Angel's Landing is an upscale resort in the heart of scenic route 12 which runs through the mighty red cliffs and canyons of Utah's Grand Staircase and Bryce Canyon. While the canyons are not as large as the Grand Canyon, only 250 miles away, it is arguably more beautiful and breath taking. The resort is designed for families and work retreats alike, with panoramic views of the Grand Staircase. Trips from the resort are mere minutes down the road and lead to hiking trails that can take amateurs and professional hikers alike.
As Castiel researched vacation retreats for small business groups, the deep red cliffs brought out a longing in him. It was his job, appointed by Luc, to make the accommodations. Something in the lonely grandeur called to him. So it was done. The board of directors, including his father, Luc, Raphael, Gabriel and himself and the other 7 not related board members. This would be board members only. No spouses or children. Not that Castiel had either. The retreat was geared to improve board member bonding. With guided hikes reserved and horse trail riding, the vacation was bound to be beautiful. Even if his counterparts were miserable, malicious bastards.
"This is so quaint," Luc grinned, eyes twinkling. Castiel grinned tightly at him in the rear view mirror as he steered the rental over the windy highway. He knew better than to take the compliment for what it was. Luc was the oldest Novak child. He was their father's favorite. His approval of matters influenced their father's greatly. And if Luc did not approve of this trip, there would be hell to pay.
"It will be less touristy than the Grand Canyon," Castiel said. "And the retreat's meeting room is beautiful."
"Mmm," Luc nodded, grin still wide.
Castiel sighed. There was little he could do now. Either they would hate it or they would like it and just bitch anyway.
The two vans they had rented pulled into a lane off route 12, passing under a large iron gateway with a CW in the center of the arch. They passed pastures dotted with rocky scrub brush and fields of grazing cattle. All around them, red cliffs could be seen with smooth steps and varying layers of earth displayed for all to see.
"This is beautiful," Gabe said from beside him.
Castiel gave his closest brother a sideways grin. Gabe was always there for him. Always backing him up. At least when he was around. Most of the time he was off running another branch of their father's insurance company. Castiel was in the trenches, so to speak, while his other two brothers rarely left their lofty board member perches.
"I hate retreats," Raphael intoned, deep and droll. "Castiel, this better be worth our time."
Castiel followed a sign reading 'Angel's Landing'. As the van crested a hill, a sweeping resort came into view. It was small in comparison to the lush resorts they had used the past two years.
"Ah yes. Quaint," Luc said from the back seat, less amusement in his voice than before.
"This place does have electricity, doesn't it?" Raphael glowered.
"Of course," Castiel said, pulling the van up to the entrance area. He got out of the car, thankful for the breathing room. He pulled his attaché case from the trunk and went inside to check in.
The building was made of deep reddish-brown ponderosa pine logs and grey, granite stones. It looked rustic as if it belonged in the rugged landscape, and yet clean lines and sweeping spaces made it look modern. He pulled the door open, noting the Native American tile and stone sculpture that covered a two-story wall. A fireplace sat at the bottom, empty with the summer heat, but looking warm and inviting. The stone and tile sculpture that covered the rest of the wall was of a spirit horse with an angelic looking warrior at a cliff's edge, looking down upon a canyon.
Castiel froze, looking at the warrior's face. Proud. Determined. Firm. And yet kind. It was marvelous.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Asked a balding man from behind the counter.
"Yes," Castiel marveled. He tore his eyes from the artwork and headed straight ahead for the counter.
"I'm checking in for the Novak group."
The man grinned slightly and nodded.
Castiel would not describe him as a warm person. He seemed stern.
They got through the check in steps easily, Castiel giving him his work credit card, footing the entire bill to their insurance company.
A kind looking older woman came in from a door behind the counter. "Thank you for watching the desk for me Samuel," she said, patting his shoulder.
"Any time, Deana." His grin for her was warmer. "This is Castiel Novak, checking in with the group of 12."
"Wonderful!" Deana grinned, turning her green eyes on him. "We love having groups. Did you reserve any trail rides or hikes?"
"I did," Castiel smiled. She made him feel welcome and at ease.
"We are set for a trail ride tomorrow morning with Angel's Landing Stables and a hike to the Petrified Forest. The next day we are taking a guided tour through Bryce Canyon."
"Wonderful!" She came around the desk, putting her hand gently on his shoulder. "The board room is at your disposal for the three days your group is here."
Castiel followed her beyond the stone art into double doors that opened into a room with a long all glass wall overlooking a panoramic view.
"Wow!" Castiel gasped. "I saw the pictures," he said, walking to the windowed wall, "but this is...stunning." Canyon stretched further in either direction than he could see. The dipping crests rolled and jutted in a frozen chaos that pulled his eyes from one rocky formation to another.
He turned to Deana, "Thank you, this is so lovely."
She beamed, continued, showing him their other amenities.
Castiel returned to the van and escorted the other eleven to their rooms, giving each a copy of their itinerary, which they all had electronically weeks ago, but with service being spotty in the remote location, he wanted to be sure everyone knew when to be where.
First on the agenda was a quarterly meeting to discuss profits and losses. Then dinner at the resort. Castiel knew most would follow that up with mingling at the bar. He unlocked his own room and dropped his bag onto the bed, the black rectangle of his bag blocking the southwest pattern of the bedspread. A mix of western and Native American decor made the room feel very homey to him. Much more pleasant than the sleek modern decor of most hotel rooms he was used to. He could not stop the grin that tipped his lips when he thought of how dissatisfied his brothers Luc and Raphael probably were. Those pricks could just deal with a dose of humble pie for once. The resort was immaculate. But those two were spoiled, wanting every thing around them to be luxurious.
Castiel turned, hearing a quick knock on his door. He opened it, shoulders relaxing a bit when Gabe strutted in.
"So, this is cool!" Gabe said, lollipop dangling from his mouth.
"Yeah? Glad you like it," Castiel said, shutting the door.
"Are you seriously making us go horseback riding in the morning?"
Castiel laughed. "It will be good for all of us. We could use a dose of rugged."
Gabe raised his eyebrows. "What evs. Ready for the meeting?" Gabe flopped onto the bed, shoving the suitcase over a bit.
"Yeah." Cas stood at the window, looking out at the rocky terrain. It was dotted with small green scrub bushes. Off to the left he could see horse corrals. A man stood in the center of a round pen with the horse on a long lead line. The horse was dark brown with even darker mane and tail. It abruptly stopped trotting, turning on the man. The man stepped quickly, one hand raised. The horse stared at him then turned back to the fence and began trotting again. Castiel wondered if maybe he was in over his head here as well. He had ridden horses before, but not out in the open on a trail ride. He hoped the horses were not as frisky as the one the man had his hands full with.
"Are you gonna bring up the Parker case?" Gabe asked, looking through the resorts amenities book.
"Yes."
"You know that's gonna go over like a fart in church, right?"
Cas turned, looking at Gabe over his shoulder. "Yes. But it has to be discussed. Father acts like he is God. Dishing out life or death decisions. He had no right to deny chemo. They were covered. We have done it for others. And he just...denied them. That little girl is dead, Gabriel. And we could have prevented it."
"I know little bro," Gabe said gently. "It's the twenty fifth time this particular chemo was denied this year. Raphael is becoming ruthless."
"It needs to end. There has to be better insurance coverage for our clients." Castiel sat on the edge of his bed.
"I got your back, bro. I'll do what I can."
"I know, Gabriel. But I know you can only go so far. As well as myself." Castiel stood and turned back to the window, leaning one hand heavily onto it, resting his forehead against his forearm.
The man in the round pen was standing with the horse now. He seemed to just be petting it. He felt Gabe next to him at the window.
"I'm prepared to go further than you are, brother. Father does not have the leverage on me that he has on you."
The brothers eyes met. Castiel nodded.
The meeting had gone smoothly enough so far. Their profits were 2.3 billion for the quarter. Castiel felt it was time to bring up his concerns.
"I would like to discuss something," he said firmly. All eyes which had been on his father averted to him. Castiel swallowed. "I want to bring up the Parker case."
Their father stared, unmoved. Raphael sighed heavily and Luc laughed roughly.
"Of course you do," Luc scoffed. "If Castiel had his way, he would approve every whim these people want."
"April Parker did not get cancer on a whim," Castiel snapped, meeting Luc's gaze full on. "Yes, the chemo she required was costly. But a drop in the bucket when compared to the profits we made just this quarter."
"Every drop counts," Alistair said dryly.
"April died. She could have lived!" Castiel said through gritted teeth.
"Our profits are higher than any of our competitors," Gabe said. "If you continue to deny people what they need, you are going to kill off your own clientele. Not too business savvy, eh, Pops?"
Their father tipped his head slightly, acknowledging the comment but not commenting.
"People die every day!" Azazel whined, looking to Luc for confirmation.
"Too true," Luc said lightly. Dick Roman nodding along.
"This is unacceptable practice," Gabe said.
That launched an argument that even Castiel had to brook his words for. Gabriel volleyed vehemently against the rest of the board, Castiel occasionally trying to back him up. Gabriel was angry. Mouth tight and eyes narrowed, he listened to their two brothers and several other board members spew a torrent of opinions that made Castiel's heart clench. These people were surely all going to hell no matter how righteous they believed themselves to be.
Gabriel's face was pinched and Castiel felt a cold clench in his stomach. He knew his brother was unhappy in their family business. When their mother had died two years ago, Gabriel and Castiel both had hopes that their father would lead the company into a more humanitarian era. So far he had done little. The retreats were the only positive change their father had begun. And it did nothing to help their clients.
"Ya know what?" Gabriel snapped loud, stopping everyone. "You bunch of heartless bastards have a price to pay for your lack of humanity. Each and every one of you deserve the hell that awaits you."
Everyone sat silent. Even Luc wore no grin.
"I know enough about this company to sink it. And you all deserve it. You deserve what's coming to you."
"Gabriel," Raphael intoned, "Do not do this."
"Too late, bro. You had your chance."
Gabriel stood up to leave.
"Gabriel, come on," Luc tried to appease. "We can take the Parker case under review.
"You do that Luc. Not that that will make me stay. But maybe you won't actually burn in hell if you change your ways."
"Gabriel," Azazel said, "we will be on the phone to an attorney before you make it out the door. Your threats are meaningless."
Gabriel leaned down on the table onto his hands, glaring into Azazel's eyes. "Try me."
"Gabriel," their father said stonily, "if you walk out that door, you will be cut off from the family."
Gabriel nodded. "Lots of love to you too, Pops."
"No!" Castiel shot up from his chair. "Father, don't do this!"
"Sit down, Castiel," Luc said sternly with no humor. "We own you. Don't even try."
"This is wrong," Castiel said, his hopes sunk and his only ally in his entire family leaving.
"Sit, Castiel," their father said.
Castiel sat. Luc's words were true. His family owned him. Quite literally. He gave Gabe an imploring look.
"No worries, baby bro," Gabe grinned sadly. "We'll meet again."
"Not in this world," Luc scoffed.
Gabe winked at Castiel and he was gone. Cas slumped into his seat. He was defeated. Like always. His life was just one long string of defeats. He never felt more alone.
"Well," Luc smiled at the board, "that little temper tantrum will be dealt with. The family will discuss what we want to do and we will discuss things further tomorrow. Until then, please, let's move this party to the dining room.
Everyone nodded, scooting their chairs back and filing out of the room. Castiel sat with his head in his hands. He was trapped. And there were seven board members who chose to be here. "Bunch of fucking lemmings," he said under his breath. Some of them were just as evil as his father and brothers. Some just did anything to stay in their lofty positions. The last one to leave was Bella. She threw Castiel a pouting look to mock him.
He rolled his eyes and stood, staring out at the breath taking view. The world was full of such beauty. And such ugliness.
"Beautiful view, right?" Came a voice from behind him, making Castiel jump.
"Y-yes," he said. A teenage boy was busy in the room unhooking computer links.
"Do you work here?" Castiel asked, thinking he looked a bit young. He was tall. Taller than himself. Brown hair fringed around his ears and he shoved bangs out of his face, smiling. "Yep. My family owns the place."
"Oh. Family run, huh?"
"Yep." The teen stopped in front of him. "I'm Sam. Welcome to Angel's Landing." He smiled broadly and Castiel returned it.
"Thank you, Sam. It is truly beautiful here."
Castiel gathered his things and noticed Sam still watching him.
"Hope you don't mind me sayin, but you seem like maybe you could use a walk."
Castiel looked at him, squinting slightly. The thought of going to dinner made him feel ill. He could certainly use a walk. "I do."
"There is a lane leading down to the stables. Can't get lost there. You don't want to try any trails tonight. It'll be dark soon."
"Thank you, Sam. I will do that."
Castiel had gone to Gabriel's room, but he was already gone. Most likely he had paid someone a small fortune to drive him out of town. He went to his own room to change out of his suit. He wore cargo shorts, a t-shirt and sneakers. The lane leading to the stables was well marked and he took several deep breaths of the clean, fresh air. It was cleansing. He heard whistling and stopped along a fence to watch two men herd the horses into a smaller corral connected to the stable. It was harmonious to watch. The sun was dipping low and the horses moved easily, neighing and clustering at a door to get into the stable.
One of the men turned, seeing him there, watching. He waved and Castiel waved back. He suddenly felt like he was intruding into someone's personal life. He should be back at the resort. He turned to leave, walking a few steps, catching sight of the resort looming in front of him. He did not want to go back there. He stood still in the middle of the lane. He had no where to go. Gabe was gone.
"You doin okay there, sir?" Came a voice from beside him, making him jump.
"Y-yes," Castiel said, looking over and then up to an extremely handsome man in full cowboy gear, sitting atop a horse. "Oh my." 'He's average looking! You are NOT attracted to him!'
The man grinned, leaning his forearms down onto the horn of his saddle. The reigns were so loose that the horse had full control, but stood there watching Castiel as well. "You headed to the Landing?"
"No. Yes. I-" Castiel stammered. He looked away from the green eyes of the man talking to him. "I don't know."
The man nodded.
"I did not mean to disturb you. I was just walking," Castiel explained.
"No problem. Rough day?" He asked.
"Very." Castiel began walking toward the resort, the horse walking with him. The cowboy still leaning onto the saddle horn.
"Is everything okay at the Landing?"
Cas looked up at him and smiled. "Angel's Landing is wonderful. Are you related to the people that own it?"
"Yes, I am," he said, looking at the building ahead. If Castiel was not mistaken, there was a heaviness to that admission. "My grandparents on both sides went in together and combined my father's family's farm with my mother's family homestead. They built Angel's Landing."
Castiel nodded. "Is that not what you wish to do? Run this retreat?"
He tipped his chin with an apologetic grin. "Life is good man. Look at that view. It's my home. And always will be. Family business, ya know."
Castiel nodded. "Family business can be..." He shook his head unable to finish the sentence. He stopped walking, unable to bring himself to be any closer to his family. The horse stopped as well.
"I don't mean to interrupt you," Castiel said, glancing up at the real-life cowboy a mere two feet from him.
"It's no problem."
Castiel turned back toward the stable, the horse turning as well. He laughed.
"Ole Chopper likes you," he said, laughing at the horse who was watching Castiel intently.
Castiel stepped up to the fence, the horse putting its head over and allowing him to pet his silky muzzle.
"Well, maybe I will get to ride you tomorrow," Castiel said to Chopper. He glanced up, seeing a raised eyebrow on the tall cowboy. "Oh, I'm going for a trail ride in the morning."
The cowboy nodded, grinning and patting Chopper on his broad neck. "Chopper's not a guest horse. But I'll be sure you get a good one. Are you with the group of 12 I have in the morning?"
"I am."
"Well, I'll see you in the morning. My name's Dean."
Castiel smiled. "I'm Castiel."
"See you in the morning, Cas."
Castiel stepped back and watched as the cowboy loped away. He had to grin. The cowboy was hot. 'He is NOT hot. He is just doing his job! Oh who am I kidding? Okay, you can have exactly 2 minutes to think about him. Then it's over. Done.' Yeah, he was the hottest man he had ever seen. Cowboy hat, green eyes that were gorgeous, lean, toned body with muscular forearms that held the reigns and commanded horses with ease. And holy shit, the chaps. And a firm denim clad ass in those leather chaps. Boots. Real ones. Broken in and dirty with spurs on them. An easy smile. Castiel had to shake himself away from the fence rail. He walked back into the Landing with a dazed expression and a new layer of nervousness about tomorrow. Then he immediately began stuffing the thoughts deep down inside. He was not attracted to men. 'But THAT man, I mean, who could blame him? No, not attracted. Just a friendly guy. Yes. Courteous and friendly.' He went straight to his room, his heart still heavy. He closed his door and leaned against it. Dean the cowboy. Nice guy. Castiel gained a grip on his thoughts and feelings. 'You have other things to worry about.'
The next day began with a quick breakfast in the conference room. Having no dinner the night before, Castiel filled up quickly on jelly donuts and coffee. He had slept little, usual for him, with thoughts of Gabriel twisting and turning in his mind. His family was not ones to make enemies of. He worried for his brother. He had hoped that Gabe had made plans for a day like today. But knowing Gabe, it had been a spontaneous decision. He would help him however he could.
"Horseback riding?" Raphael said over his shoulder. "Do you think yourself funny, Castiel?"
"No, not particularly. You always tell me I have a lousy sense of humor, Raphael." Castiel met Raphael's glare equally.
"Don't think for one moment I will not cut your salary if you make a fool of me."
Castiel rolled his eyes. Raphael had cut his salary before. Only guilt and family obligation had him trapped into working for his family's company. And both were wearing thin.
"It'll be fine," Luc grinned. "Worst thing that can happen is you'll fall off and, oh, look like a fool."
"Thanks, Luc," Castiel grimaced.
"Anytime, bro." He clapped Castiel on the shoulder, wearing that evil grin he seemed to be born with.
They made their way down the path toward the stable by 8:30. They clustered around the stable entrance where Dean and another man waited for them. By the time all eleven were mounted, Castiel wished he could run away. His brothers and the other board members were a prudish, stuck up bunch. Castiel could see the exchanged looks between Dean and Bobby, the man helping Dean. Dean was friendly and professional, but much cooler with the others than he was with Castiel. Castiel had gotten a stone grey mare with black mane and tail. A beautiful creature. Castiel felt more comfortable than he had expected in the wide western saddle. He wandered with his mare, Jewel, around the paddock, practicing stopping, going and turning. Bella was a natural, proving quite flashy on a sleek black gelding. Luc and Raphael looked uncomfortable, but were holding their own.
"Alright folks," Dean called. "Follow me, stay on the trail, and let's have a fun, safe ride today. I'm taking you to two scenic points today. The first will take about fifteen minutes to get there. The second will take about twenty. We will be back to Angel's Landing in an hour."
They filed out of the paddock, the horses steady and reliable to the novice riders. Castiel watched as the scrub grass terrain quickly turned to reddish rock and dirt. As they filed along narrow passes, the path would open up suddenly, revealing a canyon that was deep and held layers of cliffs. His horse was sure and steady, allowing him to watch the scenery easily. His father had not come for the ride, stating it was not necessary.
As the group filed away from the first point, Dean came to walk beside him on Chopper.
"Morning, Cas."
Castiel grinned at the nickname. No one had ever called him that. Gabe called him Cassie when they weren't around their parents.
"Good morning, Dean," Castiel answered.
"Enjoying yourself?"
Castiel marveled at how close Chopper walked with Jewel, making Dean's knee lightly touch his several times.
"Immensely," Castiel grinned, blushing at the close proximity.
"Good. I don't think everyone in your group is having a good time."
"I'm so sorry for their behavior. They are..."
"I get it," Dean grinned. "This isn't a vacation for everyone."
"Oh, but it is so beautiful here."
"Yeah, sure is. My mom used to tell me that little boys play in sand boxes, making castles. And angels played here, making canyons."
Castiel laughed softly. "That's an interesting theory. I like it."
"Where's the stupid leader guy?" They heard Alistair complaining from ahead.
"Guess I better get up there," Dean said, steering away a bit and speeding up to assist Alistair.
At the second point, Castiel sat in wonder, staring down into a cavern of red and brown striated cliffs. Every time he changed angles, it was like a new view. The sight was beautiful. He missed Gabriel. As he looked around at the group, he could tell that they were not as impressed or observant in the raw, rugged beauty around them. Castiel walked his horse over to Dean's. "Sorry about my brothers. And the rest of them for that matter. I know they can be a bunch of assholes."
Dean laughed. "Don't worry about it, man. We get people like this from time to time. Just not usually so many at once."
Castiel grinned. Dean always had a way of putting him at ease. "Besides," Dean said quietly, "the horses tell me all I need to know. Look at Jewel's ears. They're out to the sides and her eyes are calm. She likes you, therefore, I know you are a decent person. Look at the other horses ears."
Castiel followed his gaze. The other horses ears twitched forward to back, pinning every so often. "What do the horses tell you about them?"
"That they're assholes." Dean winked at him and Castiel laughed.
As the board members finished taking photos, they began to wind their way back to the stables. The ride only took an hour. Castiel was sad to see it end. He had really enjoyed himself. He wondered if he could ever fit horseback riding into his insanely busy schedule back home. Doubtful.
He was the last one still mounted and the others were heading back to the resort.
"Time to give her back," Dean called from beside him. He was standing on the ground and from Castiel's high perch on Jewel, looking down on him, Castiel wondered at his soft, pink lips. They looked absolutely delicious. 'Stop that. Don't look at his lips!'
Castiel dismounted and handed Dean the reigns. "Thank you, Dean." He glanced over his shoulder. "Thank you for handling the others so well. They are a difficult group."
"No problem." The pair held a gaze for a moment. Then Dean cleared his throat, looking at Jewel. "So, I'm training this new horse. I have to practice trail riding with her. Would you like to come along? I mean, since you had so much fun today."
Castiel could feel his face light up. "Yes! That would be great! When?"
"Tomorrow morning. Really early. Like six?" Dean said taking a few steps from Castiel.
"Okay. I'll be here."
Dean nodded and left with Jewel. Castiel headed for Angel's Landing. He was excited to ride again tomorrow. And to see Dean. 'No, just the horseback riding! You are such an idiot, Castiel!'
When he got to his room, Luc stood waiting at his door. "You are needed for a quick family meeting, little brother," Luc said, grin wide.
Castiel nodded, following Luc back to the meeting room.
His father sat at the head of the table, Luc took the seat to his right, Raphael on his left. Castiel sat reluctantly next to Luc.
Raphael looked at their father. "All of Gabriel's assets have been frozen. He is no longer legally allowed in either of his homes and all his cars are being repossessed as we speak. Word of his drunken misbehavior at the retreat, resulting in his termination has already spread at the main company."
"Drunken misbehavior? Gabriel was not-"
"You are here to listen," Raphael said coldly.
Castiel sat back. The ruin of Gabriel Novak had begun. The spread of lies and rumors. The financial shut down.
Luc cleared his throat, "All passwords have been changed at work and home. His badges will not work at any location."
"And where has he gone?" Their father asked.
Raphael and Luc exchanged a glance. "No idea yet, father. But we will find him," Luc said firmly.
"Castiel," their father said, "if you know anything about where your brother has gone, it would behoove you to share any and all information."
Castiel squinted in thought. He had felt somewhat hurt that Gabriel took off and had not told him where he was going. Maybe this was why. For as impulsive and flippant as Gabriel could appear, he was extremely smart and cunning.
"I have no idea where Gabe is. But father, please be kind. He left because he, like me, want better health insurance coverage for our clients."
"YOU DO NOT RUN THIS COMPANY AND NEVER WILL!" Roared Raphael.
Castiel felt himself shrink into his chair.
Luc put an arm around Castiel's shoulders, leaning into his ear, making Castiel close his eyes and grit his teeth. He could feel the heat of Luc's breath into his ear as he said, "Behave now, little brother. You know you need to tell us all you know."
"I don't know anything!" Castiel said low.
"Nothing?"
"No."
Luc reached over and toyed with Castiel's earlobe. "If we find out you are protecting Gabriel-"
"I'm not."
"Or helping him,"
"I won't."
"Then you know what happens. Our youngest brother gets put up for closed adoption."
"I'm not helping him, Luc!" Castiel waved Luc's hand away from his ear and stood up.
"If you help him in any way or do not report seeing or being contacted by him, little Jimmy goes away. And you will never find him, Castiel."
Castiel sat back down. He smoothed his face into a cold look. "Threaten all you want. I am not helping Gabriel."
All three men stared at him coldly.
"Are we done?" Castiel stood, his gaze locked on a random craggy cliff out the window.
"We're done," Luc said smoothly.
Castiel left the room, striding quickly out of the resort and down the lane toward the stable. How many times could they threaten to send Jimmy away? How long could they hold his little brother over his head? And they already worked so hard to turn him against Castiel. Not that it worked.
He strode past the stables and back a lane that was hilly. He felt sick. Light headed even. He was glad for Gabriel's escape from their family, but now they had Castiel even tighter under their thumb. Defeated. Again.
"Hey there," came a woman's voice.
Castiel turned to see a red pick up truck sitting next to him in the lane. He had not even heard it approach.
"Y-yes?" He said.
"Need a lift son? This is private property back here. Hiking trail starts at the bottom of the lane."
She was a beautiful blonde. She looked relaxed and not angry at Castiel for being where he should not be.
"I am so sorry. I just started walking..." Castiel began.
"No problem, hon. Can I give you a lift back?"
Castiel nodded and got into the truck.
"I'm Mary. My family runs this place."
"Nice to meet you, Mary. Is Sam your son then? I met him yesterday."
"Yep. That's my boy."
"He is very mature. He was the one who told me to walk back here. Sorry, I guess I got carried away."
"Those red cliffs will draw you in. Mind your feet when walking out here."
Castiel smiled and nodded.
"You here with the business group?" She asked.
"Yes." Castiel grimaced at the disgust so easily heard in that one word. 'Pin your smile on, Castiel. They own you.'
"Do you like the meeting room?" She asked softly.
"Oh yes. The view is amazing."
"I'm glad. Oh, I need to stop here a second," she said off handed, pulling over at the stable.
She rolled her window down and hollered, "Hey John, where's Dean?"
A man with sharp eyes pointed to the stable.
She turned back to Castiel. "Want to come in the stable with me? I just need to give my son a message."
"Sure," Castiel said.
He followed her through a large sliding door that stood open at the end of the stable. The smell of sweet hay, horse, and leather filled Castiel's nose. The first six stalls on either side stood empty. They were clean and neat. The next ten on either side held horses. Some doors were closed, but most only had a rope across the door.
Castiel felt his heart flutter as Dean stepped out of a stall, small pitch fork in hand.
"Hey, Mom," Dean said, then catching sight of Castiel, his grin widened. "Hey, Cas."
"Hello, Dean," Castiel smiled back.
"The vet called. He will be here around 2:00 to look at Macey and the foals."
"Alright. Then tell Sam he needs to take the 1:00 group out."
"Will do."
"So, whatcha doin with Cas?" Dean asked.
"Oh," she smiled, "I found him walking back our lane."
Dean shook his head, grin playing across his mouth. "I take it your business retreat is still not going well."
"No," Castiel said, looking down the stable aisle to try to hide just how terribly it was going.
"Wanna help run feed for the cattle?" Dean asked, eyes the greenest Castiel had ever seen.
"Uh, sure, but I don't want to be any trouble."
"S no trouble. Glad for the company," Dean grinned.
"Well, you boys have fun!" Mary grinned, kissing Dean's cheek. "I'm off to Tropic for groceries."
Castiel watched as Mary left. "Your mother is very kind."
"Yeah," Dean said, busy scooping the last of the manure from the stall he was in.
Castiel edged closer to the stall door. "And I guess I met your brother yesterday. Sam?"
"Oh yeah? Nerdy kid, right?" Dean laughed good naturedly.
"Very helpful kid," Castiel grinned.
Dean ducked the rope, coming out of the stall. He put the pitch fork away and wheeled the wheel barrow out into the aisle.
Castiel worried his hands, worrying that he was being a nuisance.
"Wait right there," Dean called, ducking into a doorway. He returned almost immediately, holding up a set of keys.
"Come on, Cas. Let's go feed some cattle."
Castiel could feel himself grinning. He followed Dean to a large white truck with hay piled in the bed.
The two men climbed inside the truck, Dean starting the engine. "So, I met your mom and your brother," Cas said, nerves easing a bit at Dean's relaxed posture and easy grin.
"My dad is John, ya probably passed him on your way into the stable, he was fixing a tractor. I have another brother, Adam. He's bringing cattle in from the western field. My mom's parents, Samuel and Deana run the resort."
"I met them too!" Cas grinned.
Dean nodded. "Then you know my whole family. Oh, you met my uncle Bobby. He runs the stables and I do all the work." He laughed and threw Castiel a wink.
"So, the only ones you haven't met are Adam and my aunt Ellen, Bobby's wife. You'll meet her if you go...well, hell, I might as well take you to meet her. Full package deal."
"No really," Castiel blushed, "I am being a total pain in your ass, I'm sure."
"No, no. Trust me. Ellen is pure gold. And you give me an excuse to take a break at lunch time."
Dean stopped the truck at a gate, hopping out. Castiel followed him.
"If you show me what to do, I can help," he said.
"You're all right, Cas." Dean showed him how to unlock the chain lock and swing the gate open. Dean moved the truck through and stopped, waiting for Castiel to jump back in the truck after shutting and relocking the gate.
"Man, I'm gonna get spoiled," Dean laughed.
"This is fun!" Castiel laughed.
Castiel opened three more gates along the way. Dean taught him how to throw hay bails into the fields getting the cows their meal. Last bail thrown and last gate locked, Castiel ran his forearm across his sweaty forehead. "You do this every day?" Castiel asked.
"Every day. Not so far out in winter."
Castiel pulled the leather work gloves off and laid them on the seat in between them. Dean pulled a red bandana out of his shirt pocket, handing it to Castiel.
"Thanks." He mopped his forehead and back around his neck. He was sure his unruly hair was everywhere. He huffed a laugh. "That was awesome!"
Dean grinned as the truck rumbled down route 12. "Did you good, I think. You look a lot better. I mean, more relaxed."
Dean turned into a small building Castiel never would have noticed along the road.
The sign above read, 'Harvelle's Roadhouse'.
"This is Ellen's bar. Been in her family for years. Come on in."
It was dim inside and cool. Music played softly in the background. Waylon Jennings, if Castiel had to guess.
"Hey, Ellen," Dean called to the lady standing behind the bar.
"Dean," she smiled.
Bobby came out from the back. "Hey, boy, what you doin loafin off in the middle of the day?"
"You leave that poor boy be," Ellen sassed him.
"Poor boy, my ass," Bobby grinned, slapping Dean on the back. They were gruff people, Ellen, Bobby and John. Castiel could see he got a bit of that from that family and the kind grin from his mother and those green eyes from his grandmother, Deana. Whom he must be named after.
"Bobby, you remember Cas from this mornings ride. Ellen, this is Cas."
"Nice to meet you, Cas." Ellen gave Dean a look. "You been workin the guests, Dean?" She said with an edge to it.
"Hey, Cas here is wound up tighter than a nine day clock. He offered, I took him along to feed cattle."
"Really," Cas defended quickly, "I had more fun today than I've had in years!"
Ellen nodded. "Alright then, what can I get ya?"
"Beer," Cas said.
"Same," Dean grinned.
Ellen poured two glasses and stepped away.
"She's a bit intimidating," Cas leaned over and whispered.
Dean chuckled. "Abso-friggin-lutely."
Castiel practically guzzled his beer sitting the glass down for more.
"How old are you?" Dean asked.
"24. You?"
"21."
Castiel nodded. Ellen refilled his beer. "Any food, hon?"
"Best burgers anywhere," Dean whispered loudly.
"Burgers it is," Castiel grinned.
Ellen nodded, a lingering grin playing on her lips. "Comin up."
"So you're the oldest of your brothers?" Cas asked.
"Yep. Sam is 17, leaving for college in a few weeks, and Adam is 13. I feel like you know my whole life story and I know nothin bout you." Dean's green eyes ran down Castiel's neck and chest, returning to his eyes, one corner of his mouth lifting in a small grin. Castiel could not stop himself from doing the same.
"My father runs the biggest health insurance company in the United States. My...I have three older brothers, Luc, Raphael, and Gabriel. I have one younger brother named Jimmy. He's only two."
"Huh, sounds like Jimmy was a surprise," Dean grinned.
"Yeah," Castiel said dryly. "We're all adopted. 'Bred for failure, raised to succeed', or so mother liked to say."
They sat quietly a moment, Ellen bringing their burgers and fries.
"Your family sounds complicated," Dean said quietly.
"Yes. Very. So what's it like here during winter?" Castiel asked, relieved when Dean let the subject of his family drop and talked about how he had a small apartment in Arizona he lived in during winter months. Bobby ran the stables mostly then. All too soon, their burgers were gone. Dean dropped Castiel off at the hotel in time for him to join the group hike.
Two hours later, Castiel took a deep breath, slowing his breath from a steep section of trail. The sun blazed and the heat felt heavy and dry. He could feel the effects of being at a high altitude in the mountainous area. He was currently overlooking a magnificent view. Only five other board members made it as far as he did.
"Came by your room earlier today," Bella said quietly next to him. "You were nowhere to be found."
Castiel took a small step away from her, which she quickly corrected. "I was busy. What did you need?"
"I was concerned for you," she grinned sticky, sickeningly sweet.
"No. You were not," Castiel said, making brief eye contact. "You wanted to know what was said at the meeting with my family."
She glanced at the canyon. "Did they talk about who they will replace Gabe with?"
Castiel shook his head. "Go away, Bella."
He took a last glance of the lonely beauty of the canyon and headed back down the trail. This section of canyon was at a lower elevation and a thin-treed forest covered the slopes. The petrified wood looked like trees frozen in time. Their brown bark hard as rock. He read the plaques explaining the phenomenon.
He zoned out the complaints and work talk, taking in the dried wood, cactus, wildlife, and the never ending colors. He ended the trail, sweating and exhausted.
After a twenty minute ride in the van, where Castiel kept earbuds in and music playing to drown out his coworkers, he felt he had successfully dodged his brothers and coworkers.
Back at Angel's Landing, Castiel made his way to his room for a much needed shower. He dropped into bed that night, excited to see Dean in the morning. 'No, you're excited to go horseback riding! Dean has nothing to do with it.'