Early dawn had begun to settle over the pack lands, the sun peaking over the horizon not quite seeming to be ready to make its appearance just yet. All around the area everything was still like the they had no idea what was going to happen today. The ceremony that was going to make or break the Winchester pack providing on whether it was going to be successful or not. Sam had presumed that all it would be was like a simple speech with someone placing a proverbial crown on Dean's head, followed by a feast, dancing and lots of fucking in the evening. He thought that it was as simple as John choosing his eldest to follow in his footsteps and become Alpha when he decided to retire. If only their life was that care free and uncomplicated. It wasn't until a few hours ago that Dean decided to share the details of the events that was coming to pass.

The were council had arrived the previous afternoon, Anna now heading it up after Zachariah's dismissal as he awaited trial for his crimes against the Winchester pack. Along with representatives from the local packs who would bear witness and pass their judgement alongside the council. It seemed that the pack lands were heaving with people the omega didn't know and it was making him anxious. He felt like everyone was there to judge him and in a way he guessed they were. Mary had told him that part of the ceremony was testing his bond to Dean, to make sure that it was strong enough to withstand any threat. Seeing as he would be crowned Pack Omega to take over Mary's place, meaning that if Dean was indisposed of for any reason the pack would turn to him for guidance. A responsibility he wasn't sure he could handle. How they tested this no one would tell him saying it was better they found out for themselves on the day.

Dean had been quiet the previous evening, seeming to want to let his knot do all the talking for him. Not that Sam minded though a quiet Dean always screamed out that something was worrying him and as per usual he didn't want to talk. Sam however knew not too push. After they had made love the Alpha had held him close and fell asleep with his knot still buried deep inside. Sam on the other hand had been up half the night worrying for his Alpha. He couldn't help but feel a sense of impending dread over the day that was yet to come. He didn't know what to expect all he knew was that they had to be ready to prove themselves no matter what the challenge may be.

…

It had just gone half seven in the morning, a time that Dean would usually never see, all around him the were's had started to gather. His pack stood to the right of him with the visitors to the left. The were council had taken their place at the top of the steps leading to the manor, their chairs looming above everyone so their presence could not be avoided no matter how hard you might have tried. John and Mary were standing behind them with Bobby and Ellen to their side, the parents to the soon to be Crown Alpha and Omega. Well Ellen was a substitute for Sam's mum but seeing as she had Bobby had mated the previous evening her presence was allowed.

Dean drew in a deep shaking breath and tried to quell the nerves that were bubbling inside of him. He had been told little of what was going to happen today his father wanting to but not allowed to divulge information about the ceremony. It would void the whole process if he had been able to prepare any of the trails that he was going to be faced with today. The only thing he had been allowed to focus on was trying to shift at will, a simple task that he was going to be asked to do but one he had never been able to control. He just hoped that their plan would work otherwise he would fall at the last hurdle.

He tightened the tie on his dressing gown and squeezed Sam's hand that was firmly in his, the omega's apprehension screaming out to him with every second they had to wait. After a couple of more moments had passed and the stream of were's had begun to thin Anna pushed to her feet holding a hand out towards the crowd. An immediate silence settled over them.

"We have been summoned today to answer the call from Alpha Winchester," she gestured behind her to which John moved to her side. "Alpha Winchester you have requested our presence to bear witness to your desired Crown Alpha."

"I did," John replied his eyes shining bright with what seemed to be his barely concealed pride. Dean just hoped that he could live up to his father's and everyone else's expectations without fucking up.

"In the light of recent events Zachariah has been removed from the council pending investigation into the wrong doings he has committed against this pack, it is my role as second to resume his position and conduct this ceremony in the name of the were council and those we uphold. Is there any objections?" she paused for a second her eyes seeming to scan the crowd, though there had been armed guards placed at every entrance just in case someone decided to make their appearance. "Very well, Alpha Winchester please step forward."

John bowed his head and made his way down the steps stopping beside Dean, his hand coming up to rest on his shoulder giving it a small squeeze in support.

"Beta Mary please step forward," Anna requested to which Mary responded quickly until she was standing in front of the other female. "Do you confirm that Alpha Winchester is your rightful mate and that our potential Crown Alpha is of pure birth?"

"I do," Mary said a smile pulling at her face.

"Do you confirm that you give permission for the Pack Beta role to become a Pack Omega?"

"I do."

"Please stand beside your mate," Anna instructed her hand gesturing towards John and Dean. "You have bared witness to their claims, is there anyone who objects?" again another nervous wait but no one seemed to step forward. "Very well, due to recent events with the unlawful conviction of Alpha Dean and his determination and successful attempt to clear his name no matter what the cost to himself we as a council deem that it is not necessary to test his bravery or commitment to the pack. Does anyone object?" Dean held his breath though once again no one had anything to say which allowed him to release a sigh of relief. One less thing he had to do he supposed. "Good. Beta Mary. Omega Sam please step to the side."

Sam squeezed Dean's hand once more before releasing and moving away. Mouthing words of encouragement and love as he went though it didn't help to stem Dean's pounding heart. Anna walked down the steps standing directly in front of John and Dean, she shot a small smile towards him before resuming her nonchalant expression. "As an Alpha one has to prove themselves," she took a step back so that she was towering over them addressing the pack as a whole. "An Alpha is a show of strength and dominance, to lead the weak to safety and make tough decisions for the good of the pack. A Pack Alpha is all those things above being a were, they are responsible for your lives and those of your children and your children's children. Many years ago you accepted Alpha John as your leader and now I ask of your approval once more. Do you accept Alpha Dean as your Crown and future Alpha? Do you pledge to follow him without question or objection, do you choose him above all others that may dare to challenge?"

With no hesitation Bobby and Ellen stepped forward, as one they stood behind Dean with Bobby clapping Dean on the back. Mary and Sam was next followed by a steady stream of were's until only a handful remained standing where they once were. One of those Dean recognised as Andy, a were that had grown up alongside Adam…he could have sworn that he had defected to Adam's pack when he had been given freedom five years ago.

Anna's attention turned towards Andy a frown set on her face. "You object?"

"I object," Andy confirmed taking a step forward with the three were's behind him following suit, all Dean recognised as Adam's fan club. Great just what he needed, they must have sneaked in when no one was looking earlier. As if he thought today could go by without a hitch. "D…Alpha Dean is no more a wolf than that hunter bitch there," he gestured towards Ellen to which Bobby growled in response.

"May I remind you that other pack members aren't the ones on trial here," Anna replied her voice becoming icy. "Voice your objections or hold your tongue."

"He doesn't shift into a wolf, I can probably count on one hand how many times we have seen him on four legs, why should we have a Pack Alpha who can't shift to protect himself let alone us from any dangers?" Andy sneered his hatred seeping into his words.

Anna turned her attention to Dean she gestured towards Andy. "Alpha Dean is his accusation correct as of this present moment? Would you like to demonstrate?" she nudged her gaze becoming uncertain. This was what everyone had been afraid would happen, yes Dean was known as the human were, the wolf who couldn't control himself. But he stupidly thought that his own pack wouldn't bring this up against him.

…

Dean drew in a deep breath as he took a step forward, he turned so that he was facing his pack. All of their eyes were focused entirely on him, he blocked them out and focused on his father. John was standing tall his steely eyes boring into Dean's. He could feel his father's Alpha presence wrapping around him making his body shake with the apprehension. The whole world melted away until all he could feel was his pack Alpha.

'Remember that fire that burnt through your veins,' John's voice called out in his head for only him to hear. 'How you felt on the moon, remember that feeling,' Dean closed his eyes and focused his mind trying to find the presence of his wolf that was buried somewhere deep under his skin. 'How you felt seeing Adam with Sam,' Dean felt a growl rumble through his chest at just the mention of that monster. How he had used his mate, how he had tormented him, beat him and made him into this shell of a man. His beautiful omega. His whole world. 'That's it Ace, use that feeling,' Dean could feel the fire running through his veins, his wolf answering his call. The urge to tear Adam limb from limb pushed to the front of his mind, consuming him with this terrible anger. He wanted to protect his mate, he needed to protect him.

Dean opened his eyes letting out a howl as he dropped his robe to the floor not caring that he was standing naked in front of his pack for the first proper time, the moon didn't count as most of the were's were already out of it. His two legs dropped to four with the howl continuing to call out into the morning air.

The pack came back into view as he blinked adjusting to his new enhanced vision, John was smiling at him nodding his approval along with Mary and Sam. The were's behind him began to lower themselves down onto one knee submitting to his wolf in their human form. All apart from Andy who was glaring at him like looks could kill him alone. He wasn't so cocky now, Dean just hoped that they didn't ask him to change back…now that would be an issue but as far as Adam knew Dean had trouble shifting. At least that was what he hoped this brother just knew. He prayed that he didn't have any inside information on the pack a thought that had never crossed his mind until now.

"Objection withdrawn," Andy glared.

"Accepted," Anna replied.

"If you cannot accept Alpha Dean as your Crown then you best leave my lands," John declared.

"Objection!" Andy shouted his mouth opening in shock like he had expected to get away with defying Dean in front of the whole pack on what was going to be one of the most important days in his life.

"Overruled," Anna replied. "Alpha Winchester has the authority of these lands."

Andy huffed turning his back and storming away with his followers in tow. Most likely sulking back to Adam to tell him the news that his one shot at stopping the ceremony had failed. At least Dean hoped that that was it. He so didn't need to deal with his so called brother today though a part of him wished he would show his face. It was about time he taught the were who was top dog in this family.

"Ignoring that interruption Alpha Dean you have passed the first test to which my colleagues and fellow were's will agree," Anna paused noting the nods of their heads. "Crown Alpha's have to show strength that is equal to or superior than their predecessor." She gestured towards John who was looking at her with a frown plastered on his face. "It's time to test your strength Alpha Dean, Alpha Winchester if you please…"

Dean watched as John took a step forward an unsure look was on his face as he shrugged out of his clothes. Where a man had been standing a dark brown wolf appeared, a wolf that was twice the size of Dean showing his power as the pack Alpha.

"Alpha Dean if you can best Alpha Winchester in a test of strength and combat than it proves that you are ready to become Crown."

Wait…what?

…

Ok so this was not how he expected today to go at all. Yes, ok he had sparred with his father before but that was on two legs…he had seen his father in a fight and there was no way he would be able to best him. From the looks of John's face, he knew that as well. What kind of bullshit test was this? Dean tensed his shoulders, his eyes roaming over to his mate who had a false strained smile on his face, great wasn't just him that didn't have much hope then.

Dean drew in a deep breath lowering his snout towards his father who was standing directly in front of him. All of his senses were screaming at him to submit, to admit that he would never be the Alpha needed to run this pack however his determination and stubborn Winchester streak kept him rooted to the spot.

Anna walked over to the pair standing directly between them seeming to want to play at being some kind of referee. She looked from John to Dean, lingering for a moment longer before turning to address the crowd which somehow had managed to get closer to form a ring around them. Guess they all thought he would be some kind of flight risk.

"Today you will bear witness to the power of the pack Alpha. It is you who will judge and decide whether Alpha Dean's strength is enough to lead you to greatness. No one is to interfere on risk of death," Anna paused noting that a few of the were's were holding their breath in anticipation. "When an Alpha is threatened there is no telling how this fight will end." Dean stared at his father who had a stern expression on his face, well as much expression as a wolf could muster. Great now his father would have to try not to kill him, this was going to be a fun day. "Alpha Dean would you please make your challenge." Anna gestured stepping back so that she was to the side rather than get in between the two of them not that Dean blamed her. He had seen a full blown pack fight for leader before between two brothers, ended up with the eldest having their throat ripped out by the youngest. Were families more complicated than humans.

Dean shook himself out of his thoughts realising that his hesitation might look like cowardice. On instinct he stepped forward and lowered his head further, he bared his teeth and let out a low growl staking his claim to the pack. His hackles rose as he attempted to make himself look as big as possible against the huge form that was his father's wolf. Even though he probably looked more like a toddler attempting to mimic their father.

John responded by straightening his back and letting a howl out effectively accepting Dean's challenge. Before Dean had a chance to compose himself John threw his body towards him, his teeth knocking against Dean's shoulder enough to draw blood. Dean grimaced as he was thrown towards the gathering crowd that jumped back in surprise. He rolled out of the way as John attempted a second attack this time with his claws stretched out in front of him, one of which managed to scrap against the scar that Dean had across his eye. Dean growled seeing a droplet of his blood fall to the floor beside his feet. He could feel the worry radiating off of his mate seems like Sam was genuinely concerned that John would seriously hurt him and by the looks of his mother she did as well. Of all the ways he thought he would be killed at the claws of his father and Alpha was not high on the list at all.

Dean snarled as he leapt into the air, the Alpha rage fuelling his actions, his claws raked across John's shoulder however the elder Alpha used his size and weight advantage to throw him off of him like he was nothing more than a fly. Dean tumbled to the ground dodging a flaying claw in the process. He pushed himself to his feet and adopted a defensive stance his eyes boring into his fathers as they began to circle on another. Focusing he blocked out the feelings that were radiating from his mate and the vibes that the pack were throwing his way. He cleared his mind seeing only John's eyes. His expression was feral however there was clarity in his eyes, he wanted Dean to win but he refused to hand victory to him. Ok at least he knew that John was in charge for the current moment. They continued to circle occasionally feigning a movement hoping to provoke the other into an early attack.

John opened his mouth and howled with the rest of the pack following suit giving him the support in his voice. He titled his head up to the sun and with that gave Dean an idea. Without hesitating he pushed forward on his hind legs and threw his body into the air. His mouth opened as his teeth wrapped around John's throat, his front legs knocking into his left shoulder, his left shoulder which he had injured years ago when he had protected Dean from a rogue when he must have been about four. An injury he knew played up whenever he had to shift so John would always make sure that his enemy was on his right side. A mistake he had made today.

Dean's front canine dug into John's neck while he pressed down on his father's shoulder with his front paws, a claw digging into the flesh causing the elder Alpha to howl out in pain. Around them the pack began to stir seeming to fight the urge to protect their Alpha. Dean bit down harder and bore all of his weight down onto his father.

In response John began to buck, using his own weight as an advantage he managed to flip Dean so that he rolled onto his back however his teeth remained imbedded into the Alpha's neck. John's mouth hovered over Dean's throat, a feral look crossing his eyes for a moment before he seemed to remember that the attacker was his own son. Dean reached out and managed to push his back legs against his father's shoulder stopping John's teeth from sinking into his own neck forcing Dean to release John's throat. Dean snapped his head to the side avoiding the drool and gnashing teeth that was inches away from his face. His paws supported John's weight stopping him from overwhelming him. His legs began to shake the pressure becoming too much however he gritted his teeth and continued to hold his position. John's mouth moved closer while Dean's knees began to bend slowly losing his grip on the now wild Alpha.

Dean could feel his whole body beginning to shake under the onslaught. Using the last of his energy he willed his adrenaline down into his legs. Gritting his teeth and releasing a howl he kicked his legs up throwing his now shocked father at least ten feet into the air. John went flying into the steps landing at the feet of one of the members of the council that Dean didn't recognise. His head hitting the concrete on his way down. Dean held in a deep breath and stilled the urge to run over to his Alpha, what had he just done?

Dean's pushed himself to his feet however they wouldn't stop shaking and couldn't hold his weight so he ended up falling snout first to the ground. He watched as John slowly pushed himself up, blood was running down from the cut to his temples however he didn't seem like it was too serious. Mary and Sam were holding tight onto each other probably stopping the other one from rushing into the duel and forfeiting their mate.

John growled as he shook his head slowly lowering it the floor. Anna took a step forward and held her hand out to them both. Breathing in a sigh of relief Dean placed his head on his paws feeling his muscles protest about the weight he had put on them. He really needed to hit the gym harder if he had any chance of defeating his father in one to one combat. All he had done was protect himself from John's attacks unable to do much more than that.

"We have seen enough," Anna declared her hands gesturing to Mary and Sam to see to their respective mates.

Sam ran over to Dean's side. His hands brushing through Dean's blood soaked fur while his lips pressed desperate kisses into his forehead like he had been genuinely scared that he was going to lose Dean. Dean gave the palm of Sam's hand a small lick in reassurance while he watched as his father shifted back, standing to his full height with the support of Mary.

John's expression was tight while he seemed to check Dean over for any kind of injuries. Dean's eyes felt heavy and all he wanted to do was forget about the whole failed attempt at becoming crown Alpha. Who had he been kidding? He couldn't handle his own wolf who on earth would want him to be their leader and protector?

"Alpha Dean today has shown what kind of Alpha he has become," Anna called out hushing the excited crowd. "A true Alpha knows when to fight and when to back down." She turned her head to Dean a smile starting to spread across her cheeks. "To show strength when backed against the corner is a true test for any Alpha, to stand tall and fight against the odds when they are not in your favour rather than give into the wolf instincts. The combat test is not one of conquer but one of valour and honour. Alpha Winchester do you agree?"

"Dean has always shown his strength to me," John agreed spitting some blood out of his mouth. "He has been against the odds for the whole of his life."

"Alpha Dean has passed the first trial!"

Dean lifted his head as the pack began to cheer as one. He looked around at his family and felt a smile cross his snout, maybe just maybe he could do this…

TBC (Phew, long chapter there! Thought it would be mean to spilt it up into parts! There we go our Dean has passed his first trial have to stay tuned to the next chapter to find out what is instore for him next. As usual thank you for reading and all those amazing lot who review, you make my day! I decided I am going to split this story into two so there will be a sequel after this one if you would be interested in having one! Thank you once more and see you all in Chapter Thirty One!)