Chapter 6 - True Mates

November 5, 2010

Being home was a blessing for my back. The memory foam mattress makes it way more comfortable. I was still adjusting to waking up to an omega curled up against me though.

Castiel was a cuddle person and it showed. Perhaps my scent really calmed him down enough to sleep soundly.

His bruises were clearing up, the dark ones were fading slightly and the lighter ones were near gone. The cuts around his back were healing very well and a few were completely healed. The ones around the penis and sack were healing very well also. Overall, I saw major improvements physically.

He was walking steadier, not needing as much support and the physical therapy was helping. He was really improving.

Mentally is where I worried. His conditioning wasn't as apparent in the hospital. He knew to stay in bed unless someone told him. Here, he didn't have that.

I'd had to tell him it was okay to get out of bed before me, to change clothes or even shower when he felt like it. I was very concerned about this.

So much so that I asked Dr. Fuentes to find a psychologist that could help him. It would take a few weeks and I'd still have to make sure he would be fine talking to this person.

This morning he was still asleep when I woke up. His head was resting on his own pillow but he was inches from my arm. I yawned and laid here for a few moments.

Mate. Home. Mate.

I blinked wondering where those words had come from and why I was smelling such a sweet scent. It smelled like jasmine with a tinge of vanilla. It was a scent that was unlike anything I'd ever smelled.

It smelled like home. It smelled like mate.

I shook my head a bit, maybe I was just smelling things. Castiel shifted beside me and the scent just washed over me.

Home. Mate.

I turned slightly and that was where the scent was coming from. I moved closer and could smell it just radiating from him. Content, happy omega.

There was no trace of the acidic scent he'd had since I found him. But it explained so much!

I was drawn to him, wanted to protect him, care for him, make him feel better and teach him that he is loved.

Something I had never felt before.

He may know as well, since he said I smelled like home. But I had no idea what his thoughts or knowledge was for true mates.

He moved again and those gorgeous blue eyes opened and I got a slight smile.

"Good morning," I said.

"Morning, Alpha."

Oh... how that sounded different now that I could smell him properly.

"Your scent has changed. It's jasmine and vanilla. It's home."

"I've never been told that. I can...I can smell it too though. Along with you."

"Did you sleep okay? Any waking up?"

"I woke up once to go to the bathroom. I also changed the bandage there."

"No issues?"

"No, Alpha. I went slow. I was going to wake you but I felt I could make it."

"That's good that you did. But you could have and can anytime you need to."

Mate

I wanted to scent him so badly but that may be seen as intrusive. Instead I sat up.

"I'm gonna hit the bathroom and then I'll start breakfast. Any requests?"

"Pancakes."

"I can do that. You can lay back down if you want. I'll be sure to get you before they're done."

He nodded and laid his head back down directly on my pillow. I smiled and headed to the bathroom. After relieving my bladder, I washed my hands and then headed to the kitchen. I checked my phone as I started the coffee pot.

Sam had asked how he was, Ellen reminded me of his appointment with her today and Jody asked about him.

I replied to Sam's message first.. He's doing much better. The acidic scent is gone!

I then sent Jody the same type of message. That Cas was doing better but added he hadn't told me anything new about the previous assholes who kept him.

I then hit reply to Ellen. We will be there. He knows you want blood work. His scent changed... he smells like jasmine and vanilla. He smells like home and mate.

I didn't expect a quick response from Ellen but my phone went off a few minutes later.

Mate? Are you sure? Thats...heavy.

I replied. When I woke up this morning it was mate and home. But I wasn't sure at first, thought I might be dreaming. But no, it's him. I heard stories about true mates just knowing but damn it's so rare.

True Mates exist. Jo's father and I were true mates. Hurt like a bitch when he died. But Jo kept me going, gave me hope. He mentioned you smelled like home, correct?

I got the pancake mix, butter, eggs and a few other needed ingredients and then replied.

Yes, he told me that the first time he asked to smell me. That I smelled like home to him. My scent calms him. He hasn't had any nightmares since I began sleeping beside him. But... I've also heard that finding true mates can trigger ruts and heats. Should I worry about that?

I got the bacon going and then mixed up the ingredients for the pancakes. Got my skillet heating up for the pancakes.

It has happened. But, you're clearly texting me so I assume you aren't in a rut. Your body knows he's not well Dean. Have you discussed heats with him yet?

I frowned. No. I'm honestly not sure how he would handle it. Or really how to bring it up.

I set the mix aside and fixed my cup of coffee. Took several big gulps before I felt something off. My phone wasn't ringing and the bacon wasn't burning. But something felt off so I set the cup down, turned the burner off, and walked to the bedroom.

Castiel's eyes were closed but there was sweat on his brow, he was moving a bit and the room was tinged with burnt vanilla.

"Castiel." I said.

I went to the bed quickly and laid my wrist near his nose, hoping to stem whatever he was dreaming.

"Castiel, come on. Wake up."

It took a few minutes but he finally opened his eyes and a few moments later he was in my arms.

"Hey, sweetheart, it's alright. You're safe. It's okay."

He was shaking and his hands kept clinging to my shirt, as if it would make him closer to me. I tightened my grip in response and tried to pump out as much soothing comforting scent as I could

He started to calm down after fifteen minutes. The shaking slowly subsided, the sniffles settled as well and his breathing evened out.

"Are you okay? A bad dream?"

His hands didn't ungrasp my shirt but he slowly nodded. "Michael took me back. Bite. I didnt... I don't...I..."

"Shh, it's okay, sweetheart. He doesn't have you and he will never bite you. I will make sure. You are safe with me."

He eventually relaxed enough to sit back some. I wiped the few stray tears on his cheeks away, his head seemed to lean into the touch.

"You do that often. Do you like it?"

"It feels nice. They never really touched me unless it was..."

"If you ever feel uncomfortable with my touch then tell me."

"Your touch feels different. It's..hard to describe. But it feels nice. Soft."

"I'm glad. Do you think you're ready for breakfast?"

"Yes, Alpha."

He headed to the bathroom first and I got back to the bacon and got it back cooking. I got the second pan for the pancakes and started them. When he came into the kitchen he fixed a cup of coffee too and sat down at his favorite chair.

"Do you want any additions? Peanut butter? Fruit?"

"Peanut butter?"

"I can do that. Peanut butter pancakes coming right up."

I found the peanut butter chips and got his made. I also fixed a quick pan of scrambled eggs. I then served us breakfast. He was eating so much better now. More variety and more at each sitting, it was nice to know he wasn't afraid to eat at least.

"We have Dr. Harvelle at one. She will probably want to draw blood."

He frowned but nodded, kept eating the pancakes. I could still smell the jasmine and vanilla and damn it smelled so good.

"Have you been to a doctor much in your life?"

"No, Alpha."

"Did your parents send you to school? You seem very well spoken."

"Homeschool. My mother taught me. I think they were hoping for an alpha or beta."

It explained why no one caught the abuse early. It was just shitty his parents were like that to start with.

He finished just about the time I did. I cleaned up by putting them in the sink. I'd run the dishwasher after dinner.

"I was thinking after we see Dr. Harvelle we could go to a clothing store. Garth's wife Bess owns a little clothing store that would be ideal. It's not usually crowded and she has a good selection of both new and gently used clothes. Do you think you would be okay with that?"

"Did you need something from there?"

"No. But you do."

"I don't need clothes, Alpha."

I really hated the people who raised him.

"You do, Castiel. I understand that people before me wanted you naked all the time. But, I'm not them."

His head tilted some and this puzzled look crossed his face and his scent soured a bit.

"I know that Michael and Wainwright said you had to be naked and available all the time, regardless of whether you wanted that. I'm not like them. I want you in clothes because that's a normal thing. Most people are not naked all the time."

"It's not because you can't look at me or don't like what you see?"

"No, Cas. That is not why I'd like for you to wear clothes. I have seen you naked already and I don't hate what I see. I would love it even more when you're free from the bruises he left. Ones you didn't deserve."

I could see the slight pink spread across his cheeks, it was freaking adorable.

"He said I did."

"And he was wrong. You did nothing wrong. Wainwright and Michael were the ones that did wrong."

"I do like clothes, especially when Sam is over. They are also... warmer."

"They can be. However, your few pairs of pants and t-shirts aren't gonna cut it. So, we can stop if you are up to it."

"Okay."

We didn't do much of anything the few hours we had between breakfast and getting ready for his appointment. Mostly I asked what types of foods he had liked or didn't. Because it was an easy topic and something we were still working on.

When we got up to get ready I laid out a pair of my own boxers, khaki pants, and a newer long sleeve for him. He gave the boxers a confused look when he saw them.

"Alpha, what are these?"

"It's underwear, boxers. You'll need to try on clothes and they shouldn't touch your private area. Have you not ever worn underwear before?"

"My mom had me wear white ones. They were much tighter than this. The few times I was given undergarments with Master Michael they were...different."

I would surely regret this question, but I had to ask. "Different how?"

"The material was... silky? Sometimes rough because it was lace. Master Michael called them panties though."

Uh huh, instant regret. "Did you like them?" The words tumbled from my lips before I could stop them. Why the fuck had I asked that question?!

"Yes. They felt nice. The lace was a bit uncomfortable but the silky feeling ones were very nice."

"If you'd like to have some, then it can be arranged."

"Really? I thought they were mostly for women."

"They are. But if they make you happy, then it's okay."

Not that I thought I could handle him wearing panties. My own dick was taking interest in this conversation and I had to change my thoughts to anything but Cas in panties. I turned away to get my shirt from the drawer and let him change. I was sure he could scent how the conversation was affecting me though.

Once we were both ready we headed to Ellen's office. She worked at the hospital but her office was just down the road. Cas was quiet the entire drive and it felt like he molded himself to me when we got inside. A few others noticed us but none said anything. I was glad he was called quickly.

I started to stay in the waiting room but he didn't make any movements until I got up, so clearly he didn't want that. The nurse introduced herself as Nurse Glendale and she got his height and weight before taking us to a room. She asked some basic questions about what he felt but nothing he couldn't answer. She then stepped out.

"Alpha..."

I looked at him from the chair I was in. I could sense the anxiety and fear he was having. "Yes?"

"You won't leave the room, right?"

"Not unless I have to."

Ellen came in and immediately drew blood. I was glad she did it but he still didn't look or smell like it was something he liked. A tad undercurrent of burnt vanilla waved around for a few minutes before the sweet scent came back.

Ellen laid them aside and looked at him. "How have you been feeling?"

"Good."

"Any trouble with any of the bandaged areas? Particularly the groin region ones as they were the worst ones."

"Still bandaging that area the best I can. I do let it air some as well. I believe you said it would help."

"It will. Any pain?"

"No, ma'am."

"Any new issues?"

"No."

Ellen looked at me and then back to him. "Cas, may I speak to you alone? I just have a few questions and I would prefer to ask you without Dean."

His eyes flew wide and then to me. I smiled at him. "If you are okay with it, I will step out. If not, I won't leave."

He seemed undecided for a long time before he finally agreed. I stepped just outside the door and waited. I wasn't sure what Ellen wanted to ask that she couldn't in front of me but maybe she had some questions about sex or she wanted to be sure I wasn't being a perv.

I waited fifteen minutes before Ellen stepped into the hallway.

"Guess he didn't flip out?" I asked.

"No. He was nervous at first but calmed. You mentioned that he'd said you smelled like home?"

"Yes."

"I asked about his knowledge of true mates. He's not truly aware of the concept; it wasn't something he was taught and the phrase puzzled him. What he does know is that calling you Alpha feels right to him - he likes the tingling feeling he gets. He knows that your touch feels good, doesn't hurt and it makes him relax. He knows your scent calms him. He doesn't know what true mates are but he knows that you, Dean, makes him feel safe in ways no one's else has."

I wasn't sure how to handle that. Elation? Joy? Terrified? I rub my face some.

"Ellen, have you asked him about heats or sex in general?"

"I figured that was something you avoided. I did ask. He hasn't had a heat in a year, which is partly why he was with that monster. I wouldn't expect his next one to be super bad, his hormones are all over the place. However, when I asked about sex he seemed very puzzled."

"Puzzled?" I asked.

She nodded. "Castiel said that he's spent most heats alone. That Master Michael wasn't ready for pups and therefore wouldn't touch him. When I asked how they felt he just grimaced. If you want to know if he's willing or wants sex during the upcoming one, whenever that is, you need to discuss it with him."

"Ellen, I'm scared."

Her serious face fell to that of concern and caring. "I know. He's your true mate and he's far more screwed up than you. But, Dean, you're doing wonderful. He trusts you and you aren't taking advantage. You want him to consent and that's a big improvement over anyone who's been in his life."

"Thanks, Ellen."

"Anytime. He's ready to go. Keep a check on those injuries as I'm not sure he told me the truth."

"He did. I've seen them. They are improving."

"Okay. Then head out and treat him to ice cream."

"New clothes. We're headed to Bess's place if he still feels up to it."

"Good. Your clothes comfort him but they swallow him whole."

"For now they do."

She patted my shoulder and headed to the next patient. I went back into the room and he was still on the table.

"You ready?"

"Alpha..."

I walked to the foot of the table and he just leaned over, maybe he needed a few minutes first. His voice had trembled some and even now his scent was having an undercurrent I didn't quite like. It was like a wilted flower. I put my arms around him and held him until he pulled away.

"Do you want to go by the store or would you rather head home?"

"The store is fine. I just..."

"No need to justify wanting a hug or to be held for a few minutes. But, how about we drop by and get lunch first. There's a drive thru place near her too."

"You don't normally eat in the car."

"I know, but I'd rather not tax you on going inside there and then inside another place."

"Okay."

I pulled him close again and really hugged him. Felt the shift in his body as he tensed then relaxed. Caught the fresh whiff of jasmine and vanilla floating up. It was a heady scent that made me feel warm inside.

Once we left Ellen's I stopped by the drive thru and got us lunch. He went with grilled chicken over the burger and I was pleased that he didn't get anything on Baby's interior. We then went to Bess's Boutique.

Bess had opened the place a few years back and it was great for the victims of sex trafficking or even domestic assaults. The vibe was low key and she employs a large Alpha as her security. Anyone who got too loud was helped out. It was a pleasant store and she had everything clothing wise.

"Ground rule. It's a new place and I want you to feel safe. Stay with me at all times, if something catches your eyes drag me over to it. If you get scared, upset, or just need a break don't hesitate to let me know."

"Okay. What if I pick up a bad scent?"

"You shouldn't but if you do, let me know immediately and I will have her security handle it. Also, no going to or with anyone without my express permission."

"Yes, Alpha."

He was scared. I could tell it in the scent. Scared. Nervous. But there was an undercurrent of excitement as well. I got out and went around, opened the door.

"It's scary. I know. But you can do this. If you need to hold my hand or arm then you can."

He looked up at me and seemed so vulnerable. I held my hand out and he took it, getting out. But he didn't let it go, not even once we were inside and Bess had greeted us. She picked up on the toasted vanilla scent and backed out quickly. Leaving us to browse alone. She was good like that.

We had all afternoon to browse but the first thing we did was determine what size best fit him now. He made sure I stood right outside the door when he tried on anything.

Once that was determined we moved to pick out some good pants for wearing to the doctors or even just out. He eyed the selection of jeans and cargo pants.

"You seem unsure."

"Worried about how they'll feel."

"Try them on. You don't have to get anything you don't like."

"You aren't choosing?"

"No. You'll be wearing them, not me."

He blinked at me and it didn't help the process really. I still ended up selecting several for him to try on. And if I thought it was bad when he was wearing ill-fitted clothes this was torture. But he indicated the jeans were a bit rough so we went with khaki type fabric and got several pairs.

T-shirts were even harder! He found the right size pretty quickly but he liked so many of them. I'd have gladly bought them all,but that would have been the entire rack!

It was the underwear that really was going to be torture.

He pointed to the briefs as the ones his mother made him wear.

"Did you like those? Or do you like boxers?"

His head tilted. "I like both. But the boxers are a bit...too loose."

I picked up a package of boxer briefs. "This is what I normally wear. You've seen me in these. Do you think you would like them better?"

"Maybe."

I tossed a package of them into the buggy. "Do you also want some of the others in your size? The boxers may not be as weird if they were the proper size."

"Boxers, yes. Briefs no."

I tossed a multi pack of the boxers too but I saw his eyes lingering on a rack nearby, in the women's section. I took a deep breath, willed my blood to stay the hell away from my dick.

"Do you want to get a few of those pairs as well?"

"I can? You wouldn't mind?"

"Would it make you feel good about yourself? It won't remind you of him? I do not require you to wear them."

He paused to think about that. "I did like the way I felt in them. It wouldn't remind me of Master Michael, because you'll be the one seeing them, not him."

I swallowed. "Then let's see what she has."

I steered the buggy to the women's underwear and yes, there were a few looks. But they weren't my priority. He was. Even if I had to remind myself we were in public and I could not sport a boner here. Added, security would kick me out!

"Do you have a preference, Alpha?"

I swallowed again. "No. You mentioned the lace wasn't good. So let's avoid those. But you pick something you want."

He took his time and every pair he picked up sent my alpha whining. God help me. He finally laid two pairs in the cart. A pair of pale yellow bikini style panties that were satin and a pair of boy shorts that were in a pale blue color.

The last thing I grabbed was extra socks and he even chose a few more pairs of lounge pants and three gowns. I felt the gowns would greatly help him heal because they would allow air movement to his privates.

Bess grinned when I stepped up. "Is this the omega Garth gushes about?"

"Yes. Castiel, this is Bess Fitzgerald, she is Garth's wife. Bess, this is Castiel."

"Pleased to meet you ma'am," he said.

"You as well. Looks like you needed some clothes."

"Alpha insisted."

Her brow raised but she didn't say anything. Instead she began to ring up the items. She didn't even bat an eye at the women's panties or the gowns. Her screen showed the item's description but not the total.

We had found a lot of victims felt uncomfortable or guilty when their caregiver spent money on them. So once she had it rung up she sent me a text, which I deleted so he wouldn't see it. I paid her and got the bags.

He stayed close to me on the walk to the car and really relaxed once we were on the way home.

"Did you have a good day?"

"Yes, Alpha."

"Good. We may see about going to the grocery store too. But it may be too much,we can try if you want."

"I'm...not sure about that."

"That's okay. We'll see how it goes."

Once home he took the bags to my room, clearly he didn't want to put them in the guest room. Well, not sure I cared right now. We both slept better together.

"Alpha, I'm going to shower."

"Alright, remember to leave the door cracked."

"I will, Alpha."

He'd been really good at leaving it cracked a bit, it gave me peace of mind. While he did that I considered dinner.

I found I could do tacos without thawing anything so I went to the living room and collapsed. Twenty minutes later he came in wearing one of the gowns. The light teal one with no other designs, it left lots of leg showing.

Gowns may be the death of me. But he shyly stopped beside my knee, wordlessly asking if he could sit down.

"You don't have to ask if you want to sit beside me."

"I do if I'd prefer your lap, which I kinda want now."

Oh... well that was rather new. But I held my arms up and he climbed onto the sofa, straddling my lap.

"Do you feel okay? You haven't asked for this since we left the hospital."

He settled down and laid his head on my shoulder. "Lot of different smells today. I feel...unsettled."

I laid my hands around him, leaving them kinda high on his back. He settled in and it grew quiet.

"Castiel, I would like for us to have a discussion about your future heats."

"I may not have any, Alpha. Would that be a problem?"

"No. But if not, we will need to have a doctor exam you for a reason why. I am assuming your heats will return once your weight and hormones get to normal levels."

"Okay."

"I want to know what you are comfortable with. Do you want assistance? Would you rather handle them on your own or use toys, which I would need to purchase. I know your experience with sex is not great. But I don't want to interpret a signal wrong and hurt you."

"I've always been alone."

"Was it...harder to be alone?"

I felt him shift some and his head seemed to bury into my neck a bit. "Hurt more. Never could get the symptoms to stop."

"What happened after?"

"Master Michael complained that I was useless for days. I was always so tired and hungry."

"Did they not make sure you ate or rested during your heats?"

"I was locked in a room. They didn't want to smell me. Is that not...normal?"

"No, sweetheart, that is not normal. I wish I could find this Michael and really show him what a true Alpha is. He is not one."

There was a sudden burst of fresh jasmine and vanilla, an intoxicating scent that caused my eyes to close and my body seemed to relax into that scent. Happy. Content. Something I had said caused it and I reviewed my words, deducting it was sweetheart.

"Do you like being called sweetheart?"

The same bright scent floated up as he nodded against my neck. I tightened my grip and he seemed to melt. He clearly liked being held, cuddled and loved. Fuck, did I love him already?!

"Heats are not supposed to be suffered through. I will find some information for you to review and then you can decide."

"Okay, Alpha."

My heart hurt for him, I'd never had a heat but I had previous partners who did. There were ways to reduce the risk of pregnancy even during heats. I would now need to find non-porn to show him what heats can be like both with and without a partner.

He stayed in my lap for several hours and up until I heard a stomach growl which meant it was dinner time. He did help some with fixing the sides, mostly tearing the lettuce and getting things I needed. I wasn't sure about the stove or knives just yet.

After we had had dinner he asked for a movie that would be light. I found a Disney movie that I'd seen before and knew it was light and had no really messy scenes. Would I ever admit to liking it? No. Would I if it made him happy? Yes.

After the movie we went to bed. It was different with the gown and it didn't occur to me until later in the night when I woke up that... gowns rode up. I wouldn't admit to stripping my dick in the bathroom but fuck he'd chosen the light blue panties to wear under that gown.

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