A different sort of hunt

[low_key_angel]

Gabriel was used to being odd man out, the only Omega born to his small, powerful pack. But with two older brothers who were both Alphas, they were usually more concerned with their own power plays than Gabriel and his search for a mate.

Because heat when you were unmated? Sucked.

Michael would probably prefer to chain him up once a year and let him sweat it out, which is probably why he left home as his heat started to near.

If he was going to find a mate, it was going to be on his terms.

What he didn't expect was to catch a tantalizing scent at the local bookstore. Something that called up images of sunlight and pine trees and cool shade.

Comments

[low_key_angel]

"Missed you too." Gabriel rumbled, taking in another deep breath of his mate's scent, letting it soothe the last of the tension from his shoulders. He laughed, letting Sam tug him closer. "Thought I noticed a change a couple of days ago, but I chalked it up to just missing you. Doc proved me wrong."

Michael did too, but that's not something he's going to remind Sam of. "Think he was just as surprised as I was."

[fromfryingpantofire]

"Yeah, well. It's not like we've actually been trying." Sam couldn't help the smile that curled his mouth. "Well. Certainly a lot of practicing."

He was a little frightened, but more because of what Gabriel's family were doing than about the actual baby. He figured there was plenty of time for that particular freak out at another time. "I guess we'll just have to move up plans for that nursery."

[low_key_angel]

"Practice makes perfect, right?" Gabriel raised up to kiss the corner of his mouth, a gentle brush of lips.

The doctor had said to keep his stress levels low, to rest and make sure there's no undue strain. Problem was, his brothers were an almost constant source of stress. Michael appearing at the bakery and venting his anger. The fact that Lucifer had been heard but not seen.

But the rest? It was a happy sort of worry. A new cub. The family that they'd always wanted, just a little sooner than expected. "Oh, I think Grandma and Grandpa are a few steps ahead of us. And Dean's already talking about building a new cradle."

[fromfryingpantofire]

Not entirely much sooner. They had planned to start trying during Gabriel's next heat, after all. Sam abandoned his sandwich, bringing his hand over to settle low over his mate's stomach. "I think that'll be good. Dean loves woodworking, almost as much as he loves cars and the Impala. And as much as I love them, Grandma and Grandpa are not making all the decisions there."

And he did love them, but it was meant to be his and Gabriel's house. Though he doubted their cubs would ever want for something to wear.

He turned his head slightly, so his mouth was closer to Gabriel's ear. "And once Dean's left? I'm going to show you exactly how happy I am about all this." Because he'd promised no sex while his brother was in the apartment.

[low_key_angel]

Gabriel didn't get more than a couple of bites into his sandwich before setting it aside. With a smile he rested his hand over Sam's much larger one. "I think he just wants an excuse to play around in the workshop. Which may be a good time to get him to cross paths with Cas. Send him in to help." His cousin had been considering a move closer to Gabriel and with news of a baby, he can probably talk Castiel into moving.

"They won't make all the decisions, but I'm pretty sure they're going to want to help as much as they can."

He chuckled, tilting closer to Sam. "Now that's the kind of celebration I'm looking forward to."

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam would eat. Eventually. Right now, he was just savoring having his mate close, enjoying the change in his scent that meant everything was changing.

Good change. He'd probably be terrified later, once he had time to think and once everything with Gabriel's brothers was squared away, but now it just seemed a small miracle.

"If what I think's going to happen happens with those two? I'm not sure having them in the workshop is the best idea." Sam grinned down at his mate. "At least at the party, they can retreat to Dean's bedroom."

Because he really did think that Dean and Castiel were going to end up mates. Couldn't explain it, but maybe it was something in their scents. All he knew was that he'd thought it since the first time he'd met Castiel.

[low_key_angel]

He’d have a little more later. Lingering nerves and likely an early rush of hormones wasn’t doing much in the way of helping his appetite. He was just as happy to curl close to his mate and revel in his scent, his arms around him. There’d be plenty of panic to share down the line, especially as he began to show and was going to the doctor more often for regular checks. Male Omegas required closer monitoring, and he was going to do everything right to keep their baby safe and healthy. But right now? Gabriel was more than content to cuddle with Sam.

He laughed easily. “Maybe we should throw a cot in the back for them? Just big enough for two? I think once we get back, Cas and Anna are going to be sticking close to the property anyway. They want to help.”

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam scooted down, moving from sitting to laying down and encouraging Gabriel to lay down with him. They'd both be more comfortable, especially if they weren't eating at the moment.

"Hmm. I suppose we could do that," he agreed. "Frankly, at this point, I'm more surprised that they haven't met yet. Especially the way Castiel came in when he found out about our mating." Admittedly, that had happened at the bakery and it had only been Gabriel and Sam there at the time. But it was still a surprise that they'd kept missing each other.

[low_key_angel]

He didn't need much in the way of encouragement, pressing in against Sam's side and stretching one possessive arm around his mate. They fit together perfectly, like a matched set.

Of course it wouldn't be long before a bump started to get in the way of their closeness, but it was something to be welcomed.

"Cas is a little skittish. His pack was pretty insular too, so I don't think he's used to being around so many different wolves all at once. He'll be at the party though and I can steer him towards Dean." Gabriel grinned up at his mate, "At least they can have the heat cottage."

[fromfryingpantofire]

"But his pack treated him better than your brothers did, right?" Just to be certain. It certainly seemed like Cas was...more reserved, certainly, but he didn't seem to worry as much about Alphas as Gabriel had.

When the bump showed, they wouldn't fit together quite as neatly, no, but that would never stop their child from being welcomed. And there were other ways to lay together, anyway. even if Sam did love Gabriel's head on his shoulder.

[low_key_angel]

"Yeah. Chuck was good to his kids. Made sure that they had a good family life. He was.. an odd duck, but a good wolf." Gabriel had mourned with them when he'd passed, staying in close touch with his cousins long after that. Castiel, Anna, Balthazar - good wolves who were in search of new lives and possibly new packs. "Anna's getting along amazingly with Ellen and Deanna." Gabriel raised his head, resting his chin on Sam's chest. "She even made Bobby crack a grin. Coulda knocked me over with a feather."

They'd just find new ways to get comfortable while they waited for the cub to be born. Sam has always been warm and easy to lay with. So they have to change it up a little, as long as they're sleeping close, that's all that matters to him.

[fromfryingpantofire]

"We could always use Betas in the pack." They ran heavy to Alphas as it was, with Ellen and Jo being Omegas. Another good reason for all the boys to know better than to disrespect Omegas, because Ellen would have taken any of them to the floor when they were children. Jo would absolutely do it now. "Dad likes her. Which is always a good start. And if Grandma likes her, Grandpa will generally be fine with her, too."

Of course, his grandmother liked his father and Samuel had never gotten on with him very well.

[low_key_angel]

“I think she’d like that.” Anna was a sweet, strong wolf and Gabriel would love to have his cousin closer, especially after the baby was born. “She might give somebody like Adam a run for his money.”

Ellen and Jo were, without a doubt, two of the strongest Omegas Gabriel had ever known. Anyone dense enough to treat them as lesser wolves deserved to get their heads handed to them and he adored both of them for it. Their child would be surrounded by a loving family that would defend it fiercely. Considering his own pack? That was probably a good thing.

“And once we throw Castiel at your brother, I think Dean will officially be off the market.”

Gabriel nosed at his neck again, drawing in another deep breath of his mate’s scent. “It’s gonna suck not being able to shift for almost a year.” It wasn’t just the running, it was the sense of freedom that came with it. Shifting and running with his mate, hunting and finally collapsing in a warm tangle of fur and limbs to rest and sleep off a full belly.

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam chuckled at that. "I think Dad used to hope that one of us would end up settling down with Jo. Make Bobby and Ellen officially part of the bloodline. Unfortunately, all three of us ended up seeing her more as a little sister than a possible mate. Though I think Bobby's glad he's not the only one who'll growl at any Alpha that comes sniffing."

They'd never stop Jo when she found a mate. But anybody who just wanted an Omega to fuck would find themselves in deep water with them.

He nodded, reaching up to stroke Gabriel's hair. "When's it safe to shift again after the birth? I haven't gotten that far in my research." Closer inspection of the book on Sam's bedside table would show that it was one of those What to Expect When You're Expecting books, this one written specifically for male Omegas. The wolf population wasn't such that it was an easy book to get, though you could find it if you knew where to look.

Or, perhaps, had a second father who ran a bookstore where you could order it in anticipation of your mate's next heat.

[low_key_angel]

He grinned, “And if you had, I’m sure Ellen would have made sure that you toed the line with her.” Never mind that Jo would have been more than able to take care of herself. When he’d gotten to know them, Gabriel teased Ellen that he’s sure her other form was more a bear than wolf. She might have been born Omega, but she was a Mama Bear right down to her bones and Jo was just as fierce as her mother.

Craning his neck over at the table, Gabriel laughed. Only Sam, his wonderful Sam, would have immediately gone for a book in preparation. “Once I’ve had time to recover. Should be about a week or two, depending on how things go. It’s risky for the baby, so no furry time until it’s all said and done and I’m back on my feet.” He was going to be so careful, take every precaution there was to make sure their child was safe and healthy. “Doc already gave me a pretty hefty list of do’s and don’ts.”

[fromfryingpantofire]

"Mmm, I can imagine." Sam rubbed his hand down Gabriel's back. "We'll make a date. As soon as you feel ready for it, we leave the cub with my grandma for a few hours and go running. It doesn't have to be long, but you'll definitely deserve to have a good run about then."

It would be winter and there would be snow on the ground. And it would still be absolutely the best run for them both because of what it would mean. "I'll want to see that list, though. Just so I can be certain I don't push for something that isn't allowed." He paused a moment, then, "Is sex still on the table?"

[low_key_angel]

He arched easily into the touch, nodding. "Sounds like a good plan to me. Something to look forward to when I'm about ready to pop."

Snow on the ground, a winter child, a Christmas as a family. He couldn't wait. Of course that also meant that grandparents and Uncle Dean would go a tad bananas with gifts, but that was half the fun.

"Brought everything with me. I figured you'd want to look over everything the doc sent me back with. And yes, sex is absolutely still on the table. Maybe not the last couple of weeks, but until then, it's completely and utterly okay." Gabriel kissed his jaw.

[fromfryingpantofire]

Frankly, it wasn't like THEY weren't likely to go a tad bananas with the gifts, too. But with their own children, Sam figured it was allowed.

Sam's hand moved up to card through Gabriel's hair. "By the time we get to those last few weeks, we'll probably both be far too nervous for sex, anyway." Assuming, of course, the doctors waited that long. He was pretty sure he'd heard that they sometimes had male Omegas give birth a little early to save strain on parent and baby. "You wanna nap for a little bit? I don't know about you, but I didn't sleep all that well last night."

And his gun was still nearby, in case it was needed.

[low_key_angel]

Gabriel cuddled closer to his mate, tucking his head just beneath Sam’s chin with a pleased sound. “Mhm. Sleep sounds good. Think I slept most of the drive, but could stand a nap.” He’d be just as happy laying awake beside Sam, but the baby apparently had other ideas. Content with his mate close again, Gabriel closed his eyes and let himself drift.

“I love you Sam.”

Parents. They were going to be parents. In a few weeks, when the fatigue began to subside, that thought would probably have him wide awake with attacks of nerves. But right now, he wasn’t going to argue with what his body wanted.

[fromfryingpantofire]

He hummed softly at that, dropping his head a bit so that his chin rested against Gabriel's head. "You're probably going to feel like that for a while. Body's making all sorts of adjustments right now. Takes energy." It wasn't as difficult for female Omegas, of course. While both were built to have children, it still took more adjustment for the males.

He couldn't help but grin, though, bringing his hand up to lay over the back of Gabriel's neck, right where the bonding mark was. "I love you, too, Gabe."

[low_key_angel]

The touch was comforting and Gabriel sighed, rubbing his cheek against his chest before drifting off to sleep. Family. They were going to be okay.

A long, baying howl cut through the predawn quiet, snapping Gabriel awake instantly. He choked on a whine, curling in against his mate. Lucifer. His brother. He'd found them.

"Sam. Sam he's here."

If he hadn't been pregnant, Gabriel would have gone out to meet his brother, deal with whatever consequences were to come. But he couldn't shift, not without risking the life of the baby and that wasn't an option. "It's Lucifer."

A fist pounded on the bedroom door. "Sammy!"

[fromfryingpantofire]

Sam jolted straight up at the sound of the baying, reaching for his gun before he'd even stopped to think about it. He knew that sound couldn't be good, even before Gabriel confirmed it.

"Fucker's fast." There's no way he should have made it there so quickly. Unless, of course, he'd decided to shift back to human and actually drive. Sam gritted his teeth, sliding out of bed and opening his arm for Gabriel to come with him. "I'm up," he called out to Dean. "Call the police. I alerted them earlier that there was a pack dispute that might make its way here. I'll get hold of building security."

He'd wanted this out in the open and ready to deal with if Lucifer made it necessary. Which, it seemed, he just had.

[low_key_angel]

"He knows the law, Sam. He's going to try and bait you into the first move." Gabriel went to the window, tugging the curtain aside. Lucifer was standing calmly across the street, watching the building. "Don't give him the chance."

He followed the Alphas close. For the next few months he was vulnerable, and he'd have to count on them to keep both him and his child safe from his brothers. "I'll call them."

Dean was bristling, radiating tension as he stood at the door. "I'll stay here." What he really wanted to do was go out there and tear Lucifer limb from limb. But he'd stay behind, protect Sam's mate and his child and defend them with his life.

[fromfryingpantofire]

Yeah, Sam knew what needed to be done. Somebody had to deal with Lucifer. Sure, Sam could hide and wait for the police, but there wasn't a lot they could do. This had to be sorted out and it was Sam's mate that Lucifer was threatening.

He turned, pulling Gabriel close to kiss him again. "I'm not going to let him draw me into a fight," he murmured, brushing his fingers through Gabriel's hair. "If anything starts, he's going to be the one on the line for it."

He looked to Dean, then reached out and clapped his brother on the shoulder. "Let Grandpa and Dad know that Lucifer is here. I'm sure they'd love to be able to pull that one out on Michael." Whether it would mean much, he didn't know, but Sam tried to have faith.

Straightening his shoulders, Sam left the apartment, tucking his gun into the shoulder rig and heading out to the parking lot. He only stopped on the way out to let security know to keep the blond man in the parking lot out. Then he stepped outside, narrowing his eyes against the early morning light.

[castfromhome]

He waited calmly in the dawn, waiting for one of them to come out. It was safe to say that Gabriel wouldn't be coming, not if what Michael had told him was true. His brother, who should have been an Alpha like them, stronger that he'd been.

Pack disputes were touchy territory, and he'd proceed with care. The Winchester elders were reaching out to Michael and he knew that negotiations would be perpetually stymied by his elder brother's determination to drag Gabriel unwillingly back into the fold.

"Hello Sam. I hear congratulations are in order."