaving his change of clothes behind. Around the side of the cottage and over a small hill, Dean saw Baby rearing up on his hind legs with another screeching yell. Relieved to see the horse seemed unharmed, Dean froze in his tracks when a figure stood close to his Baby./p

pThe man was hunched forward, holding his stomach and panting. A gust of wind blew a spicy scent his way. His heart nearly stopped in his chest, fear running wild as he took another long inhale. He holds back a whine. There was no denying that scent that held so much strength it made his head swim. Sweat began to form on his brow as he remained frozen in terror./p

p"Alpha..." He forced out, baring his teeth./p