Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Driving across the border of Beacon Hills was strangely nostalgic for sixteen year old Stiles. It had been six years since his dad had put him on a plane to his grandfather’s in Poland, something he still hadn’t quite forgiven the Sheriff for. Logically he understood. His mother’s death had been devastating to both the Stilinski men. The Sheriff hadn’t wanted Stiles to see him break apart, to see him turn to the bottle. So the day after Claudia’s funeral, he booked Stiles a one way plane ticket to live with Claudia’s father.

As his feet touched the earth of his hometown, he reminded himself that he hadn’t just returned to live with his father, he returned to fulfil a promise. A promise made to his dying mother to remove the rotten parts Beacon Hills and encourage new, stronger parts to grow. 

Later that evening, whilst sitting on the single bed of his ten year old self’s bedroom, the nostalgic feeling returned. He suddenly had a desperate urge to see Scott, his best friend since they were both toddlers. The six years apart hadn’t changed that fact, they talked on video chat or by emailed at least once a week since he had left. Stiles grabbed the keys to the old Jeep sitting on the drive way that was his welcome home present from his dad and rushed downstairs.
“I’m heading out to Scott’s, be back later.” He yelled over one shoulder to his dad watching baseball in the living room. He didn’t wait for a response before slamming the door shut and running to the pastel blue heap of junk he loved already.

In the five minutes it took to reach Scott’s house, Stiles wondered how his best friend would react. He hadn’t told Scott that he was coming home wanting to surprise him. Knocking on the door, Stiles remembered meeting his floppy haired friend for the first time. It was their first day of kindergarten and a blonde boy was teasing Stiles about his name.

“What even is a Stiles?” The boy asked with a sneer.
“I don’t think you are smart enough to pronounce my real name!” Retorted Stiles. The slightly bigger boy pushed him over into the dirt of the play area and walked off, the strawberry blonde girl that stood beside him followed whilst telling him the be nicer. Tears filled Stiles’ eyes when a Scott appeared next to him.
“Don’t worry about Jackson.” the puppy eyed boy said. “Do you want to be my best friend?”
Ever since that moment, the two boys were inseparable.

The door opened to reveal a larger version of boy who had helped Stiles up from the dirt and proclaimed them besties, still looking over his shoulder into the house mid sentence. Turning to see who was at the door, Scott’s mouth dropped open in shock. In the second it took for Scott’s brain to catch up the who he was seeing, Stiles waved awkwardly and said “Surprise!”.

Suddenly he had an face full of soft brown hair and Scott launched himself into Stiles’ arms. Negotiating them into the house and closing the door with his foot, Stiles cringed at the strength of the embrace. It was too tight and cutting off his air supply.
“Need... to... breathe... Scotty boy!” He wheezed out as a suddenly guilty looking Scott released his hug but kept a hand on Stiles shoulder. Looking into the room Stiles noted that not much had changed since their childhood. The couch still had indents from where they had spent hours playing games until Melissa had forcibly removed their controllers and sent them to bed. There was only one significant addition to the room which came in the form of a green eyed, leather jacket wearing man staring intently at him. Instantly recognising the man as Derek Hale, Stiles ignored the sudden appearance of butterflies in his stomach and focused on his best friend.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were coming home!” Exclaimed Scott “We only spoke last week and you didn’t mention anything.”
“It was kind of a last minute thing, Grandpa got sick and was moved into a home so instead of moving in with my Aunt and Uncle, I figured it was about time I came back.” Stiles explained.
“I think I better go.” Derek said moving towards the back door as if to make his escape.
“Oh dude, I’m being rude. Derek this is Stiles. Stiles, Derek.” Scott said before he could exit. Stiles walked towards him, hand extended in greeting as Derek turned back towards him. Looking almost confused at the gesture, Derek slowly placed his hand in Stiles. Once their hands connected, a surge of power flowed through them.
“Spark!” Growled Derek, his eyes flashed electric blue and he yanked his hand back as if it burnt.
“Wolf!” Stiles responded as his eyes flashed silver in response.

Scott was suddenly between them. Derek’s fangs elongated and claws replaced his nails.
“What’s going on? How do you know what we are Stiles? What are you?” Scott asked confused. Stiles took a few steps back, hoping to defuse the situation.
“There is a lot I need to tell you Scott but first I should probably help Peter.” Stiles said as a howl was heard in the not too far distance.

“Shit!” exclaimed Derek as he ran through the back door, Scott following closely behind. Stiles stood there with an indignant huff knowing that both the man and the teenager would not do well in a fight against the monster out in the woods. At a more sedate pace than the werewolves, Stiles walked onto the porch to see the fight had started already. The hulking form of the twisted Alpha towering over Derek and Scott did not stop Stiles’ slow decent into the garden. The large wolf flung Derek and Scott both away with one swing of a hefty arm as the new scent of Stiles reached his nose. Derek flew into large tree with a sickening thump mere feet away from where Scott landed awkwardly, his shoulder to popping out. Once he saw the flash of red eyes turn his way, Stiles simply put his hand out, palm up towards the corrupt Alpha. Both Derek and Scott looked shocked whilst trying to stand up from where they had landed as their bones fused back into place.

As the towering Alpha skulked towards Stiles, Derek readied himself to launch another attack at the retreating monstrous form but was frozen in place as Stiles’ voice appeared in his head.

‘Wait! This needs to happen.’

The seconds stretched on until the Alpha was standing before Stiles reaching to put his clawed hand into the Spark’s. Upon contact, the Alpha fell to his knees as a bright silver glow emanated around them. Slowly the monstrous beast began to revert back and the human form of Peter Hale was left in its place.

Stiles eyes glowed even brighter than the shimmering aura surrounding the pair as he addressed Peter in an almost ethereal voice.
“You know you may not keep this power, werewolf. It has been twisted into something it wrong as it was not yours to take.” His feet raised from the ground as he spoke.
“I can save you but you must be willing to repent. Be willing to relinquish the power you stole.”
Peter looked up at him with awe and wonder in his gaze. 
“Are you willing?”
Peter nodded slowly. Upon receiving confirmation, Stiles raised his gaze to meet Derek’s. Extending his other hand towards him, beckoning the wolfed out Beta forward.

Subconsciously, Derek stepped forward, only realising he had moved when he entered the glowing aura. Kneeling next to his uncle, he looked into the eyes of the Spark as he hesitantly placed his hand in Stiles’. The rush of power he had felt earlier was even stronger now and he struggled not the whine at the strength of it.
“Do you understand what I am asking of you?” The ethereal voice asked him. “Do you accept the power I am giving to you?” With a slow nod Derek felt the surge of power change from the Spark to a different yet familiar power as the strength of the Hale Pack Alpha flooded into him.

Almost as soon as it started, it stopped. Stiles fell to the ground in a crumpled heap seconds before Scott reached him. Derek could only look at the new electric blue eyes of his uncle’s fully healed face before extending a hand to help up the weakened man.

“Derek what the hell was that?” Scott exclaimed as he helped Stiles into a seated position whilst supporting most of his weight.
“That was magic!” Coughed Peter as he tried to straighten himself while looking at the semi conscious form of Stiles in awe. “The crazed Alpha felt drawn his power as soon as he crossed onto Hale territory. The Spark transferred the Alpha power to Derek freeing me from the twisted power.” 

Derek felt suddenly overwhelmed. He was the Alpha. He wasn’t ever supposed to be an Alpha, Laura had been trained by his mother since childhood. The thought of his dead sister increased his panic and he could feel a panic attack not to far away.

Through his suddenly narrowing tunnel vision he could see hazel eyes open and look directly at him so deeply that the stare touched his soul. A hand took one of his tugging if towards the steadily beating heat of the person in front of him while another hand gripped the back of his neck. Slowly he tried to match the breathing of the hazel eyed boy as his senses started to come back to him. He could hear the boys voice in his head again.
‘Breathe with me Derek’.

After a short while, Stiles could tell that Derek was almost back from the edge. After letting go of the older man, he dragged his exhausted body towards the house. Scott appeared by his side and helped him to the swing seat sitting at one end of the porch. Closing his eyes for just a second, he reopened to see the three wolves looking at him with confused eyes, the Hale’s not having moved from their spot on the lawn. The ritual had taken more energy than he expected and suddenly all he wanted to do was sleep for 24 hours straight.
“I’m sure you all have questions,” he said as his eyes flutter closed again “but can they wait whilst I take a nap?” Without waiting for an answer, Stiles fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Stiles had a throbbing headache. He knew what caused it, his Grandpa always told him off when he used too much power and reminded him frequently that the resulting fatigue and headache is his body’s way of telling him to take it easy. He had no intention of doing the ritual tonight, he had wanted time to prepare for it; do some more research; meditate on it. But no, Stiles had only arrived back in Beacon Hills less than 24 hours ago and had already done what should have taken him weeks of preparation.

Feeling his waking body catch up with his brain, he slowly opened his eyes. Readjusting to the light, Stiles noted that someone must have moved him from the porch to the living room. Abruptly, the wolves sitting around the table stopped talking and three sets of eyes were on him. Scott was the first to move forward and pressed a glass of water into his hand whilst helping him sit up on the sofa. After draining the glass, Stiles looked back towards the table and noticed that only Derek remained sitting scowl in place. Peter perched on the arm of the sofa and smirked.
“Well, well, well, you’re finally awake.”
“How long was I out?” Stiles asked.
“Oh, only a couple of hours.” Replied Peter
Suddenly more alert, Stiles sat up in a panic.
“My Dad must be worried. I should go!” He blurted out before looking around and asking “Where is Melissa, Scott?”
“My mom is at the hospital on the night shift. You don’t worry about your dad, I text him and said that you fell asleep jet lagged whilst we were catching up and you are going to spend the night.” Relief flooded through Stiles as he sunk back onto the sofa.

After a moment of uneasy silence, Stiles braced himself for the incoming questions. Unsurprisingly Scott started.
“So you’re magic?” Stiles huffed a laugh as he brushed his hand over his buzz cut.
“Yeah, I suppose I am.”
“When? How? Can you shoot lightning from your eyes? What about flying? Can you fly?” Blurted out the puppy-eyed teen. Stiles thought it funny that since Scott had been bitten, he had only become more adorably canine.
“One question at a time!” Interrupted Stiles before looking down at his hands to hide the grief that took hold at the thought of his magic. “It was after my mum died. I can create lightning if I try really hard and I’ve never tried to fly.”
“You’ve never tried to fly?” Admonished Scott “That’s the first thing I’d try if I was magic!”
It warmed Stiles to think that Scott was more upset with him for never trying to fly than the fact he was a Spark and had kept it a secret. He supposes that Scott also has his secrets and the fact that he is a werewolf means he likely already knew that magic exists. Pulling Scott into a hug, Stiles breathes in the familiar scent.

Derek watches the scene from the dining table. He is increasingly confused by the turn of events. Having found Scott in the woods a week ago half shifted and not a clue as to what was going on, Derek had tried to somewhat take him under his wing. He felt responsible for Scott. After all, it was his Uncle who had bitten him to begin with. His Uncle whom he thought was comatose; who killed Laura; who was a raging Alpha wolf with PTSD. To be fair he had his own share of PTSD yet he never went crazy and killed his own family. No, he reminded himself, he had allowed someone else to kill them. Quickly stopping all thoughts of Kate in their track, he turned his thoughts back to the boy on the couch.
As if sensing his gaze, Stiles met his eyes. The voice of his inner wolf sounded in his head once more
Happiness. Home. Pack. Mate!
Breaking the eye contact, his wolf whined.
“Scott gave us the basics of who you are but he didn’t know about the Spark stuff. Perhaps you could enlighten us as to why you’re here.” He said stiffly, not used to the Alpha‘s tone in his voice.
“I supposed I should explain but first coffee is required!” Suddenly Stiles jumped up from the sofa and almost tripped into the McCall kitchen. Whilst he was busy rustling through the cupboard for the required items for a caffeine boost, Peter sat back down next to him at the table. Derek couldn’t even bring himself to be angry at his new Beta. He felt the remorse Peter felt for his actions whilst crazy through the pack bonds. As he sat watching the tornado that was Stiles in a kitchen, he followed the new tapestry of bonds in his head. He found Scott’s bond at the end of a red and gold thread. It had snapped into place during Stiles’ impromptu nap when Derek had formally accepted Scott as a pack member. Whilst the connection to Peter was a much fainter red and blue, he could feel the bond strengthening slowly, the proximity to each other and the air of remorseful guilt beginning to mend the strained thread. 

Finally, Stiles sat opposite him at the table, Scott next to him in a blatant show of loyalty to Stiles over Derek.
“So I should probably start at the beginning.” Stiles exhaled as he held the hot mug of coffee to his lips to blow gently cooling it. Derek was temporarily distracted by the curve of his lips and how soft they looked before realising that the boy in front of him was just 16 years old and abruptly stopped looking.
“I was 10 when my mom died. She had frontotemporal dementia. She always told me stories of supernatural creatures when I was a child and I thought they were just that, stories. Tales she told me to keep me out of mischief, to stop me from sneaking out of my bedroom window at night and into the woods. But when she first got sick she told me that all the stories were true and that her family was part of them too.”
A wave of grief had taken over Stiles as he paused for a moment. The chemosignals he was emitting made the three wolves cringe slightly.
“She showed me her magic before she was too ill to do so, told me that I too had a Spark and that with time and practice I would able to harness the power. As the bad days became more frequent, she began to have visions. They started small; what the weather would be like the following day, what flavour of jello it would be at lunchtime, but as she got worse, the vision became more focused. Visions of a fire where wolves fought for their lives and a family was torn apart. She told me that she would die unable to stop it and that I was too young and inexperienced, that I needed to train if I was to help this pack rise from the ashes and become strong enough to fight back.” He took a deep breath before continuing. Even without the wolf’s ability to smell emotions, Stiles knew that the tension in the room had increased. “She knew we couldn’t stop the loss that was to happen. The destruction of nearly an entire pack. But she saw that I could help those who remained. The night she died was the night of the fire.”

At this revelation, Derek’s eyes turned red, Peter’s ice blue. Scott sat absorbing the heavy emotions of the room; grief, pain and a little betrayal.

“My Dad was at the scene that night, at your house, and reached the hospital too late. My mom was dead and I was the only one who was there. It broke him. A bottle of scotch later and I was booked on a plane with a one-way ticket to my Grandpa’s in Poland. There was nothing I could do to convince him to let me stay. I needed to be here to help fix everything, it was my mother’s dying wish that I helped the wolves in the fire. It was only last year when he came to visit, that we talked it over and made up.” After another deep breath, Stiles continued his rambling story. “By that point, Grandpa had helped me come to understand that as a ten years old boy, with no training, I would have been useless to anyone and likely to have ended up dead. So I trained hard with the hope I could come back and complete my mum’s wish and that kind of brings us here and now. I didn’t expect to do the ritual tonight. I didn’t even know I would get to meet you Derek on my first night in town, let alone find Peter.”

As silence fills the room whilst the Hale wolves processed everything Stiles had told them, Scott huddled up to his pseudo brother as he smelt sadness pour off of him as he end of his babbling.

Derek was the first to recover, turning to see his Uncle’s expression morph through a series of emotions before settling on one: hope. Derek begins to speak before Peter beats him to it.
“You mean that there is a chance we can be whole again… to be a real family again!” The eagerness in his voice is a sharp contrast to the snark of pre-fire Peter.
“I cannot bring back those who died in the fire. It’s been too long, unfortunately. They are at peace.” Stiles sadly told him. “I can however help Laura. And I will help grow and strengthen the pack in any way I can.”
At the mention of his recently killed (by his own hand) Niece, Derek heard a quickening of Peter’s heart.
“Anything! I will do anything to help bring Laura back. Whatever you need!” Peter gushed. Stiles blinked slowly and looked between the three wolves. Hope bloomed from beneath the underlying feelings of despair.
“Well first things first, I’m going to need a banshee!”

Chapter Text

One week later they still hadn’t gotten anywhere close to finding a banshee. Peter had been comatose for so long that he had lost touch with his contacts within the supernatural community and Laura and Derek hadn’t maintained them whilst in New York. Stiles had poured over the Hale family bestiary looking for some sort of clue to help locate one but had yet to have a breakthrough. All he had managed to find was that Banshees where frustratingly rare. However the tomes of knowledge he now had access to in the Hale vault made his almost squeal with joy. Everyday since his return he had driven his jeep to Beacon Hills high school in order to continue the search. Each time he entered the musty vault, he found both Hale wolves sat in awkward silence on opposing sides of the room studiously going about their business. Derek aiding in his research where he could whilst Peter looked over long neglected legal documents trying to sort out Hale family accounts.

The tension between the wolves was to be expected. Stiles knew for a fact, not everything could be fixed after a magic ritual and an apology, his own relationship with his father a prime example of this. But the undercurrent of tension was diminishing slowly. By the end of the week, there was significantly less growling than at the start. Despite the slow progress between Derek and his Uncle, Stiles saw their bond strengthening over time. He also found himself growing fond of the snarky comments made by Peter and the growly face Derek pulled each time another theory they discussed proved wrong.

Stiles also used this week to get some quality time in with both his Dad and Scott. Since he left, the Sheriff and Stiles relationship has been strained and despite the apologies, they still had some bonding to do. After a week of forced healthy dinners in front of the TV watching baseball, fences were starting to mend.

However, as he pulled into the parking lot of BHHS that morning he wasn’t meeting the Hale’s in the bunker like he wanted to. Instead as he hopped out of his Jeep he was surrounded by other students milling around the place. Scott appeared from the passenger side door and with a shared grimace as they made their way towards the steps of the building for their first day of Sophomore year.

Stiles had been dreading this moment since he decided to return home. After 6 years of home schooling by his grandpa, he realised he was not the right fit for a formal education setting. He had thrived under grandpa’s tutelage, not only in training his Spark and the subjects surrounding that but even in the more traditional subjects he had struggled with as a kid. Sitting still and concentrating was difficult with his ADHD and a classroom required both of those things. Upon receiving their schedule, Scott and Stiles walked through the corridor comparing which classes they have together. At the dejected look on Scott’s face a seeing Mr. Harris as their fifth period chemistry teacher, Stiles was too wrapped up in dread to pay attention to where he was walking.

A second later he found himself walking directly into the a tall, muscled blonde.
“Watch it loser! Can’t you see I’m walking here.” Jackson sneered. Standing regally behind him was the strawberry blonde goddess Stiles had spent his childhood crushing on.
Upon closer inspection Jackson realised just who had collided with him.
“Well, well, well. Look who’s back! If it isn’t poor little Stilinski. Your daddy finally let you come home after your mama died.” Scott gasped beside him at the vile words coming from Jackson. Stiles however brushed off the abuse, knowing Jackson was just posturing. Scott moved forward toward Jackson but Stiles put a hand up to stopped him. Lifting his chin up and straighten his shoulders, he looked past Jackson and directly into Lydia’s hazel eyes.
“Hello Lydia, It’s been a long time! You look really well.” Lydia looked stunned at being addressed so cordially by Stiles after Jackson’s insults.
“Stiles, you look well too!”
“We really must be off to class now but we must catch up over lunch!” Smiled Stiles, “Jackson, always a pleasure.” Dragging Scott behind him, Stiles winked as he passed Lydia.
“Why didn’t you let me take him? You know I could beat him now!” Scott whined like a puppy.
“First off, I can defend myself.” Stiles counted out on his fingers “Secondly, do you really want to get detention on the first day? Thirdly, hitting him wouldn’t help with the ‘Bring Laura back from the dead’ Plan.”
“How come?” Questioned Scott.
“Because we’ve just found ourselves a Banshee!”

It wasn’t very long before Stiles realised that he wasn’t to only new student in the sophomore class. Half way through the day, the principal entered their classroom with an beautiful brunette.
“Class we have another new student joining us today. This is Allison Argent. I expect you to welcome both her and Mr. Stilinski.” Stiles heart skipped a beat when he heard the Argent name so he didn’t realise when Allison sat behind Scott and next to him. His brain finally caught up when Scott wordlessly turned round and offered the girl a pen.
“Thank you.” Mumbled a confused Allison as Scott turned back to face the teacher with a dopey smile on his face.

It was at Lacrosse tryouts later that day when Stiles saw Allison again. The brunette sat in the bleachers chatting with Lydia. Turning to Scott he noticed the blush across the tanned boys face as he too looked in Allison’s direction. Casually, Stiles bent down to tie his lace as Scott stretched.
“Scotty, what are they talking about?” Stiles tilted his head towards the two girls knowingly. Scott’s splutter and his blush deepened at being caught ogling his new crush.
“I wasn’t listening in!” His blush had reached the tips of his ears.
“Don’t lie to me… you’ve never been very good at it” teased Stiles.
“She told Lydia that she just moved with her parents last week. Said her dad’s job bought them here. She then asked who I was, said I was cute!”
“You need to be careful Scott. If she is who I think she is… she could be dangerous.” Stiles whispered back.
“What do you mean? She’s can’t be dangerous, she is just a high school student like us!”
“But we ARE dangerous Scott! I’m not saying stay away from her, yet, but just be on your guard.”

Try outs were overall successful. Scott stunned both Coach Finstock and Jackson with his vast improvement from the previous season, where as Stiles managed well despite a overall lack of coordination. As Stiles made his way out of the locker room, he spotted Scott leaning up against his jeep talking with Allison and Lydia. Walking over Stiles nodded to Lydia and extended his hand to Allison.
“Hello, we haven’t met properly yet. I’m Stiles.”
“Nice to meet you! You’ve just moved here too, right?” She was perky, Stiles noted as she shook his hand firmly.
“Yeah, I lived here as a kid but spent some time in Poland with my Grandpa. How do you like Beacon Hills so far?”
“It’s nice, a bit small but I hope we can stay here for a while.”
“Do you move a lot then?” Scott asked.
“Yeah, my dad’s job means we move all the time.”
“I bet that sucks! Never staying in one place for too long must make it difficult to make friends.”
“Lydia has been super cool and my dad promised me that I could finish this whole year at Beacon Hills.”
“That great!” Scott exclaimed. Both Scott and Allison were giving each other longing looks.
“Right Scott we better be heading out. It was lovely meeting you.” Stiles said as he climbed in his Jeep.

After dropping Scott home, Stiles headed home ready to pass out from a long first day. The lights in his house were off as his dad was still at work. He trudged up the stairs and flung himself onto his bed. As he rolled over to reach his laptop in the still darkened room, he noticed movement by his open bedroom window. Stiles let out a small scream whilst he tried not to fall off his bed in shock. A beat later his eyes had adjusted and he could make out the silhouetted figure of Derek by his window.
“Dude, give a guy some warning. You almost gave me a heart attack. How the hell did you get in here?”
“The window.” Derek replied in a growl.
“What on earth are you doing here? What if my dad was home and found you?”
“I knew he wasn’t here… couldn’t hear his heartbeat. I wanted to see how your first day of school went?” Derek awkwardly sat on the edge of the bed Stiles was sprawled across.
“Well Sourwolf, school was full of surprises.” Stiles hoisted himself into a sitting position next to Derek. “The good news is, I found us a banshee! I don’t think Lydia has come into her powers yet and will need a lot of training before we can do the ritual but it’s more than we had yesterday. The bad news is that a new Hunter family has moved to town. We will need to reach out to them and make a peace treaty before they start to hunt us. From what I know of the Argents, they seem to be an honourable family however so it shouldn’t be to much trouble.”

By the time Stiles stopped talking, Derek had gone very stiff and his breathing became erratic. A glassy look overcame his green eyes. Stiles knew what the beginning of a panic attack looked like, he’d even help Derek through one when he received became Alpha, so he quickly moved off the bed and onto his knees before Derek, grasping the Alpha’s hand tightly.
“Derek look at me.” Stiles firmly stated. “You need to look at me now Alpha!” Derek slowly focused on Stiles. “Good Derek. Now you need to breathe with me. In and out… follow my breathing Alpha.”
After a minute of deep breathing together, Stiles continued on. “Well done Derek, keep breathing like that but I need you to put your claws away now. You need to put them away Alpha.”
As they retracted, Stiles finally gave out a whimper of pain as Derek’s claws left where that had sunk into his palms. At the sound, Derek seemed upset.
“I hurt you.” He quietly murmured, whilst looking down at his hands.
“It’s okay, I will heal.”
“No! It’s not okay. I hurt you!”
Stiles moved from his position on the floor back onto the bed next to Derek. He wrapped his arms around the taller man and pulled him into a hug.
“Fine, I forgive you then. I know you didn’t mean to hurt me and I will heal.”
Derek slowly relaxed his stiff posture and melted into the hug, burrowing his nose into the junction of Stiles neck. After a few moments, Stiles manoeuvred them so that he was lying flat on his back with Derek lying almost on top of him. Derek seemed content to just lie there for the moment so to stop himself from fidgeting, he began to run his fingers across Derek’s leather jacket covered back.

Half an hour must have past before either of them spoke again.
“Kate Argent killed my family.” Derek stated simply. “She lied to me. I was fifteen, my girlfriend Paige had just died because of me being a werewolf. Kate told me that she loved me and that me being a werewolf didn’t matter. She used me to get information about them. It’s my fault that they are dead.”
“No Derek. It’s not your fault. She manipulated you when you were young and vulnerable. Kate will pay for what she has done to you and your family! We will make her pay together.”
“How?”
“We will use her methods against her. We will take her family from her!”
Silence overcame the room again.

Chapter Text

The first thing Stiles noticed as he woke up was his alarm beeping incessantly. The second was that he was hot, so hot that he was sweating. Whilst trying to roll over to turn off his alarm, he finally realised that there was someone else in his bed spooning him.
“Shit!” He exclaimed as he turned to hit the furnace beside him awake. “Derek wake up!” Stiles could hear his dad moving around down the hall. He would be in so much trouble if his dad caught him with a guy in his room. “Sourwolf, wake up!” He whisper shouted again.

Derek just grumbled and held him still as he settled back into sleep. Stiles decided that this called for his last resort. He focused hard on the glass of water on his bedside table as he willed it to move. A few seconds later the glass was lifted gently into the air. Hovering over Derek’s head, Stiles let the glass to tip allowing the water within it to fall onto the sleeping Alpha.

With a shout, Derek bolted up, looking around confused as Stiles tried to contain his giggling.
“Do you think that was funny, Stiles?” Derek growled as he pinned Stiles to the bed and shaking his hair like a wet dog. Stiles continued giggling as he became just as drenched as Derek.

“Everything okay in the Stiles? I heard a scream.” His dad asked from the other side of his bedroom door. Both of them froze and Derek quickly removed himself from on top of Stiles as he scrambled to the door. Opening it an inch, Stiles peered through at his dad who was already dressed for work.
“Yeah, everything is fine dad. I just tripped over something.”
“Okay son, just be careful. I don’t want to have to take you to the emergency room on your first week of school.” The sheriff commented as he turned towards the stairs.
“Okay Dad. Have a good day at work!”
“You too Stiles.”

As Stiles closed the door and turned back into his room, he realised that he was alone. The only sign that Derek had been there was the wet patch on his pillow and the open window.

By the end of his second day of school, Stiles was so done. He was done with the classes. He was done with his class mates. But most of all he was done with Mr Harris.

“How dare he give you detention! It was all Jackson’s fault! You had nothing to do with the explosion!” Scott was livid and couldn’t believe that the asshole teacher would give out detention on the first week. Plus the small explosion has been Jackson’s fault after all.

Having been paired with Lydia in Chemistry, Stiles had taken the opportunity to get to know his ex-crush a bit better. Jackson, however, did not take the pairing well and had purposely turned up his Bunsen burner whilst Stiles was not looking causing the chemicals to erupt all over the table. Mr Harris had not been impressed and given both Lydia and Stiles detention that evening. Jackson had sniggered whilst the teacher had dolled out punishment to Stiles until Lydia had shot her boyfriend an icy glare.

As Scott and Stiles reached the chemistry lab, he turned to the wolf.
“I can’t believe it either but this could be a good opportunity to reach out to Lydia for her help though.”
“Well when you put it like that, I suppose it could be a good thing.” Scott admitted.
Stiles gave Scott a gentle slap on his shoulder as a goodbye and pushed through the door into the lab. Mr Harris sat at the front of the class lording over the room as Lydia sat on the first row of desks inspecting her manicure.
“Glad you finally deigned to join us Mr Stilinski. For the next hour you will both sit silently and review the last chapter of the textbook.”

Exactly 59 minuets and 55 second later, Stiles had counted, Mr Harris let out a sigh and declared them both free to leave.

As the walked quietly through the halls, Stiles watched Lydia who was glaring at her phone.
“Problem?” Stiles asked simply. With the most lady like snort he had ever heard, Lydia replied,
“ Jackson was my ride today but he decided to leave straight after practice.”
“He’s just scared you’ll be pissed, after all it is his fault you got detention. I can give you a lift though if you need one!” Stiles smirked.
“Well he’s right, I am pissed!” She retorted, “My parents are out of town this week so a lift would be appreciated.”
“Come on then.” Stiles pulled her towards the pale blue jeep parked in what he was beginning to think of as his spot in the car park.
“Is this thing safe?” Lydia asked with a hint of destain in her voice.
“Roscoe is a perfectly working piece of machinery!” Stiles stroked the roof as he climbed into the drivers seat. “Don’t listen to her baby! Lydia doesn’t know what she is talking about!”
Lydia giggled, “You called your car Roscoe?”
“Yeah, what’s wrong with that?”

They bantered easily back and forth until Stiles pulled up in front of Lydia’s house.
“We should have lunch together tomorrow. Allison has been asking about Scott, so bring him too.”
Stiles was a little shocked, he had expected he would have to work a little harder to get another chance to speak to her but there she was offering a way in.
“That sound great! Are you sure Jackson won’t mind?”
“He doesn’t own me. Plus you’re more into guys than girls now anyway so he really shouldn’t feel threatened.” Lydia nonchalantly said as she turned to open the door. Stiles spluttered.
“What? How did you know?!”
“My gaydar is perfect. Jackson’s should be better considering Danny is his best friend but he can be so dense sometimes. Doesn’t even realise he is also Bi himself.”
Stiles spluttering increase.
“You really are a strawberry blonde goddess!” He managed to cough out. Lydia just gave him a wide smile and a wink before she flipped her hair over her shoulder and was gone from the car. Stiles sat in his car for a second, his brain trying to catch up. Damn he’d read that banshee’s were intuitive but Lydia was a whole new level of knowing. Finally he put Roscoe in gear and headed toward the Deaton’s.

As he pulled up to the vet clinics, Stiles could see Derek’s black Camero parked outside. Sliding into the spot next to it, Stiles took a deep breath. He wasn’t sure how to act around the alpha after his disappearing act this morning.

Upon entering the building, he went directly to Deaton’s office. Through the crack in the door, he could see Derek pacing in front of Deaton sitting behind his desk.
“I don’t know what to do? I was never meant to be Alpha and now I am and I have to protect them …. Protect him. How am I supposed to do that?”
Stiles wondered how Derek’s senses hadn’t picked up on his arrival but then remembered Deaton probably put wards up to prevent tracking here. Knocking on the door, Stiles saw the occupants eye flash to the door. Pushing it open to reveal himself, he saw Derek tense.
“Welcome Mr. Stilinski, please come in.” Turning back to Derek, Deaton passed him a thick tome. “You should find some answers in this Derek.”
Derek stood awkwardly looking at Stiles before he briskly walked out of the room without a word.
“What can I help you with Mr. Stilinski?” The veterinarian asked.
“Well I’m in need of a new supplier of certain herbs and magical spices now I don’t have access to my grandfathers stores anymore.”
“I’m sure I can supply you with many of the plants you require in return for a favour or two, Mr Stilinski.” The Druid cooly replied.
“Brilliant, I do so look forward to us working together.” Sarcasm dripping from Stiles tone “I’ll leave you to it then.”

Turning to leave, Stiles huffed a deep breath out, glad the meeting with the Druid had been short. He had loathed the man since Scott had introduced him to his boss a week previous. He couldn’t put a finger on what made him uncomfortable but he could feel something off kilter within the man.

Upon reaching the car park, he came across the brooding figure of Derek leant up against the Camero. Taking a deep breath Stiles braced himself for the conversation about to happen.
“What’s up Sourwolf?” After a beat of silence, Stiles sauntered up to lean next to the Alpha and shoulder bumped him. “You left in a hurry this morning?”
“I had stuff to do.” Derek countered.
“Well a goodbye would be nice next time.” Blush spending across Stiles’s cheeks as he implied there would be a next time. The wolf stiffened beside him.
“There wont be a next time Stiles.” Derek spoke quietly as he turned and opened the car door. Sliding in smoothly and turning on the engine, Derek didn’t look towards Stiles as he accelerated out of the lot.

Come lunch time the next day, Stiles still hadn’t figured how he was going to approach Lydia about the supernatural without seeming like a lunatic. So far his only plan was not viable. Scott wolfing out in the cafeteria was defiantly not a good idea. Scott had been over the moon when Stiles had told him that he had scored a lunch invite to Lydia Martin’s table especially when Stiles confirmed that Allison would be there. He too had not been able to come up with a better idea than showing his beta side to Lydia.

Upon entering the cafeteria, Stiles spotted the strawberry blonde sitting at her normal table with Allison sitting next to her. After collecting his tray with Scott, he weaved his way through the other tables and sat across from Lydia.
“Hey Lydia, Allison.” Nodding his greeting towards the brunette. “How’s it going?”
“We’re good, thanks Stiles. Hows your day been?”
“Managed to avoid detention today and haven’t had class with Mr. Harris today so I count that as a win.” The girls laughed at his reply. The conversation flowed easily through out lunch despite the way Allison and Scott where giving each other subtle looks when they thought the other wasn’t looking. Lydia and Stiles smiled knowingly at each other when they caught them. When the bell rang signalling the end of lunch, they stood and decided to walk together to gym class. On the walk there Stiles realised that Jackson hadn’t bothered them the whole of lunch and turned to ask Lydia where he had been.
“He said something about him and Danny helping Coach with something before class.” she replied.
Ten minutes later, Stiles found himself stretching out whilst Coach Finstock explained how the class had to follow the trail marked with little flag placed by Jackson and Danny that lunchtime. He hated cross country with a passion never having the stamina to run for long lengths of time without using some magic to increase his stamina. Scott took off running straight away leading the pack of runners with Jackson and Danny. Starting at a much more sedate pace, Stiles ruminated on the fact that before the bite Scott would have been unable to run like this due to his asthma.

At roughly the half way point of the circuit, Stiles found himself alone in a small clearing. The runners in front too far ahead and the runners behind too far to be seen. Sitting on a log to rest for a minute, the hairs on the back of Stiles neck pick up, his spark recognising the danger of a hostile creature not far away from him. Before he had a chance to prepared himself for the ambush, he was grabbed and hauled up against a nearby tree, face pressed harshly into the bark. In his ear he heard Jackson’s sneering voice.
“Stay away from my girlfriend, Stilinski! I heard about you hanging round with her. That’s going to stop NOW! She is mine.”
Stiles felt his eyes change, the colour melting from his honey brown into silver as his spark was summoned into his hand. With a spin he released the force towards Jackson, sweeping his legs out from underneath him. Before he could say anything, Scott was between them, growling with golden eyes flashing. Jackson scuttled back from the pair before he got to his feet and ran out of the clearing.
“Thanks Scott, but I had it handled.” Stiles sighed knowing that they had just revealed themselves. He hoped that Jackson would conclude the colour of Scott’s eyes to a trick of the light but knowing the growling and use of his magic would be harder to rationalise.

Before he could say anything else he heard a gasp from the tree-line. Turning to the noise he saw a stoic Allison and a shocked Lydia with her hand covering her mouth. Knowing that their cover was well and truly blow, Stiles took a deep breath and moved towards the pair. At the movement Lydia turned and ran in the direction Jackson had gone. Stiles put a hand on Scott’s shoulder as he went to chase her, silently telling him to let her go. Upon reaching were Allison stood, Stiles reached his hand up in the universal symbol for surrender.
“Allison, we need to talk.”

Chapter Text

Seeing Allison’s distrustful expression, Stiles elaborated.

“We won’t hurt you, but I think we need to have a conversation.” Allison looked shocked at Stiles speaking to her.

“Your not going to kill me?” She sputters out.

“WHAT? Why would we kill you? I like you!” Scott almost yells back.

“I like you too.” She blushes “But you must know I’m an hunter and wolves kill hunters”

“Who told you that?” Stiles asked “Not all supernaturals are killers.”

“My Aunt said all wolves are violent and should be hunted as the cannot control their instinct to kill.”

“Not all wolves are violent, Allison. Scott could have easily killed Jackson just then, but didn’t even though he was protecting me which is a very strong instinct wolves do have. That should be proof enough for now that he won’t hurt you. We do however have to get this situation sorted out. Is there any chance you father would take a meeting with our Alpha tonight? We wish to propose a peace treaty.” Stiles said as he turned towards the trees as they all started walking toward the direction they were supposed to be heading.

“I’m sure I could arrange something, I’ll text you later. I should probably go find Lydia.” The still nervous  huntress decided to take off at that moment, moving silently through the trees.

“Well that went better than I expected.” Stiles turned to Scott to find him beaming.

“She said she likes me! She likes me back!”

“Oh Scotty boy, what ever shall we do with you?” Stiles laughed as he swung his arm across the wolfs shoulder.

By the time they reached the locker room there was no sign of Jackson or the girls. Sighing as he changed into his normal clothes, Stiles wondered how Derek would react to the Argent meeting. Would a treaty promising peace be enough to help heal some old wounds? Allow the hunters and the wolves to live in the same town without a war between them? Stiles hoped that it would work out as his plans required an alliance between the Hales and at least some of the Argents.

Deep in thought, Stiles failed to realise Danny standing behind him until the Hawaiian boy nudged his shoulder. “Hey Stiles, have you seen Jackson? He disappeared during the run after saying he was going to find you and I haven’t seen him since.”

“Sorry Danny, he ran off after I saw him about half way round and haven’t seen him since.”

“Oh, thanks anyway.” He said with a smile as he turned back to his locker. Stiles smiled back and left the room as he pulled his phone out of his jeans pocket. Sending off a quick message to Derek saying that there had been an incident during gym but that he had it under control and that he had made contact with Argent.

Unsurprisingly, no response came.

Stiles was beginning to think that Roscoe was the new place to be as once again someone was waiting for him as he and Scott exited the school building. And while he had half expected Lydia to be there, he did not expect Jackson to be waiting with her. Nodding coolly to them, he flung his backpack into the backseat and turned to address them. Lydia, shuffled nervously while Jackson refused to meet him in the eye. The silence stretched on until Stiles sighed “Get in the car both of you, we have to talk and can’t do so here.”

“Your not going to kill us are you?” Jackson questioned as he looked at Stiles for the first time since arriving.

“No we just need to talk, we are not monsters.” Scott snorted at this making Jackson flinch fearfully as Stiles shot him a look. Hesitantly, both Lydia and Jackson climbed into the jeep and Stiles started the car before peeling out of the parking lot.

Arriving at Derek’s loft, Stiles saw Jackson cast an appreciative eye over the Camero parked up outside the building.

“That car is Derek’s baby.” Stiles commented. Jackson eyes hardened as his briefly relaxed posture stiffened again.

“Who’s Derek?” Lydia asked.

“I’ll explain after you meet him, just know that I won’t let anything in this building hurt you.” As they entered the building, Stiles tried reaching out with his thoughts to Derek as he had the night they first met. ‘Sourwolf, I need you to stay calm when we enter the loft, we have two friends with us who need the supernatural to be explained to. Tell Peter to stay calm too, tell him Lydia is the banshee we need!’ Wishing he could have given the two, more of a heads up but knowing if he had text before they arrived, both Hale’s would have evacuated the premises to avoid having to explain their lineage. As he reached the door to the loft, he felt rather than heard a responding growl in his head.

Once the door was opened, Stiles had to suppress a giggle at the almost comical scene before him. Peter had placed himself on the spiral staircase, fingers turreted under his chin as his eyes scanned the newcomers coolly, scouting for weaknesses and discouraging any movement closer to him. Derek however, stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed tight and eyebrows furrowed deeply as he glared at the door. Both men were behaving like real wolves defending their den. Scott moved immediately to Derek’s right hand side as Stiles ushered Jackson and Lydia through the door.

“Right,” Stiles began as he moved them towards the lone couch sat in the large living area “Would either of you like something to drink? I think we have some snacks stashed somewhere if Scott hasn’t eaten them all already. I keep having to hide them in different places but his Wolf nose leads him to them every time. Derek, I told you that one couch would not be enough for the loft, I’m going to have to take you furniture shopping at some point.”

As Stiles rambled on, he wondered into the small kitchen and he procured a jug of lemonade from the fridge and a stack of glasses before reentering the living room and placing it all on the pallets stacked on top of each other acting as a make shift coffee table. When he looked up from pouring the drinks he registered the shocked faces of the other five people in the room.

“Oh, sorry I didn’t introduce everyone already. Jackson and Lydia, this is Derek and Peter Hale.”

“Stiles your rambling” Derek said curtly.

“Oh, well then I suppose we should get on with it then.”

Looking at Derek, Stiles knew that there was no way the Alpha in his current defensive mood could calmly hold this conversation without trying to maim Jackson. Peter was looking lost in thought as he intently stared at Lydia, he was also a no go. And it was better to not even consider Scott’s version of the explanation. So with a breath, Stiles realised that the task fell on his shoulders and he began.

Three very long hours later, Stiles was worn out. With Lydia’s inquisitive nature and Jackson’s disbelief, they both had many questions. Two hours in, Derek had given in to Stiles’ constants complaining of hunger and ordered pizza for everyone. He had moved up against the wall by the kitchen door to lean menacingly and remained there scowl etched on his face for the entirety of the conversation. When Stiles had moved to the kitchen to collect napkins after the pizza arrived, he purposefully brushed his hand along Dereks arm and smiled to himself when the Alpha relaxed just a fraction. Scott had moved to the floor next to Stiles as he talked and lazed around listening idly. At some point, Peter had retrieved a book before resuming his position on the stair case to read whilst casting a cautious eye over the newcomers every now and then.

As Stiles’s explanation of Werewolves, Sparks and the crazy world of supernatural creatures came to an end, he felt it was time to tell Lydia about herself.

“I know that this is all a lot to take in all at once but there is one last thing I need to tell you Lydia.” He paused to take a breath as the red head look of confusion deepened. “A spark has the ability to sense the supernatural world, it is why we make powerful emissaries to packs across the world. It’s almost like we read auras of the supernaturals. We can’t always recognise what that aura means but there is a specific creature we have been looking for since I’ve been back in Beacon Hills. A banshee to be exact and I believe that you are one.” At this Lydia’s confusion turned to shock as Jackson stiffened beside her.

“Why are you looking for one?” Jackson spat between gritted teeth. He looked like he was ready to take Lydia and run out the door if she was in danger. Stiles was impressed, it took guts to risk taking on a pack of dangerous supernatural after only just discovering their existence.

“We need help in a ritual, it is dangerous but you would come to no harm if we get it right and I’m so close to getting the research complete, I just have to finish the Latin translation I’ve been struggling with and prepare the rest of the ingredients.” Stiles rambled. He noted the perfectly raised eyebrow Lydia gave him when he mentioned the translation.

“What is the ritual for?” She asked inquisitively.

“You can’t be serious, Lyds! Why would you consider helping these people?”

“Because I’m bored at school and this is interesting and I think they could help me. I feel that this is something I need to do. I don’t know why, its just a feeling but I think I have to help them Jax.” She told him sternly, dropping the act she normally wore of perfect girlfriend and most popular girl at school. Suddenly she quietened “Plus I’ve been hearing things for a few weeks now, whispers and voices talking to me, I was getting worried but if this explains it… that means I’m not going crazy.”

“Oh.” Jackson replied softly, pulling her into a gentle hug. “You should have told me babe, you know I love you and would have helped anyway I could!”

“I know.” She replied as she placed a soft kiss to his lips. Turning back to Stiles she continued her questioning. “So what’s the rituals?”

“Well,” Stiles shifted a little uncomfortable at witnessing the tender moment between the two. “It’s a resurrection, we are going to bring Derek’s sister back to life.”

Much later that evening as Stiles finally drove home after dropping Lydia, Jackson and Scott home, his phone beeped with an incoming text. Glancing down at his phone whilst keeping half his attention on the road ahead, he saw Allison’s name flash across the screen. Exhausted from the lengthy discussion at Derek’s loft followed by the even longer discussion on the ritual, Stiles huffed out a breath of frustration. All he wanted to do is climb into bed and sleep yet he’d forgotten that he had to deal with the Hunters. Rereading Allison’s text, he pulled up Derek’s number and dialled the grumpy wolf.

“What now Stiles?” Came from the tiny speaker.

“Don’t growl at me, grumpywolf, I know your mad about the ambush at the loft earlier but it was for your own good. Now we have the banshee we need. You could try being a little thankful!”

A huff came down the line before a resigned sigh, “Thank you.”

“Ah! You do have manners after all. Anyway on the vein of things to thank me for, I’ve just had confirmation of time and place to meet with the Argents, Allison promised just her father and herself. Requested only you and me attend however I would feel more comfortable with Peter watching our backs. Can you both meet me at the school in half an hour, we should scope the place out before they arrive.” Stiles could hear Derek’s breathing increase slightly over the phone as well as the pack bond that he was slowly starting to feel, throb with the beginning of panic . “It’s going to be okay Derek, I wont let anything happen to either of you! This is important to the plan but if its too much I can meet them alone.”

“NO!” Derek almost shouted through the phone, “You will not meet them alone! That is ridiculously dangerous! Are you trying to get yourself killed. Do you know what would happen to us, to me if you went and got yourself shot by hunters. I would…” the Alpha trailed off as he seemed to realise just what he was about to say. “You’re not going alone and that’s final. Peter and I will be there.”

“Wow, I didn’t know you cared Sourwolf.” Stiles joked, ignoring the warm feeling spreading through his chest at the Alpha’s reaction. The only response he got was a growl before Derek hung up on him.

Chapter Text

As Stiles exited his Jeep, he heard the deep rumble of the Camero pull into the parking lot. He turned to see Derek pull into the space next to him with a scowl etched onto his face. As the alpha exited his car, Stiles could feel anger radiating down the bond. Derek moved towards him and pushed him until he was backed up against Roscoe and his face was buried into Stiles neck.
“Don’t ever talk about meeting hunters on your own.” He growled into Stiles skin. “I can’t lose anyone else to them and your too important to the pack!”

Stiles was stunned, he honestly didn’t realise that Derek would care so much about him but he supposed it made sense seeing as the alpha had lost the majority of his pack to this particular family of hunters. He slowly wrapped his arms around the older man as he ran a soothing hand down his leather jacket clad back. “It’s okay Der, I can defend myself but I’m glad you’re here. I promise I’ll never willingly put myself in danger of hunters without telling you first.” He tried to joke but it fell flat as Derek stiffened within his arms. Suddenly Derek was standing a more than respectable distance away with the tips of his ears turning a slight blushing red.
“Sorry,” he grumbled “My inner wolf went a bit crazy there.”
“It’s okay, its nice to know you care so much about my safety.” Stiles responded with a faint blush now covering his cheeks as well. Wanting to break the awkwardness that had blossomed between them, Stiles asked “Where’s Peter?”
“He’s patrolling the perimeter.”
“Did you tell him who we are meeting?”
“No, I just said we were meeting a family of hunters new to the area. He doesn’t know about Kate.” Derek’s voice dropped to whisper by the end. Stiles felt a throb of sympathy for the pain the Alpha was feeling.
“Okay but by the end of this meeting if everything goes according to plan, he might know the truth about it. Is that something you are okay with?”
“I suppose I have no choice.”
“You always have a choice, Sourwolf. If you don’t want him to know yet, we can find another way but you should tell him eventually otherwise it will only hurt your bond.”
“I know.” Derek curtly replied. Before Stiles could reply, a large black Chevy Tahoe pulls into the parking lot. Once parked, Allison and a older man climbed from the vehicle. Whilst they walked towards them, Stiles eyed the black hunting gear both donned as well as the bow strung across Allison shoulder and the large gun strapped to the older man’s hip. Both looked relaxed but alert to their surroundings and Stiles was please that although they had come armed, neither felt the need to draw their weapons.

Once the hunters came to a stop before them, a tense silence extended across the parking lot. Stiles huffed as he realised that once again he would have to take the lead during this conversation.
“Allison,” He said nodding politely to the girl before him, “and you must be Hunter Argent. I’m Stiles Stilinski and this is my Alpha Derek Hale. I hope that this meeting can be conducted without any violence on either side and that we can reach an agreeable treaty between both our family and yours.” He noted that Argent had stiffened at both the name Stilinski as an expression of shock flicked across his features before it settled into a carefully neutral mask once again at the mention of the Hale’s.
“Mr. Stilinski, I also hope we can reach a treaty that will allow us to coexist peacefully with in this territory. However, I had been informed that the Hale Pack had died out a years ago. You must understand my confusion as it is quite obvious I have been misinformed. Are there any other Hale’s still alive?” Another micro expression flitted across his face, this time hopeful, confusing Stiles further.
“In the interest of their safety, we will not discuss the other members of the Hale Pack until a treaty has been signed, Hunter Argent.” Putting emphasis on the title. Before he could go on he heard a pained howl from the woods at the edge of the parking lot. The pack bond he was just beginning to feel, throbbed in pain.
“Peter!” Both he and Derek said as they turned to run toward the tree line with the hunters quickly on their heels. Quickly locating their injured pack mate in a small clearing, they came across a wolfed out Peter growling at a gun touting, red headed woman. Derek immediately took a defensive position before his uncle as Stiles reached a hand out toward the hole in the blue eyed beta’s T-shirt where blood was seeping out. Summoning his magic into his palm, he willed the bullet out of the beta and into his outstretched hand. As the bullet landed he switched his focus to the wolf bane he knew was beginning to course through the wolf. Once there was a circle of powder in his palm as well and he could see the werewolf healing process begin in Peter, he turned to the others. Derek’s back was stiff as he observed every movement the hunters made, the red head had a nasty smirk across her face whilst Allison stood at her shoulder looking confused. Most interesting to Stiles was Mr. Argent’s reaction, he had stopped a few feet away from his family and looked like he had seen a ghost as he stared at Peter who froze when his gaze landed upon the hunter.
“It looks like we weren’t the only one who chose to bring back up.” Stiles began whilst he started to move forward angrily. He didn’t get very far before Derek growled and yanked him to a halt beside him. Placing his empty hand on Derek’s arm to calm him, Stiles willed the powdered wolf bane away before tossing the bullet toward the hunters. It was deftly caught by Allison.
“Stiles, I’m sorry but we thought it better to be safe than sorry.” Allison implored. “This is my mother, Victoria.”
“I understand after all Peter is here for that exact reason, yet I fail to see why she would shoot him. He was under orders to watch and only interfere if either of us were in danger.” Stiles spat in anger.
“What are you?” Victoria spat towards Stiles. This seems to jerk Peter and Mr. Argent out of the stupor they were in, the beta moving to Stiles other side whilst the hunter moved to his wife’s. Realising his eyes were still glowing silver after healing Peter, Stiles chuckled frostily.
“If you hurt another one of my wolves, I’ll be your worst nightmare.” He uttered seriously. She laughed.
“You’re a teenager, what could you possibly to to me?”
“Your daughters a teenager, do you underestimate her abilities as well?” He retorted as he began to focus on the gun still pointed in their direction. Suddenly the magazine release depressed and the metal tube flew into his awaiting hand. At the same time the chamber released the bullet inside and it dropped to the floor. The hunters’ expressions would have been comical but for the tense situation. “Now that is taken care of, I trust we can proceed with the treaty as planned.”

A beat of silence later, Peter surprised everyone by smirking at the male hunter. “Why, Christopher, it sure has been a long time. I didn’t know that you were the hunters that had moved into town or I would have come and said hello earlier and saved us all this little meeting. I do find it interesting though that you would choose to move here of all place, I thought after your last visit, you planned never to return.” His grin predatory as the hunter tensed.
“You know why I couldn’t return. I only did because I believed the Hale pack to have been wiped out thus the territory unclaimed.”
“Well as you can see, the territory is claimed, by a Hale no less and we are still alive and kicking so you can either stand by the treaty your mother and Talia arranged or you can leave. Your choice but you know the repercussion if you do not uphold it to the letter.”
“What are you talking about?” Stiles asked, “What treaty?”
“Well, my dear Spark, the Hale’s and the Argent’s already have a treaty, signed 17 years ago by my dear sister and Christopher’s mother, the then matriarch of the Argent’s. Victoria took over when she married Chris and it is her duty to uphold it. See hunting families are led by the females, all actions must be sanctioned by the matriarch.”
“What exactly is the punishment for breaking the treaty?” Stiles asked intrigued, a plan now forming in his head.

“A slow and painful death administered by their own leader.” Peter responded bluntly.
“And who exactly was the matriarch at the time of the Hale fire?”
“I was.” Victoria stated blankly.

With his eyes flashing brighter, Stiles shrugged the hand of the still growling alpha off his arm.
“I’ve got this Sourwolf.” He whispered as he began tracing complex sigils into the air before them.
“What are you doing?” Victoria asked in a panic.
“Oh just casting a truth sigil.” Stiles offered with a feral grin at her. She began to back away slowly. “I would rather you didn’t leave. I might take that as an admission of guilt before we get to the bottom of this all.” He reached further into his spark and willed her to stay in place.
“That’s impossible!” She shouted, her feet now stuck firmly to the ground.
“I’m a Spark, Victoria. Surely you must have heard of what a Spark is able to do. Nothing is impossible for me.” Chris and Allison looked at the unfolding scene with wild eyes, unsure whether to interfere or not. Upon the completion of the sigil, Stiles turned to Chris. “All six of us are now bound to the truth and will not be able to lie, this ritual is as old as your family line itself, what is said here I expect you to act on and not allow the breach of this treaty that has occurred to go unpunished.”
“Why are you telling me? I am not in charge.”
“Because, if what I think happened is true, then your wife will be guilty of breaking the treaty and therefore will removed from her position as matriarch. Now assuming the line of succession is with Allison whom is underage, she will be unable to take her position until she turns 18 therefore the burden lies with you.”
“What the hell have you done Victoria?” The hunters wary eye turning to his wife.
“That is exactly what I would like to know, Victoria.” Stiles continued. “When did you become aware of Kate Argent’s plan to burn the Hale Pack alive?”
A ripple of shock emanated across the clearing. Peter head snapped to Stiles as Derek’s continuous growling became a pained whine. Reaching back to grasp the hands of both wolves with the hopes of comforting them, Stiles smiled viciously at Victoria.
A while passed as Victoria tried to avoid answering before through gritted teeth she spat “Kate came to me the morning before the fire. Told me she had seduced a young member of the pack who had been loose lipped with the safety of the pack house. She laughed as she told me how easy it was to manipulate the mutt. I was disgusted with her method of extracting the information but the opportunity to end the Hale line was too good to turn down. As matriarch, I sanctioned the mission. Upon completion, Kate returned and told me all but the pathetic mutt who she had seduced had died. She said that without pack bonds, he would go feral and die alone.”

Silence reigned across the clearing.

“How could you?” Chris gasped in shock as he turned to his wife, looking at her as if she was a stranger. “How could you let my sister do something so inhuman? There were innocents in that house, loved ones…” at this his eyes moved flicked to Peter.
“How could I? How do you think Chris? I knew who you were meeting on those long business trips. Kate told me all about the werewolf lover you met when the treaty was signed, where do you think she got the idea to bed the mangy things to extort information?”
“You allowed a slaughtering of a peaceful pack because you thought I was cheating on you? Despite how much it killed me, I stopped seeing him the day I married you. Those trips were hunts with Gerard and Kate.” Allison just stared at her parents like she didn’t know who they were anymore.

“Stop!” Stiles voice boomed out, wanting to put a stop to the arguing before the rising anger he could feel through is bonds to Peter and Derek overflowed and there was blood spilt. “The fact of the matter is that Victoria broke the treaty and punishment must be given.”

“I will ensure the treaty is upheld and Victoria is punished for her transgressions.” Chris said as he turned towards them, unreadable eyes glued to Peter but answering Stiles anyway. Victoria tried to scream further insults at the wolves before Stiles just willed away her ability to speak.
“Good now that is cleared up, we do need to talk about your sister, Kate.” The already dense air turned even thicker.
“She is currently on a hunt for my Father in Mexico and unreachable. However it will be harder to punish her for the break in the treaty as despite not being the matriarch, she is Gerard’s favourite. He holds too much power within the hunting community for me to go against him alone.”
“Well then, if it is impossible for the hunting community to uphold their own justice, the pack will have to deliver her head on a spike.” Stiles grinned viciously. “It is however getting late, me and Allison have school tomorrow and I do so need my beauty sleep, so we should perhaps adjourn this meeting now and meet another time to discuss things further. It has been a pleasure doing business Hunter Argent.” Sticking his hand out for Chris to shake, he cast an eye over the man who simultaneously looked a decade older than when he climbed out for his Tahoe as well as a decade younger. Interestingly enough he only looked younger when his eyes passed over Peter. Shaking his hand, Chris nodded and he turned to gather his now broken family.

Once the Hunters had left the clearing with Chris only glancing once back at Peter, Stiles let out a deep sigh, releasing the truth sigil but not dispelling the tension between the wolves. Peter slowly turned to his nephew.
“I believe, dearest nephew, that we have some things to discuss.” Derek tried to loosen his gritted teeth before he nodded stiffly.
“Do you need me to mediate, cause I was serious about that beauty sleep. Not all of us have werewolf genes to keep the dark circles away, you know? Plus the Sheriff is going to be pissed that I’m getting home so late!” Stiles quipped.
“No, we’ll be fine.” Derek said as he crossed his arms like they could offer some protection against the coming conversation, “I’ll be fine.”
After resting his hand on Derek’s muscular forearm for a few second too long, Stiles turned to point a finger between the two wolves, “No maiming each other, werewolf healing or not. No hurting each other with insults because you won’t be able to take them back in the morning. And NO killing, so help me if I have to perform another Hale resurrection, I might just bring Laura back and leave you two to rot!” Lowering his pointed finger, his glare promised pain to both of them if they didn’t obey his rules as he backed away towards were Roscoe was parked.

Climbing into his bed in nothing but his Star Wars boxers, Stiles noted that the moon shining into his bedroom was not to far off from being full. He smiled to himself as he imagined what his first full moon with the Hale Pack would be like as he drifted off to sleep. It would be much later that he heard his window open before his bed dipped and the smell of leather and forest reached his nose. Burrowing into the warmth now embracing him, he mumbled sleepily “G’night Sourwolf.”

Chapter Text

Stiles unsurprisingly woke to an empty bed. Upon rolling over he discovered a fading warmth on his sheets that was the only indicator that he had not slept alone. Huffing under his breath, he pulled himself from under the blankets and made his way to the shower. He only had to survive today and tomorrow before the weekend which he planned to spend every waking moment studying the ritual and training Lydia. After all he was on a time crunch here with the full moons imminent arrival. The ritual would be much easier on the first full moon after Laura’s death which meant he didn’t have a second to loose.

Trekking downstairs, the smell of coffee brought a smile to his face. His father sat at the kitchen in his uniform with a fork in one hand and the paper in the other.

“That better be turkey bacon, Daddio. You know your blood pressure was high at your last physical and red meat is a major cause of it.” The Sheriff scoffed.

“Of course it is, son. Your worse than Melissa is about my health and I didn’t fancy another lecture about it this morning.”

“I resent that!” Stiles protested, “I’m only trying to keep you around for as long as possible.”

“You don’t need to worry kid, I plan to be around for a long time if only to keep an eye on your late night visitors.” Stiles was suddenly a vibrant shade of red.

“What?” He spluttered.

“It was quite a shock when I came in from grabbing the morning paper to find a Derek Hale climbing out of your window and I must say he was quite shocked to see the business end of my gun.”

“Oh.” was all Stiles could manage as his blush deepened into a purple.

“Oh? Have I finally managed to render you speechless, son? Well that is an achievement!” The sheriff joked.

“I’m helping him with some family stuff! He came over late and we must have fallen asleep!”

“Family stuff, huh? Wouldn’t be anything to do with his missing sister and mysteriously awoken from a coma uncle, would it?”

“It might have something to do with all that.”

“As long as your keeping out of trouble, I don’t mind. That man could use a good things in his life considering all he and his family have been through but I would prefer that a fully grown man does not sleep in my underage son’s room with the door shut.”

“Door open. Got it!” Stiles said round a mouthful of toast as he tried to escape through the front door.

“Oh and tell him to use the door next time!” The sheriff shouted to Stiles retreating form with a laugh.

Scott talked enough for the both of them entire way to school. It suited Stiles perfectly as he was lost deep in thought over Derek. This was the second time that the wolf had slept in his bed. Derek has said it wouldn’t happen again after the first time but it had. What did it mean that Derek had sought him out after what must have been a difficult conversation with Peter? It was obvious that the Alpha was touch starved but why seek out Stiles? Scott was his beta and wolves tended to reach out to each other when in distress. Where the bonds still too weak for Derek to feel comfortable going to him for snuggles? And why did Stiles get the best nights sleep he ever experienced when wrapped up in the older man’s arms?

Stiles forced himself to put aside all his thoughts on the matter as he pulled into what he now considered his spot in BHHS’s car park to find his strawberry blonde goddess and her boyfriend waiting for them.

“Hey Lyds, how you doing this morning?” He asked as he climbed from the Jeep.

“I am well, Stiles but Jackson here has a question for you.” She gave a pointed stare at the blonde in question when he didn’t immediately say anything.

“Come on Jacky-boy, we have homeroom to get to and the suspense is killing me!” Stiles snarked with a smile.

“Well,” Jackson said sheepishly “you guys know that I’m adopted right?”

“Yeah, you did a big presentation on it in 3^rd grade right?”

“Yeah, well it just that I’ve never really felt like I was part of my family. I don’t really get on with my parents and they are really busy all the time. You told us yesterday that the pack is like a family and I was hoping that Lydia and I could sort of maybe hang out sometime? I know you said you needed Lydia’s help with the ritual but like it would be nice to have second family and being a werewolf sounds pretty awesome. Plus, Derek seems kind of cool despite being a little grumpy.” It was the most Stiles had every heard come out of Jackson’s mouth without every other word being an insult. After a glance at Lydia who looked at him imploringly, Stiles realised that Jackson was probably pretty lonely at home.

“Well I’m not the Alpha, so I can’t really invite you guys to join the pack but we can definitely hang out sometime and I promise to speak to Derek about it but choosing the bite is a big decision both for the Alpha and the Beta. You should know though that he’s only just become an Alpha which means his pack bonds are still settling with Peter and Scott. It might be some time before he’s ready to add to his pack especially when Laura returns.”

“Okay.” Jackson said as he deflated slightly.

“But if and when he’s ready, you’ll be the first person we consider.” Stiles smiled sheepishly. Jackson visibly perked up at this, the tips of his ears showed his embarrassment at admitting his desire for a family. Throwing his arm round Jackson’s shoulder, in the manner he normally does with Scott, he pulls the blonde towards the steps of the school. “So does this mean we are friends now? Cause if I’d know all you wanted was some cuddle time, I would have attached myself to you like a Koala when we were children!”

“Oh, shove off Stilinski!” Jackson retorted with a laugh, elbowing him lightly in the ribs but not removing Stiles arm. Tension broken, Stiles glanced once again at Lydia who wore a relieved look whilst she trailed behind them chatting away with Scott as they walked through the corridors.

When they reached his locker, Stiles was shocked to see a pale Allison waiting for him. Her eyes were red from crying and it looked as if she hadn’t slept a wink since their meeting last night.

“Oh, Allison!” Lydia ran up to her new friend giving her a tight hug “What’s wrong?”

“My mom died last night.” She breathed out as she collapsed into Lydia who began to gentle stroke her hair.

“Oh my! Honey, what happened? Why are you in school? You should be at home with family.”

“I know but Dad is dealing with the all the formalities and I couldn’t spend another second in that house and you guys are the only people I’m friend with here so I just wanted to see you all.” Despite knowing that Victoria got what she deserved, Stiles couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Allison. He know first hand what it was like to lose you mother after all. Laying a gentle hand on Allison’s shoulder, he gave her a sad little smile.

“Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you or your father.” Scott just pulled her out of Lydia’s arms and into his, her tears hidden in his neck.

“I just want to spend the day not thinking about it all.”

“Well then, I’m not one to advocate skipping school but I think this counts as a good enough reason. Why don’t we get out of here and spend the day having fun? Is there anything you’d like to do?” Stiles suggested to the group.

“I’d like that. Especially if we can get ice cream!” Allison replied.

“All right then, we can do ice cream. Come on everyone back outside and into the Jeep, We’ll all fit in and I can drop you back to your cars later.”

As the five of them turned to head back out of the school, Stiles noticed Danny heading down the adjacent corridor. Feeling guilty for not inviting the Hawaiian but knowing that Danny wasn’t in the know about supernaturals and that the five of them would probably at one point or another end up talking about it at some point today, solidified the choice to not invite him along but didn’t ease the guilt.

Upon reaching the Jeep, Jackson called out shotgun and Scott, for once, didn’t argue as he climbed into the back and pulled Allison onto his lap as Lydia slid in next to them.

“Make sure you guys are all buckled up.” He tossed over his shoulder with a grin as he started Roscoe.

“Yes mom!” Jackson snarked back before wincing and glancing guiltily at Allison in the rear view mirror.

“It’s okay Jackson, my mom was many things but she wasn’t always good mother.” She grimaced. “It still hurts that she’s gone though.”

After a second of contemplating where to go, Stiles took off in the direction the the Beacon Hills Ice Rink. Three hours later Stiles hadn’t stopped smiling. Lydia had showed of her truly amazing figure skating skills on the ice whilst Jackson had impressed them with his ice hockey prowess. When Scott realised that falling on his butt caused Allison to giggle, he made it his mission to slip over as much as possible in front of the brunette. Overall it had been a fun morning yet he had promised ice cream to the huntress and he planned to deliver.

Pulling up outside a shabby looking diner sandwiched between a furniture store and homeware warehouse, he ushered his friends into the restaurant. Choosing a booth next to the windows, he slid in next to Scott and Allison.

“Well that was the most fun I’ve had in ages!” He said as he looked round at his smiling friends.

 “You barely made it out onto the ice without one of those walker aides!” Lydia teased causing Jackson to snort.

“Hush you! Not everyone can be as skilled at using ice knife shoes and I know my talents firmly lie in non-dexterous activities!” He joked back. Soon ice cream had been ordered along side a giant plate of curly fries which Stiles proceeded to dip into his frozen treat much to everyone’s disgust. When everyone had nearly finished, Stiles took the opportune moment of silence to get their attention.

“Whilst we are all here together, I think its important to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding the supernatural situation.” He began to trace a rune on the table in front of him.

“What are you drawing?” Questioned Lydia.

“It’s a basic anti-eavesdropping rune that means anyone trying to listen in won’t understand what were talking about. It’s handy when talking about things when in public.”

“Interesting, would I be able to access runes like that?”

“Banshee’s are harbingers of death, you listen to the whispers of those  on the other-side and are preternaturally intuitive to almost the level of psychics. You also have a killer scream but because you are so closely attached to death, you cannot use runes because to make them work you need to access pure life force.”

“Wait, you’re a banshee?” Allison gasped.

“Yeah, Stiles explained it last night. I’m actually really glad, I’d started hearing voices over the summer and thought I was going mad. Finding out I’m a banshee was quite a relief.”

“I should come clean and tell you then that I’m from a long line of werewolf hunters,” Allison said grimacing. “But I plan to change that! I want to protect the innocent and make those who hunt out of cruelty and sport pay for breaking the code.”

Stiles was shocked by the fierceness of Allison’s declaration. He hoped her disgust at the cruelty of her family would work in favour of isolating Kate from any support she might in this town. If the looks that Chris and Peter were giving each other last night meant what he thinks they meant, then Kate’s brother also might not be as supportive as she expects. They continued on chatting for a while, filling Allison in on Lydia and Jackson’s visit to the loft yesterday. Stiles bought up the meeting between the Argent’s and the Hale’s last night, he spoke only of how a treaty was already in existence, and that a further meeting with Chris was needed to discuss the finer point. When he didn’t mention Victoria’s attendance or that she had died due to the outcome of the meeting, Allison shot him an appreciative look.

Once Jackson had paid the bill at Lydia’s dramatic demand, they headed out of the diner. Their laughter followed them as they wondered back over to the jeep when suddenly Lydia stopped and turned to the neighbouring furniture store. Stiles followed her eyeline and saw Derek standing next to his shiny Camero looking distrustfully at the shop in front of him.

“Hey Sourwolf,” He yelled across the lot, laughing when Derek jumped despite his wolfy senses. “What are you all doing here?” The Alpha turned and made his way over to the group of teens. “Shouldn’t you all be at school?”

“We decided to skip today to try and cheer up Allison.” Stiles replied, giving Derek a knowing look. After all they both knew the death given to a disgraced hunter wasn’t pretty. “Why are you staring at that shop like it trying to kill you?” Stiles asked changing the topic quickly as he glanced at the others waiting not so patiently behind him.

“Well you said that I needed to get some more furniture but I’ve never had to do it before. Laura always took care of it and didn’t really know where to start.” Derek looked so overwhelmed at the thought of shopping for a sofa that Stiles had to stifle a chuckle.

“Lucky that we bumped into you then! Three of the most stylish people I know and Scott are here and we can definitely offer some assistance.”

“Hey!” Scott muttered in protest as the others preened under the compliment.

“Oh, I couldn’t ask you for help.” Said Derek.

“Good thing you didn’t ask then. Jackson and Scott, go get a cart each. Lydia and Allison your in charge of the theme. Tell me the budget and we’ll have you all sorted in no time at all.” Everyone took off towards the store as Derek trailed reluctantly behind them.

Lydia and Allison began throwing things into the carts pushed by the boys as they rapidly discussed colour schemes, aesthetic and the layout of the loft. Whenever they turned to ask the boys opinion Scott and Jackson hummed appreciatively but knew better to criticise Lydia’s choices. When Derek was distracted by Scott for a moment, Stiles pulled Lydia to one side for approval of the plush leather armchair he could imagine Derek curling up with a book in and a long leather chaise for Peter to lounge on. When they finally reached the tech department at the end of the shop, Jackson chose a huge flatscreen and expensive audio system. Scott picked of a pricey gaming system. Keeping one eye on his friends to ensure Scott didn’t try to test any more couches by jumping on them, Stiles organised for all their large purchase to be delivered the later that day with a store clerk while Derek slid a sleek Black card across the counter to pay. When he turned to Derek, he was surprised by the small smile on the normally scowling wolfs face.

“What?” He asked.

“Nothing, just thank you for helping with this. It means a lot.”

“You’re welcome Sourwolf! Knowing you, you’d have ended up with curtains that don’t match the couch pillows and Lydia would have had a melt down over the feng shui next time she visited.”

“Lydia’s going to come over again?”

“Well yeah, I need her help with the ritual and she need my help with her banshee powers so I figured the easiest place to do that would be at yours as Peter bought most of the books I need over from the vault. Is that a problem?” Derek just shrugged his wide shoulders. Checking that the store clerk wasn’t listening, Stiles lowered his voice.  “Derek if you don’t want outsiders to come over, you just have to say. It’s you den after all but you should know that Jackson did ask this morning about the bite. He wants a better family and has decided that he wants it to be our pack.”

“I don’t mind if they come over but just give me the heads up next time you bring them.”

“Can do, if it’s okay with you I’ll give them your number so they can text you themselves before heading over. I know Jackson and Scott are dying to test out the new gaming system they picked. Anyway, on the theme of conversations I had this morning, I heard that you bumped into my dad this morning when you were leaving. Bet that was fun!” He said with a grin. Derek paled considerably, his eyebrows lowering into a frown as he looked over towards Scott to check the beta wasn’t listening in.

“Real fun, your dad threatened to shoot me.”

“Well he is the Sheriff. He said to tell you to use the front door next time by the way.”

“There wont be a next time, Stiles.” Derek growled quietly.

“That’s what you said last time, big guy!” With a grin, Stiles moved back into the store to gather the others.

Once all the shopping was pilled into the back of the Camero, the six of them stood looking around at each other not wanting their time together to be over. Before Stiles could open his mouth to dictate their next plan, Lydia stepped forward.

“Oh for Prada’s sake, lets all go back to Derek’s, order some food and Stiles can show me that Latin translation again while the boys unpack the kitchenware we just bought.” A glance at Derek showed that he seemed okay with that plan so Stiles hustled his friends into his Jeep and followed Derek out of the parking lot.

“What’s the translation for?” Allison asked from where she sat between Scott and Lydia.

“The ritual to bring back Derek’s sister Laura back from the other-side.” Stiles answered. The car was quiet for a moment while Lydia held Allison’s hand and Scott tucked her under his arm. Allison’s melancholy mood from earlier returning at the mention of death. “Other than the translation, all I had left to do is train Lydia enough for the ritual to work and we will be good to go Sunday night on the full moon.”

“How exactly do I need to be trained?” Lydia asked.

“Well you will need to be able to locate the spirit on the other-side which shouldn’t be too difficult seeing as we will use Derek’s blood bond to Laura as a guide. We will also need you to have access to your scream, which will be a lot harder to access as you haven’t had to scream before. Luckily you won’t have to direct it too much as I will be able to harness it with my spark. Controlling you scream will take years of practice but one day will be an incredibly effective weapon.”

“Where will you do the ritual?” asked Allison. While Stiles knew he should be wary of letting the teenage huntress know too much detail, his spark was imploring him to trust her.

“It will take place where she was killed in the preserve. The location is important as it was were she was last physically tethered to this plane on existence.”

“I want to be there. It sound like you will all be focused on the ritual and I want to help. Watching your backs seems like a good way to do so.”

“I want to come too.” Jackson said.

“Peter and Scott will be there to protect us but I will ask Derek to see if it’s okay with him. Whilst the idea of having you there sound good, you have to understand that trust will be slow progress with Derek. He’s been through a lot and opening up to new people will take time.”

“He seemed to trust you pretty quickly.” Scott said. “I think he trust you more than me and I’m his beta.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Stiles blushed as the others giggled.

“Do you have a crush Stiles?” Lydia teased lightly.

“No!” He stubbornly responded despite his growing blush.

His blush didn’t leave his cheeks as he pulled into the Lofts parking lot. When he climbed out of the Jeep, Derek shot him a confused look.

‘Nothing to worry about Sour wolf,’ he told the Alpha over their link. Derek cocked his head to one side but turned to head inside the building without further comment.

Ladened with shopping bags, they found Peter inside the loft with books scattered across the makeshift coffee table. He stiffened at the sight of Allison but didn’t make a move to leave the room now filled with teenagers.

“This is a surprise,” he drawled. “To what do we owe the pleasure of all this company?” Derek made his way to the kitchen without acknowledging his uncle to place his bags there.

“Well we bumped into Derek outside the furniture shop and we gave him a hand picking out some. The rest should be delivered this evening so we thought we’d head over to help unpack the smaller stuff and provide some muscle to get the bigger stuff up the stairs later.” Stiles jokingly flexed his own muscles as he talked. “Plus me and Lyds should really work on some stuff for the ritual so we’re all set for Sunday night. So we thought we could order food again and hang out.”

“Well, the books you need are in what I hope to make the study, please tell me you bought some bookshelves. I hate to see all the books from the vault packed into boxes!”

“It was one of the first things I chose.” Lydia said proudly.

“Good, if you need somewhere to do any physical practice though, may I suggest the training room Derek set up on the floor below. It has enough room and no priceless books will be harmed.”

“Do you own the whole building?” Jackson inquired.

“Yes, the Hale’s purchased it with the hope of turning it into apartments for the younger members of the pack who wanted to live closer to the town. It was not quite complete when the fire happened but its better than living in the burnt out remains of the house like Derek had been doing.”

“You were doing WHAT?” Stiles shrieked at Derek. As he stormed towards the older man still unpacking stuff in the kitchen.

“I didn’t know that the building existed. It was only after you fixed Peter that he told me about it.”

“Still living in an abandoned house in the middle of the wood is not safe! Especially knowing that there was a feral alpha on the loose.”

“What would you rather I did? I’d just found out Laura was dead, that my uncle was probably responsible and now had become the Alpha, found a teenage beta wondering lost in the wood, add in the fact I don’t trust humans, what would you expect me to do? Book a hotel room?! Sleep in a place that doesn’t smell like pack and be on alert at the slightest noise made by the other guests? At least I could sense anyone approaching in the woods.”

Stiles was silent after Derek’s  admission. The look of anger tinged with despair softened his own anger enough to pull Derek into a hug. Derek tensed but relaxed when Stiles spoke to his mind again.

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to get angry. I was just worried about you.’ This time Derek tried to communicate back.

‘Why? You weren’t here. Why would you care?’

‘Because I’ve cared about the pack’s safety since my mom first told me about the Hale’s. Now I’ve met you properly, I care about your safety even more and I always will.’

A snort from Jackson startled them out of the private conversation.

“Why do I feel like I’ve just witnessed a fight between my Mom and Dad?” Scott, Allison and Peter laughed when Derek and Stiles stiffened at the implication. Lydia narrowed her eyes at the two still embracing each other.

“Were you two communicating telepathically?” The room quietened at the question and Peter gazed at them inquisitively.

“Yeah we were,” Stiles admitted. “It started the night I came back to Beacon Hills and met Derek. I think it has something to do with my spark and the pack bond but I haven’t had much time to do research with all the ritual prep I’ve been doing.” Derek tensed further before pulling away from him.

“It’s to do with the special bond Alpha’s and their spark emissary’s have.” Scott and Peter shot a suspicious look at Derek. Before Stiles could question it there was a knock on the door. Derek moved over to it quickly, opening it to find a hallway full of furniture. Quickly signing the paperwork, he directed the men to leave it all where it was. Derek obviously didn’t want any other strangers entering the loft.

They spent the next hour hauling the furniture inside and into the position Lydia directed. Stiles was happy to see the small smile Derek gave when he saw the armchair he’d picked out and laughed when Peter all but salivated at the luxurious leather chaise. When they stepped back to admire their handy work, Stiles was pleased to see the start of a real pack home. The bedrooms now all had actual beds with linens on them. The Kitchen was full with actual utensils. The Study filled with bookshelves and a large wooden desk. Stiles favourite room however was the open living and dining area. A large sectional couch filled nearly half the space, while a long table ran along the length of one wall. He could image pack meals they would enjoy sitting at that table, almost vibrating at the thought of cooking some of his mother’s favourite recipes for the pack.

When everyone had settled on the couch and food had been ordered, Stiles pulled Lydia to the side to work on the ritual. He was so absorbed with his work that he barely noticed the next knock on the door. Assuming it was the food being delivered he didn’t look up when Derek went to open it. Suddenly the atmosphere in the room which had been laid back just seconds before became tense. Looking up, he saw Chris Argent stood in the doorway looking bedraggled as he gazed warily around the room. His eyes widened briefly when he spotted Allison snuggle with Scott on the couch before he stopped when he reached Stiles. He raised his hands in a show of truce before he uttered a phrase that never boded well.

“We need to talk.”

Chapter Text

“We need to talk.” For a brief moment, silence hung in the room.

“Dad, what are you doing here?”

“I have some news which couldn’t be said over the phone. You never know who’s listening in. It’s important and couldn’t wait.”

The whole room was now alert. Stiles strode over and extended his hand in greeting to the hunter. The movement also put him in closer proximity to Derek who he could tell didn’t want to let the hunter into his den.

‘Der, if he went to the trouble of coming over it must be important.’ He said directly to Derek. Once he released the hunters hand, he ran a soothing hand over Derek’s shoulder before nudging him out the way to allow the hunter access. Chris again looked around the room before moving over towards his daughter on the couch. At Derek’s growl, he stopped mid stride and huffed.

“I guess I’ll stand then.” He eyes flicked between Allison and Peter. The wolf was still lounging on his new chaise like a predator watching his favourite prey. “I’ve just spent to day dealing with the family’s reactions to Victoria’s death and I’ll be honest, Gerard was not pleased that I distributed justice myself. He isn’t requesting a formal investigation of events with the Hunter’s Guild as it could shed light on his more shadier actions but has threatened to send someone to Beacon Hills to personally investigate. He will be sending someone that he trusts, not just any one of his followers, to get to the bottom of things. He didn’t say who but there is only one person who he places any trust in at all and that is Kate.”

Derek, who had made his way over to his chair as Chris talked, flashed his red eyes and growled. He frantically look around as if trying to spot the enemy before he leapt out of his chair and started in on Chris.

“Shit!” Stiles murmured under his breath as he moved into the angry alpha’s path. “Calm down, Der. No one is going to hurt you. Control you wolf before you hurt someone. We’re all friends here.” He allowed his eyes to flash silver before he pushed at Derek’s chest until Derek allowed himself to be corralled back into his chair. Knowing that keeping Derek still using his magic wouldn’t be appreciated, Stiles decided to plop himself in Derek’s lap to stop him from getting up again. Turning back to Chris, Stiles was shocked to see Peter hovering protectively before him.

“You can’t hurt him.” Peter said with a soft deadliness to his voice. “You know that. It’s the same way I can’t hurt yours.”

“I apologise,” said Derek through gritted teeth as the rest of the room looked confused between the uncle and nephew. “No harm will come to him from within this pack.”

“Good, now that is cleared up may we continue? We need to prepare if Kate really is coming to town.” Said Peter as he inched back to stand next to Chris.

“When will she be here?” Asked Allison as she buried herself further in Scott’s embrace.

“Soon,” Chris said as he glanced confused at Peter. “Gerard will pull her from Mexico and have her here by the start of next week latest. He won’t want to give me anytime to plan for the arrival.”

“Well that’s definitely a problem. The full moon is this Sunday and we will all be in the preserve. If she gets here early she could pose a risk to us.” Stiles said.

“Why are you heading out to the preserve? That seems to be putting yourselves in unnecessary danger.”

“Chris, we appreciate the heads up about Kate, but we don’t trust you right now.  But understand it’s important to the entire pack.”

“I can’t guarantee she will be here after the full moon but I could definitely come out to the preserve with you and guard the pack while your out there.”

“You’d be willing to do that for a pack of werewolves?”

“To uphold the treaty and protect the pack of werewolves that my daughter seems to care for, definitely.”

“That’s Derek’s choice to make.” Stiles said as he glanced up at the Alpha. Derek met his gaze, his expression hard but searching.

“We would appreciate the back up.” He said finally without looking away from Stiles.

“Alright then, I’ll walk you out Christopher.” Peter drawled.

“What time should I expect you home Allison?” the hunter asked as Peter escorted him out the door.

“Later.” she told him, face still hidden in Scott’s neck.

Once the door closed behind the elder gentlemen, Allison released a sigh.

“I still can’t believe how cruel my family has been. I don’t understand how he could have sat back and let it all happen.”

“It’s hard to see the faults of those we should love, Allison, but at least it seems like he is trying now to set things right.” Stiles tells her.

“I know but I’m just so mad at him. They are all so prejudiced.”

“I somehow don’t think you father is as prejudiced as you think.” Lydia said quietly.

“What do you mean?”

“Did you notice the way he and Peter interacted? I think there is more to your father than meets the eye.”

The conversation stopped as Peter re-entered the loft with the take-out they had been expecting.

“Lydia darling, please remember when talking about wolves that we have excellent hearing.” He said with a wicked grin before turning to Allison. “And yes, your Father and I do have a history but now is not the time to share it with the class. Now who’s hungry?”

There was a sudden surge towards the kitchen but Stiles stayed sat on Derek’s lap.

“You okay Sourwolf?” He asked gently. Derek frowned back. “Come on use your words.”

“I hate thinking about her. She makes me feel weak.” He answered after a minute.

“I haven’t know you long, Der, but I know for sure you are not weak. Now come on I’m hungry!” He said as he pulled Derek toward the kitchen.

School the next day was a struggle. He had to drop everyone off at their own vehicles or homes before he could climb into bed way past midnight. The lack of sleep was not good for his focus as he felt like he was bouncing off the walls during class. He could feel is spark thrumming under his skin and he knew he needed to off load some energy before it got worse. At lunch he made plans with Lydia to head to Derek’s after Lacrosse practice to work on her Banshee powers but their discussion was cut short when Danny sat down at their table. Stiles still felt guilty for excluding him yesterday but knew that it was best to protect him from their world.

“Hey guys, what’s up?” Danny asked with a giant smile.

“Not much, just discussing a study date to catch up on the work we missed yesterday.”

“Oh, if you need to copy some notes, you can borrow mine. I think we have nearly all the same classes.”

“You my hero Danny-boy!” Stiles said dramatically.  

“So what did you guys get up to yesterday?”

“Just hung out for a bit, Allison needed cheering up.”

“I heard about her mom. I’m really sorry she’s going through all that, especially after just moving to the area.”

“Yeah she’s really tough but it’s hard loosing your mom.” Stiles said, the three of them were quiet for a moment. “Anyway I was thinking that we should do a movie night at mine next weekend. All of us can chill out and stuff ourselves with popcorn. What do you think?”

“Sounds good.” Danny replied and Lydia smiled.

“Only if I get to pick the first movie.”

“Urgh, please don’t let her Stiles or I will have to sit through the Notebook for the millionth time!” Jackson said as he sat down with them.

“Don’t even pretend to hate that movie, Jax. We all know it’s your favourite too.” Lydia said primly. Both Stiles and Danny cracked up with laughter at the mortified look on Jackson’s face.

After Lacrosse practice, Stiles and Lydia made their way over to the loft. Jackson, not wanting to be separated from Lydia, followed in his Porsche with a pouting Scott at Lydia’s request. After a few minutes of driving in comfortable silence, Lydia turned to Stiles.

“I wanted to talk to you privately for a moment.”

“I never would have guessed by the way you ordered Scott to ride with Jackson.” Said Stiles sarcastically.

“I might have been a bit heavy handed there.” Stiles laughed, remembering  the hilarity of Lydia frog marching Scott out of Stiles’ Jeep and towards the Porsche by his earlobe. “But it’s to do with Jax, I know he can be a bit of an arsehole and he would hate that I’m telling you all this but I need you to understand what’s going on with him. He told you that he never connected with his adoptive parents, even as a baby, but it goes further than that. There was a part of him that just didn’t allow the connection. For a few years, Mr and Mrs Whittemore took him to shrinks to see if there was anything wrong mentally but when they found nothing, they decided to just ignore him and continue their lives. He became a nuisance to them more than a son. His emotional difficulties are probably why he struggle to make friend with you when we were kids, you had two loving parents when he had none.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “He connected with me when he came for a play date and my parents began to argue, this was before they got divorced, so he saw that things weren’t easy at home for me either. With you however, he was massively jealous and didn’t know how to cope in a health way. Now your back and creating this new found family and he desperately wants in. I guess what I’m trying to say is he is hoping to find a family with you guys so please try not to hurt him.” Stiles sat quietly for a beat, contemplating Lydia’s impromptu speech.

“Lyd’s I know what its like to not be wanted by family, my dad did ship me off to Poland after my mom died. It took me months to settle down over there and even longer to accept that I couldn’t come back until I was ready to help the Hale’s. I made a promise to my mom on her death bed that I’d help rebuild the pack but I’m not just doing it for Derek and Peter, I’m also doing it for myself. I know the feeling of not having anyone and I don’t want to feel that again. I can promise I will do everything in my power to help Jackson and you never feel that way again.” Silence surrounded them again.

“Thank you.” Lydia finally said solemnly as they pulled up to the loft. 

Derek stood in the door way to the loft after the four of them had climbed the stairs, looking extremely grumpy.

“I thought you said you’d text before you all came over again.” He almost growled.

“I know, I’m sorry but we’re not here to hang out today. We were hoping to use the training room to work on Lydia’s banshee powers.” Derek seemed to accept this as he threw a set of keys hanging from a hook on the wall next to the door. Stiles fumbled as he tried to catch them. “Thanks, come join us if you want some company.”

“Maybe later.” Derek muttered as he turned back into the loft an closed the door.

Making their way into the loft a floor down from Derek’s, Stiles was shocked at how furnished the room looked in comparison to the sparsely decorated the living area had been. The furthest wall was lined with targets, one corner seemed to be dedicated to weights, another covered in mats perfect for sparring. A large cage was filled with weaponry which ranged from medieval to futuristic looking.

“Wow, this is insane!” Scott murmured in appreciation. Jackson looked similarly in awe at the gym equipment spread around the room.

“Right then Lydia, this is going to take a lot of time and patience so lets get started. Boys, you can sit over there and do your homework or something but try not to disturb us.” He pulled Lydia across the room towards the matted area and sat them down crossed legged with their knees touching and holding hands loosely. “First we are going to sit here and mediate. Before you can try to understand the whispers, you need to be able to clear your mind. You will need to practice this at home as well but with the time constraints we are under, I’ll use my spark to help out.”

Taking a few deep breaths, Stiles closed his eyes and cleared his mind. After a few minutes he reached out to Lydia with his spark. He imagined it flowing through her peacefully, cleansing her of distractions.

“Good job Lydia, now I want you to pick one of the whispers. The rest should stay quiet if you ignore them which will allow you to focus on just that one whisper.” It took a while but Stiles’ spark, still thrumming through Lydia, felt it when she managed to grasp onto a whisper. “Great now focus on that whisper and see if you can understand what its trying to tell you.”  He could almost feel her mind trying to follow the thread before suddenly she lost it.

“Damn, I almost had it.” The dejected look upon her face made Stiles quick to praise her.

“I told you it would take time and practice but for your first time, you did amazing. Lets try again.”

For the next few hours they sat like that, Lydia chasing invisible threads as Stiles encouraged and guided her with his Spark. At some point, Scott and Jackson must have gotten bored and gone to annoy Derek or Peter. After a while, Stiles could tell Lydia was getting frustrated and his own spark was angsty wanting to let off some steam. He stood them both up and faced them towards the targets at the end of the room. Withdrawing his spark from Lydia, he walked to the perimeter of the room and drew the silencing sigil in the four corners to soundproof the space, knowing that the wolves on the floor above would appreciate it.

“Okay Lydia, lets practice your scream. This time instead of trying to listen to one whisper and ignoring, I want you to listen to all of them. But rather than let them overwhelm you, guide them together until they are loud enough for you release them as you scream.”

She looked nervous at the thought of  letting all the voices in at once but her eyes were determined. After a moment Lydia opened her mouth and let out the loudest scream Stiles had ever heard.  The room vibrated with the power of it and he was pushed over.

“Wow!” He said when his ears had stopped ringing. Before he could congratulate Lydia further, the door slammed open and a wolfed out Derek stormed in with Peter, Scott and Jackson close behind. Red eyes scanned the room before landing on Stiles.

“What they hell just happened?” He growled.

“Lydia managed to scream on her first try!” Stiles was vibrating from the sound along with his still overflowing spark as he made his way to his feet. “I made sure to sound proof the room so as to not disturb you.”

“You heart beat disappeared and then the floor started vibrating, of course I going to be disturbed.”

“Oh, I didn’t think of that. Perhaps we should practice in the preserve next time.”

“Not without someone there to protect you!” Growled Derek as Lydia moved to cuddle with Jackson.

“You think I can’t protect myself?”

“Not like a werewolf can!”

“Oh, bring it Sourwolf!” He said as he dropped into a defensive stance.

“I’m not sparring with you Stiles.” Derek huffed as he turned to leave.

“Come on, your not scare of little old me are you, Mr big bad wolf?” Derek stiffened before he spun and lunged at the Spark. Stiles took a quick step back as he spun out of the reach of Derek’s grasp. This continued for a few minutes as Derek went to catch him and Stiles narrowly avoided getting caught. Stiles could hear the others placing bets by the door way as they watched. Though the game of cat and mouse was fairly even, Stiles could see Derek was holding back some of his strength not wanting to hurt him. When he felt Derek had been riled enough, he moved to attack. Spinning out of Derek’s latest attempt to grapple, he parried the blow aimed at his midsection before grasping Derek’s wrist and flipping them both. He landing on top of the Alpha, straddling his waist as he put his barred teeth against Derek’s throat as a sign of victory.

After a beat, he sat up straight as he realised the position he was in sat atop Derek. Looking down, he could see Derek was panting heavily as he struggled for control. Scrambling to his feet, he offered a hand out to help Derek up. When he looked back to the others, he saw all three guys handing a twenty to a smug Lydia.

“You all bet against me?” Stiles squeaked indignantly. “Even you Scotty? What did I do to deserve this betrayal?”

Scott smiled sheepishly, “To be honest, I didn’t know you were able to fight.”

“I didn’t spend all my time in Poland training my spark. Sparring was a good way to burn energy when I couldn’t focus. It’s good to have an outlet which wasn’t my magic and nice to be able to keep up with wolves in a fight.” He responded. “We should probably set up a training schedule after the ritual to make sure everyone can protect themselves. Right Der?”

The Alpha stood, still staring at him. With a stiff affirmative nod, Derek stalked from the training room.

“What’s with him?” Scott asked, as confused as Stiles at the sudden attitude from Derek.

“For a werewolf, you don’t use your sense very much Scott.” Peter drawled as he watched with a smug grin. “Perhaps we should add that to the training regime.”

Turning back to Lydia, Stiles smiled.

“Right then, I think we’ve achieved quite a lot today and we can practice again tomorrow. Jackson would you mind taking Scott and Lydia home? I need to discuss some stuff with Peter before I head out.”

“Sure thing Stilinski.” When the three teenagers gathered their stuff and exited the loft, Stiles turned to the wolf.

“What up, Stiles?” Peter asked.

“I wanted to check in and see how your doing with everything going on?”

“What ever do you mean? I’m fine.”

“Peter, you were feral when I got here. You had been in a coma for years, killed you niece and had turned an unsuspecting teenager.  I think it would be okay to not be fine.”

“I’m coping. Having the ritual to focus on is helping. Being part of a stable pack again is good for me.”

“What about after the ritual? What then?”

“After, I will have a lot to make up to Laura. I’m sure I can find something else as well to keep me busy. I will be fine.” Peter said  firmly.

“Okay, well if you ever need to talk to someone, I’m here for you. But Peter you should prepare yourself, we don’t know how Laura will react when she’s back. We don’t know the mental implications of the ritual and it could be a long time until she’s in the position to forgive let alone willing to.”

“I know.” Stiles could sense that pushing Peter on this now would do more harm than good right now so decided to change the subject.

“Anyway, I’ve been thinking that I really should have warded this place a while ago and seeing as my spark is a little hyper today, I could use an outlet and thought I could do it before I left.”

“I’m fine with that, you should check with Derek first though. You know how grumpy he gets when you don’t include him in your plans.” Peter smiled gleefully.

“Derek’s always grumpy. I don’t know how I would cope if he was to actually smile properly.” Stiles joked.

“He has dimples and bunny teeth.” Peter smirked.

“That I have to see!”

As they entered the loft, Derek was no where to be seen. Climbing the stair case, Stiles found his way to Derek’s room and knocked before walking straight in.

“Derek, are you in here?” He was met by the sight of the Alpha exiting his en suite, dripping wet with only a towel hung loosely round his hips. “Oh my god!” Stiles watched a droplet of water run down his hard pecs until it disappeared below the towel. Blushing furiously, he spun round to face the doorway with his eyes screwed shut. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were showering.”

Derek growled in response. Shuffling behind him indicated that Derek was searching for clothes.

“What do you want Stiles?” He finally asked.

“Well I was wondering if you would be okay for me to put some wards up around the loft. Mainly protection ones. Definitely some anti-fire runes. Maybe some anti tracking. An alert ward would be good for those of us who don’t hear people coming a mile away. I should have done it a while ago but forgot with all the ritual prep I’ve been doing.” Stiles rambled on as he chanced a look at Derek again. Now fully dressed, the wolf looked even grumpier than earlier.

“Do whatever you think is best.” He said as he pushed past Stiles and headed downstairs.

“Okay then.”

Stiles spent the next hour, carving as many runes as possible around the loft space. Imbuing them with his magic took the edge of the restlessness he’d been feeling all day. Finally he felt calmed by the gentle thrumming of protection now running through the loft. He said goodbye to Peter on his way out who informed him Derek had taken off for a run.  Pulling up to his house, he could see his dad’s cruiser parked on the driveway. Looking forward to spending time with his father he climbed from the jeep unobservant to the fact that he was being watched from the shadows.

Running though the preserve had always been freeing for Derek. A chance to let his wolf run free and let all his human worries go. This time though he couldn’t find a way to fall into his wolf’s simple psyche.  He knew he was conflicted right now, his wolf wanted Stiles where as his human side was aware of his age and Derek refused to be like her. To even think of taking advantage of Stiles made him sick to his stomach. He had almost lost it earlier when Stiles had bested him when they spared. Feeling Stiles’ barred teeth at his throat as he straddled him was such a turn on that Derek had needed to run upstairs for a very cold shower. When that didn’t work, he’d worked out the pent up frustration another way, not thinking of the teen as he bought himself pleasure was almost impossible. But he refused to be her. Refused to be a predator like that. He’d never been so grateful that Stiles wasn’t a wolf when he walked walk into his room seconds after he’d finished. He couldn’t imagine the embarrassment of Stiles smelling his arousal. His uncle had laughed when Derek had stormed by on his way for his run whilst Stiles had stayed upstairs to begin warding the loft. Derek’s wolf wined at the thought. Stiles protects the pack. Stiles looks after the pack. Stiles is mate. He shut that thought down immediately. He couldn’t allow himself to think like that. It was bad enough that Peter and Deaton knew.

Continuing to run aimlessly, Derek found himself nearing the Stilinski house. Another reminder of why he couldn’t have Stiles, his father was the Sheriff. Surely he would be arrested if he made any moves on the Sheriff’s underage son. No he had to be strong and not be tempted. He’d promised himself that he would resist the pull he felt to the teen but it was getting increasingly difficult when he seemed to be everywhere, ingraining himself into Derek’s life and making it better as he went.

Stopping at the tree line, he looked up at the window he’d used to climb into Stiles room twice now. He’d felt so weak when he did that. The first time his wolf insisting he checked on the boy after his first day at school. The first day, since meeting him that they hadn’t spent at the vault together. The second time was after a tough talk with his uncle and he needed comfort from the boy who’d changed everything in the few weeks he’d been in Derek’s life. Realising his anchor had changed from anger to Stiles was difficult to come to terms with especially that it had happened without his knowledge.

He could hear Stiles working away on his laptop in his room, his father watching the television downstairs. Knowing if he stayed any longer he’d be tempted to crawl through the window again, he turned to leave. When the wind changed directions, a familiar scent reached his nose. He growled, face now fully shifted as he followed after the trail the faint scent left behind. Wolfbane, gun oil, lilies and vanilla was the smell of only one person he’d met in his life. The cruelest person he’d ever met. Kate.

Chapter Text

Derek followed the scent for as far as possible but Kate was an experienced hunter and knew how to hide herself from werewolves well. When he couldn’t follow it any further, he backtracked to the Stilinski house and spent the rest of the night sat on the roof listening to Stiles heartbeat as he watched for any threats.

When the sun had risen and Stiles was safely on his way to school, he made his way back to the loft and collapsed into bed.

Friday passed quickly for Stiles. He sat with everyone at lunch again including Allison who had skipped the previous day again to spend time with her dad. After school they all drove to the deep into the preserve where Lydia and he practiced her scream again. He was shocked at how quickly she was coming along. Everything he had read about banshee’s said that it would take years to master their abilities but he should have expected nothing less from the force of nature that was Lydia Martin. They all followed him home where Lydia convinced them to work on their homework, knowing they wouldn’t get time over the weekend. When Jackson and Scott settled in on the couch, controllers in hand and gaming console loading, Stiles and the girls moved to the kitchen where they chatted as Stiles cooked his mom’s famous lasagna. Putting a serving in the fridge for his father to have after his shift, the others devoured the rest, humming appreciatively at the homemade meal. When they all had passed out on his couch, Stiles threw a blanket over them and made his way towards the stairs. Before he could make it too far he heard Scott stir.

“Derek is on the roof.” Mumbled the beta before curling tighter round Allison. When he reached his room, he moved towards the window and opened it.

“I thought I told you to use the front door, Sourwolf.” He mumbled out into the darkness. “You can come in you know.” Almost silently the wolf swung his way into the room. “What are you doing out there?”

“Keeping watch.”

“This place is warded even more that the loft. I told you that it was one of the first things I did when I got back. Why do you think I need the extra protection?”

“I smelt Kate nearby yesterday.”

“Oh Sourwolf, no hunter is able to enter this house if they have malicious intentions. You don’t need to sit outside all night.”

“She can do a lot of damage without ever entering a house, Stiles. Her scent disappeared about a mile into the woods and I haven’t been able to pick up her scent since.”

“Tell me you didn’t go searching for her without Peter?” Derek didn’t reply. “Derek, you need to take back up when tracking hunters! You could have been hurt by her or worse. Did you at least let Chris know that she’d got here faster than expected?” Silence. “Your not alone anymore Derek, we all have to work together if we are going to beat her. You can’t go taking risks without letting the us know what’s going on. You’re the alpha now, I know you feel the urge to protect the pack but you need to let us help protect you too.”  

Derek didn’t say anything but he moved towards Stiles and pulled him into a firm hug. Burying his face in the spark’s neck. Stiles ran his hand up and down Derek’s back soothingly as he pulled the wolf down to the bed and settling in his embrace.

Stiles was getting tired of waking up to an empty bed. He’d felt Derek leave in the early hours of the morning and had tried to convince the wolf to stay but the window opened and he had left without a word.

Passing his friends still sleeping in the living room, he reached the kitchen where he found his father fixing coffee.

“What’s with the strays on the couch Stiles?” The Sheriff questioned.

“Sorry pops, I meant to text you last night to tell you I had friends round but forgot.”

“Tell me they at least told their parents where they were staying. I’d rather not deal with angry families on a Saturday.”

“Yeah, I got them to text before they passed out.”

“Good.” Stiles tried to snatch the coffee pot but his dad moved it out of his reach quickly. “Decaf Stiles or you’ll be hyper all day.”

“But Caffeine Dad,” Stiles protested. “Decaf tastes of cardboard.”

“No, Stiles. I don’t need you bouncing off the walls anymore than usual.”

Huffing, Stiles set out making enough breakfast for everyone. Soon the smell of food roused the others and they made their way into the kitchen. Scott helped himself to juice from the fridge as Lydia moved towards the coffee, making herself and Jackson a cup. His with enough sugar in it to rot his teeth.

“How come they get to have coffee?” Stiles wined.

“Because they won’t turn into a tornado of energy after one cup.” The Sheriff deadpanned.

“That’s not fair!”

“It tastes so good,” Jackson smirked from behind his mug. “Sweet beautiful caffeine!”

“Shut your mouth Whittemore or no food for you!” Jackson quickly shut up as the others chuckled.

After breakfast, his friends all piled into Jackson’s Porsche, waving as they headed home to get ready for the final day of training they had planned before the full moon tomorrow. His father had left for work a short time ago so as he headed back inside the house he pulled his phone out and dialled Chris Argent’s number.

“Hello?” Answered a gruff voice.

“Chris, it’s Stiles.”

“How did you get my number?”

“I got it from Allison. Thought it best that we had a way of reaching you if we had a problem.”

“Good idea. What’s wrong?”

“Kate’s here already. Derek caught her scent two nights ago but couldn’t track her back to where she’s staying. I thought you might appreciate the heads up.”

“Shit.” Chris mutter quietly. “Kate shouldn’t be here yet, I was told she would be tied up in Mexico for at least a few more days. She hasn’t checked in with me, which means she probably believes I’ve been compromised. If she thinks I’m working with wolves, even despite the treaty, she will treat me as a hunt. No different to the pack.”

“I don’t get it,” Stiles asked confused. “I know she’s crazy but surely she should respect the code somewhat.”

“Kate’s always struggled against the hunters code. She’s always followed Gerard’s lead and learned to circumvent it when it doesn’t suit her wants. She was young when our mother died and never learnt compassion from her.”

“Still doesn’t excuse her for being psycho!”

“I know. I’ll see what I can do from my end but Stiles, you should be incredibly careful. I know you said it was important, but I would strongly advise against heading into the preserve tomorrow. She will be expecting any wolves in the area to be out running for the full moon.”

“Tomorrow is an absolute necessity to the pack, Chris. We must be out there regardless of the threat of Kate.”

“Okay, the offer of my protection still stands. Let me know the time and place.”

“Will do.”

Meeting at Derek’s loft, the five teens headed straight to the training room. Deciding not to risk going to the preserve with Kate running about, Stiles had remembered to text Derek that they were coming over and had received a short ‘OK’ back. Peter was waiting for them when they entered.

“Hey Creeperwolf, you hanging with us today?”

“As you so elegantly put it, yes I will be ‘hanging’ with you, Stiles. Thought I would start teaching Scott to fight while you and Lydia do your thing.”

Jackson looked eager to join in with the sparring session so as the three made their way to where he had sparred with Derek, he turned back to the girls. Allison was almost salivated over the weapons cage in the corner, he headed over to open the door. Finding it locked, he focused his sparked and willed the lock to open. Standing back, he waved the hunter in.

“Come on Ally, I think its time you showed us what you’ve got. Lydia and I can start in a bit.”

The huntress took a moment looking over all the deadly weapons, before choosing a complex looking bow. Slinging a quiver of arrows across her shoulder, deft fingers quickly strung the bow. She moved out of the cage and stood facing the targets at the other end of the room. Notching an arrow, she relaxed her shoulders and let out a slow breath before releasing the taut string. In a flurry, she shot arrow after arrow until the quiver was empty and a tight ring surrounded the bullseye.

“That was incredible!” Lydia cheered as Scott stood slack jawed across the room.

“Scott, it’s official you’re dating a badass!” Stiles called, laughing when both werewolf and huntress blushed.

“We not dating.” Allison mumbled at the same time as Scott muttering “I haven’t asked her out yet.”

“Well you should!” Stiles told him as their blush deepened further.

A few hours later, found them sprawled across the training room. Scott and Jackson both sweaty messes after the workout Peter had given them. Allison had taken it upon herself to inspect all the weapons in the cage, sharpening the blades and cleaning the guns. Lydia once again impressed Stiles with her progress and he finally felt as if they were ready for the ritual tomorrow.

Heading up to the loft alone, intent on cooking for everyone again, Stiles found Derek in his armchair, nose in a book.

“Whatcha reading, Sourwolf?”

“Nothing important.” He answered as he closed the tome and tucked it into the coffee table draw suspiciously.

“Don’t tell me then.” Stiles quipped back as he moved into the kitchen. Opening the giant fridge he took stock of the ingredients inside. “Burgers okay for dinner? It’s not good for us to eat take out all the time.” He called out to the living room.

“Burgers are fine.”

“You should have come and joined us downstairs. I think Peter was trying to kill the boys, he nearly threw Scott through a wall!”

“Didn’t want to interrupt.”

“You wouldn’t be interrupting. It’s good for the pack to bond and training is one way to do that.”

“Maybe next time.” Derek finally conceded as he joined Stiles in the kitchen.

“I think Allison is in love with the weapons room. She spent so much time disassembling everything, cleaning it and putting it back together. Why do you have a weapons room anyway? Don’t wolves use their claws to fight?”

“Peter pulled all the weapons from the vault. We had humans in our pack before the fire.”

“Ah, well as cool as all the weapons in there are I think I’m good with my spark and my trusty baseball bat.”

“Baseball bats aren’t very effective against supernatural creatures.”

“Mine is!” Stiles said smugly as he mixed ingredients in a bowl. “It’s made of Rowan wood and is imbued with a ton of runes. It took me ages to make it back in Poland. Haven’t had a chance to use it since I’ve been back.”

“You had to use it in Poland?”

“Well yeah, there were all sort of supernaturals over there who would come looking for the help of a Spark. Those that weren’t so polite met the business end of my bat.” Derek’s eyes flashed red so quickly that if Stiles hadn’t been watching him carefully, he might of missed it.

“I don’t like that you were in danger over there.”

“Well like you said when I went off on one about you living in the old Hale house, we didn’t know each other then, nothing we can do about the past. We can only change the future.”

Just then, the door opened up and the others tumbled in. Quickly spreading out across the room, their arrival put an end to Stiles and Derek’s conversation.

“Are you cooking again, Stiles? I’m so hungry!” Scott whined pathetically from where he was turning on the gaming console with Jackson.

“Yeah, I’m wasting away here Stilinski.” The blonde called out.

“Yeah I’m cooking, hold your whining. It will be ready in a bit.”

“Thank god!” Jackson huffed dramatically.

“You know you really do eat like a wolf sometimes Jax.” Lydia commented.

“I eat a perfectly health amount for a teenage boy!” He squawked indignantly as he rifled through the coffee table draws looking for the remote. “Derek, why do you have a book on werewolf mating rituals in the coffee table?”

“Just research.” Derek snapped as he moved to grab to tome for Jackson. Retrieving the book, he hurried upstairs towards his bedroom.

“You shouldn’t tease him.” Lydia admonished her boyfriend. “It’s not nice.”

Stiles heart sank. He knew that he had no claim on the alpha but he was jealous none the less. Had Derek met someone and not told him? Why else would he research mates? Maybe it was about the connection obviously blooming between Allison and Scott. Maybe he just wanted to learn a bit more about werewolf mating bonds before allowing Allison into the pack. Then why did he act so suspiciously when Stiles had caught him reading it earlier. And why was he embarrassed when Jackson had found it?

Deciding he’d only feel worse the longer he thought about it, Stiles busied himself with dinner. Once everyone had been fed and a plate was left outside Derek’s door when he refused to join them, Stiles strong armed Scott and Jackson into doing the dishes while he went over the plan for tomorrow with the girls and Peter one last time. Everyone was nervous for tomorrow, not only the complexity of the ritual but the looming threat of Kate and it being Scott’s first full moon. He was glad the Argents would be there in case Peter had to deal with Scott loosing control. Since Stiles had returned, he had used his spark a few times to help Scott maintain control but with him focusing on the spell, he wouldn’t be able to help Scott out. Hopefully Peter would be able to help him through it.

Knowing that they couldn’t get much more done that night, Stiles rounded up his friends and headed home. Climbing into bed that night he wished with all his will that tomorrow would not go badly and that the next step of his task to rebuild the Hale pack would be complete. Falling asleep he dreamed of the promise he had made to his mother on her deathbed.

Stiles had been sat with his mom for hours. His dad had come with him but had to leave on a sudden work call and Melissa was meant to take him and Scott, who was sitting happily outside the room, home a while ago but she had got caught up when a emergency case came in. Stiles didn’t always like coming to see his mom, especially when she didn’t always recognise him, definitely didn’t like it when she thought he was trying to hurt her. Today however, she smiled when he walked into the room. Today was a good day. Today she knew who he was, she asked him about school and reminded him to make sure his father wasn’t eating too much bacon. It was really nice until it wasn’t.

He didn’t know what to do when his mom fell into a trace. He never knew what to do when she got like this. Normally, it would last a few minutes and when she came to she would tell him the most outrageous stories of monsters and magic. This time though was different. A voice came from his mother that he’d never heard before. Her cloudy eyes shone silver as she spoke.

“A family will fall as the wolves burn,

Betrayal of the innocent and glee of the silver hunter.

From the ashes will rise a great pack,

All that is needed is a little spark of mischief.”

Suddenly she was lucid.

“Mieczyslaw, listen to me my darling. What I need to tell you is important. You are special. The same way I was special. Every story I’ve told you is true. Death is coming to Beacon Hills and the Hales will burn. We can’t do anything to stop it happening but you can help those who manage to survive. You can help them be strong again, help them to rebuild. But you must promise me that you will believe. You must believe with all you’ve got. You must never stop believing. Promise me my little mischief, promise me that you will believe.”

“I promise Mama. I will believe.” When he finished the promise, he felt a small spark light up in his soul. Claudia smiled at him softly.

“I love you my son.” As soon as she said the words, she started to seize. Alarms blared as doctors and nurses piled into the room. Melissa pulled him outside the room as he began to sob in her arms. Holding him in her arms, she pulled out her phone and called his father.

“Noah, you need to get to the hospital. I think its time.” She said urgently.

His mom was gone before his dad got there. His dad held Stiles tightly as he wailed into his shoulder. Finally once he had cried himself out, his dad carried his sleeping form to his cruiser. After he had put Stiles to bed, Noah pulled a bottle of whisky hidden in the back of a cupboard. Three drinks later, he felt that he had the courage to call Claudia’s father. One long conversation later, he’d been convinced to let Stiles go to Poland after the funeral. His father-in-law insistent that Stiles come to live with him for a while. Noah was unaware that a lost little boy was sitting at the top of the stairs listening.

Chapter Text

Stiles couldn’t remember ever waking up as excited as he was the morning of the full moon. Today they would get Laura back. Today he would keep his promise to his mother. He would believe.

Going through his normal routine, he went through the list of what he needed to do to prepare for tonight. After checking to see that his dad had already left for work, he opened his closet and pulled a large case out from where he’d stashed it behind some junk. Popping the clasps, he ran his palm across the top, activating the runes and willing it to open. Inside lay a range of magical plants that he had rescued from his Grandfathers workshop. Pulling out the ingredients he would need for tonight, he closed the case, willing it to lock again. Placing those he needed into a soft leather pouch, he resigned himself to the fact he was missing an important ingredient and that he would have to visit Deaton to supply it. He was struggling to place any trust in the Druid, especially when he figured out that he had been Talia’s emissary before the fire. How could he have stood back and let the Hale’s suffer? Why did he not help Peter when he was comatose? How could he not have offered help to Laura and Derek when they returned to Beacon Hills? He doubted he would get a straight answer from the evasive man.

Upon reaching the Vet clinic, he steeled himself before entering the heavily warded building. Luckily, Scott wasn’t on shift today. He didn’t want to explain to his best friend that he didn’t trust his boss at all. Appearing from the shadowed back room, Alan Deaton look tired.

“What can I do for you Mr. Stilinski?”

“I need a rare stain of aconite for a ritual I’m preparing and was hoping to raid your stores.”

“Come through and we shall see if I’ve got it in stock.”

As they moved through the clinic, Stiles watched the vet carefully. He knew that a druids power came from the balance of the territory that they swore to protect and that the stronger the connection was, the stronger the Druid would be. His spark struggled to pick up any hint of magic from the man.

“I can feel your spark, Mr. Stilinski.” Deaton said in his cryptic tone. “You won’t be able to sense my magic. After the Hale fire, my connection was weakened and I decided to cloak myself with the little I had left in order to avoid detection from any wandering supernaturals.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to cause offence.” Stiles muttered. It could be considered rude for one magic user to essentially feel up another’s magic.

“No offence taken, just because I can’t practice my magic anymore, does not mean I don’t still feel the brush of another’s.”

“Excuse me for prying, but how do you maintain your wards then?” Stiles queried.

“I warded this building long before I lost the full strength of my magic. Any magic I regain over time that I don’t use to cloak myself, is pushed into them. It’s part of the reason I haven’t move from Beacon Hills.

Deaton took him into the back office and began to rifle though his cupboards. Looking around the room, Stiles struggled to hold his tongue when he saw several rare tomes scattered carelessly across the workbench next to an array of ingredients that could cause irreparable damage to the ageing books, if knocked over. Deaton came back over, carrying a large drawer with thin wooden partitions separating all the forms of wolfsbane he currently stocked. Eyeing the offered herbs, Stiles quickly plucked a sachet of the yellow wolfsbane he would need tonight.

“Mr. Stilinski, may I ask what exactly do you plan to do with the wolfsbane?”

“You can ask but that does not mean I will tell you, Deaton.”

“As the former emissary to the Hale’s, I feel that it is my duty to ensure the safety of the remaining pack.” Said Deaton haughtily.

“What exactly have I done since returning that make you think I would ever put the pack in danger?” Stiles snapped back.

“You have not done anything that I am aware of. I can, however, feel how strong your magic is and you would not be the first magic user to try to bolster their power with an alpha spark.”

“I can promise you that the use of this wolfsbane will be beneficial to the pack and will not be used to harm anyone.”

“I hope you understand my wariness, Mr. Stilinski. After all I have protected the Hale’s for a long time. You can trust me with your intentions.”

“I think you forget, Deaton, that you are no longer the emissary. You lost that title when you allowed harm to befall them. No longer do you have the right to know such things. Druids are gifted their power from the balance of the earth they swear to protect. If you lost your connection, it means the earth no longer deems you worthy. Your failure to prevent the fire, to support those who survived, speaks volumes of your character.”

“Even if the earth deems me unworthy, I will always be connected to this land for as long as the Hale’s reside here. I am still beholden to the promises I made to Talia. The earth that has shunned me, holds me here still.”

“Stuck as you might be, I still will not trust you with my plans.”

“You may not trust me, Mr. Stilinski, but even without my magic I can be of use to you.” Stiles could see the desperation in the Druid’s eyes despite his attempts to remain passive. The need to feel connected again, to regain some of what was lost at what ever cost.

“I promise you that I will protect the Hale pack, I promise to stand between them and any danger that may come our way even if that danger is from you Alan. Do not attempt anything, I know the type of man you are and I know of your connections. Just because I do not want to attract the attention of you sister’s Alpha, does not mean I would hesitate to end you if your desperation to regain your power became to much.”

The Druid paled.

“You know about the Demon Wolf?”

“I know about a lot of things. I will not cause you issues if you in turn do not cause me any. Balance after all is what druids are all about and I simply wish to ensure the Hale’s get what they deserve after years of suffering. I do hope you agree.”

Deaton nodded slowly.

Stiles could still feel the annoyance of his conversation with Deaton when he reached the Loft. As soon as he opened the door, he was met by a faintly growling Derek.

“Why are you frustrated? Is something wrong with the ritual?”

“No, everything’s fine Der.” Stiles said as he slid past him, brushing a light hand across his arm in greeting. “Just had to stock up at Deaton’s. He was prying into pack business and I got snappy. The man knows how to get under my skin.””

“Personally, I’ve never like the man.” Peter drawled from where he lounged on his chair, slowly looking up from his book. “He was always infatuated with Talia, especially after she married Derek’s  father. I did warn Talia that it was not acceptable for him to be her emissary, but she refused to listen and placed her trust in him anyway.”

“Deaton was in love with her?” Stiles asked as Derek stood there looking uncomfortable.

“I believe he was. I have theorised as to why he failed to help after the fire and think that he was so overtaken by his grief that he was unable to offer his support to Laura and allowed her to take Derek and run while leaving me to suffer in a coma.” Peter replied unflinching.

“That does explain his attitude somewhat, I suppose but it does not excuse his actions. Anyway, we shouldn’t dwell to much on him, we have much to do today and the others should be arriving soon. I think it’s good for us all to bond as a pack on the full moon. Plus wanted to feed us all before we headed to the preserve anyway.”

“With everyone round here all the time, the fridge is empty.” Derek muttered.

“Don’t act like you don’t like them spending time here, Sourwolf. You and I can pop to the store then and stock up. Peter can let them if they get here before we’re back.” Tugging on the Alpha’s sleeve, Stiles grabbed the Camaro keys from the sideboard and pressed them into his hand. “Come on, I’ll even let you drive. All this pack business is costing me a fortune in gas.”

They made it half way round the store before Stiles saw anyone he recognised. Luckily it was Danny and not one of his father’s deputies. The Hawaiian only raised his brow in intrigue at the sight of Stiles bickering with Derek who had taken over cart pushing duties when Stiles had attempted a wheelie.

“Hey Danny-boy, how’s it going?” Stiles asked with a grin.

“I’m good, just picking up groceries for mom, she’s working a double.”

“Ah, what a good son you are! You still up for movie night next week?”

“Of course, just let me know when and I’ll be there. I’ll even bring snacks!” Danny winked.

“A man after my own heart.” Stiles sighed dramatically as he faked a swoon. Derek quickly huffed an annoyed breath and continued on down the aisle.

“Whose tall, dark and broody? And more importantly, why have you never introduced me to your piece of eye candy before?” Danny continued Stiles’ theatrical act.

“That would be Derek, he’s a friend of mine.”

“Well if your not going to enjoy the view, I certainly hope you invite him to movie night so I can.” Danny said with a smile.

“I’ll ask but he will probably say no, especially if Lydia insists on The Notebook. I better go catch up before he buys the entire meat aisle while conveniently forgetting to buy any vegetables. It was good to see you Danny.”

“Yeah, you too. See you at school.”

Rushing after Derek, Stiles did in fact find him with a cart full of red meat but smiled when he saw some healthier options tucked to one side.

“A friend of yours?” Derek asked quietly.

“More Jackson’s friend but then again its pretty hard not to love Danny. Even when Jackson was being a raging arsehole, Danny was always nice to me. I think we will have to clue him in a some point. He’s not stupid and must have noticed something off with us all.”

“He’s human.” Derek monotones.

“So? I’m human, so is Jackson and Allison. What’s wrong with being human.”

“Your not exactly a normal human, Stiles. Allison was born into a hunter family and I somehow can’t imagine Lydia going anywhere without Jackson following behind her.”

“You definitely right about Jackson, but Danny is trustworthy and loyal to his friends. Plus I hear his computer skills are incredible. It could be useful to have some tech support.” Stiles said with a wink.

“Let me think about it.”

“Course, Alpha. Wouldn’t dream of outing you guys without permission.” Derek raised his eyebrow. “Well, Lydia was the exception. We needed her help and like you said, Jackson follows her along like a lost puppy.”

“Let’s just finish shopping and get back home.” Derek relented.

Upon arriving at the loft, they found that Peter had in fact let the others in. The teenage couples curled into one another on the couch as Peter stood chatting in the corner with a stiff Chris Argent.

“Chris, we didn’t expect you to be here so early.” Stiles said as he moved to the kitchen to put the shopping away.

“I didn’t either but Allison said you would be cooking before we headed out and insisted I join. I didn’t mean to intrude.” Stiles watched as Allison gave her father and Peter a sly look.

“It’s fine, there’s more than enough for everyone. I’m assuming that Peter has gone over the plan for this evening?”

“Throughly. I know where my skills will be most beneficial.”

“Good. Why doesn’t Peter give you the tour then? I’m sure you would like to see the training room. Allison went through all the weapons earlier this week but I’m sure a second look wouldn’t hurt.”

“Sure.” Chris nodded. Stiles shot a smug grin to Allison as the two men made their way towards the door.

Once the groceries were put away with Derek’s help, Stiles shooed him from the kitchen. Allison appeared half way through his peeling of the vegetable he planned on using. Grabbing a second peeler, she began to help.

“That was cleaver of you Stiles.” She said quietly to avoid wolf hearing. “Getting Peter to show Dad the weapons room which would make most hunters salivate.”

“I don’t know what your talking about.” Stiles grinned mischievously.

“Oh come off it, I know I’m not the only one whose noticed the tension between them. And I know its not been very long since everything with my mum but really their marriage had ended a long time ago. I think they would be good for each other.”

“So you want to play matchmaker?” Stiles asked.

“Well yeah, Dad and Peter both seem lonely and Peter protected him the other day when Derek nearly lost it. Why not?”

“Okay count me in but if either of them find out about this, I’m telling them it was all your idea.”

“Perfect! Lydia has already agreed to help and you know what a force of nature she can be.”

“Oh god, you’ve unleashed Lydia on them? There will be nothing left of them when she’s done.”

“Stop being dramatic, Stiles. We’ll discuss more at school but start thinking of some ideas.”

“Will do.” Nodded Stiles as they fell into a comfortable rhythm of cooking together.

When everything was set in the oven and a timer set on his phone, Stiles settled himself between his friends on the couch. When the food was ready and Peter and Chris had still yet to appear, Stiles headed downstairs in search of them. Finding the door open, Stiles peered in to find the two older men had removed their shirts revealing sweaty torsos and were sparring against each other. He watched quietly for a moment before he pulled out his phone, making sure the flash was off, and snapped a picture. Quickly sending it to the girls, he continued to watch as Peter deftly swept Chris’s legs from beneath him as the hunter gripped onto Peters neck, pulling the wolf down on top of him.

“Well Chris, doesn’t this remind you of old times?” Peter drawled in that smug tone of his as he eyed the hunter beneath him.

“If I remember correctly, it was normally you beneath me.” Chris snarked back as he quickly rolled out from underneath the wolf and pinned Peter down using his whole body. Leaning down to growl in his ear. “Now this does feel like old times.”

A small cough was heard behind Stiles as the two older men froze. Turning, Stiles found Allison and Lydia struggling to hide their grins behind mock frowns. Chris blushed as he scrambled up from Peter’s prone form as the wolf grinned lasciviously from the floor.

“It’s not what it looks like.” Chris sputtered.

“Of course not,” Stiles said, “I just came to tell you dinner was ready. We’ll see you both upstairs.” Stiles pulled both girls with him as he made his retreat, giving both men some privacy to get dressed.

“Looks like we might not have to work very hard at all.” Lydia said with a grin as Allison sniggered.

Once they had eaten, everyone moved about, preparing for the nights events. The hunters strapped more weapons than Stiles could count to their bodies as Lydia and Stiles went over the ritual one last time before grabbing the necessary supplies and Stiles’s bat. Peter disappeared to retrieve Laura’s body from wherever he had stored it and loaded it into Chris’s SUV. When everyone finally climbed into the cars they were taking to the preserve, Stiles was not surprised to see Peter choose to ride with Chris. Stiles had allowed Jackson to drive his Jeep with Lydia and himself sitting in the back after he had adamantly refuse to risk his Porsche getting muddy in the preserve and Derek was taking Scott and Allison in the Camero.

As the convoy of cars made its way deeper into the forest, he began to clear his thought and focus on his intentions instructing Lydia to do the same. It was important for the forest to recognise their purpose and to allow them access to the natural magic the trees provided. When they could go no further by car, they continued on foot. Lydia and Stiles deep in meditation as Peter lead them to the ritual location and Derek gently carried Laura’s corpse. Chris and Allison flanked the group as they moved through the trees, weapons drawn, scanning the shadows of the setting sun for trouble.

They reached their destination as the moon began to rise. Once Derek had laid Laura down in the centre of the small clearing, Stiles began to encircle himself, Lydia and Derek in mountain ash. The others taking up sentry positions around the perimeter.

“When we have started, it is imperative that no one breaks the circle. Peter, you know what to do if the pull of the moon gets too much for Scott. You must draw him away so as not to disturb us.” Stiles told them as he handed his bat to Jackson. “This is enhanced with my magic, you won’t be able to use some of its cooler features but it still packs one hell of a punch. Is everyone ready?”

When everyone nodded in agreement he spread the herbs required and pulled a wicked looking ritual knife from his backpack. Moving towards Derek, he looked for any hesitation in the Alpha’s eyes.

“This is going to hurt, Sourwolf. I’ll ask one last time, are you sure you want to do this?”

“Anything for Laura.”

“Okay then.” Stiles slit Derek’s throat.

Chapter Text

Derek fell to his knees, clutching at his bleeding throat. Stiles guided him to lay down next to Laura’s lifeless body, entwining one of Derek’s bloody hands with hers. Kneeling next to Derek, he quickly pressed the mixture of herbs laying before him into the wound before grasping Derek’s other hand. When the wound began to gently smoke, he reached for Lydia who sat in a similar position to him. After a breath, she completed the circle by gently clutching Laura’s hand. Once they were connected, Stiles and Lydia began chanting the Latin rite.

“Blood does guides; Death conjures; Spark will be.”

Repeating the chant one time for each day of the lunar cycle, Stiles felt his eyes burn silver as everything faded away.

Waking up, he found himself laying between Derek and Lydia’s prone bodies. As he moved to sit up he felt the others stir next to him. Looking around, Stiles struggled to recognise the lavish house around him despite it feeling somewhat familiar. Derek tense beside him as he too took in their surroundings.

“Where are we? Did we make it to the Otherside?” Lydia asked as she gracefully sat up.

“We’re in my family’s home from before the fire.” Derek replied quietly and Stiles felt his heart break for the Alpha. Seeing the house that holds so many painful memories whole again especially when it wasn’t real must be excruciating for him.

“Come on then, let find Laura and get out of here.” Stiles prompted knowing that their time was limited. “Derek lead the way.”

Derek led them through the house and out into the large backyard. Intuitively knowing the direction of his sister.

“She had a tire swing attached to a tree in the woods not too far from the house. It was her favourite spot as a child. That is where she will be.”

Moving quickly through the forest, they made it into a small clearing where a young woman sat swinging gently, humming a faint tune under her breath. Derek froze as her watched his sister from the shadows of the trees. Stiles lay a gentle hand on his shoulder in comfort.

“It’s okay, Der. Go to her.” With the gentle encouragement, Derek broke from the trees and rushed towards Laura. His sister turned just in time to catch him as he fell into her arms.

“Derek? What are you doing here? Please don’t tell me Peter killed you too? He’s not well. We should have never left him on his own. We should have stayed with him after the fire. It’s all my fault.”  She rambled as Derek attempted to bury himself in the gap between her neck and shoulder.

“I’m not dead Laura, we came to rescue you.”

“What do you mean rescue me? I’m dead there no way to change that!” Stiles and Lydia stepped further into the small clearing. Laura reacted by pulling her brother behind her and growling, flashing her red eyes. “Who are they?”

“They’re here to help. Stiles found a way to bring you back. You just need to be willing.” Said Derek as he moved out from behind her.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll explain more when were back with the living. But we are on a bit of a time crunch here. All you need to do is trust us and be willing to return to life, we will do the rest.” Stiles told her.

“Why should I trust you? I don’t even know you?”

“You should trust them because I trust them Laura.” Derek implored while shooting Stiles a small smile. Laura looked sceptical but when Derek flashed his red eyes, she gasped and tilted her head to bear her throat in submission.

“You’re the Alpha? You killed Peter?”

“No, Peter is alive and he is sane again. Stiles saved him by transferring the Alpha spark to me. He’s helping rebuild the pack, you can trust him.”

“Okay, I’ll do it. But there’s something I need to tell you first.”

“It will have to wait.” Stiles interrupted. “We are running out of time. Everyone needs to hold hands now before Derek bleeds out.”

“Bleeds out? What the hell does that mean?” Laura gasped.

“No time. Like I said, I’ll explain everything later. Just hold hand now. Lydia its time to scream.”

As he moved everyone into positions, forming the circle that mirrored the one on the mortal plane, Lydia let loose her scream. The two wolves howled in response as Stiles willed them back through the veil. Eyes flashing silver, he channeled every ounce of his power into the circle as he directed the scream to return them to their mortal bodies. In a flash of silver light, they disappeared from the Otherside.

Waking from his trance, Stiles didn’t hesitate to break the circle the four of them formed. He immediately reached towards Derek’s neck and willed the wolfbane from the alpha’s blood stream and into his palm. Once he had cleansed the wound, he laid his palm across the wound and willed Derek’s werewolf healing to speed up. His intense focus on Derek was broken by movement next to the prone wolf. They had done it. Laura was back from the dead. She coughed as she sat up before taking a series of deep breaths.

“Holy shit, it worked!” She panted out, turning to see her brother laying on the floor next to her. Laura quickly moved to his side, scrambling to check him over.

“He will be fine, Laura.” Stiles told her quickly. “He lost a lot of blood but I’ve kickstarted his healing. Give him a few minutes and he’ll wake up.”

Waving a hand to dispel the mountain ash circle, Stiles felt his spark waver. Even with all the time to prepare, it had still taken a lot of power to complete the ritual. He knew he would need a long nap as soon as possible.

Looking around the rest of the clearing, he could see the Argents still standing guard while Peter struggled to keep Scott calm by talking through some breathing exercises. Jackson had already made his way to Lydia, helping her sit up as he fawned over her. Stiles turned to where he had left his backpack of supplies just outside the mountain ash circle and pulled a flask of honeyed tea. He passed it to Jackson, as he kept one eye on Scott who was struggling not to wolf out.

“Make sure she takes small sips. The scream she had to channel will have hurt her throat.” Stiles told Jackson as he grabbed his bat that the blonde had dropped by Lydia’s feet and made his way towards Scott only wavering on his feet slightly before nudging next to Peter in the beta’s eyeline. “Scotty boy, listen to me, you’re doing really great at staying in control but I need you to try just a little harder. Find you anchor. What is it that you need more than life itself. What do you need to keep breathing. Find that and use it to ground you. I’m nearly tapped out of juice so I can’t help you keep your cool, but I know you can do it.” Scott’s quiet growling became a whine as Stiles laid his hand on the beta’s shoulder.

“Allison.” Scott whimpered.

“Good, Scotty, think of Allison. Stay in control. We are nearly finished here and when we are back at the loft we can all cuddle up but you have to stay calm.

“Okay.” He said through his receding fangs.

Turning back to the rest of the pack, Stiles saw Derek’s form twitch before he slowly came back to consciousness.

“Laura.” He breathed out when he opened his eyes and saw he sister alive. This time it was Laura who threw herself into Derek’s arms, nuzzling close to scent him.

“I don’t believe it, this can’t be real!”

“It’s real, Laura. I promise you, it’s real.”

“I need to tell you something. It’s really important Derek.”

“You can tell me anything.” Laura looked around the clearing her eyes meeting Peter’s sorrow filled gaze and both wolves quickly looked away.

“It’s about Cora. I think she’s alive.”

“What? How? Only you, me and Peter survived that night. She was lost to the fire.”

“All I know is that when I died, I was greeted on the Otherside by the whole family, everyone was there that had died in the fire, everyone but her.”

“What does that mean, Stiles?” Derek asked as he turned towards him, eyes filled with hope.

“It means that it is possible she survived the fire. I could try a spell to locate her once I’ve rested.” Stiles answered.

Suddenly Chris, who was watching the trees as he guarded the group, stiffened. The hopeful atmosphere floating through the clearing became tense and from within the shadows a feminine laugh rang out.

“Kate.” He hunter spat through his teeth as he raised his gun. Stiles moved quickly to stand in front of the Hale siblings, raising his bat as Peter and Scott flanked him. Jackson, pulled a knife from his waist band as he stood up to tower protectively before Lydia.

The laughter moved towards them quickly as Kate made her way out of the shadows and towards the pack. Raising her empty hands she clapped slowly.

“My darling brother, what a great prize you have caught for me!” she sneered.

“I did not catch them for you, Kate. I’m here to protect them from you!”

“Oh but you led me right to them. After all it was your phone I tracked here to the middle of the woods. I would have never guessed to patrol this part of the preserve if it wasn’t for you.” Despite knowing she was crazy, Stiles was amazed by how calm she acted when walking unarmed towards a pack of wolves and two hunters. “And what a surprise it was to find you with my favourite prey. I do so love hunting Hales. In fact, I was on the trail of one down in Mexico when I heard from Father that we had an infestation right here in Beacon Hills. I had hoped to catch the mangy mutt down south and bring her head with me as a present for Derek but alas, I won’t get to see his face as he realises his sweet little sister was alive and running all these years but still died by my hand.”

Stiles could feel both Derek and Laura crouching behind him as Kate monologued. He could feel the air begin to ripple as the feel of a primal magic at its most natural, raw form emanated from the siblings. The sound of bones crunching filled the clearing.

‘Derek, what the hell are you doing?’ Stiles asked worried though their bond.

‘I’m protecting this pack.’ Derek growled back as two large black blurs with glowing red eyes jumped around the protective wall of Scott, Peter and Stiles and raced towards Kate. She dodged as the two fully shifted wolves lunged at her, pulling a gun from the small of her back. Five other hunters, clad in black appeared from the shadowed trees. Allison and Chris moved to intercept two of the hunters, both firing at the assailants coming from the south of the clearing. Peter and Scott lunged towards another pair as one began to circle Stiles.

The spark swung his bat towards the masked man, catching his shoulder. The hunter spun out of reach and raised his weapon to shoot. Stiles deflected the bullet with the bat and tapped one of the runes engraved on the hilt. The bat burst into flames as he went into attack again and he knocked the gun from the shocked hunters grip. Quickly recovering the hunter continued dodging the flaming weapon, until Stiles saw his opening and brought the bat down firmly on the hunters lower back. The crunch his spine gave was nauseating and the combat gear the hunter was wearing promptly burst into flames. As the hunter fell to the floor, crying out in agony, Stiles turned to survey the rest of the clearing.

Chris had neutralised his combatant and have moved to help Allison with hers. Peter still faced off against his hunter, but was slowly gaining the upper hand. Scott however hadn’t faired so well. The hunter he had faced had knocked him harshly into a tree likely giving him concussion and was closing in on Jackson and Lydia.

Before either Stiles or Scott could interfere, the black clad man deftly disarmed the knife from Jackson’s grip and plunged it deep into his stomach. Lydia’s responding scream knocked the attacker back as Jackson fell to the floor. Stiles swung the bat down on the fallen hunter, setting him ablaze too as he rushed towards the blonde, placing his hands around the protruding knife to staunch the bleeding.

The Hale siblings circled Kate viciously before Derek finally lunged for her throat. Tearing into the soft flesh, ripping at her jugular. The two remaining hunters disengaged quickly and grabbing Kate’s lifeless body and dragging her quickly from the clearing. Leaving three of their friends dying on the forest floor. Chris, Peter and Laura gave chase as the other stood shocked at the sight of Jackson bleeding out before them. Derek appeared at Stiles’ shoulder, quickly returning to human form and shucking on his clothes.

“Derek, I’m out of magic. I can’t heal him. You have to help him. He will die without the bite. He wanted the bite anyway, you have his consent. Save him please!” Stiles begged.

“I know. I need to remove the blade first. Apply pressure on the wound once it’s out.” Derek’s face transformed into his beta shift as he gentle pulled the knife from Jackson’s gut. He reached for his wrist, pulling it towards his fanged mouth and sunk his fangs into the tanned flesh. Lydia sobbed quietly as she clutched Jackson’s other hand. Time seemed to stand still as they all waited with baited breath to see if the bite would take. Slowly the wound began to knit back together and some colour returned to Jackson’s cheeks. Lydia let out a relieved sigh.

“He no longer feels close to death.” She said in a quiet voice.

“That’s good.” Stiles said as he collapsed back into Derek. ‘Are you okay sourwolf? That can’t have been easy, facing her.’ He asked down the link.

‘I’ll be fine.’ Replied Derek. “You okay?”

“I don’t know how much longer I can remain upright. I was already wiped before the fight. And now we have three hunters to bury.”

“Don’t worry about that.” Chris said as he re-entered the clearing with Peter and Laura who moved quickly to her clothes. “I’ll handle clean up. The others got away and we couldn’t pick up a trail. They must have been prepared in case the ambush went badly. You guys should head back to the loft in case they circle back round. All of you need to rest up and most of you have school tomorrow.”

“I’ll stay and help.” Peter volunteered as he turned to face Laura. “I’ll follow soon. There is a lot I need to say to you and most of it can wait. The only thing you need to know right now is how very sorry I am and how much I love you.” Her face crumbled at the worlds but she reached and pulled her uncle into a tight hug.

“I knew it wasn’t really you, Uncle Peter. I knew you would have never hurt me unless you were hurting a lot too. I’m glad your well again.”

Slowly they began to gather themselves, Derek helping and exhausted Stiles to his feet while Allison supported Lydia. Scott, who had found some control of his wolf, moved towards Jackson and slid both arms under the still unconscious teen to began to carry him though the forest toward the cars. Derek attempted to release Stiles but the exhausted spark wavered so much on his feet that the Alpha soon copied Scott and hefted the teen into his arms.

“It’s great to finally meet you Laura, but I’m afraid all the explanations I promised you will have to wait while I take a nap.” Stiles smiled gently into Derek’s hold as his eyes drooped close, the gentle bounce of Derek’s steps lulling him to sleep.

“It’s fine, I’m sure we will have plenty of time later to chat.” Laura replied even though Stiles’ heartbeat told her he was well and truly asleep.

Derek couldn’t believe it. He had got his sister back. Laura was alive. Stiles had done it. He looked down at the teenager as he laid him down in the backseat of the Camero, still lightly snoring, and wondered in sheer amazement. What had he done to deserve this boy in his life? How would he ever repay him for returning his sister to life?

He tossed the keys of the Jeep to Allison, she definitely seemed the most competent to drive considering that Jackson still had not woken up, Lydia was obviously as exhausted as Stiles but hovering close to her boyfriend and Scott was still suffering the effects of his first full moon despite how in control he seemed. Climbing behind the wheel of his car, he couldn’t help but smile at Laura climbing in beside him. Pulling out into the darkness of the preserve, the jeep following behind, they sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, enjoying each other’s company before Laura started shifting in her seat.

“Go on then, I know your dying to question me.” Derek said with a resigned sigh.

“Who are all these people Derek? And how on earth did you end up working with the Argents? What the hell is happening here in Beacon Hills? And how the hell did you manage to make so many friends in the last month after avoiding all forms of human contact for the last five years?”

“It’s a long story and I’m sure Stiles can explain it much better but he’s conveniently passed out.” Derek told her with a resigned sigh. “Stiles is a Spark, as far as I can tell it means he has near unlimited potential with his magic. It’s all about intention, will and belief. He showed up soon after you died and just started to fix things. He fixed Peter, found a banshee to help bring you back, removed the Argent matriarch and convinced the new matriarch’s proxy to uphold the treaty mom created with them. He bulldozed his way into my life and pretty much told me he plans to stay. The only thing he hasn’t tried to fix is me but I think that’s because he doesn’t see me as broken.”

“He’s you mate.” Derek glanced at her shocked that she had come to that conclusion so quickly.

“Yes he is.”

“Does he know?”

“No. I don’t want him to know.” Derek paused for a second. “How did you figure it out?”

“I’m your big sister Der-bear. I know things. Plus you wouldn’t have let anyone else in except your mate, especially not after Kate. I hope that bitch rots in hell for everything she’s done. How are you holding up after seeing her today? After killing her?”

“I knew she was in town but I’ve had other thing to focus on. I can’t keep breaking down every time her name is so much as mentioned.”

“Derek you are allowed to break down every now and then. She deserved more than a quick death for what she did you and our family.”

“I know but I have priorities now and taking care of the pack is more important.”

“I’m proud of you little brother. You suit being an Alpha.” She pauses for a minute. “There is something we need to discuss though and soon. You are the Alpha of Beacon Hills and I’m going out on a limb here and guessing that you want to stay,” Laura peered purposefully over her shoulder at the still sleeping Stiles, “but I’m still an Alpha too and as much as I want to stay here with you Derek, I don’t know if that will be possible. Plus, one of us must go and find Cora.”

“I’m not loosing you again, I’ve only just got you back.” Derek said almost pleadingly.

“I’m not going anywhere just yet, but these are important issues we need to figure out before our wolves begin a territory dispute.”

“Stiles will have an idea on what to do, maybe I can give up my Alpha spark and rejoin your pack.”

“Derek, I won’t let you do that. Your building a life here, building a pack. Those teenagers rely on you now, you can’t just give up on them. We’ll ask Stiles before we do anything but we need to take this slowly and not rush into anything. Last time we made rash decisions, we left Peter here alone to suffer.”

“I can’t do this without you.”

“You won’t have to, not anymore.”

They continued on to the loft quietly mulling over what had been said. As they pulled in next to the Jeep, Derek saw a look of confusion crossing Laura’s face.

“What is this place?” She asked.

“It’s where me and Peter live. Apparently, Mom had bought it before the fire with the intention of doing it up for us to all live when we were old enough to move out. We got a bedroom set up for you in the loft but there is a empty floor if you wanted more space.”

“I’ll be fine in the loft.”

Derek moved round the car, gently picking Stiles up again. Cradling him close as he climbed the stairs and placed him down on the couch. Scott laid Jackson close by with much less care despite Lydia’s protest. Laura looked round the loft, taking in the large homely space.

“You did a good job. It feels like the start of a real den in here.” She commented to Derek.

“The girls and Stiles picked out most of the stuff.” Derek replied as Allison and Lydia preened at the praise.

“Before we came along, it was really barren. Stiles pretty much had to strong armed Derek into buying real furniture.” Lydia said.

“Well I’m glad someone has an eye for interior decorating. Derek’s always been a less is more kind of guy.” Laura teased.

“He was trying to take minimalism to a new level.” Lydia teased back.

As they all settled in to wait for Peter and Chris to return and the boys to wake up, Stiles began to stir on the couch. Sitting up suddenly, he clutched his head.

“Ouch, magic hangovers are the worst!” He said dramatically. Derek moved to sit behind him and began to drain his pain. “How long have I been out? What did I miss?”

“Not very long. We just got back to the loft.” Derek answered.

“Oh good, Scotty do me a favour and put some coffee on. Need to boost the energy levels.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? Doesn’t you Dad ration your caffeine?” Allison asked as Scott moved towards the kitchen.

“We’ve just completed and incredibly powerful ritual to bring someone back from the dead and then engaged in a fight with hunters, I think I’m entitled to a little caffeine right now Allycat.”

“Oh yeah, sure thing.”

Once a mug of coffee was curled between Stiles hands and he had relaxed back into Derek’s side, Stiles glance over at the still unconscious teen beside him.

“How’s Jackson doing?”

“I don’t know.” Replied Lydia. “How long does the bite usually take?”

“I don’t really know, I’ve never turned anyone before.” Derek said.

“It shouldn’t take this long.” Stiles said. “With the magic I regained during my power nap, I can check him over but there’s not much we can do but wait.”

Stiles reached for his spark, still weakened from its earlier use, and pushed it out to examine Jackson. What he found confused him. Instead of a single source of the werewolf gene emanating from the bite the teen had received, he found a secondary origin hidden deep within Jackson that seemed to be locked away by a powerful magic. Using his magic to prod gently at the sealed gene, he found it angry and disfigured. His magic quickly recoiled from it.

“Lydia, what does Jackson know of his birth family?” He asked quickly.

“Not much, just that he was given up at birth. Why?”

“I think his family were werewolves, his wolf has been locked away for years by a incredibly complex spell.”

“What does that mean?” She asked desperately.

“It means that Jackson was always meant to be a wolf and the bite Derek gave him unlocked that gene with in him.”

“That’s good right.”

“Wrong, his wolf has become distorted after years of being trapped. It’s no longer a wolf anymore.”

“What is he becoming then?”

“A Kanima.”

Chapter Text

“What the hell is a Kanima?” Lydia nearly yelled.

“It’s a mutated form of werewolf. When someone is turned and they have deep emotional issues, the transformation goes wrong. Instead of becoming lupine, a lizard like form takes over. Kanima do not seek a pack like their werewolf cousins, they seek a master and can be exponentially more dangerous. From what I’ve heard, they can be turn into near unstoppable killing machines who obey their masters every deadly whim.” Stiles explained quickly as he ushered Scott to help him move Jackson to an armchair.

“And Jackson is turning into one of these things?” Allison asked as she stareed in horror at the deathly still teen.

“As far as I can tell, yes he is. The transformation is slower than the werewolf one which will give us time to ensure everyone’s safety.” Stiles told her as he reached for his backpack of supplies and tossed mountain ash into the air to encircle the chair. “We can hold him within the circle for the moment until we can come up with an immediate plan but I don’t know if my spark will be able fix this. Allison do you think I could have access to the Argent bestiary? It might have useful information.”

“Of course, Stiles. What ever will help.” The huntress replied, “Should I call my Dad and Peter and see how long they are going to be?”

“I think that would be a good idea. See if they can stop off on the way back and grab it.”

Allison quickly excused herself and moved to the kitchen to call her father. Once the mountain ash was surrounding Jackson, Stiles maked his way to Lydia, taking her gently into his arms as she sobbed quietly.

“I promise you Lyds, I’ll do everything I can to help Jackson.”

“How do you know all of this?” Laura asked quietly from where she sat in the corner of the room.

“It’s a long story but I did a lot of research on wolves for my studies in Poland. Partly because you guys are one of the most common supernatural creatures but mainly because I knew I was going to come back to Beacon Hills at some point and help the Hale pack. The risk of the bite being corrupted is small but I still wanted to have some knowledge as it is always a possibility.” Stiles answered.

“You knew about the pack before you got to Beacon Hills?”

“Yeah, it’s another thing I promise to explain later but right now we need to make a decision about Jackson as a pack. When he wakes up, he will need to recognise someone as his master. If he doesn’t, he will be left vulnerable to others who might seek to use him.” He looked down at Lydia, still crying into his shoulder. “You’re his girlfriend. You are the closest to him out of everyone here, can you do this for him?”

“I don’t know. How could I ever trust him to consent to be with me if I am in control of him.”

“He won’t stop loving you just because you command him but if its too much someone else could do it.”

“Derek should do it.” She said as she looked at the Alpha. “All he’s talked about since he learnt about werewolves is Derek being his Alpha. Being his master would be close enough.”

“You really trust me to do this?” Derek asked from where he stood looking shocked.

“We both do, Alpha. I’ve done some research on banshees and while they tend to be solitary creatures, I don’t want to be alone in this world. I would like to formally ask to join your pack, if you’ll have me.”

Stiles watched the myriad of emotions crossing Derek’s features before he finally settled on a determined expression.

“Of course you are pack. You helped bring Laura back to us after all. As the Alpha, I will accept being Jackson’s master until we are able to fix the corruption within his wolf.” Lydia let out a relieved sigh.

Stiles jolted as for first time he felt a new pack bond settle into place. The silver and red tether he felt between himself and Derek was mirrored by a new strand, his silver bond reached towards Lydia and meeting her shadowy black thread. The feel of the spider web of connectivity settled deep within his spark, causing it to vibrate happily.

They all settled in to watch Jackson for any signs of him waking up. By the time Chris and Peter arrive with the Argent bestiary in tow, Stiles has resigned himself to getting very little sleep tonight. He texts his dad to say he’s staying at Derek’s after some family business he was helping with ran late and that he didn’t want to drive. The Sheriff text back a brisk reply reminding him that it was a school night and that he shouldn’t make this a habit. Stiles knew that he would soon have to give in and tell his dad the truth about the supernatural world but wanted to keep the Sheriff safely out of the loop for as long as possible.

After explaining to Peter and Chris what was happening to Jackson, they all convened round the table to begin researching. Just as Stiles found the rite of masterdom in the Argent’s Bestiary, Jackson’s body twitched. His skin rippling as greenish grey scales form along the side of his face. Slowly the teen opened his eyes but Stiles could see that very little of Jackson was in them, the Kanima was in control.

“Quickly Derek, stand before him.”  Stiles instructed as Derek moved to the edge of the mountain ash circle.

‘Repeat this; I, Derek Hale, Alpha of the Hale Pack of Beacon Hills proclaim myself your master. You will obey my command and heed my word.’ He guided through their mental link.

“I, Derek Hale, Alpha of the Hale Pack of Beacon Hills proclaim myself your master. You will obey my command and heed my word.” Derek repeated. The Kanima’s eyes became focused on the Alpha before him.

“Master.” He hissed before suddenly Jackson came to consciousness. Looking round startled, he quickly stood, moving towards Lydia on instinct. The mountain ash stopped him in place.

“What happened? Why am I stuck?” He asked panic growing.

“We need you to stay calm, Jackson. You got hurt when Kate attacked. Derek gave you the bite to save you but it went wrong.” Stiles explained.

“What do you mean it went wrong?”

“I think you were born a wolf Jackson. It could explain why you yearned to join the pack so badly. But some kind of magic repressed your wolf for years. It twisted it into something wrong.”

“You mean I’m not a werewolf?” He asked desperately. “What am I?”

“Your turning into a Kanima. We are going to do everything to try and fix this but right now you are dangerous. Early on in the change, Kanima’s frequently loose themselves and will become monstrous beings intent on killing.”

“How long will it take to fix me?”

“I don’t know but until we do, you will need to stay close to Derek. He’s the Kanima’s master and will be able to control the beast inside you. You will need to stay here for the time being and absolutely cannot go to school. We can’t risk the other students if the Kanima decided to come out to play.”

“This is crazy!”

“I know but I promise you, we will try everything to make this right.”  Stiles proclaimed.

“Can he come out of the mountain ash yet?” Lydia asked still quietly weeping.

“I don’t see why not now that Jackson is in control.” Stiles said as he broke the line with his toe, his spark still to exhausted to summon it to back his palm. Jackson move quickly to Lydia’s side.

“Are you sure that’s safe?” Chris asked with an edge to his voice as he watch Jackson and Lydia cling to each other, both calming significantly in each others arms. “We have no idea when the Kanima will gain control again.”

“Derek should be able to command it next time it appears.”

“What if it emerges when Derek is asleep? He can’t watch him twenty-four hours a day.” Laura questions.

“What about the cage?” Derek asks Peter. “Would it hold him?”

“I don’t know, the wards built in the bar might be strong enough but we could definitely test it.” Peter replied.

“Wait, what cage?” Scott piped up from when he stood near Allison.

“There is a caged cell in the basement. Talia asked Deaton to magically enhance the bars in case a pack member ever went feral and needed to be restrained.” explained Peter.

“Great, so I get to spend the night in a cell in case I go all psycho lizard.” Jackson quipped.

“Not funny, Jax.” Lydia berated. “Could it work though, Stiles?”

“I don’t know, it depends on how strong Deaton’s warding is. If I can have a look I might be able to tell but I definitely can’t reinforce them until my Sparks recovered.”

“I can take you down their right now.” Peter offered.

“Let’s go.”

The entire group followed as Peter led Stiles down into the basement. In the far corner of the large room was a square cage, empty except a small cot pushed into the corner. As Stiles approached he could feel the gentle thrumming of powerful wards.

“They should hold up but I would still feel more comfortable with setting a mountain ash circle around it until I can add my own enchantments.”

“Sure. What ever it takes to stop me from a murderous rampage, right.” Jackson said before a glare shot from Lydia quietened his self deprecating humour.

“If there was any other way, believe me we would be doing that. But this is for your safety as much as everyone else’s.” Derek said trying to comfort the teen.

“Okay then, I guess I’ll try and get comfy then.” Jackson said as he moved into the cell, pulling the door shut behind him. After turning the key in the lock, Derek hung it up on a wall hook just outside of the cages reach.

“Well let you get some sleep then.” Derek said as most of the others moved back toward the stairs. Stiles lingered with Lydia.

“First thing I’ll do after school tomorrow is hit the books, Jackson. We will find a way to help you.”

“I know. If anyone could find a way it would be you. After all, you’ve raised the dead. What is a little lizard problem to you?”

“You know, I much prefer you when your complimenting me rather than insulting me. Underneath all the bravado, you can actually be a decent person.”

“It’s shocking right.” Jackson said as he quirked an eyebrow.

“Absolutely.” Stiles smiled softly, “You coming back upstairs, Lyds?”

“Think I might stay a while.” The banshee said as she sat down on an old couch that was near the cage.

“Sure thing, just don’t forget to let you parents know that staying round a friend tonight. Don’t need my dad on my arse if you guys are reported missing.”

“Like either of our parents would even notice.” Lydia said cooly.

“Still, best to cover your bases.”

Collapsing into his armchair, Derek looked around his loft. Chris and Peter talked quietly as the went over some books still spread across the table while Scott and Allison once again cuddled up on the couch. He wondered if the two teens ever separated or were they continually joined at the hip. Laura had excused herself soon after they had returned upstairs, coming back to life was apparently tiring work.  And while he was happy to have her back, it was nice to have a moment to catch his thoughts alone. In the last few hours so much had changed that he was starting to feel overwhelmed. He wanted nothing more than to retreat to his bedroom to sort through his thoughts but as much as Chris had proved his loyalty tonight, he still did not completely trust the hunter to be in his den unsupervised.

The door to the loft open and Stiles appeared from behind it. His thoughts settled themselves in the presence of his mate. Despite the look of exhaustion on his face, Stiles took control of the room in the effortless way of his.

“Right everyone, it’s nearly 3 a.m. and I’m calling it a night. Everyone whose not staying here need to go home and those who are staying here need to find a bed.” Chris and Allison began moving in order to gather their stuff while Scott remained seated.

“Could I stay here tonight, Derek? I’m still feeling the pull of the moon and would like to be close to the pack.” Scott asked.

“Of course, you can use the third bedroom on the right.”

“Thanks.” Scott said as he gave Allison a quick peck to her cheek and hurried off upstairs.

“Do you think you could give this to Lydia on your way out?” Stiles asked as he handed Allison the fluffy throw blanket from the back of the couch. “I doubt she will be leaving the basement tonight.”

“Of course I can.” Allison said as she pulled him in for a hug. “See you tomorrow at school?”

“If I can get up in the morning. I haven’t felt this tired in a while.” Derek watched as Stiles hugged her back before turning to hold his hand out to Chris. “Thank you for all you’re help tonight, I know I cant have been easy going against your sister.” Chris glanced quickly over his shoulder at Peter who was still pouring over research material.

“Easier than you would think.” The hunter replied before he ushered Allison out of the loft.

As Stiles closed the door behind the two Argents, Derek could see him waver on his feet. The exhaustion that had been evident on his face increasing tenfold as he began to sway. Derek leapt from his chair and managed to catch Stiles before he could fall. Pulling the boy up into his arms once again, he felt a sense of rightness settle within his wolf.

“You know, I can walk Sourwolf. Just cause I’m exhausted, doesn’t mean I can’t make it up the stairs to a bed.” Stiles complained as he nuzzled into Derek’s shoulder, eyes drifting closed.

“Should I put you down then?”

“No, I’m good here.” Derek huffed in response as he made his up the spiral stairs and to the room next door to his.

“Could I borrow something to sleep in?” Stiles asked after Derek had placed him on the edge of the bed. Derek moved towards the dresser and pulled out a long sleeve T-shirt and some soft joggers which he had stored here earlier this week. He refused to acknowledge he’d left them here for the express purpose of Stiles staying round at some point in the future even as his wolf yipped happily at the thought of Stiles wearing his clothes. After putting them down on the bed next to Stiles he headed for the door, pausing briefly in the doorway.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done tonight.”

“You’re welcome, Der, sleep well.” Stiles said softly.

Not long after, Derek found himself climbing into his own bed, he settled himself by listening to the steady thumping of Stiles heartbeat through the wall. Forcing his wolf to stay subdued and in his own bed was taking more will than he expected. If he was honest with himself, he wanted to climb in to Stiles’ bed almost as badly as his wolf did. The few nights he’d spent in Stiles room were some of the best nights sleep he’d gotten since the fire.

As he drifted off, he prayed to the moon that the next time it is full would be less eventful. It would have to take something big to beat the resurrection of Laura, finding out that Cora is alive, killing Kate and Jackson turning into a Kanima. However he had a horrible feeling this was only the beginning.

Chapter Text

Monday being the most sucky day of the week was universal knowledge. This Monday however was extra sucky for Stiles. Having only gotten four hours sleep, he woke up nearly as exhausted as when he went to sleep. Convincing Lydia to leave Jackson in Derek’s care had been emotionally draining for everyone involved and Scott was acting like a particularly needy puppy after the full moon, attaching himself to Stiles’ side. He should have just stayed in the comfy bed at the loft and hid under the covers. Never the less, as he trudged through the halls of Beacon Hills High he knew that they had to keep up appearances. Telling people that Jackson had come down with a serious case of the flu was easier than explaining why they were all absent especially after they had ditched the week previous. People would begin to get suspicious if they were all off at the same time frequently.

Danny was the only one who had not believed that Jackson was ill. Claiming that he’d never know Jackson to get sick in his life. He only accepted the explanation after he had received an corroborative text from Jackson. Danny still looked suspicious, though as he eyed the clearly exhausted group of teens.

By the time lacrosse practice rolled around, Stiles was ready to call it a day. Knowing he had a mountain of research to do after practice certainly didn’t help his motivation during the running drills Coach Finstock forced upon them. When they were finally dismissed, Stiles dragged himself across the field silently admiring the werewolf ability to push through exhaustion as Scott bounded ahead, eager to meet Allison in the parking lot. Once he had taken a long shower, he took his time gathering his things in the empty, thoughts distracted by the inactivity of his spark. Whilst it had definitely recover a little from the scant hours he had slept, it had been unnaturally was inactive all day. He knew this was payback for having stretched it to it’s limits yesterday.

The quiet emptiness of the locker room surrounded him as he began to ruminated on the Kanima issue. The removal of the Alpha spark had help cure Peter of his insanity but his Spark wouldn’t help fix Jackson’s problems. They were rooted much deeper in him and the werewolf gene wasn’t something he could simply transfer to another as he had with the Alpha spark.

When he finally moved to make his way out of the locker room, he was surprised to see a tall curly haired blonde pulling a T-shirt over a bruise covered torso. The boy had been so quiet that Stiles hadn’t realised he had company. The other boy seemed startled at the sight of Stiles too, obviously also believing that he was alone.

“Hey,” Stiles said with a smile “You’re Issac right?”

“Yeah.” The boy replied quietly.

“I’ve only been back in town a few weeks but I think your dad taught me to swim.” He didn’t miss how Issac flinched at the mention of his father. “I’m Stiles by the way.”

“I remember.”

“Good, it’s always a bit awkward reintroducing myself to people that I knew before I moved to Poland.”

“I should go, I can’t be late for work.”

“Oh, where do you work?” Stiles asked as he followed Isaac out towards the parking lot.

“At the graveyard. My dad runs the place now.”

“Bet that’s creepy. Anyway I won’t keep you any longer but I’m having a movie night later this week with some friend if you wanted to join?” Issac looked shocked at the invite form seemingly out of the blue.

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why invite me to your movie night? You’ve just got back and you’ve already made friends with the coolest people in our grade. Why would you want to hang out with a loser like me?” Issac hunched in on himself at his own words.

“Cause people could always use more friend.” Seeing that Isaac didn’t believe his reasoning, he continued to chatter. “Plus it wasn’t to long ago, I was considered a loser. Not that I think I’ve stopped being a loser just because I’m hanging out with Jackson Whittemore. Anyway losers are cool. Who called you were a loser? Let me know next time someone does and I’ll beat them up for you. Well maybe not beat them up, cause then my dad will either arrest me or be really disappointed in me and I’ll tell you in confidence that I would honestly rather spend the night in a cell down at the station. The amount of sympathy bacon I will have to give him to get rid of his ‘Sheriff look’ will send him to an early grave. Maybe I would just give them the verbal tongue lashing of their lifetime and set Scott on them. He always manages to get away with breaking the rules. I swear if those damn puppy eyes could be weaponised, we would be in for a world of trouble.” Stiles watched as his verbal spewing managed to distract Isaac from his self deprecating thoughts and even managed to elicit a small giggle from the boy.

“When is your movie night?”

“Friday, were all heading to mine straight after school.”

“I don’t work Fridays.”

“Does that mean you’ll come?”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Great.” Looking round the empty lot, Stiles wondered how Isaac got around after seeing only the Jeep parked in his spot. “Did you need a lift to work?”

“No, it’s fine. I’ve got my bike.” Isaac pointed to a beat up bike chained to the bike rack.

“Come on, the cemetery must be 5 miles away and I’ve already made you late. We can put the bike in the back and get you to work with time to spare.”

“If your sure?” Isaac looked unsure at the offer.

“It’s no trouble.”

Pulling up outside the small house that edged onto the graveyard, Stiles was surprised to see Coach Lahey waiting at the door for Isaac, a stern expression on his face. The quietly playful attitude that Stiles had managed to coax out during the drive quickly retreated and was replaced by a frightened expression.

“Issac, your late.” Mr. Lahey said sternly as he moved towards the car.

“Sorry Dad, I got caught up after practice.” Isaac mumbled.

“Not a good enough excuse. Whose your friend?”

“I’m Stiles Stilinski.” Stiles replied through gritted teeth and a fake smile as Issac winced. He was beginning to get a bad feeling about Mr. Lahey. The way he talked to Isaac and the reaction his son gave him coupled with the bruises he saw earlier were starting to paint a nasty picture in his head.

“The Sheriff’s son?”

“The one and only. You good Issac?” Stiles asked as Isaac climbed from the Jeep.

“Yeah I’m good. Thanks for the ride.”

“Anytime. Don’t forget your bike.”

As he pulled away from the house he knew he needed to tell his dad about his suspicions when he got home from the station. If he was right, something had to be done to ensure Isaac was safe. He considered telling Derek, knowing that the Alpha would want to protect the boy if he was being abused but ultimately decided against it until he had evidence.

When he reached the loft he found Jackson and Lydia curled up together opposite a similarly cuddly Allison and Scott, all of them working on homework while Derek and Peter sat researching at the table. The older wolf looked as if he hadn’t moved from the spot since last night.

“Any luck yet?”

“Not anything concrete but there are rumours of a legend in South America. I’ve made contact with a local pack who told me of a tribe who might know something but they are off grid and would need in person visit.”

“Speaking of heading south,” Laura said as she appeared from the kitchen “I was thinking, I should go and start searching for Cora.”

“But we only just got you back. You need to rest.” Protested Derek, his brows lowered into a frown.

“We both know the longer I stay here, the more our wolves will begin to challenge the other. I do not wish to fight with you Derek so until we find a solution, I think it would be best if I was to leave.”

“Oh, there is a simple way to resolve the territory dispute.” Stiles interrupts. “All you need to do is decide who is the primary Alpha and the other one needs to submit to them. Your wolves will then recognise each other as pack members and the hierarchy remains in tact. I meant to mention it yesterday when I noticed that Laura had maintained her Alpha spark after the resurrection but everything got complicated with Jackson.”

“Why have I not heard of this happening before?” Laura asked.

“Well it normally only happens in rare circumstances. Say if an Alpha mate was to kill a Alpha in battle, they would be unlikely to leave their mate to start their own pack so the weaker of the two would just submit to the stronger Alpha. It’s less likely to happen between siblings but not unheard of.”

“See you don’t have to leave, I can just submit to you and you can stay.” Derek was beginning to sound pleading, clearly not wanting to loose his sister again after just getting her back.

“If you think there is anyway that I will allow you to submit to me, you are sorely mistaken. In the short time I’ve been back, even I can see you are clearly the stronger Alpha. You are building a real pack here Derek, you have not only wolves in you pack but a banshee and a powerful Spark. All I did as Alpha was run away. You can do so much better.” Laura implored as she moved towards him, slowly bearing her throat. Derek stared deep into her eyes, searchingly.

“Are you sure?”

“As sure as I’ll ever be.” At Laura’s encouragement, Derek dropped his fangs and pressed them to his sister’s bared throat. This time as the pack bond fell into place, Stiles sensed his silver tread merging with a deep red one. Less vibrant than Derek’s but strong nonetheless. “I still want to go to Mexico in search of Cora.”

“I don’t want you to go by yourself.” Derek said.

“Peter can come with me, he need follow up on those legends anyway and I think me and him could use some bonding time after everything that happened. We’ll find Cora and keep heading south. When we’ve followed up on the legends, we can all come home together.”

“It sounds like a good plan, Derek. Kill’s two birds with one stone.” Peter commented.

“Only if you promise to check in with me everyday and watch each others backs.”

“Of course, all we need is for Stiles to do his tracking spell and give us a lead on Cora and we all can be together again sooner than you know it.” Laura said as she turned to Stiles, hope brightening in her eyes.

“As much as I wish I could do it right now, it will have to wait until tomorrow. My Spark is still pretty drained and the complexity of the spell would exhaust it again.”

“I will need a few days to arrange travel plans anyway.” Peter said.

As the pack milled about the living space, Stiles settled in with a yawning Peter to research what they could on the rumoured legends. An hour later when everyone seemed distracted with what they were doing, Stiles turned a critical eye on him.

“Your going above and beyond in researching Kanima. What’s going on with you?”

“I was the lore keeper of the pack before the fire, research is kind of my thing. And as the oldest member of the pack, I feel responsible for the boy especially since we found out his wolf has been repressed. I know what it’s like to be trapped within your own body after all.”

“Still this isn’t resting solely on your shoulders. Did you sleep at all last night? Don’t risk exhausting yourself, you and Laura will need to be at the top of your game when in Mexico.”

“I will sleep tonight. I promise.” Peter said with a wide grin that didn’t hide the tiredness around his eyes. Stiles leaned over and closed the book that was laying in front of the wolf.

“No more research for you tonight. Go take a shower, I’ll get Derek to order some food in and then you can get an early night.” Stiles said sternly.

“Let it be known that I’m only listening to you because a shower sounds heavenly right now and not because you’re the boss of me.”

“Sure, Jan.”

“Did you just sass me with a meme?”

“How can you have been in a coma for 6 year but be up to date on meme culture?”

Peter just smirked a wicked grin and disappeared upstairs.

Not long after Stiles had prodded Derek to order some food and a large stack of pizzas was delivered, all the werewolves in the room went quiet, listening as someone entered the building. Stiles didn’t worry too much as his wards didn’t set off any warnings.

“Your dad’s here, Ally.” Scott mentioned as He abandoned his pizza and moved to open the door.

“What are you doing here so early? You said you’d pick me up at 7.” She asked when Chris stepped into the loft.

“I know but Peter text to say he would be going out of town for a few days and I had some thing I wanted to go over with him, Stiles and Derek before he left.” Chris explained. “I let him know I was heading over. Did he not pass on the message?”

“He left his phone here when he went up to shower.” Stiles waved Peter’s phone about in explanation. Peter chose that moment to appear at the top of the stairs wrapped only in a low slung towel.

“Did the food arrive yet?” He called down.

“Yeah but we have a visitor so you might want to go put some clothes on first.” Stiles said at a normal volume. Knowing the wolf would be able to hear him fine. Probably heard Chris too but chose to come out nearly naked anyway.

“Oh, I didn’t see you there Christopher.” Peter smirked as Chris stared up at the wolf seemingly mesmerised by the water droplets running down the wolf’s torso to disappear beneath the towel.

“Clothes now Peter.” Derek commanded through gritted teeth.

“Of course, Alpha.” Peter disappeared with a wink.

“There’s enough pizza for you if you’d like some, Chris. What is it you’d like to discuss?” Stiles asked as the hunter shook himself out of his reprieve, moving towards the table where Derek and Stiles still sat. Stiles had pulled out his own homework after Peter had gone up to shower.

“I thought we should discuss the ramifications of Kate’s death. As far as we I could tell, the hunters that she was with last night were freelancers who will probably disappear her body somewhere no one will find it. While that sounds like it would be beneficial, it will actually cause us a lot of problems.”

“How so?” Peter asked as he reappeared, this time thankfully fully dressed.

“Without her body we will not be able to fake her cause of death. When she misses her check in with Gerard, he will become suspicious and likely want to come here and investigate her disappearance. If he suspect that I’m not loyal to the family, he will not be as covert as she was in his search for answers. Gerard will probably intrude into my house and try to include me and Allison in his plans while he waits for either of us to slip up.”

“So your saying we’ve just got rid of one crazy hunter only for another to take that place?” Stiles asked frustrated.

“Essentially yes. However with Gerard’s preferred method of infiltration, we will at least know his movements and have some more insight into his plans.

“How long until he gets here?” Derek said in a demanding tone.

“Kate’s check in won’t be for a few more days. He will give her some leniency in case she is deep undercover and not begin to suspect her missing until at least a weeks time. Gerard does not travel light, he will be bringing his own men with him which will take a few days at least to organise. So I say we should expect him in two weeks give or take. When he arrives, we will have to be careful though not to lead him to the pack. It may be best if Allison and myself kept our distance until he has left town.”

“So you expect us to sit back and wait patiently while he investigates. What if he figures out who’s pack and starts to hunt us?” Stiles asks.

“We will have to take him out.” Chris said bluntly.

“You seem rather willing to continue protecting the pack from your family. I thought Kate would be the exception. Or are you finally deciding to stop being blind in regard to your father as well.” Peter snarked, starting directly into Chris’s eyes in challenge.

“While I may have been ignorant to some of choices my family have made, I have long known the extent of Gerard’s cruelty. However sometimes decisions need to be made to protect the ones you love.” Chris sighed frustrated

“If you love someone, you should protect them by being by their side and standing together against your enemies.” Peter bit back as the conversation quickly turned into an argument.

“Do not pretend to understand the position I was in.” Chris almost growled.

“I understand more that you are willing to acknowledge. After all, it wasn’t so far from my own.” Peter growled back and Stiles was beginning to feel that this conversation had moved from the present circumstances and into the mysterious history the two older men shared.

“Your father didn’t threaten to kill the one person you couldn’t live without. If you had been killed by his hand, Peter I wouldn’t have been able to carry on. When I thought you had died in the fire, the only thing that stopped me from following you was Allison. I knew the only way to keep you and you family safe was to leave and as much as it hurt me everyday to not be with you, at least I knew you were safe.”

“When have I ever been safe? Certainly not since your family came into my life.”

“He promised me that the treaty Talia and my mother created would be upheld.”

“And what exactly has that promise gotten me but a dead family, six years of suffering and a broken heart.” The two men had both stood from their chairs as their argument heated, sizing the other up.

“Enough.” Derek boomed before it could go any further.

“You guys were in love?” Allison asks quietly in the silence that followed, moving towards her father as she spoke.

“Yes we were.” Breathed Chris as he collapsed back into his chair. Peter followed but remained uncharacteristically silent. ”We met when the treaty between the Hales and Argents was formed.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Allison asked as Chris reached out and pulled her hand into his own, eyes remaining locked with Peter.

“How was I suppose to tell you that I left the love of my life for your mother in order to protect him from your grandfather.” Chris replied. Breaking eye contact, Peter stood up and made a beeline towards the stairs. “Peter?” Chris called out after him.

“No.” The wolf pause at the bottom of the stairs. “We will talk when I’m back from Mexico and your father has been dealt with. Not a second before. Sort out your plan with my Alpha and leave. It’s what you do best after all.” He hurried up the stairs and was out of sight before anyone else in the room could react. The tension in the room didn’t lessen once Peter had left. Glancing round the room Stiles could see the rest of the pack digesting the information they had just learnt. Lydia seemed the only one other than Derek not surprised.

“You are his mate?” Laura asked with a surety of already knowing the answer, eyes flashing red in anger.

“Yes.”

“Do you know what happens to a wolf when their mate willingly leaves them for another? They go right to the edge of being feral, dancing on the edge of their sanity. I remember what Peter was like when I was a child, the things my mother had to do to keep him safe, to keep our pack safe, gave me nightmares. If your death wouldn’t hurt him, I would rip your throat out for causing him so much suffering.”

“That enough Laura.” Derek said as he flashed his own red eyes. She lowered her head, submitting quickly but the set of her shoulders belied her rage.

“Thank you for informing us of the threat Gerard poses. We will talk soon for come up with a more thorough plan but I think it would be best if you left now, Chris.” Stiles said into the continued tension.

“I think that would be wise.” Chris agreed giving Stiles a sad smile. “Come on Allison. Do you need a lift Scott?”

“That’d be great, thank you Mr. Argent.” Scott replied. Derek followed them to the door, closing its shut behind them before turning to his sister, eyebrows furrowed.

“What the hell was that?”

“I was defending Uncle Peter, our pack member. That hunter obviously doesn’t understand the implications of his actions.”

“How could he? Chris is human and a hunter. We should not expect him to understand our customs.”

“They are more than customs, they are laws of our very nature.”

“And you know better than to involve yourself in those laws if they do not pertain to you. It is for Peter and Chris to sort out between themselves, not for us to meddle.”

“You’re saying Chris should not be held responsible for the hurt he has cause our uncle?”

“It is up to themselves to right those wrongs not us. Chris is an ally to this pack and a mate of my left-hand, treat him with the respect he deserves.”

“Your naming Peter as left-hand?” Laura asked shocked.

“Yes, I already did. I asked him before we got you back.”

“What is a left-hand?” Jackson asked from the couch where he sat quietly watching, looking quite pleased to have the attention off of his situation for a while.

“Left-hand is one of the most trusted members of the pack, they tend to take care of any underhanded business for the Alpha.” Laura answered, her attempt at nonchalance not hiding her envy.

“Now that you’ve submitted to me being the Alpha, I was hoping that you’d take on the role of right-hand. I was going to ask when you had settled in but I figure I should offer it now before you head to Mexico.” Derek pause briefly, thinking. “Only on the condition you leave Chris and Peter to figure their own problem out.”

“I can do that. I would be honoured.” Laura replied.

“What the hell is right-hand?” Jackson questioned again.

“They are equal to the left-hand in the pack structure, only they deal with the above board diplomacy of pack politics.” Lydia explained.

“And Laura’s your choice? After what you just yelled her for breaking wolf law. Which I didn’t even know was a thing.” Jackson said sounding confused.

“Yes, she is the most knowledgeable on the matter due to the training she did as the Hale Alpha heir. And I’m trusting her to not break custom again.” Said Derek, emphasising the last part.

”I won’t.” Laura promised.

“Come on Jax, its getting late. Let’s go to the basement and I’ll explain the basics of werewolf culture to you. I’ve been reading this great book on pack structures...” Lydia said as she tugged him from the room.

“Right then, I think that’s my cue to head out as well. If I stay too much longer, I’ll be tempted to climb into the bed upstairs and I know the Sheriff is already not pleased about me staying over last night.” Stiles packed away his books and climbed from his seat. Throwing a big smile at Laura who was still looking pleased at her promotion to right-hand, Stiles headed to the door, brushing a hand across Derek’s arm as he passed in goodbye.

By the time Stiles got home, the cruiser was already parked in the driveway. He’d hoped that he would beat his dad home but luck definitely wasn’t on his side today. He could feel his bed calling him but knew the Sheriff wouldn’t let him escape up to his room without some questioning of his recent nightly activities. More importantly, he knew he had to tell the Sheriff about his suspicions of Mr. Lahey. He wouldn’t allow Isaac to suffer anymore abuse if he was able. Finding his dad out of his uniform with his feet up watching a game, Stiles readied himself for the conversation about to happen.

“Hey Dad, there’s something I need to talk to you about.” Stiles said as he sat down opposite his father.

“Sure Stiles, what is it?” The Sheriff asked as he hit mute on the remote.

“You know when I was a kid and you told me that if I ever thought someone being hurt I was to tell the teacher and if that didn’t work to come and tell you.”

“Yeah, I remember.”

“Well I think one of my classmate, Isaac Lahey is being abused. I saw him in the locker room after practice and his chest was covered in bruises. He got really anxious when I mentioned his dad and when I dropped him home, Mr. Lahey acted really weird. I know its not a lot but I have the feeling something was off about him.”

“Your right, it’s not a lot. Do you have any actual proof? Did the kid say anything?”

“No but the whole thing felt weird. I don’t know, it’s just a gut feeling.”

“Without any evidence, I can’t do much but I promise I’ll send round a deputy in the morning to check it out. Gut feelings are not something you should ignore, they’ve helped me out on a case or two before.”

“I know. You remind me after you close every case to ‘always trust your gut’. It is the essence of good police work. ”

“Talking of gut feelings, somethings going on with you that your not telling me about. I know I said it was okay to spend some time with the Hales and you’ve said that your helping them out with one of them missing and the other only just awoken from a coma but what exactly do they need a sixteen year olds help for?”

“It’s a long story.” Said Stiles, knowing that he wouldn’t get out of this line of questioning so easily but trying regardless.

“That’s not good enough. Since you’ve been back, you’re out at all times of the day and night. Laura came down to the station today to declare herself found, giving a bad excuse for her absence and called off the missing person report. Peter seems to be doing just fine for a man who spent the last six year comatose. I spoke to Melissa, I know you’ve been taking Scott on your adventures and if I learnt anything from your childhood, it is that the two of you know how to find trouble.”

“Dad, I promise I’m not out causing trouble. Mainly, we all just hanging out at Derek’s and sometimes I help Derek and Peter out with things.”

“I am just struggling to understand why three adults would be letting teenagers hang round all the time if there wasn’t something fishy going on. You might not have lived here for the last six years but I can still tell when you are not telling me the whole truth.” Stiles knew that his dad wasn’t going to give in and let this go, he had his Sheriff face on after all, but he couldn’t just let the wolf out of the bag without at least informing Derek.

‘Der, my dad is asking a lot of questions. I think it’s time to tell him everything.’ He said over their mental link, hoping it would work over distance.

‘If you think it’s necessary, you have my blessing.’ Derek’s response was faint, the distance weakening the bond. ‘Do you want me there?’

‘No, stay with Jackson. He needs you more than me right now.’

‘Let me know how it goes.’

‘Will do.’

“I tell you everything Dad but you have to promise not to jump to any conclusions.” 

“I’ll try.” The Sheriff promised.

“This all started just before mom died.” Stiles began, pausing for a moment as sadness washed over him.

“What does your mom have to do with anything happening now?”

“She has everything to do with it. I don’t know why but there were things Mom never told you, things that affect me as her child. Magic is real, Dad. Before she became Claudia Stilinski, Mom was part of a very powerful family of Sparks. She gave it all up when she chose to marry someone out of the supernatural world because she wanted to live a normal human life with you. When she got sick, she lost control of her spark which started to give her visions of the future. Before she died, Mom had a vision of the Hale fire, I was with her when it happened and she make me promise to help them rebuild. That is why I’m spending so much time with them.” 

“I knew about her spark, Stiles.”

“What? How? Gramps said that she kept it a secret.”

“Claudia never told me but I knew anyway. She was my wife. There are just some things that you can’t hide from your spouse. I knew about your magic too.”

“Why did you never tell me or Mom that you knew?”

“I figured that it was part of Claudia’s past and that she probably had a good reason for not telling. When it came to you, I hoped that eventually you’d tell me when you were ready.” The Sheriff explained. “Why did her visions single out the Hale family though?”

“It is probably because they are werewolves.”

“Werewolves?” The Sheriff was stunned.

“Yes, werewolves.”

“I suppose if magic is real, werewolves aren’t that far outside the realm of possibility.”

“There’s more.” Stiles told him.

“What else could there possibly be?”

“Well Dad, you might want to grab your notebook because I have one hell of a story to tell you. Proper Shakespearean themes, I’m just hoping that no one else dies.”

It took Stiles the next hour to explain the Hale and Argent feud to his dad. Starting with the star crossed Peter and Chris, moving quickly through the Derek and Kate years before explaining what they would be up against with Gerard. By the end, the Sheriff was livid.

“Let me get this straight, Derek killed the crazy hunter that sexually abused him and killed his family in self defence just after you had returned his missing sister Laura to the living after she had been killed by her then crazy uncle Peter who for years has been in love with the Chris who is older brother of the abusive hunter. The newly resurrected Laura and recently awoken Peter are leaving for Mexico soon to track down the previously presumed dead Cora Hale. Your childhood crush is a Banshee who is dating your playground bully who had his wolf suppressed by magic for years causing him to become a murderous lizard when the bite was used to save his life after he was stabbed by the aforementioned crazy hunter. Scott was bitten when Derek’s uncle was crazy and is now a werewolf who is dating the new Argent matriarch after you used a truth spell on the previous matriarch who was her mother to reveal the breaking of a peace treaty between the Hales and Argents which resulted in death of Victoria. You’re the packs current emissary and we shouldn’t trust the previous one, Deaton, who is Scott’s boss at the vet clinic. Did I remember everything?”

“Pretty much. You only forgot about the small matter of Kate and Chris’s crazy father Gerard being on his way to town with a small army to try to kill everybody when he figures out that his daughter is missing.”

“You seem to have gotten yourself into quite the mess here, Stiles.” The Sheriff said, sounding resigned.

“I know Dad but I will help them. No matter what you say, I won’t abandon my pack.”

“I’d never expect you to. That’s not the type of person you are. You are every bit a Stilinski and we stand up to those who try to hurt others.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that because when Gerard and his men get here, I have a feeling I’m going to need the Sheriff’s help.“

Chapter Text

Stiles found getting out of bed for school the next day much easier. It was amazing what a good nights sleep could do. His spark thrummed happily at being rested too. Knowing that his dad knew about everything took a massive weight off his shoulders and their cobbled together plan for Gerard’s arrival, eased some of the stress too. Having the Sheriff on Team Wolf was certainly going to be beneficial and while they would have to discuss the ins and outs of their idea with the Pack and Chris, he personally felt like it was a solid plan.

Getting to school with a bounce in his step, he headed for his locker, finding Lydia, Allison and Scott waiting for him.

“Hey guys, how was lizard boy this morning Lyds?” Stiles asked smiling.

“You know he’d hate it if he found out you call him that.” Lydia smiled for a second before turning somber. “He tried to come with me to school this morning claiming that he hadn’t had another episode so it would be fine. Derek managed to convince him to stay, told him that it was too risky. I was worried for a minute that Derek would have to command him to stay but it didn’t get that far.”

“That doesn’t sound like a fun conversation to have been part of.”

“It wasn’t.” Lydia answered as Allison wrapped a comforting arm around the banshee.

“Are you holding up okay Lydia?” Stiles asked her seriously.

“I don’t know, Stiles. This is all so crazy and I don’t know how much longer I can keep pretending to Jackson that everything is okay. He almost died and the thing that was supposed to save him unleashed his mutation. It’s not fair he has to be controlled so he doesn’t turn into a murderous reptile.”

“He will get through this. Peter will find something and we will do what ever it take to make this better. You’re one of the strongest people I know and we are all here for you.”

“I know but its only been two days and I’m already emotionally drained.” She looked on the edge of crying so Stiles pulled her into a tight hug, holding her close as she gathered herself.

“It will all work out, I promise.” He whispered in her ear before she pulled out of the hug. Gathering his books from his locker, he turned back to his friends. “Come on, let’s get to class. It’s not a convenient time for me to get detention for being late with everything going on.”

“It takes a special kind of someone to want to avoid detention not because its detention but because it doesn’t fit into their busy calendar of supernatural mischief.” Allison teased causing Lydia to chuckled quietly.

“Stiles ending up in detention is inevitable.” Scott continued to lighten the mood as they made their way to class. Passing Isaac in the hallway, Stiles gave the tall blonde a wave, receiving a a small smile back as he passed.

“Why are you waving at Isaac?” Scott asked confused at the exchange.

“Maybe cause I’m a nice person Scott.” Stiles huffed  “I bumped into him in the locker room yesterday and I don’t think he has many friends so invited him to movie this Friday

“You know what happened to his family right? After his mom died, his brother joined the army and was killed in action. After that he got really quiet and stopped talking to everyone.”

“All the more reason to be nice to him then.” Stiles declared as they reached their class.

The rest of the morning passed relatively quickly and soon Stiles found himself watching the clock as lunch break neared. Just before the bell rang, a worried looking office aide entered the class room and talked quickly in a hushed tone to the teacher. When the aide had finished, the teacher turned to the class expression tense.

“Isaac Lahey, you are needed in the school office immediately. Take your belongings with you please.”

Stiles wished Scott was in this class, his werewolf hearing would be useful to know what had the staff looking so anxious, but unluckily this was one of the only classes they didn’t share. He knew it would have been a breach of privacy but he could help the feeling of protectiveness over the curly haired boy.

When the bell finally rang to signal lunch he headed to the bench his friends usually sat at. When he spotted the Sheriff’s cruiser parked out the front of the school, his worry for Issac only increased. While waiting for the other to join him, he shot a quick text to his dad to check everything was okay. By the everyone had sat down with their lunch trays, he hadn’t receive a response. After quickly explaining to the others that he was going to go see what his dad was doing here, he headed to the office. Reaching it as the Principle’s office door opened, he watched his dad exit followed by a tear stained Issac.

“Dad, what’s going on?” Stiles asked when the Sheriff spotted him.

“Son, now is really not a good time. We’ll talk later when I’m home but right now Isaac needs to come down to the station.” The Sheriff replied, giving Stiles a ‘this is sheriff business, please don’t interfere’ look. Ignoring his dad’s silent request, Stiles turned to Isaac.

“You all okay? You look like you need a hug.”

“They arrested my dad.” The boy sobbed as he flung himself into Stiles arms. He didn’t know how to respond especially when Isaac seemed conflicted over it, so just hugged him back tightly and soothing the taller boys back. His dad just huffed in fond annoyance at him.

“We really do need to get to the station and take your statement, Isaac. You will see Stiles later I’m sure.”

“Of course, Sir.” The blonde said quietly as he pulled back from the hug.

“See you at home kid, I don’t want to hear that you came down to the station to harass my deputies for information. Stay out of trouble.” The Sheriff called as he lead Isaac out to the cruiser.

“No promises.” He called back.

Making his way back out to his friends, Stiles wondered what Isaac would do now. He hoped that Mr. Lahey would be going to jail for a long time but Isaac was too young to live alone. Hopefully he had family near by. Sitting back in his spot at the table, he was glad to see that Danny had joined them for lunch.

“Hey Stiles, everything okay? I saw your dad’s cruiser out front” The boy asked.

“Yeah, he was here on Sheriff business. Everything’s fine.”

“Oh that’s good.”

“Actually, speaking about my dad, I could use your help. After I stayed out too late the other night, he threatened to track my phone.” Stiles lied. “I was hoping that you could like encrypt it or something so that he can’t do it.” In fact his dad had suggested it last night when Stiles had told him how Kate had found them in the woods.

“I don’t know if the Sheriff would like that?” Danny replied hesitantly.

“He’d never know it was you and I don’t think he’d actually ever do it but I would rather be prepared in case.”

“If your sure about it?”

“Definitely.”

“Okay I’ll send you a link to the app I created that allows you to choose when and where you phone is traceable, even allows you to share your location if you wanted. I’m in the final testing phases for the version that I hope to sell.”

“Do you think you could send me it too?” Allison asked obviously seeing the benefits of an untraceable phone as well. “I don’t want my dad to know where I am either.”

“Sure, I can send it to all of you. Just as long as you give me some feed back.”

“Of course.” Allison promises.

When the bell rang to signal the end of lunch, Danny pulled out a large thermos from his backpack and handed it to Lydia.

“Do you think you could give it to Jackson? He said he wouldn’t be in for the rest of the week so I made him some soup to help feel better. He told me not to come visit and risk getting sick but said you were still dropping off his school work.”

“That’s so nice of you, I’ll make sure it gets to him.” Lydia replied giving Danny a fond look.

“Alright then, I’ll see you guys later.” Danny said before disappearing into the crowds.

“I don’t know how much longer we can keep lying to him.” Lydia told Stiles.

“I know, he’s starting to get suspicious. I’m hoping that I can convince Derek to come to Movie night so that they can meet properly. Hopefully he’ll see that we will need to talk to Danny before he gets the wrong idea about us all.”

“You really think Derek is going to come on Friday?” Scott asks.

“He will if he knows what’s good for him. If he doesn’t come, neither can Jackson and I wouldn’t want to deal with his dramatic ass missing out on the Notebook.” Lydia teases.

“Don’t worry, he’ll be there. I’ll bribe him if necessary.” Stiles proclaimed.

“And what exactly will you bribe him with Stiles?” Allison asked sound curious as to what their perpetually grumpy alpha could be bribed with.

“It’s a secret!” Stiles whispered loudly with a wink.

His afternoon classes flew by and soon Stiles found himself standing around the loft’s dining room table with the three Hales, a map of Mexico spread in front of them.

“Alright, I need a little blood from one of you and then I can start the spell.” Stiles explained as Laura quickly offered her finger. Taking the long ritual dagger he had used during Laura’s resurrection, he pricked the tip of her finger. A small bead of blood appearing that Stiles guided her to drip onto the map.

“You know, Derek had to get his throat slit to bring you back. I think its rather unfair that you only have to get a paper cut to find Cora.” Peter snarked.

“Hush Uncle, let Stiles concentrate.” Laura admonishes, finger already healed.

Focusing all his attention on the speck of blood slowly seeping into the paper, Stiles traced a tracking rune into the air above the map. Channelling his Spark into the connections he felt to the Hale family, he willed the blood to find its blood. Essentially using the same principle that made Derek so instrumental in finding Laura back on the Otherside. While he was a firm believer in found family, he couldn’t dispute the magical aspects that connected blood relatives. Slowly, Laura’s blood began to move, trailing along the paper until it came to a stop at a small town in a southern region.

“You’ll find her here.” Stiles said as he released the rune.

“Okay then, we’re fly down to Mexico City first thing tomorrow. Looks like its not more than a days drive. Hopefully we can reach her before she moves on. If not we will have a place to start tracking her.” Peter said.

“Just remember to stay careful. If Kate had known enough to be down in Mexico, it’s likely local hunters are on her trail too. I’ve heard some particularly nasty stories about this family that make the Argents look positively angelic.” Stiles warned.

“Yes mom, we’ll be careful.” Peter deadpanned causing Laura and Jackson, who was playing video games quietly in the lounge, to snigger while Stiles just sputters, unable to think of a comeback to that.

“Shut up, creeperwolf!” He finally settles on before turning to a stiff Derek. “Come on sourwolf, lets get out of here. My dad wanted to talk to you when he gets home tonight.” Pulling the older man’s sleeve as he dragged him from the room. The laughter only intensified as the door shut behind them.

Bumping into Lydia on the stairs, Stiles smiled. She had to head home to grab some more clothes after school but her devotion to Jackson was clear to see with her spending every second she could near him. Stiles was glad he had gotten over his childhood crush on her whilst in Poland and he was starting to suspect that the kanima and banshee were mates.

“Where are you two heading?” The strawberry blonde asked.

“Back to mine. We need to discuss some things with my dad now he’s in the know.”

“Are you sure its safe to leave Jax here without Derek?”

“It should be fine. I’ve enhanced the warding so that if he has an episode, he will be contained. Laura and Peter are both here if anything happens, they should be able to get you out and call us if Derek is needed.”

“I’m not worried about that, he’d would never hurt me.” Lydia said completely sure.

“We know he wouldn’t hurt you intentionally but the Kanima might not recognise you. We don’t know how much of Jackson is retained.”

“Oh.” Lydia looked worried.

“We will find a way to make him better.” Derek said, joining in the conversation. “Peter’s leaving tomorrow and I know how good he is at chasing legends. He’ll find answers.”

“Thanks Derek.” Lydia gave him a small smile before heading the rest of the way upstairs.

“She needed that.” Stiles tells Derek as the reach his Jeep. “She’s struggling more than she’s letting on. Having her Alpha’s support will definitely help her hope.” Derek just raised his brow and didn’t reply. “You know you are doing a really good job especially with everything going on right now. Many Alpha’s wouldn’t take on a Kanima or a Banshee except to use them for their powers. A banshee is considered by many to be an omen of death, that allowing one into your pack is to invite death which is ridiculous and uninformed. They predict death and are absolutely not responsible for the death of pack mates just by existing. Helping Jackson wouldn’t even cross their minds, all they would see is a monster that they could use to kill their enemies without getting their own hands dirty.”

“I would never use someone to kill another especially a teenager.” Derek growled at the thought.

“I know you wouldn’t Der, there no need to get snarly at me.” Stiles quipped before he noticed the tense set of his shoulders. “What’s wrong?”

“There is a reason my eyes were blue before you gave me the Alpha spark. I was force to take Paige’s life by someone else and I wouldn’t wish that burden on anyone.” Derek replies self enforced indifference clear in his voice.

“I didn’t know.” Stiles responds. “Well obviously I saw your eyes, but I didn’t know that it was because of Paige. She was your girlfriend before everything went down with Kate, right?”

“Yeah, she was. A visiting Alpha bit her. She rejected the bite so I killed her to stop the pain.”

“Oh Derek. I’m so sorry. That doesn’t make you a murderer though. You did her a mercy.” Stiles said. He reached over to grasp Dereks fisted hand to comfort him. They sat in silence for a few moment.

“Thank you.” Derek said quietly into empty space between them, eyes not moving from their hands.

“For what?”

“For just getting it. For helping me with everything with the pack.”

“There’s no where I’d rather be, Der. You don’t need to thank me.”

“Yes I do, I couldn’t do this without you.” Slowly Derek unclenched his fist, claws retracting as he threaded his fingers through Stiles’. They drove the rest of the way holding hands.

The Sheriff wasn’t home yet so Stiles set off to his room, pulling out his homework at his desk as Derek sat on his bed flicking through his comic book collection. The silence that had filled the car after Derek’s confession continued comfortably. Leaving Derek upstairs, Stiles took a break to put dinner in the oven, noticing the cruiser pull into the drive way. He watched as his dad climbed from the front before moving to the trunk to pull a large duffle out. Swinging it across his shoulder, the Sheriff moved to open the passenger door. A tall curly haired blonde climbed out. Opening the front door, the Sheriff ushered an exhausted Isaac into the Stilinski home.

“Hey Dad what’s going on?” Stiles asked confused as to why his dad had brought Isaac home.

“Stiles, we need to talk about some things.” The Sheriff replied as he dropped the duffle by the door and headed into the lounge to sit in his recliner. Stiles followed collapsing clumsily onto the couch as Isaac looked around awkwardly as if unsure whether to follow. “Isaac come and take a seat please. You should be involved in this conversation too.” Isaac remained still for a moment before he slowly headed over to sit next to Stiles on the couch, making himself small as if wanting to take up as little space as possible. His dad just huffed a sigh and looked like he was wondering how to phrase whatever it was he had to say.

“Not that I don’t like Isaac or anything but why is he here?” Stiles asked getting impatient when the Sheriff still hadn’t spoken.

“That’s what this is about, son. Normally I wouldn’t discuss a case with you but seeing as you were the one to bring it to my attention and this will affect you life for a little while, I think it is necessary. This morning, I sent a deputy to check in with Mr. Lahey after you told me your concerns last night. Mr. Lahey did not react well to the deputy’s presence and he pulled a gun on him. After back up arrived, we were able to successfully arrest Mr. Lahey and conducted a thorough search of his property. What we found will put him away for a long time and he won’t be able to hurt anyone again.” A haunted look crossed the Sheriff’s face and Stiles knew whatever they had found must have been incredibly disturbing. “It’s seems that Isaac doesn’t have any family left which why Isaac is here. According to the social worker we spoke to today, they are rather inundated and there is no placements for a teen his age available. After I became Sheriff, I registered as an emergency foster parent in case of situations like this, so for the time being Isaac is going to stay with here until we can find something more permanent.”

“Oh.” Stiles responded, incredibly happy that Isaac was no longer in danger but knowing that it would be difficult to keep his supernatural activities secret from the boy. He could see Isaac had curled impossibly further into himself obviously wanting to disappear. His father noticed this too.

“Isaac, why don’t you head upstairs and put your stuff away while Stiles and I finish discussing this. Your room is the second door on the left. The bathroom is right next door.” The Sheriff suggested and Isaac quickly jumped into action, grabbing his duffle from the by the door and heading upstairs quickly. “Look Stiles, I know this isn’t an easy situation but we will find a way to make it work. I can’t tell you the details but what that kids gone through makes me sick. He’s going to need a lot of support to recover from this and we are currently to only people who can offer him a safe space to start that journey.”

“It’s okay dad, I get it. We need to help him. I’m just worried he will get caught up in certain aspects of my life.” Stiles explained. Before the Sheriff could respond they heard a small yell from upstairs and Isaac appeared suddenly.

“Stiles why is there a man in your room?” He asked frantically. Stiles kicked himself. He’d forgotten Derek waiting was upstairs. Suddenly a wave of guilt crashed over him. Derek would have heard everything that the Sheriff had said and Stiles figured Isaac wouldn’t want a stranger to know about his abuse.

“I completely forgot, Derek came over to talk to Dad.” Stiles said quickly, hoping his explanation would calm the panicky teen. “Hey Derek, want to come down and introduce yourself?” Stiles called up knowing that Derek’s werewolf hearing would hear him anyway but putting on a show for Isaac. A few moments later, Derek joined Isaac at the bottom of the stairs. The blonde quickly made his way across the room to Stiles side away from Derek.

“I’m Derek Hale.” He said to Isaac, eyebrows descending into a frown.

“This is Isaac, he’s going to be staying with us for a while so you can stop being grumpy and be nice to him.” Stiles scolded as move to the kitchen to check on dinner.

“Derek why don’t you come into my office and we can have that chat.”  His dad said as he ushered Derek towards his office. Isaac moved into the kitchen, standing close to Stiles but purposely not getting in the way.

“Why was Derek Hale in your room? Wasn’t he accused of murdering his sister?” Isaac whispered.

“He’s a friend of mine. His sister was missing for a while but is alive and well.” Stiles explained, keeping to the truth as much as possible. He was aware that Derek had been questioned after Laura had ‘disappeared’ but didn’t realise that the Beacon Hill’s gossip had distorted the truth so much. “Anyway me and Scott hang out at his place a lot and he spends time here sometimes as well, it’s not weird for him to be in my room.”

“Isn’t he a little old to be hanging with teenagers?”

“He’s only twenty, he kind of keeps us out of trouble so dad doesn’t mind it. You know I was always dragging Scott into mischief when we were kids.”

“Yeah I remember.” Isaac said almost wistfully.

“I wish I had spend more time making other friends when we were kids. Me and Scott were so involved in each other that we ignored everyone else. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know you better then but I would like for us to be friend’s now if you want. I was being serious when I said people can always use more friends.” Stiles slowly put his hand on Isaac’s arm to convey the truth in his words, watching carefully for any signs that Isaac didn’t want to be touched.

“I’d like that.” Isaac said shyly.

“Good. Now that’s cleared up, go and wash up cause dinner is ready. Downstairs toilet is down the hall to the right. Would you mind grabbing Dad and Derek on your way back?”

“Sure thing.” Isaac replied before he took off down the hall.

It was a nice change to eat dinner with his dad even if the company of the others made it a little awkward. Isaac ate his food quickly next to Stiles, looking scared that someone might take it away at any point and remained wary of Derek even after Stiles kicked the wolf under the table, raising an eyebrow before talking directly to Derek via their bond.

‘Stop scowling at him, he’s nervous enough as it is!’

‘He thinks I killed Laura.’

‘Then stop giving him murder brows then. Maybe try actually talking rather than brooding.’

‘I do not brood.’ Derek sounded indignant through the bond, scowl deepening.

‘You totally do.’ Stiles responded, accidentally laughing out loud.

“What funny son?” the Sheriff asked giving him a bemused look.

“Nothing, was just thinking of how I’m going to convince Derek to come to movie night on Friday.”

“You want me to come to movie night?”

“Yeah, you know that if you don’t come, the whole gang won’t be here.” Stiles emphasised, hoping Derek would catch his drift and understand that Jackson would want to attend. When Derek continued to look confused, he sighed, switching to the bond again.

‘Jackson will want to come and he can’t exactly leave the loft without you right now.’

“Plus I’m totally making my homemade cookies and don’t even pretend that you don’t like them. Last time I made them, Peter told me that it was you that ate them all before anyone else could.”

“I’ll come as long as Lydia doesn’t make us watch the Notebook.” Derek conceded.

“I think it will be Jackson who will force that movie on us.” Stiles told him with a laugh.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take a shower and head to bed.” Isaac said as he stood from the table.

“Sure thing, kid. Let me know if there’s anything you need.” The Sheriff replied.

“Will do. Thank you for dinner, Stiles.”

“You’re welcome.” Stiles called out as Isaac rushed up the stairs. Once he was out of earshot, he turned back to Derek. “So what do you think of the plan?”

“I don’t know. Do you think it will actually work?”

“We’ll only know if we try it. I’ll talk to Chris tomorrow and see what he thinks but I’m confident that reducing Gerard’s numbers early on will make it easier to handle him if it comes to a direct confrontation. Especially with Peter and Laura out of town for the foreseeable future.”

“I don’t like that me and Scott will be the only wolves left to protect the pack, maybe I should give a few people the bite to bolster our numbers.” Derek said looking conflicted. Stiles could imagine the turmoil going through the Alpha, on one hand Derek desperately wanted to protect his new pack and increasing their numbers where the easiest way to accomplish that quickly but on the other hand Derek was still grieving the death of Paige who had rejected the bite and probably felt guilty over Jackson’s current situation despite it saving his life.

“You’re not suggesting you will go round biting innocent people to turn them into soldiers, are you?” His dad looked shocked at the thought.

“Of course not,” Derek hurried to reply. “The bite is a gift and I would only give it to someone who gave informed consented. I would fully explained the situation to them before even offering. The only exception to that would be to save someone’s life like in Jackson’s case.”

“While I agree that more wolves would be beneficial in the fight against Gerard, isn’t it too soon. I read that adding to many beta’s too quickly can overwhelm the pack bonds. With Laura and Lydia having just joined, are you sure it’s a good idea to add more while those bonds are settling. Plus the bond with Jackson is pretty complex right now. It feels tainted by the Kanima.”

“You can feel the bonds?” Derek asked shocked.

“Well yeah, am I not suppose to be able too?”

“It’s rare for humans to feel them. It’s probably because of your spark.” Derek said too quickly and Stiles got the feeling that he wasn’t telling the whole truth. “Anyway with Laura and me had a preexisting bond from before that cemented in place when she joined as a second alpha. Being the Alpha of an alpha strengthened my own wolf and it’s urging me to expand the pack. Besides Lydia’s bond is different to a beta bond and doesn’t need to settle.”

“In that case we should be careful with who we pick. Maybe choose people that the bite will help, like with Scott and his asthma. I could even use my Spark to check them out before hand and see if they are compatible.”

“You can do that?” Derek asked.

“Of course, my Spark can detect magical currents within a person. Werewolf magic flows in a certain way which means that those with the best chance of surviving the bite have a similar flow pattern. It’s how I recognised Lydia as a banshee even before she had unlocked her powers. My spark was looking for an aura of death. If I had thought to delve further into Jackson’s, I would have recognised the blockage that suppressed his wolf all these years. I don’t know if my Spark would have been able to release and maybe cleanse it before it fully mutated into the Kanima but now its manifested itself, there is little I can do.”

“It would eliminate the risk of picking someone who would reject the bite.” Considered Derek.

“Okay I’ll start looking for people who would match our requirements at school. I know we already mainly high schoolers but younger people are less likely to reject the bite too.”

“Great, more teenage drama.” Derek deadpanned.

“Did you just attempt a joke?” Stiles grinned.

“No.” Derek said, small smile appearing from behind his perpetual scowl.

“You totally did! I knew you were capable sourwolf.” Stiles dramatically flailed his arms about as he began clearing their dinner plates. Dumping them in the sink he turned to them. “Right Dad you’re on dishes and I have homework to get back to. You want to hang out a bit longer Derek or do you want a lift back to the loft?”

“I should get back to Jackson. I can run back.” Derek said as he got up from the table, bringing the last of the dishes.

“If your sure?”

“Yeah, I want to clear my head.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow.” Stiles said as he closed the door behind the Alpha.

Turning back to his dad still sitting at the table giving him a intrigued look. Nerves rushed through him, he was about to be ask something important.

“So Son, when exactly were you going to tell me that you are in love with Derek Hale?”

Stiles splutters.

Chapter Text

“What?” Stiles finally manages to say. Damn his dad is getting really good at shocking him into silence. “I’m not in love with Derek!”

“Son, a blind man could see that you have feelings for the boy. You’ve never been subtle about your emotions. The entire town knew you were crushing on Lydia Matin when you were children.” Stiles collapsed into his chair, hands covering his face in embarrassment.

“Do you think he knows?” He asked quietly.

“No, I don’t think that Derek would recognise true affection if it hit him with a stick.”

“I don’t want to pressure him in any way. After everything with Kate, it’s not fair to put him in that position.”

“You a good person Stiles and I understand why you are doing it. It’s a complicated situation but it’s never a good idea to bury your feelings.”

“It sounds like you want me to tell him. What if I do and it gets all weird between us? It would be awkward as we would still have to work together for the sake of the pack.”

“You’re making excuses. You’re turning seventeen soon and as long as things remain PG while your still a minor I don’t see what the problem is.”

“I don’t understand why your telling me this?” Stiles said confused. “Surely as Sheriff you would want me to date someone legal?”

“From what I saw at dinner, you make each other happy. After everything you both have gone through, you deserve some happiness.”

“Okay, I get it. I’ll talk to him but not until all the crazy has slowed down.”

“Don’t wait too long Stiles, you never know what the future will hold.”

“Well actually Dad, I do have access to a scrying spell I’ve wanted to try out for ages but the ingredients are super hard to find.”

The Sheriff just laughs.

.

The next morning, Stiles was awake bright and early. Making breakfast for the three of them before grabbing the paper for his dad.

“What have you done?” His dad asked suspiciously when he made his way down the stairs.

“Nothing!” Protested Stiles as Isaac joined the Sheriff at the breakfast table.

“This is real bacon, Stiles. You told me I am only allowed it on my birthday.” The Sheriff said as he waved his hands at the spread on the table. “I’ll never forgive Melissa for showing you the results of my physical.” He grumbled under his breath.

“Don’t you dare blame Mrs McCall, how else was I supposed to make sure you were eating healthy while I was away? That woman was a hero keeping you in line for the last 6 years.”

“More like a menace, convincing every store in a 20-mile radius to refuse to sell me bacon.”

“Hey! That was my idea to put up those posters. It worked didn’t it?”

“Yes it did son, but it still doesn’t explain why we have bacon on my not-birthday.”

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to look a gift horse in the mouth?” Stiles teased. “I thought it would be nice for us to celebrate seeing as its Issac’s first day living with us.”

“You did this for me?” Isaac asked shocked.

“Well yeah, I wanted to make you feel at home.” Stiles explained.

“Thank you.” A light coloured blush spread across his cheeks.

“Hey, it was nothing. You need a ride to school today, right? I saw that you didn’t bring your bike with you last night.”

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

“I’ll pick you up kid, my deputies have finished out your old house and we should probably go and get some more of your things this afternoon. You won’t last long with the few clothes in that duffle.” Isaac shrunk into himself at the mention of his old house. “If we get everything you need today, you won’t ever need to go back there. We can take it slow and if it gets too much, we can leave.”

“Okay, Sir.”

“Call me Sheriff or Noah. ‘Sir’ makes me feel old.”

“That’s cause you are old, Daddio!” Stiles teased.

“Why you little…”

“Come on Issac, I promised to pick up Scott before school today.” Stiles said laughing as he jumped out the way of the grape his dad threw at him from the fruit bowl. Quickly Isaac shovelled down the last of his food, grabbing his backpack and following Stiles out the door.

Scott was not pleased to find his spot in Stiles’ Jeep occupied when they pulled up outside the McCall residence. Grumbling as he climbed into the back seat. Stiles threw him a stern look.

“Scotty you better quit your whining or there will be no cookies for you on movie night.”

“But that’s not fair, Derek ate them all last time!”

“I know which is why I will be rationing them out on Friday and I will make sure Ally gets yours if you aren’t nice to Issac.” Once Scott looked properly chastised, Stiles checked over Isaac. The blonde was looking back at Stiles as if he was confused as to why he was defending him.

“Why are you driving Isaac to school anyway? Doesn’t he live over by the cemetery?” Scott asked when Stiles looks back at the road.

“Isaac’s going to be living with me and dad for the time being. I’ll probably be driving him to school most mornings.”

“I can sit in the back tomorrow if you want.” Isaac said quietly.

“Perhaps we can take it in turns.” Scott agreed happily.

Lunch was awkward, to say the least. Stiles invited Isaac along to sit with them and he had hesitantly agreed to come but sat quietly looking down at his food avoiding eye contact. Scott tried his best to involve Isaac in conversation with Danny about lacrosse but struggled when he didn’t get a response. Lydia had withdrawn into herself in Jackson’s absence and sat talking in hushed tones only to Allison. By the time the bell rang, Stiles was ready for it to end. He knew that it would take time for Isaac to open up to new people and Lydia time to adjust to Jackson’s absence but it was hard for Stiles to watch his friends be unhappy. All he wanted to do was wrap them both in a hug and fix all their problems for them but he knew what they were going through couldn’t be fixed easily. All he could do is be there for them when they needed him.

After school, Stiles made his way to the school library, intent on finishing his assignments for the week so he could concentrate on his friends and pack. The peace and quiet in the library would allow him to focus and he hoped that by not telling the pack where he was, he might remain undisturbed. Heading to a table in the far corner of the stacks, he was surprised to find his intended hiding spot already occupied. A muscular dark-skinned teen sat with his text booked spread across the table.

“Hey, do you mind if I join you?” Stiles asked. “I’m trying to hide out from my friends.”

The boy nodded. Not stopping his writing in his notebook.

“Is that yes you mind or yes I can join you?”

“Yes, you can join me.” The boy replied with a sigh as he finally looked up. “As long as your quiet.”

“Being quiet has never really been my forte, but I’ll try my hardest.” Stiles said as he mimed zipping his lips shut.

They sat working quietly in each other’s company for a while before Stiles finally gave in to the compulsion to fidget. The boy across huffed in annoyance.

“Would you stop that?”

“Oh, sorry sometimes I don’t realise I’m doing it.”

“I figured.” The serious boy replied.

“So, what are you doing here all by yourself?”

“Avoiding people.”

“Why?”

“I don’t want to go home. Why are you hiding from your friends?”

“I struggle enough to focus and if I do my assignments where they can find me, I get distracted so figured I’d try to hide in here for a bit. I’m Stiles by the way.” He said as he extended his hand across the table. The boy looked at his hand as if it would bite. He retracted his hand slowly, not wanting to force the boy. “I don’t think we’ve met before. What’s your name?”

“I’m Boyd.” He monotoned.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Boyd. How come I haven’t seen you around before? Are you a sophomore like me?” Stiles asked, questioning his observation skills if he had missed noticing Boyd’s existence.

“Yeah I’m a sophomore, we share Biology.”

“Then I’m sorry that we haven’t spoken before now.”

“It’s okay, not a lot of people notice me anyway.”

“Well now we’ve met I hope we can be friends. I was just telling Isaac last night that we can always use more friends. He doesn’t seem to have many friends either but I’m hoping to change that. He was supposed to come to a movie night at mine this Friday but he’s staying with me for a while so he will be there anyway. Would you like to come? I’m making cookies and we are going to watch the Notebook first but after that, I’m going to insist on Star Wars. I don’t care if Scott complains about watching it for the millionth time. Danny even promised to bring snacks but don’t feel obligated to bring anything, just bring yourself.” Stiles babbled.

“Why?” Stiles almost laughed. That had been Isaac’s response too.

“Because I know what it’s like to be lonely. Back in Poland, I was homeschooled by my grandfather. I didn’t have any friends and even though I talked to my Dad and Scott a lot on video chat, it wasn’t the same.” Stiles gave him a sad smile. “No one deserves to be lonely.”

“Okay.” Boyd responded.

“Great, join us for lunch tomorrow as well and we can talk details.” Before Stiles could say anything else a panicked looking Scott appeared.

“Dude, what the hell? I’ve been looking for you everywhere! When you didn’t show up at the loft we thought something had happened.” Scott rushed out throwing himself into Stiles lap and burying his face in his neck. Stiles soothed the anxious wolf in his arms, stroking his hand down his back while watching Boyd to gauge his reaction to Scott’s odd behaviour.

“I’m fine Scotty boy, I text Derek to let him know I was heading round when I left school and I very much am clearly still here.”

“He freaked out when you didn’t show, we even tried your cell but you didn’t answer.” Stiles pulled it from his backpack and saw a list of missed calls on the screen, even Jackson had tried to call him.

“I turned it on silent cause it’s a library.” Stiles said apologetically.

“You need to come to the loft now, Jackson isn’t reacting well to you being missing.”

“Alright, I’m coming. See you tomorrow Boyd.” Stiles gave him a wave and hustled Scott through the shelves of books. “Dude turn down your wolf, if we’re not careful the entire school will get suspicious.”

“I’m sorry but we were just all so worried. Chris phoned Derek and told him that Gerard might have sent some men to help Kate in her hunt. If its true Gerard will figure out that she is missing much early than we expected.”

“Shit, that’s not good at all.”

They quickly made their way out to the Jeep, Scott texting everyone that he had found Stiles and that they were heading to the loft now. Scott’s insistence made him drive a little over the speed limit. Stiles sincerely hoped that no deputies would pull him over, he had a feeling that his Dad would have told them to keep an eye out for his powder blue Jeep. Making his way into the loft, he was shocked when Jackson, Lydia and Allison all threw themselves at him as soon as he crossed the threshold.

“Whoa, guys I’m okay. I was just holed up in the library. Never even left the school grounds. I’m sorry I worried you, my phone was on silent.”

“Never do that again.” Lydia insisted as she extracted herself along with Allison, giving him a light punch to the arm. Out of nowhere, Jackson hissed at her as scales flickered across his face. The Kanima moved protectively in front of Stiles and looked like his was about to lunge at Lydia.

“Calm down Jackson.” Derek’s voice boomed from where he stood across the room. Just as quickly as it came, the Kanima retreated and Jackson looked at his shocked girlfriend in panic.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me. Why did I do that?” He said horror seeping into his voice. “I would never hurt you. You have to believe me!” He pleaded as Lydia slowly backed away terrified as scales flickered across his face again. “Why did that happen?”

“Jackson calm down now!” Derek repeated this time the order was clear in his tone. While Derek was the Kanima’s master, not Jackson’s, he still had some sway over the boy’s control. Slowly Jackson began to take deep, calming breaths and turned to hide his face back into Stiles' shoulder. Placing an arm around him, Stiles guided him to sit on the couch. Everyone else followed looking warily at Jackson.

“Why did he lose control?” Lydia asked finally when she tried to get her fear under control.

“I don’t know for certain but I think that it was trying to protect it’s pack member.” Derek finally responded when Stiles seems too preoccupied with comforting Jackson. “The Kanima is bonded to me and therefore bonded to the pack. It can tell how important Stiles is to the pack and when you punched him, the Kanima saw that as an attack. Coupled with the existing worry about Stiles safety, the Kanima reacted protectively.”

“Oh.” Lydia responds.

“You need to go.” Jackson states emotionlessly as he looked up at her from when he’d snuggled into Stiles' neck. “I don’t want to risk you getting hurt.”

“I’m not going anywhere Jackson.” Lydia said defiantly.

“I don’t want you here. All you are doing is worrying about me and it's not making it any better. I can’t be with you right now. I don’t want to be. Leave before I make you.” Jackson almost shouts. Lydia’s face fell. A silence passed as she searched Jackson’s face before she jumped to her feet and ran from the loft.

“You didn’t need to be so cruel.” Allison admonished before she rushed after her best friend.

“What did I just do?” Jackson asked himself quietly. Standing up, he rushed up the stairs and a second later a door slammed shut.

“Scott do you think you could go and check on the girls? Me and Derek need to talk.” Stiles said, voice firm leaving no room for argument. Scott nodded and quickly followed after Lydia and Allison.

Turning to Derek, he sighed.

“How the hell did this happen?”

Derek hated the look of disappointment Stiles was giving him. It made every thought he’d ever had about not being enough, of being a bad brother, a bad son and a bad alpha, loud in his head. The worst part is that those thoughts sounded awfully like Kate. He didn’t know how to react to Stiles’ look so he fell back onto his old coping mechanism: anger.

“You said that you were coming over after school and when you didn’t arrive, we were worried. We tried to call but when you didn’t pick up we thought the hunters Chris warned us about had gotten you.” He shouted. “Peter and Laura had only just left this morning and with me stuck here babysitting Jackson, Scott was the only wolf to go and track you down.”

“I told you I would be here when I left school, I never specified a time. I needed some time to get my homework done without the constant distraction of the pack.”

“The pack is a distraction to you?”

“That not what I meant. I struggle to focus with everyone about and being in actual school is hard enough for me. I can’t let my grades slip so I just wanted one afternoon of peace to do something for myself. With Isaac living with me, I won’t have any quiet there either and with the continuous needs of the pack here, it gets overwhelming.” Stiles shouted back. “We’re trying to balance so much at the moment; Jackson being a Kanima, Gerard’s imminent arrival as well as all the personal drama in this pack. I can’t drop the ball because if I do someone might get hurt.”

“I never asked for your help Stiles. You can walk away at any time.” Derek said through gritted teeth. He regretted the words as soon as he had spoken them. Just the thought of Stiles leaving made his wolf howl in agony.

“Don’t you dare.” Stiles said going deathly still. “Don’t you dare say that to me. You know exactly why I’m came here and why I will stay. I care about this pack just as much as you Derek.”

“I’m sorry.” Derek conceded. “That was wrong of me to say. It’s just when after Chris called to give us the heads up about some possible hunters and we couldn’t reach, I panicked.”

“I get that everyone was freaked out but the pack responds to you. If you had stayed calm, they would find it easier to as well. Why didn’t you just try me through the bond?”

“I didn’t think of that.” Derek could have kicked himself as he hung his head in shame.

“Oh, sourwolf.” Sighed Stiles as he crossed the room and Derek was pulled into a tight hug. “We going to have to fix this mess together.”

Derek nuzzled into Stiles’ neck like he had wanted to since the boy had stepped through the door of the loft. He had barely restrained his wolf whilst the rest of the pack cuddled up to his mate. Thinking Stiles was in danger had sent him into a tailspin of panic and he knew that the Kanima’s reaction was due to that anxiety coupled with Stiles being his master’s mate and not just important to the pack. Whilst he felt bad for bending the truth, he knew telling anyone the real reason was not an option. Enjoying the feel of Stiles arms around his waist for a few more seconds, Derek gathered the will to pull out of the hug.

“So what now?” He asked as he rested his forehead against Stiles and looked directly into his honeyed eyes.

“You need to go and talk to Jackson while I talk to Lydia.”

“Why do I get the moody one.” Derek joked, hoping to clear the tension in the air.

“Because you’re the Alpha.” Stiles said with a big grin before he spun out of Derek’s hold and headed off in search of the Banshee.

Derek knocked gently on the door to the room he’d offered to Jackson. It was an attempt to ease the fact the teen was sleeping in a cage in the basement, to give the boy some private space in the loft while he was staying here. He was running out of spare bedrooms with the pack growing quickly and had already discussed with Peter about knocking out a few walls and extending into the empty loft unit next door. With Cora’s hopeful return and the need to establish himself as the primary Alpha by adding a few of his own betas, they would need the space. Especially since Stiles had suggested pack night sleepovers the other day.

“Jackson, can I come in?” There was no response but Derek could hear his heart beat pick up inside the room. “We need to talk.”

“If we have to.” Jackson replied muffled and Derek opened the door finding Jackson spread across the bed, hiding his face in the pillow. Sitting on the end of the bed, Derek attempted to put on a comforting face. It was uncomfortable and he quickly returned to his resting expression.

“I know that everything with the Kanima is frustrating for you but you cannot lash out. That is giving in to the Kanima and allowing it to win.”

“I don’t know what else to do. I can feel it like its right beneath my skin. It’s angry and wants to hurt people and I’m scared if I let it out it will hurt someone I care about.”

“Giving in to that anger is not the answer though.”

“I could hear you and Stiles arguing downstairs. You’re just as angry as me, probably more so.”

“I know. It was wrong of me to react that way just as it was for you too. I’ve been angry for a long time, Jackson. I made it my anchor but that is changing, has changed.”

“What’s your anchor now?” Jackson asked curiously.

“This pack.” Derek replied while his wolf howled ‘Stiles’ in response. “It was what allowed me to transform in full shift the night of the ritual. Letting go of my anger allowed me to evolve. Protecting my pack meant I could move on from my pain and focus on the future.”

“You weren’t able to shift into a wolf before?”

“No. It was something my Mother and Laura could do but not me.”

“Will letting go of my anger that work for me?”

“I don’t know but it might make a difference. You’ll never know unless you try.”

“I don’t know how.”

“What makes you angry, Jackson? Figuring out that seems like a good place to start.”

“I’m angry that my birth parents abandoned me. That my adoptive parents ignored me. That I was born a wolf and that someone chose to repress it for years. That I’m a monster created to kill people. That I’m still not part of the real pack even after the bite. I’m angry at a lot of things.”

“But you are part of the pack, you were part of it when you were human and chose to risk your life to help bring back my sister. I know the bond you feel now isn’t exactly what you wanted but it’s what we’ve got for now.”

“I know but I’m just so angry.”

“None of those things that make you angry are Lydia though.”

“No.”

“So why did you get angry at her?”

“I just want to keep her safe. I almost attacked her. I can’t risk hurting her.”

“Then don’t push her away. Talk to her about your fears, Lydia will listen. She loves you after all.”

“How do you know?” Jackson looked unsure.

“Because she has stood by you despite the Kanima. Most people would have run for the hills.”

“We’ve never told each other that we love each other.” Jackson said quietly.

“Well, perhaps you should tell her.”

“I don’t know if now is the right time. Right now I need to think some things through.”

“I’ll leave you to it then but don't wait too long to tell her how you feel.” Derek said as he got up to leave the room. As he closed the door behind him, he heard Jackson murmur softly.

“Thank you, Alpha.”

Stiles found Lydia in the training room, huddled between Scott and Allison. Red rimmed her eyes as she swiped away her tears.

“Oh, Lydia.” Stiles sighed as he sat before her and reached to hold her hand.

“Stiles,” she cried as she launched herself into his lap. “I don’t know what to do? I can’t leave him but he was so angry.”

“Jackson is going through a lot and he’s never been very good with emotions. You know he didn’t mean it. He loves you.”

“Stiles is right Lyds, Jackson loves you more than anything.” Allison commented.

“I just don’t know if its enough to just know anymore. It would make it so much easier if he just told me how he feels.” Said Lydia, face buried in Stiles' neck.

“He’s never told you that he loves you?” Allison asked.

“No. We’ve been together since we were thirteen and friends even longer but he’s never the words out loud.”

“Lydia, he will take his head out of his arse one day and say it. Just hold onto your love just a little longer. I promise you that he loves you just as much but right now he doesn’t trust himself. For as long as he remains a Kanima, he will be dangerous to you and all those around him and he just wants to keep you safe.” Stiles told her. “Peter will find the something in South America and we will have more of an idea on how to help him.”

“How long do you think it will take?” Lydia asked looking hopeful.

“I don’t know but what I do know is that Peter is one of the most persistent men I’ve ever met and if there is something to be found, he will find it.”

“I don’t know what to do until then. Jackson doesn’t want me here but this is my pack too. I won’t be excluded because he’s upset with himself.” Lydia said as she shuffled back into her spot, wiping her cheeks and flattening her hair. Stiles could tell that she was moving on from her sadness and was now becoming determined.

“Well, why don’t you and Allison have a girl’s night tonight? Take some time to figure out what you want to say to him. You’ll see Jackson on Friday at pack movie night and can talk then.” Stiles suggested.

“My Dad won’t mind if you want to stay. We can watch movies and eat ice cream.”

“I would like that.” Lydia responded smiling.

“Great, I’m just going to say goodbye to Derek and then I’ll give you all a lift.”

“No need, I’ve got my car today.” Said Lydia.

“Alright, Scotty boy?”

“Could you drop me off at Deaton’s, don’t want to be late for work.”

“Of course.” Stiles said through gritted teeth at the thought of the town vet.

Running up the stairs, he found Derek in the study that was used as more of a book storage than an actual place to study. Curled up with a book in the window seat, Derek’s large frame almost looked small.

“What are you reading?” Stiles asked intrigued to see a novel rather than a tome balance in Derek’s hands.

“It’s just some book I’ve been trying to get through for a while.” Derek responded, closing his book.

“How did it go with Jackson?”

“Better than expected, Lydia?”

‘She’s coping, going to spend the night with Allison. I think Jackson and Lydia could use a little space right now. I’m going to head out if you don’t need anything, I’m dropping Scott at Deaton’s on my way.”

“Okay, see you tomorrow?” Derek asked.

“I will have Isaac with me after practice. Not sure if it’s a good idea to bring him here.”

“You’re probably right.” Derek said as Stiles turned to leave. “I really am sorry about earlier.”

“I know you’re sorry.” He said from where he paused in the doorway. “Just promise you won’t question my allegiance to this pack again. I’m all in, Derek. You should know that by now.”

His Dad was shocked to see him appear home so early. He knew he hadn’t spent enough time with the Sheriff recently, all the supernatural getting in the way of father and son bonding time. But as he cooked dinner for the three of them he looked over at his dad and Isaac watching the game together, he was glad to have the evening with just them.

Soon he found himself curled up in bed with his laptop. Just before he could convince himself to put it away and get some sleep, there was a knock at his door.

“Come in.”

Isaac appeared looking nervous.

“Whatcha need Isaac?” He asked.

“I want to ask you something.”

“What is it?”

“I kind of overheard you talking with Derek last night. It wasn’t intentional. I promise I didn’t mean too. It was an accident.”

“Oh. It’s not what you think.” Stiles responded, panicking. They had been discussing the supernatural last night. It would be difficult to explain away what he’d overheard.

“I know what I heard and I’ve been thinking. I want to be a werewolf.”

Chapter Text

“Werewolves don’t exist Isaac.” Stiles said adamantly.

“I know what I heard last night and I know that weird things have been happening ever since you came home. Scott’s suddenly a great athlete after years of asthma attacks. Jackson is mysteriously missing. You spend time with the Hale’s. Something is going on here in Beacon Hills and you are right at the centre of it.”

“I really don’t know what you're on about.” Stiles insisted.

“Don’t lie to me!” Isaac nearly yelled. “I know it's true.”

“Look Isaac even if it was true, you wouldn’t want to be involved. It’s dangerous.”

“I don’t care. I researched werewolves online. They are strong and fearless. If I was one, no one would be able to hurt me again.”

“No, normal people wouldn’t be able to but there are people out there that would hunt you for being a werewolf. People who know how to hurt them and do it extremely well.”

“But I would be able to defend myself.”

Stiles understood why Issac would think that being a werewolf would help keep him safe but his overprotective instincts were raging at him to keep Isaac safe and out of the hands of hunters. The poor boy had suffered enough.

“No, you wouldn’t Isaac. You’ve been through so much already and even if Derek were to agree to turn you, we don’t know where you will be going when Social Services find you a permanent place to live. If you were a wolf out on your own you would be as good as dead.”

“So it’s Derek I need to convince?” Isaac questioned hopefully. Stiles mentally facepalmed, knowing he’d just given Isaac crucial information.

“He is the Alpha but he will say no just like me. Your better off staying human and living a normal life.”

“My life will never be normal. My mom and brother are dead and my father is in jail. I will bounce around until I turn eighteen and then the state will kick me out on my ass. I don’t see the harm in just asking Derek. He’s coming on Friday anyway.”

“Go ahead and ask but just don’t get your hopes up.”

“Okay. Night.” Isaac said as he left the room.

Stiles sighed. He’d fucked up. It had taken Isaac less than 24 hours in the Stilinski house to figure out their big secret and now wanted to be part of it. He should have been more careful and prevented the truth from coming out. This wasn’t good at all he thought as he finally turned his light off, knowing he would have to deal with it tomorrow.

Isaac didn’t talk to him the next morning. The drive to school was awkward but Scott happily managed to fill the silence. Isaac escaped the car as soon as it was parked and didn’t look in his direction for the rest of the morning. Come gym class, Stiles had spent most of the morning hoping Isaac would stop the silent treatment and still join them at lunch. His thoughts were interrupted when the blonde girl who was currently using the climbing wall fell limp. Her rope partner lowered her to the floor, Scott who was nearby guided her body when it was low enough to avoid her being dropped. Glancing around, he couldn’t see the teacher anywhere in the room. He rushed over, pushing through the rest of the class who had gathered round to stare.

“Everyone back off.” He shouted as he finally reached the girl who was thrashing about on the floor. It was obvious that she was having a seizure. “Give her space. Scott cushions her head.”

As soon as Scott was supporting her head, Stiles made a split-second decision and reached out with his spark, willing his magic to ease the convulsions. He kept his eyes closed to avoid anyone seeing his silver irises. Slowly the girl stilled. When he was sure that the worst of it was over, he gently pulled her into the recovery position. The gym teacher appeared, another student having run off to find him.

“What’s going on?” He asked panicked.

“She fell off the wall when she had a seizure. We cushioned her head and waited it out before I put her into the recovery position.” Stiles explained.

“We need to get her to the nurse's office immediately.” The teacher said.

“Me and Scott will take her.” Stiles said as he gestured for Scott to pick her up. The teacher nodded before turning back to the class and dispersing the gawking students.

“Right all of you, the show’s over. Back to your workout stations.” He called.

When they made it out into the corridor, they moved quickly.

“Do you know her name?” Stiles asked Scott.

“I think it’s Erica. She went to elementary with us.”

“Okay, when she wakes up we have to make sure she doesn’t suspect anything. I used my spark to ease the spasms. She might have felt my magic.”

“Was that a good idea?”

“I don’t know but I couldn’t stand there and do nothing when I could have helped.”

The school nurse was frantic when the appeared with a still limp Erica. Rushing them toward a bed, she busied herself checking Erica over once Scott put her down. When she seemed to have finished her initial assessment, she headed for her office to pull Erica’s medical records. While she was out of the room, Erica slowly came to.

“Where am I?” She mumbled confused.

“It’s okay, Erica. You’re in the nurse's office.” Stiles told her.

“Stiles? What are you doing here?”

“Me and Scott brought you. You had a seizure during class, nearly fell from the wall.”

“I have epilepsy.” Erica explained as the nurse reappeared.

“Ms Reyes, how are you feeling? Haven’t seen you in a while.”

“My new medication has been helping but I think its stopped working.”

“That’s not good. My latest notes from your Doctor say that if this one doesn’t work, then they want to operate.”

“I don’t want the surgery!” Erica said defiantly.

“It could stop the seizures. Do you not want that?”

“Of course I want them to stop but I don’t want them to cut into my brain to do it.”

“I understand. Right now you need to rest. I will call your parents to come and pick you up. Please visit your doctor soon to discuss your medication.” Said as she turned back to her office, only just noticing Scott and Stiles were still in the room. “Mr McCall and Mr Stilinski, please head back to your class now.”

“Okay, we’ll just say goodbye.” Stiles said at her retreating back. “Can we get you anything, Erica?”

“Could one of you bring my stuff from the locker room please?”

“Of course.” Scott replied.

“Thank you for your help. It’s really embarrassing when this happens.” She sighed resigned.

“It’s nothing,” Stiles said as he moved to gently hold her hand. “Anyone would do the same.”

“You’d be surprised. Last year one boy filmed me and put it online rather than help me.”

“That’s disgusting. Who was it? I can report them to my dad if you want.”

“It doesn’t matter now. But thanks anyway.” She said with a blush.

“Right then we should go. We’ll bring your bag at lunchtime.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

As they headed back toward the gym class, Stiles felt confident that Erica had not noticed his magic. Interestingly, when his magic had coursed through Erica’s body, it had flowed in the pattern of someone who would thrive with the bite. Erica would be an ideal pack member, the determination she had shown about her illness could transfer into her being a fierce wolf. Additionally, the bite could cure her epilepsy.

They reached their class just as the bell rang for lunch. Scott offered to take Erica her stuff and meet Stiles at their table. So after taking his time to change out of his gym kit, Stiles found himself meandering down the empty corridors alone. Lost in thought over Erica’s compatibility to becoming a werewolf, Stiles was surprised to come across two students arguing quietly in a dark corner. Recognising one as Allison, he rushed toward the pair.

“Everything okay, Allison?” He asked sternly, not recognising the other teen who had crowded her against the lockers.

“I was just telling Matt here that I have plans with you this weekend meaning I can’t go out with him.”

“What? You're seeing both McCall and his weirdo friend now?” Matt sneered down at her.

“Stiles is my friend and if you think calling him names will change my mind about going out with you, then you are seriously wrong.”

“Come on Allison, you know he’s a loser. Why would you even want to spend time with him?” Matt sneered.

“Maybe because I’m a decent human being who doesn’t call people names.” Stiles stated as he positioned himself next to Allison. Reaching for her hand to pull her away.

“Your nothing but a freak, swanning into this school and making friends with the popular students. What’s so special about you anyway? Your spastic brain or your mommy issues?”

“Don’t ever talk about my mom.” Stiles said darkly. He could feel his spark simmering with his anger, wanting to retaliate.

“At least your poor mommy died before she could see what a freak her son had become.” Stiles didn’t have time to react before Allison threw a wicked right hook, landing squarely on Matt’s face.

“He said don’t talk about his mom.” She spat out.

“You bitch! I think you broke my nose.” He yelled as he launched himself at her. Stiles pulled her out the way as he stuck his foot out. Matt tripped and fell into a bloody sprawling heap on the floor.

“I would suggest that you walk away now,” Stiles told the boy, voice dark. “Leave Allison alone.”

“Or what? What can you do to me?” Matt said defiantly.

“You don’t want to know.” A dangerous glint flashed through his eyes. “Don’t harass my friends again, I will do anything to protect them. Come on Allison, let's go.” Stiles said as he pulled Allison towards the cafeteria. “You all okay?” He asked when they were far enough away.

“Yeah, I think so. “

“Has that happened before?”

“Matt’s been a bit odd with me, always trying to talk to me when I’m alone but never been so forceful before.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? We could have kept an eye on him.”

“I didn’t think he would go this far.”

“Well, now he has you need to report him.”

“I don’t want anyone to know. The school will have to report it to my Dad who will go crazy and be completely overprotective. ”

“At least tell Scott. He can at least walk you to and from class. Not that you can’t protect yourself but I think Matt would be unlikely to approach you if he was about.”

“I’ll think about it but can we please keep this between us for the moment.”

“Okay Allison, but the second I think you're in danger, I will call Chris myself.”

“That’s fair.”

Reaching their usual lunch table, Stiles was pleased to see that both Isaac and Boyd had joined. Both sat quietly chatting to one another while Danny tried to engage Lydia in conversation. The banshee looked haunted, red encircling her eyes as if she had been crying again. Her usually perfect hair was ever so slightly out of place. When Scott finally joined them, Stiles looked across at the array of people, many who had gone to school together for years but had never felt the need to get to know one another properly. Something he hoped to change tomorrow night with popcorn and movies. If only the supernatural elements of their lives could remain hidden long enough for them to get to know each other.

By lacrosse practice, Stiles was happy that Isaac was at least looking his way. The blonde was definitely an expert on giving the cold shoulder. During the ride home Stiles managed to coax some responses from him.

Did you have a good day?  Yes.

What do you want for dinner?  Don’t care.

You seemed to get on well with Boyd at lunch?  He’s calm.

When they had pulled up at home, all progress that they had made was lost when Isaac ran from the Jeep and holed himself in his room for the evening. Only leaving to join Stiles and the Sheriff for dinner before retreating again.

“What’s up with the kid tonight?” The Sheriff asked as he helped put away the dishes.

“He overheard us talking with Derek the other night. Wants to become a werewolf, thinks it will allow him to defend himself. I told him no. We don’t know where he’s going after he leaves here and I refuse to make him a lone wolf target for hunters.”

“Son,” the Sheriff said once he’d recovered from the shock of Isaac knowing about werewolves. “Isaac’s been through more than anyone ever should have. It is completely reasonable for him to want to have a way to defend himself. And whilst I agree that his future in the system will complicate things, you cannot make this choice for him. It is between Derek and himself.”

“I know Dad but I just worry that with Gerard coming, Isaac would be targeted. I won’t let him suffer anymore.”

“Stiles you can’t protect everyone. Sometimes you have to let them protect themselves.”

“I just feel responsible for everyone’s safety. Mom asked me to protect the Hale pack. It was her dying wish.”

“Your mom wouldn’t want you to drown under the weight of that promise.” The Sheriff pulled Stiles into a tight hug. “You can’t control everything, all you can do is try your hardest. On that note, I need to get back to the station. I’m assuming you're staying in tonight?”

“Yeah planning a quiet one in.”

After the Sheriff left, Stiles settled down in his room with books of lore scattered around him. Combing them once again for any knowledge on kanima. Just as he packed it in for the night and felt himself drifting off to sleep, he heard a cry from down the hall. Jumping out of bed he rushed towards Isaac’s room. Inside, Isaac lay thrashing in his bedsheets.

“Isaac!” He called rushing to the boy's bedside. “Isaac, wake up. It’s just a nightmare.”

“No! Don’t leave me in here. Please. Let me out!” Isaac screamed.

“It’s okay Isaac. You’re not there anymore. You’re safe.” Stiles gently touched his hand to Issac’s, pushing his spark into him, willing the nightmare to be soothed away.

“Stiles?” Isaac asked groggily as he came to. “What are you doing here?”

“You were having a nightmare. I could hear you from down the hall.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to apologies. It’s not your fault. Are you okay now or did you want me to stay for a bit?”

“Please stay.” Isaac pleaded as he tightened his grasp on Stiles' hand.

“Okay, scoot over and I will stay.” Climbing onto Isaac’s bed, he shifted about until he was comfy. When he had settled, Isaac curled up into his side, unwilling to release his hand. “Don’t tell Scott we cuddled. He’s been begging me for a sleepover. I know it’s just because he wants to be my little spoon.”

“I like Scott. He gave me his chocolate pudding at lunch today.”

“Yeah, he’s a good friend. He reminds me of a puppy most days.”

“Me too.”

Waking up, Stiles found himself with a face full of curls. He hadn’t intended to spend the rest of the night in Isaac’s bed but he must have fallen asleep. The taller boy was still curled up in his arms, expression peaceful. While it was definitely nice to be cuddled up with someone in the morning, Stiles noted that there was a distinct difference to how it felt compared to when he woke up next to Derek. The Alpha always curled around him protectively in his sleep, curving into as much of Stiles body as possible whereas Isaac cuddled into him seeking protection and comfort.

Getting out of the bed, Stiles nudged Issac awake before getting on with his morning routine. His dad wasn’t home yet, which worried him. Pulling his phone out he checked his messages. A text from Lydia at 3 in the morning increased his anxiety.  I felt the need to scream tonight.  Shit. A supernatural creature had died last night and he didn’t know who. If Lydia had managed to stop her scream, it was definitely not someone she knew well, meaning the pack was safe but it must be the hunters that Chris had warned them about. Dialling his dad immediately, he paced the length of his kitchen as he waited for his toast to be toasted.

“Stiles? What’s wrong?” His dad answered sounding tired.

“You tell me. Who was killed?”

“What? How did you know we found a body? Never mind, I’m assuming Lydia.”

“And the fact your night shift ended two hours ago yet your not home. Tell me what happened.” Stiles said buttering his toast.

“Son, I can’t just give out details of an ongoing investigation. You're not a deputy.” The Sheriff said exasperated.

“If Lydia felt the death, that means the victim was a supernatural creature ergo I need to know.”

“Fine,” the Sheriff huffs, “The body was found a mechanics on the other side of town. It appears that the victim was injected with a paralytic drug before being crushed under a car engine late last night. Not much is known on the victim yet other than he was a Beacon Hills native. I’ll send you the details.”

“Thanks Dad, I’ll talk to Derek about it. He might know something as the victim was a local supernatural.”

“If he does, get him to call me. If this is a supernatural case, I’d appreciate all the help I can get.”

“Will do. Thanks for not blocking us out on this. I’d hate to have to get Danny to hack into the BHPD.”

“Son, I’m the Sheriff. Please don’t tell me your plans to commit a crime.” His dad said, letting out a long-suffering sigh.

“I only tell you of the ones I know I don’t need to commit.” Stiles teased back.

“I know and that’s what worries me. Get yourself and Isaac to school before I have to arrest you for truancy and stay safe.”

“Of course Dad.” Stiles said before he hung up. Biting into his now cold toast he wondered if the rest of the day would be this troubling. After all dead bodies before breakfast wasn’t something he wanted to make a commonplace.

A few seconds later his phone beeped with a file of crime scene photos, the victims profile and other details the Sheriff’s Department had deemed necessary to the case. Forwarding it on to Derek with a brief explanation of what was going on. His phone rang almost immediately, Derek’s name flashing on the contact screen.

“Morning Sourwolf.” Stiles sighed as he answered, receiving a growl in response. “I’ve not even got to school yet and I’m already knee-deep in supernatural drama. What’s up now?”

“You drop me a text telling me of a suspected hunter kill and expect me not to ring you straight away?” Derek sounded astonished.

“Well it’s Beacon Hills, what else can I expect should I expect to go with my breakfast? More importantly, did you know the victim?”

“No, but I think Laura did. They went to high school together.”

“Can you ask her when she checks in later?”

“Of course.”

“How’s the hunt for Cora going? Did they say anything when they called yesterday?”

“They’re following leads but no luck so far.” Derek said resigned.

“If anyone could find her, it would be them. Peter’s like a dog with a bone and Laura will watch his back. They will come back together Der.”

“I know, I just wish that would be sooner rather than later.”

“It will be okay. I’ve got to run, high school waits for no one. I’ll see you tonight? Don’t think I’ll let you get out of it. Your furry butt better be at my place by 4 o’clock!”

“Me and Jackson will be there. I promise.”

“Good.” And Stiles hung up in his second call of the morning. Yelling up the stairs to hurry Isaac along, Stiles kind of wished he hadn’t gotten out of bed that morning at all.

By lunch, Stiles found his day had improved since his bad start to the morning. Surrounded by his friends, he felt the pressure of everything going on lifted off his shoulders for a little while. As they sat discussing their plans for movie night, Erica approached the table swimming in an oversized hoodie.

“Hey, Stiles.” She said, a blush spreading across her cheeks. “I wanted to thank you again for all your help yesterday.”

“Erica, I didn’t expect to see you today. Thought you might have taken the day off. How are you?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. Normally it takes me a while to recover but when I visited the doctor yesterday, my scans showed almost no signs of a seizure so they cleared me to come in today.”

“Oh. That’s great.” Stiles half lied. He was certainly glad that Erica had recovered so quick but he was worried that his magic might be noticed.

“Well anyway, I just wanted to thank you. I’ll be off.” She said bashfully, slowly backing away from the table.

“Hey, did you want to sit with us for lunch? There’s plenty of space.” Allison asked before the blonde got too far away.

“What? Me?” Erica asked confused.

“Yeah, you seem pretty cool and we’ve had a few new people sit with us this week. It’s kind of nice to have different people to talk to. I’m Allison by the way.”

“Yeah, I know. Everyone knows. I’m Erica.”

“Being the new girl means everyone knows your name but you have to learn a hundred others. It's nice to meet you, Erica.” Allison blushed before smiling widely and gesturing to the seat open next to Stiles. The blonde looked to Stiles as if for confirmation and received a small nod in reply. Hesitantly Erica sat down with them.

“We were just talking about the movie night we’re planning at mine tonight. Did you want to join?” Stiles asked as the conversation slowly picked back up around the table.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Erica asked suspiciously.

“Stiles is on a real friendship kick at the moment. Making all kinds of new friends. He invited me and Boyd tonight as well. I mean, he invited me before I started staying with him and the Sheriff so I guess I’d be there anyway. But it’s the thought that counts.” Isaac tells her.

“You have to come!” Scott implores from across the table. “Stiles is making his special cookies. You just have to try them.”

“If you guys are sure?” Erica asked self consciously.

“I wouldn’t have asked if I wasn’t sure.” Stiles said firmly. “What’s your favourite movie? We’ll add it to the list of requests.”

“I like Batman movies.”

“Me too! Nolan or Burton?”

“Nolan. Definitely Nolan.”

“Be my Catwoman!” Stiles shouted dramatically as he threw himself at her, wrapping his arms around her while ignoring the strange looks given by the surrounding students. “You, Erica, are now my favourite. All the cookies you could ever want are yours. Just promise to never leave me with these uneducated simpletons who prefer the Affleck version.” Erica blushed at his antics, a grin spreading across her face.

“Never.” She proclaimed bashfully. “Catwoman would never abandon Batman to the simpletons.”

When the bell rang signalling the end of lunch, everyone departed their separate ways with promises to meet up in the parking lot after school to arrange lifts for those without a car. Leaving their last table accompanied only by Allison who shared his next class, Stiles felt a tingle of caution run down his spine. Discreetly searching the area for the threat, his subtle body language alerting Allison, he spotted Matt stood in the shadows of the outdoor lunch area. The teen, camera slung around his neck, locked eyes with Stiles before he shifted to stare at the huntress, not moving from his half-concealed position.

“How long do you think he’s been watching us?” Allison asked under her breath as they made their way quickly into the crowded halls.

“Long enough,” Stiles responded. “Did you talk to Scott yet?”

“No. I will but I really like him Stiles and everything is so new between us. I don’t want whatever’s going on with Matt to mess that up.”

“It won’t Ally. But keeping secrets will.”

“I just don’t want him to lose control. He said I was his anchor. I know that when wolves feel that their anchor is threatened they get really overprotective. He’s still pretty new at being a werewolf and if his control slips, he could seriously hurt Matt.”

“Imagine how bad it would be if you did get hurt and you hadn’t told him before.”

“I know, I just wanted a few more days before I tell him.”

“Okay but tell him before it goes any further.”

Putting a tray of the promised cookies in the oven, Stiles smiled. His living room was full of people he cared about, happily discussing the movie options. Danny had appeared with a huge bag of junk food, spreading it out on the coffee table. The boy had practically run over Jackson when his best friend appeared with Derek soon after.

“You don’t look sick.” Danny had commented as he pulled out of the hug.

“I feel a lot better than I was but I think I can get away with another week off so I don’t know if I’ll be back at school Monday.”

“You better try. Finstock was mad that our Captain wasn’t at training.”

“We’ll see.” Jackson promised.

While the two friends caught up, Isaac moved closer to Derek, asking if he could talk to him outside privately. With a quick nod, the two had disappeared as everyone settles on the mound of cushions and blankets Stiles had piled in front of the couch. Lydia who had avoided looking at Jackson since his arrival sat with Allison and Erica chatting away, while Scott and Boyd pulled up a streaming service on the television.

When Derek and Isaac reappeared a short while later, the Alpha sent him a pointed look, eyebrows bunched.

‘I’m guessing he asked you.’  Stiles said mentally.

‘Yes.’

‘What did you say?’

‘That I’d think about it.’

‘What? Are you crazy! We don’t know how long Isaac will be here with us. We can’t just turn him and then let him out into the world.’

‘We will discuss this later Stiles. Right now your friends are starting to notice.’ 

The living rooms occupants snapped back into focus, Isaac, Boyd, Erica and Danny looking at his oddly while he stared silently at Derek.

“Right, so the Notebook is the first pick then we have a couple of choices for after. I thought we could order Pizza later cause I think we have enough popcorn to keep us going for a while.” Sitting in the centre of the couch, Stiles watched as everyone shifted about getting comfy as Scott hit play.

A short while into the movie, Stiles climbed over Jackson who grumbles displeased at the interruption to rescue the cookies from the oven. Placing them on a cooling tray, he felt Derek’s presence appear behind him.

“You didn’t tell me about Isaac finding out.” The Alpha grumbled softly, not wanting to draw the attention of the others.

“I didn’t want him to ask at all. He shouldn’t have found out ever. It’s my fault. I’ve been careless.”

“A lot is going on Stiles and you can’t keep on top everything. You told me that yourself the other day.”

“I still should have been more careful. I just don’t want to risk him getting hurt again.” Stiles moved closer, whispering his response.

“I think giving him the bite would be a good thing. He would be able to defend himself if he was a wolf.”

“What about the hunters?”

“We will deal with the hunters when the time comes. I won’t allow harm to come to any of you.” Derek says as he takes Stiles into his arm, holding him tightly.

“I don’t understand why I feel so protective of him. I was going to suggest giving the bite to Erica, it puts her in the same position but I don’t feel nearly as defensive of her.” Stiles mumbled where his face was pressed into Derek’s shoulder.

“It’s because he is the most vulnerable. Your position in the pack makes you want to protect the weakest members and after everything Isaac went though he is the most vulnerable emotionally.”

“You want to turn him don’t you?”

“Yes. I won’t go against your wishes so first the three of us will sit down with the Sheriff and discuss it. You opinion matters to me.”

“Okay, Der.” Pulling out of the hug, Stiles turns to grab a plate from the cupboard for the cookies. Noticing Derek moving suspiciously closer to the still cooling baked goods. Stiles grabbed the spatula he’d used to lift them from the baking tray and playfully swatted the back of the Alpha’s hand. “Bad wolf. Keep your paws to yourself. Everyone else needs to have some before I let you descend. It’s only fair after you ate the entirety of the last batch I made.”

Derek looked at Stiles betrayed, eyebrows furrowed. “Can’t I have just one?”

“No. Not before the others.”

“Please.” Derek asked with a poor attempt at puppy eyes. Stiles stifled a laugh as he takes one cookie from the plate and passes it to him.

“Don’t tell the others.” He whispers secretively.

Heading back into the lounge, Stiles places the plate directly in the centre of the coffee table. As Scott, Issac and Jackson scrambled towards it, Stiles taps them on the back of their heads with the still brandished spatula. All three give him a wounded look as they rub the back of their heads.

“Guests first.” Gesturing to Erica, Boyd and Danny “Then you can devour the rest.”

“But Stiles” Scott started to complain.

“No. You’re family and family wait until guests have had the first pick. Same for you Isaac.”

“Why did you hit me then?” Jackson asked put out.

“Because I could.” Stiles said teasingly as the three of them sulked. When everyone else had helped themselves, Stiles nodded to them and had to bite his lip to stop from laughing as they attacked the plate like a pack of hungry wolves.

Derek found himself surprisingly content. He’d been dreading movie night since Stiles had insisted he come but he found himself enjoying the evening as he sat in the Sheriff’s armchair surrounded by teenagers spread out on the floor before him. While the movie they (at Jackson’s instance) were watching was not at all holding his interest, he was happy to just watch Stiles interact with his friends. Derek had realised that the Spark was in his element when caring for others, sometimes to his own detriment. He knew that Stiles was overwhelmed. Everything going on in the pack, at school and even the town in general, was getting to the boy who just wanted for everyone around him to be happy. It made Derek feel like he was failing his mate, not being strong enough to make some of the problems go away. He wanted nothing more than to see Stiles happy and safe and he was going to try his damned hardest to make that happen.

Derek’s wolf knew that more betas would be a good place to start in ensuring safety. He looked around the mix of people Stiles had gathered tonight. Observing Danny for a minute he noted the happiness radiating off the boy was so ingrained into his scent that he wondered if the boy would even want to bite. While the boy would definitely be a good addition to the pack, both Lydia and Stiles praised his hacking skills and intelligence, Derek didn’t think that Danny is in desperate need of the bite.

Stiles’ strays, as Derek had heard Jackson call them to Scott earlier, were a different story. When he had first met Isaac, the teen had been justly fearful of him. Derek felt for the boy, no one deserved to go through what Isaac had. But it had come as a surprise to him when Isaac had pulled him to one side earlier and the boy didn’t smell frightened but instead determined. The blonde had begged to be given the bite in order to defend himself and while Derek wanted to give him that power, after all, no one should feel powerless, he understood Stiles’ stance on the issue. Stiles was defending the vulnerability Isaac exuded from what he perceived as a more dangerous path compared to living a normal life.

The quiet, solemn boy called Boyd was definitely a possibility for the bite. The teen smelt of loneliness and depression when he arrived but as he watched the others chatting and playing about, his scent mellowed out into content happiness that matched Derek’s own feelings. His height and wide shoulders would make for a formidable wolf yet his calm nature would be beneficial to maintaining control.

Finally, Derek watched the blonde Erica. He knew that she was probably the most immediate one to consider as the smell of sickness clung to the air around her. The bite would cure her of her illness and give her a new lease on life. Derek could tell that within the sick girl was a fierce determination that would make for an incredible she-wolf. The only thing that was holding Derek back from truly considering her was the way she kept glancing adoringly at Stiles when the teen wasn’t looking. Derek knew his wolf was being possessive and jealous but he could stop the petty feelings.

As he considered each teen before him, he watched as Erica returned from a trip to the bathroom and rather than sit back down between Allison and Lydia, she sat in the sliver of space on the couch between Stiles and Boyd, looking up at the former with her big brown eyes. His inner wolf growled. How dare she sit so close to our mate. She is almost in his lap. My mate. A small growl escaped from his throat unconsciously. Suddenly relaxed atmosphere went still for a moment. In the blink of an eye, Jackson was on his feet, fully shifted into the Kanima and advancing on Erica.

The room exploded into action as Stiles jumped up and stood before Erica and Boyd defensively. Allison pulled a blade from somewhere hidden in her clothing and dropped into a combat crouch next to Scott who was flashing his eyes at the predator. Both Danny and Isaac were scrambling out of the way of the lizard fearfully as Lydia sat shocked at Jackson sudden loss of control.

The Kanima’s tail whipped around, batting Stiles almost gently towards the couch, the tip gleaning with it’s paralytic venom, cutting into his arm. The Kanima continued stalking toward the blonde who sat terrified on the couch. With incredible speed, the tail lunged again, aiming to pierce Erica’s heart. Before the death blow could be made, Boyd flung himself in front of Erica taking the strike to his abdomen instead.

Derek roars, eyes flashing red.

“STOP!” The Alpha commanded as the Kanima froze. “Jackson you will regain control. NOW!”

Slowly the Kanima’s scales receded, the blonde boy returning to his wits. Looking upon the destruction he had caused, Jackson fell to his knees, tears welling in his eyes as Lydia reached his side and pulled him into a tight embrace.

“Fuck. I can’t move.” Stiles said from his prone position sprawled half off the couch next to the bleeding Boyd and shocked Erica. “His tail must have got me. Is Boyd okay?”

Derek rushed to the teenagers pulling Stiles into a less precautious position before moving quickly to the injured boy.

“He’s unconscious and bleeding pretty heavily. I don’t know if he will make it to a hospital. Are you able to use your spark to heal him?” He asked Stiles.

“I’m trying to will away the venom in my system as quickly as possible but it won’t be gone in time for me to save him. He’s bleeding out. You’re going to have to give him the bite Derek.”

Derek’s eyes flashed red as he pulled Boyd’s wrist towards him and sank his elongated fangs deep into the teen's flesh.

Chapter Text

“What the hell is going on?” Erica yelled as she cradled Boyd’s muscular form. “What are you doing to him?”

“I’m saving his life,” Derek said as he pulled back from biting Boyd. 

“What are you?” Danny interrupted as he looked at his best friend fearfully.

“If everyone can calm down, Derek and I will explain as soon as I can move again. Allison, you can put the knife away now.” Stiles instructed through gritted teeth, trying to force the paralytic from his system was taking more energy than he was expecting. “Kanima venom sure is a bitch.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” Jackson chanted from where he had buried his face in Lydia’s neck. “I didn’t mean to. I don’t know what came over me.”

“It will be okay Jackson. It wasn’t your fault.” Derek said as he watched the still bleeding Boyd. “Stiles, I don’t think the bite is taking.”

Looking over at Boyd, Stiles finally managed to purge the venom from his system using his spark, summoning a clear vial to store the paralytic. Moving closer he placed his hand on the wound and sent his spark into Boyd to examine the teen's magical aura. “It’s working but the venom is slowing the process down. I’ll try and clear it from him as well but Kanima venom is naturally resistant to magic.”

“Wait, you’re magic?” Danny asked panicked, face still pale. “This is crazy.”

“Scott, please calm him down. I have to concentrate or we will lose Boyd but I promise I will explain everything later.” Stiles instructed.

Ten very tense minutes later, Boyd’s wound was closed, a second vial of venom sat on the side table. Stiles could tell that the bite was taking even as he slept. Turning to the rest of the room, he took a deep breath and shared a concerned look with Derek.

“I’m sorry this happened.” Stiles started, addressing Erica, Isaac and Danny as he watched Lydia comfort the still sobbing Jackson. “I never intended to put any of you in danger when I invited you over tonight. We believed that Jackson’s problem would be controlled with Derek here. But we were wrong and for that, I ask your forgiveness.”

“What exactly is Jackson?” Danny asked quietly from where he huddled close to Isaac.

“He is a Kanima. A lizard creature that is a cousin of the werewolf. He was injured recently and Derek gave him the bite to save his life but something corrupted it and turned him into the monster you just saw. It’s why he hasn’t been at school this week, we couldn’t let him go somewhere without Derek.”

“Why Derek?”

“We bonded him to Derek to keep the Kanima under control when it emerges but something must have triggered him today.”

“And you're telling me werewolves are real?”

“Yes, Danny. The supernatural is real.”

“Why did he attack me though? That’s what he was doing right, aiming for me?” Erica asked quietly.

“I don’t know why. I just felt this surge of anger and suddenly I wasn’t in control anymore.” Jackson said.

“You didn’t smell angry.” Scott piped up from where he cuddled Allison. “You smelt jealous.”

“Why would I be jealous of Erica?” Jackson snarked.

“I don’t know. I’m just telling you what I smelt.”

“What you smelt?” Danny asked confused.

“Yeah, werewolves can smell emotions,” Scott answered, flashing his golden eyes. “We heal pretty quickly too.”

Stiles glanced at Derek while the others began discussing the abilities of werewolves. The Alpha stood characteristically silent. If the jealousy that Jackson had felt wasn’t his own, there was only one person whose emotions were tied to the Kanima. Unlikely as it seemed, had it been Derek’s emotions that triggered the Kanima attack. Why would Derek even be jealous in the first place?

“So Jackson should have been a werewolf but it got mutated right?” Danny asked interrupting Stiles train of thought. “If you’ve got magic, can't you just magic it better?”

“No, it's not something my spark can do. It turns out that Jackson was born a wolf but another magic user suppressed that side when he was a baby which made his inner wolf mutate into the Kanima. From what we’ve read, emotional trauma at a young age can increase the risk of the bite going wrong. Derek’s sister and Uncle are currently following up on a legend in South America that might help cure him but so far we haven’t had much luck.”

“Did you track the magic user that suppressed his wolf?”

“No, why would we?”

“To know why his wolf was suppressed to start with. Whenever something is hacked, a trace is left behind no matter how good the hacker is. If you can find that trace and follow it, you can find the perpetrator and maybe get some answers.”

“It’s worth a try,” Lydia said looking hopeful. “I can’t believe we didn’t think of it before.”

“Jackson it's up to you? I can give it a go but it might not work.” 

“I’ll try anything to fix this.” 

Stiles moved over to the pair still sitting on the floor where Jackson had collapsed. Reaching for the blonde’s hands, Stiles extended his spark into the Kanima, searching for where he had felt the magical seal before.

“It’s no use.” He said after a minute. “It’s been too long since the seal broke. Any trace has disappeared now.”

“It’s okay,” Jackson said, trying to cover his disappointment. “It was a long shot anyway.”

Before anyone could say anything else, Boyd stirred on the couch. Slowly coming to consciousness, he looked around the room as Erica helped him sit up.

“What happened?” He asks groggily.

“You were injured. We managed to save you but in doing so we had to change you.” Stiles explains as he moved to give the broad-shouldered teen a glass of water.

“Change me how?”

“Well, it’s a long story. What do you know about the supernatural?”

“What like monsters and magic?”

“Like werewolves.” 

An hour later, Stiles had explained the whole situation to Boyd, building on the answers he had given Erica and Danny earlier. By the end, Stiles was glad he had Scott and the others to help field their questions. Repeatedly telling others of the supernatural was getting a bit tiring especially as thing kept getting more convoluted in their lives.

“So I’m a werewolf now?” Boyd finally asked.

“Yeah, it’s pretty cool. Getting the bite means your part of a pack, have all these new abilities and it cured my asthma too.” Scott explains.

“So becoming a werewolf would cure my epilepsy?” Erica asked curiously. 

“Yeah, it would.” Scott enthuses.

“Then I want the bite,” Erica said as the looked determinedly at Derek, extending her wrist towards him. “I want to be a werewolf.”

“I’m not going to bite you today.” Derek said firmly. 

“Why not? You gave Boyd the bite today.”

“I gave Boyd the bite to save his life. Before I give it consciously out of an emergency, I need to explain some things. Maybe discuss things with your parents.”

“My parents won’t care, they just see me as a sick kid that is a burden to them. What things do I need to know?” She retorted, not willing to give up.

“There are dangers to becoming a wolf, the bite doesn’t always take and if you don’t learn control you can hurt someone. Then there is the risk of hunters trying to kill you for simply existing.”

“We don’t need to worry about the bite not taking. When I helped Erica through her seizure, my magic noticed that she would take to the bite flawlessly.” Stiles interrupted causing Derek to shoot him his ‘Be-quiet-before-I-rip-your-throat-out-with-my-teeth’ look.

“See, Stiles says I’ll survive the bite and if I can survive uncontrollable fits and seizures, I can survive anything hunter throw at me.” Erica implored.

‘Derek, what difference do a few days make. You’re going to give her the bite anyway so why not do it today?’  Stiles telepaths.

“Alright, if you're sure.” Derek concedes. “But Isaac, don’t get any ideas. I won’t give you the bite until we’ve had that chat with the Sheriff.”

“Okay.” Isaac said, the hopeful look on his face dimming only slightly.

Derek moved from where he had stood propped up against the wall. Heading toward Erica, still sitting near Boyd on the couch and took her extended wrist to his mouth. Stiles watch fascinated as Derek’s fangs elongated and sunk into the pale flesh. Finally having a chance to watch the process without it being a life or death situation. When Erica’s eyes briefly flashed gold, Derek spoke to the pair of newly bitten wolves.

“To join my pack and be under my protection, you will need to accept me as your Alpha. Pack bonds will then form between you and the rest of the pack.”

“I accept.” Erica answered quickly.

“Me too.” Boyd also said.

Stiles felt as the new bonds fell into place, silver and gold entangling to link them together. Derek’s eyes flashed red once again, mirrored by two flashes of gold.

“Derek,” Allison called nervously from across the room. “Am I considered park of the pack?”

“Bonds with human’s are harder to forge than with betas. The bite ties a wolf to the pack but a human bond takes time to cultivate. One day you may become part of the bonds but even without them, I consider you part of our pack. You have proved yourself a valuable member and good friend to us.” Allison blushed at the praise, happy that the Alpha accepted her. Scott practically preened next to her.

“I don’t have to get the bite either to be part of the pack?” Danny questioned. “I can be human, like Allison?”

“Of course.” Derek responded.

“Good because I’m pretty happy being human. I’m guessing all this supernatural stuff is why you were asking for the phone encryption and not because your dad wants to track you.”

“Yeah, Kate found us by tracking one of our phones. I’m hoping that we can avoid that in the future.” Stiles explained.

“Okay, if you are all about tomorrow, I’ll bring my laptop over and set you guys up.”

“I can’t do tomorrow. I have a shift at Deaton’s.” Scott said, looking sad at potentially missing out on spending time with the pack.

“I have to work too.” Boyd added.

“Where do you work?” Stiles asked interested.

“The ice rink. I’m free Sunday.”

“Maybe we should all meet on Sunday then at Derek’s. We should get some training in during the day and try a movie night again in the evening. Hopefully this time it will be less bloody. My dad is going to kill me when he sees the state of the couch.”

“I’m so sorry for bleeding on your cushions while I was dying all thanks to your pet lizard.” Boyd deadpans. To Stiles surprise, Derek huffed out a laugh. Perhaps the quiet boy he had studied with would be a good friend to the grumpy alpha. Imagining the two enjoy each other’s silent company brought a smile to his face.

“Hey, I’m no one’s pet!” Jackson replied outraged. Boyd just grinned back. 

“Stop teasing him,” Stiles said, interrupting their spat before it could escalate. “You’re all welcome to crash here as the Sheriff’s working the night shift again. Just make sure to inform your parents where you are. I’ll grab some more blankets from upstairs and we can put on another movie. Does anyone want to borrow something to sleep in? I don’t know if I have T-shirt’s that will fit you guys, you all have too many muscles but I defiantly have something the girls can wear. ” Both Allison and Erica raised their hands as Lydia pulled a perfectly pressed set of silk pyjamas from her bag.

“What?” she asked a perfectly shaped eyebrow raised. “Last time we hung out, we all stayed over and I wanted to be prepared in case we did it again.”

“If this becomes a habit, I should keep a set of pyjamas here like you did at mine when we were kids.” Scott teased. “You totally turned up one day and declared my bottom draw as yours. I think you ended up with more clothes at mine than here.”

“I resent that accusation.” Stiles said primly before rushing up the stairs to escape the laughter.

Stiles pulled all the spare blankets and pillows from the cupboard and grabbed a couple of pairs of loose-fitting shorts, trackies and t-shirts before heading back downstairs. Dropping them on the floor, he looked around and saw his previous spot on the couch was now occupied by Danny. Next to the Hawaiian, Boyd and Erica sat close together talking quietly. It seemed that they had bonded after Boyd sacrificed himself to save Erica seeing as they hadn’t moved further than 2 feet apart since Boyd had woken up. Not wanting to get in the middle of Jackson and Lydia’s cuddling session he hoped to he could at least sit with Isaac or Scott but found his foster brother surprisingly cuddled up between his best friend and Allison. Finally, his eyes landed on Derek who had returned to the Sheriff’s armchair now that the dramatic events of the evening had finished. 

“Derek, I have nowhere to sit.” Stiles whined as he plopped himself on the Alpha’s lap. Derek let out a small huff as Stiles shifted about to get comfy. 

“And my lap is your best option?”

“Well, you do give amazing cuddles.” Stiles said a little too loudly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

“You know this how exactly?” Lydia asked, a predatory look in her eyes.

“Derek stays over sometimes.” Stiles said blushing and refusing to look at the Alpha. 

“And when he does, you cuddle?” Lydia continues her inquisition.

“Yeah well my bed is pretty small and Derek is quite big and muscly. If we didn’t cuddle I might fall off the bed. You know how clumsy I am, falling out of bed would be pretty likely.” Stiles rambled.

“So you  only  cuddle up close so you don’t fall out of bed?” Jackson asked teasingly.

“Jackson, shut up.” Derek growled out. “Put the damn movie on.”

At the Alpha’s order, everyone turned back to the television as Jackson finally pressed play on Star Wars. Stiles finally met Derek gaze and noted a faint blush that matched his own on the Alpha’s cheeks.

“Sorry,” he whispered. “I put my foot in it.”

“It’s okay.” Derek whispered back. Stiles just snuggled into his chest and focused on the screen.

In the early hours of the morning and three movies later (The Princess Bride chosen by Isaac, The Dark Knight chosen by Erica, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast chosen by Allison) nearly everyone had drifted off to sleep.

“Are you okay after today?” Stiles asked Derek quietly in the darkness. He had returned to the Alpha’s lap after every time one of them had needed to get up. No one had comment again after Derek’s order. 

“ Yeah, why?”  Derek replied, switching to their mental link to avoid waking the others.

“Cause you added two new betas and Jackson lost control.”

“I like Erica and Boyd. They seem like good choices. You did well picking them.”

“I didn’t intend for Boyd to be an option, he just seemed lonely. But I knew Erica definitely would benefit from the bite.”

“People benefit from the bite differently. Sure, Erica’s illness is cured now but you have given Boyd something even more important; family and friends.”

“And the thing with Jackson?”

“We will find a way to make him better. Laura called before we headed over and said that they think they are close to catching up to Cora. Some hunters spooked her and she ran. Peter and Laura dealt with the hunters before they could get her but she’s leading them on quite a chase. Another day they should all be heading south.”

“That’s good. We need to do something soon, you and Jackson can’t keep living like this and today could have ended up so much worse.”

“I know. I feel like it's my fault. If I had been quicker at commanding him, I could have stopped him hurting Boyd.”

“Why didn’t you stop him sooner?”

“I was distracted. And when I saw him swipe at you I froze. I should have been more alert.”

“Oh. I mean it’s okay Der, we are all allowed to relax now and then but maybe next time not in a room full of human teenagers when one can change into a murderous lizard.”

“Are you telling me I shouldn’t sleep now?”  Derek looked pointedly at where Jackson was asleep, an adorable little spoon to Lydia. Both had gravitated to each other after the kanima’s outburst and whilst they hadn’t talked it over, they seemed to have made up for now.

“No, we both should get some sleep.”  Stiles activated his sleepy spark, willing the mountain ash that he kept on his person at all times to form a ring around the sleeping couple.  “That should keep him contained until morning. Now get some sleep Sourwolf, you’re helping me with breakfast tomorrow. We have a lot more mouths to feed now.”

“I can’t cook.” Derek said quietly looking panicked. Stiles muffled his giggle in the Alpha’s shoulder.

Derek did try to help Stiles with breakfast the next morning. It took five minutes before the Spark banished him from the kitchen and Isaac stepped in as sous chef. Instead, he found himself refereeing the other teens as they took turns showering after Erica complained Jackson was taking too long and the Kanima purposefully spent the next 10 minutes grooming his hair.

“Breakfast’s ready,” Stiles called from downstairs and like the pack of wolves they were, every teen rushed towards the kitchen. “Woah! Calm down there is enough for everyone. No need to push.”

Derek slowly followed, enjoying the domesticity of the moment. It reminded him of life before the fire. His Dad had always cooked breakfast every morning filled the house with the smell of food and the sound of laughter. He had missed it while in New York with Laura. While his sister had tried her hardest, she was also an abysmal cook. Once the food had been wolfed down, Stiles set Scott and Erica on dishwashing duty too much complaint as he began tidying the lounge. Derek followed and silently began folding blankets to help.

“Stiles,” Lydia joined pulling Jackson along with her. “I’ve been thinking about what Danny said yesterday, that if we could track who put the seal on Jackson’s wolf, we might get some answers. And I know that it's been too long to trace the magic but what if we could trace his birth family. Surely they must be wolves and have some idea as to why this was done to Jax.”

“It’s a good idea Lydia but my adoption records are sealed. I have no way to access that information before I’m 18.” Jackson replied.

“I was thinking of a more magical route to tracking them down. I was hoping there might be a spell that could do it.”

“I think there is a spell in one of the books back at Derek’s. I can certainly give it a try but only if its something you’re comfortable with Jackson. Even if the spell works, it might not come to anything. Even if we can track down your birth parents, they might not want to talk to us. ”

“As I said, I’m willing to try anything.” The blonde answered seriously.

After shooing the rest of the pack out the door to get on with their day, Stiles drives over to the loft with Isaac in tow. It had been decided that Lydia and Jackson would ride with Derek in case of any Kanima emergencies. 

“This place is really nice.” Isaac commented as he looked around the spacious loft.

“Of course it is. I pick out most of the furniture after all.” Lydia said primly. “My sense of style is impeccable.”

“You did a good job.” Derek praises the banshee.

“The book I need is in the Study. I’ll be back in a minute.” Stiles explains as he moves toward room Peter stored the contents of the Hale vault that they needed frequent access to. Finding the required tome buried behind a stack of dusty books, he headed back to the living room. Placing it open on the long wooden table they used for most of their research sessions, he pulled out a large piece of parchment and the ornate dagger he had used in both Laura’s resurrection and Cora’s tracking spell. “It's similar to the spell I used to find Cora so I need some of your blood for it to work.” 

Jackson held out his hand and Stiles slashed his palm quickly curling his hand into a fist as blood dripped onto the bottom of the paper. Releasing his spark into the pooling blood, he willed the liquid to reveal its lineage as he traced the rune from the book into the air. Slowly Jackson’s blood moved across the paper, forming letters and lines as a family tree appeared before them.

“That’s not possible!” Derek said shocked.

“Magic doesn’t lie Derek.” Stiles snaps back still trying to wrap his head around what was revealed on the paper before them.

“Why wouldn’t he say anything? Why would he keep it a secret?” Lydia asked looking furious.

Jackson stood there just staring at the bloody words before him. Shaking himself out of his stupor, he backed away from the table looking directly at Derek.

“Peter Hale is my father.” Silence filled the room as the revelation sank in.

“Who the hell is Malia Tate?” Isaac asked.

Chapter Text

The parchment laid before them, bloody words revealing a truth no one had expected. Peter Hale’s name sat connected to Talia’s with a sibling bond, two lines drawn from Peter leading to twins; Jackson Whittemore and Malia Tate.

“Didn’t Malia go to elementary school with us?” Lydia asked.

“Yeah, she did. I think she disappeared a year or so before I moved to Poland.”

“What does this mean?” Jackson asked looking at Stiles.

“It means we are family, cousin.” Derek answered his newly revealed cousin despite Jackson’s question not being aimed at him.

“Why would Peter not tell us? Why would he keep it a secret?” Lydia asked again.

“He might not know. There are ways to alter someone’s memories. With how dedicated he has become to restoring the Hale family, I don’t think Peter would willingly ignore his own children. We should give him the benefit of the doubt until he can answer our questions himself.” Stiles answered.

The silence that followed was interrupted by Derek’s phone ringing.

“It’s Peter.” He said after checking the caller ID.

“Don’t tell him yet. If he doesn’t know, this is not something he should find out about over the phone.” Stiles instructs. Nodding his head, Derek answers the call.

“Peter, is everything okay?”

“Derek? Is that really you?” A decidedly feminine voice answered.

“Cora?” He spluttered out, the sound of his baby sister's voice foreign yet so achingly familiar.

“Yeah, it’s really me.” She sobbed.

“They found you. I can’t believe it.”

“Me too. I thought you were all dead.” Cora’s sobbing increased down the line, obviously overwhelmed.

“Cora-bear it’s okay. We’re all okay. You’re safe now.” Derek could hear Laura coo in the background. After a moment of rustling on the other end, Peter’s voice appeared.

“Derek, we got her. She’s a little thin and very exhausted but she’s safe.”

“Thank you, Uncle Peter. You did a good job.”

“You know I’d do anything for my family. We are going to rest up for the night here and head south in the morning. How are things on your end?”

“Nothing’s changed with the hunters. I’m planning on inviting Chris to our training session tomorrow so he can give us an update. After an incident yesterday, I had to add two new betas but it’s nothing we couldn’t handle. But Peter there are some things we need to discuss in person. Do you think you could come back sooner? Can Laura handle the research on the Kanima?”

“Wow! Two new betas, you certainly are a busy alpha, Nephew.” Peter teased before huffing a sigh. “The pack that we need to talk to are not open to strangers, they only agreed to meet with me because I did business with them before on Talia’s behalf. I would need to make an introduction in person at least. It should take us another week to reach their territory. I can return to Beacon Hills shortly after that if it’s not life or death.”

“No, it’s nothing dangerous. We just came across some information you deserve to know.”

“I’ll be back as soon as possible. I better go, Cora is a little overwhelmed.”

“Okay, tell her I love her.”

“Will do.” Peter said before he hung up. Derek turned back to the others who were not even trying to hide their interest in his phone call.

“That sounded like good news.” Stiles said first.

“They found Cora.”

“Well, that certainly is a win. They still planning on heading south?”

“Yeah, Peter will make an introduction between his contact and Laura then he will come back so we can ask him about all this.” Derek explained, waving his had towards the family tree still sitting on the table.

“Should we try and find Malia?” Isaac asked from where he sat quietly observing everyone.

“She’s been missing for years. I can try a tracking spell but ultimately she’s your twin Jackson, it’s up to you?”

“I think we should wait to do the spell until we’ve spoken to Peter. We’ve got enough going on right now with the hunters and me being the Kanima. We should wait for the big family reunion. Perhaps you could ask the Sheriff to get us access to her missing person file?” Jackson asked.

“That’s definitely something he can do. It would be good to know what happened to her before we find her. I don’t think we should tell anyone else in the pack until we’ve spoken to Peter either.” Stiles replied.

“Right, now the life-changing revelations are over and we have a plan, I’m going to go for a run. You should all go and spend your day doing whatever it is you do when you're not invading my loft.”

“You wouldn’t know what to do with yourself if we weren’t here annoying you, Sourwolf.” Stiles teases as he heads towards the door, Issac in tow. “You’d probably be bored without our drama.”

“I certainly had more peace and quiet in New York City than here.”

“And people call small towns quiet. See you tomorrow for training, Alpha.” Stiles said as he blew a comedically dramatic kiss over his shoulder, missing the blush that spread on Derek’s cheeks as the door shut behind the pair.

“You’re in so deep with him.” Lydia commented as she watched Derek.

“I don’t know what you’re on about.” Derek growls as Jackson laughs.

Sunday morning came around quickly. Stiles had spent the night comforting Isaac again after more nightmares, waking up to a face full of blonde curls again. After breakfast, the pair headed back to the loft for training. It had been unanimously decided that although the preserve would offer more space, the threat of Gerard’s hunters was still too great. Everyone was dressed in work out gear while waiting around for training to start. Derek and Chris stood talking quietly in the corner as Allison set up fighting dummies by the sparring mats. Standing at a considerable distance away from Jackson and Lydia, Erica and Boyd huddled together the latter looking warily at the cage of weapons. Stiles could understand why the two new betas would still be hesitant to be near the Kanima after how he had attacked them but knew for the pack be able to work together cohesively, they would have to trust to Kanima and soon.

“Will we get to use all those weapons?” Erica asked looking eagerly at all the sharp blades.

“No,” Derek replied, “Today is about you and Boyd learning control. We will move onto weapons another time as while werewolves tend to fight with their claws and fangs, it is a good idea to have a basic knowledge of weaponry.”

“I don’t know how I feel about learning to shoot a gun at someone.” Boyd questioned solemnly.

“It’s better to know how to shoot and never have to use one than not know if you ever need to defend yourself.” Chris said, his gravelly voice reassuring him.

“Does that mean I won’t get to use those badass looking throwing stars?” Erica said looking disappointed.

“Not today. I’ve asked Chris to run through some basic self-defence with the rest of the pack while we work on your ability to shift.”

The pack soon spilt up. Scott, Isaac, Lydia and Jackson following Chris and Allison to mats ready to train with the two hunters while Stiles followed the two new betas and Derek towards where a second set of mats had been set up.

“To begin with, you will need to be able to control your shift.” Derek started. “Gaining control of the shift means you are in control of your inner wolf. And while being able to shift on command or only shift certain parts of your body can be incredibly useful,” Derek raised his hand and showed his claws extended before retracting all of them but one, repeating the motion until each of fingers had become a claw before returning to normal. “It’s more important to be able to control when you shift. Right now, you are triggered by anything that raises your heart rate. Fear, stress, anger or arousal will cause you to lose control meaning you could reveal yourself. At least until you find your anchor.”

“So how do we learn control?” Erica asked.

“Practice. Learning to keep your heart rate steady even when your body is telling you otherwise.”

“And how exactly are we going to learn to do that?” Boyd questions.

“I’m going to make you angry.” Derek replied as he swung his fist at Boyd. Upon contact, the Beta shifted immediately and tried to launch himself at the Alpha. Derek nimbly stepped out of the way, turning to Erica and focused his next attack on the blonde. For the next few minutes, Stiles managed to watch Erica and Boyd attempt to attack Derek while the alpha avoided their assault, calling out instructions on how to rein in their wolf. Each time, they shifted as they allowed their emotions to take control. Finally, Stiles had had enough.

“Derek, stop. This isn’t working. They are just angry, they’re not learning control.”

“And what would you suggest?” Derek snapped at the interruption.

“To be honest, anything but this. When I was learning to control my spark, I meditated every day for hours. I explored the parameters of my abilities until I understood and respected them. Eventually, my magic accepted me as I accept it allowing me to harness its full potential. Perhaps the same premise could be applied to your inner wolves.”

“I don’t see why we couldn’t give it a go,” Erica said. “Getting angry only seems to make it more difficult to stay in control.”

Stiles moves into the centre of the mat, sitting crossed legged and gesturing for Boyd and Erica to copy all while ignoring Derek’s scowl.

“You can join us if you want, Sourwolf.” Stiles said. He waited for a minute as the Alpha seemed to make up his mind and decide to join them. Eyebrows still furrowed, the alpha finally lowered himself to the mat next to Stiles. “So, I used to use a mantra to focus my meditation, ‘Spark, Fate, Destiny” but I don’t know if that would resonate with your wolves. Maybe something else might work.”

“Alpha, Beta, Omega.” Derek monotoned.

“Where is that from?” Erica asked.

“It’s what my tattoo means.” Derek motioned to the thick black swirls that peeked out of the back of his workout vest. “The Triskelion was important to the Hale Pack, our symbol which reminds us we can rise and fall to another status in a pack. A Beta can become an Alpha, but an Alpha can fall back down to an Omega.”

“That might work.” Stiles said to distract the two betas from the solemn look on Derek’s face. “Clear your minds and focus on the mantra. I’ll use my spark to guide you but ultimately you have to do this on your own.”

By the time they stopped for lunch, Erica and Boyd had improved vastly, managing to keep in control of their wolves more ofter than not when Stiles suggested they sparred again with Derek. Once they had all eaten, Stiles shooed them back into the training room to continue sparring with Scott, Allison, Lydia and Jackson as he and Derek pulled Chris into the study, a map of Beacon Hills spread before them.

“As far as I can tell, Gerard has sent five hunters ahead to prepare for his arrival. They have holed up in an abandoned train depot.” Chris explains as he points to a building in the warehouse district. “They seem to be setting up a base of operations awaiting the arrival of Gerard and his men in a weeks time. I expect he will bring at least two dozen more hunters with him. Enough for a small army. Gerard himself will likely come and stay with me and Allison with only a few of his most trusted men while the rest of them will stay here.”

“And you’re sure that they will have enough illegal weaponry for my dad to arrest them?”

“Absolutely. While my legal profession is an arms dealer, at least half of his hunters will be carrying enough illegal firepower to put them away for a long time.”

“Are you sure you want to do this? It could put you on the FBI’s radar.” Derek asked.

“I’m sure, it’s the only way I can see to thin out Gerard’s forces and protect Allison and the pack.”

“So we wait until they have arrived and then the Sheriff will contact Scott’s dad in the FBI and tell him he got a tip about a gang and that he needs assistance.” Derek said.

“Hopefully Agent McCall does his job and leaves. That man might be a good agent but he is a horrible father.” Stiles said angrily.

“Should we tell Scott that his father might be in town?” Chris asked.

“We should probably give him the heads up but I’d rather wait until we know for sure that the man will help us. I don’t want to get his hopes up.”

“Okay, so that part of the plan is solid. When we have cleared the board of his forces we just have to deal with the man himself.  What do you suggest then?”

“I was hoping without any backup, Gerard might give up and run away with his tail between his legs.” Stiles joked.

“Unfortunately, my father is not that type of man. He won’t be so easily taken down as his men, he is far too clever to be caught with illegal weapons and we will have to deal with him quickly before he calls for reinforcements.”

“Could we set a trap?” Stiles asked after a moment of thinking.

“What do you mean a trap?”

“Well he might be too clever to be caught with illegal weapons but hunting teenagers to kill them is illegal. What if he managed to abduct a member of the pack, say the son of the man who arrested his men. Then my dad would definitely be able to arrest him.”

“You are not offering yourself up as bait.” Derek growled angrily.

“I don’t see any other way, Derek. I have the best chance at surviving Gerard, the others are still too new to being werewolves. With my magic, I can protect myself. We can’t just kill him. Otherwise, we’d be no better than the monsters he believes us to be. Even if Kate died at our hands, it was in self-defence, something Gerard will not accept. We are not murderers, Derek, and we can stop Gerard from hurting anyone else.”

“What if I revealed myself to be Kate’s killer. After all, it was me that tore out her throat during the fight.” Derek declared.

“No, you need to stay off Gerard’s radar for the Pack’s sake. Plus, abducting the teenage son of the Sheriff will certainly have more legal ramifications compared to the abduction of a twenty-something year old man.”

“He’s right Derek. His abduction would be more impactful.” Chris reasons.

“And how exactly are you going to get Gerard’s attention? You are not a wolf and he is a werewolf hunter.” Derek asked, staring directly at Stiles across the table, eyebrows furrowed expressing his distaste at the plan.

“I suppose I’m going to need to become a werewolf then.” Stiles said as his eyes flashed gold.

Much later that night, Stiles and Isaac finally pulled up next to the cruiser outside the Stilinski house. Training had continued after their planning session and both boys were feeling the muscular strain from working out all day. Finding the Sheriff sat at the breakfast table pouring over case files wasn’t an uncommon sight for Stiles but the tumbler of whiskey perched precariously next to the files. Stiles knew that his father had struggled with drinking after his mom had passed away but the Sheriff had promised that he had stopped when he had visited Stiles in Poland last year. For him to be drinking again, something must be seriously wrong. Shooing Isaac upstairs with a look to say don’t-you-dare-eavesdrop-again, Stiles turned to his dad cautiously.

“What’s wrong?” Stiles asked, trying not to let the panic be heard in his voice.

“We found another body today. Same M.O. as the last one.” The Sheriff replied as he finally looked up from the paperwork. Noticing Stiles staring at the glass of amber liquid, the Sheriff gave him a weak smile. “Don’t worry, I haven’t drunk any. Pouring a glass and having it nearby while I work helps me think.”

“Okay, I trust you. When did you find the body?”

“Early afternoon. The victim had only been dead a few hours.”

“This time it wasn’t supernatural. Lydia would have told me if she felt the urge to scream.”

“Did Laura have anything to say about the first victim?” The Sheriff asked.

“Apparently he was part of a local shifter family that kept to themselves. Laura only knew him distantly through school. They avoided getting into each others business. Was there any connection between the new body and the previous victim?”

“They were both on the swim team together at high school. It’s too much of a coincidence that two members of Coach Lahey’s old team are murdered the week after he is arrested.” The Sheriff looked in the direction Isaac had disappeared earlier.

“You can’t seriously be suggesting Isaac had anything to do with it?” Stiles asked incredulously. “I’ve been with him every time someone was murdered.”

“No, not at all but he might know who has a vendetta against his father’s team. After all his brother, Camden was on the team with the two victims.”

“Camden is dead. Isaac might not know who is doing this. He’s getting nightmares and is desperate for the bite so he can defend himself. He’s fragile right now and dragging up the past might make it worse.” Stiles said protectively.

“You know why I have to ask him. It could help us find and stop the murderer before he hurts anyone again. It would only take an hour or so down at the station.”

“I won’t let you question him without me or Derek being there. If Isaac has his way, Derek will be his Alpha soon. He should at least have someone on his side if you are intent on digging into his trauma.”

“Son, I don’t want to have to do this but people are dying and we have no other leads right now.”

“What about the Coach? Why can’t you ask him why someone is targeting his old team?”

“Because he’s lawyered up and is refusing to talk, apparently our local defence attorney, Mr Whittemore is defending him pro bono.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Apparently he owed him a favour from their school days.”

“Great. Promise me that man won’t be found not guilty.”

“Don’t worry, he’ll be found guilty. We have enough evidence to send him to jail for a long time. The lawyer is only needed to see if the Coach gets bail at his upcoming hearing and the length of his sentence.”

“You telling me that he might get out on bail?”

“There is a chance. His hearing is tomorrow.”

“And you didn’t think to tell me?”

“I informed Isaac of the possibility on Wednesday. I thought he would have told you.”

“He didn’t say a word.”

Isaac’s nightmares the past couple of nights and he desperation to become a werewolf to defend himself suddenly made a little more sense. If the Coach was possibly getting out on bail before his trial, then Isaac probably was worried that his dad might hurt him again. Stiles felt a wave of anger spread through him at the thought, knowing he would do anything to keep Isaac safe from that man even if it was to allow Isaac to receive the bite.

Leaving the Sheriff with his paperwork and whiskey, Stiles headed upstairs for a shower. Upon entering his room wrapped in a towel, he found Isaac sitting on his bed, tears welling in his eyes.

“You heard everything didn’t you?” Stiles said with a sigh.

“Yeah. I tried not to listen but sound travels in this house.”

“It’s okay, Izzy.” Stiles said as he threw on a pair of loose shorts and a t-shirt to sleep in.

“Izzy?”

“Well yeah, if Scott-boy gets a nickname, so do you.” Stiles reasoned.

“I like it.”

“Good cause I’m not changing it. Did you want to talk about what you heard?” Stiles said as he sat on the bed next to Isaac.

“Not really.”

“What do you need then?”

“I was kind of hoping I could stay in here tonight. My nightmares are better when you’re around.”

“Of course you can.”

“Thanks Stiles. For everything.”

”Anytime. I will protect you, Isaac. We’ll talk to the Sheriff soon about Derek giving you the bite.”

His list included fifteen names. Fourteen students who had almost drowned him and the Coach who had covered it all up. It turns out that he didn’t only like killing people, he was good at it too. He’d already crossed off two names since the Coach was arrested less than a week ago.

It was too bad that Camden was already dead, he would have enjoyed killing that bastard. It was Camden’s party that got out of hand, it was Camden’s friends that egged him on and it was Camden who had thrown him in the pool. He would have to find someone else to take Camden’s place on the list, someone who could be killed in proxy. Camden’s brother would do. Especially since Isaac had started spending more time with Allison. Isaac deserved to be punished for it.

Beautiful Allison. No one should get to be with her but him. He’d watched her since her first day at school. She was so perfect and pure. Once he had killed those on the list he would start with those around her. First, Scott would pay for touching what belongs to him. Then he’d kill everyone else around her until there was no one but him. He’d leave that skinny brat, Stiles until last though. Make his death nice and slow. How dare Stiles embarrass him in front of his beloved Allison. He would make sure that they would all pay.

Chapter Text

The next few days passed quickly. Stiles woke up every morning to a face full of blonde curls as Isaac’s need for comfort grew especially after hearing Coach Lahey had been released on bail. The Sheriff was busy at the station after a third ex-swimmer had turned up dead on Monday morning and he had barely made it home for a change of clothes let alone get any sleep. Trying to stick to routine, Stiles drives Scott and Isaac to school every morning, insisting that the whole pack (minus Jackson for Kanima reasons) continued about their lives as if everything was normal despite remaining vigilant. He enlisted Lydia to help ensure the pack passed their classes no matter the supernatural or regular life bullshit they are dealing with. The whole pack had groaned when she provided them with colour coded study timetables with allotted in ‘werewolf cuddle time’ after each whole group session. The first of which was to be held at Derek’s later that week.

The news came on Wednesday halfway through Chemistry with Mr Harris, when a student aide comes and retrieves both Stiles and Isaac from class. When the pair reach the office, the Sheriff stood there solemnly.

“Dad, what’s wrong?”

“Somethings happened and I thought you would want to be here for Isaac.”

“Is it about my dad?” The tall teen asked worriedly.

“Yes, I’m sorry to have to inform you but he was killed last night. A neighbour found his body this morning.” 

Isaac stood there in shock for a few seconds before curling into himself as if trying to make himself disappear.

“I know that this is quite a shock but I need you to come to the station and answer a few questions.”

“Are you serious? Right now!” Stiles yelled angrily as he wrapped Isaac up in a tight hug, running a soothing hand up and down the taller boy’s back. “There is no way he did it. He was with me all night and you know it.”

“That may be but Mr Lahey was killed in the same way as the other victims so we can confirm that the connection between the victims is the swim team. Isaac might know something that could help us catch the killer.”

“Well, your questions will have to wait. He is in no state to answer your questions right now.” Stiles gestured to the almost catatonic boy now clinging to him in desperation. “I’m going to take Isaac home and you can talk to him later when he has had time to process this.”

“I can’t let you do that, Stiles. This is police business and there is a murderer on the loose. This is the fourth body now connected to the swim team.”

“If you insist on this I will call Derek and get Isaac a lawyer. You will wait until Isaac’s ready. Maybe you should speak to the other members of the team before you drag Isaac into this.”

“The ones we’ve managed to talk to say they have no idea why they would be targeted. The rest all lawyered up.”

“Well, try and talk to them again. I refuse to let Isaac be questioned today.”

“I get it you’re taking a stand on this, but this is police business. I had Agent McCall on the phone today saying the FBI is sending him here as they found another body they believe is connected to these murders out of state. I need to get this case wrapped so we can focus on the hunters.” The Sheriff lowered his voice toward the end, shooting Stiles a purposeful look.

“I know that it’s important but it will have to wait,” Stiles said with a finality in his tone that even the Sheriff seemed afraid to argue with. Casting a glance over the now orphaned boy snuggling deep into his son’s shoulder as he tried not to break apart, the Sheriff could see why Stiles was so adamant as to giving Isaac time.

“You’re just like your mother, stubborn to the core. But I will need to question him soon, no excuses.” The Sheriff said with a sigh of fond exasperation. “I’ve signed you both out for the day, could you take Isaac home for me. I need to get back to the station.”

“Of course, see you at home,” Stiles said as he leads Isaac towards the exit.

“Thank you,” Isaac murmured once they were seated in the Jeep. 

“It’s okay. Dad just wants to catch the guy quickly. He gets like this sometimes with a case, focuses all his energy on it and doesn’t think about what’s best for other people. It started when my mom got sick. Focusing on work was the one thing he could control. I did the same by controlling what he ate even when I was living in Poland. It was our way of coping and it was better than him drinking.” Stiles explained.

“What was your mom like?” 

“She was amazing. Kind, selfless and caring. She was a Spark like me. My Gramps back in Poland said my magic is stronger than hers was but I never believed him. She was the strongest woman I knew. She used to tell me stories about magic when I was a kid. I always thought that they were fairytales. When she got sick, she told me that they were all true and that I was part of them. I promised her that I would use my magic to help people.” Stiles babbled, hoping to distract Isaac from his thoughts. When he ran out of steam, they sat quietly as Stiles drove them towards home.

“Do you think we could go to Derek’s instead of home?” Isaac asked breaking the quiet.

“Of course, we can go where ever you want to go,” Stiles said as he turned the Jeep around to head toward the loft.

“Derek makes me feel safe in the same way you do. I’d like to be with both of you right now.” Isaac yawned tiredly.

“You don’t need to explain. I get it, Derek makes me feel safe too.”

By the time they reached the loft, Isaac had fallen asleep. Rather than disturb the emotionally wrecked boy, Stiles called Derek.

“Stiles, is everything okay?” Derek answered immediately.

“Depends on your definition of okay. I’ll explain later but I’m downstairs with a sleeping Issac and could use your assistance to carry him up your many flights of stairs.”

“I’ll be there in a minute,” Derek said, the sound of the loft door being opened in the background.

The Alpha appeared quickly, pulling Isaac into his arms as he shot Stiles a questioning look. They silently headed into the loft and Derek manoeuvred the teen up the spiral staircase and into Stiles’ borrowed bedroom. Stiles stepped forward and pulled the comforter down. After working together to tuck Isaac into bed, they headed back downstairs where Stiles promptly collapsed onto the couch.

“You look exhausted,” Derek said bluntly as he moved towards the kitchen. “Do you want coffee?”

“You seriously offering me caffeine? I must look terrible if it has come to that?” Lifting his head off the cushion to gaze longingly in the direction of sweet caffeine.

“Well, I was going to give you decaf and not tell you. I’m not stupid, Stiles.”

“Haha,” Stiles snarked as he flopped back into the couch. Carrying two mugs over, Derek placed them both on the coffee table before sitting down near Stiles’ head. Stiles twisted his body until his head was in Derek’s lap and sighed softly as the alpha’s fingers found their way into Stiles' hair.

“What happened?” Derek asked softly.

“I’ve spent the last couple of nights soothing Isaac’s nightmares. They got really bad after his dad was released on bail and will probably get worse since Coach Lahey was found this morning dead. According to my dad, all the murders are linked to the Beacon Hills swim team that Camden Lahey was on. The Sheriff wants to question Isaac on who might have a grudge as none of the other members of the team are willing to talk. I managed to persuade him to wait but I was hoping you’d come with me to support Issac.” Stiles blurted out. “Plus on top of everything else going on with Jackson and Peter as well as the hunters, I feel guilty for ditching out on Erica and Boyd’s first week at school after being bitten.”

“You can’t be everywhere and do everything all at once. You have to take a break and care for yourself sometimes.” Derek replied. “We can’t do anything right now so why don’t you take a nap and I’ll check in with the puppies and then call the Sheriff the find out what time he wants us down at the station or did you want him to come here to ask his questions?”

“Stay here please. Isaac told me he feels most safe when both of us are around.”

“You could also both stay here tonight if you wanted to?”

“That sounds good,” Stiles replied sleepily.

“Okay then, I’ll be back in a moment,” Derek said as he slides out from under Stiles’ head, replacing his thigh with a cushion as the tired teen curled up already drifting off.

Pulling his phone out as he headed into the study, Derek looked up in surprise finding Jackson lounging in his normal reading spot attempting to appear deeply involved in his book of lore.

“How much did you hear?” he asked with a resigned sigh.

“Everything,” Jackson replied not looking the least bit guilty. “Is Stiles going to be okay?”

“Yes, there is just a lot going on right now and he’s just overwhelmed. He’s only been back a month and so much has happened since then that it can get a bit much for him. You guys are still all teenagers and I forget that sometimes, when Peter and Laura are back, they should be able to help with the general running of the pack but until then it’s just me and Stiles. He’s always so strong for all of us that he forgets to be strong for himself sometimes.” Derek explained.

“What about Isaac?”

“Grieving a parent’s death is never easy and will take time. It is a special type of pain to mourn someone cruel to us.”

“What can we do to help?”

“With Isaac, we will need to show him love, support and patience. We can make things easier for Stiles by doing the little things so he can focus on the big things. Helping with research is good.” Derek nodded to the now-discarded lore book on Jackson’s lap. “Maybe someone else could organise the next pack night. I’ll talk to the Sheriff about helping with the case and check-in with Chris about Gerard. Could you find out which pack members are coming over tonight and all sort out something for dinner between you? Maybe give them the heads up to go easy on Stiles and Isaac tonight. Isaac’s suffering as well.” 

“Sure, I can do that.” Jackson nodded with a determined look and hurried past Derek in search of his phone. As the kanima passed, Derek stopped the younger boy with a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m proud of you, Jackson. You are handling everything the best you can right now and caring for your pack members well being at the same time. I’m glad you’re my beta.”

Blushing, Jackson launched himself into Derek’s arms, giving him a tight hug. “Thanks, Alpha.” He whispered before dashing from the room. Despite the stress he could still feel down his bond to Stiles, Derek smiled. He had at least been a good Alpha once today even if he was struggling to help his mate.

Stiles woke up slowly, eyes flickering open as he acclimated to his new surroundings. He was in Derek’s room tucked up in his bed. Had Derek carried him up and tucked him in as they had done with Isaac? His thoughts were interrupted as the Alpha in question entered quietly through the door.

“You're awake,” Derek said once he had closed the door behind him and leaned back against it.

“Only just,” Stiles replied nervously watching Derek watch him. “Did you carry me up here?”

“Yeah, thought it best when the rest of the pack arrived. Didn’t want them to disturb you.”

“The rest of the pack is here? We didn’t have plans tonight did we? There’s not much left in the fridge but I can heat some leftovers for dinner and we can all watch a movie or something. How’s Isaac? Did he sleep okay?” Stiles said as he jumped from the bed and started towards the door.

“Don’t worry about it. Allison and Lydia stopped by the store on the way here and picked up groceries and apparently, Boyd makes amazing Tacos so he is cooking tonight. Everyone has started their homework and Isaac woke up without any nightmares. Scott and Allison managed to coax him downstairs with the promise of food and are keeping him company. I’ve spoken to both your dad and Chris to get updates from them and have heard from Peter, Laura and Cora who are okay and flew from Mexico to Brazil this afternoon. They should be on their way to Peter’s contact by tomorrow. Jackson has been calm all day with no Kanima outbursts and I even caught him meditating this morning. The Sheriff is coming round after his shift is over to sit down and talk through Isaac’s options and question him as well as bring some files over about the murder case for me to have a look at. Isaac said he was ready after his nap and didn’t want to wait any longer. Lydia brought your homework and there is a cup of decaf is waiting downstairs with your name on it.”

Stiles looked at Derek stunned. “Who are you and what have you done with Derek Hale?”

Derek huffed a laugh. “I promise I’m still me. I just realised how much you do for me every day and how exhausting it must be so decided to take some things off your plate.”

“Thank you,” Stiles said blushing. Moving towards Derek, he rested his head on Derek’s muscled chest and curled his arms around his waist. 

“You need to lean on me when things get too much. I’m the Alpha, it’s what I’m here for, Stiles. Trust me to help you with anything and everything. This is our pack and we have to work together to face our problems.” Derek said as his arms came up to hold Stiles close.

“Our pack?” Stiles asked imploringly. Looking up into Derek’s green eyes.

“Without you, it wouldn’t exist. So yes, our pack.”

Stiles reached up and brushed his lips across the taller man’s cheek before removing himself from Derek’s embrace. Looking around the room awkwardly as Derek stood in front of the only exit to the room, Stiles headed to the ensuite to splash some water on his face, hiding his blush as he walked away from Derek. “I’ll meet you downstairs then. I guess I have no excuse not to do my homework then if Lydia has picked it up.” 

Stiles heard the door open and shut without another word from the Alpha.

Stiles had kissed him. Why? It was on his cheek. It could have been friendly. Surely it wasn’t romantic. He didn’t want it to be romantic. How he wished it was romantic. He shouldn’t want Stiles. He was sixteen. He refuses to be like Kate.

Seeing the pack spread about his loft quietened his panicking thoughts. Their happiness thrumming down the bonds. Homework was scattered among lacrosse gear and lore books. The whole atmosphere screamed home. While he had secretly drawn up a set of plans in the study to rebuild the Hale house last week, he wanted to take his time with the project to make it perfect for Stiles and the pack. Having the loft feel like home confirmed that there was no rush for the project.

“Is Stiles awake?” Jackson asked from the table where Lydia was helping him with his school work.

“Yeah, he’ll be down in a minute,” Derek answered.

“Remember guys, we need to be on best behaviour. No more stress for Stiles today.” Jackson said seriously to the rest of the teens.

“We know, Jax. You’ve already lectured us three times.” Lydia teased with an amused grin.

“And I’ll do more than lecture you if you mess this up.” Jackson hissed.

“That’s enough Jackson. Stiles isn’t made of glass. Tone it down before he notices and we all get in trouble for babying him.” Derek cautions.

“Derek’s right.” Scott input from the couch. “Stiles hates being considered a burden, you have to be sneaky when taking care of him. When we were kids and he’d scrape his knee my mom was never allowed to apply the bandaid, he always had to do it himself but she could sit with him while he did it and help peel the tabs off. You just have to not be obvious when caring for him.”

“He’s coming now so unless you want to get caught talking about him, you should go back to what you were doing,” Derek warned as he grabbed the still-warm coffee mug to give to the spark when he made it downstairs.

The look of gratitude that crossed Stiles’ face when he pressed the mug into his hand made Derek’s wolf preen. 

“Hey guys, how was school?” The teen asked the room. A chorus of ‘It was fine’ sounded the majority of the room. “Izzy, you feeling any better?”

“A little, the nap helped plus Allison and Scott have kept me company since I woke up.” The curly-haired teen motioned to the werewolf and hunter who sandwiched him on either side. 

“Good, I’m glad. I hear we are talking to the Sheriff later. You okay with that? We can always wait if you need to.”

“I’m ready. I know what I want.”

“Okay, whatever you feel is right,” Stiles said as he ruffled both Isaac and Scott’s hair before patting Allison on the shoulder causing her to flinch as he passed the back of the couch on his way to the kitchen. Derek watched as Stiles stopped and turned back to the trio, gaze becoming curious then slowly morphing into anger. “Allison will you come with me into the study, I need to ask you something in private.” Derek was impressed with the casual tone Stiles maintained despite a dark anger growing in his eyes.

“What about?” Scott asked confused.

“It’s hunter business, Scott.” His tone left no room for argument. “Allison come with me now, please. Derek you too.” Stiles said as he moved towards the study shooting a look at Derek that he couldn’t quite understand. Allison moved sheepishly as she followed.

Once the three of them were in the room, Stiles moved to the door and traced a silencing sigil in the air before turning to Allison.

“You flinched when I touched your shoulder.” He said frighteningly calm despite the anger in his eyes. “Did he hurt you?”

Glancing nervously in Derek’s direction, tears bloomed in Allison’s eyes and she said nothing as she pulled the shoulder of her top aside to reveal a large handprint bruise purpling her shoulder.

“When did this happen?” Stiles asked moving towards her slowly and gently brushing the tears from her face.

“After lunch. He heard that you went home with Isaac and cornered me on my way to English. I don’t share that class with anyone from the pack except you so I was alone and he caught me off guard. I managed to hit him and get away before he hurt me anymore.”

“That bastard,” Stiles replied as he pulled Allison into a hug. His spark flashed to life, eyes glowing silver as he looked at Derek over her shoulder. 

“What the hell is going on?” Derek asked finally overcoming his shock at seeing the bruise marring his human pack members skin. “Who did that to you?”

“A boy at school. He’s been following me around and has been generally weird but he’s never hurt me before.” Allison replied, face hidden in Stiles' neck.

“He would have last week if I hadn’t interrupted,” Stiles adds.

“Tell me his name and I’ll kill him,” Derek responds deadly serious. His own eyes flashed red at the thought of one of his pack members being targeted and hurt by a bully.

“No need to go to the extreme Sourwolf. We should call Chris and make a report to the Sheriff’s office when my dad gets here. No need to go straight to murder.”

“I will defend this pack however I see fit,” Derek growled.

“And how do you expect to do that when my dad has to arrest you for murdering a human teenager,” Stiles snarked back as he reached over and placed a hand on the raging alpha’s arm, drawing him into the hug. Derek immediately calmed as his arms encase them both, subtly scent-marking them. “We can’t keep this quiet anymore. I told you if he escalated, I would step in and that is clearly what has happened.”

“Okay, so we call Chris and the Sheriff. File a restraining order and buddy up the pack so someone is always with Allison. Perhaps we should do that anyway with Gerard on his way. Safety in numbers,” said Derek. 

“I thought with Gerard coming I had to distance myself from the pack so as not to lead him directly to you guys,” Allison mentioned.

“That was the plan but I’m not about to let you walk around without back up,” said Stiles as he pulled his cellphone out, extracting himself from the hug to begin pacing as Allison stayed close to Derek. “We’ll figure something out.”

After a brief conversation with Chris asking him to head to the loft as soon as possible, Stiles pulled up the Sheriff’s contact but before he hit call, the Sheriff’s caller ID flashed up on the screen. 

“Daddio, I was just about to call you. When are you getting to Derek’s? There is something important we need to talk about.”

“Not for a while, Son. Someone broke it to our house this afternoon, nothing is broken or taken but I think it's related to the murders. Melissa found that the same drug that the murderer is using is missing from the hospital so I’m heading over to the hospital now to check the security footage. ” Derek could hear how tired the Sheriff sounded over the tinny speaker of Stiles’ phone. 

“Oh shit, do you think they targeted the house because of you being the Sheriff or because of Isaac?” 

“I don’t know but do you think Derek would be okay having you and Isaac stay over longer than just tonight? I don’t feel safe leaving you guys at home alone after this especially as I’ll be pulling all-nighters until we catch him.”

“I’ll ask him. Could you send a deputy to the hospital though? Something happened at school today that we need to tell you. I know that you working murder investigation but this is important.”

“Of course, is everyone alright?” the Sheriff asked concerned.

“It’s about Allison. I’ll explain when you get here. Chris is on his way too.”

“Right, I’ll be there as soon as I can.” 

Stiles finally stopped his pacing and closed his eyes for a second, taking a deep breath. As he turned towards them Derek could see the effort it took Stiles to plaster a smile on his face.

“Right, I heard that it was Tacos for dinner. Let's go eat before the adults get here. I can heal your bruise once the Sheriff’s had a look at it if you wanted Allison but right now it is evidence.”

“We’re going to have to tell the pack aren’t we?” 

“Yes. Might be best to tell Scott first though.” 

“Okay, I can do this.” A look of determination crossed Allison’s face as she headed towards the door stopping briefly before opening it. “Thank you, Stiles. I wasn’t going to say anything with everything else going on but thank you for caring enough.”

“Never hide that your hurting just because other stuff is happening. You are important Allison. The safety and wellbeing of every member of this pack is important.” Stiles replied making Derek’s heart pound once again at the care Stiles showed for the pack.

Half an hour later, Stiles found himself cuddled between Jackson and Isaac while Allison and Scott talked in the Study. Derek was helping Danny and Lydia with the washing up after dinner. The feel of the pack surrounding him convinced him this was worth all the stress. His dad and Chris arrived within minutes of each other both heading to the study when Derek directed them inside. 

‘Mind handling this without me?’  Stiles directed at Derek telepathically.

‘Enjoy your cuddle time with the pups. I’ll howl if we need you.’

‘Good luck keeping Chris from planning Matt’s murder in front of my Dad.’  Stiles teased. The responding growl made him chuckle out loud causing Isaac and Jackson to look at him funny before they shifted to get more comfortable. After a few minutes, he called to Erica, Boyd, Lydia and Danny who were spread across the loft. When they had settled within hearing distance he filled them in on what had been going on with Allison and Matt at school. Once they had gotten over their shock and Stiles had convinced Lydia that she wasn’t a bad friend for not noticing, they all joined the cuddling, seeking comfort with each other.

Stiles had just started to twitch at sitting still for such an extended period when his dad came into the living room and beckoned him and Isaac to join him. 

After extracting them from what he was coining ‘a puppy pile’, Stiles stopped next to the Sheriff and asked, “How did everything go?” 

“Well Chris threatened to kill the boy but Derek phoned his Uncle who said he wouldn’t be amused if Chris was arrested for murder without him, followed by some very specific threats about what he would do to Chris’ genitals if Chris made him wait any longer for their first date. Luckily it managed to shock Chris out of his rage but I can’t say the rest of us were too happy to overhear their weird version of foreplay.”

“Dad! I meant is there anything you can do about Matt? Not how Peter and Chris have phone sex!” Stiles cried before he follows Isaac into the study.

“With the bruising Allison suffered, I have enough to bring him in for questioning. It probably won’t be enough to hold him on its own but it means we can search his belongings. Hopefully, we’ll get lucky and find evidence of his stalking her. Honestly, there is not much I can do without concrete evidence. I’m going to arrange a restraining order anyway and speak to the school personally to bring the situation to their attention,” the Sheriff continued.

“That brings us to the issue of if he is not arrested,” said Derek. “If it comes down to it, one of us could always give him a little scare to strongly discourage any further contact.” His eyes flashed red as he grinned ferally.

“You can’t expose yourselves as werewolves to a crazy human stalker Derek!” Stiles admonished.

“I was thinking more along the lines of Chris and his crossbow in the woods one night.”

“Not a bad idea. Maybe I could lend Peter on too.” Chris commented casually. “Nothing like a romantic nighttime hunt through the woods.”

“Could we please refrain from contemplating kidnapping while I’m present?” The Sheriff huffed. “I need plausible deniability.”

“Sure thing Daddio, we’ll wait next time till you’ve left the room!” Stiles smirked.

“Moving on, we should get on with the questions I have for Isaac, I have to get back to the station soon. Could you give us a moment please Chris, Allison and Scott? This shouldn’t take very long.

Twenty minutes later Stiles concluded that despite his childhood dreams of joining the FBI, police work was incredibly tedious. The Sheriff had asked if Isaac knew of anyone who would want to hurt his father in seven different ways then asking if he could remember anything about the time his brother was on the BHHS swim team. Isaac handled the probing questions well but he refused to remove his face from Stiles' neck as he sat almost across Stiles’ lap or to loosen his grip on Derek’s hand under the table. When the Sheriff finally tucked his notepad away, Stiles released a sigh of relief that it had not been as horrendous as he thought it would be.

However before anyone could move from the study’s table, Derek pulled his hand from Isaac’s and clasped him tightly on the shoulder looking over the curly-haired boy’s shoulder at Stiles.

“While we are all here, I wanted to bring up the possibility of Isaac receiving the bite.” Derek turned back to the Sheriff with a deep breath. “I know one of the concerns was that his living situation with you is only temporary until a place in the foster system is found and I agree that a newly turned werewolf is not a good idea in care. I think I have a solution but I think I will need your help. What if Isaac moved into the loft and we fostered him?”