"Howl At The Moon"

7/29/2014 - 7/23/2017

Epilogue

A little over a year later.

September ~ Singing Moon

Castiel watched as the dried herbs trickled from his palm into the waiting clay bowl sitting on the ground. Over a dozen crystal jars sat to his left, filled to the brim from their garden last month. The scent of Angelica and Rosemary lifted up to his nose making him hum softly. This was probably his favorite part of getting prepared for the Full Moon Rituals. It never failed to bring back memories of sitting side by side with his sister preparing these mixtures. In the beginning his heart would squeeze so painfully it was difficult to breathe but with each month that passed, the easier it became.

He was outside in the woods, only a few feet from the house and sitting on the damp earth. There was a deeper connection here than in the apothecary Dean had converted one of the rooms into. It was nice to have though, a room to store his dried herbs and oils.

There was a shout ahead of him and he smiled. The pups were outside as well, playing chase and running all over the place. Krissy, Tessa and Samandriel were watching them while they talked and laughed with each other. Leelo, Rhiannon, Henry, Kenton, Willa, Mason, Oz, Chuckles, Tibby, Tommy and the newest additions Aine, Willow and Kelanie were all running around playing. The littlest ones were trying so hard to keep up but would end up tumbling in the soft grass.

Much to his delighted surprise Balthazar walked over to join them, a tray of snacks in one hand with a pitcher of Mary's ice tea in the other. He was practically tackled before he managed to set it all down and their happy laughter echoed throughout the trees. His brother was finally back to his old self, his old wounds inflicted on him during his time with Annie were all but a fading bruise.

Though Annie survived the ordeal, all of them agreed it would be best if she left with her sisters in the end. Castiel had expected for Balthazar to be broken up about it but seemed to accept her choice. It took a long time but Balthazar managed to pull himself up and get back to working with his brother and making up for lost time with his family. Castiel was just grateful to have him back in their lives.

With a soft sigh Castiel returned back to his work, the mixture in the bowl growing larger and soon would be ready to fill the waiting jar to his right. There was a rustle of leaves from behind as someone moved through the woods closer to him The scent was almost unfamiliar but he recognized her anyway.

"Hale, how are you?" he asked glancing up at her. The young Beta looked radiant in the lowering sun, her dark hair tied up in an intricate braid that seemed to loop in on itself. There was something different about her but Castiel couldn't put his finger on it. He gestured to the space next to him and she instantly lowered down.

"I'm good, how are things around here?" she asked. Castiel looked back out to where now even more of their pack was crowding around the little ones.

"Peaceful," he said with a small laugh. Hale nodded, her fingers coming up to brush her hair behind her ear almost nervously. Castiel froze, it was her scent that was off. It was sweeter, almost like carmel

"Hale?"

"I wanted you to be the first to know, Adam's telling John and Dean right now as well," Hale said, her face breaking out into a huge gummy smile, "I'm pregnant."

Castiel had to be careful not to knock his herbs over but he managed to tackle Hale, hugging her tightly, "Oh my Gods I'm so happy for you! I didn't know you were trying to have one."

"Thank you and it was a split decision. Now that I've graduated we both decided that when my next heat hit we would leave it up to the Gods, if it happened, it was meant to be," she said. Castiel felt his throat lock up and he nodded, leaning in to kiss Hale on the forehead.

"I'm so incredibly happy for you," he said. Hale laughed, her hands gripping Castiel's wrists.

"I uh, I hear I'm not the only one who's pupped around here?" Hale asked. Castiel barked out a laugh and shook his head.

"You heard right. This one was a little more planned out but the news still hit our pack like a ton of bricks. And in a good way," Castiel laughed pointing out towards the group forming out on the lawn. Hale followed his direction and knew when she spotted Jess who was swinging Henry around, her rounded belly pushing out the front of her dress.

"Oh my Gods that's amazing!"

"Yes it is. I still don't know what I enjoyed the most, the happy news of Jess's pregnancy or watching Sam nearly fall to the ground crying," Castiel laughed shaking his head, "Your pup and Jess's will be the first pups to be born this year."

Hale's smile widened as she gazed back towards the others. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly before speaking again, "It's good to be back home again. We've been talking about moving back for awhile now. After we found out the test was positive we both decided it was time. Besides, Adam wants to be closer to Dean and Sam and well...you've all become my family," she said as her pale cheeks turned a soft pink. Castiel reached over and squeezed one of her hands.

"We're all family here Hale. And I'm thrilled you've decided to come back," he said. Hale laughed a little, her whole body seeming to vibrate with her happiness. She leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek before scrambling up to her feet. Castiel watched her walk towards the others, the little ones already racing forward to greet her. It had a laugh bubble out from his lips.

"So we are in agreeance then? The territory of Georgia and Alabama will go to Andy and Ansem?" Dean asked, his eyes scanning each of the video screens on his monitor. There were so many of them it was hard to keep track who was agreeing. Thankfully Sam and Gabriel were with him and taking notes.

"I can't thank you all enough for this opportunity, we won't let you down," Andy said into the webcam, next to him, his twin brother Ansem was nodding with a little smile stretching his lips.

"You've shown great leadership and compassion to those who were lost there. We have faith you will do great things there my friends," Kali stated, her dark brows rising. Dean grinned wide, a swell of pride nearly exploding through his rib cage. It had been his idea to send the twins there for "damage control" but he knew how well they would do. The floundering Omegas there flocked to them and soon wayward Alphas who needed a home in that area came next. The pack had been small in the beginning with only fifteen but now six months later it was nearly doubled. Dean hadn't been surprised in the least, he knew with every fiber of his being that it would work out. The twins worked together almost they were a mated pair. Neither of them were interested in finding mates and were such polar opposites of each other that it worked.

"If there is no other business to attend to, I do believe this month's meeting is finished," Dean asked openly. He waited for anyone to speak up but when no one did he said goodbye to each of the pack leaders before Sam was reaching out to turn the camera off.

"We should go over our plans for next month's summit, make a checklist of what still needs to be done," Gabriel mumbled looking down at his notebook. Dean nodded, his gaze drifting over to their old map with all their scribbles on it. Sam had wanted to take it down for a new one but Dean wanted to keep it. To help remind himself how far they had come.

"I agree, but that will be for tomorrow," Dean said. Both Sam and Gabriel looked up from their notebooks to stare at him questioningly.

"As in I think we should call it a day," Dean laughed, "I want to see my family and I know you wanna be with Jess Sammy," Dean teased. His little brother laughed brightly and jumped up from his chair.

"You have no idea. She's getting close to the date and Gods I can't wait. Another little one to join the brood," he said throwing his long arms up in the air. There was chuckle from behind them and Dean's entire body lit up when he turned to find his mate leaning up against the door frame.

"Not to mention Adam and Hale's pup as well," Castiel said. Gabriel's mouth dropped open that had Dean throwing his head back laughing.

"Yeah, forgot to mention that by the way," Dean said. Sam wrapped his arm around Gabriel's shoulder and lead him out of the room, explaining the good news that only an hour before Adam had come bursting into the room nearly shouting it out.

"How's my wonderful big Alpha doing?" Castiel asked sauntering in the room and placing himself right on Dean's lap. Dean grinned and pulled his mate in close, his nose instantly going to Castiel's neck. The scent of Earth was all over him and it tickled his senses.

"Good, even better now that you're here," Dean said. Castiel laughed softly, those bright blue eyes rolling fondly.

"So...have you thought more of what I asked you last night?" Dean asked biting down on his lip. Castiel's cheeks flushed and Dean couldn't hold back his grin.

"Of course I have, it was very distracting by the way," he said playfully punching Dean in the arm, "And my answer is yes. I think it's time we try for another one too," Castiel said. Dean stood up so fast his chair knocked over but he had his mate securely in his arms as he spun them around the room. Castiel's laughter echoed throughout the room.

"You have made me the happiest Alpha ever," Dean mumbled as he kissed all over Castiel's face.

"C'mon you silly wolf," Castiel grinned pulling him out of the office.

Leeloo stepped away from the others and chewed on her lip. She was seven and was allowed to venture on her own but it was difficult to be truly by herself now. Rhia and Henry were always following her and usually she didn't mind. But today she needed it.

After a few glances back she was relieved to find that no one had followed and she started to run through the woods. She didn't stop until she was at the waterfall. It was a special place. Her dad had told her it was the first time he had felt her grandfather Chuck's presence and sometimes, even her Aunt Keelie.

Leeloo reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of herbs, ones that she remembered were her Aunt's favorites. Ones that helped connect Leeloo with her. She tossed them into the water and instantly there was a breeze tickling her cheek.

"Auntie Keelie?" she called out softly. There was a warm brush on her hand and she smiled.

"I know I'm not supposed to 'abuse' this but I need help. It's not really for me but you're the only one who can help them," she sighed, sinking down to her knees on the grass.

"It's Uncle Garth," she said as another warmth brushed over her, pressing her to continue, "I think he's scared to move on, that he's worried of hurting you if he does," she said, "I may only be seven but I know what I'm seeing when he's around Becky. Neither of them want to replace you Auntie Keelie but I truly think Becky can help them to be happy," she said. Nothing happened. No warmth at her hand, no increase in the wind...no random scents filling her nose. She let out a heavy sigh and sunk down on the ground some more. She had really hoped her Aunt would understand and possibly give her blessing. Leeloo was just about to give up when something fluttered down into her hand. It was a single flower and if she was remembering correctly with her lessons with her dad, this was a peony flower. One that meant happiness.

Leeloo jumped to her feet but kept the flower cradled in her hands, "Thank you Auntie Keelie! I knew you'd understand," she said blowing a kiss and racing out of the clearing.

"Even if you have to lie to me...tell me they'll be happy," Keelie asked wiping a tear from her cheek. Her father's hand closed around hers and she smiled.

"They will be sweetheart. All of them will be, I promise," Chuck said gently tugging his daughter away from the falls.

The End

I can't believe it's been almost three years since I started this story. I absolutely loved writing this story but I'm also a little relieved it's finally over. With everything that is going on in my life right now this was one of the hardest things to keep up. I want to thank each and every one of you for sticking with me through all of this. Every comment meant the world to me.

I will try to write some time stamps here and there so if there are any requests I will try to write them.

Again, thank you all from the bottom of my heart, I love you.

Sandy