The Blood You Drink
Chapter 3: Dreams
Sam lay comfortably in bed with Jessica beside him. The bed sheet covered him, and Jessica laid on her front in case anyone was stupid enough to come in the room. Jessica opened her eyes and laid her head on Sam's chest, returning to her slumber. Sam held her and tried not to think about the horrendous dreams he had been having lately. Since he was the leader of the clan, it was his job to know everyone's business. He was stronger, faster, and his senses were more enhanced than the others. He also shared their dreams about their mates, sometimes even dreaming about them before the clan members themselves did. No one knew this of course, and they couldn't. Sam had been dreaming about Dean's mate lately. He felt disgusted, to be related to someone with a same sex mate. It was revolting.
He knew Dean had started having his dreams. The way Dean's face looked when he said he knew who Dean's mate was. Dean looked as terrified as he had when Sam punished him for his rampages all those years ago. Sam smiled to himself. He wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. Dean was scared of him, and he would be a good little brother and turn the girl and bring her back home where he belonged. Dean was the only one that lived so far away from the rest of the clan. Across town may not have seemed like much, but to vampires he might as well have moved into another state. The clan lived in a small, rustic neighborhood just outside the town. They were the only ones living there, and the surrounding forests and bear warning signs kept it that way. Sam and Jessica lived in the largest house with a few other clan members that couldn't survive on their own yet. Most were very young in their vampire years and couldn't handle being around fresh blood for very long.
Jessica lifted her head and smiled at Sam, "Goodnight, fearless leader." Sam smiled and pecked kisses along her neck.
"I love it when you call me that, my queen," Sam pulled her on top of him and began to kiss her hungrily. He was hungry since he hadn't fed in a few days, and was itching to kill and feed again. He had to restrain himself, but that didn't mean he had to go without blood. "Jess, will you be a doll and give me a minute? I need to take care of some clan business."
Jessica huffed, "Alright, I'm going to have to get to work soon anyway." She stepped out of the bed and let the moonlight shine on her pale skin. Sam sank his teeth into his bottom lip. God she was beautiful. Sam sighed as he stepped out of bed and began to dress himself. He put on his boxers and jeans, and pulled a green and white plaid shirt over his head. He slipped on his jacket and pecked Jessica on the lips before leaving the house and making his way into the forest.
Sam walked into the most dense and dark part of the woods. He stood and waited. Soon enough, he was greeted by a man he could recognize a mile away. He had brown hair and a thick beard, and blue eyes that could be seen even in the pitch black woods. "Benny," said Sam as he made his way over. "You get it?"
"Of course I got it," said Benny handing Sam a blood bag. Sam gratefully took it and sank his fangs into the plastic. "You're really taking your clan seriously. You've been calling me up for special blood more often now."
Sam licked away the blood that remained on his lips and smiled cunningly at Benny. Red stained his teeth making him look even more sinister. "As the leader of this clan, I have to do what I have to do."
Benny smirked at Sam and threw him another blood bag. "Who's threatening you now?" Sam sucked the second blood bag dry. He could already feel himself getting stronger.
"No one at the moment," he said. "But you can never be too careful. My brother hasn't been very obedient lately."
"Ah, I see. So it's Dean," replied Benny throwing Sam his last blood bag. Sam waited a moment before drinking the last one, mainly because of Benny's comment.
"My brother is no threat to me," Sam narrowed his eyes and sucked the blood down. "He's scared of me, especially now. Just the mention of the word 'mate' sent shivers down his weak spine."
Benny started laughing. "That's what this is about? Who is it? She can't be that threatening." Sam kicked up the ground by him and hid the blood bags.
"That's the problem," he said swinging his arm around Benny's shoulder. "His mate isn't a she. You're going to love this. It's the town priest, Castiel."
Benny turned his head to look at Sam in the eyes, and shook his head. "Do you really expect me to believe that you're not worried now that you've told me that?" Benny knew Sam knew the lore better than anyone. He wasn't ignoring the fact his brother was destined for a same sex mate.
"Look," Sam began as he took his arm away, "as long as he's scared of me, he'll stay away from Castiel. As far as everyone in the clan knows, a same sex mate is vile and will be punished. And it is vile, but they don't know the truth. So with that said, I'm not intimidated by my brother. He's going to be a good boy and pick a nice girl and then he'll come home."
Benny nodded his head. "Whatever you say, Sam. I'll see you next time." He shook Sam's hand disappeared.
"Dean!" screamed Jo. She sounded terrified. Dean ran into his house and saw her on the floor backed up against the wall. She stared at him with horror. "What happened to me?" she asked in a whisper. She was gripping the side of her neck. Her eyes were bloodshot and her skin had become sickly pale.
Dean got to his knees and moved her hand. "No…Jo," he whispered. "This wasn't supposed to happen. I'm so sorry."
"I warned you, Dean," said Sam as he stepped out of the shadows. "You had her chance to change her."
Dean awoke abruptly and looked around his room mortified. He quietly sniffed the air, nothing. His brother wasn't near. His shoulders relaxed and he turned to look at the time. 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. Time for church.
He had been dreading the day. He looked outside and saw there was heavy cloud cover. At least he wouldn't have to worry about Castiel seeing him run inside. Maybe he would have some luck for a change and Castiel would actually believe the sun allergy excuse and ignore the past. He stepped inside his Impala and started to drive to the church. Church was the only place he drove; everything else was close enough where driving would be a waste of gas. Granted, the car would keep him out of the sun, but with the prices, he'd rather risk being burned over not being able to live away from the clan.
Dean arrived at the church and parked his car. He stepped outside, and for the first time in a long time, was able to just simply walk in without having to rush. He sat in the back as always and picked up a Bible. He focused on the word, resisting looking up at Castiel. His hands nearly twitched when he heard Castiel take his place in front of everyone. The choir began to sing and Dean joined everyone in standing. He couldn't help it now, and looked over at the priest. The man looked exhausted. Had he slept at all the past few days?
Dean kept his nose in the Bible as Castiel preached. During prayer he could feel his skin burning, emitting light steam. Why was he given this curse? Sam didn't understand. He viewed being undead as a blessing, immortality and strength. Dean viewed it as the exact opposite. He couldn't even pray without it being like a punishment. The sun burned him, and people didn't even know why they felt the natural need to be near him. Everything about vampires drew people in, which is why Dean made sure to make himself the town shut in people hardly ever saw. He went to church, and he worked, that was it.
Service ended and everyone began to leave. In that moment, Dean knew Castiel was going to follow him; he was already making his way over. Dean didn't know what to do. If he got in his car, Castiel could easily follow him home, if he tried to lose Castiel in the forest that was off limits, he would be too close to the clan, and if he stayed, he'd have to face whatever Castiel was going to say. So he did what anyone would do, he ran.
Dean was half way through the park. There were no children on the playground. The storm was getting worse. The wind started to blow easily 50 miles per hour. Lightening cracked across the sky in the distance. Dean felt relieved. Castiel would have to be insane to follow him out in this weather. To his shock, he heard Castiel's voice, "Dean!" He turned around and saw the priest behind him. "What are you doing?" he shouted to be heard over the wind. "This weather is dangerous!"
"Then why are you out here?" asked Dean turning to face him. Castiel had no response. "Castiel, just leave it alone. You don't want to be near me." Castiel gingerly placed his hand on Dean's shoulder just for Dean to quickly tear away. "Don't."
Castiel looked at him with concern. "This isn't happening," he whispered. So it was true, Dean realized. Castiel was already having the dreams. Dean shook his head lightly; he should have known from how Castiel reacted to his name before, but he didn't want to believe it.
"What isn't happening?" asked Dean in a cocky voice. "If you already know then why are you acting so brave?" Dean took a step closer to Castiel and narrowed his eyes dangerously. "You should be terrified of me."
Castiel took a step back, his eyes wide with fear. "I don't know what's happening. If you do please, please explain it to me. You're different from everyone else. Why do I always see you? I know you follow me! Why?" Castiel raised his voice angrily, but Dean could hear his heart racing in terror. Dean was thankful he didn't have a heartbeat of his own.
Dean stepped closer to Castiel until Castiel was backed up against a tree. Dean placed his hand on the tree just above Castiel's head, caging him. "Are we going to seriously play this game? Do we need the script from Twilight? How about I," Dean maneuvered to whisper in Castiel's ear, "get close to you and ask you to 'say it, out loud.'?" Dean pulled back. "Or, are we going to handle this like adults and not like horny teenage girls?" Castiel slowly nodded his head. Dean was only about 3 inches taller than him, but he felt small being trapped the way he was. He knew he was at Dean's mercy, and that was almost exciting.
"W-what are you?" he asked. He already knew, but he didn't want it to be real. Monsters weren't real. Dean gave Castiel a small smile. His gentle gesture became horrifying to Castiel when he grew out his fangs. Castiel could feel his body begin to shake.
Dean covered Castiel's mouth his free hand, "Be a good little priest and don't scream." Castiel couldn't scream is he wanted to. His whole body was frozen now, his heart raced, and his lungs were spazzing. Dean slowly moved his hand away and retracted his fangs. "Now are you going to leave?" Castiel shook his head quickly. He felt his breath hitch as he stared into Dean's emerald eyes. The same eyes and bored into his soul in his dreams. "You are one stubborn priest. Are you going to be my Bella? Tell me you're 'not afraid'. That you, 'accept me'."
Castiel shook his head again. "I am afraid," he struggled to keep his words steady. "In fact, I'm terrified right now." His voice fell into a whisper. "But there's obviously something important going on. You wouldn't have trusted me to show me what you are if there wasn't. Vampires aren't supposed to be real. So for you to reveal that to me, you must have a reason."
"I see the scare tactic doesn't work on everyone," said Dean. "So now what? Let me guess, you're going to go off and tell the other members of the church? Get a classic pitch fork and torch mob outside my house?"
"No one would believe me," replied Castiel still struggling to remain calm. He was certain his heart was going to beat its way of his chest. "So what is it you want from me?"
Dean gave Castiel a wicked half smile that formed into a cunning smirk. "I think you already know. That's why," Dean gently placed his hand on Castiel's chest, causing his breath to hitch even more than before, "you're starting to hyperventilate. That's the nice thing about being dead. I don't have to waste oxygen when I'm scared, or lusting."
Castiel narrowed his eyes, "I'm not lusting for you." Dean bit his bottom lip. He was trying to keep calm just as much as Castiel. His instincts were clawing at him from the inside. He wanted to take Castiel right there, pin him down and claim him, turn him. "But based on your assumption, I'm guessing you also have," Castiel paused, "visions."
"You mean dreams?" asked Dean in a snarky tone. "Don't be afraid to admit it. I do have them too. Vivid dreams, where I'm dominating you. Holding you down, making you mine." Dean smirked as red crept across Castiel's cheeks and his pupils slowly dilated.
Castiel kept his head high. "I want to know why, Dean." Dean nearly shivered hearing Castiel say his name in low tone. "Why you follow me. Why I dream about you."
"I tell you what," Dean brought his hand from Castiel's chest to cup his face. He traced Castiel's blush with his thumb. "Why don't you swing by my place tonight, and I'll tell you everything you want to know."
"Where can I find you?" asked Castiel. Dean traced his thumb from Castiel's cheek down to his neck before pulling away. "331A Madison drive." Castiel suddenly looked confused.
"Those apartments are empty."
Dean held up his keys. "Not all of them. I'll see you tonight." He pulled his hand away from the tree and walked away leaving Castiel. Castiel slid down to a seated position, surprised his legs didn't give out a long time ago. His breath rattled and he finally let his body shake. He stood up slowly and made his way to his car to drive home.
A loud crash echoed through Dean's apartment. He had taken his lamp and chucked it against the wall. HOW STUPID CAN YOU GET? He cursed himself for what he had done, telling Castiel what he was, where he lived? He had signed his suicide note. He could only imagine who would show up at his apartment. Cops, FBI, S.W.A.T.? But he couldn't help it. Being so close to Castiel, his instincts took over. Now he had no choice but to wait. On the off chance Castiel did come alone, he didn't want to be gone for it. He sat on his bed and twiddled his thumbs waiting, yearning for Castiel to come.
Castiel could barely keep the steering wheel straight. 331A Madison drive. What was he doing? This was suicide. He was willingly going to a monsters house. But something about this monster, this vampire, drew him in. Everything about him made him accelerate his car until he reached old, worn down apartments downtown. He parked his car and grabbed his flashlight. The only light outside was from the moon and that wasn't enough to find the right number. Castiel walked up to 331A. His hand shook as he knocked. The door opened slowly letting light pour out. Dean stood in the doorway looking surprised. "You showed up," he peeked his head out the door way, "alone."
"Why would I, you know what never mind," said Castiel. "May I come in?" Dean nodded and stepped out of the way. Castiel walked inside and tried staying relaxed. His back was to Dean, so he couldn't see Dean looking him up and down. Dean licked his lips looking at Castiel, glad he was able to see his figure now that he wasn't wearing that pesky cassock. Castiel was wearing a grey button up shirt that clung to his chest tightly, and light blue jeans that matched his eyes. Dean shut the door behind them and locked it. Castiel tensed up when he heard the lock snap into place.
"Relax," said Dean seeing Castiel tense, "just locking the door like a normal person. You can leave whenever you want." He gestured for Castiel to sit down at the small table he had by his mini fridge.
Castiel sat down and waited for Dean to join him. Once Dean plopped down into his seat, Castiel took a deep breath. Castiel placed his hands together on the table, almost like he was about to pray. "First I want answers." Dean nodded and smiled, encouraging him to ask his first question. Castiel swallowed and took a deep breath. "W-why am I dreaming about you…like that…"
Dean chuckled at Castiel not being able to be blunt. "You mean why do you dream about having hot, rough, sex with me?" Castiel could feel himself blush.
"Are you going to correct me every time I choose not to be literal?" Dean shrugged his shoulders and got up from the table.
"Ever heard of the term soul mate?" he asked as he opened his mini fridge. He pulled out two beers. Vampires normally couldn't ingest anything other than blood, but with a lot of practice their bodies could slowly learn to tolerate other things. Dean found himself only able to tolerate beer, so that's what he bought. At least it was a normal drink for a guy "his age" to have.
"Thank you," said Castiel taking the beer from Dean. He took a small sip. "And of course I've heard the term soul mate. Who hasn't at a church? Every time someone gets married they're 'soul mates'."
Dean chuckled and took a sip of his beer. "Yeah, well, vampires tend to take the whole mate thing pretty seriously." Castiel nearly choked. He looked at Dean with a mixture of fear and curiosity brewing in his sapphire irises. "When it's time for a vampire to choose their mate, they start to have dreams about the person, erotic dreams. And our destined mates have the dreams too. This whole time, the main thing you've probably been trying to drill into your brain is that you're straight, right?" Castiel nodded his head. "You probably are, but I'm your exception. Everything about me is designed to draw you in. When humans are turned into us, our features are enhanced, and we have a certain essence that makes people want to be near us. That's how we would hunt in the old days. And you," Dean pointed at Castiel with his beer bottle, "it's even worse for you. My voice, my smell, everything attracts you." Dean made a sound like "hmph". "Maybe that dumb author got a few details right."
"You read those books?" asked Castiel afraid to say anything else. Dean took another few sips of beer and looked at Castiel with a sarcastic glance.
"Let me think, no. Girl where I work, big fan, doesn't shut up about it on the phone with her friends, ever," he said rotating the beer bottle on the table as if in deep thought.
Castiel could feel his heart beat speeding up again. "So I-I'm…your…"
"Destined mate," Dean finished his sentence for him, "yes." Castiel opened his mouth and Dean cut him short again, "Why you and not a woman? I have no idea. But it's," Dean paused, "it's not good."
Castiel now looked more scared than curious. "Why?"
"Because apparently, in clans, same sex mates are vile and should be violently punished, which is why I've kept an eye on you. On a rare occasion, other members of the clan can sniff out each other's mates. Not very often though," said Dean as looked at Castiel intently, as if trying to warn him.
"But if I'm supposed to be your mate," Castiel struggled to keep conscious; he felt like the room was spinning, "what do you want from me?"
Dean reached over and placed his hand on Castiel's wrist. Castiel jerked, but didn't pull away. Dean gently squeezed his wrist. "I'm supposed to turn you."
"T-turn me?" asked Castiel in a violent stutter. Dean nodded his head. He brought his hand from Castiel's wrist to his hand.
"Yes, turn you. Believe me, I'm breaking all the rules right now. When you find your mate we're supposed to 'eliminate' anyone in our way, turn our mate, and bring them back to the clan."
Castiel relaxed into Dean's touch. "What if after turned, your mate," he nearly choked on the word mate, "doesn't want to go with you? Do you knock them out and drag them or something?" Dean tried not to laugh.
"No, but when you're first turned, you're confused. You're scared and most of all you're hungry. You're so desperate for food and shelter you normally would come willingly."
"And by food, you mean blood, right?" asked Castiel feeling his hands start to shake. Dean nodded and gave Castiel's hand a light squeeze. "So what are you going do to me?"
Dean took his hand away, "I'm not going to turn you unless you want me to."
"What about your, 'clan' was it?" asked Castiel still trying to process all the information. Dean nodded. "What about your clan? Won't they be angry? Couldn't you get hurt?"
Dean gave Castiel a half smile. "I really don't give a rat's ass what my clan thinks. I'd be punished if they knew I had a same sex mate, but I'd turn you anyway if you wanted. We'd just have to leave town." Castiel raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Yeah, my clan lives in that old neighborhood everyone avoids. I'm the only one that lives away from everyone else."
"Why do you live away from them? You make it sound like your kind stays together," observed Castiel hoping he didn't offend Dean with his phrasing.
"I don't really get along with everyone," stated Dean looking the other way. He appeared to be staring into space. "I keep my distance, but our clan leader always knows where I am, at least he thinks he does." Dean glanced to see Castiel knit his eyebrows. "It's not important. Bottom line, you don't have to see me, you don't have to be turned, you don't have to do anything, unless you want it."
Castiel licked his lips nervously. "I do want to see you again. I want to know more, but for now I should go." He got out of his seat and walked over to the door. Dean got up and stood next him. Castiel's back was to the door and he instantly felt trapped again.
"Have a safe trip home," said Dean looking into Castiel's eyes.
"I will," replied Castiel looking back into Dean's eyes. They simply stared at each other for a few moments. Without warning, Dean couldn't fight back his instincts anymore and grabbed Castiel's arms, pulling the priest against him and roughly kissed him. At first Castiel was shocked, his eyes wide not knowing what to do. But as Dean maneuvered his lips expertly, he closed his eyes and began to kiss back. Dean slowly trailed his hands up Castiel's body and then wove his fingers through his hair. He pushed Castiel against the door harshly, causing Castiel's head to make a thud sound. Castiel brought his hands to Dean's neck and opened his mouth giving Dean more access. He had never felt like this before. He felt needy and was oozing lust. Dean grinded himself against Castiel's body and let out a loud moan. He moved his lips to Castiel's neck and then abruptly pulled away. Castiel was breathing heavily, and could barely admit to himself he was disappointed Dean pulled away. "What's wrong?"
Dean was also breathing heavily. "I didn't want to bite you by mistake," he said trying to catch his breath. "I'll get better control the more time I spend around you."
"Okay," was all Castiel could say. "I'll...see you?"
Dean turned to look at him. He wanted to keep going more than anything, but he knew if he took another step closer, he'd bite Castiel and turn him right there. "Yes." Castiel smiled and left the apartment. Dean plopped down on his bed and stared at the ceiling, needier than he had been in a very long time.