Reading Time: 62 Minutes

Title: A Raging Tempest
Series: What We Gain
Series Order: 4
Author: enigmaticblue
Fandom: Teen Wolf
Genre: Angst, Drama, Family, Hurt/Comfort
Relationship(s): Gen
Content Rating: R
Warnings: Rape/Non-con/Dub-con (between Derek Hale and Jennifer Blake where she uses magic to roofie him)
Word Count: 68,278
Summary: Noah realizes that integrating as many pack members as they have is going to present problems of its own. With pressures building inside and outside the pack, Noah finds himself in the midst of a storm that may devastate his pack and Beacon Hills alike.
Artist: ringspells

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Chapter 1

Noah is used to teenage drama, but he’s fairly certain that World War III has broken out in his house, and his kid is—for once—not in the center of it.

“How is it that you’re hogging the bathroom?” Cora demands, staring Derek down in the middle of the living room. Noah happens to know that Derek had just finished a shower after his run, and there’s a second bathroom that she could have used. Derek hadn’t even been in there long. “You’re not that pretty.”

Cora looks like she’s ready to spit nails, and for no reason that Noah can discern. Based on Derek’s expression, he can’t discern it either.

Stiles creeps past them with Batman in tow, clearly trying to go unnoticed. Of course, Stiles has been using Noah’s bathroom as often as possible, leaving Derek to share with his sister, and that has not gone well. For some reason, she’s mostly picking fights over that.

Noah knows that it’s not really about the use of the bathroom. It’s about Cora having her expectations disappointed. She’d expected to find a Hale as the head of the pack, and she got a stranger. It’s probably made worse by the fact that the pack is functioning well, with tight bonds, and that makes her an outsider.

“Where are you going?” Cora demands, rounding on Stiles, again for no reason.

Noah is about to snarl, but Derek beats him to it, grabbing the front of Cora’s borrowed t-shirt, and shoving her back onto the couch. He looms over her, his eyes glowing blue, teeth bared. “You are a guest here,” he snaps. “You can be as disappointed in me as you like. You can be as much of an asshole to me as you like. I might even deserve it. But you will not talk to Stiles that way in his own home, and you will not disrespect the Alpha of this territory!”

Cora snarls back. “You can’t tell me what to do! You should have died instead of Laura!”

Noah also knows that he has to back up his right hand. “ENOUGH!”

He had trained soldiers and deputies, and he’s a father. He knows how to put power in his voice.

Stiles actually sits on the floor abruptly, as does Batman, although Batman is licking the side of Stiles’ face in a way that’s likely meant to be comforting and grounding. Derek releases Cora and stumbles back, swiping at his eyes.

Noah turns to Stiles. “Son, go to judo before you’re late. I remember the lecture we both got when you signed up.”

Stiles glances anxiously between him and Derek, but he nods. “I’ll see you later. Thanks, Der.”

He scrambles to his feet, and then he and Batman beat feet.

“Derek, take a seat,” Noah says. “We’re going to talk about how we’re going to move forward.”

Cora suddenly looks absolutely terrified, and that’s how Noah knows that she wants to stay with Derek, and she’s been pushing him because she wants to test the boundaries.

Derek also looks terrified, probably because he doesn’t want Noah to send his sister away.

“Look at each other right now,” Noah orders. “Really look at each other, because you two are about to face a very difficult decision, and it will help if you understand what’s at stake.”

Derek immediately looks at his sister, and his expression softens slightly. Cora won’t look up from the floor.

“Look at your brother,” Noah says, putting some force behind the words.

Cora glances up finally, and then immediately looks down again.

“Good, you can listen to instructions,” Noah comments. “I understand that this house is not big enough for everyone we have staying here, whether regularly or sporadically. I’m sorry for that, but it’s what we have right now. If you don’t want to be here, Cora, we can make other arrangements.”

“I can get another apartment,” Derek offers. “One that’s big enough for Cora, Isaac, and Boyd. I’m willing to break the lease.”

Cora swallows audibly. “You don’t want me here?”

“Not if you’re going to disrespect our emissary!” Derek says, sounding exasperated. “I know you were young, and maybe you don’t understand pack hierarchy, but Stiles is both the only son of the Alpha of this territory, and the emissary in training!”

Cora hunches in on herself. “But a Hale is supposed to be Alpha.”

“Derek will be,” Noah says quietly. “When he’s ready to take over, I suspect I’ll be ready to retire, both as Alpha and as sheriff. But until then, I plan on holding it in trust, and doing my best to create a sanctuary town.”

Cora’s head comes up at that. “What?”

“I’m going to do what I can to create a sanctuary, with the help of Moira and the others,” Noah says patiently.

Cora kind of folds in on herself. “I just—I didn’t know you were serious about that.”

Noah sighs, because he knows that Cora needs to spend time with her brother, and they need to have the space to get their shit together. At the same time, he can’t kick Derek out when he clearly needs to be in the pack house. So, they seem to be at an impasse.

“I’m going to look for another house,” Noah says quietly. “All I ask is that you two keep the peace in the meantime.” And then he gives Cora a pointed look. “Stiles can be a little shit. Feel free to call him on it when that happens. But don’t mess with my kid when he’s just trying to get out of the line of fire, and that goes for every other member of my pack.”

Cora actually looks like she’s on the edge of tears. “I’m sorry, Sheriff. I’m sorry, Derek.”

Noah jerks his head, and Derek scoots closer to her. “You were young when everything happened. And this pack is different from our old one. I get it.” Derek wraps an arm around Cora’s shoulders. “We’ll get there, but being angry just because we have a good Alpha and it’s not me is kind of dumb.”

He uses a gentle, teasing tone, and Cora turns her face into his shoulder. “I want to stay here with you.”

“We’ll figure it out,” Derek promises. “I don’t know how exactly, but we’ll get there.”

Noah hopes that they can, because he’s not going to have war within his house. He’s been trying to get to know Cora over the last week or so, but she’s holding everyone at arm’s length when she’s not actively picking a fight.

Truthfully, Noah has been missing Claudia something fierce. They had talked about having more kids, and she’d spoken wistfully about having a daughter, but it just hadn’t happened, and then she got sick. Noah sometimes dreams about a life with Claudia still in it, with her mothering the entire pack, and he thinks she would have been able to get through to Cora.

Then, as if she knew something was going down, Moira breezes through the front door. She’s wearing black and purple today—black jeans and blouse, purple blazer, and purple sneakers. “I’ve called Erica,” she announces. “A shopping trip is in order. Cora, you’re coming with me.”

Cora raises her chin pugnaciously. “I’m fine.”

Moira raises her eyebrows. “Oh, so you want to wear the same two shirts and two pairs of jeans that you have, and you want to bypass a free pedicure? Because if that’s the case, I’m just going to feel really sorry for you.”

Noah blinks as Cora’s head drops to the side in an instinctually submissive gesture. “No, ma’am.”

“Good, you’re not an idiot,” Moira says. “Put your shoes on, we’re meeting Erica at the mall.”

All Cora has is a pair of ratty sneakers she usually leaves by the door, and Moira winks at Noah as she ushers Cora out the door, leaving an exhausted looking Derek behind.

Derek scrubs his hands over his face. “I don’t know what to do with her, or for her. I don’t want to run her off, Noah, but…”

“Let’s see if Moira can sort her out,” Noah says soothingly. “Cora is clearly angry, and I don’t think it’s just finding out that you’re not the Alpha, Derek. She was held by the alpha pack for an unknown period of time. Has she spoken to you at all about what they did?”

Derek shakes his head. “She won’t talk about it.”

Noah suddenly remembers the offer that Jack had made at their first meeting, about the therapist who works with entire packs, and he thinks he has a solution. Or part of one, at least.

It hadn’t seemed all that important at the time. Their pack had been functioning well. Then the bodies from the alpha pack started dropping, and Noah hadn’t been thinking about pack dynamics, other than being grateful that things were mostly copacetic. In fact, after Stiles confronted Scott, everything seemed fine, aside from the usual teenage drama.

Things are not fine now.

“Jack gave me the name of someone who works with the entire pack,” Noah admits. “I’m going to ask her to come if she has the time. I’m also going to start seriously looking for another house.”

Derek immediately shakes his head. “Before you do that, can I show you something?”

“Of course,” Noah replies.

Derek leaves the living room and returns with his laptop, opening what looks like a set of blueprints and a mock-up of a house.

Noah immediately knows what he’s seeing. The house is large, reminiscent of the Hale house before the fire, and it’s not some god-awful McMansion. There are Victorian touches, like gingerbread detailing and a turret that give it character. There’s also a large, wrap-around porch that could easily be enclosed and used by pack members during warmer months.

“How far along are you?” Noah asks.

Derek swallows audibly. “I have the plans done. I’ve been working on it on and off, but since Cora… I knew it would only be a matter of time. I like this house, so I’ve been dragging my feet, but…”

“We don’t have to give up this house,” Noah says. “There might be pack members who would be willing to take it over and pay rent.”

Derek frowns, and then his expression clears. “Paul and Dave?”

“I’ll ask them once we’re ready to pull the trigger, but yeah,” Noah says. “I think they might be ready to take that step. I’d ask them to pay rent, not take over the mortgage, at least until we were sure it was working for everyone.”

Derek is clearly hesitant to ask his next question, but he finally spits it out. “You don’t mind?”

“If it affected their job performance, sure I’d mind,” Noah says easily. “And if they break up, and it starts to affect their job performance, I’ll put them on different shifts and hope they pull their heads out of their asses before I have to fire one of them. But beyond that, it’s their business.”

Derek glances at Noah, then away, then back again.

“Spit it out,” Noah says. “Before it eats you up.”

“I”m pretty sure part of Cora’s attitude has to do with the fact that Stiles has a crush on me,” Derek confesses.

Noah had wondered when he’d have to take notice of the little mutual admiration society his kid and Derek have fallen into. On the one hand, he’s not worried. There is no way in hell Derek will touch Stiles until he’s of age, and Derek is a good man, besides. He would treat Stiles well.

On the other hand, Stiles is just about to turn seventeen, and he has a lot of growing up to do, even though he’s made tremendous strides in the last year. Noah is pretty sure the same could be said of Derek.

Noah is careful with his response. “A kid Stiles’ age is going to respond to someone who’s physically attractive. Pretty sure he also has a bit of a crush on Danny Mahealani, and who could blame him?”

Derek snorts.

“Stiles is still figuring himself out, son,” Noah says. “He’s only just started to admit that he’s attracted to both boys and girls, and maybe even those who don’t identify as either. I know how careful you are. I’m not worried about it. I am a little concerned about Cora’s reaction.”

“Maybe Moira and Erica will be able to set her straight,” Derek says, although he sounds a little dubious.

Noah nods. “Maybe. But I was glad you acted to protect Stiles tonight. You did good.”

Derek smiles. “Thanks.”

And Noah is really hoping that they’ll be able to figure things out with Cora, maybe with a little help.

~~~~~

Batman really is aptly named, Stiles thinks, and not for the first time.

He plans on taking up at least a couple of martial arts disciplines, but judo had seemed like the place to start. He’s a squishy, breakable human, so learning how to use others’ weight and momentum against them seemed like a good idea.

Sensei O.B.—short for old bastard, according to him, although according to Stiles’ dad, his legal name is Oliver Bradford III—had asked right up front if Batman could handle Stiles sparring.

“He’s pretty smart,” Stiles had said. “If I tell him it’s safe, I think he’ll get it.”

Sensei O.B. had nodded slowly. He had asked to meet with Stiles privately before Stiles’ first class to discuss having his service dog with him, and his face gave nothing away as he considered Stiles, Batman, and his dad. “Let’s try it out. I’ll teach you a throw, and we’ll see how you and—what’s the name again?”

“Batman, but I ask people to call him Bruce when he’s on duty to avoid distractions,” Stiles admitted.

That caused Sensei O.B. to crack a smile. “All right. Bruce, it is.”

He took Stiles to the mat, and Stiles made a “stay” motion, indicating that Batman should lie down. “We’re being safe, Batman. Safe.”

Batman laid down, and rested his head on his paws, and then he didn’t budge the entire time as Sensei O.B. started teaching Stiles a basic throw. At the end of thirty minutes, Sensei O.B. nodded in approval and said, “All right. You both can stay. Bruce is more polite than most of my students.”

After that, Batman has accompanied Stiles to every class, and he seems to understand that if Stiles is sparring, there’s nothing he needs to do.

And the one time Stiles starts to have a panic attack after getting hit in the face—it had reminded him too much of Kate—Batman herded him over to the side until he could get himself under control.

Sensei O.B. hadn’t even glanced at Stiles until he came back to the lesson, and then he’d just held Stiles’ gaze until Stiles nodded.

No one else in the class commented, or treated him any differently after that, which makes judo class one of the places Stiles feels safest.

And that’s what he needs right now, because having Cora and Derek yell at each other in his house doesn’t make him feel safe.

Stiles tightens his yellow belt, and repeats the same orders he always issues at the beginning of class. “Batman, stay. We’re safe.”

Batman cocks his head, as though to say, “No shit, Sherlock, safer than at home.”

It makes Stiles smile, and he pauses to press his forehead to the top of Batman’s head before joining the others as they start to stretch. He’s in the adult class, and it’s about three-quarters women who want to learn judo for self-defense. Stiles doesn’t mind, really. He’s pretty happy with just his pack mates, and he doesn’t need to make friends.

They all know he’s the sheriff’s kid, which means they all know what happened to him. No one says anything about it, just like they didn’t say anything about his panic attack, and Stiles appreciates that.

“Hey, kiddo.” Sensei Leigh sits down next to him. “You usually look pretty steady when you get here.”

Stiles sighs. Leigh is another sensei, and she had known his mom slightly from PTA. She will typically check in with him before and after a class. She participates in the adult classes, but is primarily responsible for teaching the little kids. “I usually feel pretty steady when I get here.”

“Trouble at home?” Leigh asks.

Stiles really doesn’t know how to answer her. “Dad and I are good.”

“Ah, then one of your dad’s foundlings,” Leigh says. At Stiles’ surprised look, she adds, “It’s the talk of the town.”

“You could say that,” Stiles replies. “But it’s not really any of them. Derek’s sister showed up. His younger sister.”

“I thought all the Hales were dead, other than Derek,” Leigh replies.

“So did Derek,” Stiles says, but he’s not really sure what to say, or how much would be pack business. “Pretty sure his sister thought she was the lone survivor, too. And you know the old saying: hurt people hurt people.”

Leigh smiles and inclines her head. “True enough. We’ll work together today. I don’t think you need to worry about getting hit in the face, and neither does Bruce.”

“I think everyone is more worried about my service dog than they are me,” Stiles jokes.

Amber grins at him. “We can touch you. Your service dog is another matter entirely.”

Stiles laughs at that. “I don’t mind working with you.”

“You’re making really good progress, Stiles,” Leigh says kindly. “And I don’t say that to many people.”

Stiles gives her a look. “I still flail.”

“Flailing is common at this stage,” Leigh jokes. “The little ones mostly twirl in place.”

Stiles laughs at that. “I probably would have, too. I think my mom tried to get me in lessons before she died.”

“She did,” Leigh says sympathetically. “We talked about it before she got sick, and then it just went by the wayside. I’m glad you’re here now.”

“I think I want to do other martial arts, too,” Stiles confesses.

“We have lessons in krav maga, too, kiddo,” Leigh replies. “That class meets Mondays and Wednesdays, but that’s a lot to take on.”

“Too much?” Stiles asks.

“Do you have other extracurricular activities or a job?” Leigh asks. When Stiles shakes his head, she says, “Then no, especially if it helps you. You already have a great topic for your college essay: ‘How I survived a kidnapping and lived to tell the tale.’”

Stiles barks a laugh, glad that someone is willing to actually address it. “I figure picking up a couple of disciplines in martial arts will help when I apply to the FBI Academy.”

“Aim high, Stiles,” Leigh replies. “We’ll talk to O.B. after class about you joining the krav maga group, too.”

Stiles nods, and then Sensei O.B. calls them to order. Stiles spends part of the time practicing falls, and the rest of the time grappling with Leigh. He likes all of the teachers, but Leigh is at least a little bit his favorite.

As the class goes on, Stiles finds himself relaxing into the rhythm. When he’s here, Stiles can just focus on the physicality. Maybe it’s strange that he likes judo, since he’s such a klutz, but Stiles doesn’t have to control anything other than his own body. He doesn’t have to coordinate a lacrosse stick and ball, just his own limbs.

Plus, he figures learning how to fall is a useful thing to know under the circumstances.

He’s sweated through his gi by the end of class as usual, and feels a good kind of tired and sore. Leigh motions to Stiles to stay put, then approaches O.B. At a gesture from Stiles, Batman trots over, and Stiles leans against Batman’s sturdy body.

O.B. and Leigh talk quietly as the others gather their things and start to leave. Once they’ve filtered out, O.B. waves Stiles over. “You want to pick up another discipline?”

Stiles nods. “One of my dad’s deputies suggested krav maga.”

O.B. raises his eyebrows, but then hitches a shoulder. “Yeah, feel free to join that class as well. It’s effective for self defense.”

“What about disciplines using weapons?” Stiles asks.

O.B. looks like he wants to laugh. “Not at this dojo, but there’s another one in town that does. I recommend trying krav maga, and see how that works with your schedule. More than two disciplines at once would be—an undertaking.”

Stiles knows that he has a tendency to throw himself into things, and he appreciates the subtle way that Sensei O.B. warns him that he might be biting off more than he can chew. “Got it.”

O.B. cracks a rare smile at that. “You have a good head on your shoulders when you choose to use it.”

“Thank you, Sensei,” Stiles replies.

When Stiles leaves the dojo, he’s somehow unsurprised to see his dad waiting for him. “You okay, kiddo?” his dad asks.

Stiles nods. “Yeah, I’m good. Class is always good. I spoke with Sensei O.B. about picking up a krav maga class, too.”

His dad gives him a long, searching look. “Finding a way to stay out of the house?”

Stiles shrugs. “Can you really blame me? It’s not like we’re going to kick Cora or Derek out.”

“Derek offered to set her up in an apartment with Isaac and Boyd,” his dad says wryly. “And I would absolutely kick one or both of them out if you asked that of me, Stiles.”

Stiles gives his dad a look. “And you know I would never ask that. I can handle one bitchy teenager.”

“How about we go get something to eat?” his dad suggests. “We can grab pizza.”

Stiles is starving, and the idea of grabbing dinner away from the house sounds good. “That would be great.”

He leaves his jacket and belt in his Jeep and throws on a hoodie from the backseat. Luckily, the pizza parlor is casual, and no one bats an eyelash at Stiles and his sweaty state.

They put in an order for a large all-meat pizza, and his dad asks, “What would you think about getting a larger house?”

“I’ve been thinking about that, and I think we have to if we can swing it,” Stiles says. “I don’t really want to move, but we don’t have enough space. Derek mentioned tearing down the old Hale house, and rebuilding there.”

Noah snorts. “He has the blueprints finished, and showed them to me after you left. I told him the same thing I’ll tell you: we don’t have to give up the house. We can rent it out to other pack members.”

Stiles immediately feels better about it, knowing that they won’t just be getting rid of the house. If it stays in the pack, at least it will still be in the family in a sense. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

His dad looks a bit embarrassed, and then says, “Derek thinks that Cora might have a problem with you because you have a crush on him.”

Stiles can feel his face heat up. “Dad!”

“I know we don’t talk about it,” Noah begins. “And we’re not talking about it now. I’m just informing you.”

Stiles wishes the floor would open up and swallow him. “Dad.”

“I’m going to take Jack up on his offer of getting that pack therapist here,” Noah says. “I think it might help.”

Stiles shrugs, glad for the subject change. “Do you think Cora will even engage with the process?”

“I’m going to make that a requirement if she wants to stay with us,” Noah admits. “Not just because of the family dynamics, but because I think she could benefit. I’m not really her Alpha, and I’m certainly not her parent, so I can’t force her into individual therapy, but I would if I could.”

“Well, you might not be her Alpha right now, but you probably will be eventually,” Stiles points out. “Eventually, she’s going to realize how awesome you are, and then she’ll realize that she wants to be in your pack.”

His dad reaches across the table to ruffle Stiles’ hair. “Thanks, kiddo.”

When their pizza arrives, Stiles falls on it like a starving man. Judo always works up an appetite, and Stiles has homework that he needs to finish, so he definitely needs the fuel.

“You want to come back to the station with me?” his dad offers. “You could do your homework there.”

Stiles shakes his head. “No, but thank you. I want a shower, and I’ll just hole up in my room.”

Noah sighs unhappily. “I don’t want that for you, Stiles.”

Stiles shakes his head. “It’s a passing thing, Dad, and it’s only been a week. I have every faith that she’ll either decide to stick around, or fuck off, in very short order.”

“Language,” his dad says, but it’s definitely half-hearted. “All right. It’s your call. When does krav maga start?”

“Next week, I think,” Stiles replies. “I’m kind of excited.”

Noah smiles. “Good. I’m sure you’ll do just as well in that class as you’ve been doing in judo.”

Stiles offers a self-deprecating smile. “Well, it’s kind of a relief to know how to fall since I was already doing that.”

His dad snorts. “That is a relief.”

He gets a ride back to the dojo and his Jeep, and then heads back home. He spots Moira’s car parked on the street, and he sighs and glances over at Batman. “Once more into the breech?”

Batman whuffs.

“Right, let’s go,” Stiles says. “Because I really need that shower.”

Stiles leaves Batman’s vest on, although he normally removes it once they walk through the front door if they’re not planning to leave again. He’s not removing it until they’re ensconced in his bedroom tonight, though.

When he walks in, Moira is crocheting on the couch, and Erica and Cora are going through bags and splitting up their respective hauls. As soon as Stiles comes into the living room, Cora gets to her feet.

Stiles wants to just keep walking, but he knows that’s not the best thing for the pack, so he waits.

Cora’s clearly trying to find something to say, but nothing is coming out of her mouth.

“Hey, don’t be a bitch,” Erica says sharply. “In this pack, when we’re in the wrong, we own up to it.”

Cora shoots her a look, but Moira just says, “Erica is right, dear.”

“I’m sorry,” Cora blurts out. “I was being shitty, and I’m a guest here.”

Stiles gives her a look. “Yeah. Well, you wouldn’t have to be a guest if you wanted to be a member of the pack. We’d keep you in a heartbeat because we all love Derek, and we know how much it means to him to have his sister here. So, it’s forgiven, but fucking do better.”

Cora tips her chin up. “I will.”

“Good,” Stiles says. “I need a shower, and I’m going to do homework. Moira, I’m picking up krav maga.”

Moira just hums thoughtfully. “Interesting choice, but one that I understand. The physical training will help with the magical training, and your stamina.”

Erica gives him a concerned look, though. “You planning on being a warrior monk, Doctor Strange?”

“Well, maybe not a monk, if I ever meet the right person,” Stiles jokes. “‘night, ladies.”

He grabs clean clothing and retreats into his dad’s room to shower with Batman in tow, and then he returns to his room to find Moira on his bed, still crocheting.

“I have homework,” Stiles reminds her.

She pats the bed next to her. “I won’t keep you long.”

Stiles pauses to take Batman’s vest off, signaling that work is over. Batman hops up on his bed next to Moira and presses against her. Stiles just laughs, because everyone loves Moira, and sits on her other side.

At that, Moira puts her project down and wraps an arm around Stiles’ shoulders, pulling him in close. “I’m here for you, young spark. Remember that.”

“But we’re both here for the pack,” Stiles counters, but he buries his face in her shoulder all the same. “Cora is Derek’s sister.”

“She’s also a very damaged child without the benefit of having a parent like Noah, or being in therapy,” Moira replies. “So, I want to commend you for not suggesting that she be thrown out on her ass.”

Even though they’re both whispering, Stiles is worried that the werewolves will hear them. “Moira, they’ll hear us.”

“You don’t think I thought of that?” Moira asks. “I needed to talk to you privately. I don’t have a problem with you taking on krav maga, but I’m worried.”

“Sensei O.B. told me to stick to two disciplines after I asked him about weapons training,” Stiles admits.

“Oh, mo chroi,” Moira murmurs. “Look at me.”

Stiles looks her in the eye.

“What you did, how you spoke to Cora, that is what an emissary does,” Moira says, framing Stiles’ face with her hands. “That was brilliant. Do you hear me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Stiles says, blinking rapidly. “It’s just—I know that getting over trauma takes time, and it’s a process.”

She smiles. “You would know that better than most. Come here,” Moira says. “I know you have homework, but I think you could do with a bit of a cuddle.”

Stiles takes a shuddery breath. “Dad said Derek thinks Cora was mostly mad because I have a crush on him. Derek, I mean.”

Moira laughs. “Hm, well, perhaps. But if that’s the case, she’s an idiot. Derek will invite a lot of interest because he’s beautiful. The entire pack is beautiful, actually.”

“I know, right?” Stiles complains. “It’s ridiculous. Everyone is ridiculous.”

There’s a knock on his door, and Stiles groans. “What?”

“They can’t hear you,” Moira says. “We can leave it.”

Stiles says, “No, let’s get it over with.”

He gets up and opens the door to see Derek standing there. Stiles is a little surprised that this is the first time he’s seeing him. “I’m sorry,” Derek says immediately.

“Oh, come here,” Stiles replies. “We’ll hug it out, and we’ll be fine. You defended me, and that’s the important thing.”

Stiles refuses to feel awkward about hugging Derek. Derek is part of his pack, and they’re tactile with each other. He’s not going to stop just because Derek knows that he has a bit of a crush on him.

He tells himself that he has a crush on Danny, too, and Danny knows about it and hasn’t made it weird.

Derek pulls him in for a hug and whispers, “Thank you.”

And that’s when Stiles realizes that he’s dealing with Cora’s shit because of his feelings for Derek. That being said, if Derek hadn’t defended him, he would have made another choice.

“You have my back, I have yours,” Stiles promises.

“Always,” Derek promises.

Stiles reluctantly pulls back. “I need to work on homework.”

“Sorry,” Derek replies. “Cora will be civil from here on out, but she also went home with Erica for tonight. It might do her good to make a friend, and Erica claimed that they needed to bond.”

“I guess we’ll see,” Stiles replies.

Derek nods and retreats.

Moira has gone back to crocheting, and Stiles realizes that Moira has done something. The room feels like a chill oasis. “What did you do?”

“Created an atmosphere conducive to working,” Moira replies. “I can stay or go. The aura will linger for a bit.”

“Stay,” Stiles replies. “The only better guard dog would be my dad.”

Moira just smiles. “True.”

~~~~~

Derek feels as though he’s caught between a rock and a hard place. If you’d asked him a few weeks ago what he’d give to have even just one of his siblings back, he would have promised just about anything. Now, he’s worried that he’s going to have to choose between his sister and his pack, and he has no idea what to do.

When Moira returns with Cora and Erica in tow with a number of bags, Derek gives Cora a look and motions for her to join him on the back porch. Stiles and Noah haven’t returned yet, and if Derek had to guess, it’s because Noah knows Stiles needs a break, and Derek needs to make some things very, very clear.

Cora swallows audibly and follows Derek out to the back porch, her arms tightly crossed over her chest.

“Did you have fun?” Derek asks.

Cora gives him a suspicious look. “Yeah. Moira is pretty great.”

“We like her,” Derek says. “I know that you understand we can’t have a repeat of tonight, but I don’t know what you need, Cora.”

Cora’s defensive posture eases, and she shrugs. “I thought I would come here and find that you’re the Alpha, and there was a strong pack.”

Derek raises his eyebrows. “There is a strong pack.”

“I know,” Cora mutters. “Moira and Erica made that very clear. It helped that Sheriff Stilinski said he was holding it in trust for you.”

Derek snorts at that. “Maybe I’ll want it in another thirty years, but I’m perfectly happy being the right hand.”

“I don’t get that,” Cora admits. “Why wouldn’t you want to be Alpha?”

Derek shakes his head. “Be responsible for building the pack? Be the one dealing with the alpha pack? If it had been me…”

Derek has no idea how he’d have handled the alpha pack without at least a couple of pack members getting killed. They would have come at him directly, in a way they hadn’t wanted to risk with the Sheriff.

“You probably would have gotten everybody killed,” Cora jokes.

“Probably,” Derek says seriously. “The Sheriff got the station on board, and Scott follows him. He wouldn’t have followed me. His mom is working on getting the hospital on our side, and we already have a couple of allies there.”

Cora nods. “Moira said that she thinks we’ll have a sanctuary city within ten years.”

“We wouldn’t have had that if I’d been the Alpha,” Derek reminds her.

Cora rubs her eyes. “I’ll work on my attitude.”

“Thank you,” Derek replies. “And if you ever want to talk, or if there’s something you need, just tell me.”

Cora just shrugs at that, and asks, “Are you coming inside?”

Derek shakes his head. “No, I think I might go for a walk to clear my head.”

Cora nods. “I’ll see you later.”

Derek has found a certain peace in just being outside, whether running or walking, in the rhythm of his feet on pavement. It almost feels as though he’s patrolling his territory, and that by doing so, he can keep everyone safe.

Even though Derek is well aware that’s not entirely true.

After an hour, Derek returns to the house. Cora and Erica are waiting for him, and Erica says, “I’m inviting Cora over for a sleepover, if that’s okay.”

Derek blinks. “Yeah, that’s fine. If that’s what you want to do, Cora.”

Cora nods. “I think it will be fun.”

“We got pedicures, but it’s always easier to paint someone else’s nails if we’re doing manis, too,” Erica says cheerfully, looping her arm through Cora’s.

Derek frowns. “Where are all the others tonight?”

He probably should know, but Erica is the pack member who seems to be able to keep everyone’s calendars straight. It’s kind of her superpower.

“Mrs. McCall invited the boys to dinner before her shift,” Erica says promptly. “She’s teaching them how to cook. She said I could come, too, but then Moira texted me. Also, I fully intend on marrying someone who will do all the cooking. Everyone else is either at home or the station.”

Derek barks a laugh. “Not a bad plan, all things considered. All right, enjoy your evening.”

Next, he knows that he needs to talk to Stiles, and smooth things over, at least as much as he can.

As he approaches Stiles’ door, he immediately realizes that Moira has done something, because he can’t even hear Stiles’ heartbeat, although Derek can feel him through the pack bond. For a moment, he thinks Stiles might end up ignoring him, and then the door swings open, and Stiles stares at him, a strange expression on his face.

“I’m sorry,” Derek says, thinking that it’s about Cora, and her bad behavior, but then Stiles just laughs a little bit and shakes his head in a self-deprecating way. Derek can feel determination through the bond, and he scents embarrassment before Stiles says, “Oh, come on. We’ll hug it out, and we’ll be fine.”

Derek realizes that Noah probably told Derek about his theory that Cora’s reaction had something to do with Stiles’ well-known crush. He knows that Stiles would have rather Derek didn’t know, even though that’s a hard thing to keep secret in a pack.

But in the end, Stiles is just Stiles, smelling of his dad’s Old Spice soap, hugging Derek with everything he has. Not for the first time, Derek appreciates the loyalty Stiles feels to him, and to the pack.

Derek retreats after that, heading for bed. He has another full day of classes the next day, both virtual and in person, as well as an appointment at the firing range to practice with Parrish.

He honestly thinks it’s a good thing that everyone in the pack is spreading out, creating their own relationships, forging their own bonds and interests. It means the pack is maturing.

The next morning, Derek gets up early and makes a quick breakfast sandwich. He doesn’t see either Noah or Stiles, but that isn’t unusual on days when he has a full load and needs to leave early.

Derek has a seminar class that meets once a week for three hours at a time, which is one of the last classes he has for his B.A., and he’s also picked up a criminal justice course that he’s been told would be helpful that meets for the same amount of time in the afternoon.

After those two classes, Derek drives to the firing range that the and Parrish frequent when they can. It’s midway between Beacon Hills and Meadows, which is where Parrish is currently living and working, although he has plans to move soon.

“How’s it going, Hale?” Parrish asks, after they’ve checked in, and before they start shooting.

Derek is just glad that there’s someone he can talk to about what’s going on who’s slightly removed from the situation. “Fine.”

“You don’t seem fine,” Parrish replies.

“My little sister is throwing a wrench into the works, but I’m hoping she turns a corner soon,” Derek admits. “I’d have given anything to have any of my family back, but I forgot how much of a pain in the ass she can be.”

Parrish laughs at that, but he quickly sobers. “Has she talked to anybody about what happened to her?”

Derek shakes his head. “She’s refusing, but Noah is going to contact someone who might be able to help the pack. I hope she’ll participate, but we’ll see.”

“Are all the Hales that stubborn?” Parrish jokes.

Derek sorts. “You could say that. We come by it honestly, at least.”

He and Parrish are about equal on the range. The hearing protection doesn’t do enough for him, but Derek has been able to train himself not to flinch at the sound of gunfire. Parrish doesn’t seem to have the same problem with his hearing, but Derek’s eyesight is better.

In the end, their range scores are about even, and Parrish offers a handshake and a hug. “I think we’ll kick ass in this module, too.”

“Planning on it,” Derek replies. “You want to grab something to eat? I’m starving.”

“Yeah, let’s,” Parrish replies.

There’s a nearby bar that has good food and beer, which they’ve been to before. In Parrish’s company, Derek can relax. Parrish is easygoing, and he asks about everyone in the pack with real interest.

The evening is interrupted by a couple of women approaching their table. Derek immediately recognizes one of them as someone who had already approached him once before, when Erica had rescued him.

Parrish meets his eyes, and maybe there’s something in Derek’s expression, because he reaches across the table and grips Derek’s hand. “I can’t wait to be close to you, too, babe.”

Derek goes with it. He intertwines their fingers and manages a relaxed smile. “Same. I hate the distance between us.”

That sends the women veering off from their table, and Parrish winks at him. “Got your back, boo.”

“Oh, my god, never, ever call me that,” Derek replies, but he leaves his hand where it is, just in case the woman needs a bigger hint.

Parrish laughs, and then squeezes Derek’s hand before withdrawing. “She just left. Someone you know?”

Derek shakes her head. “I have no idea who she is, but she approached me once before—actually, it was after you met me for coffee in Beacon Hills. Erica rescued me that time.”

Parrish frowns. “Is she following you? She would almost have to be, right?”

Derek blinks, and he realizes that she must be targeting him. Perhaps the initial run-in had been accidental, but both instances? “Why?”

Parrish grins. “Do you really need to ask that question?”

Derek can feel his face flush. “I know what I look like, but I have been informed that the murder brows tend to turn people away.”

That makes Parrish laugh. “Depends, I guess, but probably not as much of a deterrent as you’d like when it comes to stalkers. Hopefully, she’s just overly interested, and not a bunny boiler.”

Derek gets that reference, unfortunately. “I guess I’ll just have to keep an eye out.”

It does give him cause for concern, though. He has no idea what he’s done to draw her attention, but he doesn’t appreciate it.

Parrish nods. “Maybe she’ll stop if she thinks you’re gay.”

Derek shrugs. “Bisexual, actually, but not really interested in a relationship right now. I have the pack.”

In truth, Derek needs an emotional connection to even feel sexual attraction, and sex isn’t high on his list of needs right now. He has the pack and his studies, and that’s more than enough for him.

It’s taken time for Derek to figure that much out, and although they’ve never talked about it, just having a pack that supports him has made a huge difference.

“Makes sense,” Parrish replies, taking a sip of his beer. “You’ve got a lot on your plate. I’m still waiting to meet the right girl, but I bring a lot of baggage with me.”

Derek holds up his beer, in a silent offer to make a toast. “Same, at least about the baggage.”

Parrish clinks his bottle against Derek’s. “Here’s to shedding it.”

Derek can drink to that.

~~~~~

Noah slides into the booth across from Melissa at their local diner. “Hey, Mel. How are things?”

Mel smiles. “Good. How are you?”

Noah shrugs. “Everything is holding steady.”

At least, Noah hopes that’s the case. With the deaths of the members of the alpha pack, things have stayed fairly quiet, mostly just property crimes and drugs.

Noah doesn’t trust it, though. In his experience, a period of quiet is just a precursor to another series of terrible events.

“Ellie and I have recruited another nurse and a doctor,” Melissa admits. “We’ve stopped short of telling them exactly what it is, but have couched it as a concerned citizens’ group.”

Noah nods slowly. “Not exactly a lie, but I don’t think that’s why you asked me to join you for breakfast.”

Melissa sighs. “I’m concerned about Scott. There’s something going on with him.”

Noah leans back in his seat, wondering if this has any connection to what Scott told him about Deaton, and Deaton’s insistence that Scott should be or become an alpha. “Does this have to do with Deaton?”

Melissa nods unhappily. “After everything with Allison, he was doing much better. He told me that he wanted to be a better person, a better son, and a better friend to Stiles.”

“I saw the improvement,” Noah admits. “He was doing better, and he did tell me about the thing with Deaton. I saw that as a positive sign.”

Melissa nods. “I’m sure it was, but he’s starting to avoid me again, and when I ask him questions, he’s evasive.”

Noah’s initial response is to point out that Scott is a teenage boy, but he stops himself. Mel has a good point, and Noah has learned the value of listening to his own instincts where it concerns his kid. Avoidance and evasiveness aren’t great given Scott’s past. “I’ll talk to him. He was distressed by Deaton’s pushing him, so maybe that’s it.”

“Thank you,” Melissa says, sounding relieved. “I hate to put that on you, Noah. I know you’re not his father, but—“

“But I’m in a position of authority over him,” Noah says. “I understand, and I’d rather nip this in the bud if it’s anything at all.”

“Let’s hope it isn’t anything,” Melissa says. “How is Stiles doing? I haven’t seen much of him.”

Noah isn’t quite sure what to say. “He’s doing fairly well, I think. There have been a few issues with Derek’s sister, Cora, and he’s picked up a class in krav maga, probably to stay out of the house.”

Melissa winces. “Is there anything I can do to help? I feel like you do so much for Scott, and I’d like to return the favor.”

Noah shakes his head. “I wish there was, but I’ve contacted Stiles’ therapist, and he has a recommendation. I’m waiting to hear whether they can come to assist. I strongly suspect that she needs more help than Derek or I can give her.”

“I’m glad you realize that,” Melissa says, her tone gently teasing. “You’re learning.”

Noah laughs. “I try.”

After that, they mostly talk station and hospital gossip, and it’s nice to talk to another adult who doesn’t report to him, and for whom he’s not responsible.

When they part, Noah heads home, letting himself into a quiet house. It’s early enough that Stiles should still be home, although Derek might be out for a run.

“Hey, Dad,” Stiles says, wandering into the kitchen as Noah waits for the coffee to percolate. “How was work?”

“Quiet, which I don’t trust,” Noah admits. “What about you?”

Stiles shrugs. “I’m fine.” He hesitates. “Hey, you remember Heather?”

Noah has to go back through his memories. “Didn’t you used to go to school together? You had quite the crush on her if I remember correctly.”

Stiles’ cheeks turn pink. “Dad, we aren’t talking about my crushes.”

Noah holds up his hands. “Got it. What about Heather?”

“She’s having a party, and she asked me to come,” Stiles replies. “She said the more the merrier, too, so I figure I’ll ask the other pack members if they want to go.”

Noah gives him a look. “There’s going to be alcohol at that party, Stiles.”

“I know,” Stiles admits readily. “But Moira and I have talked about this at length. Alcohol and semi-trained magic is a terrible idea, and anyone who might decide to attend with me can’t get drunk.”

“You can still get in trouble,” Noah points out. “But I trust you. Go to the party, be smart, be careful, and call me if something happens.”

Stiles nods. “You’re my first call, Pops. Promise.”

“You doing okay?” Noah asks.

Stiles shrugs. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Have you talked to Scott lately?” Noah asks.

Stiles frowns. “Now that you mention it, not really. We see each other at school, and we eat lunch together every day, but…”

“He hasn’t been talking to you,” Noah says flatly.

Stiles blows out a breath. “I don’t know what to tell you, Dad. Isaac and Boyd understand why I’m not participating in cross country and lacrosse. Scott has other stuff, too. He has his job at the vet clinic, so it’s not like we’ve never had separate interests.”

“Mel expressed some concerns today,” Noah admits. “Please don’t take that to Scott until I’ve had a chance to talk to him, though.”

Stiles runs his hand through his longer hair. “Yeah, okay. I’ll keep an eye on him, but I won’t say anything. I feel like I would have noticed him acting squirrelly, especially after what happened with Allison.”

“You’ve been pretty busy, kiddo,” Noah points out. “Which isn’t a bad thing at all, but you’re not living in his pocket these days. Where are Derek and Cora?”

“Derek took her out for a run in the Preserve,” Stiles says. “He said he thinks that maybe time under the sky will help, because he’s not sure what else to do for her at this point.”

Noah pours a travel mug and hands it to Stiles after glancing at the time. “You’d better get going.”

“Yeah, I definitely need to move,” Stiles replies. “See you tonight?”

“I’m off tonight, and hoping to review reports here, where I’m less likely to be interrupted,” Noah says. “I’ll take care of dinner. Let the others know?”

Stiles offers a quick, tired grin. “Will do.”

Noah doesn’t need nearly as much sleep as he did before Peter bit him, but he does still need it, and he strips down and falls into bed. Noah sleeps deeply and without dreaming for a change, and he’s found being an Alpha helps with that.

Not every night, and not always, but enough for Noah to notice.

When Noah wakes up, it’s mid-afternoon, and he makes a quick decision and calls Dave.

“Thought you were off tonight, sir?” Dave says when he picks up.

“I need to be better about sparring regularly,” Noah admits. “I’ve gotten lax, and that became obvious when the alpha pack got the drop on me and Tara.”

There’s a pause. “Yeah, okay,” Dave says. “As the left hand, making sure the Alpha doesn’t lose a fistfight could be considered my job. I guess it’s probably not a coincidence that we both have the day off.”

“I’m trying to arrange our schedules so there’s overlap, both with time on-duty and off,” Noah admits. “I can promise fried chicken for dinner tonight.”

“From that shack on the edge of town?” Dave asks, sounding very enthusiastic. “That would be great. Can we use your backyard? Okay if I bring the dogs?”

“Batman will enjoy seeing them,” Noah replies. “I need to start up a family calendar like the one we use for shifts at the station.”

Dave snorts. “Put Stiles and Derek on that, sir. Also, if Derek and Cora are around, ask them to spar with us.”

“You sure about that?” Noah asks.

“Derek is your right hand, and Cora needs to figure out whether to shit or get off the pot, based on what you’ve said,” Dave says bluntly. “Sorry for the language.”

“No, you’re not wrong,” Noah admits. “She does need to make up her mind, and it would be better if she does that sooner rather than later, for Derek’s sake if not her own.”

“If you ask me, she has a pretty cushy position,” Dave says. “She has her brother, and an Alpha who’s ready to accept her into his pack. She has a ready-made family if she wants it.”

“On that we would agree,” Noah admits. “Her snarling at Stiles for no reason the other night has put her on my shit list, as much as I’m trying not to hold it against her.”

“Ah, hell, you know we all love Stiles,” Dave says. “She’s going to have to act right, but we’ll cut her some slack for being a traumatized kid.”

Noah sighs. “Agreed. Well, I’ll see if they’re around, and regardless, I’ll see you shortly if that works.”

“Be there in 30 minutes,” Dave promises.

Noah doesn’t bother with a shower, since he plans on getting dirty again, and he heads downstairs. Derek is at the stove, scrambling eggs. “I heard the call with Dave,” he admits immediately. “I’m happy to work with Stiles to create a pack calendar. We had a hard copy one when I was younger, but a Google one would work for us.”

“I’ll leave that in your capable hands,” Noah replies. “And the rest of it?”

“We should train,” Derek admits. “But if you train with Cora, and not just with me or Dave, you’re going to have to put her down hard.”

Noah winces. “I can’t see myself doing that. I can’t see myself responding violently to any of the younger pack members.”

“Well, that’s easy enough to fix,” Moira announces, as she enters the kitchen with Stiles in tow. “Cora can spar with Stiles.”

“Is that wise?” Noah asks.

Moira shrugs. “I believe Stiles can hold his own, even against a werewolf. And I agree with you. Harming the younger members, the ones who wouldn’t understand, is counterproductive. It could even be considered abusive. Better to let your betas train the others, at least in basic self defense.”

“Moira and I have talked about it,” Stiles adds. “I’m good with it.”

“Let’s see what happens,” Noah replies.

“This is for you,” Derek adds, handing him the plate. “I thought you might be hungry.”

“And I have a phone call to make,” Moira says. “I’ll be out shortly.”

“I have some reading to finish,” Stiles says. “But it shouldn’t take me long.”

Noah is actually starving, and if he’s going to spar with Dave, he needs the fuel, even if he’s looking forward to the fried chicken.

“I am, thank you, Derek,” Noah replies. “I appreciate it.”

He doesn’t ask where Cora is, but she wanders into the kitchen shortly thereafter, and Noah notices that she won’t quite look him in the eye, but does subtly bare her throat in a gesture that appeals to his wolfish side.

It’s a sign that she’s going to try, and that’s really the only thing Noah can ask of her at this point.

Noah just nods at her and starts shoveling food in. As Noah eats, Derek efficiently cleans up, and Noah catches the very pointed look that Derek sends Cora’s way once he’s done. In response, Cora picks up Noah’s plate and fork and loads them in the dishwasher.

“Thank you, Cora,” Noah says, because he believes in modeling good behavior.

Cora just jerks her head, and Noah heaves a purely internal sigh. Baby steps.

There’s a perfunctory knock on the front door, and then Dave calls out, “Hey! The dogs are loose.”

Coca and Nibs come thundering into the room, and Noah had forgotten that Cora hadn’t met Dave’s dogs yet. They slide to a halt, but they’re both moving their feet restlessly, like they want to jump on her but know better.

Cora is frozen, and Noah asks, “Are you scared of dogs? I should have asked before I told Dave he could bring them over.”

“I’m not scared of dogs, but they’re usually scared of me, or aggressive,” Cora admits.

Dave snorts as he enters the kitchen. “Yeah, no. I like to pretend they’d protect me if there was a break-in, but I wouldn’t put money on it. She’s a friend.”

Cocoa and Nibs surge forward, their tails wagging so hard their entire bodies are wriggling. Cora drops to her knees, and they take that as the invitation that it is. Cora laughs delightedly, and it’s the first time Noah has heard her laugh.

“Oh, my god, who are the best dogs?” Cora asks.

Dave smirks. “My dogs are the pack’s secret weapon.”

“You could be right about that,” Noah agrees.

Derek is watching Cora with a soft smile on his face as the dogs lick her face and try to get closer to her for pets, and Cora tries to pet both of them at once.

“On second thought, we’re making your dogs the pack ambassadors,” Noah adds. “Shall we go out back?”

“Should I go easy on you?” Dave asks as they head to the backyard.

Noah gives him a look. “If you injure me, I’m going to be healed by our next shift. If I injure you, that might not be true.”

“You can’t hold back, or sparring isn’t going to do you any good,” Dave points out. “Actually, maybe we should find some other alphas for you to spar with. Is that a thing? Is it a problem?”

Noah shrugs. “There’s another alpha who has expressed interest in meeting me, but I haven’t made up my mind yet. So, let’s just start out slowly, and we’ll figure it out as we go along.”

He knows that he has an open invitation to meet the Alpha that Sheriff Morrison mentioned, but Noah isn’t quite ready for that yet, not after his experience with Deucalion and the others.

He and Dave both had similar training in the Army, and so it’s easy to fall into that, mostly hand-to-hand and grappling. Noah takes a couple of hits to the face because he drops his guard, but he gets a good hit to Dave’s ribs, although he doesn’t use his full strength.

“You pulled that,” Dave says, even though he’s a little breathless.

“I didn’t want to break your ribs,” Noah replies.

Dave manages a laugh. “Okay, fair enough.”

“Everything okay, Dad?” Stiles calls.

“We’re doing good,” Noah says. “You and Cora are up next.”

Noah meets Stiles’ eyes, and Stiles grins. “Yeah, okay, if we can tear Cora away from Cocoa and Nibs.”

“Dave claims they’re the pack’s secret weapons,” Noah replies.

“Oh, they definitely are,” Stiles agrees. He sits down on the patio and loops an arm around Batman, whose vest is off, so he’s off-duty, but he tends to stick pretty close to Stiles regardless unless he’s certain that Stiles is feeling completely secure.

And Stiles is clearly not feeling entirely comfortable, because Batman is leaning heavily against Stiles.

“Pay attention, sir,” Dave says. “We’re not done.”

Noah has to acknowledge that’s true. They’ve barely even started.

He’s a little sweaty when they finish. Dave has a bloody nose. Noah—just feels good. His stamina is better than it has been in years, and Dave gives him a disgruntled look. “I hate you a little bit right now, sir.”

“You want to take care of half a dozen teenagers?” Noah asks, amused.

Dave holds up his hands in surrender. “Definitely not.”

“Derek, you’re up,” Noah says.

Derek straightens. “What?”

“You’re an adult, and you’re doing hand-to-hand at the academy,” Noah says patently. “I’m sure you got some training in the first module, so let’s build on that. I hope you’ll invite Parrish over the next time he’s in town.”

Cora sits down near Stiles, but not right next to him. Cocoa, who definitely has a crush on Batman, leans against Batman. Nibs stays next to Cora, and she hugs the dog.

Noah just knows that he’s going to wind up with a whole other dog pack that has nothing to do with werewolves.

Then again, maybe a dog would help Cora cope. Noah really hopes that Jack’s recommendation can get there soon.

Derek is clearly hesitant to engage, and Noah takes a step back. “Is this making you uncomfortable, Derek?”

“It feels weird hitting you,” Derek confesses.

Noah gives him a long look, considering whether it’s worth it to push through, or if it isn’t worth it. After a second, Noah asks, “What about Dave?”

Derek’s shoulders drop, and he offers a smirk. “Oh, I don’t have a problem hitting Dave.”

“Rude,” Dave says. He’s sitting next to Stiles, with Batman between him and Cora. “Okay, I guess I can summon up the energy to spar with Derek. Even though he’s rude AF.”

That causes Cora and Stiles to laugh, and Noah takes Dave’s place next to his kid. Stiles glances at him with a questioning look.

Noah just gives a quick shake of his head, unwilling to explain his reasoning in front of Cora. There are some things that Noah just won’t do, and forcing Derek to do something that clearly makes him uncomfortable is just not acceptable if there’s another solution.

“Thanks,” Cora whispers. “He really didn’t want to fight you.”

“There’s no need to force the issue,” Noah murmurs. “I wouldn’t want to make anyone in the pack to do something that makes them uncomfortable if it can be avoided, and Dave can use the exercise.”

“I heard that!” Dave calls. “Everyone is being super rude today!”

“You’re still my favorite, Dave!” Stiles calls back.

“You are definitely my favorite member of the pack,” Dave says. “Or possibly Moira. Someone has to be responsible for teaching you manners.”

“I heard my name,” Moira says, entering the backyard. “What are we doing?”

“Dad sparred with Dave, and then he was going to spar with Derek, but Derek didn’t love the idea, so Derek is also sparring with Dave,” Stiles says easily. “But Dave thinks you were the one to teach me manners, since he likes me best.”

“Well, I think your dad taught you manners, but the Alpha of the pack is allowed to be rude on occasion,” Moira says with some amusement. “Have you sparred with Cora yet, young spark?”

“Pretty sure I’m next,” Stiles says cheerfully enough. “Since Sensei O.B. kicks my ass on the reg, I’m prepared.”

Cora snorts. “I’ll go easy on you.”

Stiles shoots her a look. “I don’t need you to go easy on me.”

Cora shrugs. “We’ll see.”

“Cross country practice today?” Noah asks.

Stiles nods. “Yeah. It’s cool. Lacrosse is probably good for sparring. Cross country is good for endurance, as if a werewolf needs that.”

“Dave clearly does,” Noah jokes.

Dave flips Derek over his shoulder. “I do not!”

Derek lies on his back for a long moment, and then gets to his feet. “Okay. Show me how you did that.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” Dave replies. “Even if you are rude.”

Derek just rolls his eyes. “If Paul or Tara were here, I’d have been happy to punch them, too. It’s just…”

“Yeah, rookie,” Dave replies. “I get it. We’ll get it figured out. Come on, give me your hand. I’ll show you how to do that throw.”

Noah knows that Derek can fight, but he doesn’t have much formal training, whereas Dave has extensive hand-to-hand through the Army. Dealing with the alpha pack had shown the importance of training; it’s not just about brute strength and speed.

Dave calls it after a half hour, and then Cora and Stiles are up. Cora grimaces. “I’m going to break him.”

“I’m less fragile than you’d think,” Stiles replies. “So, come at me, bro.”

Cora gives a truly epic eye roll. “I’m not your bro.”

“But we could be, if you gave me a chance,” Stiles counters.

Cora rushes him, and Stiles hip checks her, then executes a throw, and Cora winds up on her back.

To his credit, Stiles doesn’t gloat. He just offers her a hand up.

“You’re going to teach me how to do that,” Cora insists.

Stiles shrugs as he pulls her to her feet. “Sure. At the end of the day, it’s just physics. That’s the way my sensei explained it to me. It’s useful, especially against a larger opponent.”

Cora’s expression tightens. “Like Ennis.”

Next to Noah, Derek stiffens. Noah knows that he and Ennis have a history, and Noah would like to know what Ennis had done to Cora as well, but he suspects that Cora shouldn’t be pushed on the issue, and he rests a hand on Derek’s forearm.

“Like Ennis,” Stiles agrees with a blank expression. “Although he would present a challenge even with these techniques. Maybe you should come to my judo class. You’d like it.”

“If Cora can demonstrate sufficient control with you,” Derek grinds out.

Stiles shoots Derek a grin. “That sounds like a challenge.”

That pulls a laugh out of Cora. “It does.”

“So, let’s show him how it’s done,” Stiles replies.

Normally, Stiles would be holding a grudge. Noah knows that Stiles’ willingness to forgive in this instance has a lot to do with how much Stiles values Derek being in the pack, and wanting to make sure Derek’s sister has a place.

Noah can see his kid’s growth, and he’s pleased. If he can get that pack specialist Jack recommended, maybe they can all settle down.

~~~~~

Stiles checks his reflection in the mirror. He’s not really expecting any action tonight, but he remembers Heather fondly, and he won’t rule out the possibility.

“You can stop preening, Stiles,” Scott says from his position seated on Stiles’ bed. “You look fine.”

“I’m going for something better than fine,” Stiles replies, but he moves away from the mirror. “We may get some action tonight, Scotty.”

Scott grimaces. “I’m not looking for action, Stiles. I’m still working on myself.”

Stiles gives him a look. “This have anything to do with Deaton?”

“What? No,” Scott says quickly. “What would Dr. Deaton have to do with it?”

Stiles shrugs. “Nothing, if you say so.” He tests out the bond a bit, and doesn’t sense any deception, just—a lot of distance, but maybe that’s normal for where they are. This is the first night they’ve spent together in a while.

“Dr. Deaton just has my best interests in mind,” Scott says. “He wants to be sure that I reach my full potential.”

Stiles’ eyes narrow. “And you can’t do that in our pack?”

Scott shrugs uncomfortably. “Your dad has already said that he expects Derek is going to take over, not me.”

“Yeah, because it’s the Hale family who originally held the land, and who led the pack,” Stiles points out reasonably. “Besides, it’s obvious that Derek is going to stay around here, but who knows if you will. You’ve talked about getting out of Beacon Hills before.”

So had Stiles, but he knows that while he’ll probably go away to college, his path will lead him back to Beacon Hills.

Scott frowns. “Yeah, but that means as long as I stay here, I’ll never be an Alpha.”

Stiles takes a deep breath, remembering the breathing exercises Jack had taught him, and Batman shoves his muzzle under Stiles’ hand. “No, I suppose that’s true. As long as my dad is alive, you won’t be the Alpha.”

Scott’s expression turns stricken. “No, Stiles, that’s not what I meant at all. That came out wrong.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Stiles says, managing to keep his voice even. “Come on, we’d better get going.”

Stiles had invited the other pack members, including Cora, but Isaac is working, and the other three had declined, so it’s just Stiles and Scott going. Stiles wishes there were others to serve as a buffer. He knows that Scott had just put his foot in his mouth, but his dad dying is a huge anxiety trigger for Stiles, and Scott just tripped it.

Reluctantly, Stiles gives Batman a hug, but instructs him to stay. It’s a risk, but he doesn’t really want to take his service dog to a high school party.

He has no idea what happened, or who said something, but Cora is waiting by the front door when they come downstairs. She’s wearing what has to be clothing that Moira purchased for her, tight jeans and an equally tight t-shirt under a leather jacket.

Stiles raises his eyebrows. “Is leather a Hale thing?”

“It’s a werewolf thing,” Cora counters with a smile. “Leather stands up to a lot. I changed my mind. I’m going with you.”

Stiles frowns, about to ask her if Derek had put her up to it, when Scott says with a shrug, “Sure. Glad you could make it.”

“All right, let’s go,” Stiles says. He just hopes that having Cora with them isn’t going to backfire.

Then again, as they enter Heather’s house where the party is being held, and Heather makes a beeline for Stiles, Cora pulls Scott away. “Come on,” she says. “I want a drink.”

Heather throws her arms around Stiles’ neck, and pulls his head down for a kiss. Stiles can’t say that he minds; Heather is pretty, and her breasts press against his chest in a very interesting way.

“Good to see you again,” he says breathlessly when Heather breaks off the kiss.

She just laughs. “I’m glad you could be here. Come down to the basement with me. I need to grab more wine.”

“Is that what everyone is drinking?” Stiles jokes, but he takes the hand that’s being offered and follows her downstairs.

“Well, it’s where there’s some privacy,” Heather replies, leading Stiles down an aisle between racks of wine bottles. “The thing is, I’m seventeen, and I don’t want to be a virgin anymore.”

Stiles laughs nervously, but he knows what she’s offering. “Yeah, well, I’m also lacking in the experience department.”

“So, what do you say we take care of that?” Heather suggests, hooking her fingers through Stiles’ belt loops. “Kill two birds with one stone?” She grinds her hips against him, and Stiles can’t help but press back.

Stiles is very interested, but he realizes that he needs to be smart about it. “I don’t have protection.”

“My older brother has condoms,” Heather replies, pressing close to him. “They’re in the upstairs bathroom.”

Stiles grimaces, but he’s grateful that he hadn’t worn his tightest jeans, so his predicament isn’t likely to be noticed. “Be right back,” he promises. “Stay put.”

He jogs upstairs, looking for the bathroom. He’s been to Heather’s house a couple of times in the past, so he has a vague idea of where he’s going. Halfway up the stairs, though, Stiles stumbles. He’s not sure what he’s feeling, but it feels slimy, like the unshielded Nemeton.

Stiles’ immediate thought is to check for his pack mates, and he vaguely feels Scott through the bond. Scott feels a little bored, so he’s clearly not under attack. Stiles doesn’t think that it’s a danger to him either; it feels threatening, but not aimed at him.

He doesn’t have a salt line or even a protective circle, but he has the medallion that Moira gave him, and he cautiously stretches out his senses to see if he can determine the target.

When he realizes that the malignant presence is focused on the basement, Stiles reverses course, running down the stairs and heading back to the wine cellar. He knows that he’s drawing stares, but Heather is in danger.

“Stiles?” Scott calls as Stiles runs for the basement door.

“Keep Cora out of the basement,” Stiles snaps. “It’s not safe.”

Moira has been working with him on balancing ritual with the way his magic reacts to circumstance, often without Stiles’ conscious control. Now, Stiles doesn’t have the time for ritual, so he just imagines a shield in front of him.

Stiles has no idea whether it will work, but he has to try. He gets to the basement in time to see wine bottles shatter and a great wind whipping around, and Heather’s body being dragged out of the basement window.

He tries to get to her, but the wind buffets him, pushing him back, and then the wind is gone, and it feels as though the air had been sucked out of the room, and it’s like nothing at all has happened.

Stiles drops to his knees, feeling exhausted all of a sudden, and he wonders just how much power his shield had used.

“Stiles!” Scott and Cora come running down the stairs to the basement. “Are you okay?” Scott demands.

Stiles shakes his head. “Did you guys see anything?”

“No, just you running down here,” Scott admits. “What happened?”

“I need to call Moira and my dad,” Stiles says. “I think something happened to Heather, and I need to tell my dad.”

“Why Moira, then?” Cora asks.

“Magic,” Stiles says succinctly. He calls his dad, knowing that he’s going to be waiting by the phone since he knows that Stiles is at a party with alcohol involved.

“Stiles, what happened?” his dad asks.

“Magic, Dad, dark magic,” Stiles says. “I think something bad happened to Heather. She—she disappeared, but the scene looks undisturbed.”

There’s a pause, and Stiles can tell that his dad is considering the best course of action. “Has anyone else noticed?”

“Scott and Cora saw me running back down to the basement,” Stiles replies. “Everyone else who saw me probably thought it was just me being weird, as usual.”

His dad sighs. “All right. Call Moira, see if she can meet you there. Once you know a little bit more, call me back.”

“She’s my next call,” Stiles promises.

“Be careful,” his dad cautions.

“Will do,” Stiles says. He speed dials Moira, and she also picks up immediately. “Moira—“

“Where are you, young spark?” she asks with real urgency in her voice.

Stiles rattles off Heather’s address. “Something bad happened. I mean, you can’t see it, but I saw Heather disappear out the window, and I could feel it.”

“I sensed the disturbance,” Moira replies grimly. “Have you called your dad?”

“He said I should call you, then call him back once we know more,” Stiles says.

There’s a pause. “Leave the house and wait near your Jeep. I’ll meet you there as soon as I can. Who else is with you?”

“Scott and Cora,” Stiles replies. “The rest of the pack couldn’t make it.”

“Make sure they stay with you,” Moira orders. “Stick together.”

She hangs up after delivering that order, and Stiles says, “We need to wait for Moira by the Jeep. She’s on her way.”

“I don’t understand, Stiles,” Scott says plaintively.

Stiles shakes his head. “Let’s get outside, and I’ll explain what I know.”

It’s probably a good thing that they don’t know many people at the party, because they make their way upstairs and through the crowded living room without many marking their departure. Stiles had parked on the street half a block away, and when they reach the vehicle, Stiles climbs inside.

He doesn’t think that the vehicle will offer any real protection against dark magic, but he feels safer inside Roscoe than he would standing out on the street.

“Stiles!” Scott snaps as he climbs into the passenger seat, clearly impatient with Stiles’ cryptic comments. “Come on!”

Stiles blows out a breath. “Look, I don’t know what exactly happened, but I went upstairs to—“ He stops. He doesn’t mind telling Scott that Heather had propositioned him, and he’d been searching for condoms, but he’s not interested in Cora knowing.

Cora sniffs. “You went upstairs to get condoms. I can smell her on you.”

Stiles looks up at the roof. “Yes, okay. She wanted to get it on, and I wasn’t opposed. I felt something bad on my way up the stairs.” He looks at Scott. “Remember what I told you about how the Nemeton felt back when I first met Moira?”

Scott nods slowly. “Yes, I suppose so. You said it felt gross.”

“Yeah, well, this felt even worse, so I ran back downstairs,” Stiles continues. “It was like this massive storm was happening in the wine cellar, and I saw Heather’s body go out the window.”

“The basement looked normal to me,” Scott objects.

Stiles looks at him. “Yes, I know. That’s why Moira, and not my dad, is coming. She seemed to have already sensed something.”

“I thought I smelled blood,” Cora announces. “In the basement, I mean, so something happened.”

“Oh, my god, how is this my life?” Stiles groans.

“It would be better to ask how this is Heather’s life,” Cora points out ruthlessly. “You’re in one piece. She probably isn’t.”

“I know that,” Stiles snaps. “I know that, okay?”

Stiles knows that Heather is either dead or about to be, and he can’t think about that. He can’t give into his grief and fear just now.

A knock comes at his window, and Stiles glances over to see Moira standing there. He opens his door and climbs out.

“Scott, Cora, stay in the car,” Moira orders. “There’s nothing you can do right now, and the two of us will be less conspicuous.”

Scott settles back into his seat with a scowl, but Cora says, “Sounds good to me. Call if you need us.”

“Let’s approach from the back,” Moira says.

Stiles wonders if she had known something might happen, because she’s wearing black skinny jeans, a black long-sleeve shirt, and all-black sneakers. “Why are you dressed like a cat burglar?” Stiles murmurs as they round the back of Heather’s house.

Moira flashes a grin. “I made a quick change, and I wasn’t too far away. I always keep this outfit with me for just such occasions.”

Stiles can feel the dark magic as they approach the back of the house, and he grimaces. “Oh, that’s gross.”

“It is definitely dark magic,” Moira agrees. “This is likely the work of a Darach.”

Stiles frowns. “That’s a dark druid, right?”

“That’s right,” Moira says. She crouches down by the basement window. “I can sense the working, but it’s hard to know why your friend was targeted.” She sighs. “Come on. We should regroup at your house. What happened right before you felt the attack?”

Stiles feels his face heat up. “Um.”

Moira sighs. “It’s important, Stiles. If you were in a compromising position, I’m not one to judge.”

“She, um, she wanted to—not be a virgin anymore?” Stiles says, hearing his voice raise at the end.

Moira stops and puts a hand on his arm. “Are you a virgin?”

“Rude!” Stiles protests without thinking about his response.

“It’s important, Stiles,” Moira insists. “In this case, it’s of vital importance.”

Stiles immediately understands what she’s not saying. “You mean virgin sacrifice is an actual thing?”

“It is,” Moira confirms. “And if Heather was targeted because she’s a virgin, we may need to take steps to ensure your safety.”

Stiles frowns. “Like, what? Hire an escort?”

Moira shakes her head. “I’d never suggest that you have sex unless or until you’re ready, and with someone of your choosing. There are other ways to go about it.”

Stiles blows out a breath. “Yeah, okay, I get it. I trust you.”

Moira nods. “Come on. If I’m right, we’ll need to move very quickly.”

Stiles is relieved that she doesn’t press for more information in front of Scott and Cora, and Moira directs Stiles to drop Scott and Cora off at the house and then go to the station.

He does as ordered, mostly because he can see the sense in it. Eventually, Heather is going to be missed, and his dad isn’t going to want him anywhere near the situation. It’s to Stiles’ advantage that he had been seen with Scott and Cora, and is going to the station right away. He’ll have a rock-solid alibi at least.

He drops off Scott and Cora, then collects Batman, knowing that he might need the emotional back-up, especially after what happened.

Stiles parks across the street from the station, and at this time of night, there are plenty of spots. When he enters the station, Dave greets him with an arm slung around Stiles’ shoulders. “Heard you might have had a close call tonight, kid.”

Stiles grimaces. “I’m not sure, but it wasn’t great.”

“Come on, your dad and Moira are waiting in his office,” Dave says, ushering Stiles into his dad’s office. “Call if you need anything, sir.”

Moira is sitting in one of the chairs across from his dad’s desk, and Noah waves Stiles into the other. “Start from the beginning,” he says.

Stiles stares at the floor. “Dad.”

“Did you take any illicit substances?” his dad asks. “And I’m asking as your dad, not as the sheriff.”

Stiles shakes his head. “I didn’t take anything or drink anything. There was alcohol there, but I didn’t partake.”

“Did you do anything else that might be illegal?” Noah asks.

Stiles shakes his head again.

“Okay, then no matter what you tell me, we’re okay,” Noah replies. “So, spit it out.”

“Heather asked me to have sex with her,” Stiles blurts out, wishing that the floor would open up and swallow him. “But I didn’t have any protection, so I went upstairs to see if I could find a condom, and that’s when I felt it.”

“Thank you for your honesty,” his dad replies. “And thank you for being smart enough in that moment to use protection. I’m not ready to be a grandfather.”

Stiles grimaces. “I’m definitely not ready to be a parent. But that’s where I was when I felt the attack. I ran back downstairs, and Heather was being dragged out of the window, but I couldn’t see what was pulling her out. There was a lot of damage, and then none at all, Dad. It was weird, but Cora confirmed that she smelled blood.”

Noah blows out a breath. “Moira, you said there was some danger to Stiles in all of this?”

“There’s some danger to any of the younger pack members who are virgins, if I’m right about this creature’s motives and identity,” Moira admits. “Which is going to require a very uncomfortable conversation with each of them in order to ensure that they’re all protected.”

Noah rubs his eyes. “For the record, I hate this, but I bow to your expertise. I really hope that your solution isn’t some sort of group orgy.”

Moira snorts. “I hope that was your poor attempt at humor.”

Noah inclines his head. “It was. I know you better than that. Stiles—you were with Scott and Cora right after?”

“They followed me down to the basement,” Stiles admits. “I think I was maybe alone with Heather for two minutes, five at the most.”

Noah nods. “While I’m not happy about what happened tonight, and I will certainly be upset if something has happened to your friend, I’m glad you weren’t caught up in it.” He looks at Moira. “If it is what you think, what can we expect?”

“The sacrifice of a single person doesn’t give much power, unless you’re bargaining your own soul for control of a demon,” Moira replies. “If a Darach is making a serious power play, they’re going to go with the five-fold knot—five sets of sacrifices of three. Virgins are typically the first set.”

His dad closes his eyes. “What the fuck is my life?”

“It’s the life of anyone in a supernatural world,” Moira replies. “Although, I will admit that the five-fold knot is unusual. I’ve only ever run across it once before. I wouldn’t have even thought of it if Stiles hadn’t been certain that Heather was—is—a virgin.”

Noah nods. “I still have some work to do, so if you would suss out who needs additional protection in our pack, I would appreciate it. I think it would be better coming from you. If I had to guess, the only other person who might be in danger is Isaac.”

Stiles slumps down in his chair. “Cora might be, too.”

“She’s not a member of my pack,” his dad counters. “But if you feel so inclined to forge that bond, I would accept her.”

“Cora is okay,” Stiles allows. “She went with us tonight, probably because Derek knew Scott was being an idiot.”

“What sort of an idiot?” Noah asks, and his tone indicates that he’s about over Scott being a dumbass.

Stile sighs. “Deaton has been telling him that he’ll never be an alpha if he stays here, but I have no idea to what end. He didn’t seem to realize that if he were to become an alpha here…”

He trails off, not knowing how to say it.

“Not necessarily,” Moira says thoughtfully. “That—hmm…that’s actually helpful. I think I have some idea of what’s going on now, at least with Scott.”

Noah raises his eyebrows. “Care to share?”

“No, but it gives me a place to start,” Moira replies with an impish smile. “I’ll fill you in later. Come along, Stiles. We still have a stop to make. We need to let the Mahealanis know that there’s an issue.”

Stiles is a little surprised when Moira insists on riding with him, with Batman sprawling across the backseat. “I can either walk or get a ride to my car tomorrow,” she says.

“What are you going to do for protection?” Stiles blurts out.

“Stiles, there’s a protective charm that will keep you hidden from the Darach,” Moira replies. “You don’t need to worry about it.”

Stiles grimaces. “Do we have to tell everyone that I’m a virgin?”

“We don’t have to tell anyone anything you don’t want to tell them, but it’s going to make a difference in the precautions we take,” Moira says. “Also, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Stiles glances over at her. “You did go to high school, right?”

Moira laughs. “I did, but this is Danny, and the rules about coven business are the same as the rules about pack business. Besides, I suspect he already knows.”

Stiles blows out a breath. “Okay, yeah, probably.”

“It’s up to you, though,” Moira says. “The charm will work better if it’s powered by the coven, but I can manage it.”

Stiles shakes his head. “No, I get it. It’s about safety. Specifically, my safety.”

“Yes, specifically,” Moira says dryly. “Although I will be having a word with Isaac to see if he also requires a protective charm. Not that the Darach will be all that tempted to make a sacrifice out of a werewolf. As I’ve mentioned, the bite—or being a werewolf—can have a destabilizing effect on magic.”

“With Isaac, it should be in private,” Stiles says. “He’s a private person.”

“He is, and I’m glad you understand where the differences are,” Moira replies.

Stiles shrugs. “For me, it’s about safety, and it’s my choice. If Isaac chooses to disclose, that will be his choice.”

“Good job, mo chroi, “ Moira replies. “I’m really proud of you. You did exactly the right thing in calling your dad as soon as you realized that something was wrong.”

Stiles blinks, and he realizes that he’d done that without hesitation or a second thought. Something was wrong, and he called his dad, and then he let his dad and Moira handle things. “Oh.”

Moira smiles, and pats his knee. “Really good job.”

Stiles isn’t looking forward to the conversation with the Mahealanis, but Moira is right, and Stiles doesn’t want to get murdered by some evil druid just because he hasn’t had sex yet. “What a dumb reason to murder people,” Stiles mutters.

Moira laughs. “A very dumb reason, but more common than I’d like when it comes to dark magic.”

“God, I hate these fuckers,” Stiles mutters. “Heather—she’s dead, isn’t she?”

“We don’t know that,” Moira says gently, in that way that means Heather is almost certainly dead. “But yes. Probably.”

He appreciates the fact that Moira isn’t sugar coating things. “Yeah, I was pretty sure when I felt that thing. It felt like the thing in the Nemeton.”

“It’s good that you recognize that,” Moira replies as Stiles pulls up in front of Danny’s house.

“Let’s get this over with,” Stiles mutters, letting Batman out of the back, and his dog presses hard against his leg.

He can’t believe that just a couple of hours ago, he’d been getting ready for a party, and now he’s here because some evil druid decided to kill his hook-up while Stiles went to look for a condom.

Stiles resolves to keep one in his wallet moving forward, just in case.

Moira is the one to ring the doorbell, and Noelani answers it. “Moira, come in. I wondered when you’d be by.”

Moira smiles briefly. “So, you felt it, too.”

“I would have to be dead not to have felt that,” Noelani comments. “I would have texted you, but I didn’t want to be a distraction. Were you there?”

“Stiles was,” Moira replies as Noelani ushers them inside. “I believe it’s a Darach, and it abducted one of Stiles’ friends. The girl was—is—a virgin.”

“This is just the beginning then,” Noelani says grimly. She focuses on Stiles. “You know I have to ask.”

“The answer is yes,” Stiles replies steadily, and he appreciates the way she phrased it reduce his embarrassment.

Noelani glances at Moira. “Well, we both know that a charm from my tradition will work better than one the Darach follows, and the full coven should be involved.”

“That’s why I’m here,” Moira agrees. “I don’t want to give this asshole any time, because Stiles would be quite the power-up.”

“Your protective magic is working quite well,” Noelani comments. “His magical signature isn’t obvious outside the confines of the coven, and his status would not be easily discoverable. Still, better to be safe.”

Danny is sitting in the kitchen with his parents. Stiles has only met Danny’s dad, Kaleo, a couple of times. From what Stiles understands, he’s a private contractor who works in information technology and security, so he travels a lot. Danny looks exactly like him, and Kaleo has a similarly laid back personality from what he has seen.

Kaleo never sticks around when the coven is doing business, though, so he stands and kisses Alana, then squeezes Danny’s shoulder. “I’ll be in my office if you need me. Nice to see you again, Moira, Stiles.”

“You, too, Mr. Mahealani,” Stiles says faintly.

Kaleo smiles and nods, and Stiles is glad that he won’t have to explain his virginal status to someone who is essentially a stranger.

“Would you like something to drink, Stiles?” Alana asks.

“Just water, please,” Stiles says. “Thank you.”

“We need to construct a protective talisman,” Noelani announces. “Stiles could be a target of the Darach.”

Danny raises his eyebrows. “Who was kidnapped?”

“Heather,” Stiles replies. “Did you know her?”

“Vaguely,” Danny says with a frown. “Why was she targeted?”

Stiles hesitates and says, “She was interested in getting rid of her virginity. I didn’t mind getting rid of mine. She got snatched while I was hunting for a condom.”

Danny holds out a fist for Stiles to bump. “Good job on insisting on protection.”

Stiles hadn’t expected that nonchalant and supportive response, and he obliges. “Thanks.”

He’d actually been a little afraid that Danny would offer to fuck Stiles or vice versa, and Stiles wouldn’t have a good reason to say no, other than he doesn’t really want to participate in a “fuck or die” scenario. Call him crazy, but Stiles wants someone to want him, and Heather had given him every indication that she had.

“There are some kinds of magic best practiced by the pure,” Noelani comments. “Perhaps speak to Moira before you seek to unburden yourself. At least until you meet someone you want to give your heart to.”

Stiles ducks his head. “Right. I mean, Heather’s really pretty, and we’ve been friends forever.”

Noelani just raises an eyebrow.

“But I’ll talk to Moira about something that I actually find deeply embarrassing, sure,” Stiles adds.

Moira laughs. “Come, young spark. You’ll have an opportunity to watch Noelani at work in her own tradition, and you’ll learn something. She has an affinity for the earth, as you do.”

Stiles knows he has no choice but to follow them outside into the backyard, and then to sit in the center of the circle the four of them form around him. He tells Batman to stay put outside the circle, and surrenders to the process.

When Noelani begins chanting in a language that Stiles assumes is Hawaiian, Stiles files the magic stir around them. The way it moves, it flows like water, even though her affinity is for earth.

But Stiles feels a warmth seep up from the earth, surrounding him a protective cushion. It’s like what being submerged in a warm bath would feel like.

When the ceremony is over, Noelani says, “Our purpose has been met.”

“What was that?” Stiles asks. “That felt amazing!”

Noelani smiles at him. “We are from the islands, and even the earth is embraced by the ocean. You should join us at some point for a lesson. I think you would find it very interesting.”

Stiles had known that he would need to be invited, but he had been hoping that he would be. “Thanks. I’ll take you up on that.”

In the back of his mind, Stiles is hoping that he can follow in Moira’s footsteps, traveling and learning everything he can about magic and the various traditions, before he makes his way back to Beacon Hills.

And not that long ago, Stiles knows, he hadn’t really been able to prepare for his future.

---