…..

Sam tossed their equipment into the Impala. He was more than ready to go home, regroup and start fresh in the morning to search for Castiel. Maybe the detective assigned to the case had new leads.

Sam noticed his brother trailing his nose through the frigid night air. The young Alpha did the same but he found nothing of interest. Dean, on the other hand, had locked onto something known only to him.

The faint scent of Castiel vanished as soon as the wind died down. It had come from the direction of Peter Roman's property. Dean let out a whimper; it was the sound of an Omega missing his mate terribly, "Castiel, scared, desperate and angry."

"Dean, what is it?"

"Sammy I…"

A vicious snarl interrupted him.

As the wind picked up, Dick Roman took form from flakes of powdery snow caught on a winter wind, appearing directly in front of them. The snarl changed to a roar so loud that it obliterated the sound of the howling wind.

"Dean!"

Sam watched helplessly as his brother was lifted off the ground as if he weighed less than a feather. Roman flung the teen against the back of Sal's sedan. Dean rolled off the trunk, landing hard on the pavement.

When Salvatore got out of the sedan he was faced with the snowy specter of Dick Roman. Sal had no problem dealing with the living no matter how big or bad the person was but taking down an honest to goodness ghost was not in his wheelhouse.

"What the fuck…"

The ghost of Dick Roman passed through the living man's body. Sal collapsed to the ground, his body core temperature dropped dangerously low.

"Hey, over here you dead freak!" Sam leveled the shotgun, blasting a round of rock salt directly at Roman. The specter exploded into tiny ice shards and then vanished.

…

In Castiel's drugged dreamland he was with his Dean and Grace. They were warm, safe and happy back at the farmhouse. Grace took an unsteady step towards her father while Dean caught the moment on video. "Come on Gracie, come to daddy."

It was a comforting dream interrupted by the Alpha's full bladder. He woke up enough to shuffle to the little bathroom and take a piss. On the shuffle back to the bed he saw a figure sitting on the overstuffed chair in the corner. Castiel turned on the lamp and saw it was Peter, dressed in solid black. His head was bowed and his pale hands were clasped tightly on his lap.

Castiel's eyes rolled toward the steel door and noticed it was ajar. He took a chance and pulled it open only to find Cecile sitting on the steps, waiting for Peter. The hulk glared at him.

The Alpha stepped back inside his prison.

Peter's voice was bereft of emotion, "Castiel, do you think it is possible to love and hate someone equally?"

"Is this about me?"

"No, my brother."

The Omega lifted his head to look up at his captive. The Alpha was shocked to see Peter had been slapped around and blood had dried at the crook of his neck from a vicious bite wound.

"Richard is angry with me because I'm replacing him with you. I suppose I deserved a reclaiming."

Castiel had yet to see the ghost of Dick Roman but after his own first hand experiences with the malevolent ghost of John Winchester, he believed Peter.

The teacher crouched down in front of Peter and touched the finger shaped bruises that decorated his neck, "exactly when did Richard come back to you?"

"When I was in the institution he came to comfort me. Richard followed me home and has been here ever since. I do love my brother but when he hurts me I feel hatred for him. It's always been this way…over and over and over…my whole life."

"Do I dare ask and risk setting him off?" Castiel bravely ventured into dangerous territory, "Peter, do you have anything of Richards?"

The Omega's shoulders slumped, he looked completely defeated. "Everything is Richards."

"I meant something like his baby teeth or a lock of his hair."

Peter looked suspiciously at the Alpha, "Why?"

If Dean had torched the crypt and Dick Roman was still here then there had to be something left that kept the spirit earthbound. By the way Peter had responded, Castiel felt the damaged brother had something in his possession that needed to be destroyed.

"I can do this for my family's sake." "I was just curious. Peter, you are in no shape to be alone, I'll share your bed this evening and comfort you." Castiel, still at the Omega's feet, rolled his big blue eyes up at Peter and hoped he looked very sincere.

….

The sound of someone singing "Afternoon Delight" off key was just enough to wake up Dean. When he opened his eyes he saw Sam, looking worse for wear, was fussing with his brother's blanket.

Dean croaked, "Sammy."

"Dean, you're awake!"

"Don't sing that song, it's weird."

"Alfie likes it."

"Don't care."

"Do you feel better?" Sam scrunched his eyebrows and pursed his lips, sure signs the kid was really worried.

Dean managed a smile with his busted lips, "Five by five, little brother."

A doctor with a silver mane of hair and an air of self importance strode into the room, brushed past Sam and began checking Dean's vitals; he shined a light in the Omega's eyes and then did a little poking and prodding.

Dean was offended; there had been no introduction or explanation, as an Omega he was just supposed to accept the rudeness. "Who the hell are you?"

"Sorry, where are my manners, I'm Doctor Chase. Do you remember what happened to you?"

"A dead guy smashed me into the back of a hitman's sedan and almost killed me. I was looking for my missing husband who I think is being held by a lunatic in an old mansion."

"Nope."

"Your brother said you were attacked by a creep."

"That sounds about right. So what's the verdict Doc, can I leave?"

"No, we want to keep you overnight for observation. Your father-in-law agreed it's for the best."

Sam chimed in, "Spencer came as soon as I called him. He's in the waiting room."

Doctor Chase said his goodbyes and left the brothers alone.

Dean held out his arms, "Sammy I need a hug." Sam took one look at the bruises coupled with his brother's big, expressive eyes and he was a goner. All he wanted at that moment was to hold and comfort his brother. Sam bent over and wrapped his brother in a warm embrace, "Aw, poor Dee."

Sam felt wandering fingers checking his pockets, he straightened up and took two steps back, "You jerk!

"Where are Baby's keys?"

"I've got the keys so don't worry about it."

"Where is she?"

"The parking lot, I drove her here." Sam did a preemptive wince as he waited for his brother to explode. Instead Dean just nodded.

"Thanks Sam, I just wanted to be sure she's safe." "You're thirteen! Give me my goddamn keys!"

Spencer entered the room; he was dressed in winter boots, flannel pajama pants, a winter coat and a trapper hat. All that coupled with a three day growth of beard made the normally put together Alpha look like a disturbed hermit. "Hey, how's my favorite daughter-in-law?"

Dean growled at his elder, "I'm not a chick."

The Alpha was relieved, Dean sounded like his old, feisty self, "Ah good, you're feeling better."

Spencer handed Sam some bills, "Get me a coffee and whatever you want." Spencer watched as Sam left, "What a great kid." He pulled up a chair and sat by Dean's bedside, "Dean, I want you to know that there are detectives on the case and they'll find Castiel. I also have people searching for him." Spencer scrubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, "We'll find him Dean. I know my son is alive, I can feel it."

"Sure, just as soon as everyone gets done jumping through hoops to find him." "There is no right or wrong way, only my way."

"Spencer frowned, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I'm not waiting around for a fucking search warrant or probable cause or any other bullshit."

"Never mind."

Rest up and tomorrow I'll take you home. Grace misses you and…and Castiel very much." Spencer almost lost his composure; he couldn't afford to be viewed as a weak Alpha. Spencer stood strong for the family; instead he had his mini breakdowns in private.

Dean held out his arms, "I really could use a hug." It was partially true, he needed a hug from Castiel but one from his Alpha father-in-law would do for the moment. He genuinely loved Spencer although Dean didn't toss the L word around very often. The Hunter also needed the man's keys.

Spencer bent down and wrapped his arms around Dean, "I'm glad you're ok, son. We can talk more tomorrow."

"Sure, thanks Spencer." Dean slipped his hand in the Alpha's coat pocket and scored the keys to Spencer's Land Rover. "Will you stick around a while? You don't need to sit with me; just knowing you're in the waiting room is a comfort."

Spencer looked up at the clock on the wall; it was already two in the morning, "Sure, they have a waiting area with some comfy furniture, I'll just nap there. I might as well stay until you're released."

Dean felt crappy for lying to Spencer and swiping his keys but he had no choice. Cas needed Dean right this minute and everyone else was working in slow motion. The Hunter had no time for proper procedure.

….

Cecile was furious, it took every shred of control not to bust into Peter's bedroom and break the little teacher's neck. He hated Castiel with a passion though it wasn't personal. Cecile hated any male in Peter's sights.

"Fuck this."

The knuckle dragger Alpha decided to go work off his destructive energy. If anything happened it would be on Peter and not him. There was no place for Castiel to go even if he did escape. The man would freeze to death before he ever found help and that would suit Cecile just fine.

Cecile had thought about going rouge by killing Dean and their spawn to destroy Castiel completely but opted to take an axe to one of the many paintings of the Roman family instead. It would be a small satisfaction.

…..

Castiel knelt next to the massive, claw footed tub carefully bathing Peter. The Alpha never once averted his pretty blue eyes from the Omega's naked flesh. It was a chore, a means to an end and he had no attraction to Peter even if the man had a very fit body.

Sex of any kind was the last thing on Peter's mind. After being forced to submit to the ghost of his dead brother it would be a long time before the Omega would have those feelings again, even for someone as kind and attractive as Castiel.

Peter was grateful for the show of tenderness and care at the hands of his captive. Castiel could have drowned him right there in the bathtub and worried about Cecile killing him afterward but the Alpha didn't.

When Castiel put him to bed and then lay down next to him atop the covers, Peter wasn't offended. He felt Castiel was being a gentleman.

As the Alpha ran gentle fingers through Peter's dark hair he asked in his very best gavel and honey voice, "We should drink to new beginnings."

"Wine?"

"Yes, wine. I'll fetch it, where should I go?"

Peter pressed a button on the wall next to the headboard, "Cecile will bring some."

A voice barked from an intercom, "Yes?"

"Cecile, bring a bottle of red and two glasses."

A string of faint curses were heard. A short time later the big Alpha entered wearing only snowy white boxers; he wanted to show off his sculpted body to the smaller Alpha as a means of intimidation and also to show Peter what he had been missing. Cecile uncorked the wine and then left, slamming the door behind him.

Castiel poured glass after glass of the vintage wine for Peter in hopes of getting him to sleep.

"Peter, who else is in the house, does Cook live here or perhaps a nanny for Andy?"

His speech a bit slurred, Peter answered, "Just us, Cecile and Andy. Cook won't stay because she says Rouen holds too many ghosts. I've never found a live-in nanny for Andy, no one is brave enough. I suppose to an outsider, Rouen is a bit unsettling." Peter pulled back the covers and patted the mattress, "come hold me."

"This is for my family."

Castiel joined him under the covers, stroking Peter's hair until he fell asleep.

….

Dean found his clothes, got dressed and slipped quietly from the hospital room. The key to not getting caught was to act as if you belonged. The Hunter walked as if he was supposed to be roaming the halls and it was no easy task considering he felt like his body just went through a meat grinder.

When his back was to the wall, Dean had the unique ability to compartmentalize his pain and focus on what was important at that moment. Sam was the same. It had gotten the brothers out of all sorts of dangerous situations.

He found the parking structure and spent almost an half an hour pressing the electronic lock button on Spencer's keychain until the flashing lights alerted Dean to where the Rover was parked.

He buckled up and then headed out to save his man, come hell or high water.

…

Castiel searched Peter's room for a piece of Dick Roman but came up empty. Little did he know there was a small wooden box hidden under Peter's pillow.

"There has to be something here. Escape or keep searching…what should I do?" He decided to keep searching. Dick Roman needed to be stopped.

…..

Cecile went to the ballroom, put on some music and prepared to work off aggression.

He zeroed in first on a portrait of Lorraine and Edger Roman. He always hated the way Peter and Richard's tiny, bird-like mother stared down upon everyone with her watery blue eyes, worse was the father, tall and grim, his mouth forever captured in a tight line of disapproval.

"Fuckers"

He yanked the huge painting from the wall and went to work on its heavy, ornate frame with his broad axe.

…

The mansion was a maze even the hero Theseus would have found a challenge. Cas didn't need a ball of twine however, he needed a map, "Basement to dining room to ballroom…basement to bedroom…balconies, winding stairs….hall after hall…crap."

Castiel heard the aggressive music and followed it right to the open doors leading into the ballroom. Cecile was in what the teacher recognized as an unchained state of wild fury. It reminded Castiel of the Viking Berserkers in hamask.

Almost as disturbing to Castiel was a rock version of "Der Walkürenritt" playing in the background. It was awful.

Cecile stopped the destruction to sniff the air, his head snapped toward the teacher. He snarled at what he now considered prey.

Castiel dashed down the hall as the crazed man chased him with the axe. He grabbed a small statue of a satyr off a table and flung it at Cecile, nailing him straight in the forehead.

Cecile teetered but managed to stay on his feet. If anything, the mask of fresh blood made him look even more terrifying. "I am going to end you!"

,…..

Dean raced down the long, hidden drive and it seemed to take forever to reach the end of the forest road. As the Rover breached the trees, the dark visage of Rouen Manor appeared like the stuff of nightmares. He parked next to the large fountain in the center circle drive and dashed to the front doors but found them locked.

Dean grabbed the first thing he could find, a large stone gargoyle guarding the doorway on its pedestal. The Hunter was on autopilot, he didn't feel pain or any particular emotion. Dean was focused only on saving Castiel.

He barely noticed the back breaking weight of the gargoyle as he slammed it against the stained glass window, shattering the depiction of Saint Michael and Lucifer into pieces.

He tossed his coat over the windowsill and climbed inside.

…

Cecile chased Castiel down hall after hall, through the kitchen. They ended up back in the ballroom before he managed to catch his prey. He lifted a struggling, spitting mad Castiel off his feet and slammed him to the ground. Cecile grabbed the teacher by the hair and slammed his head against the marble floor. He took great satisfaction when the teacher's body went limp in his arms.

A pool of blood rapidly spread around the teacher's head and when some got on Cecile's bare foot he wiped it off on Castiel's clothes in disgust. He ignored his uncomfortable erection bobbing through the fly of his pristine white boxers. Blood and violence always got Cecile hard as a rock. "Maybe I'll pay Peter a visit when I'm done and show the Omega what a real man is."

"I'll finish you just as soon as I chop and burn this portrait of Dickhead." Cecile easily lifted the huge painting of Dick Roman from above the fireplace and tossed it on top the remnants of the other. He raised the axe above his head then struck the first blow, obliterating Dick Roman's smirking face.

…..

Dean followed the weird music directly to the ballroom where he found a bizarre and shocking sight of blood and violence.

Dean's first instinct was to rush to his fallen husband but there was the matter of a giant in boxers chopping away at a painting with an axe. Going in kamikaze would have put Castiel in even more danger. The Hunter thought quickly on his feet, he grabbed a corded sash from a heavy curtain then quietly slipped up behind the Alpha.

Dean was actually glad the music was playing. It made it easy to surprise his prey. "You're dead, asshole, first for hurting my husband and second for having shitty taste in music."

Dean launched himself onto the Alpha's back, wrapping his strong legs tight around Cecile's waist. Immediately Cecile starting bucking like a bull in an attempt to dislodge the attacker. Dean wrapped the sash around Cecile's thick neck and leaned back, using his weight to strangle him.

Cecile spun them in circles, he slammed Dean against a wall over and over again but the Hunter only clung tighter. Finally, Cecile dropped to the floor, weakly clawing at the sash. Dean braced his feet against Cecile's lower back and pulled with all his strength until he felt the man go limp. The Hunter had no idea if the monster was dead or not but he was down for the count.

Dean crawled over to his husband and gently stroked his blood spattered cheek, "Please babe, please wake up." He checked Cas' wrist for a pulse and was relieved to find one, strong and steady.

Castiel whispered, "Dean."

"Don't worry my Alpha, I've got you." Dean wasn't sure how bad Castiels condition was. Did he have a neck injury or a fractured skull and would Dean able to move him safely?
"Cas, can you move your head?"

Suddenly the temperature in the ballroom dropped dramatically as Dean's nemesis formed in front of them.

Roman looked from Cecile to Dean as if deciding who he wanted first.
Dick Roman despised Cecile, the man who had lusted after his Omega for years, all the while pretending to be loyal to the family when his loyalty was only to Peter. Why his parents kept Cecile on, Dick never understood. After Lorraine and Edgar died, Dick fired him on the spot. The fact he was still here, had destroyed Dick's portrait and still lusted after Peter, made up the ghost's twisted mind.

The speakers blew at the same time, sending the huge room into relative silence. Dick first lunged toward Dean; causing fear in the Omega was like ambrosia to the spirit. Weaponless, Dean shielded Castiel with his own body as the specter laved a somehow cold and slimy tongue across the Omega's face.

Dean squeezed his eyes shut and recited every single warding, banishing, religious mantra in his arsenal against evil he could think of in hopes something might help. He didn't want to go down without a fight.

Roman turned his attention to Cecile, he shoving the barely breathing man head first into the roaring fire.

Cecile let out a single, strangled cry and then went forever silent. His body twitched and jerked as the stench of melting fat and crisping skin quickly filled the air.

His burning body was yanked from the fireplace and dragging unceremoniously through the ballroom and out the doors. Dean heard the sound of Cecile's skull thump against each step all the way to the second floor.

…

Dean grabbed Castiel's arms and dragged him from the ballroom all the way back to the front doors and then to the Rover, all the while praying he didn't injure Castiel much more than he already was.

Once they reached the vehicle, Dean opened a backdoor and used the last of his strength to lift his mate inside.

Just as Dean was going to slam the door shut, Castiel opened his eyes. He grabbed Dean's wrist tightly, "Dean, there is a little boy inside...I have to save Andy." Cas struggled with the Omega to get out but he was as weak as a kitten and Dean easily held him back.

Castiel pleaded, "Let me go, Dean. He is an innocent."

"Have faith in me Cas, I'll save him."

….

Andy stood in the doorway of his parent's bedroom, bawling his eyes out. He held out his hand to his mother, "Please Mommy, come with me."

Peter stood frozen on the spot, clutching the little box containing the hair of his brother.

Richard had dropped the burning body of Cecile onto what used to be a living Richard's bed and in seconds the room was on fire. Andy watched in horror as his dead father floated just behind his mother. Spectral arms wrapped themselves tightly around Peter's waist and neck.

Richard reached out and beckoned to Andy but the little boy took a step back. Andy didn't want to die but despite everything that had happened he still wanted to save his mother. "Mommy, you are sick but I can help you!"

Peter's dark eyes rapidly blinked then snapped open. For once in a very long time he had a moment of total clarity. He smiled softly at his son, tears running down his cheeks, "Mommy loves you Andy and I'm so sorry. Run as fast as you can, get out of Rouen and never look back."

Richard whispered in his brother's ear, "I'll never let you go."

Peter closed his eyes and waited. With a quick jerk, Richard snapped his neck. The box dropped into the flames just as the door slammed shut.

Andy screamed, "Mommy!"

A stranger appeared at the top of the stairs and Andy backed against the wall, there was no escape. Black smoke rolled from beneath the door and it was a matter of moments before it caught the rest of the mansion on fire.

Dean grabbed the little boy and carried him to the ground floor and out the front doors. Andy didn't struggle one bit, he had a death grip on the Omega and when Dean tried to pry him off Andy didn't want to let go.

"Andy, I've got to get us out of here."

"What about Cas?"

Dean opened the back door to the Rover where his husband was curled in a ball, "See? He's fine." He pushed Andy in next to Castiel.

Andy grabbed Dean's sleeve and looked up at him with awe, "Are you a superhero?"

"Sure kid, I'm Super Omega."

TBC