Chapter Text
Sam stepped out of the bus with his luggage on his left hand and a note in his right one. He stared at the piece of paper, the address on it, and the name he should be looking for—Gordon. As if I could forget, he thought, a small lump in his throat.
"Yes, that's the place." Even if he hadn't checked the address again, there was no mistaking the huge cherry pink structure of the hotel a few feet away from him, separated from the sidewalk by miles of green grass and fancy gates.
Sam took a deep breath and slipped the address note into the back pocket of his jeans. He pulled at the handle of his rollaboard and walked toward the gate, but not without casting curious, impressed looks at everything that surrounded the Cherry Hotel.
Because he lived in a more, say, low-income neighborhood, Sam couldn't help but stare at the tall buildings he could see in the distance, the fancy houses across the street, but most of all, the state-of-art hotel that awaited him behind the gates.
To think that his own brother sometimes worked at the Cherry Hotel almost took his breath away, considering Dean came from the same humble upbringing.
Not that they starved or anything—they'd been a well off family back when their father was still alive. After he'd died defending their mom from an Alpha who broke into their home and struck the family with grief, things had been hard.
Dean had left as soon as he was old enough to in order to work small jobs and make enough money to help them. Sam had no doubt it had been so hard for his brother to take on the responsibility of being a family's Alpha and provide both money and protection at such an early age. But his brother had succeeded, especially after he'd become a claimer, four years ago. Though they didn't see Dean much because of his new line of work, the job as a claimer made sure Dean had enough money for himself, for Mary and Sam. He'd even started a college savings for Sam, since Sam had told him how much he dreamed of a higher education. The only downside was that they hardly ever saw him.
As a claimer, Dean was either busy claiming new omegas or defending the ones he'd already claimed. It might seem like a sweet job, getting to be the first of many omegas, but it came at a cost. Whenever any of the omegas claimed by Dean was in danger, they could count on him to either be there or make sure he got someone there in order to protect them and their families.
Sam and Mary worried about him all the time, because claimers were often targeted by rival Alphas, and most of them did not live a long life.
Lucky for Dean, and the family who loved him, he'd been thriving at the job. He was strong, and if Sam trusted people's opinion about him—because omegas did talk among themselves about such thing—he was also a good lover.
Sam smiled a little and pushed the thought away. It didn't matter, because Dean was his brother, Sam had always had and would always have Dean's protection as his sibling, so it made no sense that Dean would be his claimer.
The thought caused him to sigh with dismay and resignation. The truth was, the more protection an omega could get in the violent society in which they lived, the better. By signing up to be claimed by another Alpha, Gordon, Sam would make sure that both Dean and Gordon, two strong, fierce Alphas, would be bound to protect his mom and him.
Though Dean had been getting fame in the omega claiming/protecting business, Gordon was already well-known and probably the most famous claimer in town. His scent on omegas was often enough to change any attacker's mind and guarantee the omega's safety to navigate society. Which was something Sam really needed if he was serious about pursuing his dreams of studying Law.
To be fair, for the past three years Sam had been avoiding this decision.
When an omega turned sixteen, they were allowed to seek a claimer of their choice to mark them and change their scent. They could also choose to be claimed by an Alpha who wasn't a professional claimer—a lover, boyfriend, a friend. Male omegas who were not attracted to males often had a one night stand with another Alpha man just to make sure they wouldn't smell unclaimed anymore.
The problem with that, as Sam and Mary had come to realize, was that without an Alpha's mark and with an 'unclaimed' scent, Sam had a target on his back. During most of the days he could get away with being an unclaimed omega just by letting his hair grow long enough that it would cover the back of his neck and therefore make it difficult for anyone to see whether or not there was a bite mark there. However, when he went into heat, which was happening monthly and lasting for about a week, anyone could smell he was a virgin. Not a problem with other omegas or betas, but for other Alphas it was like an irresistible challenge.
Sam had lost count of how many times he'd been on the receiving end of unwanted flirting. Sometimes, as Alphas could be in a rut and become bolder and aggressive, Sam had had to run and hide before he had ended up forced by a stronger man.
Of course he'd never told his brother any of this or else Dean would have gone crazy trying to track down the offender and beat him up. Sam knew his brother had enough challenges as it was and the last thing he needed was more fighting. It was better not to worry Dean.
Besides, Sam had never been harmed.
Last time he'd been lucky…
His claimer brother only asked vague questions about what Sam would decide—take a claimer, choose a lover, or remain unclaimed for as long as he could. Dean had never interfered or given his opinion, though he'd told Sam time and again that he'd support him no matter what.
Dean didn't know what had happened the last time Sam had gone out to send some application letters and returned home late in the night.
The memory of it caused Sam's heart to shrink in his chest with fear.
Sam had been chased on the street by a group of three Alphas. He'd been in heat, something an Alpha would be able to tell at a distance of about 10 feet from him, and his unclaimed smell had wafted to the group of friends and drawn them instantly.
They had tried to convince Sam to let them take turns knotting him, telling him he'd get the three of them to protect him if he did so, but Sam wasn't a fool. There was no telling if those Alphas did mean to protect him after mating. Since they weren't professional claimers, there was nothing that legally obligated them, no contract as the one Sam was about to sign at the hotel, and Sam would've had to rely solely on the moral compass of three strangers.
That night Sam had had to run and hide, and when one of the Alpha guys caught up with him and tried to manhandle him, Sam had fought back. He wasn't a rebellious omega or anything like that, but violence was a trigger for him. Sam didn't remember much from the night the yellow eyed Alpha had tried to rape his mom, he was too young to have a clear memory, but it seemed like some of it had slipped into the unconscious mind of the toddler who'd sat in the crib and watched.
The way the Alpha had tried to subjugate him had caused Sam to go into survival mode and fight back, which often surprised Alphas, especially if the omega was in heat. Sam had managed to fight him off with pepper spray and run away. He'd then pissed off the group of furious and horny Alphas even more determined to force him into submission through coitus.
That night Sam had come home breathless, shaky and with a cut on his cheek from the Alpha's ring.
Mary had absolutely freaked out, terrified at the thought of what those Alphas could have done to Sam. She had so far been very respectful of Sam's decision to remain unclaimed until he fell in love, but that night they had sat down at the kitchen table to cross the t's and dot the i's concerning Sam's plans for the future. They had to be realistic. There was no way Sam would be able to study as an unclaimed omega.
The nineteen year old boy drew attention even when he wasn't in heat because of his looks. The cascade of brown hair, the sweetness in his hazel eyes and the fierce cut of his jaw made him a very appealing omega. Even if Sam refused to admit it, Mary knew he was aware of it.
Young, attractive and virgin, Sam had no choice but to stay home and hide until he fell in love with a strong Alpha, or try his luck and one day risk being brutalized by one—or more!—Alphas who wouldn't give a damn about him.
It seemed like a decision had to be made. It was time for Sam to see a claimer, get knotted, have his scent mature so he could walk around freely and with the certainty that not only Dean, but someone else, strong and fearsome like Gordon, would come to his aid if he was in trouble.
Sam stood at the gates. His heart was beating fast.
He had no idea what would happen—
Well, he knew what Gordon would be doing to him, of course he did, but he didn't know what to expect. He'd heard stories about the first knot and he wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Besides, Sam had hoped he would've found someone and fallen in love with them. He was attracted to men, so that shouldn't be too hard. Except that it hadn't happened yet, and dating as an unclaimed omega could be extremely dangerous.
He fished his cell phone out of his front pocket and pushed a button.
"Mom? I'm here. I'm about to go in." He listened for a moment. "Yes, the trip was okay. I'm okay."
Sam looked at his dark blue rollaboard and pressed the phone to his ear.
"No, I haven't told him yet. You know how I feel about it. He'll be worried. I'll let him know when it's over." Sam hadn't told Dean about his decision to go see a claimer. He didn't exactly know why he felt uncomfortable, almost ashamed to do so. "No, I don't know where he is right now. He could be anywhere fighting off rogue Alphas or in a hotel room claiming an omega. He could be at the Cherry's, who knows. What I do know is that he's busy, and I don't want to bother him." That much was true. Sam didn't want to worry Dean. He also knew his brother had a somewhat strong opinion about Gordon.
Not that Dean, or anyone at all, doubted Gordon's strength and skills. It was unanimous consensus that Gordon was currently the most powerful claimer and that any omega should consider themselves lucky to take his scent.
That was, if they could afford him.
With all his fame and the many omegas wanting to book him, Gordon was expensive. He was also quite busy.
Sam knew that his mom had used all her savings to buy him three days with Gordon.
Since a heat usually lasted for seven days, the period of stay in one of the claiming hotels ranged from a day to a week. Some omegas just wanted to get it done and over with and looked forward to a day only stay. Sometimes they couldn't afford more. Others chose to buy more time in the hopes of taking things slow or even enjoying the moment. Sam had heard that some omegas enjoyed the first mating so much they sort of engaged in a honeymoon with the Alpha, mating a lot for a few more days.
He shrugged the thought away.
He knew Gordon was expensive and he knew he should feel glad to have this opportunity.
"You know they'll take my phone and I won't talk to you again until it's over." Sam felt his throat grow a little tight around the lump in there. "Yeah, I know. I'm not afraid. It'll be okay. We both knew this was coming, right? Mom, don't cry!" Sam smiled softly on the phone. "I promise I'm fine. Yes, it's what I want. I need to be able to move around safely. I don't want you to have a heart attack every time I get home late."
Sam bit softly on his bottom lip. He felt his eyes sting a little but fought the sensation back bravely.
"I love you, too. Thank you. You take care. And call Dean if something comes up. Bye."
Sam ended the call and slipped the phone back in his pocket.
He took a step towards the gates and a smiley beta woman approached him from the other side.
"Hi. Can I help you?"
Sam stared at her.
"Hi. I'm Sam Winchester. I've booked a few days with Claimer Gordon."
"Sure. Come in. You should go to the reception. I'll have someone accompany you there. You can do your check in and get all the information you need."
"All right."
The woman opened the gates and waited for him.
Sam's heart skipped a beat. He looked once again at the looming cherry pink mansion that was the Cherry Hotel, with its huge pool, many kiosks and cute little balconies facing the view.
He could do this. Most omegas did it nowadays.
Sam thought of Dean and for a moment almost reached for his phone and called him.
No. He thinks Gordon is arrogant. You don't want to worry him. I'll tell him when it's over, he promised himself.
"Sir?"
"Yes, thank you, ma'am," Sam nodded politely and walked in.
He followed right behind the woman and listened attentively as she started to explain a few of the features from the place to him. Sam had already seen the pool from a distance, but walking past it he realized how big and beautiful it was. He couldn't remember the last time he'd been to a pool, probably as a kid, and he hoped he would have some time to do some swimming.
The beta woman showed him the kiosk by the pool from a distance, talking about all the drinks and finger food that he and his Alpha would have available during Sam's stay at the Cherry.
As they walked inside the lobby, Sam tugged a little at the plaid jacket around his body. Though it was a beautiful, sunny day, it was also rather chilly.
The woman showed him the hotel's restaurant—one of them, there were two. The other one was on the other side, near the indoor swimming pool, the sauna, the gym…
The place was so beautiful and rich that Sam almost forgot why he was there.
Almost.
"Here is where you'll do your check in and sign the contract," she woman showed him to a counter where a beta man in a suit was waiting.
"Oh, okay."
"As soon as you're done a bellboy will pick up your luggage and show you to your room."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. If you have any questions we'll be glad to help you. Enjoy your stay."
The woman turned around and left. Sam didn't have time to say anything as the beta man behind the counter was addressing him.
"May I have your name, sir?"
"Er, Winchester. Sam Winchester."
The man seemed to look at him for a moment longer, but perhaps it was something Sam had imagined. Maybe he'd recognized Sam's last name as Dean was a claimer at the Cherry. If that was the case, the man was very discreet about it and didn't say anything.
"Yes, here's your reservation. Your mother, Mary Winchester, is the one who called us. You'll be staying with Mr. Walker for three days, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Here's your contract. Can you please go over it and sign the two copies?"
"Sure." Sam let his luggage rest against the counter and picked up the pen the man offered him. He already knew what the contract said, a copy had been sent to him by email, but he still went over it carefully, as his mom had told him to do.
It basically said that Sam was agreeing to being sexually claimed by Alpha Gordon Walker during the period he stayed at the Cherry Hotel with him. It also stated that Sam would agree to submit to the Alpha, respect him and follow his lead, and that he was there choosing to do so of his own free will. It also made clear that the Alpha in question would not harm him, that violent intercourse was extremely discouraged by the Hotel policy, and that once the mating was complete and the omega had been knotted by the Alpha, Gordon was sworn to protect and assist the omega in whichever way he could.
Obviously, a claimer wouldn't be with all the omegas he'd knotted all the time in order to protect them. Everyone knew that claiming was more to prevent violence—the first Alpha who knotted a virgin omega would imprint their scent on said omega for the rest of their lives, and in the case of a powerful claimer that scent on the omega would be like a warning for other Alphas to back off. However, if push did come to shove, by contract, Gordon would be legally bound to show up and do his best to make sure Sam was either protected or, in case the worst happened, avenged.
Sam squeezed his index finger and thumb against the pen and turned the page. He kept reading the fine print, some specifications that he and his mom had already discussed. Though he'd paid for three days, he was agreeing that Gordon was the one who would ultimately determine the length of stay. If he thought one or two days was enough, Sam would either get a refund or he could stay by himself for the remaining days at a different wing of the hotel. If instead the Alpha demanded more time, family would be contacted and money would be negotiated to cover for the expense.
On the bottom of the page, before the place where he was supposed to sign, there was an observation.
"What is the 704 law Gordon will have the right to use?" he asked. "I don't remember having seen it on the contract I got by email."
"Oh," the man took a quick look at the place Sam was pointing to on the page. "That's because we send everyone a template contract. Different claimers may add specific requests to their contracts, and that's why we always ask the omegas to read carefully before they sign them."
"'Public demonstration of Authority Law?'" Sam was interested in legislation, but he didn't remember that number or name. Must be something old.
"It's actually an old law," the man said, confirming what Sam thought. "You shouldn't have to worry about it. If you're here voluntarily then you can forget about it."
"I am."
Sam thought about the phone in his pocket. Maybe he would have some time to google it later? He was there of his own accord, but he still liked to be informed.
He realized the suited beta across the counter was waiting for him. Sam took a deep breath and signed both copies before he could have a change of heart.
That's it. It's done. Gordon it is.
Not that he was sad. Sam understood it was necessary. He'd been considering it for a long time and he wouldn't have agreed unless he thought there was another way. Now was not the time to keep mulling over it.
Who knew? He'd probably have a good time.
And even if he didn't have the best of times, it'd be over soon.
"Thank you, sir. Now can I have your phone, please? Any sort of outside interference is discouraged during the process of claiming. You'll get your phone back as soon as Mr. Walker is done with you. In case something comes up or if you leave at a different day then agreed, we'll keep your next of kin informed of the changes."
"Okay." Sam put his phone on the counter and passed it over to the man.
"All right, then. The bellboy is coming to take you to your room. Mr. Walker will be informed of your arrival and will meet you there as soon as he can."
Sam nodded. His heart was beating a little fast and part of him just wanted to flash forward to the day he'd be leaving the hotel and starting his new life at college campus.
He wondered what Dean would say, but he pushed the thought away quickly. Now was not the time to focus on it. He knew he had his older brother's support no matter what.
Now it was time to get rid of his virginity and welcome his freedom.
"Hi, sir. Follow me to the elevator. Your room is on the sixth floor."
"Thanks."
Sam watched the omega boy pick up his luggage and followed behind him. They went up the elevator in silence. A couple joined them on the way upstairs, an Alpha and an omega girl, who was giggling. They went up the fourth floor and left, hands linked together.
Sam allowed himself to relax and smile a little.
"This way, sir."
Sam followed the bellboy to room 607. The omega boy slid the card to open the door and reached out his hand.
"Hope you enjoy your stay. If there's any trouble use the phone to call reception. There's a note with all the numbers you might need, but your Alpha is familiar with all this and will help you out."
"Thank you."
"Anytime."
The bellboy closed the door and Sam heard his footsteps outside in the hallway for a little longer.
Then, slowly, Sam turned around and looked at the room.
The walls were white and there was a glass door that led to the balcony, closed at the moment. On the center of the neat and impeccably clean room, there was a large king-sized bed with gray fluffy covers and two plush pillows. By the main door, a small wood table stood against the wall, with a flower vase on top of it and a mirror. A fireplace with a beautiful mantle and chimney stood a few feet away, across from the bed, and to the right side there was a white door that led to the bathroom, as Sam found out.
He whistled softly when he saw the jacuzzi and the large mirror above the sink. The decoration of the room was exactly what Sam had expected—simple and yet clearly sophisticated.
Considering he'd been on the waiting list for Gordon for two months, Sam wondered how much money the claimer made. Probably a lot if he didn't have a family to help as Dean did.
Sam looked at the door through which he'd walked into the room and waited.
He had no idea when Gordon would be walking in.
He put his bag on top of the bed and opened it.
There wasn't much, a few pairs of underwear, swimming trunks, his newest T-shirts, a coat, two pairs of jeans and socks, as instructed by the Hotel Guidelines on the internet. There was also a science fiction book Sam had been reading and a Rubik's cube he liked to do when he was nervous.
Like now.
He wondered whether he should unpack or whether he should wait for the Alpha to tell him what to do.
Unsure, Sam sat down on the soft bed beside the open bag and he picked up the colorful cube.
He spent the next twenty minutes entertained, then grew bored of it and put it back in the bag.
Sam's hands ran up and down the deliciously soft fabric of the gray duvet and he stared at the door.
Waiting.
~ * ~
Dean stared at himself in the mirror as he held the hem of his shirt and exposed his abdomen.
Good, he thought, the bruise was fading fast. He barely flinched when he moved now.
He lifted the shirt a bit more and saw the healing cut on his chest, bellow his collarbone—another Alpha's claw. Now that could've been a lot worse.
Dean lowered his shirt and smiled a little as he remembered the look on the two Alphas' faces when they realized they were about to be overpowered by one, younger Alpha.
Though Dean was often traveling to make sure the omegas he'd taken were protected, actual fights weren't a regular part of his routine as a claimer. The job consisted mostly of intimidating Alphas that had been harassing an omega or showing up beside the omega with a clear threat on his face. Mess with my omega and you'll be messing with me, his green eyes had silently spoken to many Alphas.
In the beginning it had been harder. When Dean had first started and no one knew who he was, the fights were a big part of his life. He had to prove himself, make a name that others would remember, that would inspire fear in Alphas and safety in omegas.
He'd never told his mom and brother about the few times he'd ended up at the hospital after a serious fight. Dean knew Mary, in particular, was very much aware of the risks he was facing. He just didn't want them to worry about him. Besides, those two times when Dean had needed medical assistance, the Alphas who'd challenged him had been killed in combat, contributing to his fame as a fierce fighter and protector.
Not that Dean enjoyed violence, but he didn't mind it. Not when he knew the Alphas he was up against had been harassing, harming or doing despicable things to omegas. He always made sure to squeeze in hard workout sessions in his routine to make sure he was physically ready to commit to his side of the deal as a claimer.
Truth be told, he didn't mind that things had been calmer now that he had sort of built himself a name and fame in town. Alphas who actually challenged him to physical combat were no longer numerous, and Dean was able to focus his time on the claiming of omegas and his studies of his craft. The former being the absolutely favorite part of the just turned twenty-four year-old Alpha.
Now, one might think Dean was too young to have so much knowledge in the bedroom, but when one spent so much time perfecting their craft with so many different partners, it didn't take long to be well versed in the subject of mating. Dean claimed an average of five omegas a month. Sometimes less when there were places he needed to be and disputes he needed to settle, sometimes a bit more when said omegas spent just a couple of days with him. Considering he'd been a claimer since he was legally able to, at the age of twenty, that meant a lot of omegas had already been wrapped around his sheets, tangled around his body.
The days of shabby motels to claim his omegas were also long gone. With his reputation as a reliable protector and patient lover, Dean soon saw the doors of the Cherry Hotel, the most traditional and expensive claiming hotel in the state, open for him and welcome him as one of its top products.
Overall, he couldn't complain about his life, though things did get busy and he often wished he'd have more time to visit his brother and mom.
Perhaps, Dean thought, even though he loved his family to death, being back home was always a bit hard on him, which might have made him unconsciously reluctant to stay around. The memory of what had happened at home on the night his father had died to protect the woman he loved and his children had certainly scarred Dean, but he pushed the memory away whenever it would inconveniently slip into his train of thought.
The sound of running water stopped, and a few moments later a female omega in her late teens left the bathroom, fully dressed.
"Hey," she smiled softly and approached him from behind.
"Hey there." Dean turned to look at her, charming smile on his face.
The girl took a deep breath, clearly relishing his Alpha scent.
"Can't believe it's been four days. It went by so fast." She leaned against him and Dean wrapped his arms around her.
"I know, right?"
"Thank you so much." She nestled her head under his chin and sighed deeply. "I had a lovely time and will always remember you."
"I'm glad, Bea." Dean kissed the top of her head. "And you know you can count on me."
They looked into each other's eyes and kissed chastely on the lips.
"I'll go down with you for the check out, okay?"
"Yes, thank you."
Dean picked up the luggage resting near the door, put on his shoes and walked out of the room with the girl by his side.
He always accompanied the omegas on their way out, and today was no different.
Dean said goodbye once again as the girl signed the check out papers and waved before she turned around and left.
He then exhaled deeply and turned to the beta guy behind the counter.
"When's my next one, Fred?"
"Let me see." The man typed away on the keyboard before him and looked at a computer screen. "You got a two-day break before your next omega. Would you like me to cancel something or push the date around?"
"Nah, it's fine. Two days sound good. I might ask you to close my schedule after this one, though. It's been a while since I've last been home."
The beta man stared at Dean for a moment. He might have said something, but the confidentiality contract they were forced to sign in that line of job made him refrain.
"Just let me know when you need time, sir," he said instead. "Here's your phone."
"Thanks." Dean picked it up and went through his contacts quickly.
Dean had been so caught up with disputes and claiming that eight months had gone by without a visit from him. He might give his mom a call later, he thought, but right now he really needed to rest. After the fight and the intense claiming days, his body could really use the sleep.
"Yeah, I will. Thanks, Fred. I'll get some rest."
"As you deserve, sir."
Dean started to make his way back to the elevator. As he walked, his eyes were captured by the movement at the restaurant, growing busy in the evening hours as Dean could see through the glass wall.
Right there, at the bar, Gordon Walker was sitting with a few of his Alpha buddies, drink in hand.
Oh, crap, Dean thought when their eyes met through the glass.
He slowed down his strides and held the stare for a moment. Gordon's eyes locked on him, his smile gone.
Dean knew how the other Alpha felt about him. Gordon had been Alpha male number one in town, known all over the state, for the past eight years or so. He was good at his job, there was no denying that. He'd already put the fear of God into many Alphas who'd crossed lines and messed with omegas he'd claimed. His name was powerful and he hardly ever needed to get into a physical fight anymore.
The only thing bigger than his reputation was his ego.
And Gordon did not like the fact that Dean's star had been rising.
It was not unknown to anyone who worked in the business that though omegas were very grateful to Gordon's protection, more than a few had complained about his rough manners in the bedroom. As his status gave him security and stability, it was like Gordon had stopped working hard and sometimes just lacked patience with naive omegas.
That alone made Dean dislike him. To him, a claimer had to be patient. It was the least they could do when it came to dealing with a virgin, often fearful omega. This was not about bedroom skills or any sort of pissing contest—Dean believed a claimer owned their omegas respect.
Gordon was a little more old school. He believed Alphas were entitled to their omega's submission and that the omegas who managed to book him for their claiming should consider themselves lucky enough. It was like he didn't even try to please anymore. He took more than he gave, and omegas talked.
A few times omegas who'd been looking for him had changed their minds upon realizing Dean Winchester was available and working at the Cherry Hotel.
Dean knew Gordon had been losing his clientele to him, and that the Alpha blamed Dean for it.
Jealously and rivalry had permeated their interactions since Dean's reputation grew. If he could, Gordon would have him kicked out of the Cherry, but lucky for Dean that was not up to him. The Hotel wouldn't dream of letting Dean go.
The two Alphas had a silent agreement to be civil to each other and keep out of each other's business, which was why Dean hated when he happened to look right into Gordon's direction.
He stood his ground and nodded, head held high.
From the restaurant bar, Gordon did the same. He even raised his glass in a symbolic toast and smiled a little.
Dean mirrored him, stood still for another second, and then went into the elevator.
He could feel his scent growing sour and the hairs bristling at the back of his neck.
Things would've been different if Dean had sucked up to Gordon and joined the small pack of Alphas who were all over him, praising him, asking him about his tales of bravery and success.
Dean never had time for that sort of adulation. He wasn't going to suck up to anyone to try and bask in their glory. Instead, he'd always buckled down and worked hard.
And now it was finally paying off.
Dean would send a fat check his mom and brother's way at the end of the week.
Meanwhile, he thought as he went up and back to his room, he would enjoy the couple of days off to recharge and make sure he was on top of his game.
Dean opened his bedroom door on the fifth floor with his key card and closed it behind him with his right foot. He pushed a button on his phone and waited.
"Benny? How's it going? Do you happen to be near the Cherry?" He listened and smiled. "Great. Are you busy tomorrow? I got a couple of days off, thought we could grab a few drinks and catch up. Yeah, six is good. I'll probably sleep until early afternoon anyway. See you."
He ended the call, put his phone on top of the small wood table by the door, kicked off his shoes and lay heavily on the soft mattress.
It was still early evening, but after all the sex and food from this afternoon, Dean was out cold in a few minutes.
He wouldn't wake up until the next day. Not even when voices were raised and the scent of distress filled the 6th floor of the Cherry Hotel a couple of hours later.
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tbc...