Chapter 10

I walked out onto the terrace after work several days later. "Hey Dean! I was just talking to Benny, and he wants to come over here this evening. That okay with you?'

Dean looked up from where he was planting some impatiens. "Benny—he's part of Lenore's uh, nest, right? Sure, I guess that's fine. Do I need to do anything special for dinner since he don't . . . yanno, eat?"

"No, he'll bring blood packs with him if he's hungry, like Lenore did. We just need some cold beers ready. He said he'll be over at eight after he's done with his shift."

"Alright. I should still have time to finish up out here and wash up before starting on dinner." He rubbed at some sweat on his forehead, leaving a dirty smear.

I stepped closer and wiped the dirt away, then bent down to give him a kiss. It hadn't been that long since I went to the club, and I was still quite full. But the freedom to kiss and touch the omega as often as I wanted remained new and heady, and I took advantage of any opportunity I could to show him my affection.

I buried my face in the crook of his neck and inhaled the mingled odors of earth, sweat, and his own sweet scent. "Mmm, you smell delicious! Think I could lick you clean?"

"Whoa there, cowboy! There'll be none of that risqué shit in front of these young, impressionable flowers—they ain't even been planted yet!" he said with a laugh as he playfully shoved me away.

I helped him with the gardens for a while before we both went off to shower and change. After a dinner of butter chicken and saffron rice, we settled in front of the TV in the living room to wait for our guest's arrival.

The doorbell rang soon after, and I let Benny in. "Hey Benny, I'm glad you decided to come for a visit. I've wanted to introduce you to Dean for a while now."

"Always happy to see you, old man," Benny responded with an easy smile. He turned to Dean, who'd gotten up and walked over. "And you must be the guy who's trying to make an honest man outta our philandering incubus here."

Dean shrugged, his cheeks a little flushed. "I dunno 'bout that. Me and Sam are just taking it slow and trying to get to know each other."

"Well, Charlie was practically raving with excitement after meeting you last week. Lenore also had several nice things to say, and Big Sis don't get impressed easily." The vampire extended a hand.

Dean grinned as he shook it. "Yeah, Charlie's pretty awesome. And Lenore seemed cool too. I gotta say, it's been taking some getting used to, realizing that not only are all these supernatural critters real, but that most of you are just regular folks."

Benny chuckled. "I can see how that could be hard to take in at first! I hope those of us you've met so far have made a good impression."

"Other than the assclowns at the Market! Anyways, you want a beer or something?" Dean headed towards the kitchen after Benny nodded.

I frowned slightly as I watched the two of them. Benny spoke in his usual amiable manner, but his eyes were hard and wary, and worry, anger, and a touch of fear lurked beneath his pleasant demeanor. Something was bothering him, something having to do with Dean. I decided to first give him a chance to get to know Dean a little better before confronting him.

"I picked up a copy of Dracula Has Risen from the Grave a few days ago. I'll hafta bring it with me the next time I'm here," Benny told me as we followed Dean. He then said to Dean, "Sam and I share a love for old horror films."

Dean's face lit up. "Like the old Hammer and Roger Corman flicks with Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Vincent Price? Man, those are awesome! I saw Sam has some of 'em in his collection."

"Then we definitely need to include you in our viewings," Benny said as he accepted a cold bottle from the younger man. "So how d'ya like living here with Sam?"

"It's been great for the most part. I've never stayed someplace as fancy as this apartment. And Sam . . . he's been amazing. He—he's been nicer to me than almost anyone else I've known." Dean looked down and fidgeted with his bottle cap. "If it weren't for the whole collared, can't-ever-leave thing, living here would be perfect."

I immediately put an arm around his shoulders and guided him back to the sofa. "I have to admit that I didn't fully consider the implications of buying a person before I went to the Food Market. I've been trying my best to do the right thing, but I'm still surprised at how well everything's been going so far. Dean is fully within his rights to be furious and to hate me, and yet he's been trying to make this work too."

Dean shrugged. "I still ain't accepting this whole slave shit, but it ain't entirely Sam's fault I'm in this predicament. Being mad and pissing him off don't help either of us, and it just don't feel right when he's been treating me so well."

"It certainly ain't an easy situation. Lenore and Charlie went through a similar mess before they worked it out," Benny commented. "So . . . they both mentioned you've been making some changes 'round here."

"And for the better! You know I've never been good with the domestic sort of stuff. Dean's been trying to make the apartment more inviting and comfortable, and you should see how much better the terrace looks! Not mention that he's an incredible cook!" I said enthusiastically.

Dean was blushing furiously. "Quit it, dude—it ain't that big a deal! It's just been some paint and cushions and flowers and shit."

"You've done a lot more than that, and you need to stop selling yourself short," I told him.

He rubbed the back of his neck self-consciously, his cheeks still pink. "Yeah, whatever. So Benny, whaddya do? Lenore mentioned your nest runs a blood bank. D'ya work there?"

"Our nest does own a blood bank and a couple other businesses, but other members manage those. I'm a police detective," the vampire said with a sharp grin. "Besides legitimate police work, I help maintain security for the community. If there was a 911 call involving a member, for example, the emergency dispatchers we control would make sure it was assigned to me or an officer like me. We then make sure that the issue is dealt with in a manner that doesn't endanger the community as a whole."

"Oh. So I guess calling the police in this city would be counterproductive if I actually wanted to get away." Dean shrugged nonchalantly and reclined against my arm. "What's your favorite Hammer film?"

This led to a discussion of horror films in general and Benny and I ranting about the inaccuracy of movie monsters. Dean eagerly contributed his movie geekdom and laughed at our mockery of classic monster tropes. Benny seemed to enjoy the conversation, but his gaze remained guarded whenever it rested on the omega.

Dean must've noticed as well, as he abruptly sat up in the middle of the exchange and glared at the vampire. "Okay, what the fuck is wrong with you, dude? You've been giving me the goddamn stinkeye ever since you got here! You got a problem with me 'cause I'm human or an omega or some stupid shit like that? I thought a friend of Sam's would be better than that."

Benny leaned back in his seat. "I ain't got an issue with what you are, man. But tell me, what d'ya know 'bout hunters?"

Dean's brow furrowed in confusion. "You mean the douchebags who dress up in camo on the weekends and try to blow away Bambi and Thumper? The ones who eat what they kill ain't so bad, I guess, but the dickwads who hunt for fucking trophies are a buncha—"

"I don't think that's what he's referring to," I interrupted gently. "Hunters are people who track down the supernatural and destroy it."

"Like—like Van Helsing or Hellboy?"

"Something like that, though not nearly as glamorous. They roll into town pretending to be FBI or US Marshals or whatever, investigating unexplained deaths or other unusual circumstances. They snoop around for a while until they think they know what's behind the phenomena which attracted their attention, and then they try to kill or banish it.

"The good ones only go after creatures who've hurt other people, but unfortunately most hunters are violent sociopaths who indiscriminately kill anything that's different. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone in the community who hasn't lost loved ones to these barbarians or doesn't know someone who has. Both of my parents were killed by hunters years ago," I replied.

Dean put a hand on my arm. "I'm sorry, Sam. Sounds like these hunters are bad fucking news for you guys!"

"They're probably our biggest threat. The community for the most part isn't as worried about exposure to the general public—most people who try to talk about us are dismissed as delusional quacks who either read too much Enquirer or are after their fifteen minutes of fame. But if hunters ever found out about this city or places like it, they could destroy us," I said somberly.

"I can see that. But what does this hafta do with me?"

Benny crossed his arms and eyed Dean skeptically. "You saying you don't know anyone like that, son?"

"Who, me?" Dean looked at him incredulously. "Man, 'til a few weeks ago I thought all this paranormal shit was just fairy tales. But I'm pretty sure I woulda noticed if someone I met thought they were the next Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

"What 'bout your foster father?"

"Bobby? Oh yeah, he's a hunter alright!" Dean laughed. "He takes down deer, pheasant, or whatever else is in season. Even tried to teach me once, but I wasn't interested in killing my own dinner. And sure, he's got those weird old books on myths and magic and shit. But if that makes him a monster hunter, then so is Sam!"

"I'm afraid you're wrong there, my friend. Your Bobby Singer is on a list of known hunters," Benny said. "After Lenore told me 'bout you and how Sam was so taken with you, I decided to check into your background for his sake. To make sure there were no nasty surprises that could—"

"Stop, Benny," I interrupted as Dean went pale and began to shake in panic. I squeezed his shoulders in reassurance before continuing. "I specifically told Lenore I didn't want anyone snooping into Dean's past. That's his business and his choice about what he wants to tell me."

"I didn't wanna take the risk of something biting you in the ass, so I looked anyway. And you should be glad I did, chief," Benny retorted grimly. "Most of your boy's history don't affect you, and you're welcome to wait on him to find out 'bout it. But the old man set off more than a few alarms.

"Took a bit of time to double-check, since Robert Singer ain't an uncommon name. But I was able to match up pictures and other info on his Bobby to what we got on file 'bout the hunter. Which then begs the question 'bout how much does Dean here really know?"

"You're full of shit!" Dean said indignantly. "I lived with Bobby for years, and I never saw any sign of . . . Sonofabitch!"

"What is it, Dean?" I asked in concern.

His eyes had gone wide. "I can't believe I never fucking noticed before . . . He's got this row of phones in his kitchen with labels like police, FBI, Marshals, and I never questioned when he said he did some dispatching on the side. He has all these weapons stashed all over the house—different types of guns and blades, including some pretty exotic shit—but he ain't a gun nut or militia type. Plus there's a lotta religious and mystical crap lying around, even though he ain't a devout anything. And the people who'd come by, his 'hunting buddies' . . . some of 'em are cool, if a little weird, but others are the sort I'd never think he'd hang with."

I put a reassuring arm around Dean's shoulders and then stared at Benny challengingly, fangs bared. "Dean didn't know, Benny. He didn't know about the supernatural or the community until he was brought here, and he didn't know about Bobby until just now. I can tell he's not faking his astonishment, then or now. So back off."

The vampire raised his hands placatingly. "Calm down, Papa Bear—I ain't trying to threaten your cub here! If you believe him, then I'll back your play. But it still don't change the fact that his adopted daddy is a hunter, and that can mean a whole world of hurt for us if the man gets wind of what's truly going on here. Has Dean had any contact with him?"

"Yeah, I've let Dean call Bobby a few times. I've listened in on each conversation, and there's been nothing incriminating—they mostly talk about cars, mutual acquaintances, and what Dean's been doing. He's never tried to tell Bobby where he was or what had really happened to him. And don't bother asking—I'm not cutting him off from the only family he has left," I replied.

Benny sighed. "That's your call, Sam. But it ain't gonna make things easier for either of you when Alastair gets wind of this. You know it's only a matter of time before he finds out, and he ain't gonna be so understanding."

"Let him bluster. He won't have any proof of wrongdoing and therefore no basis to take any action against us," I said dismissively. "If he needs a target, let him go after the fools at the Food Market. Their 'careful' background check didn't turn this or other information up, probably because they got too greedy to do their proper due diligence after getting their hands on an omega of Dean's quality."

"Who the hell is Alastair?" Dean asked, looking back and forth between us.

"Alastair is a member of the Council and the head of the Security Commission. They enforce the laws of the community, including the ones governing people in your situation," I told him. "Alastair pays particular attention to those he considers a potential flight or exposure risk."

"Not to mention he's a high-ranking demon and an all-around nasty sonofabitch," Benny added. "It's lucky for you the Market folks didn't find out 'bout Bobby while you were still in their custody. If they had, Alastair likely woulda had you put down and your body dumped back where they first found you."

"Fortunately he didn't then, and I'm not going to let him do anything now," I said firmly. "You're under my protection, and Alastair will need a hell of a lot more justification to get my permission to even talk to you. I told you I'd keep you safe, and I meant that!"

"I appreciate that. And I get that this thing with Bobby complicates things. I want you to know that as much as I wanna see him again, I—I don't wanna do anything that could get you hurt or killed, Sammy. So I ain't gonna tell him anything 'bout what's really going on here, okay? But . . . if this Alastair dude is such a scary bastard, how are you gonna stop him?" Dean looked at me anxiously.

"Alastair still has to follow the rules like anyone else, and under those rules simply knowing a hunter isn't enough of a security risk to warrant any action on his part. Particularly if I object to it," I answered. "And I have ways to counteract his clout. So don't worry about him."

"Are you gonna tell Alastair 'bout what you found out?" Dean asked Benny. "Seeing as how you're part of his security system and all."

"Nah, this ain't part of my job description. It was something I did on my own time, so there's no reason for him to know 'bout it. He'll find out on his own soon enough." Benny stood. "I should get going, before Big Sis starts to worry 'bout where I'm at. I wanted to give you the head's up before any trouble appeared. And Dean, no hard feelings, alright? I'm just trying to look out for Sam here."

Dean studied the other man for a moment before nodding and extending his hand. "I can respect that, man. Next time, bring the movie, and maybe we can get to know each other properly."

Benny gave him a small but genuine smile and shook his hand. "I can get behind that, my friend."

I escorted Benny to the door, where I said. "Thanks for the warning, Benny. Maybe you can come over next weekend for a movie night or something."

"I'd certainly like that, Sam. And maybe Lenore was right 'bout Dean being good for you. I ain't seen you this happy in a long while, and you ain't even doing nothing yet. Can't wait to see how goofy you look when you two start . . ." He grinned and made a lewd gesture.

I gave him a light slap upside the back of his head. "Perv! Get out of here!"

When I returned to the kitchen, Dean was clearing away the beer bottles with a troubled frown on his face. He looked up as I approached. "Well, ain't this a clusterfuck! You do know that I was telling the truth 'bout not knowing that Bobby is a hunter, right? And I meant what I said 'bout not wanting to bring that kinda trouble on you."

I drew him into a hug. "Calm down, Dean—I believe you. I'm not mad at you, and you'll still be able to call Bobby when you want. I trust you not to say anything dangerous to him, especially now that you do know."

"And you ain't worried 'bout this Alastair finding out?"

"Not too much. Neither of us have done anything wrong, so he doesn't have any grounds to do anything. Though just in case, I'm going to try to introduce you to our neighbor across the hall. If he decides he likes you, which I think he will, then he's got enough influence to block Alastair."

"Huh. I guess it would be awesome if you can sic Alastair's attention on the fucking Food Market though. Any trouble there has gotta help your efforts to get that shithole shut down," he commented with a shaky grin.

"It certainly can't hurt," I agreed. "But that's enough serious talk! I want to enjoy the rest of our evening."

The omega squeaked in surprise when I picked him up and carried him over to the sofa. He quickly relaxed when I settled him in my lap and opened his mouth to accept my ardent kisses. He curled one hand over the back of my neck and slid the other under my shirt as my tongue slipped around his. I pushed his work shirt off his shoulders and pulled away from his lips long enough to tug his t-shirt off, then resumed kissing him deeply and running my hands along the muscles of his back.

He was soon moaning and pressing himself against my hands, while his own were caressing my chest from under my shirt. I kissed my way down his neck and across his clavicle, and my hands slid around to cup his pectoral muscles.

"Do you want me to keep going, or have you had enough?" I murmured as I licked the freckled skin of his shoulder, dizzy on his enthralling fragrance.

"Mmm, don't wanna stop yet . . ." He opened his green eyes and gazed up at me a little shyly. "Would . . . would it help you to watch while I rubbed one out?"

"If you mean, could I feed off of that—the answer is yes. It wouldn't be enough to satisfy me if I was still hungry, but it would definitely take the edge off," I replied. "But you don't have to push yourself. I don't want you to do anything you're not comfortable with."

"I know, dude. But I wouldn't have suggested it if I wasn't willing to give it a shot." He gave me a serious look. "I ain't gonna get over this fucking hang-up if I don't try nothing, and I'd rather test this shit out with you than some random dude I met at a bar."

"And this isn't about trying to make me feel better because you're still concerned that I'm upset about Bobby?"

"No, I promise it ain't anything like that! I—I really do wanna try to go a little further. The kissing and shit has been awesome, and I wanna see if I can take the next step with you," he assured me.

"Alright. But if anything starts to bother you, you need to stop and tell me. What do you want me to do?"

"Keep doing what you were before, man. Just—just stay above the waist for now, okay?"

I nudged the smaller man around until his back was resting against my chest, freeing both of my hands to roam around his torso. He unfastened his jeans and pushed them and his boxer-briefs down off his hips, and my mouth watered at the sight of his long, lovely cock as it sprang free. He wrapped his fingers around his dusky member and began to stroke it slowly, while I peppered kisses across his jaw until I could nibble the lobe of his ear.

He gasped as my hands came up to toy with his pink nipples and my mouth wandered down to suck at the base of his neck just below the collar. I drank in his increasing passion as his hands moved faster, his shaft slick with pre-ejaculate leaking from the slit. I gently pinched and tugged on his tender peaks, which caused him to whine and thrust vigorously into his grip. He was soon arching his back and stripping his cock furiously, his eyes at half-mast and his lower lip caught between his teeth. I bit down on his shoulder, and he swore and stiffened as his milky seed erupted over his fingers.

Dean slumped against my chest and lolled his head on my shoulder. "Damn, that was good! How come I don't feel that tired though?"

I lifted each of his hands to my mouth and licked his fingers clean before responding. "I only fed off a little bit of your energy this time. I'm still mostly full from before, and I'm more concerned with how you're doing anyways."

He gave me a contented smile. "I'm doing awesome, Sammy. I know it's weird an—and fucked up, given all the shit going on, but I feel . . . I feel safe with you somehow."

"I'm constantly amazed at how strong you are, to be brave enough to open yourself up like this," I said as I wrapped my hands around his and pressed my lips to his throat. "I just hope I continue to live up to your trust and expectations."