This chapter is gonna move super fast, just sayin now lol.
The night of the full moon everyone waited with bated breath for it all to begin. Dean stood upon the rock, calling out to them to stand together and never forget who they were. Castiel waddled into the circle to give the offering, his large stomach illuminated by the moon herself. No one wanted to shift and run off, they all wanted to stay and give their energies to the newest pup.
And just how they all predicted, it happened the moment the moon hit it's peak. Castiel dropped his offering basket with a sharp gasp, the ground beneath him becoming wet. Dean jumped down from the rock, calling out orders here and there. Pam, Keelie and Mary rushed forward with blankets and quickly got Castiel on the ground.
At first Dean thought Castiel would become shy or claustrophobic with the entire pack and all their friends surrounding them but he was thrilled to be wrong. His mate soaked in all of the energies pushed to him and used it to strengthen himself.
Dean held tightly onto one hand while Keelie held the other while whispering his own encouragements into Castiel's ear. His mate's entire body was trembling but soon it was time to push. Dean moved quickly behind Castiel and helped him to sit up, both of their hands gripping onto his knees.
He had a sudden flashback of Leeloo being born, how tired and weak Castiel had been from hours of pushing. Then Mason's birth, how he'd screamed and cursed until their son finally decided to pop out. Now, Castiel was a warrior in his own right, gritting his teeth and pushing with barely even a scream.
"You're doin so good Cas, I can see her head," Pam said, her eyes focused and ready to deliver their third child. Dean was beyond amazed how their women and Omegas did this, how they were able to bear all this pain. His mate was so strong it made him smile so big and want to kiss him. But when he tried Castiel growled at him.
"Focus silly Alpha," Castiel gritted and Dean chuckled, getting back to giving the support his mate needed. Castiel stiffened as he pushed again, his head falling back against Dean's shoulder as he released a labored breath, his body slumping.
"We got the head out, c'mon Cas one more push," Pam urged. Castiel nodded and finally turned his head to look at Dean. The wolf was right there, shining in those electric blue eyes and for a moment Dean was completely lost. He did kiss him then and Castiel hummed against his lips. Their wolves nuzzled and marked each other eagerly before his mate was gently pulling away to press his forehead against Dean's chin.
"You can do this baby," Dean said, holding onto his mate's legs as Castiel began to tire.
The pack pushed closer, a soft murmuring of growling and whispered words emanating around them. Dean closed his eyes felt more than heard Castiel's wolf howl as he pushed hard, a sharp cry erupting through the night air.
Dean held his breath and pried his eyes open to gaze upon their beautiful new daughter. Her eyes shining brightly and wide open. She was staring right at them, the silver already present in caught the firelight and Dean wanted to cry she was so magnificent. It took him a long moment to realize Castiel was holding his breath, his hands no longer gripping Dean's arms but pressing on his stomach. Almost as if he was trying to push out another pup.
"Cas…" Keelie whispered, her head shaking minutely. Her own hand pressed against his and Castiel sucked in a sharp breath. He squeezed her fingers and nodded jerkily.
"I-I know...give her to me," Castiel said thickly, his throat caught on a sob the moment he had their daughter in his arms. She was even more beautiful up close and Dean's smile was so wide it nearly hurt. Castiel sobbed as he touched her face, his fingers trembling.
"Hello my beautiful little girl. No matter what happens, know that you are loved and wanted," Castiel whispered. Dean's chest squeezed and he hugged his family close. After the first squall, the pup was incredibly quiet. Her eyes taking in everything around her before finally resting on her parents once more.
"I wanna see!" a little voice shouted and Dean laughed, turning to see his oldest dodging hands trying to stop her from entering the circle.
"It's alright, she needs to meet her baby sister," Dean called out, holding out his hand for her. Leeloo quickly ran to him and gasped when she finally got to look at their newest family member.
"Oh Daddy, she's beautiful," she whispered. The pup opened her mouth in a smile when she caught sight of Leeloo and his oldest squealed with delight.
"What's her name?" Pam asked, a tired smile stretching her lips. Dean gave her one right back and kissed at Castiel's temple.
"Aine...after the Old Goddess of love, growth and light," Castiel said, his eyes never leaving her face. Dean nodded and looked up to the others who were waiting both patiently to learn their new little pack mate's name.
"Let me introduce you to Aine, welcome to the family my sweet little girl," Dean said. The air around them exploded with the sounds of howls and roars. Aine smiled that huge toothless smile of hers and Dean couldn't help joining in.
Dean pulled the blankets up to Castiel's chin and leaned in to kissed at his cheek, his mate murmuring in his sleep. They'd finally made it back home and as much as his wolf was eager to go run, he couldn't leave his family. Leeloo was curled up on the bed with her brother Mason while Aine slept peacefully in the small crib they used for their bedroom.
He was about to get undressed to join his family on the bed when something stopped him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end and then suddenly the front door was being slammed shut.
"Dean!" Sam's voice carried through the house and Dean groaned with how much stress was tinged within it.
"What's going on?" Castiel asked, his eyes squinting as he tried to sit up. Dean shook his head and hurried out of the room. Not only was Sam waiting for him but so were Benny, Bobby, and his father John. Mary, Ellen, Nathaniel and Victor came in next. All of them short of breath but it was Sam who's face had gone completely pale.
"Sammy?" Dean asked, taking the last few steps down slowly. Sam swallowed hard, his hands fumbling together as he tried to pull his thoughts together.
"We just got the call from Ansem...they've already started to move. He was switching shifts with one of the other Alphas when he caught their scent. They're on their way to Texas right now," Sam said in a rush. Dean stared at his brother, willing him to be wrong. To have this all be some kind of nightmare. His blood ran cold and he didn't remember staggering. John helped him into a chair while his mother rubbed his back.
"H-How many?" Dean stammered. Sam's mouth opened and closed a few times before he finally realized what Dean was asking. Any color remaining in Sam's face drained and he looked ready to throw up.
"Ansem said it was close to two hundred, he has seven different packs including his own. If he takes out Eldon in Texas, it'll push him over two hundred," Sam said thickly. Dean groaned, his head dropping down into his hands.
"Oh Gods….Okay, we know the plan. We just, have to go through with it. Tell everyone to get ready, phase one starts tomorrow. Get Ansem back on the phone and tell him to get his ass back here along with all the other Alphas," John demanded. Dean didn't even care that John was doing his job, he was grateful for it. All he could think about was the fact that his newborn pup was upstairs and soon he'd have to say goodbye to her along with Leeloo, Mason and his mate. He whined low in his throat and strong hands were suddenly lifting him.
"We gotta get him back upstairs to Castiel. We'll take care of everything else," Mary said quickly. He could hear everyone moving all around him but he couldn't see them. Everything was a blur but he was aware of being hauled up the stairs which meant it was Benny helping him. Before they could reach his bedroom door he stopped to stare into his best friend's face.
"We'll get through this...right?" he begged. Benny's eyes suddenly clouded with tears but he nodded.
"Of course we will brother. We have too," Benny whispered. Dean felt himself nod and pull Benny close to hug him tight. They clung to each other for a moment until Benny tore himself away to get to his own mate. Dean sucked in a lungful of air and tried to get his heart to calm down. His hand was twisting the knob when the door flew open revealing his mate.
"It's happening isn't it? They're coming…" Castiel said.
"Baby, you shouldn't be standing," he barely got out as Castiel swayed. Dean was quick and got him in his arms before he even hit the floor. He got them into the rocker, not wanting to disturb their sleeping pups and held Castiel as he cried into his shoulder.
"I'd like to know how exactly they found out so fast? It's only been a few hours since Castiel gave birth, how the fuck do they already know?" Balthazar growled, his arms crossed over his chest as he paced the kitchen of the main house. He could faintly hear his little brother crying and every instinct was to go upstairs and check on him. Instead he focused and continued to pace while everyone else shook their heads.
"Me too brother. Seems we have a traitor in our midst," Michael said. His hands clasped together on the table while Tessa stood close, her eyes staring off into nothing. Balthazar still wasn't sure what his brother saw in the girl but now wasn't the time to question his brother's motives.
"But who? I don't believe it to be the Lamias, they've been nothing but very compliant with anything we've asked of them," Gabriel said. Keelie nodded her fingers pulling at her hair a bit.
"They weren't even on the property to know," she said quietly.
"That we know of anyway, no one can sense them remember?" Michael snapped. Balthazar rolled his eyes and continued on with his pacing. There was something off but he couldn't get his mind wrapped around what he was missing.
"It doesn't matter now, we've got work to do," Bobby groused, taking his leave with Ellen and Jo right on his heels.
"We gotta warn the others, especially Rowena and Jody," Sam said to Gabriel and soon the two Betas were hurrying off towards their office. Leaving Balthazar alone with his oldest brother. Someone he hadn't seen or talked too since receiving his punishment. There'd been a moment of acceptance at the full moon but Balthazar still felt a huge wall between them. After all, Michael had wanted him to take over the business.
"You should get some sleep Balth, got a long day tomorrow," Michael said, taking Tessa's hand and headed for the door. Something squeezed at Balthazar's chest watching his brother leave but he didn't stop him. It was as if that magick binding his tongue was still there. Shaking his head in frustration he turned as well and headed towards the office instead. Gabriel and Sam were well under way with contacting all their allies. He could hear Rowena's and Jody's voices as he closed the door.
He'd only been in this room a handful of times but for some reason it looked so different now. For one, there was a huge map on the wall with all kinds of different markings. He glanced over at the Betas before stepping over to it. He could clearly see the outlines of their allies and then separate ones for their enemies. Then green for neutral for states that could be possibilities. Amara's was a huge one and Balthazar hoped that maybe someday they could be allies. He missed Maine and really wanted to go back there.
His eyes traced over the map a few times before landing on Louisiana. There was a name crossed out with a question mark. He leaned in, his heart hammering in his chest.
"That son of a bitch…"
"Balth? What is it?" Gabriel called out. He faced his brother and shook his head.
"Gadreel...has anyone seen or heard from him? Or any of his pack mates for that matter?" he asked walking closer to the desk.
"Well he was supposed to check in last week-"
"But he never did," Sam interrupted, immediately reaching out for the phone.
"You think he could be the traitor?" Gabe asked as both of them watched Sam frantically jam his finger into the buttons.
"Yeah, I do. The guy was scared shitless of Uriel. The thing is, he's supposedly not under the Lamia's protection anymore so why didn't we sense him?" Balthazar questioned.
"It wouldn't have mattered. He and his pack were invited so scenting them wouldn't have been strange or out of place. I just don't know if they were actually here," Gabriel answered. Balthazar growled low and slammed his fist into the table. He'd spent years running from Uriel and now the prick was coming right to them. Castiel tried to tell him it wasn't his fault, that by Balthazar returning home hadn't brought Uriel. It brought the Lamia's yes not the hybrid piece of shit. Though Balthazar had to agree, it was just easier to blame himself.
"The Lamias have not seen Gadreel or his pack but Charlie just messaged me, she saw one of his pack mates right before the ceremony. So they were here, we just have no idea where they went," Sam said running a hand through his hair.
"Then we need to find him-"
"There's no time for that now brother. Uriel already knows about Castiel and knowing that coward, Gadreel's on the run. We need to focus on getting everyone out of here and ready," Gabriel argued. Balthazar took in a deep breath and shook his head again.
"And what if he finds about all this? What if he's in the woods right now learning about our plans? I'll find him and bring him here to face our Conri. And I'll do it alone. Please let me do this," Balthazar practically begged. Gabriel shared a look with Sam before nodding.
"Okay...keep in touch with us. I can't lose you again Balth...no one in our family can lose you again," Gabriel hissed. Balthazar swallowed around the sudden knot in his throat and he surged forward to hug his brother.
"I will, promise."
The next couple of days went by so fast that Castiel wasn't even sure he'd been awake through any of it. The very next day after the full moon had been the gathering of everyone, making sure every single one of their pack mates knew and agreed on all of the plans. Only a few had some remarks and those were ones who wanted to stay and fight. Dean had been so good explaining that they were truly needed else where, to protect those of who couldn't protect themselves. The children, the elderly and some who just couldn't fight.
It had also been the day Castiel had to say goodbye to not only his niece and nephew, but to his brother Luc. It was too hard and he refused to let go. Luc had laughed softly and kissed his forehead, promising they would see each other again. His big hand cupped Castiel's cheek like he had when they were younger and he watched them climb into the jeep. Meg stood beside him with her own tears rolling down her cheeks. She gave him a brave smile and turned to hurry back into the meeting hall. If it was hard for him, it must have been devastating for her. To not only watch her soul mate leave but her children as well. The guilt in his gut tried to overtake him but he managed to push it down. There would be time for when this was all over for him to keel over.
But right now he had a job to do.
This day would be the hardest one of his entire life. It was the day the pups were to be moved to somewhere up north towards Eugene. Only the ones accompanying the pups knew where they were going, hoping to keep them safer. Garth, Charlie, Anna, Samandriel several of the Lamias and a handful of the Leopards were part of that group. All the rest of their Omegas and ones who couldn't fight would be going with them as well. Link and Lyra volunteered themselves and Castiel couldn't say anything, all he could do was hug them tightly. After how they had protected him all those years ago while at school made him comfortable putting his children's lives in their hands.
The pups themselves had an idea something was happening but to keep the panic to a minimum they kept it a secret until now. Leeloo had stared up at him with a mixture of anger and hurt that it made his chest squeeze painfully. She said nothing, just trudged up the stairs to pack up a bag. He was so scared that this would be his last moment with his oldest daughter that he'd started crying the moment she came back down the stairs.
"I'm so sorry Peanut...I wish-I wish this could be different," he gasped. Leeloo dropped her bag and launched herself at him, tucking her face into his neck.
"I'm not mad daddy, I promise I'm not mad," she whispered, soft little sniffles brushing against his ear. He gently pushed her back to see those gorgeous eyes filled with tears and Castiel broke down even more, picking her up to take her outside to meet up with the others. There was such a sour scent in the air he nearly choked on it. Dean was already out there, Aine cradled in one arm while the other supported Mason on his hip. If it had been any other time than this one he would have taken in the moment to remember forever.
Castiel knelt down on the ground and brushed Leeloo's hair back behind her ear and tried so hard to smile for her. Of course she wasn't having any of it. She looked behind her as all the other pups were saying goodbye and quickly brushed the tears from her own cheeks.
"Promise me we'll see each other again," she demanded. Castiel's mouth dropped open and the only sound that came out was a strangled squeak.
"Lee…" Dean started but Leeloo let out a growl that could easily rival her father's.
"No...you both have to promise me. I won't go unless you do!" she shouted, her tiny body starting to shake. She was trying so hard to keep it together, to show that she was strong enough and Castiel couldn't hold back the sob that ripped out of his chest.
"You'll see us both again, I swear it," he said, frantically pulling his daughter into a hug. Suddenly there was a head pushing between them and large, warm arms wrapped around both of them. Castiel made room for Mason to wiggle in the middle as they snuggled into the comfort Dean was trying to give them. It made him a little angry that his mate wasn't as upset as he was. But he knew Dean better than anyone. He knew that his Alpha was breaking apart inside but he was better at hiding it now. The moment they'd be alone though, both of them were going to be inconsolable.
"We'll be together again, before you even know it little one," Dean whispered. Leeloo whined and they wriggled around to get even closer. Much too soon there was a clearing of a throat and Castiel glanced up to see Garth looking down at them with a grim look.
"We have to go now," he said, wincing a little. Castiel nodded and smothered both of his children with kisses before Aine was being pushed into his arms. This was the moment he was not wanting the most. He'd barely even gotten to know his newest daughter and now he was having to say goodbye to her? He was thankful there was already a connection between them, especially when she'd look at him in this way that told him she already knew what was going on. Her little hands found his face and a soft wave of warmth covered him like a blanket.
"I'm going to miss you so much," he whispered, brushing his lips over her forehead before reluctantly handing her back to Mary. His mother in law looked just about as wrecked as he felt. Her hair was haphazardly thrown into a braid, her face streaked with tears. He quickly gave her a hug and she kissed his cheek.
"I so wish you didn't have to deal with this," she said, anger lacing her words. Castiel nodded woodenly, his arms wrapping around himself as he watched all three of his children be ushered towards the SUV's. Leeloo was holding Rhiannon's hand but before both of them were put in the car she looked over at Castiel and gave him the bravest little smile he'd ever seen on a six year old.
"I love you," he said quietly. She nodded and blew him a kiss, finally allowing for Garth to put her in one of the many car seats. He watched numbly while the cars backed up slowly, turning onto the road even slower. It was almost as if the drivers were trying to give them just a few more moments. There were little hands pressed against the windows and when the cars finally drove out of view Castiel collapsed to the ground crying out his grief. The air around him was so thick it was damn near suffocating. Sounds of howling, groaning and sobbing surrounded him and Castiel couldn't take it. Even as hands tried to stop him he pushed them away and took off in a run.
He wasn't being fair, his mate was hurting just as much as he was and Castiel was being selfish. He couldn't help it though. Emptiness was clawing it's way through his now hollow belly, tightening his throat to where it was becoming difficult to breathe. He finally collapsed onto the forest floor in a heap, the air in his lungs getting trapped.
"Baby, c'mon you gotta calm down," Dean said close to his ear and Castiel would regret it later but he shoved Dean hard. His mate barely even looked phased and it was killing Castiel. He stumbled to his feet and shoved his mate again, wanting to feel anything other than this grief trying to drown him.
"I'm not going to fight you, no matter how hard you try," Dean said, his eyes tightening with pain. Castiel crumpled into himself and as he fell, he knew his mate, his best friend, his everything would catch him. Dean's arms pulled him in and both of them sank down into the grass. It was then he finally felt Dean crying and as much as Castiel had wanted it, it hurt even worse.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. Dean jerked back and quickly cupped his face, both of them were such a mess of tears and snot it was almost, just almost enough to make him laugh.
"Don't you ever apologize again. This is not your fault. The only one we can blame is this bastard Uriel but we'll get through this. I swear to the Gods I will get you through this baby," Dean said, his warm breath tickling Castiel's face. He nodded eagerly and fell forward to push his face into Dean's neck.
"I know it's hard but I feel deep down in my soul that everything we've ever wanted is just over this last mountain," Dean said. Castiel tried to argue, to say that it'll never be over. There would always be someone out there who wanted to take everything away from them. But something stopped him. A warm brush of wind and the smell of cloves so strong he thought he was dreaming washed over him. It was incredibly soothing and it was enough for him to calm down to really see what Dean was saying.
Uriel owned all the states they had troubles with. All the states that still practiced having Omega slaves. They all stood with Uriel and if he took out Eldon on his way here and they in turn took Uriel out...it would end all of this. Castiel smiled for the first time in days and peered up into his mate's face.
"I believe that too," he said. Dean looked at him in wonder and he too finally smiled, both of them leaning in at the same time to kiss chastely.
Dean tucked Castiel into their bed and gently pressed a kiss to his forehead. His mate was beyond exhausted and this fight hadn't even begun yet. Dean was tired too but his brain was too alert for him to even try and rest with Castiel. He'd just end up tossing and turning, disturbing his mate and both of them would be grumpy. They'd spent hours in the woods after both of them had broken down. Saying goodbye to their pups would forever stay in his mind as the worst. It made him proud though. His daughter was so strong with her growl towards him, he'd wanted to scoop her up and tell her just how amazed he was by her. He'd make up for lost time when they got them back.
Now he had to let his poor mate get some sleep. They'd taken a bath the moment they returned home and Castiel nearly fell asleep in the tub.
Dean sighed heavily as he closed the door and headed down the stairs. The air was becoming less and less thick with grief as the hours went by but it was still making his skin itch. He hated when his pack felt this horrible. They'd all agreed though so the guilt of putting his wolves through this thankfully didn't try to pull him down. He was also grateful that his mother had finally agreed to join the group. She'd wanted to stay behind, to fight with them but John, Dean and Sam all disagreed. Of course she took offense and Dean didn't fault her for that. The stress was too high and normally she'd know right away they weren't calling her weak. She was the strongest out of all of them and Dean needed his mother to be with the pups. And even though Jess was a great fighter, she agreed to accompany them as well. It eased Mary's tension and she went to work almost immediately.
He shook his head fondly and entered the office. It was a mess but he didn't have the heart to clean up after the two Betas. Everyone had been in a rush to get things moving that Dean wasn't surprised to see it in this state.
Something near where they placed the huge map on the wall caught his eye and he slowly walked over. Someone had placed a sticky note over Louisanna and when he looked closer, his heart jumped into his throat.
Gadreel, not checked in since last week. Balthazar tracking him down.
"Fuck...that's how they found out," Dean spat, slamming his fist right into the middle of the map. The wall behind splintered and in turn ripped the thin paper a little. He couldn't bring himself to care. Gods he'd been so stupid to keep that damn pack here. He thought maybe if he showed them their ways maybe, just maybe they'd join them. Once again he'd been so stupid!
He wanted to shift and run through the woods howling. Maybe find that coward himself and tear into his throat. Of course it didn't change the fact that Uriel was coming no matter what, but maybe they'd have more time.
A bitter laugh bubbled from his throat. More time. Hadn't they all been complaining about the wait just a few weeks ago? Dean shook his head and slumped down in the window seat. He needed to sleep, his body was aching for it but he just couldn't relax. Something else was bugging him and he couldn't put his finger on it.
Dean laid down on his back, his eyes staring at the ceiling as his brain worked into overdrive in a vain attempt to figure out what it was.
He hadn't been aware of when his eyes closed or when he fell asleep but it felt like minutes when someone shook him roughly.
"What the fuck-"
"Dean, wake up. You gotta wake up man, Victor's on the phone, something's happening," Sam said in a panic. Dean shot up so quick he tumbled off the window seat but his brother helped him over to the computer where Victor's face was way too close to the camera.
"Vic? What's wrong?" Dean demanded, his knuckles going white with how tight he was gripping the desk.
"Dean...I-I don't even know how to tell you this….they're here," Victor said. Dean's stomach plummeted to the ground. How could they have gotten here so fast! Castiel was still upstairs and nowhere near safe enough from the compound.
"They're all here," Victor said, his face breaking out in such a wondrous smile Dean's head spun. He glanced up at Sam who looked just as confused.
"Wait...who? Who's there Vic?" Dean asked.
"The people of Tillamook…" Victor whispered.
Dean's mouth dropped open and next to him the phone rang, making him jump. Sam quickly picked it up and instantly put it on speaker.
"Dean! It's Jo! You're not going to believe this...fucking hell I'm not even sure I'm awake. But the people of Eugene...they're all outside the club. They want to help! The humans want to help!" she said, her laugh being muddled through a sob. Dean's eyes filled with tears as he looked at Victor in the camera.
"It's the same here too Dean, everyone wants to help," he laughed. Then the camera was zooming through the station and sure enough, when the doors opened, there were hundreds of people waiting outside. The cheers made the speakers on his desk crackle and he was so stunned, he couldn't even make a noise. Suddenly that Diana woman's face appeared in the screen and she smirked.
"A close friend of yours once told me that if the people knew that if the reason why their safety was in jeopardy, they would come together. Seems that he was right," she said. Dean huffed out a laugh, his heart damn near exploding when the camera panned out to the people again.
They stood a chance. They could win this.
I cannot tell you how looooooooooooooooooooooooooooong I've been wanting this chapter to come to life. I've had this idea in my head for so long and this part, where the people show up is something that's been in my head since almost the beginning. Finally it's here! I'm so happy!