Dean entered the meeting hall with a small smile on his face, the taste of his breakfast and Cas's lips lingering on his tongue. The doors were already pulled open, allowing for the cool breeze to pass through. His closest were already there, lounging in their seats waiting for their Conri. Keelie was listening intently to something Kevin was speaking rather passionately about. The soft smile on her face was endearing and made Dean smile himself. Motherhood did that girl wonders. She had also tamed the two beasts that were at a constant war inside her. The Shaman and the wolf were finally at peace with each other and it made all of them breathe easier. They still had no idea how she overcame her infertility...maybe the old gods took pity on how much they took from her already?

Benny sat leaning back in his chair, eyes closed and his head slightly moving to the beat of a song playing on their beat up radio. Pam was next to him, her hair up in a tight pony tail as she hummed along with the song. Sam was flipping through one of his note books while nodding to something their father was talking about while Bobby just rolled his eyes next to him. Dean grinned and made his presence known with the loud thumping of his boots.

"Mornin son...how's Cas doin?" John asked warmly. His father was loving his retirement, especially with how much more time he got to spend with Mary. Being his parents, it should kinda gross him out but when he really thought about it, he was just so insanely happy he still had the two of them. His mother was amazing with his kids and even took on some of the lessons. John still wanted to keep busy and with the help from Bobby, worked on keeping the perimeter safe.

"He's doing great...wants to jump right back into it but I'm forcing him to relax," Dean huffed. His pack mates all laughed at that, a loud slap on his shoulder from Benny.

"Oh yeah...like you can force him to do anything? And how much did you beg exactly?" Sam teased. Dean grinned, shaking his head a bit. He opened his mouth to retort when Charlie came bustling in with her laptop.

"Morning, sorry I'm late," she said a little breathlessly. Dean gave her a little hug before letting her take her seat.

"Alright...we're missing a few people but I wanna get this started. Next week is our full moon, Harvest. I've already got confirmation that Colorado is in fact coming, they'll be arriving the morning of the first night. I know...I really have nothing to worry about with you guys but...there are some with loose tongues...this is a pack run by a woman," Dean said seriously. His eyes met with every single one of them and sighed with relief that not one made even a motion to make a jibe.

"Wow...did she..." Charlie started, her eyes wide.

"She fought and won...from what Cas told me is that her husband was going to challenge but mysteriously died the morning of the fight. With nothing to loose, she challenged instead. They all underestimated her...she actually won," Dean said with a small astounded laugh. When he had first heard about it, he shamefully had disregarded it. That it was a fluke of some sort. When he got a verbal beating from his mate...he really thought about it. It would be like his own mother fighting in John's stead. He remembered how scary she looked that night Naomi directly insulted them. The woman from Colorado was an Alpha...he'd probably run from the ring with his tail firmly between his legs.

"How did the rest of her pack take it?" Benny asked softly. Dean snorted, his hand smoothing down his face.

"Oh she had the ones in league with the pack master executed right then and there. She's been Conri...well...whatever term they use for Wolf Queen for about 6 years now. They've been prosperous ever since and when Cas went to visit...they were more than thrilled with our proposal," Dean said, a huge smile growing on his face. Cas had been right about Dean not coming on these trips...his mate had this way about him that let people trust him. It wasn't like it was a lie or anything...but others were drawn to him, wanted to discuss their ideas and craved his support. Everyday he was so damn proud of his mate...his father had been right (and he had gladly accepted this truth), Dean was the arm candy in this relationship. He had no idea where he would even be at this point without him.

"What shall the punishment be if someone does say something...insulting?" Charlie asked with a sneer. Dean grinned, tapping his chin in thought for a second.

"I'll let you decide that Char...I'm sure you can think of something creative," Dean answered. Charlie gave him a wink before booting up her computer. Dean sat down, silently thanking Sam for the sudden appearance of a bottle of water in front of him.

"Ok...so everyone knows that I've been working on a more...effective security system. It won't take place of our perm guards completely, but it will bring them closer and give us a better head start if there is trouble. So...I think I figured it out but...it's gonna cost money Dean..." Charlie said biting her bottom lip, her olive green eyes wide. It was quiet for a moment before Dean cleared his throat.

"I know we were struggling a few years ago...with everything that happened and loosing the club. But we're doing very well now. Especially with having now two clubs, the contracts for building more sanctuaries, and our other investments...whatever you need Charlie...I think this is important to splurge on," Dean said. Everyone around the table let out an audible sigh, tense shoulders relaxing. There was a pat on his shoulder and he didn't need to look to know it was his father.

"Ok...ok that's...that's perfect. So, the way I have figured it out, is that we'd rig wireless motion detectors around the same path that our perm guards already use...but spread it out, make it cover a lot more distance. Those, would alert the cameras, kicking them on the second they are triggered. We'll need someone here to monitor them...it would also alert our guards. I also have something that will alert us if one of our guards don't check in at the regular interval...or when the sensors are triggered," Charlie explained, a satisfied grin on her face. Dean stared at her for a moment before nodding his head.

"Sounds amazing...you set up the team you need...I think either Bobby or my father would be good at taking charge of the home base. If you need a room added to this hall, let me and Benny know and we'll take care of it. I think maybe also Benny should also have access to this checking in program...especially when monitoring the pit," Dean said. Charlie nodded eagerly, her fingers flying across her keyboard to add some notes.

"Dean...that was an accident," Benny growled out. If it had been anyone else, maybe Dean would have taken it as a challenge or the beginnings to an argument but he knew his best friend. He knew how much the guilt still nagged at him sometimes.

"I know that Benny...but I am not taking that chance anymore. You're family...we protect what is ours. No matter the cost," Dean said. Benny met his eyes and nodded, the both of them sharing a small smile.

"Ok...Sam...any news from Victor or our friends?" Dean asked. Sam cleared his throat, glancing down at his notebook.

"All is well with our friends. Luke and Lyra both want to come run with us again but I told them I'd talk with you first, not knowing if that other pack was gonna come or not," Sam said.

"Tell them next month...I want our prime focus on this pack...I want them to become our allies," Dean stated. Sam nodded and quickly wrote something down.

"In regards to Victor, he's loving his new position as chief of police in our area. The other hunters are happy and are even wanting to help us out even more. Last time I talked to Tara she's been helping our Pamela in the club. So...everything's good. Oh, and Victor wants to have a catch up meeting with you after the full moon," Sam said. Dean nodded, a wave of content washing over him.

He'll never forget the night he officially became Conri...looking out and seeing the hunters...their new allies. His father had expressed his fears before that night but Dean had faith...and he had never been more grateful that he had been right. After the amazing success of their joint effort...the hunters in their area realized not all monsters bled the same. The understanding and friendship between the two grew rapidly and so strong, the wolves barely had to do anything when other hunters came sniffing.

Their alliance didn't become real until a new group came into Oregon, investigating the claim of a huge were wolf pack. They didn't make it a full day before their allies shut them down, promptly kicking them straight out of their state. Dean felt like a little kid getting his favorite toy...he was just that fucking happy that they were working together.

And that his family was finally...safe. John had been speechless when Victor gave them the news.

"I told you'd be the best Conri...better than any of us combined," John said that night, his face brightening with a proud smile.

They sat around discussing small things here and there once all the important business was out of the way. As per usual, they stayed far too long and soon the hall was being filled by the noise of their mates bringing them lunch. Dean grinned wide as the little ones who could walk, were trying to help as best as they could. Leeloo handed him a soda and whined up at him pathetically.

"What's wrong baby girl?" Dean asked pulling her up on his lap. She hid her face in his chest and clung to him. He frowned up at Cas who sighed with shake of his head.

"She just misses her daddy," Cas said leaning down to peck his lips. Dean grabbed the front of his shirt to keep him there, the warm soft press of his mouth too addicting. Cas snickered, nipping at his bottom lip before pulling away. Dean lifted his daughter's chin with a finger and raised a questioning brow at her.

"Can we go for a walk later?" she asked softly. Dean smiled and kissed her forehead, hugging her close to him.

"Of course...but...you have to do something for me though? Think you can do that?"

"Of course I can! What?" she asked looking at him with those bright green eyes. He had never noticed before and he was utterly awe struck at the little specs of blue. Swallowing down the sudden thud of his heart he grinned, brushing back her dark curls.

"You have to smile for me...can you do that princess?" Dean asked. She pretended to be put out by the idea only to beam up at him. He tickled her, asking her how she got so much of her daddy Cas's sass. She kissed him on the cheek before squirming out of his lap to chase after Rhia and Oz.


Castiel stayed and listened in on the idle chatter for a little while, his place in Dean's lap making it very hard to get back up. He did eventually, especially when Leeloo decided it would be fun to chase Rhia and Oz while in puppy form. Dean's arms wrapped around him to keep him in place, his face pressing into the crook of his neck.

"Stay..." Dean whispered. Cas sighed, his body sagging against his mates. Part of him wanted to relax and stay put right where he wanted...but the other part knew there were things to be done. He turned his face slightly to catch Dean's lips with his in a very soft kiss, neither of them barely moving. Just the pressure and the gentle brush of breath on their skin made them feel whole.

"Find me after your meeting...love you," Cas whispered pecking his lips once more before reluctantly crawling out of Dean's lap. He scooped up their daughter, dipping her down so Dean could blow a raspberry on her neck.

"Love you both," Dean said with a warm smile, his green eyes just slightly glowing. Cas followed the others, allowing his daughter to chase Rhia and Oz again. This time, Keelie was with them, her arm wrapping around his waist as her head settled on his left shoulder.

"It's so good to be home twin...after that last visit...I don't ever want to leave," she said with a sigh. Cas nodded, his right hand going behind him to grasp his sister's arm. He didn't even want to think about the last visit...and really didn't want to talk to Dean about it. There was a pinched feeling in his chest that came every time he saw Zane's grayish eyes in his head. It had terrified him...more than he liked to admit. The nightmares that followed that night had been even worse...

"Hey...you're ok Castiel," Keelie whispered, stopping them just before they reached the main house. Cas anxiously looked around for his daughter, his heart calming when he saw her still playing with her cousin. Rhia was on the steps watching them calmly, a hint of a smile on her lips.

"I know...I just can't...shake it. Seeing how they treated their Omegas...even their women? Keelie...if any state needs a sanctuary...it's them," Cas hissed, fingers running through his messy hair. Keelie sighed heavily with a jerky nod.

"I agree...but we can't. Zane could...and most definitely would challenge us if we even tried. And that would be defeating our purpose of peace among the packs..." she said. Cas shook his head, swallowing down the rise of his panic...a gentle hand pressed against his heart and he relaxed back against his sister. A blanket of warmth settled over him, bringing the scent of family and pack to his senses. His limbs decompressed and when he finally opened his eyes, all he saw in front of him was his daughter...the muffled cries of his son coming down from the house.

"This is our home Castiel...no one can take it from us. We are protected not only by our Conri...or the technology Charlie has created...but by the gods as well. You have brought that back to us brother...you," Keelie's voice was strong, the hum of her power edging her words. She turned him to face her and he wasn't surprised to see the familiar swirl of moonlit silver in her eyes. She cupped the side of his face and he pressed into it.

"Feel better?" She asked, the hum gently slipping away. Castiel took in a deep breath, giving her a genuine smile.

"Yes...thank you. Come on, we need to go see Gabriel," Castiel said taking her hand. Leeloo waved at them before crashing into the house with the other two. He raised his face to see Mary watching them with a fond smile, his son cradled in her arms.


No one blamed Dean for his moments of spacing out...all of them understood the extremely strong bond he had with his mate...and when his anxiety spiked, it always effected him as well. The others would simply carry on with their business until Dean slowly came back to them, giving them a slight nod. He had been so sure that he wouldn't be able to feel Castiel while he was in other states, but it only seemed to be stronger. Something had happened during the last visit, but no one had told him what yet. He knew Castiel would tell him...he just didn't like being left out in the dark knowing something was scaring his mate.

Dean shook himself out of the haze and cleared his throat, diving back into the conversation.

"Tracy is new...we don't even know if we can trust her yet," Sam argued, his bitch face in full force. Dean frowned, his attention swinging to Garth who had joined them during their lunch break.

"So are the two others...but since their Omegas we can trust them right off the bat correct?" Garth shot back, his brows rising, baiting his younger brother. Sam sputtered for a few moments before sinking back in his chair. Dean chuckled, reaching over to pat him on the shoulder.

"I'm not saying we shouldn't be leery...but she's strong and really wants to contribute...we need more trackers Dean," Garth said looking at him. Dean chewed on his lip...the fierce determination on Tracy's face when it came to anything regarding the two other girls...it was the same for him when his family was threatened. And the mere fact that she had been able to keep not only two Omegas hidden...but one in full swing of their heat. That was amazing.

"If Tracy wants too then by all means...yes. I know we've had issues...but if we can't start trusting people...then why bother trying to save the ones we can? Just make sure she understands though...she breaks our laws...any of them...her fate will be decided by Benny, Keelie, and myself," Dean said. Garth gave him his signature goofy smile and nodded.

"How are Nancy and Ava doing?" he asked.

"They're doing just fine, in fact, Nancy is already asking for work as well. Don't you need some help organizing your shit pile of a house Kevin?" Pam grinned over at their scribe, batting her eye lashes. Kevin scoffed, his face turning down to stare at the wood table. Dean grinned...knowing all to well how much of a disaster Kevin's cabin was. The young Beta blushed thought there was a hint of a smile. Dean made a mental note to speak with Nancy later. Even if nothing came of it, maybe the girl could get Kevin to come out of his shell just a bit.

The meeting went on for a little while longer, the necessities clear out of the way and pleasant conversation taking its place. Dean was barely listening, the need to be near his mate was growing steadily. He nodded to the others, making his leave silently. Most of them would remain to catch up. They usually only met in the beginning of the week...with everyone so wrapped up (blissfully and peacefully) in their own lives, it was hard to keep up with the others. Though it should make him a little sad he wasn't as close to his brother or some of the others like he was a few years ago...it made him content just knowing they were here. Happy and safe.

He made his way towards the house, the echoes of the little one's laughter in the air making him smile wide.


Castiel knocked at his older brother's cabin to be met with a surly Krissy, her hand pressing against her rather large belly. He tried to give her a gentle smile but she just huffed at him, waddling towards the kitchen. Keelie giggled next to him, pulling him into the house towards Gabriel's office.

"Hey Gabey," Keelie announced as they entered the room; Gabriel raised a tired smile in greeting, beckoning them closer. They exchanged small hugs before moving to sit on the couches in the room.

"So...anything new?" Keelie asked softly, her eyes growing tight with worry. Cas swallowed hard, pulling his knees up to hug his arms around them. Whenever the others had their meetings...the three of them had this one...and no one else really knew about it. It wasn't like it was a huge secret...but their older siblings gave up, wanting to move on with their lives. But they couldn't...Balthazar was still one of them and it hurt more every day that he wasn't home with them.

A year had passed after that note had been written...and no word from their brother. Gabriel began the search by himself without telling the others. Castiel had found out from one of his notes left scattered on the desk. He informed his sister and the both of them wanted to help. They wanted to bring Balth home...they just couldn't find him. Every 4 months or so Gabe would find something. Cas still didn't understand why he was keeping away...why he refused to come home just to reconnect.

To meet his new family members at least. It hurt Castiel so deeply that Balthazar didn't even come back to meet Leeloo. Castiel loved his brother but he wanted closure with him more than he really wanted him back. Keelie just wanted their family together...and Gabriel felt the same as her.

Gabriel sighed, his bottom lip catching between his teeth, the gears in his head visibly turning and Cas couldn't help but hold his breath. His brother rose from his seat, walking quickly to his desk to snatch something up. He came back, handing a piece of paper that had obviously been folded up for a while. Castiel frowned, remaining silent as he glanced down at it.

"Oh Gods...when...when did you get this?" Cas hissed, the familiar cursive searing into his brain. It was Balthazar's writing...

"Krissy said it came a couple weeks ago...I...I was about to read it when you two came in..." Gabe answered. Keelie leaned in close, her breath catching when she realized who it was from as well.

"Dearest Gabriel...I am ok. I know you have been searching for me...and you can stop little brother. I have finally found what I want to do with my life...and please don't take this wrongly...but I don't wish to come home just yet. I know it's been years and I still have yet to meet the little ones but I feel as if this is where I must be right now. I love you and all our siblings.

But stop trying to find me Gabey...I don't want to come home. Love Balthazar." Castiel read, his voice turning rough and strained. Keelie stood up quickly, pacing the room as the air became tight with each of the their anger's rising. She let out a high pitch growl, throwing something at the wall. Castiel jumped, watching as it shattered, sprinkling to the floor.

"That selfish..son of a bitch! I'm done...if he doesn't want to give us just a fraction of his time...then fuck him. He's not worthy in meeting my son...or your children...I'm sorry but...I can't do this anymore," Keelie said, tears streaming down her face. Castiel swallowed down the huge knot forming in his throat before standing up, pulling his sister in for a tight hug. She sobbed into his shoulder, his fingers running through her long hair.

"Shhh...it's ok twin..." Cas soothed, his own watery eyes meeting Gabriel's. His heart twisted as Gabriel got up slowly, walking stiffly towards the drawer where he kept the folder containing any news on their wayward brother.

"Ok..." Gabriel said softly, moving towards his free standing iron fireplace. Keelie turned her head to watch as their brother lit it, taking out the papers from the binder and throwing them in once the fire was ablaze. Castiel's gut twisted...but he knew that Balthazar made his choice...and they had to make theirs. He held out an arm when Gabriel came closer, hugging both his siblings tightly.


Don't fret...this isn't the last we'll hear from Balthazar.