Archive of Our Own ^beta

Robert Samuel Singer was born in the backseat of Dean's Impala during a thunderstorm. His mate, Castiel, was still at the Deaf and Hearing Impaired school when Dean's water broke. He'd been having Braxton-Hicks contractions for weeks and had considered any pain a nuisance while he was trying to finish up Rufus Turner's old truck.

He needed his father to watch his daughter Emma so he decided to drive himself to the hospital. Unfortunately, high winds from the storm knocked a tree over across the road and Dean had no recourse. He called 911 and hoped an ambulance could get to him from the other side.

His first delivery had been in a hospital with an epidural and his Mate feeding him ice chips. His second…well he just had some tools, a blanket, and sheer willpower to get through it. First responders opened the back door of the Impala to see a very exhausted Omega purring and holding a minutes old pup.

Dean and little Robbie were cleaned up and resting when Castiel arrived at the hospital. Castiel ran the back of his hand over his Mate's neck tattoo then signed, < You should change this to Bad Ass Omega>

That was eight years ago. 

Dean decided two pups was his limit. Cas was fine with it. He had his students and since Sam and Eileen moved closer, they had their niece and nephew around as well. 

He was getting caught up on invoices in his garage office when his cell phone vibrated on the desk. "Singer's Auto," he answered on autopilot. "Sorry. You got Dean Singer."

"Mr. Singer, my name is Hester Blazer. I'm the vice principal at your daughter's high school…"

"Is Emma okay? Did she get hurt? I can…"

"Emma is not injured, Mr. Singer. She was, however, involved in an…altercation."

Dean pinched the bridge of his nose. If Emma got into a fight, Cas would have both their asses.

"Can you be more specific?"

"Emma growled at another student. It didn't escalate, but we're concerned she may be close to presenting. She's in the nurse's office waiting to be picked up."

Fuck. Just like what happened to him. Only there was no way his baby girl was going to get abandoned and orphaned. "I'm closing up shop and I'll be there to get her soon."

Dean grabbed his keys and coat then caught sight of his reflection. He wasn't ashamed of his tattoo, but he'd been careful to cover it for school related things. Cas' scarf that hung next to his coat would have to do.

He drove as cautiously as possible and made his way to the school's office to announce he'd arrived. He signed in but was sent to the vice principal's office before getting to the nurse. He hadn't met this Hester Blazer before. She must be new.

"Mr. Singer, we tried reaching out to your Mate but…"

"Is there a reason you don't think I'm capable of picking up my kid?" Dean's hackles were up. He wasn't putting up with genderist bullshit.

The woman looked him over and tried to discreetly scent him. "When the issue at hand is presentation, we think it's best to have an Omega or Beta caregiver…"

Dean rolled his eyes. "So why'd you call her Alpha father?"

"We couldn't reach Castiel Singer," she replied.

A chuckle bubbled up from Dean's chest. The one time being misgendered as an Alpha worked against him. "Yeah…you're definitely new. Cas is an Alpha."

Hester's features pinched. "But, you're also an Alpha. I think I should call OPS…"

"Ask for Jody Mills," Dean smirked.

"This isn't a laughing matter. If Emma presents as an Omega to two non-related adoptive Alphas…"

Dean removed his scarf. "We're her biological parents. Got the stretch marks and all. Now, I've been mistaken for an Alpha plenty, but never mistaken for a bad parent. I'm gonna go get Em from the nurse's office."

"Mr. Singer, I apologize. Your stature and demeanor, you own a business, your scent…"

Dean glared. "Save it, lady. If you're still around when my son starts here in a few years, I hope you're better at your job."

He stormed out of her office and rewrapped the scarf before he knocked on the nurse's office door. He was welcomed with another judgmental look. "Mr. Singer?"

"That's me. Where’s Emma?"

"She's lying down. She's got a slight temperature. She…growled at me." 

"We're Singers. We growl. Em? It's Daddy. You ready to go home, Princess?" He called out.

His teenaged daughter appeared, looking like she was ready to fight a honeybadger. "Not a princess!"

"Fine. Ready to go home, War Machine?" Dean arched a brow at her. 

The nurse grabbed a closed paper bag to push into his arms. "I assume you and your Mate know how to handle heats and ruts?"

"Yeah. Got it." Dean put an arm around Emma's shoulders and walked her out to the car. "Your school is full of assholes."

"Daddy…" Emma whined. "This is so fu…fudging embarrassing."

"You're not the first or last pup to hit early presentation at school. Happened to me. Same age."

"What did you do?"

He knew he'd have to have that conversation eventually. Only he'd hoped not for a couple more years and with his Mate beside him.

"The school called my Mom. She came to get me and we were in a bad car crash on the way back. I spent my first heat in the hospital under sedation. When I came out of it, they told me I was an Omega. And that I was an orphan. Mom died. Dad didn't want an Omega."

"Grandpa would never!"

Dean gave her a thin smile. "That's because Grandpa adopted me. He wanted to be my Dad."

Emma picked at the sleeve of her shirt. "Is that why you don’t like being an Omega?"

"I never said I didn't like being an Omega. I don't like the expectations and assumptions people put on gender."

"Then why do you look like an Alpha?"

"Because it's how I look. I'm tall. I'm strong. Papa likes my scruffy beard. There's no real rules to what you have to look like, act like, or sound like." Dean parked in their driveway. "It doesn't matter what you present as, Em. You're gonna be you . Me and Papa will fight anybody we have to, to make sure whatever path you're on doesn't get blocked."

"I don't know what I am yet. I just feel hot and frustrated and…"

"Growly?"

"Yeah. That. I don't even know why I growled at Adam. He just got too close and…grrr."

"Is he presented?"

"No. But I growled at the nurse, too."

Dean shrugged. "Sometimes it's just a bad day, Em. You can go up to your room and rest. Or you can take a mallet and pound some dents out of a fender. I'll ask Grandpa to pick up your brother and message Papa."

"Robbie can't be around me. Either way it's gonna scare him. He'll think I'm possessed by a demon."

Dean forgot about that aspect. Robbie was a very sensitive kid. He was still on the young side for a complete biology lesson to explain it. "If you want, you can camp out over the garage. It's a full apartment. We'll stock the fridge."

Emma seemed to consider it. "Do Alpha's nest?"

Her father chuckled. "Mine does. He's as bad as me. Probably from all the years he spent in a nest with Aunt Charlie. There's a bunch of blankets and pillows up there."

Her nose crinkled. "You guys haven't used it for," she gestured, "have you?"

Dean balked. "Why would we send you and Robbie to Grandpa's for our cycle if we did that?"

"I dunno! It's bad enough to know how pups are made and to know you and Papa made pups." Emma shrunk down in her seat. "God! You'll know what I'll be doing for the next three to five days!"

"Hey…I buy your tampons. It's biology. It's not gross or embarrassing. It's…life. It's messy and sometimes it sucks. Well, that applies to life and cycles I guess. The point is, don't ever be afraid to ask us for something you need. It's our job as parents to take care of you."

"At least they make suppressants for ruts and heats."

"If that's something you want, we'll take you to Doc Chambers to talk about options and risks. It's your body, Em."

"Ugh! If I survive whatever the hell is about to happen to me, we'll talk. Shit! Sorry! Oh god. Sorry, Daddy."

Dean grinned. "Just don't let Papa hear you. He'll blame me."

"Okay. Can we have burgers for dinner? I'm craving red meat."

"Already planned on it."

***

Castiel tapped his husband's shoulder to get his attention. <Is Emma okay? The school tried to call then I got your message that your father was picking Robbie up>

Dean put down the burger he'd just pattied and washed his hands. "She growled at another kid. And the nurse. She's about to present."

<But she's only…>

"The same age I was, Papa Bear. We knew early presentation was a possibility. That's why we gave her the talk already. The nurse sent home supplies and I told her she could use our old apartment."

Cas sighed deeply. Their baby was growing up and he was powerless. <Alpha or Omega?>

"Dunno yet. Could go either way."

<Dean, my brother was a violent Alpha…>

Dean placed his hands on his Mate's shoulders. "And I'm a badass Omega. She's always taken after me. Any aggression right now is from the frustration of her body changing. She growls around the twenty-fifth every month, too. She slams doors. Normal teenage stuff."

Cas nestled in closer for Dean's comforting scent. He was right. There was barely a chance their daughter would be anything like Lucien. All the Alphas in their life were even tempered. All the Omegas were bold and brash.

"I don't like it," he said in his barely uttered voice.

"I know, Babe. But we gotta deal." Dean paused. "I had to tell her about my first heat. She asked. I was honest."

Castiel pulled back. <Oh god! This must have brought up so much trauma. Are you alright?>

"It did. But I drove safe and promised our little girl it didn't matter what she presented as. Or how she identifies with her secondary gender."

<Okay. I'll go change before dinner. But if you need to talk, I'm a really good listener>

"Yeah, yeah. Go wash your nasty ass blockers off. Need my Alpha scent."

<As you wish>

***

Dinner was awkward. Bobby and his namesake joined Dean, Cas, and Emma. Dean and Bobby talked about Rufus and his rustbucket of a truck he refused to part with. Cas signed a little about how a new student was adjusting in his class. Robbie told them about a shiny rock he found on the playground.

Emma was quiet except for the noises she made while devouring two burgers. Her little brother just stared at her. "What?"

"Are you okay, Emmy?" he asked. His face was full of concern for his big sister.

"Peachy," she snapped back.

Dean shot her a look. "Robbie, your sister is about to present. Her body is going through some changes. Yours will too someday. It's a lot to deal with and it makes you tired and grumpy."

The young pup's chin quivered. "Sorry you don't feel good, Emmy. I'll try not to bother you."

That broke her foul mood. " I'm sorry. I shouldn't take it out on you. And I'll be out over the garage so it won't be scary for you."

That seemed to settle him a bit. He nodded and went back to nibbling on his fries.

Then a very strong scent of a leatherbound book filled the room. Emma's eyes went wide and her face and neck blushed. "I…I really need to be excused."

"Yeah. You can go, Em. I'll come check on you later. Just through the door unless you say otherwise," Dean told her.

He and Cas signed to each other as soon as she left the dining room. <Omega>

***

It had been a rough week for the Singer family. Little Robbie worried about his big sister being alone while she "didn't feel well." Cas' Alpha instincts didn't kick in often, but he found himself on edge and on guard because he had an Omega to protect. Dean was exhausted from all of them.

He assumed Emma's primary care. Up and down stairs, arms always full. Arthritic knee throbbing. His pup stayed fed and hydrated. He washed any clothes and bedding left bagged outside the apartment door. 

In between, he was still working in the garage. He still had a wound-up Mate to cool down enough to sleep. And their eight year old clung to them to calm his own stress. 

Bobby helped out where he could. He distracted his grandson for an hour or so in the evenings, even offering to keep him at his cabin. He brought Dean lunch. If Dean wasn't around, he shared a nip or two of Scotch with Cas. When Emma saw herself fit to come back from her self imposed exile, he'd make some time with her, too.

Bobby had a feeling she'd be an Omega like her Daddy. She doted on her baby brother the second she got her little paws on him. He remembered how Dean took to Sam when they took him in. As Emma got older, Bobby was more and more convinced she was Dean made over.

Her fathers let her self guide her interests. If she wanted a doll, they gave her a doll. If she wanted to play in the dirt looking for fishing worms, they dug out jars for her to collect them in. Sometimes she wanted to tag along with Daddy and Grandpa to go fishing. Sometimes she wanted them all in plastic tiaras for a tea party.

Things had progressed a bit since Bobby raised teenagers. There was less pressure to steer curriculum based on secondary gender. Unless someone on the faculty held on to old-fashioned notions. Bobby knew Emma's fathers would back whatever she chose to do.

"Grandpa?"

Bobby finished putting food containers away. "Hey, darlin'. You feelin' better?"

Emma climbed onto one of the kitchen stools. "I guess. Still kinda tired but it's over. I never wanna do that again."

Bobby grabbed her a cold drink and slid it in front of her. "That's pretty much how your Daddy felt about it for a few years."

"He told me about what happened to him. That you adopted him. I guess Uncle Sam, too. But who'd give away an Alpha?"

"Best I understand, Sam didn't have an Alpha. And his Omega parent…he passed on. Was unpresented when he went into the system. Your godmother, Jody, thought he'd be a good fit with me and your Daddy. She was right. As always," the old Beta rolled his eyes.

"Why'd you let Daddy…be Daddy?"

"Didn't see a reason not to. I grew up in a time when it was even harder on Omegas. Never thought it was right to force somebody into somethin' they ain't. As unnatural as makin' a lefty change to usin' their right hand. People are people."

Emma slid her glass back and forth on the counter. "Daddy's tattoo used to say 'Bad Omega' before Robbie came."

"His damn fool idea. Cas was the first one to come along and tell him he was wrong about that."

"Did they really mate on their first date?"

"Yep. Been together ever since."

"I don't want a Mate till I'm like, thirty."

"Your Daddy will be relieved to hear that."

Emma gave a full body eye roll to rival both of her parents. "Can I still go fishing?"

"I feel sorry for the idjit who tries to stop ya."

***

"Dean!"

"Fuck!" He banged his head on the hood of the van he was working on. He touched the spot to check for bleeding before he turned around. "Jesus, Jodes. You trying to kill me?"

His old friend pointed at his radio. "Turn that off!" She yelled.

Dean grumbled but acquiesced. "Lemme guess, somebody called OPS because they still think we're both Alphas with a newly presented Omega?"

Jody shook her head. "No, hon. If they had, I would have nipped that in the bud. I was there when you presented."

"If it's a social visit, always happy to have you over. Just usually when there's more than me tinkering around and Dad watching his Spanish soap operas up at the cabin."

"That's the thing, kiddo. It's not a social visit."

"Now's not really a good time to be thinking about a foster kid. Emma's an Omega, but she's as territorial as an Alpha. Bringing some new scent around might get somebody hurt."

Jody picked a catalogue up off a chair to sit. "One of Emma's classmates also just presented as an Omega. His mother…had a stroke. She's unable to care for herself or a pup. At least not right now. 

"We went looking for relatives for a short term placement while she recovers. There was an Alpha listed on his birth certificate."

"They're not fit?"

"No. No he is not. Dean…it's John Winchester."

Jody flinched when a socket wrench went flying across the garage into a shelf. 

"SONOFABITCH! Does he know?"

"We were legally obligated to tell him."

Dean fumed. "And?"

"And when he found out the Omega is a boy…"

"He said it's your problem, not his." Dean paced. "Kid's my half brother? Emma's age?"

"His name is Adam Milligan. He's fourteen. It isn't going to be a permanent placement. I'm not asking you to adopt him. You're his next of kin after John. I already know this home, Dean. This family. If you say no, I'll respect that and find another home but…"

"We'll do it. He's family. I know Cas has to sign off on it, too. I'll talk to him, talk to the kids. Goddammit…you know I'd never turn away family."

She gave him a warm smile. "Still don't know why you ever thought you were a bad Omega, kiddo."

"I keep misplacing my pearls and apron."

"There's that smart mouth that stole my heart all those years ago."

"I'll have to figure out where to put him. Probably in bunk beds in Robbie's room. Don't want to send either him or Em out to the apartment unless one volunteers."

"How long will it take to get set up? I don't think they'll let him stay at the hospital with his mother much longer."

"Lemme call Garth. He's just moved the twins outta bunk beds and into singles. Maybe a couple days?"

Jody nodded. "I can always bridge the gap with a night at my place. Thanks, kiddo."

"Yeah, yeah."

***

Charlie threw more clothes in the cart while Castiel marked things off the list Dean gave him.

<Can't believe you have a teenage brother-in-law >

<I can't believe the student my daughter growled at a few weeks ago is her half-uncle. No offense to Adam, but Alphas like John Winchester shouldn't be allowed to breed> Castiel signed back.

<Want me to flag his medical records to get castrated if he lands in the hospital?>

<Tempting, but no. It was enough that you ruined his credit history and revoked his license>

Charlie shrugged. <Eh, he was headed for both anyway. I just sped up the process. So…how do my niblings feel about the new addition?>

<Since Dean told Emma about what John did to him, she was fully supportive of helping Adam. Despite the growling incident, they're actually friends. Robbie is a little excited to have a guest. We've tried telling him that he's not getting a playmate but…>

<I love his terminal optimism. Can me and Dot steal him this weekend? We promise to give him back. Eventually>

Castiel playfully shoved her shoulder. <Get your own pup and stop stealing mine. But…maybe. If things are settled enough>

She shoved him back. <Nah. I prefer renting them occasionally.>

They moved on to pick up the toiletries on the list. Dean said it would be less stressful to be prepared than to take Adam out shopping. The kid had enough on his mind worrying about his mother and finding out he had a brother old enough to be his father.

Charlie tapped his arm. <Have you talked to Sam?>

<Dean did. He filled him in on the situation. He even asked if there was any legal recourse against John they could take for history of abandonment. Unfortunately, leaving Dean in a hospital was considered safe and humane. And there was no record of contact before Adam presented so he could say no to OPS when they reached out>

<That sucks but that's not exactly what I meant. Do you think Sam will feel displaced by a bio sibling?>

Cas shook his head. <As far as Sam is concerned, he just got another little brother, too. But he's going to hang back for a bit. Let Adam get used to the idea of more extended family>

<And Sam is like seven feet tall. Scary if you don't already know him. He's Big Bird>

<I'll tell him you said that, Charlie>

She smirked <He knows. That's what I sign for him>

***

"He'll be here tomorrow. Jody thought it best if I met him alone first." Dean nestled into his Mate's side. His nose pressed against Cas' scent gland. "Smell extra good tonight, Baby."

Cas turned to capture his lips in a kiss. They hadn't been intimate for almost a month. Dean initiating sex was very welcome. He could already smell Dean's slick and feel something hard rut against him. Dean also felt a little warmer. 

"Need you, Alpha." Dean nipped Cas' bottom lip and pulled him fully on top of his wanting body. "Been too long since I had your thick knot."

Cas growled. He latched onto Dean's mating mark and sucked a deep bruise. Dean purred and arched against him.

"Please…" Dean begged. He had a deep itch to scratch that only his Mate could reach. 

" As you wish."

Castiel loved worshiping his Mate's body. Dean's scent intoxicated him when he was aroused. He rarely let his Alpha out but Dean brought it to the surface. He licked and nipped at as much skin as he could, then ghosted his hot breath over Dean's hard member.

"Tease me and I'll go off like a rocket, Babe," Dean growled.

"And? You'll just have to come again."

"Oh fuck…" Dean's cock bobbed and more slick leaked from him.

Castiel eagerly parted him to lap up his Mate's sweet nectar. His long tongue swirled around, darting in deep every few passes. Dean opened up for him beautifully.

"As good as this feels…I really need to be full right now, Alpha."

That was playing dirty. Hearing Dean call out for his Alpha always did things to him. He growled and plunged two fingers in.

"Yes! Oh god…need more."

"I won't hurt you."

"It doesn't! Feels so fucking good when it burns, Alpha. Makes me feel taken and claimed," Dean moaned and writhed. "If I'm sore I'll just have to fuck you instead. You want that, Alpha? Wanna ride my big Omega cock until I'm covered in your spunk?"

That did it. Cas used his Alpha strength to flip Dean onto his stomach and pull his hips up to present. He bit Dean's shoulder as he thrust his engorged cock into the hot, throbbing channel. He paused to let the waves of contractions massage him.

His Mate wanted it hard and fast. Castiel kept one hand on the back of Dean's neck and the other gripped his hip hard enough to bruise. He pulled back and slammed into Dean, their balls audibly smacking. It jostled them both up the bed.

Then he set a brutal pace. Dean buried his face in the pillow to mute some of his wanton sounds. His Alpha growled and took and it sent fire through his veins. Cas' knot had barely swollen when his first orgasm ripped through him.

"That's one," Cas said through gritted teeth. He snaked an arm under Dean's chest to pull him up and back. Dean sat fully impaled, Cas' knot pushing at his abused rim.

"Do it…fucking do it…" Dean panted. He felt the hot, hard bulb push its way through to tie them together. Cas bit a fresh claim over his mating mark and he was oozing cum again. A few short thrusts and he felt the fullness he craved. "Good Alpha…" he purred.

Castiel rumbled against his back and licked away the scant blood he drew from Dean's neck. "My Omega."

"Yours, Baby. Always yours." Dean melted in his arms. He let his Mate manhandle them into a spooning position on their bed. "I'll clean up tomorrow. Need you just like this."

Weeks of stress fell away from them and they soon drifted off.

***

Dean was home alone, as requested, when Jody showed up with young Adam. He looked as gangly as Sam had at that age. He had blue eyes and blonde hair. Reminded Dean more of his mother than John.

He asked them both to sit at the small kitchen table he remembered joining Bobby at when he'd first arrived. 

"So what now?" Adam spoke up. 

"Now, you get to know Dean and a little later, the rest of the family. You already know Emma from school," Jody explained. She'd tried to go through all this beforehand but Adam had rightfully been too distracted by his mother.

"I figured we should talk one on one before the rest of the crew get here. Less overwhelming," Dean offered.

Adam scoffed. "Because I'm a delicate Omega who needs to be coddled?"

Dean smirked. "Because you've been through a lot of heavy shit in a short amount of time, kid."

"How would you know?" Adam spit back. 

Jody opened her mouth to speak but Dean shook his head. "Wanna know how I know Jody? She was at the hospital with me when I came out of a drug induced coma. I was presenting so my mom came to pick me up from school. BAM!" He slapped the table with his palm. "Truck ran a red and plowed into us. Mom didn't make it. I did. And our sperm donor didn't want to raise an Omega."

"He didn't want me because he didn't want you?" Adam was still combative.

"John doesn't want responsibility for anything. But me? I take care of family, blood or not. And it's got nothin' to do with me being an Omega. It's because the man who adopted me, raised me right."

Adam eyed him. "My mom's gonna get better. I'm going back."

"I know. And I'm happy you have that to look forward to. But in the meantime, we get to know each other better. I'm not gonna stop being your brother the second she's cleared to care for you again."

This time, Jody got a word in. "You'll get to visit her as much as you want. Dean isn't going to stop you. This is a good home and a good family."

"Emma said nothing changed because she's an Omega." Adam deflated a little. 

"That's right. We don't expect you to give up school or be our housekeeper. We all help out around here. You like cooking? Cook. You like cars? You can help out in the garage after school. Bookworm? There's a reading and study nook Dad built for my brother Sam."

"There's another one?" Adam's eyes went wide.

"He's adopted, like me. But I told him about you and he wants to meet you when you're ready. As far as he's concerned, you're his little brother, too. He's got a Mate and a couple kids. Him and Eileen are both Alphas, but they're not assholes. My Mate's best friend is Aunt Charlie to everybody. Dad lives in a cabin on the property to stay close by. There's a lot of us, and we got you.

"So, you hungry? I can make us some lunch and get you settled in before chaos ensues." Dean stood to grab some sandwich makings from the fridge. "Any allergies I need to know about? You vegetarian? Vegan? Keep kosher?"

Adam shook his head. "No. Not that I know of. Kosher?"

"Dad's old Marine buddy, Rufus. He's Jewish. We made sure to keep up when he came by. Taught me how to box."

Jody chuckled. "They bicker like old Mates. Surprised they didn't."

Dean grinned. "Yeah, me too. I brought it up once. Rufus told me not to get any ideas about calling him Pops."

Adam fidgeted. "What's your Alpha like?"

Warmth radiated from Dean. "Cas is awesome. We mated on our first date. He just…got me. Like nobody else. He's sweet. Quiet. He literally only speaks to me. He uh…he can only speak in his Alpha voice. We use sign language. You'll pick it up. Sam's Mate and Charlie are deaf."

"Alpha voice…so you do everything he says," Adam rolled his eyes.

Dean tapped his temple. "Doesn't work on me. No Alpha's does. Cas respects me. He's a teacher. Loves kids. People usually mix up who's the Alpha or think we both are since I'm taller." 

"He only speaks Alpha and you aren't affected. Sounds like some bullshit fairytale."

Jody gave Adam a stern look. Dean waved her off.

"Just tone it down around little ears. Robbie's only eight. He's a sensitive kid. I set up bunk beds in his room if you wanna crash there. If not, there's a full apartment over the garage. You can take it or Em can take it. We'll work all that out later. I'd let you bunk together but she's territorial. Don't want any dust ups."

"I'm not really used to a lot of people. It's always been just me and my mom. I can take the apartment."

"Compromise? Spend your first night here because it's new smells and sounds." Dean served up plates for him and Jody. "If you can't sleep, come get us. We'll watch a movie or something."

Adam accepted the food. "Yeah. I can do that. You said I can see my mom?"

"We can go for a bit after I show you around. Then we can stop by the Roadhouse and pick up some dinner."

Jody smiled. "I think you boys are gonna be fine. But you both have my number if you need me."

***

<Your heat is late, Dean>

"It's a couple days, Cas. There's been a lot going on. Stress can mess things up." Dean shrugged it off. He was well aware that he was late. But so was Cas' rut. They'd been synced up since Dean had his birth control implant removed. If he wasn't triggering a rut…"I'll make an appointment, okay?"

<I know you said two was your limit. And we have Adam now. If we are…I'll support your decision either way>

Dean sighed. "We're too old for this shit, Babe. Yeah, part of me misses when they were tiny pups. But I don't think I can do it again. It'll take longer for me to recover. I'll be focused on the new pup when I got three others who need me…"

Cas rubbed his back. <It’s alright, love. I understand the reasons. It's your body and your…sanity. It could be nothing>

"Let's not say anything to the kids. Better they not know if I have to…You gotta sign consent since we're mated. Dad…he'll understand. Watch the kids a few days."

<I know he will. We don't know anything yet. Want me to go with you?>

Dean shook his head. "Not the consult. Just be some blood work. I can do it after I drop the kids off at school."

<We'll be okay. We always are>

***

"Singer's Auto."

"Hey. So…aren't you and Cas supposed to be taking the week off?"

"We're just having a glitch, Sam. In case you haven't noticed, the past couple months have been pretty stressful. I got two newly presented Omegas. Hormones are all over the place. Bound to cause disturbance in the Force," Dean replied.

"And you call me a nerd. I was just checking in. Usually Eileen and I take the kids when it lands on a weekend. Adam gets along with Ollie and Leah. They can still come if you just need some downtime with Cas."

Dean did some mental math. He could schedule the procedure for Friday morning and be recovered enough Sunday night. If he needed the procedure. His results weren't back yet. "Sure, Sammy. That's actually a good idea. Could use a few days to untwist my panties."

"Did not need that visual, dude. You and Cas do whatever you want with your underwear. Just have Dad drop them off here after school Friday and we'll bring them back Sunday."

"Sounds good. Shit. I got another call coming in. We'll catch up Sunday."

"Later, Dean."

He took a deep breath. "Dean Singer."

"Mr. Singer? This is Angie from Doctor Chambers' office. The lab sent your results back. Doctor Chambers would like you to come in to discuss them."

"You can just tell me. Am I knocked up or not?"

"Mr. Singer, all I was told was to make an appointment for you."

"Yeah. Alright. When can I come in?"

"This afternoon at 2:45?"

"Sure. I can make that. Thanks, Angie." Fuck.

***

Adam's signing was coming along slowly but surely. Everyone but Cas spoke but they all signed as they did. All three of the kids were on board with spending the weekend away. 

Sam and Adam took to each other quickly. They talked about books and college prep courses. Adam wanted to go into medicine and it was a lot like Sam's journey through pre-law. Dean was happy about it, though. He'd hoped Adam would find his place in their family. 

Emma apparently caught the underscent Adam and her Omega father shared and was less territorial. It was still a bit strange that her classmate was her half-uncle but they worked it out. Robbie was just happy they included him. 

Bobby knew something was up with his eldest son, but didn't push. Cas seemed wound tighter than usual so he figured Dean hadn't shared with his Mate yet, either. He didn't stick around after dinner long so they'd get a chance to talk.

As soon as everyone scattered to their nests for the evening, Cas locked their bedroom door behind him for a conversation they'd both been dreading.

<Did you make the appointment?>

"I'm not pregnant, Cas."

<Oh. So what did the doctor say?>

"Perimenopause. I presented early so…she said I might get a couple more heats. Could show up at any time. Then, I'm done. I mean, we weren't gonna have any more pups anyway. Don't know why it's bothering me."

"Talk to me?"

"It's not about me. I started worrying about Emma and Adam. They presented early. Means it's in our blood. Kids now? They know they can put off mating and starting a family. But there's a literal clock on it! That's too much pressure."

Castiel pulled Dean in so his Mate could calm himself with his scent. "You're overthinking. We didn't exactly start early either and we have two beautiful children. Emma and Adam may not even want kids. Or they may adopt."

Dean breathed in his Mate. "You're right. It's their lives. I just…if I'm getting old, may as well hope for some grandpups."

"How old was Bobby when Emma was born?"

Dean swatted his knee. "Older than I am. Stop being reasonable."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. They asked me if I wanted a referral to see a therapist or join a support group. It's…it's kind of a relief. I don't need a functional womb to be an Omega. All I'm losing is heats. Not like we don't have super hot sexy times without 'em."

"You can tell me if you're not okay."

"I will. But I really think I'll be okay. Just needed to spiral out so you could reel me back in."

***

Adam hadn't meant to wander off when they went to the bookstore. Emma took Robbie to the children's section and Cas browsed for himself. Adam initially went towards the Young Adult section a couple rows over from Emma, but a book Sam suggested to him caught his eye.

"You lost, Omega? The cookbooks are over there."

The hair stood up on the back of Adam's neck. He recognized that voice. Cole Trenton. Alpha. Major douchebag.

"Seems to me, you're the one who's lost. I didn't know knotheads could read," Adam retorted. His first instinct was to run, but that was a mistake. Running was an invitation to chase and be caught. 

Cole crowded into his space. His Alpha scent hit the back of Adam's throat and gagged him. Maybe puking all over the asshole would thwart him.

"Better watch your smart mouth, Omega. Or maybe you need something to keep it occupied?"

"You know what? Fuck off. You smell like a rancid sack of buttholes left in the sun." Adam pushed Cole far enough from him to start walking away.

"Hey! I'm talking to you! Get…"

Thwack! Cole hit the ground. Emma stood over him with glowing amber eyes and her face twisted in a snarl. She was growling low in her throat and held a hardback graphic novel in her clenched hands. Adam heard Robbie yell for his Papa. They were going to be in so much trouble.

Cas rushed over as a small crowd and an employee circled them. <What happened?>

Emma still snarled. Cas leaned in closer to her ear, hoping nobody else would hear him say, "Emma."

It was enough to snap her out of it without giving a command. She took a moment to compose herself. "He started to use his Alpha voice on Adam. Adam was walking away from him. I had to…to protect."

<You did, sweetheart. You protected an Omega in your Pack>

Adam found his voice again. "He's a creeper. He was harassing me. I just wanted to get away."

"You don't know your place!" Cole sat up with a red carpet burn on his cheek.

"It isn't with you , Cole. Did you fail Omega rights in Civics class? No means no." Emma glared.

The overworked employee wasn't sure how to handle the whole situation. It was legal for an Omega to defend themselves but she wasn't sure about an Omega defending another Omega. "I think everyone should just leave."

<I agree. We'll come back another time. Emma, will you or Adam carry Robbie to the car? I'll just be a moment>

"Yes, Papa. Come on, Robbie. We're going outside." She hefted him up on her hip. Adam followed them.

Castiel decided to follow Cole out. He grabbed the adolescent's shoulder to stop him when he saw no one else in close proximity. He decided to break his own cardinal rule for the second time of the day.

"You will never harass my family again."

Chills went through Cole's body and he bared his neck in submission. He felt compelled to obey the senior Alpha.

"Y-yeah. I'll stay away."

For good measure, Cas briefly flashed his eyes with Alpha red. Cole Trenton pissed himself then ran.

***

<I did something very bad today, Dean>

Dean went to grab his boots. "Where's the body? I'll get a junker running long enough to pick it up. Have both in the crusher before dawn."

<I'm being serious>

"So am I. We both know you'd cut your own knot off before you'd cheat on me so murder it is."

<I used my Alpha voice on Emma> Cas sank down on the foot of the bed and covered his face. Shame and guilt rolled off him in waves.

"Explain." There was a sharp edge in Dean's voice.

"Her eyes were glowing. She was snarling and growling. She'd just whacked an Alpha over the head with a book! All I said was her name to snap her out of it. But still…I broke a promise to you. And myself."

Dean sighed then sat next to him. "Why did she brain an Alpha?"

<It was an older boy from their school. He went after Adam. Adam told him off and tried to walk away. When he did, the boy started to use his Alpha voice. Emma hit him before he could get a command out>

"She protected an Omega in her Pack. She had every right to."

<I told her the same. But, Dean? She wasn't calm and in control like you are when you take down Alphas. It was rage. It was like…>

"Like Lucien," Dean finished. "You need to talk to her. It's not my story to tell. She needs to know why you did that."

<I'm so sorry>

"You tell her that, too. Look, I'm kinda pissed. I get that it was an emergency type situation. But she's a kid, Cas! We agreed you only use your superpower on asshole adults. So…let me be mad for a bit before I cool off."

<I understand. I'll speak with her>

Castiel gave his Mate a remorseful look before seeking out their daughter. She was curled up in the reading nook.

<Emma? May we talk?>

She nodded.

<First of all, I'm sorry. I never should have used my Alpha voice. Especially when the situation involved you preventing another Alpha from using his to coerce someone>

"You didn't compel me, Papa. You just said my name."

<The truth is, I was scared. I didn't think you were in control. I…I need to tell you about how I got hurt. Why I can only use my Alpha voice.>

Emma turned her full attention to her father.

<I had an older brother. He was firstborn and also an Alpha. He was horrible. We called him Lucifer. Everyone thought I'd be a Beta like our parents and Aunt Jo and Uncle Gabe. When I presented as an Alpha, Lucien became worse. He hated me. I came home from school and he was scent marking my bedroom>

He paused when the memory became too vivid.

<I was on the verge of my rut. I attacked first. I was done being bullied. He was bigger and stronger. His eyes were red. He snarled and growled and clawed>

Cas swallowed thickly.

<He wrapped his hands around my throat. He squeezed so hard. I couldn't breathe. I started blacking out. I felt like I was going to die. If Jo hadn't tasered him, I wouldn't have survived>

Tears streamed down his face and Emma started crying softly, too.

<You know my scar is from a tracheotomy. A machine had to do my breathing. When I was taken off of it, all I could speak in was Alpha range. The rest you know>

Emma crawled into his lap like she did as a child. "What happened to him? Nobody ever mentioned him."

<He was killed by another Alpha. Lucien tried to poach his Mate. He assaulted her and tried to override her mating bite. The other Alpha…I don't want to be graphic. He justly ended Lucien's life. Instead of mourning, we all felt relief>

Emma's lip trembled. "You thought I was like him."

<I shouldn't have. I should never have compared you to him. I should have been as proud of you for stopping that Alpha as I am when your father does it. For that I will try to earn your forgiveness>

<I should have gotten your attention another way. I should have let you cool down. You acted on instinct. Your adrenaline was spiked. It took a lot of strength to stand up to a bigger and older Alpha. You got that from Daddy. Guess there's two badass Omegas now>

"Your Alpha voice didn't scare me. It calmed me down. It's like your voice was the only thing I heard."

<I still broke a promise to your father>

"Daddy loves you. He'll forgive you. I forgive you." 

Cas held her a little tighter and kissed the top of her head. Maybe with a little time, he'd even forgive himself.

***

Dean put away the mat and protective gear he'd bought to teach the pups some self defense. He didn't think they needed the boxing lessons he'd gotten at their age, but knowing how to get out of holds and where to hurt an attacker was good to know.

Emma was a natural. Adam was…awkward. But he was fast and he listened. Dean didn't expect either of them to be the brawler he was. He hoped they never had to be. He also hoped Adam's mother didn't see him as a bad influence. He wanted his little brother to stay in his Pack.

Dean locked the garage, intending to go inside and wash up before dinner. He caught an Alpha scent in his yard and his hands curled into fists. 

"Hope you didn't come here looking for a kidney. Best you're gonna get is me pissing on your grave, John." He set his jaw and turned around.

"I'm here for the Omega."

"Too little, too late. He's mine ." Dean growled.

John Winchester's eyes flashed red. "I am the Alpha here. I got an Alpha lined up who's willing to put the kid through an Omega finishing school as a dowry so he'll be a respectable mate when he's of age."

"Well, I got menopause and a gun so try me motherfucker." Dean's golden eyes flashed back. "You think this is 1950? Adam's got plans. He's going to go to college. To medical school. He'll be a respectable doctor."

John took a few steps closer. "If I'd known they were gonna put him with you freaks, I wouldn't have told them no."

Dean didn't back down. He never did. "I'm his guardian. You're trespassing on my property. You want me to call the cops or an ambulance?"

"Give me the Omega!"

"Last chance," Dean countered. He heard the screen door of his home creak but he didn't take his eyes off John. He caught the scent of burning paper. "Emma, get back in the house."

"Bad Alpha!" She growled. Her eyes were fully glowing as she advanced on the threat. He had the audacity to laugh at her.

Before Dean could catch her, she leapt onto the old Alpha. He hit the ground and she clawed his face and eyes. "Bad Alpha! My Pack!"

"Get off me you feral bitch!" John yelled at her. He pushed her off but she flipped him and pinned him like her Daddy taught her.

"Emma…let Daddy handle it," Dean spoke calmly and evenly.

"I'm not feral. I'm pissed off. I remember him. He threw you away. He threw Adam away. He's a bad Alpha."

"I know, Em. I was about two seconds from handing him his balls before you pummeled him. Good form, by the way. Used his center of gravity against him." Dean pulled her up. 

Emma sneered down at the Alpha. "I used simple words so a knothead like you could understand. And…so you'd think I was feral and it would shock the shit out of you. Worked. Singers fight to win." 

"You heard the lady. You gonna leave now or stick around for round two?"

John groaned and got up. His face was red and bleeding from the scratches and his shoulder felt pulled nearly out of socket. "I can report a feral Omega."

Emma rolled her eyes. "You're going to report that a fourteen year old Omega handed you your sorry ass without breaking a nail? How feral will I look when they show up and I'm just doing my homework at the dinner table?"

"Don't speak to me like that!"

"Don't tell me what to do!"

All three of them were stunned silent. Dean's Omega daughter just completely disregarded an Alpha command. Then issued a command of her own. In what Dean assumed was an Omega voice. 

"Leave, John. I'm calling OPS and then I'm getting a formal restraining order. And if I find out who the creepy perv you basically tried to sell Adam to is? I'll rip off his knot and shove it down your throat." Dean stared him down until the man started to retreat. "You okay, Em?"

His daughter shook her head, wide-eyed. "What the fuck did I just do?"

"I dunno, sweetheart. But we probably need to find out."

***

Dean and Cas stared at the images projected on the screen. Emma sat quietly with them.

"Technology has advanced quite a bit since you were sixteen, Mr. Singer. Your neurologist told you that this area here," the doctor pointed to with her pen, "was damaged in the accident where you sustained head trauma."

Dean nodded. "Yeah. Killed the 'Alpha voice activate' switch."

Dr. Djardin shook her head. "With better imaging, we can now see that it was never damaged. And with your genetic testing we know that it was caused by a mutation."

"Mutant, huh? Check it out, Babe. I'm X-Men!" Dean grinned and swatted his mate with the back of his hand.

Cas rolled his eyes before indicating he needed Dean to translate.

<Do Emma's tests indicate the same thing? She responded to an Alpha Voice once before>

"Emma does have the same mutation and same formation. How did she respond?"

"Papa doesn't speak because he can only use his Alpha voice. He thought I was…out of control. He said my name and it calmed me down. But…I think it was more like being a surprise to hear him. And he's my father. Daddy's voice would have calmed me down, too." Emma answered for herself. She was taught to never let someone assume an Alpha spoke for her.

Dr. Djardin smiled at her. "In this case, I think you may be right, Miss Singer."

"So…where are we with finding out what caused her to use her own 'voice' to make a command?”

“That's where things get interesting,” the doctor replied. “While it's not extremely rare, some Omegas with the AO gene aren't exclusively Omega dominant in traits. They develop traits from their Alpha side as well. In this case, she has an Omega Voice as compelling as an Alpha Voice.”

Emma huffed. "So I'm a freak."

Dean was quick to correct that. "No, you're fucking perfect. Nobody can force you into anything. And you can use your voice to fend off attacks instead of your claws, impressive as they may be."

<And because of how we raised you, you'll know not to abuse that ability. You're a fierce protector of our Pack.>

"I just wanted to keep Adam and Robbie safe."

"You did, Em. We're proud of you. You're not a freak. You're special."

"Special won't make high school any easier."

***

Adam curled into himself in the reading nook he pretty much claimed as his nest. His mother wasn't recovering as much as he'd hoped. He loved his new Pack but…he wanted his mom.

Dean picked up the distress in his scent. "What's on your mind, kid?"

"What happens if Mom never gets better?"

Dean nudged him over and sat beside him. "Me and Cas have talked about this. She's your Mom. She's family to you so she's family to us. You and Em can share the apartment. Robbie can move into Emma's room. Kate can move into his room on the first floor. We'll all pitch in. It's what Pack does."

"You'd really do that?"

"Of course we would. Once her docs think she can live with some family assistance, we'll make it happen. But I wanna continue to be your guardian on paper. John could fight her in court, and as good as Sam is? There's still a chance he could get custody."

Adam sniffled softly. "I don't want to leave. This is my Pack. He's just…"

"He's just a sperm donor, Adam. Your mom had you because she wanted you. She got an amazing kid outta the deal. Wish I could've been there from the start, but we're making up for it now. This is your home and your family."

Adam threw his arms around his big brother and buried his nose at his throat. "You're my Alpha, Dean. No offense to Cas."

"No, I get it. You don't have to be Alpha gendered to be the Alpha of a Pack. Pretty sure you have another Omega Alpha of your little mini pack of you, Em, Robbie, Ollie, and Leah."

"I guess sometimes it takes a badass Omega to be a real Alpha."

Dean chuckled. "Yeah. Something like that."