Reading Time: 109 Minutes

Title: Cost of Success
Author: WestWind
Fandom: Teen Wolf
Genre: Drama, Shifters
Relationship(s): Stiles Stilinski/Derek Hale
Content Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Hate Crimes, Hate Speech, Major Character Death, Cannon Level Violence
Author Note: Hate Crimes and hate speech in relation to Victoria attacking/killing Scott and referring to him in derogatory terms. Major Character Death is Scott. Cannon level violence includes killing of bad guys and minor characters. Issues from Kate’s cannon actions are discussed.
Word Count: 58,807
Summary: Victoria succeeds in poisoning Scott while Stiles, Erica, and Isaac are trying to locate Jackson at the rave. However, witnesses to her actions start the downfall of the Argent hunter family.
Artist: penumbria

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Chapter 7

Noah opened the door, surprised to find Raf on his doorstep on this specific Thursday morning. He let him in and closed the door. He could see Stiles’ shadow hovering at the top of the stairs.

“Gerard was arrested last night for stalking,” Raf blurted out.

“Who was he stalking?” Noah asked.

“Jackson Whitmore,” Raf answered.

Stiles squawked. Both men looked in his direction. He sheepishly descended the stairs.

“Interesting considering our earlier discussion,” Noah said, ignoring Stiles’ antics.

“My thoughts as well,” Raf said. “I figured you could pass the information along to Derek and see if any of them were involved.”

“I can do that. Why do you think they were involved?” Noah asked

“Someone gave us a tip about Gerard lurking outside Jackson’s place. Even provided photo evidence of it not being the first time or place.”

“Is it questionable? Will it not hold up in court?” Noah’s mind went first to the viability of the intel in the case.

Raf shook his head. “No, it’s sound. Aguirre’s team was able to find corroborating evidence. It’s interesting that it was sent directly to her team.”

“It’s no secret they are in town,” Stiles pointed out, “or why they are here. I was told they were even at the school talking to people. I’m sure cards with their contact information are easily found by this point.”

It was an exaggeration, but Noah got and agreed with Stiles’ point. The identity of the informant was not crucial to the case… but why else would it be of concern.

“You think they are doing it to get Gerard out of the way,” Noah said.

“The thought did cross my mind considering who he was stalking,” Raf said. “If he was a threat to their control of the kanima and their mission…”

Noah nodded and ran his fingers over his chin. “Agreed. I’m assuming they haven’t been able to track it back to anyone.”

“Not yet, and it’s not a high priority in light of everything else.”

“Since they don’t know the whole picture,” Noah added.

“Aguirre and her team know about werewolves and such. I told them what you told me after talking to my boss, but they still have to have a case-related reason to prioritize further investigation on the tip.”

“Especially when there are more pertinent leads to track down,” Noah said.

“Exactly.” Raf checked the time. “I have to go.”

“Thanks for the info.”

Noah opened the door. Raf quickly left.

“So did the kanima’s master see an opportunity and take it or has he decided to pick those after him off one by one?” Stiles asked after Noah shut the door.

“Either way, we should warn the pack.”

snbrk

Stiles hated funerals. He stood by the open casket and looked one last time at his best friend. Who would have thought this would be the end? His dad rested a hand on his shoulder until he was ready to move on. They made their way to the small sanctuary and took their seats behind Melissa and Raf.

Allison sat beside Lydia at the other end of the row. Lydia had an arm around her shoulders while Allison dabbed at her eyes. Stiles nodded to them when they noticed his presence. He looked around to see who else came.

Several of their schoolmates were attending. Stiles could not help but be skeptical of the reason some of them were there because they never cared about Scott before. One of their elementary teachers took a seat seven rows behind them. He focused on picking faces from their childhood out of the crowd rather than on why they were all there.

His dad tapped his leg indicating the service was starting as the pastor stepped up onto the platform. As he turned, he saw Chris slip into one of the back rows.

“How dare he show up here!” Stiles softly growled. “Chris is here.” He clarified for his dad, who glanced to the back of the room.

“Probably here to see Allison,” Noah whispered.

Stiles pulled out his phone and texted her a heads-up. She looked at her phone and tilted it so Lydia could read it. Lydia’s lips pressed into a tight line at the information. Lydia turned her head just enough to see the back of the room while Allison rigidly looked forward.

The minister took the position behind the podium, and the few quiet exchanges cut off. He started the service. Stiles only halfway listened to what he was saying. He tried to not focus on Chris’ presence because he would just get angry.

Stiles studied the flower arrangements along the front of the room. He had read the cards yesterday when the atmosphere got to him during the viewing.

Deaton took the minister’s spot. That meant they were to the portion where those who wanted to say a few words about Scott could. They had asked Stiles if he wanted to, but he had declined. He loved Scott – his best bud and all… but he did not want to stand up in front of everyone and share any of that with them. Those who were important to them already knew. Everyone else did not need to see his pain and grief. He was not going to be a sideshow for their entertainment.

“…Scott was a promising young man with a good heart. I had hoped to see him grow into a confident leader… but alas, his potential like his life has been cut short. My life is diminished without him in it. We are all poorer with the loss of the pillar of the community he would have become.”

Scott’s death affected Deaton because he was demonstrating actuarial emotions. What he said still sounded and felt like it was a riddle within a puzzle box with no clear way to begin to solve it and hinted at other meanings.

A couple of others shared a few memories of Scott before the service was brought to a close and they were dismissed to their cars for the procession.

Stiles leaned over his dad’s shoulder. “Do you know if there is a police escort assigned to the procession?”

Noah lifted an eyebrow.

“Restraining order.”

“I’ll check.” Noah handed Stiles the keys and slipped out the side door to get around the crowd.

Stiles assumed he would go out the back mortuary door.

Matt slipped through the attendees to appear at Allison’s side. “Allison, how… of course, you are not alright… how are you holding up?”

Stiles was glad that there was one more person by her. He did not know Matt that well, but he had been there that night and thought on his feet. His recording of the events was a smart move. It provided solid evidence against Ms. Argent. He would hopefully help be a buffer in the coming confrontation between Chris and Allison.

He looked around the room and spotted his next target.

“Stiles,” Raf warily said when he approached. “What do you want?”

“Did you notice Chris Argent in the back?” He did not even try to hide his motive.

Raf’s eyes narrowed. His lips thinned, and his demeanor hardened.

“Figure he’s trying to talk to Allison despite the restraining order. Dad went to give the police escort a heads up.”

Raf pointed at Stiles. “I see through you… but I appreciate it in this case. Excuse me.” He marched out of the room.

A quick look told him that Allison and company were no longer in the sanctuary. If he wanted to see firsthand what happened, he needed to follow.

snbrk

Allison was glad Lydia was at her side through this. Sure she only knew Scott for two months… but they clicked from the first day. That was not something she had before… and now it was gone.

“Did you get the restraining order?” Matt asked as they walked out of the sanctuary.

“I did.”

Matt rested a hand on her forearm bringing her to a stop. He looked around then leaned in. “Your dad was in the back.”

“We know,” Lydia huffed.

“Are you safe?” Matt asked, still holding her arm.

She motioned to the people in the mortuary. “I doubt he will do anything drastic with so many witnesses.” Mentally she crossed her fingers because at this point she was not sure what lines they were willing to cross. “I appreciate your concern.” She stepped forward freeing her arm. “I would prefer to get to the car before he tries approaching.”

They passed through the main doors.

“Don’t think we’ll be that lucky.” Lydia covertly pointed at Chris standing off to the side. He headed towards her as soon as he saw her.

Allison grabbed Lydia’s hand and kept walking. Matt took up a guard position on her other side and kept pace.

“Allison!”

She refused to acknowledge him. She headed for Lydia’s car.

“Allison, I just want to talk.”

He picked up speed to catch up to them. In the process, he drew the attention of the funeral attendees. She managed to dodge when he made a grab for her. She did stop. She turned and faced him with arms crossed and a scowl on her face.

Lydia and Matt stopped with her.

“You are in violation of the restraining order,” she flatly told him.

He aborted another grab for her. “About that… why? I don’t understand…”

Lydia made one of her haughty snorts at the remark and studied her nails.

“I’m not safe with any of you,” Allison spat out. “I don’t trust you to not try to brainwash me into seeing things your way.”

Chris looked affronted at the statement. “Allison! The family business…”

“Screw the family business. If that’s what being an Argent means, I will happily give up the name.”

His mouth fell open at the pronouncement and his eyes widened.

“I’m sure I can convince my parents to adopt you,” Lydia casually said, but her smile was one of a predator striking true.

“Maybe Melisa or I should. Seems fitting.” Raf loomed behind Chris. “What right do you have to be here?” he growled.

“Very gauche of him,” Lydia added.

“Does Miss Manners cover the etiquette of attending the funeral of those your spouse killed?” Matt asked.

A uniformed officer approached Chris. “Mr. Argent, I must ask you to vacate the property, or I will have to take you in for violating the restraining order.”

Chris’ eyes narrowed and his nostrils flared. Allison knew he was very unhappy with the situation. He turned back to Allison as if to address her again.

“Sir,” the officer warned.

Raf moved between her and Chris. “Try it.” The stance he took was one ready to react – attack or defend.

Chris noticed the attention and hostile vibes coming from those around them. He took a breath and held up his hands in surrender. “Fine. I’ll leave.”

They watched him walk away and did not stop until he pulled out of the parking lot.

“Thanks,” Allison told both Raf and the officer.

“The Sheriff gave us the heads up of the potential problem,” the deputy said. He nodded to them. “Duties to get back to.” He headed back to where he came from.

Raf studied the teenagers. “If he comes back, let me know.”

“Yes, sir,” Allison said. “Thanks.”

“We should get in the car.” Lydia placed a hand on her arm. “Safer that way.”

Raf offered them a parting nod and returned to Melissa’s side. She looked just as angry about Chris being here as Raf was.

Matt leaned close. “I think he was lucky that Mr. McCall was the only one who came over here.”

“I agree,” Allison whispered back. “Thanks for the assist.”

“It was my pleasure,” Matt said.

Lydia huffed indicating they needed to go.

“Later, Matt.”

The two girls headed to Lydia’s car so they could line up for the procession to the graveyard.

snbrk

Stiles trudged into his room and tossed the suit jacket onto the foot of his bed while pushing the door shut behind him. The funeral was over. The feeling of loss was still a gaping wound, but he knew it would be for years to come.

He ran a hand across one eye and refused to acknowledge that tears were gathering there once more. He forgot about that with one look further into his room.

“Derek!” he hissed after flailing. The not fully closed window announced how he got in. “What…” He stopped after one word and changed what he was going to say. “I saw you lurking at the cemetery.” He pointed a finger at Derek.

Derek looked somber in his brooding both then and here.

“I thought it would be odd for me to show up at the service… not being one of his friends and things. Our only true connection is us both being wolves.” He shrugged.

Stiles had to agree that it might cause talk if he had, but he did not see where it would be a big deal. He did not think Raf would say anything, especially with who did show up. Melissa might comment but should not have any real issue with it. The hunters already knew of the connection.

Derek fidgeted, and Stiles wondered if Derek would not have been comfortable in the situation. That he came to the burial was a testament that he cared.

“Thanks for coming to the cemetery.”

Derek momentarily ducked his head. Stiles was shocked to see the action from the normally aggressive alpha. However, Derek’s response to things had broadened since the talk they had with his dad. He was not exuding the “I’m in charge, obey me” vibe all the time. That was something Stiles would have to think about when his room was free of 6’ of werewolf.

Derek picked up one of the magic books. “Have you found your answers?” He put it back on the stack.

“Ah… some… but not key ones. I’m trying to not spend all my time reading.”

Derek gave him a questioning glare. Stiles lifted his hands with a light chuckle.

“Alright, you know my habits too well, obviously.” Stiles plopped down on the side of his bed and let his folded hands hang between his knees. “I’ve spent a lot of time researching, but it hasn’t been all on magic – as you know. There’s just so much going on and information we need to know to deal with it… and Scott…”

The bed dipped beside him as Derek sat. A warm hand rested on the back of his bowed neck. The touch was odd but nice. It was probably one of the more gentle interactions between them since the craziness began.

“How are you holding up?”

“Fin…” Stiles started.

Derek gave him a light shake by the scruff of his neck, which Stiles found amusing.

“Don’t brush it all away and tell me you’re fine,” Derek softly said. “It may seem like it’s the thing to do…” The hand dropped away, and Derek let out a small huff. “There are better ways…”

The unsaid “trust me” and the past suffering were clear to Stiles. He pushed his jacket further across his bed and turned to face Derek. Derek responded by taking a position to face him while resting against the headboard.

Stiles ran a hand through his short hair and thought about what he wanted to share. How vulnerable did he want to make himself? Derek looked settled in and willing to wait for Stiles to sort through his thoughts.

Once again, that was something he never saw from the man a week ago. What had changed? Was it Scott’s death, bringing his dad in, or what they found in the vault? Did he want to open up to Derek?

He chewed on his bottom lip. He already knew many of Derek’s emotional vulnerable spots – Kate and his family’s murder. With Scott gone, Derek and his puppies were the only supernaturals not out to harm the community that Stiles had contact with.

Trust was building between them through all they had faced together since that night hunting for the body in the woods.

“I’m… doing… better than when my mom died, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt or I don’t feel lost at times.” He tucked a foot under him. “But, I’m older and have other coping mechanisms than I did then.”

“Like burying yourself in research?”

Stiles nodded. “I’m not focused on the loss when I’m lost in research as I told you a few days ago. It’s probably not the best coping method. But we do need the information on packs and other supernatural beings – so win for us.”

Derek looked sheepish. “Yeah. I did not realize how much I didn’t know. Your dad was right to point out the need for information.”

“The family histories?”

He nodded. “There’s more to running a pack than what I saw. I’ve been in contact with some other alphas who were friends of my mother. They have been helpful.”

“Helpful how? Will they send people to help us?”

Derek shook his head. “No. That would put their packs in the Argent’s sight hairs. I don’t want that. They have given me advice on how to handle situations and individuals. They have pointed me to other resources and are bringing me into the network.”

Stiles nodded. “There is a supernatural network.” He had wondered if one existed.

“Several probably,” Derek said. “This one is for the west coast. That’s all I’m allowed access to until I prove myself.”

“Safety first,” Stiles said. “With everything going on around here, I can understand them being cautious. So what have you learned? I assume your change in attitude and approach is because of this.”

“Yeah. I didn’t realize how much my decisions were made based on reaction to what was going on and fear rather than thinking things through.”

“Oh, how much did that hurt?”

Derek shoved Stiles with his foot with enough force to rock him but not push him off the bed. Stiles laughed with joyful amusement for the first time since that night. It felt good and cleansing. He grinned at Derek who returned it with a small grin of his own.

“Really, it’s helping?”

“Yeah, got me out of my own head. I still feel the drive to do something, but I realize that is not enough. I can’t build a good lasting pack with a wartime mentality.”

“But we are basically at war. How do you counter that?”

Derek leaned his head against the wall, but his eyes were still on Stiles. “Find ways to take a breath. Listen to other trusted people’s advice and rely on the pack.”

“Even when the pack is so new? They don’t always know their own strength.”

“That is one of the issues with our current situation. Surprisingly,” he rubbed the back of his neck and hesitated, “with the Argents’ attention elsewhere, I’ve found the time to train them as I should and find my footing as an alpha.”

Stiles could see how one less threat would do that. “There hasn’t been any action by the kanima since the rave,” he blurted out. He tapped his lips. “I wonder why?”

“Maybe they are laying low after what happened,” Derek pondered.

“Maybe… but why not take advantage of it?”

“The FBI in town… don’t want to draw more attention to their actions… or they are at the end of their list.”

Stiles shook his head. “But according to the historical pattern… that won’t be the end of it.”

“I don’t know. I’m taking the break to make sure we have a good foundation. And to have a good foundation, the pack needs an emissary.”

“I’ve seen the emissaries referenced in my reading, but not clear on what they do. But Deaton was your family’s emissary… he has experience… but…”

Sure Stiles had known Deaton for years, but he had not been helpful or forthcoming since Scott was bitten.

“You didn’t know he was the Hale emissary when you came to town. Are their identities kept secret and why? Aren’t they supposed to help facilitate relations between packs and things like that?”

“It depends on the pack and the emissary on how integrated they are to the pack and who knows their identity from what I’ve learned. Obviously, Laura knew Deaton was ours, but I don’t know if she knew before the fire or if he approached her and told her after she became alpha. It wasn’t something I ever thought to ask about.”

“Have you asked Deaton about it?” He waved a hand in the air. “What am I thinking? He wouldn’t give you a straight answer… or would he since you’re the alpha.”

“Doesn’t matter. I don’t trust him. I can’t have him as my emissary.”

Stiles looked up in shock. “Then who?”

Derek poked him with his socked foot. “You.”

“Me? But…” Stiles sat up and looked around his room. The stack of books on magic drew his attention. “How long have you… You don’t know I can be an emissary. How can I be… we don’t know that I have magic…”

Derek slid across the bed and grabbed Stiles’ shoulders. “Breathe in slowly,” he said in a calm command.

Stiles grabbed onto Derek’s arms in the hope to aid to ground him. He followed Derek’s instructions and breathed.

“Having magic is not a requirement to be an emissary although they often do.”

“It’s not?”

“No. The emissary being able to handle mountain ash and other such items is beneficial, but that does not require magic beyond what anyone can tap into – I asked a contact.”

Stiles’ breathing evened out and his brain restarted.

“The main thing is that they are trusted by at least the alpha. If they are involved with the pack, it’s important that they are a good fit with the others.”

“Oh…” That did put things in a new light.

“But I think you do have magic. What I’ve learned talking to other alphas about emissaries and magic users, points to you having magic.”

“What would my responsibilities be as your emissary?”

Derek released Stiles, but Stiles was not ready to let go of Derek’s arms. Derek must have picked up on that because he did not break away.

“A lot of what you are already doing – research, liaising between the pack and others, advising. As you learn magic, using it to aid the pack in whatever way it’s best used.”

“Like wards and stuff?”

“That’s one way. It all depends on the type of magic user.”

That jived with what Stiles had been reading.

“I won’t obey just because you say to do something,” he warned.

Derek chuckled. Warmth bloomed inside Stiles at the sound.

“I wouldn’t expect that of you even if you were a beta,” Derek said. “The emissary and elders are supposed to question the alpha’s motives… just not in front of outsiders.”

Stiles scrunched up his nose as he realized the message that would send to others. “No undermining your authority during meetings with other packs.”

“So you accept the position?”

Stiles took a breath and nodded. “Is there an initiation or something we need to do to make it official?”

Derek took Stiles’ hands in his. “An exchange of an oath.”

Stiles’ heart beat a bit faster. He was not sure if it was because of the hand-holding or having to make an oath – probably magical in nature. Why should holding Derek’s hand cause his insides to flutter?

“What is the oath?”

“That varies depending on pack and emissary. The one I want to use means you are a member of the pack, not an outside adviser. Unless you don’t want to be part of the pack.”

“I want to be pack!”

The corners of Derek’s mouth curled up. It was an almost shy smile that Stiles found cute. Derek told him the oath. Once Stiles had the wording, they began with a squeeze of his hands.

“Stiles Stilinski, will you be the Hale pack emissary and a member of the pack?”

“I willingly agree to become a member of Derek Hale’s pack and take up the role of emissary to aid and guide the Alpha to the best of my ability and help guide and protect the pack.”

“So let it be,” they both said.

It felt like an electric current surged through him from their joined hands and curled up making a home in his chest. It was warm and felt alive.

“What just happened?” Stiles managed to gasp out.

Derek’s eyes were just as wide as his. “A pack bond formed.” Derek rubbed at his chest. “I forgot how strong they can be.”

Stiles rested his free hand on his chest. “I need more information.”

Derek rolled his eyes. “Of course you do.” The hint of a smile softened the comment.

“Hey, how can I help if I don’t have the information I need? You talked about Peter having a bond with Scott at the beginning. How’s this differ? And what do you mean you forgot how it felt? Don’t your current bonds feel like this?”

Derek squeezed the hand he still held. “Not all pack bonds are the same strength. It depends on the relationship between the individuals and the power of the alpha and other nebulous factors.”

“Like the strength of will of the beta – in Scott’s case.”

“Yes. Trust also is a factor. I remember my bonds to my family always feeling strong as a child. After the fire…” He moistened his lips with a quick swipe of his tongue. “… even with her being alpha, it wasn’t the same. It was there, but it was cold. It was never the same.”

“So you have bonds between pack members and not just with the alpha.”

“Yeah.”

“Will I have bonds to the betas and what do they do?”

“For werewolves, they can help anchor us.”

“Is that why packless werewolves go feral?”

“One of the reasons.”

This information filled in several holes Stiles had in his understanding of werewolves and pack and backed up other assumptions he had made.

“Can I feel if you are in danger now?” Stiles asked.

“Possibly. Your awareness might fade with time.”

“You don’t sound sure about that.”

“This is all new to me.”

A knock on the door preceded Noah sticking his head into the room. He did not seem surprised to find Derek in the room. He did eye their clasped hands.

“He agreed?” Noah asked.

“He did.”

“You knew!” Stiles said. He whipped his head from looking at his dad to Derek. “He knew before you asked me.”

“I wanted his permission before…”

“Did you ask Erica or Boyd’s parents’ permission?”

Derek looked embarrassed. “I should have, but I didn’t for various reasons that seemed valid at the time. Your dad is aware of the supernatural, and he cares for you.” He shrugged. “I’m trying to be a better alpha.”

“I see the improvement,” Noah said.

Derek seemed to glow with the compliment. Once more, Stiles realized how little support Derek has had since returning. He probably had very little before as well.

“So are you the Hale emissary?” Noah asked Stiles.

“Yeah. Made the oath and everything.” Stiles said.

“Good. Dinner’s ready. Are you joining us, Derek? We have plenty.”

This time Stiles squeezed their joined hands.

“Sure,” Derek answered.

snbrk

“Gerard is out on bail,” Tera said after Noah answered the phone on Friday morning after the funeral.

Allison was up and getting ready, but Stiles was still in bed. Despite his warning, he figured Stiles had stayed up late reading the books on magic and being an emissary.

“You do remember I’m suspended and not your acting boss at the moment,” Noah said.

“Yeah, but Stiles and his friends are involved with whatever is going on with that family. I wanted you and them to have a heads-up. He was not a happy camper while here or when leaving. Full of threats.”

“What sort of threats? Did you document them?”

Tera snorted. “You bet I did. After what Victoria Argent did, I’m not taking any chances with that family. I’m glad the FBI moved her out of our cells as soon as they took over the case.”

“I assume the FBI knows of his release?”

“Called them first. They weren’t happy about it. But, the paperwork was all proper.”

Noah rubbed his chin. There were probably blurred jurisdiction lines involved that the Argents leveraged.

“I bet. I’ll warn the kids.”

“Appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your break while you have it.”

An eyebrow went up at the comment. “You think my suspension will come to an end sooner than expected?”

“I heard the FBI were questioning the mayor on current events.”

Tera and Angie, the mayor’s secretary, were close friends and a source of the goings on in town hall.

“Tell Angie, thanks for the heads up. Talk to you later.”

Noah hung up. He turned to find Allison in the kitchen getting breakfast.

“Gerard is out on bail,” he told her.

“I don’t know if I expected him to stay in jail or not.” She put the milk back in the refrigerator. “I’ve still got the restraining order.” She shrugged. “I know it won’t keep him from coming after me if he decides to, but if I go missing, he’s already been arrested for stalking. I don’t know what he will do.”

She sat down at the table.

“Wanted you to be aware.”

“I understand why he would be watching Jackson,” she said between bites. “But he was alone when they arrested him.” She raised her eyebrows questioning that fact.

“As far as I know,” Noah assured. “If there were others, they could have taken off.”

“If he was wanting to take the kanima down, there should have been others.”

“Maybe that wasn’t his goal,” Noah said. “He could have been scouting things out.”

“I guess.”

“It doesn’t feel right,” Noah extrapolated from her tone and body language.

“Yeah, but I don’t know enough about how they work. Then there’s the fact that a master can be replaced…” She finished her cereal. “I felt better when I knew he was in jail.”

“Have you figured out school yet?”

She brightened up at that. “Yeah. I got enrolled in an online school. So I can stay out of sight and continue my education. I can work at my own pace.”

“Your goal?”

“Graduate as quickly as possible. I’m already behind those my age because of all the moving.” She pushed her hair away from her face. “I’m ready to put this behind me.”

“Understandable.”

Her wide brown eyes locked on him and were filled with sincerity. “Thank you for helping and letting me stay here. I’m afraid of what would have happened if I didn’t have someplace to lay low.”

“Glad to help and that you informed me of what was going on.” He lifted his coffee mug up in a toast to her.

Chapter 8

The betas opted to not go to school on Friday once his dad informed them that Gerard was out of jail. Stiles had not been planning on going at all this week. It was not something he was ready to face yet.

He spent the morning he should have spent on the schoolwork Lydia had brought him reading through the last of the books on magic. He shut the book and leaned back in his desk chair with a sigh. He blinked several times as he came out of his research haze. He had filled a spiral-bound notebook with his research. He scrunched his nose at the partially torn-out pages and contemplated transferring the information to a composition notebook.

He added another post-it flag with the topic written on it to the notebook before he closed it. Several colored flags stuck out along the edges. He could organize his research by topics if he transferred the information to a new book or computer file.

His eyes drifted back to the Mac book in the corner of his desk. He had not given it much attention since bringing it home and plugging it in. Other things grabbed his attention, and it was easier to access the books than a computer they did not know the password for.

A knock on his door drew his attention. Allison stood in his open doorway.

“Lunch is ready.”

“Thanks.” He stood and stretched. His back cracked as he twisted and worked the stiffness that had set in. He pressed his fingers to his chest. “Odd,” he muttered.

Allison tilted her head in a non-verbal request for more information.

“The bond, I think…” He shook his head.

“Is something wrong?”

Stiles examined the feeling. “It doesn’t feel like there is… more like a ping…”

The doorbell rang. His dad answered the door. Stiles could not make out the words, but he recognized the voices as the pack. Stiles headed to the stairway with Allison following. Derek and the three beta’s looked up at their approach.

“Sourwolf, do pack bonds act like the Highlander immortal warning system when the pack members are near?”

Derek looked confused. Boyd was as stoic as always. Erica and Isaac appeared interested. Noah sighed.

“We can dive into this new development after lunch,” Noah said.

A chorus of agreement came from the group.

snbrk

Derek placed another plate into the dishwasher. Stiles brought the last of the lunch dishes into the kitchen.

“So the bonds… early warning system or not?” Stiles asked.

“Not in my experience,” Derek admitted as he grabbed the stack of plates. “But I don’t know how it affects magic users. Anything in the books?”

“No,” Stiles admitted, running water to hand wash the pots and pans. “What’s the bond like for you? Is our bond different?”

Derek’s ears pinkened as he fussed with the arrangement of the dishes in the rack. Stiles bit back his teasing words – ignoring the possible reasons for the reaction – and let Derek gather his thoughts.

He added dish soap to the sink. Bubbles mounded up under the running water and spread across the surface. Derek shut the dishwasher and started it. He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. His focus was on the kitchen wall, but Stiles doubted he was seeing the wall. He had the look of someone lost in thought.

Stiles was washing the dishes in the sink when Derek responded.

“From what comments I remember from the others, bonds are not exactly felt or… experienced the same by everyone. There are similarities, and they provide the same basic information – if someone is distressed or fine. Mom could use them to locate pack members – but I don’t think anyone else could.”

Stiles rinsed the dishes and placed them in the drying rack. Derek picked up a clean towel and started drying them.

“Is that all they do?” Stiles asked. “Wasn’t it the bond Peter was using to send Scott the dream about the bus driver?”

“Alphas have more influence in the bond,” Derek slowly said as if searching for each word. He rubbed at his chest. “I think some connections between pack members are stronger than others. The bonds with my siblings were stronger than with other pack members… The journals I’ve been reading imply the writers having stronger bonds with their pack than I remember having.”

“Your bonds with your betas?”

Derek’s face softened. “Growing. They are strengthening as we get to know each other, as we work together… since I stopped ordering without explanations,” he added on. He rubbed the back of his neck.

“Your dad was right when he told me I didn’t have to do it all on my own. I… I was holding them at arm’s length before. I knew I needed a pack… I missed having a pack and wanted that connection back. But…”

Stiles had stopped washing dishes and took up a position leaning against the counter beside Derek. He pressed his shoulder into Derek’s.

“… I didn’t want to replace them.” Derek shifted and leaned into Stiles in return.

“For you pack is family. On some level, you see it as replacing them even with the different dynamics of this one, and you weren’t ready. ”

“No, I wasn’t. I didn’t understand the responsibility either – even if I thought I did.”

Stiles lifted his hands curled into claws. “Being all grrr ‘I’m the alpha!’ and everything on top of your laconic nature – nope, I didn’t see the overbearing asshole complex coming.”

Derek bumped Stiles for the sarcastic remark.

“What’s important is that you are trying to be better,” Stiles said. “The betas are responding positively to it.”

Derek scratched his stubbled cheek. There might have even been a slight smile on his face. “They are. I think being here… in a homier environment and talking things out helps as well.”

Stiles snorted. “You think hanging out in deserted buildings fosters comradery? It’s like you were raised by wolves.”

Derek reached over and shoved Stiles lightly. Stiles laughed and stumbled sideways a few steps. Derek caught him and pulled him back. Stiles snagged a handful of bubbles and rubbed them into Derek’s beard while laughing.

The indignant look on Derek’s face made him laugh more. The sparkle in Derek’s eyes removed any sting and the warmth from the bond attested to Derek’s joy in their interaction. Stiles looked up into the warm adoring blue-green eyes and felt his breath catch.

Erica, who had probably been listening, entered the kitchen. “You done, Stiles? We’ve got the gaming system out. I’m going to kick your butt at Mario Kart.”

“In your dreams,” Stiles responded and followed her out.

snbrk

Stiles was at the door to greet Lydia when she showed up on the Stilinski doorstep after school with books in hand. He opened the door before she rang because of the wolf notification system alert when she turned onto his street.

“Always a pleasure to be graced by your unexpected presence,” Stiles said.

She huffed and marched in. “We’ve got things to research.” She only paused momentarily at seeing the pack scattered around his home. She settled into what had become her seat during their research evenings. “I brought what I could on my family history.”

She set the books and papers on the table. Before she said any more she studied the teenagers at the card table.

“Why are you playing poker?” Lydia asked Allison who was at the table with the betas.

“I’m trying to get better at lying convincingly to werewolves,” Allison answered as she dealt the next hand.

“We’re practicing detecting the lying,” Erica answered.

Stiles sat down beside Derek on the couch. “What have you found?”

“Nothing that says what I am, but I have family names.” Her sights homed in on Derek. “Maybe one of them will point to where to look.”

They work through an old family Bible that contained the genealogy of her mother’s family.

“Germanic origin,” Stiles said after entering another family name from the list into the online surname database. “Your mother’s family appears to be mostly continental European with a bit of England based on surnames. What about your father’s side?”

Lydia closed the family Bible and almost fidgeted in her seat. “That is a bit harder without a DNA test. I did mail a sample into one of the genealogy testing services,” she casually commented.

Stiles knew it was not as casual as she would like it to seem. She was tense in her posture and uneasy in her delivery.

“Why is it harder?” Derek asked.

“Grandma Martin was openly bi-sexual and devoted to the woman she considered her wife. I don’t know who Dad’s biological father was,” she admitted with a bit of heat to her words. She crossed her arms over her chest and stared Derek down challenging him to say something about the situation.

Derek took the news in stride. “Valid reason. Speaks of a strong character to live that life back then.”

Lydia’s posture eased. “She was… at least before…”

Stiles sensed this was important. “Before what?” he softly prodded.

Lydia looked away and bit her lip.

Stiles shifted and reached over to place a hand on hers. “I feel this is important, Lyds. What happened to your grandmother?”

Lydia released her lower lip and took Stiles’ hand as if reaching for a lifeline. “She lost her mind. Dad had her admitted to Eichen House where she died.”

Derek cocked his head. “In what way did she lose her mind?”

Lydia shot him a scowl.

“Stiles is right. This may be important. Was she forgetting things like Alzheimer’s or was she hearing voices beyond what a human should be able to hear? What were her symptoms?”

Lydia’s eyes widened. Things were falling in place. “Dad grumbled about her obsession with the occult and blamed it for her delusions.”

“Supernatural research could lead to occult research or just look like it,” Stiles eagerly pointed out. He grabbed his computer and cursed under his breath about not starting with Martin. He pulled up the name. “Martin has several possible origins – France, English, Irish, Scottish and a few others. No smoking gun there.”

“How old were you when she was committed? What do you remember about that time?” Derek asked.

Stiles noted the others in the room were paying attention to the conversation but was glad they were staying out of it.

Lydia closed her eyes as if reviewing memories. “She had lots of books in her small office in her cabin,” she slowly said. “I remember asking about some odd titles… they were in Latin and one of the reasons I learned it.” She tapped her finger against the book in her lap. “She would tell me stories…,” her face scrunched up, “… stories with a supernatural leaning.”

“Was there a theme or recurring being in those stories?” Stiles asked.

Lydia opened her eyes. “The wailing woman.”

“A banshee,” Derek said.

Stiles had web pages up on this laptop before Derek finished speaking and was scanning the information.

“I don’t know much about them other than they exist,” Derek said. “They are more human with supernatural powers than a supernatural being.”

“What if one was bitten by an alpha?” Stiles asked.

“I don’t know.” Derek pulled out his phone. “But I know someone I can ask.” He typed out a text. “But it could explain why she didn’t turn or die.”

“Have you felt the need to scream?” Stiles asked her.

“Other than at the incompetent people who surround me daily?”

“Other than that,” Stiles said. “Banshees are supposed to predict death… does that mean fortune tellers are real? If banshees can see into the future, are there others?”

“Not the time for that research path,” Derek patted his knee to aid in bringing Stiles’ attention back on topic – or at least to the here and now.

“No unexplained urges to scream,” she said.

Stiles scanned through the Wikipedia page. “This says they are fey.”

“The original banshees could have been fey,” Derek admitted. “The ones I know about aren’t – at least not fully. They could have fey heritage and that is where the powers come from.”

“Would the powers dilute with each generation or be all or nothing?” Stiles asked.

Derek sadly shook his head. “I don’t know.” He focused on Lydia. “Sorry, I don’t know more. I’ve only just recently realized how much I don’t know despite growing up as a werewolf and that I assumed I knew how things worked because of it.”

“Who did you text?” Lydia asked.

“An older alpha who was on friendly terms with my mother. She’s been helping me sort fact from fiction in being an alpha. She has a lot of contacts if she doesn’t know.”

Stiles switched over to the Argent bestiary entry on banshee. “The bestiary says that banshees are humans with access to the supernatural, allowing the aforementioned mystical forces to flow through them so the banshee can utilize the powers these forces create. What does that mean? Why are they centered on death?”

Stiles’ head jerked up. “That could explain…”

“You promised,” Lydia hissed.

Stiles flailed his arms in the air. Derek saved his laptop from hitting the ground.

“I won’t tell. But maybe you should. It could be important and real. If you are tapping into a different wavelength or plane…”

She slowly let her arms fall from their crossed position.

“If it’s real, maybe we can find a way to stop it,” Stiles coaxed.

“Fine.” She assessed those in the room with a quick survey. She tossed her hair back over one shoulder. “I’ve been seeing Peter… “

Stiles grabbed Derek’s arm to keep him from interrupting.

“… or something looking like – a young Peter mostly. I thought he was real at first.” Her fingers twist together in her lap. “But I couldn’t find the flower he gave me… that scared me. I thought I was having hallucinations – and after everything before…” She moistened her lips and locked eyes with Derek. “Last week I went to visit him… and found myself at your old home…”

“With his body,” Derek supplied. He appeared concerned but not worried. “Peter was always interested in knowing things.” He tapped a finger against his lips. “Facts, secrets, obscure knowledge no matter the topic… if he knew about your grandmother…”

“He might know a way to use it to his advantage,” Stiles said.

Lydia shifted in her seat and ran her hands down her skirt. “I think… he wanted me to…” She bit her lip and looked away. “If it’s real, he wants me to kidnap you and do something to bring him back to life.”

Everyone in the room reacted to that information. Derek called them to order.

“Not surprised,” Derek told her. “It’s not your fault, but we need more information before I can try to figure out what he’s done.”

Lydia told them about Peter’s visits to her. Stiles took notes on the particulars of the ritual that she knew.

“This is the basis for a ritual as I understand it, but not enough to know how to counter it,” Stiles commented. He chewed on the cap of the pen. “How would he get you to do it?”

“He clearly has enough influence over her to get her to go to the house,” Derek pointed out.

“So he could have me do what was needed for the ritual even if I didn’t want to.” She wrapped her arms around herself.

Derek was once more texting. “We’ll find a way to prevent that.”

snbrk

They reconvened Saturday morning at the Stilinski’s to return to discussing the kanima issue. Dealing with Lydia’s possible possession was enough for all of them for one day. They spent several hours Friday night watching MCU movies as a respite.

Allison joined them looking pale with her phone in hand.

“Everything alright?” Noah asked.

Allison laughed. “I don’t know. More of a shock than bad… Gerard was shot and killed last night.”

“One less bad guy,” Erica cheered. “Was that tactless?” she asked Boyd.

“Yes,” Isaac answered.

“But not undeserved,” Allison said.

“We won’t have the old perv watching us through the cameras at school,” Erica added.

“Or able to call us into the office alone,” Isaac said.

“Did he do that?” Noah asked.

“Not to me,” Isaac said, “but it was always a possibility.”

“What werewolf wants to be in a small room with a hunter and at a disadvantage,” Stiles said.

Noah rubbed his face. “That was not something that I have even thought about.”

“He did call Scott,” Isaac said, surprising the others with the information.

“When?” Stiles asked. “He didn’t tell me about it.”

“He got a note during our last class on that Friday,” Isaac said. “He didn’t come back, but I saw him in the halls and figured everything was good.”

“What did he want with Scott?” Stiles asked.

“I didn’t get a chance to ask. The next time I talked to him was at the rave.” Isaac shrugged. The rest was self-explanatory.

“He could have been warning Scott off me or the rave,” Allison said.

“Not the rave. He was surprised that you were there,” Stiles said.

“I wonder if the FBI knew about the meeting and asked him about it?” Noah said.

“Too late to ask him now if they didn’t,” Stiles snarked.

Derek paced through the room. “If he knew what Victoria was up to, why warn him away from Allison?”

“You think he knew?” Stiles asked. “I figured she was acting on her own.” He looked at Allison.

“Dad didn’t know. Not with how he reacted,” she said. “I don’t know about Gerard. He wasn’t there. Even if he was,” she shook her head, “I don’t know how to read him. It always felt like he was on a different level.”

“Had his own agenda,” Noah said.

“Maybe… or he just saw himself above everyone else.”

“Both could be true,” Derek said.

Lydia arrived, and the topic of Gerard was dropped.

“Dining room,” Noah told them.

She entered the room and took note of the paper-covered wall. Stiles had covered it with bulletin board paper and had markers and string to use it as a case board. They took seats around the table.

Stiles removed a photo from his file and taped it to the paper. “We know Jackson is the kanima.”

Jackson’s photo glared at them. He wrote ‘kanima’ under it. He made a question mark beside him and titled it Master.

“What happens if we kill the master?” Erica asked. “So far we’ve focused on taking out the kanima, but that’s hard.”

“You become the master,” Stiles supplied the answer.

“But to get to the master, we have to get around the kanima,” Derek said.

“Catch-22,” Lydia said.

“I think the master is gaining more or better control over him,” Stiles said. “Jackson’s actions are less Jackson-like as time goes by. He’s isolating himself.” Stiles walked down the wall’s length. “He broke up with Lydia.”

“He’s done that before,” Erica pointed out.

“This time was different.” Lydia’s manicured nail tapped the tabletop. “Stiles is right. Our past breakups were attacks on each other, a way to get back at the other for something one of us did.”

“Healthy,” Isaac whispered. Stiles was close enough to hear him, and all the werewolves would have as well.

“There was none of that this time. It’s why I was so angry for so long about it. There was nothing I had done to precipitate the event.”

“But if it was because of the master… Why?” Stiles slapped his forehead. “Because those close to him would notice the changes and try to interfere.”

“It’s a good theory,” Noah said. “Why is he a kanima instead of a werewolf, again?”

Stiles wrote “Unresolved issues” under Jackson’s photo while Derek explained.

“Do we know what unresolved issues he has?” Noah asked. “I’m assuming it’s more than getting homework finished.”

Lydia did not squirm under their gazes turned on her.

“You want me to spill his secrets?” She arched one eyebrow.

“If there’s a chance it will save his life, then yes,” Derek said.

She seemed resistant but accepted the validity and need for the information. “He’s adopted.”

“We know that. The Millers died because of a car crash when Margaret was pregnant,” Erica said.

“How do you know that?” Lydia icily asked.

“I’m interested to know that as well,” Noah said. “I know his adoption files were sealed.”

Only the light blush along her cheeks betrayed she may feel any remorse. “My dad’s records. He was the insurance agent on the case. I helped him digitize them.”

Stiles fiddled with the marker. “I remember when he found out… sixth grade?”

Lydia nodded.

“He was grumpy and short-tempered with everyone,” Stiles recounted.

Isaac leaned on his hand. “I think I remember that. He yelled at his parents… I was never clear why or about what.”

“Why was he upset about it?” Erica asked. “So what if he’s adopted? That means they wanted him at least.”

“But in what capacity?” Lydia asked. “Just because someone takes in a child doesn’t mean their reasons are altruistic.”

“Why go through the effort if you don’t want them?” Erica said.

Derek was the one to offer clarification. “Adopting a kid requires more work and forethought, but it does not mean the parents’ motives are always purely for want and love of the kid. It doesn’t mean they don’t love the kid either.”

“So you’re saying the Whitmores are crappy parents,” Erica said.

Lydia wobbles her hand. “No more than any others. They love him but are bad at showing it. Jackson’s got it into his head that they only want him as a status symbol, and nothing anyone tells him seems to convince him differently.”

Erica sighed. “I don’t get it, but I’ll take your word on it. You know him best.”

“So his unresolved issue is that his parents don’t love him?” Isaac asked. There was a scoffing tone to his words. “I watched them bend over backward for him as we grew up. He wanted something, they got it for him. They never yelled at him or… I was so jealous of him.”

Derek rested a hand on Isaac’s shoulder and then pulled him into a side hug. Isaac melted into the hug and his alpha’s side as Derek muttered to him. Everyone looked around the table but at the two.

Stiles was once more impressed that Derek’s leadership skills had changed so much in the past week. He did see him struggling with what to do, but that he took a moment to think about it said a lot about his commitment to this path.

Noah broke the silence. “You think his unresolved issue has to do with being adopted?”

“It is a driving force in his life.” Lydia folded her hands before her.

Stiles writes down “adopted” under the photo. “In what ways?”

She rolled her eyes as if they were missing the obvious. “He doesn’t think they want him so everything he does is to gain their acceptance – psychology 101.”

“So he is seeking a family… acceptance… a place to belong?” Stiles asked.

That put him seeking the bite into a new light if Jackson had realized what it would mean… but Derek had said he told Jackson he would not be part of the pack before he bit him….

“Derek,” Stiles cautiously said. “Do you think your words before biting him would have been enough to turn him into a kanima?”

That made everyone else curious, so Derek explained how Jackson blackmailed him into biting him so he could be like Scott.

“Wait,” Noah said, “you said betas without a pack would go feral. You let him go out there to be a danger to the town?” Noah looked very displeased.

Derek shrank under the look. He sighed and rubbed his temple. “I don’t think I was really thinking at the time. I just killed Peter and became an alpha without a pack. He came into my territory and threatened me.” He shook his head. “I remember thinking if he wanted it so bad, he could take his chances with those he threatened me with.”

“Harsh,” Erica muttered.

“I know.” Derek pinched his nose and sounded full of remorse. “I realized the mistake after getting sleep and a handle on my new powers. I planned on monitoring him to keep him out of trouble and talk to him once more after his first full moon.” He shrugged. “But things…”

“Heated up, and we were in the middle of supernatural shenanigans, and Jackson didn’t seem to change,” Stiles said.

“Yes.”

“Back to Stiles’ original question,” Noah said.

Derek shook his head. “Maybe. It could be a contributing factor but not the sole reason.”

“So deep down Jackson wants a place to belong?” Stiles ponders.

“He wants to be loved unconditionally,” Boyd spoke up for the first time.

No one commented on the pronouncement.

snbrk

Stiles peeled the label off the soda bottle and tore the plastic into shreds. He stuffed each strip into the empty bottle. Derek’s warm hand covered his bouncing knee to draw his attention not to force it to stop. He stilled under the touch regardless.

“Why are you anxious?” Derek asked.

Stiles stuffed the last of the label into the bottle. “What do you know about the person we’re meeting? What if she can’t help us? What if you’re wrong about me having magic?” spilled out of his mouth.

“I’m not wrong,” Derek said.

He screwed the lid onto the bottle. “What if what I have done with mountain ash is… is what anyone can do with it?”

Derek gently squeezed his leg. “Whether or not you have magic, you are a valued member of our pack.”

Stiles leaned back into the Camaro seat and let out a huff of air. He rubbed his face. “I think I’m more worried about not finding the answers in time and things getting worse. Who will die next?” He bit his lip.

Derek sought out his hand and entwined their fingers. Stiles eagerly accepted the contact. It warmed something within him – real or imagined he was not sure. The contact was grounding and something Stiles found he enjoyed more than he ever thought he would.

Derek brushed his thumb over the back of his hand. “Fujiwara had some ideas on what Peter is up to when I explained the situation to her and just needed to check her references.”

“You said we were visiting a magic user… but who is she? Did you know her before?”

Derek shook his head. “I never met her, but she was in my Mother’s book of contacts I found in the vault. All her notes about Fujiwara were positive.”

“Why was it in the vault and not the house?”

He felt Derek’s shrug through their clapped hands. “My best guess is that it was a backup in case something happened and we lost access to the house.”

“Makes sense,” Stiles admitted. “That’s part of the reason you have the vault. A list of contacts and numbers would be helpful if something happened and you need help or a place to lay low.” He bit his lip. “So, what did your mom say about her?”

“Solid magic user. Gives sound advice.”

Stiles snapped his head to glare at Derek. “That’s it? Nothing more?”

“It’s two sentences,” Derek flatly said, but Stiles saw the muscle movement around his mouth indicating he was trying to not smile.

He slapped his free hand to his chest. “Oh, sorry, I forgot who I’m talking to you. That’s practically verbose for a Hale.”

That won him a second of upward curl before Derek returned to his ‘I’m the alpha’ neutral face. He could not keep the grin off his face at his success.

snbrk

Stiles was firmly held in place by hands on his shoulders as Miyoko Fujiwara intensely studied him in the entry of her home. It was like she was looking into his soul. He shot Derek a questioning look and got a shrug in return. He was being assaulted and his boyfriend was not doing anything about it.

“Interesting,” Fujiwara muttered and released Stiles. She stepped back. “We can talk in my office.” She turned and walked with the bearing of an empress.

Stiles mouthed ‘wow’ at Derek. He rolled his eyes before placing a hand on Stiles’ lower back and guiding him down the hall in her wake. Stiles studied the walls and glanced into rooms they passed. The decorations were more Asian than what was found in a standard American home which should not come as a surprise.

His eyes kept being drawn back to the rectangles of papers with kanji on the walls. He was not sure if they were motivational phrases for decorations… or something more. He reached out to touch one, but Derek grabbed his hand. His hand had gotten close enough that he thought he felt something from it. Before he could ask Derek if he could feel it, they entered the elegantly decorated office. He sat beside Derek on the loveseat.

Fujiwara picked up a folder from her desk and handed it to Derek before enthroning herself in the Bergere-style chair. Derek opened it and scanned the papers. Stiles pressed against his side to read them.

The papers outlined the two possible rituals that fit what Lydia told them. Both were resurrection rituals.

“Are these the only options?” Derek asked. “Want to cover all my bases.”

Fujiwara inclined her head slightly. “The only other possibilities are him taking over the banshee’s body or switching places with her soul. While that would provide him with a new identity, I inferred from what you told me about him that he would prefer to have his own body, even with weakened werewolf powers, back over that of a teenage girl – even if she is coming into her banshee powers.”

Stiles shivered at the idea of Peter taking over Lydia’s body and life. He pulled the sheet outlining how to counter his actions.

“If we do this, will we prevent that?” Stiles flapped the paper in her direction.

Derek took the paper from Stiles. “We would still be resurrecting him.” The conflict between wanting to hold on to a piece of his family and keeping a threat from returning was clear to Stiles in tone and pauses.

“Yes.” Her dark eyes locked onto Stiles “Now that I know the magical resources you have at your disposal, I can guarantee it will work, and the connection between Peter and your banshee will be cleanly severed without detriment to either.”

Derek bumped his shoulder against Stiles’ in a clear ‘see I was right’ gesture.

“I will teach you what you need to know for this and how to protect your pack.”

Stiles spent the next three hours being tested and learning how best to use the type of magic he had. Things he had read earlier clicked in place with Fujiwara’s instructions. He picked up what she was teaching him quickly.

It was time to leave before he realized it. She closed and stacked four of the books they had been using and handed them to Stiles.

“You will need these.” Stiles accepted the books with wide eyes. “Study them. They will provide part of the foundation of your magical education. I expect them back when you return this summer.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Stiles pressed the stack against his chest.

“I will contact you to arrange the contract for his training,” she said to Derek.

“Of course,” Derek said. “I look forward to it and appreciate your help.”

She pointed a finger at Stiles. “Call or text me any questions! Do not experiment without my approval,” she commanded.

Stiles bowed to her authority after her retelling of many magical tragedies caused by untrained magic users that she has had to clean up over the years. He vowed to not be added to her collection of horror stories. He was happy that he had been so involved with researching so many topics that he never got around to experimenting with what he had read.

“I will.”

She nodded sharply in acceptance and escorted them out.

Chapter 9

It was surreal being back at school. Everything felt normal as Stiles walked the halls until he turned to talk to Scott and reality smacked him in the face. He entered the classroom and took an empty seat behind Lydia. Thankfully, Isaac took the seat beside him.

He ignored the frequent glances his way and the whispers that followed. Isaac snorted and shot the two whispering girls a glare.

“It’s not as bad as I expected,” Stiles said. “They will find something new to talk about in a few days.”

Lydia turned in her chair and flipped her hair over a shoulder. “They already have.” She studied her fingernails. “The death of the principal quickly became the number one topic.”

“Guess I missed it,” Stiles said.

“Most people are giving you a wide berth for now,” she admitted.

“They probably remember your sharp tongue lashings after your mother,” Isaac said.

Lydia agreed with a head nod. “He was rather vicious. I was impressed back then.”

Stiles stuttered not knowing how to respond to that information. “Thanks…” he lamely blurted out.

Matt’s arrival granted him a reprieve from his floundering.

“Hey, where’s Allison?” he asked them. “I haven’t seen her at school at all today.”

Lydia cocked her head and blinked vapidly at Matt. “She’s not here. All the stuff with her family.”

Matt looked crestfallen. “I thought with the death of Principal Argent, it would be safe for her to return to school.”

Stiles bit the inside of his lip to not say anything. He did not want to draw attention to how involved he was with Allison’s hiding even if the biggest threat within the school was gone.

Lydia huffed. “Her dad’s still out there. Whether or not he means her harm, she doesn’t want to make it easy for him to find her.”

Isaac nodded. “You saw the scene he made at the funeral.”

Lydia flicked her fingers in Isaac’s direction as if he proved her point. “That’s with the restraining order in place.”

“I’d hoped to see her…” Matt moped. “How is she doing?” Large pleading eyes were directed at Lydia.

“She’s making the best of the situation,” Lydia answered. “I’m sure you can give her a call and ask her yourself.”

“That would be alright? I didn’t want to be inconsiderate or dismissive of what she’s been through.”

Lydia sighed as if the weight of the world was on her shoulder. “She will probably appreciate you calling her.”

Matt brightened up. “I’ll do that.”

“What happened to the previous principal? He just disappeared one day and Mr. Argent took over out of the blue. It seems fishy with everything that the family has done,” the girl in front of Lydia said to her gossip partner.

The partner was shushing her because of the too-loud statement that drew the room’s attention. The girl who had spoken looked around and blushed.

“What?” she brazened on. “I’m not the first one to point out how convenient it all was. We know at least some of the family is willing to kill – Hale fire and all that. Why wouldn’t they kill Mr. Thomas to make room for Grandpa Argent?”

She was right. Stiles could tell that many in the room agreed with her. The students turned back to their conversations and probably voiced their speculations on the topic with their friends.

snbrk

Noah adjusted his gun belt before entering the station. Calls of ‘Sheriff’ and ‘welcome back’ greeted him as he passed through.

“The mayor ended the suspension,” Tara said with a knowing smirk.

“Yeah, he called yesterday reinstating me,” Noah said.

All ears in the bullpen were tuned into their conversation.

“Given time to re-evaluate the situation, he realized he may have jumped the gun,” Noah said.

A snort drew his attention to Agent Aguirre. “I bet it has nothing to do with me questioning the grounds and reasoning for it.”

“I couldn’t say.” Noah reached out a hand to shake hers. “Nice to see you again.”

“Now that you’re back,” Tara said, “you can liaison with the FBI.” She turned and walked away.

“My office?” Noah gestured to the room further into the station. “Bring me up to speed.”

“Sure.”

Aguirre followed him into the room. They settled in.

“I know you have been kept roughly in the loop because of your connection with the McCall family,” she said.

“True, but I’m sure I don’t know all of the details. How wide are you casting the net now that you’ve started investigating the Argents?”

“Very wide. There’s a team back in San Fran running financials and several other teams back east identifying and following up on other crimes that fit the pattern. They are talking to suspected victims and locals. We’ve been focusing on the shit show that’s gone on here.”

Noah nodded. “I admit there have been a lot of unusual things going on since the beginning of the year.”

“Agent McCall and his boss filled me in on the uniqueness of the town,” she said. “I suspected it before they told me.”

“So you knew about it before? Are you part of a special group for such cases?”

“No group, but those of us with history in the area are assigned when relative cases are brought to our attention.”

Noah huffed, frustration building. “Why wasn’t it brought to your attention earlier? They’ve been pulling crap for years.”

Aguirre inclined her head in acknowledgment but was unruffled by the accusation. “Various reasons – one, just like other law enforcement agencies, we always have work on our desks.”

Noah reluctantly accepted the point. He knew how much work they often had for just their town.

“Two, the cases never get brought to our attention or connected because the hunters pay people off as they did with the Hales. We can’t investigate if we don’t know about it. We can’t assign assets and resources to watch all hunters just in case they cross the line. We need a reason to look into them just like any individual. Unfortunately, between the secrecy and everything kept on the down low or hidden through dubious means, the cases don’t get the attention they deserve.”

“So much more is electronic and in databases…”

Aguirre nodded. “We are putting tools in place to leverage it to our advantage. It’s a work in progress.”

Noah sighed and let the issue drop. There were more current and pressing issues to address. Getting caught up on the case and how they could help was one of them.

“I did hear about Gerard being shot and killed. Are there any links between the shooting and the original case that brought you here?”

“Other than we were investigating him – not at this time.”

“Would it be one of his employees who grew a conscience?”

She snorted a laugh at that. “If they are involved, it isn’t for that reason. If he did something they felt crossed the line of their code,” she shrugged, “it’s possible. But, it would have to be something egregious.”

“Chris?” Noah pondered. “Would he kill his dad if he thought his arrest was a threat to the business or as a way to detour the investigation into his family?”

“Our profile on him says no, but we aren’t dismissing the idea.”

“Just not on the top of your list,” Noah said.

“Exactly. I’m leaning toward our anonymous informant – whoever it is.”

Noah thought about it and agreed. He then asked, “So how can we help you with your investigation while in town?”

snbrk

After school Stiles and the pack headed out to the preserve to meet Derek and run off the energy being cooped up in school gave them. Stiles wanted to practice setting the basic wards Fujiwara assigned him. Notification wards around the old Hale house seemed appropriate with all the people who liked to visit it for their own purposes.

Derek was waiting for them outside the burnt husk, leaning against his Camaro. The puppies tumbled out of the vehicles and gamboled up to Derek. He greeted them with firm touches to arms and shoulders and a small smile, while Erica and Isaac told him about the day.

Stiles pulled out his bag of magic supplies from the car and gave Derek a nod as he headed to survey the area for where to put his practice wards. He only had two types made – stones and paper because those were what she started him on. Fujiwara assured him that he would get to use other materials once he got better at creating and using them in this form. That was for the summer.

The stones were for the warning wards to be put up around the house and training area. He chose to use them so he did not have to spend time outside carving or painting the symbols onto the trees. He preferred to do it in the warmth of his bedroom where his fingers would not become cold and stiff.

He fished in the container with the stones and pulled out the first one. He tried to feel for the flow of energy in the area as instructed but could not find it. Fujiwara said he might not at first and not to let it deter him. He eyed the area and mentally identified where to place the stones.

Stiles walked the selected perimeter focusing on creating a notification line as he set each stone in a place it would hopefully not be noticed. He fell into the same mind space he had when he laid the mountain ash line around the warehouse.

He tried to be cognizant of what he was feeling and how he got there. There were things on the periphery that could be the magic currents Fujiwara told him about. He let them hang on the fringe of his focus and concentrated on what he was doing.

By the time he made the large half-mile circle and returned to the first stone, the betas were stretched out on the ground panting from the training. Derek was telling them what they had done right and giving pointers on what to improve.

Stiles touched the first stone and imagined the closing of a circuit. He felt it activate and thrum with power. It was low and quiet, but he knew it worked.

“Yes.” Stiles punched the air.

“It worked?” Derek asked.

“It activated,” Stiles said. “If it will do what I want it to, that is a different story and will need testing.”

Erica sat up and leaned back on her hands. “Can we help test it?”

“Yes. If I did it right, any of you passing the wards will tell me but should identify you as friendlies.”

Erica jumped to her feet and walked toward Stiles. “Where’s the line?”

He indicated the location. She crossed it.

“Anything?” she asked.

Stiles shook his head. “But you were headed out. Walk back in.”

She did, and Stiles felt the notification. A wide grin graced his face.

“It worked.”

“Do you have to be close to know that they’ve been breached?” Derek asked.

“Not as I understand it… but I didn’t ask.”

“Can it keep certain things out?” Isaac asked.

“Not this one. I don’t know if there are ones that can be… that picky. Mountain ash tends to be a catch-all barrier for the supernatural… but I just haven’t learned enough.”

“He’s just got a teacher yesterday,” Boyd pointed out.

Stiles pointed at Boyd. “What he said.” He shoved his container back into his bag and started to pick it up and froze at the same time the wolves all cocked their heads. “The ward has been breached over there.” He pointed in the direction of the incursion.

“Hunters,” Derek said. “Sounds like Chris Argent and his men.”

“What should we do?” Isaac asked.

Stiles pulled his phone out, internally cheered that he had a signal, and called his dad. He carried his bag back to his jeep. Boyd helped him load things in.

“Hey, Dad,” he said when he answered. “We’re at the old Hale house with Argent hunters inbound and within visual range any minute.”

“I don’t have anyone out that way that would make it in time,” Noah said.

“I know. I wanted you as a witness and a threat because I don’t think we can clear the area in time or know if they have someone waiting for us if we did – or at least I won’t be fast enough. The wolves could probably make it out on foot.”

Derek had the betas take up positions between the cars.

“Leaving the cars behind, so they would know you were there if they didn’t,” Noah said. “I’m sending the closest cruiser out there.”

“Thanks, Pops.”

Stiles moved to stand behind and to Derek’s right as he stood in the gap between Derek and the jeep.

“You’re trespassing,” Derek called out as soon as the hunters broke the treeline.

Guns came up.

“We’re just out hunting,” Argent said in his usual placating tone.

“What’s in season and do you have licenses for it?” Stiles asked.

“We don’t need licenses for what we hunt,” muttered one of the hunters, but it was loud enough for Stiles to hear it.

Derek flashed a hand signal to hold to his aggravated betas. They stayed alert and did not move from their positions.

“I’m sure the authorities would be interested in what you are hunting.” Stiles tapped his chin as if in thought. “Maybe even the FBI….”

Another of the hunters scoffed. “Like we would be scared off by the FBI.”

The first to speak out puffed out his chest. “Yeah. We’re not like those that tucked tails and ran when they came to town. We’re dedicated to our cause.”

Chris hissed at his hunters and did not appear too pleased.

“Real fanatic there,” Isaac mutters so only their group would hear.

Stiles felt someone cross the wards on the drive to the house. He figured that was the patrol car his dad sent out. The hunters would take off as soon as they heard the car approach. Was there something he could do to hide the sound? He pulled out the paper talisman he had in his pocket and riffled through them.

There was one he created with Fujiwara to sneak up on the werewolves. He had not tested it yet. He had hoped to once the wards were up. He made it to hide his scent and movement from supernatural senses. Could it be put to a different use?

He focused on the paper and pushed his magic and his will – his wish – his belief into the talisman and activated it.

“You are trespassing,” Derek reiterated. “Get off Hale land.”

“And if we don’t?” the mouthy hunter asked. He chambered a round into his rifle. He adjusted his hold on it but did not bring it fully up to point at them.

“Don’t!” Chris barked out. He grabbed the rifle and pushed it down.

“You will be arrested like any other trespasser,” Derek said.

The hunters with Chris took it as a reason to become more aggressive instead of a reason to step down. Guns were raised and aimed at them.

Derek stayed relaxed. “Chris, I believe you are the one with uncontrolled subordinates.”

A shot was fired but went wide because of Chris’ interference. The beta’s ducked. Derek did not move. Stiles did not know if that was because he knew Chris would interfere or if Derek was counting on the FBI following the fresh blood trail right to Chris if he was.

“Drop the guns!” ordered a deputy. He stood beside his car with his gun drawn over the roof and raised toward the hunters.

“Hell, how’d we miss them pulling in?” called one of the hunters.

Stiles grinned because it worked.

Chris was the first to put his gun on the ground and raised his hands in the air. “Do what he said.”

Reluctantly the others did as ordered. Deputy Norris spoke into the radio on his shoulder but did not take his eyes off the hunters. Soon more sheriff cars came up the drive with lights flashing.

Stiles lifted the phone to his ear. “Hey, Dad. Back-ups here, and they are taking them into custody.” He watched them work. “None of them tried to make a break for it.”

“Good. And no one was shot?”

“Chris pushed the guy’s arm so the shot went wide.”

Erica bounced over to him. “Tell your dad that I took a video of it all.” She showed him her phone screen.

“Erica recorded it,” he informed Noah. “I don’t know how.” He scrunched up his face and twisted his hand asking her how she did it.

She flipped her hair over her shoulder and placed a hand on her jutted hip. “Boyd makes a good blind to record behind, and they were all focused on Derek to notice me. Got the idea from Matt doing it.”

Stiles started to tell Noah, but he cut him off.

“I heard her. Isaac sent me photos of the group. Tera looped Aguirre and her team in and they are running them through their facial recognition program.”

Stiles whistled low and approvingly.

“One of the deputies will collect the video when your statements are taken,” Noah said.

“Will do, Sheriff,” she said and then bounced back to Boyd’s side.

Deputy Anna James did approach. She nodded to Stiles but spoke to Derek first. Stiles joined the others leaning against the side of the Camaro. Erica pulled him into the group between her and Isaac.

Isaac surprised him by leaning against him. “I saw you did something. Was that why they didn’t notice the deputy’s car pulling up?”

“Yes.”

“Good job,” Boyd said.

Erica gave him a playful tap on his arm with her fist. “Quick thinking.”

“I wasn’t the only one,” Stiles said. He shifted to return the press of weight against Isaac. “The FBI are already verifying their identities because Isaac sent Dad photos of them.”

“Better way to deal with them than running and being shot at,” Isaac said.

snbrk

The knock on Noah’s office door brought his attention to Aguirre in the doorway on his second day back.

“Morning,” he greeted. “How can I help the FBI today?”

She entered and sat down in a free chair. “I hoped you still had Chris Argent in custody.”

“We could only detain him and give warnings,” Noah said.

“So I was informed when I asked. I knew it was a long shot but if it saved me time locating him…”

“You have that overworked air about you. What happened now?”

“We got another anonymous tip. This time about Chris and the principal prior to Gerard taking the position. What do you know about him leaving?”

Noah rested his folded hands against his chin and thought about it. “I didn’t think much of the school getting a new principal mid-school year at the time. It was only after Victoria killed Scott that I began to question it. I realized the timing was suspicious, but I didn’t have any valid reason to go digging into it. With everything else going on… I have to admit it was a low priority.”

“We thought so as well but did not find anything on the first assessment. He contacted the school and sent in his resignation. There were no missing person reports filed.”

“What was his reason for quitting?” Noah asked.

“It was nothing specific… just he had something come up.”

“How convenient Gerard was in town and could fill the role so quickly,” Noah snarked.

“He wasn’t qualified,” Aguirre said. “He gave the school documentation that said he was, but they aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on.”

Noah rubbed his face. “More complicated at each turn. What was the tip?”

“Photos of Chris and Victoria possibly kidnapping Principal Thomas. We can’t prove it was kidnapping based on the photos, but the timestamp proves they were one of the last to see him.”

“Where did they approach him?”

“Outside the school.”

“If there was CCTV footage of it, it would have probably been erased as soon as Gerard took over.”

“Yes.”

“I assume someone will be questioning Victoria on it wherever she’s being held.”

She nodded. “I’m not holding out much hope of her telling us anything. She’s been very tight-lipped about everything else so far.”

“So you’re hoping Chris will be an easier nut to crack.”

“Easier is a relative term regarding the Argents. Chris has been the cleanest of them all.”

“Is he really good or just not as involved?”

“Oh, he’s not innocent and knows what’s going on, but not on the same level of bad as the others.”

“Any leads on Principal Thomas?”

“The mysterious informant didn’t provide that bit of information. He hasn’t used any of his credit cards or used his cell phone since contacting the school. We’re working on getting access to his location at that time.”

“Chris will love it when you turn up on his doorstep after being hauled off Hale property yesterday.”

“I’m so looking forward to it,” she said.

“Will you be using our cells if you arrest him?”

“No. I’ve a transport van waiting to take them to our San Francisco office in that case. I’d rather him out of this town where the more trigger-happy of his minions will be.”

“As well as away from someone who has it out for the Argents.” Noah took a sip of coffee from his mug. “You will be happy to know the number of minions on the loose is down by one. There was a warrant out on one of them at the Hale place.”

“The others are shady as well.”

Noah lifted his mug in a mock toast to her. “No doubt, but there aren’t any warrants out there connecting them to something.”

“Yet.”

“Yet.”

snbrk

Derek pulled the door of the deli open and ushered Stiles in. Stiles side-eyed him as he passed.

“First you insist I need to get out of the house and now you’re holding doors open for me…” He joined the end of the line. “Are you trying to stealth date me or something?”

“Or something,” Derek muttered.

He turned to face Derek and found him standing almost on top of him. “It’s a w… Hale things. Or a bond thing?”

Derek just grunted and stepped forward herding Stiles forward as the line moved. They placed their order, and Derek paid. Stiles let him. He was not going to turn down free food. Also, he had noticed Derek providing food and other things for the pack and figured this was an extension of that.

He slid into the booth on the side he could see out the front window. Derek slid in beside him instead of across from him.

“Are we expecting anyone else?”

“No.” Derek unwrapped his sandwich.

Stiles studied Derek’s posture and could not tell if he was being overprotective or something else. He unwrapped his sandwich and took a bite. He contemplated it and poked at the bond between them.

The bond felt warm and strong. There was no change to it that he could detect, but he was still learning about it and what it told him. He found that he took a surprising amount of comfort from it.

“How was your day?” Derek asked. He shifted awkwardly in his seat.

Stiles narrowed his eyes at him. “I babbled about it all the way here.” There was a flash of something along the bond. Stiles turned on the bench to face Derek. “What’s going on? You are acting oddly.”

Derek stared at his food. “You were right earlier.”

“I was right…” Stiles ran over their earlier conversations to identify what he was right about. His mouth dropped open. “You want to date me.” He poked his chest with a finger. “Why? Don’t get me wrong – you are hot like burning and I’m all for dating stealthily or not, but I didn’t think you could stand me.”

“You can be annoying and talk a lot.” There was a playful curl to Derek’s lips, and he watched Stiles from the corner of his eye. “But you are loyal and brave. You are dependable and a great support.” He turned his head to fully look at Stiles. “We did not get off to the best of starts… I wasn’t in a good place and didn’t know who to trust.”

Stiles’ head bobbed up and down. “Understandable considering what was going on. I’m sure Scott didn’t help make things better.”

Derek’s chuckle was low and short. “No, he didn’t.” He reached across the small space between them and took Stiles’ hand.

The hand was warm and caused tingles – real or imagined – to shoot through him. The mantra of ‘Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god’ ran on repeat in his mind despite this not being the first time they had held hands.

The ‘Oh my god’ turned into ‘You’re an idiot’ at all the contact he had brushed off thinking it was pack interactions. It also explained their odd interaction in the kitchen on Saturday before Erica interrupted.

Only a small portion of his mental processing was trying to decide what he should do. He wrapped his fingers around Derek’s hand in return.

“Would you want this if Scott was still alive?” he blurted out and wanted to smack himself. “I mean…”

There was a quick squeeze of his hand in solidarity. “I know what you mean. I don’t know the answer. I did find you attractive early on, but things were dangerous… and you were firmly in Scott’s camp.”

“So you kept me at arm’s length.”

”Yes, but you have a way of worming your way into people’s lives.”

“I’m persistent like that.” Stiles took a sip of his drink. “So, how does this work now that we’re in the same pack? I mean, I don’t want to mess up our ‘working’ relationship if this doesn’t work out. That wouldn’t be good for the pack.”

“We take it slow. I don’t want to rush into things and there’s your age to consider…”

Stiles’ mouth opened to protest, but he caught himself when he thought about Derek’s history. He understood where Derek was coming from and would abide by it. He would be a crappy boyfriend if he did not take Derek’s traumas into account.

His eighteenth birthday was coming up in the summer. That was not too far away as long as they made it through the current situation alive, and he felt their chances of that were better now.

“So slow. Do things together for now. We have been doing things but maybe more non-pack related things like this.”

“Yes.” Derek returned to eating.

Stiles followed his example. “Plainly, hand holding is allowed along with all the touching the pack is doing with increasing frequency.”

Derek gave a sound of agreement.

Stiles thought about asking about kissing which led to thoughts of what could come after kissing. His face flushed. Derek glanced at him picking up on the change. He arched an eyebrow.

“Nothing,” Stiles squeaked. “Nothing we need to talk about right now.”

They ate their meal. A couple of people Stiles knew from school gave him appraising looks. Stiles could not help hamming up their new relationship by touching Derek in familiar ways, and Derek let him. He seemed to almost preen under Stiles’ actions of claiming in front of them.

snbrk

They walked back to the Camaro.

“Allison’s at the coffee shop,” Derek said. “She’s with someone.”

Stiles arched his neck to get a look. “Looks like Matt. He’s the one that took her to the rave. He asked about her yesterday. I guess he did call her.”

They continued walking.

“What do you know about him?” Derek asked.

Stiles shrugged. “He’s in our class, takes photos for the school yearbook… not a lot else other than he’s been on the edge of the group since Allison came to town. I don’t know if I could have identified him a month ago. Is he supernatural?”

Derek slowly shook his head. “No. He’s human… but he…”

“Sets off warning bells?” Stiles asked.

“Yeah, but I don’t know why. It’s probably nothing.”

Stiles looked back over his shoulder at the coffee shop. He could not make out Allison and Matt from any of the other patrons, but he was now curious. How long had Matt had eyes on Allison? It was clear as day he wanted to date her even if he was hiding it behind being a supportive friend.

“Don’t dismiss those feelings too quickly. Obviously, we don’t tell Allison, but we should keep an eye on him when he’s around.”

Despite his own words, the thought quickly slipped from his mind.

snbrk

Stiles met Derek at the old Hale house Wednesday after school. He lugged the bag of supplies into the house.

“He’s under this floorboard,” Derek said and pointed to it.

Stiles waved his hands. “You can leave it in place for now,” he insisted.

“I thought you liked finding corpses in the woods,” Derek teased.

“Only when there’s a mystery around it.” He pulled out his notebook and opened it to the diagram that Fujiwara helped him work out. “Plus I’ve seen plenty of dead bodies since then.”

“True. How can I help?”

Stiles handed Derek a box of stones and showed him the diagram. “Place them around the room like this.”

Derek studied the page and nodded. While he set them in place, Stiles pulled out the incense burner and herb mixture they would need to hijack the ritual Peter wanted Lydia to do.

It did not take them long to get things set up for the night’s event. Stiles gave it another once over to be sure things were right.

“What are you going to do with Peter when he’s alive again? God does that sound like an insane sentence.” He ran a hand through his hair and rubbed the back of his head.

“I’ve talked with your dad about it… it depends on how he is mentally when he comes back.”

“You don’t think he will be as insane?” Stiles picked up his bag.

“It’s a possibility. It’s also possible he’ll be worse. But either way, he will still be manipulative.”

Stiles nodded. “Therefore dangerous if our objectives don’t mesh.” He packed the extra supplies away. “I take it he was manipulative before.”

Derek nodded.

“I can deal with manipulation. I’m concerned more about what his goals and lines are. What was he like before?”

Derek paused. He got a distant look in his eyes. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but I think he was chafing under Mom’s command and was trying to find a way out. I don’t know if she had good reasons to rein him in or not.”

Stiles bit his lip. “Rein him in how?”

“They argued a lot.”

“About?”

“Her decisions, what Peter wanted to do…” Derek shook his head. “I only heard the raised voices and a word or two. There was a time Peter pulled away… I thought it was because he went away to college…”

Stiles slid his hand into Derek’s. “Now you are questioning it.” He headed out of the house.

“Dad said Peter was spreading his wings and learning about being an adult. Said it was all part of growing up.”

Stiles scratched his nose. “How does that work in a pack? I mean, an alpha is the ultimate authority – depending on the type of alpha – do alphas see standard teenage to adult explorations as rebelling against their authority?”

“They could, depending on the type of alpha they were,” Derek slowly said. He shook his head. “There were betas older than me that she let make their own mistakes.”

Stiles hummed. He put his bag in the back of the Jeep. “Were they family members?”

“Not close ones.”

“And Peter was her little brother. Would that have changed her reaction to him growing up?”

“Possibly,” Derek admitted. “She helped raise him.” He scratched his chin. “She wasn’t like that with Laura, but Laura was still in high school and planned to go to college locally.”

“Hmm, so still under your mother’s watchful eye and control. Did anyone else often argue with your mother?”

“Not as much as Uncle Peter.”

Stiles clucked his tongue as a possible picture formed. “I can see him resorting to manipulative tactics to get what he wanted depending on what restrictions she put on him. Your uncle does not seem like the type of person to let boundaries stand in his way.”

“No. As a kid I always thought he loved us…”

“He probably did… probably still does. Just because we don’t agree with family doesn’t mean we don’t love them.”

“Which makes knowing how to handle him harder. Looking back without childish nativity, I see the questionable things he did. I don’t know why or understand them fully. I’m afraid to ask.”

“Because the answers could destroy your childhood memories or you might understand too well?”

“Only in part. At this point, I understand everyone fucks up at some point – even when we think we’re doing it for the best reasons. I’m afraid I won’t see his true motive beneath what he will show us. I don’t want to give him an opening to destroy what we are building.”

Stiles stepped in front of Derek and loosely wrapped his arms around his waist. Their eyes met. The position was comfortable. “We will guard against it… but I think we need to hear him out – accept nothing at face value – but give him a chance to find his place in what we are building. I think cutting him off or casting him away would come back to bite us.”

He bit his lip to stifle the snickers at the unintended pun. He buried his face into Derek’s neck and chuckled. Derek pressed his nose against Stiles’ ear and deeply inhaled. Their arms wrapped tighter around each other. Stiles pressed close, finding he liked the feel of Derek’s warm solid body against his and relaxed into it.

Derek held him closer as if he was trying to cocoon Stiles with his being. The bond between them pulsed with contentment.

Chapter 10

“How’d it go?” Stiles asked Derek when he joined them in the half-burnt house.

“Rough at first, especially for Erica,” Derek said, “but they all settled down within an hour of moonrise.”

“Which extreme did Boyd fall in? I figure either his super chill would carry over or he’s repressing things that would manifest under the moon.”

“Super chill,” Derek answered. He carefully stepped over the stones and lines they had drawn earlier in the day.

Noah watched the exchange from his location outside the magic circle. He had not missed Derek and his son dancing around each other. He was keeping an eye on them but was not concerned.

“Derek, stand there,” Stiles pointed. Derek stepped into the indicated location beside Peter’s corpse. Stiles checked on Lydia and gave her a nod. Stiles checked the time. “Two minutes to show time.”

Stiles double-checked everything. The alarm on his phone sounded. He shut it off and clapped his hands. “Time to begin.”

Lydia took a bracing breath and took Stiles’ hand. Derek took his other. Stiles chanted in a language Noah did not understand. He knew Stiles had spent many hours talking with his magic mentor. He had been told many of the details, but they did not mean anything to him so he only understood the basics of what was going on.

From Stiles’ ramblings, he knew Peter had somehow realized what Lydia was and managed to secure him a pathway back to the world of the living. Stiles had thrown out a reference to Harry Potter and Voldemort that he did not follow since he had only the basic knowledge of the series.

From Lydia’s interactions with the ghost Peter, they knew his plan and had a way to do it better without Lydia losing control of her body.

The chant was short. Stiles looked at Derek and gave him a nod. He used his claws to make a cut on his hand and let his blood fall onto Peter’s body. Noah knew it was his cue to move the mirror to reflect the full moonlight through the series of crystals and mirrors.

The moonlight bounced through and against the setup items illuminating the dark room and Peter’s corpse below the floorboards.

Another series of words were chanted by Stiles. The air crackled around them. The hairs on Noah’s body stood on end. His ears popped. A wind swept through the house. There was a shift. Lydia gasped and appeared to sag. She stayed standing but there was relief in her eyes.

“Peter Hale, come home,” Stiles said.

Stiles lifted his hand. He held a handbell upward. Stiles brought his hand swiftly outward and the bell sounded. The note rang out. The vibrations filled the air. It stopped when Stiles brought the bell back and pressed it against his body.

Noah could not see what was happening with Peter from his position, but he could hear movement under the floor. A hand emerged from the hole.

Derek shuffled his feet. “Can we move?” he asked Stiles. The hand grabbing the floor edge stopped at the question.

Stiles muttered a few words and scuffed the chalk line with his shoe. “We can now. Everything has properly been dismissed.” Stiles looked down into the hole and glared. “You’ve got a second chance. Do better!” The “or else” was clear in the tone and Stiles’ body language.

He stepped to Lydia’s side and escorted her away from the hole. Derek waited for them to clear the area before reaching down and helping to pull Peter out of his grave. Peter emerged naked and dirt-streaked. Whatever damage from being burned again and Derek’s killing blow were healed. His hair on his head was growing before Noah’s eyes.

Peter looked around the room. He paid the chalk lines extra attention.

“Huh… yes, that is a better way…” He turned to take in the entire thing. “Not something I could have done…” He trailed off and accepted the clothing Derek thrust at him.

Peter dressed quickly despite being a bit unsteady on his feet. Derek placed a hand on his shoulder to keep him upright while putting on the pants.

“Nice to know you didn’t get rid of all my things,” Peter said as he pulled the sweater over his head.

Derek grunted. Stiles rolled his eyes. Lydia huffed and crossed her arms. Noah did not take his eyes off Peter. He knew of Peter before the fire and had met him a few times, but he was cautious of the resurrected rogue after being told what happened back in January and February. He kept his hand close to his gun which was loaded with wolfsbane laced bullets.

Peter noted him on the edge of the room and lifted one grow-back eyebrow and smirked. “Hello, Sheriff,” he greeted.

It sounded more lascivious than a greeting between a murderer and the law should be. Noah narrowed his eyes, and Peter’s smile only grew. He suspected it was Peter’s way of trying to throw him off his game. He would not let the comment get under his skin.

“Nice to see they brought you in on the secret,” Peter continued.

Noah was subjected to a once over. Peter did not miss the gun on his hip nor the hand resting on it. It was Noah’s turn to raise an eyebrow in challenge.

Stiles groaned. “Stop flirting with my dad, zombi-wolf!”

Peter placed a hand on his chest and turned to face Stiles. “I would never…”

Derek scruffed Peter. “Enough.” He sounded resignedly exasperated to Noah. “Time to get out of here. We can hash everything out with everyone present.”

Peter held his hands up in surrender. Noah and the teens gathered up the items used to bring Peter back from the dead. Stiles made the chalk lines disappear with a wave of his hand.

“Does that work on dishes?” Noah asked.

“No. It only works because my magic was imbued into the lines when I drew them.”

Despite Peter’s attempt at subtly, Noah did not miss his interest in the demonstration or mention of magic. Derek directed him out of the house and away from them as they finished packing up.

snbrk

Peter was quiet and watchful as he followed them into their home. Noah figured by this point he was too curious to not follow. They had answered none of his questions. Even Stiles kept his mouth shut. They would have to bring him up to speed, and Noah was concerned about Stiles when Scott would be brought up. It was not something they could skip over.

The three betas watched from their spots on the floor as they entered. The game they were playing was paused on the TV screen.

“So, it worked,” Erica said, eyeing Peter. “He doesn’t even look singed around the edges.”

“I told you he wouldn’t,” Stiles huffed and threw himself onto the couch behind Boyd.

Lydia took her standard seat in the room beside Allison. Derek rested his hand on Peter’s shoulder when the older man spotted the Argent.

“Part of the explanation,” Derek insisted. He directed Peter to sit at the opposite end of the couch from Stiles and took the middle himself.

Noah made a detour to the kitchen and grabbed several bottles of water. He tossed one to Peter. “Anyone else want one?”

Stiles lifted a hand. He tossed one to his son who fumbled but held on to the chilled bottle. He opened it and downed half the contents.

“Didn’t realize how thirsty I was,” Stiles said.

Noah placed the other bottles on the coffee table and claimed one for himself.

Peter sipped his water and assessed the gathered group. “Aren’t we missing one?”

Everyone stiffened. Noah chose to be the one to answer.

“Victoria killed him twelve days ago in front of witnesses.”

Peter’s gaze shot to Allison briefly. Her features were rigid and her hands tightly balled. Lydia rested a hand on her arm. He gave Stiles a quick assessment. Stiles looked like he had been gut punched at the reminder. Derek slid his arm around Stiles. Peter returned his attention to Noah. All his previous flippancy vanished.

“I see.”

Noah continued. “She was arrested which kickstarted an investigation into the entire family by the FBI. Gerard Argent…” Peter jerked at the name but said nothing. “…came to town for Kate’s funeral and stayed. He was arrested for stalking a teenager but got out on bail. Sometime after being released he was shot and killed.”

“Good,” Peter said. “The rest of the family?” His eyes moved to Allison once more.

“I packed up and left the same night…the same night Victoria attacked Scott because we were dating.” There was venom and hate in her words. “I have cut off all ties to them.”

“Chris is still out there,” Noah said.

“He’s not our biggest problem,” Stiles said. “The kanima is.”

Peter’s eyes widened in surprise at that. He glared at his nephew. “Who did you bite that turned into a kanima?” he demanded.

Derek crossed his arms defensively. “I was blackmailed into it, and I didn’t realize that could happen,” he grumbled.

Peter pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He opened his eyes and dropped his hand with a huff. “No, you wouldn’t. Who is it, and what’s the plan?”

They told Peter about their interactions with the kanima and about those he’s killed. Stiles and Lydia gave him a quick overview of their research and theories.

“Did you know what I was when you bit me?” Lydia demanded.

“I suspected,” Peter casually admitted. “I knew your grandmother was a banshee. She was not circumspect with her research into the topic.”

“And you didn’t help her?” Lydia accused.

Peter sighed. “Talia deemed she would be a security risk if she was told about the larger supernatural world. She was very focused on controlling and increasing her powers.” Peter held his hands palm up to emphasize it was out of his hands. “I was ordered to stay out of it.”

Lydia did not appear to be pleased with the answer but grudgingly accepted it.

“I did not plan on biting you. You were a convenient path to Stiles that night. The possibility of potential resurrection once I remembered your grandmother was a bonus I could not pass up in my mental state. I could only stack the deck so much in my favor, and I wanted to assure my revenge would be carried out.”

“So you’re saying she was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Erica said.

“I thought I was going crazy because of you!” Lydia accused. She pointed a finger at him. “You put me through hell. I was seeing a younger you and talking to you. It was awful!” she sobbed.

Peter tilted his head and studied her. He tapped his lips with a finger. Derek noticed the scrutiny as well.

Peter leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I won’t apologize for obtaining the best position for success for myself because let’s face it, you wouldn’t if the roles were reversed. You use and manipulate others for your own benefit without thinking of them.” Lydia narrowed her eyes but did not protest. “However, I do apologize for awakening your powers early. I can provide you with the contact information of another banshee, if she still lives, for first-hand information.”

Lydia sniffed but gave a sharp nod of acceptance. “It will do.”

Noah clapped his hands. “Now that we are all caught up on the supernatural gossip, bedtime. It’s almost two, and most of you have school tomorrow.” He looked at each of the teens. “Off to bed with you.”

The teens groaned but got up and started putting things away.

snbrk

Noah was working at his desk when Aguirre knocked on his door. She greeted him with a wide grin on her face.

“Come in,” Noah said. “You have good news based on your grin.”

She sauntered into the office and took a seat after shutting the door. “I do. We found Principal Thomas’ body on Tuesday.”

“How did you find it?” Noah leaned forward. “Another tip? That would be suspicious…”

She shook her head. “No tip this time. We managed to track what road the Argents took out of town after forcing Thomas into their vehicle.”

Noah tilted his head. “How did you manage that?”

“Combination of checking surveillance footage and social media posts from that night.”

Noah felt his brow crease. “Social media – really? I understand tracking people through that, but using it to find cars on country roads in the middle of the night…” He shook his head.

Aguirre chuckled. “It was a long shot that panned out. There was an amateur ornithologist out taking photos of nocturnal birds. A couple photos he posted from that night had Argent’s vehicle in them. On his blog, he complained about them scaring away the birds with a light show.

“He provided us with the location the car stopped. We took cadaver dogs into the woods to see what we could find.”

“And you found his body,” Noah summarized.

“He was buried in a shallow grave a quarter mile off the road,” she answered.

“That is still circumstantial. Just because they were the last to see him and stopped where his body was found doesn’t prove that they did it.”

She nodded but continued to grin. “But testimony from one of their hunters we picked up because of trace evidence provided us with enough to get a warrant to search the Argent house and bring Chris in for questioning.”

“Busy few days,” Noah said. “Find enough evidence?”

“Enough to hold Chris for being an accomplice at least.” She leaned back in the chair. “Right now he’s on his way to our San Francisco office for holding and questioning.”

“Who turned on them?” Noah asked. He could not see those left in town turning.

“Max Hamilton. We picked him up in Louisiana based on a print off the body. He was one of the first ones out of town when we showed up. He claims he didn’t have anything to do with killing Thomas. He only helped bury the body.”

“So his word against Argent’s,” Noah said.

“We did find a possible weapon in Argent’s home. Victoria used a cattle prod on him to get him to do what they wanted.”

“Was that what killed him?”

She shook her head. “No. It didn’t do him any favors. The gunshot killed him.”

“Match any of Argent’s?”

“Too early to tell yet. Hamilton said Bennett killed him. He didn’t know if the gun was his or Argent’s or if they got rid of it.”

Noah nodded. “That’s a lot pointing to his involvement, but a conviction isn’t guaranteed.”

She sighed. “I know. The blame will probably fall on Victoria and Bennett. With Bennett dead…” she shrugged giving off a ‘what can you do’ vibe. “Accessory to kidnapping and murder will put Chris away for a time, at least.” She shifted forward in her seat. “We finished going through the house, so if an estranged daughter would like an opportunity to retrieve any other belongings when there’s no chance of someone coming home…” She grinned.

“What about their associates? They could be watching the house for her for various reasons,” Noah pointed out.

“They’ve all been taken in – as far as we can tell.” She inclined her head at having to admit the qualifier. “You could go with her or someone else she trusts or I can arrange for one of my agents to meet her there.”

“I’ll let her know. I’m sure Allison will appreciate the opportunity. Does that mean your time here is done?”

“Not yet. I’m staying here until we know the case is solid and there aren’t any other connections.”

Noah studied her. “You think there’s more,” he accused.

She inclined her head. “Maybe… We don’t know who was sending us the tips. What they have pointed us to has been above board, but I don’t want the lawyers to claim they were being framed.” She paused. “And there’s… other things we haven’t ruled out as unrelated.”

“You are referring to Bennett being killed on Tuesday,” Noah said. “You think Chris killed him to cover his tracks?”

Her shoulders rounded and she slouched into the chair. “Personally, no. The MO matches how Kara Simmons was killed.”

“You know where Chris and Victoria were when she was killed.” Noah studied her. “But, you don’t believe they were involved in that murder and therefore Chris didn’t kill his own hunter.”

“I don’t,” she agreed. “I think there’s someone else behind those that’s not related to Argents, but the bosses want to be sure.”

“Understandable,” Noah said.

She studied him. “Knowing what I do about the town, I believe it’s related to that side of things – information that wasn’t passed along.” She raised an eyebrow.

“You would be correct.” Having already talked to Derek about sharing information with the FBI, Noah filled her in on the kanima issue.

snbrk

Allison pushed open the front door of her former home after unlocking it. The door swung open with a light creek. She cautiously entered. Lydia and an FBI agent followed behind her. Agent Collins shut and locked the door behind them.

It looked the same but felt foreign to her after almost two weeks.

“What happens to all this if her parents get jail time?” Lydia asked the agent.

Allison headed into the room Gerard had taken over as an office while Lydia quizzed the agent for answers that would probably be needed later. She could tell that the agents had gone through the room by how some things were not organized a particular way. She did not know why she entered the room first instead of her bedroom.

She walked to the bookcase and ran a finger over the spines of the old books. She had the digital copy of the family’s bestiary. Did she need any of these? Would they help the pack or be filled with hunter propaganda?

She pulled one from the shelf and skimmed through it. After spending so much time going through the Hale books, it was easy to skim and assess the book. One caught her eye. It was made to look old, but it was not. She opened it. Hand-written archaic Latin filled the pages. There were words and names she recognized.

“Lydia!” she called and headed for the door. “I need you to translate this.” She thrust the book at her friend.

Lydia accepted the book with a questioning look.

“I think it might be a record of Gerard’s activities,” Allison said.

Agent Collins straightened up. “How’d we miss it?”

“It’s written in ancient Latin. It was with the old books and easy to overlook.”

Lydia turned her attention to the book. She flipped through several pages. Her lips pressed together harder with each page. She snapped the book shut and took a deep breath in through her nose.

“It’s not pretty,” Lydia said. “There is another code used within or code names for things and people… but it is a record of people he’s targeted, how, and who helped.”

“Why would he keep it all written down?” Allison asked.

Lydia pushed her hair back from her face. “This covers years… I don’t think it’s the only book and not all details are in this one. It is more like it holds enough for him to reference to keep his plans straight.”

Allison turned to face Collins. “I know he’s dead, but would it help you in your investigations?”

“It may help us track down his associates and build cases against them – not to mention identifying his other victims and getting justice for them. Let me call Agent Aguirre.”

Allison nodded. “I’ll go pack more of my things.”

She and Lydia headed up the stairs while Collins made the call. They packed more of her clothing into the suitcase she had left behind. Lydia found boxes in another room to pack things into. Between the two of them, they had her remaining things that she wanted packed within an hour.

“Anything else?” Lydia asked.

Allison chewed her lip as she pondered. “I’d like to take the family photo album… but… why would I want that reminder?”

“Because one day, after you heal, you may want to look back and at least remember the good times,” Kairi Aguirre said from the doorway.

“Agent Aguirre!” Allison jumped. “When did you get here?”

“A few minutes ago. With your permission, we would like to go through the house looking for other such books.” She lifted the one Lydia had been reading through.

“You have it for whatever it’s worth,” Allison said.

“Will you both help us identify possible items of interest?”

“Why don’t you just take all the books and papers?” Lydia asked.

“We probably will, but identifying definite items of interest will help us act on the information faster,” she said.

They both agreed and helped the small FBI team sort through the office again.

snbrk

Noah pulled up to the trailer home in the middle of the woods and got out of his car. Two other cruisers were on the scene along with an ambulance. A woman with a baby in her arms was sitting in the back of the ambulance. Phillips, one of his deputies, approached.

“Sherriff.” Phillips nodded in greeting.

“What do we have?”

Phillips pointed to where the body was being examined beside the generator. “From Jessica Bartlett’s account, the power went out and Sean Long went out to fix it. Bartlett was watching from the window. She saw a hooded figure approach Long before he was attacked from above. She called 911 at the first sign of arguing between the hooded figure and Long.”

“Did she have a reason?” Noah asked.

“Seems she had her phone in hand ready to call and tell her mother she and the baby were coming over if the generator couldn’t be fixed. A hooded figure was sketchy… she had a baby to protect so erred on the side of caution.”

“Good instincts,” Noah said.

Phillips nodded. “In this case.”

“What happened next?”

Phillips consulted his notes. “Whoever was above in the trees came after her in the house. From her description, he was wearing a disguise and/or deformed in some way.”

That grabbed Noah’s attention.

“But to move as quickly as she said he moved, the deformity would have to not hinder movement.”

Noah hummed noncommittally. “Do we know how Long was killed?”

“He was strangled, but we don’t know if that was the cause of death until the medical examiner can give him a lookover.”

“Continue on, Phillips! I’ll check on Miss Bartlett. We may need to place her and the baby in protective custody.”

“Yes, sir.”

Noah approached the ambulance. “Miss Bartlett, I’m Sheriff Stilinski. I know you talked to Deputy Phillips, but do you mind answering a few questions for me?”

She held her sleeping baby close to her chest and rocked back and forth.

“I guess… Will it come back?”

Noah squatted to be closer to eye level with her. “I don’t know. But it is what I want to assess. What happened when the second assailant approached the house?”

“I was telling the 911 operator what was going on and where we were when Sean fell to the ground.” There was a hitch in her breathing. “I know it sounds crazy…” She looked Noah in the eyes imploring him to believe her.

“Even if it does, it doesn’t invalidate what you witnessed,” Noah assured. “Please continue.”

“Whatever… whoever was in the trees dropped down on all fours and approached the trailer. The hooded man made gestures toward me… I think he said something.”

“Could you hear him?”

She shook her head. “The one approached. I was frozen in place watching it get nearer. It looked through the window at me with yellow eyes. I screamed. Jodie started crying…” She ran a finger over Jodie’s sleeping features. “It stopped and focused on Jodie in my arms. The other one started shouting… about doing as told…. I only caught a few words despite the yelling.”

“You are doing well,” Noah assured.

Jessica took a breath and continued. “The yellow eyes did not move from Jodie no matter how much the other one commanded. Then it took off into the woods. The other one was not happy about it. I was afraid he would come after me. I rushed to lock the door and told the operator what was going on. I lost sight of him when I locked the door. I then hid in the closet until the police arrived.”

Noah was sure it was the kanima that had attacked and the other the master they had yet to identify. The question was did the master want Jessica killed because she saw what happened or was she a target as well?

“Jessica,” he softly said to draw her attention back to him. “You wouldn’t happen to know Kara Simmons, Tucker Cornish, Josh Wills or Jason Bennett?”

Jessica looked surprised but nodded her head. “Yeah. We went to school together. I haven’t seen them in years… but we used to hang out.”

Noah felt like kicking himself for not looking for that connection between the deceased. Coach Lahey was the first victim, and he had let the outlier affect his thinking – which he should not do. But was he an outlier? Did he fit the pattern in a way he had not realized?

“Did the group have any interaction with Coach Lahey?” Noah asked.

“Yeah,” Jessica said as if it was obvious. “We were all part of his 2006 winning swim teams. Is that important?” She eyed him suspiciously.

“It might be. I’m going to arrange for you and your daughter to be placed in protective custody for a bit.”

Jessica looked down at her daughter. “I’ll need her things.”

Noah stood up and called one of the deputies over. “Deputy Ellen Stone will help you gather up enough belongings for a few days for both of you while I contact a few people.”

“Alright.”

He watched them enter the trailer and pulled out his phone. He glanced around the woods wondering if the master was still around. Would it be safe to talk or would he be overheard? If the kanima ran away for some reason, the master probably did not stick around once the authorities arrived. Hopefully he left evidence that could be used to identify him.

He called Agent Aguirre to get her aid in moving Jessica and Jodie out of town as quickly and as far as possible.

Chapter 11

All the wolves in Stiles’ living room had their listening face on. “What is it?”

“Your dad’s home,” Peter answered.

“Finally!” Stiles said. He checked the time. It was closing in on nine thirty when his dad should have been home an hour ago.

Noah walked in looking like a man reaching his limits. He nodded to them. “Good. You are all here. Let me change, and then we need to talk.”

“Dad!”

Noah held up his hand. “It’s been a long few days, Stiles. Patience, please.”

Stiles nodded. Noah headed upstairs.

“He was called out, right?” Erica asked.

“Yeah,” Stiles confirmed.

“Another murder,” Isaac guessed.

“If he’s telling us, then it’s another kanima attack,” Erica blurted out.

Her excitement seemed out of place even if they were all thinking it. However if this would bring them a step closer to ending the killing – being excited to end this was understandable. Stiles was concerned about his dad and how they still did not know how to stop the kanima.

The information paper hanging on one of the walls had more information thanks to Peter, but they still did not have a way to stop kanima Jackson without killing him. They were not even sure if they could kill him. He was fast – faster than Derek. He was not susceptible to wolfsbane like the wolves. His ability to knock any of them out with just a scratch put them at a greater disadvantage. Their odds in a physical altercation were low.

Several texts hinted at a way to fix Jackson, but they had not figured it out yet.

Noah returned. He sat down and focused on Isaac. “What do you remember about the 2006 swim team?”

Isaac cocked his head and his brows wrinkled in confusion. “Other than they won that year…” he shook his head. “Nothing stands out. Why?”

“All of our murdered victims were on that team.”

Stiles straightened and a small gasp escaped. “Coach Lahey was the first killed, and we missed it.” He jumped from his seat. He stuck a new post-it easel pad sheet to the wall and grabbed the first marker at hand. He started listing those the Kanima had targeted. “Tonight’s names?”

“Sean Long was killed. His girlfriend Jessica Bartlett appears to be a target as well, but the Kanima refused to attack.”

There were various expressions of surprise from the pack.

“What was different this time?” Peter asked.

“She was holding her newborn baby. She said it was focused on her daughter and froze.”

Stiles gave Lydia, who was contemplatively chewing on her thumbnail, a glance as he added the new information to the sheet. He tapped the marker against his chin and studied the names. Slowly he said, “Who would want to kill the 2006 swim team and why?” He turned to look at his dad. “How many were on the team? We have six dead and one known live target…”

Erica tapped away on one of the laptops. “The school’s photo archive shows eleven members.” She turned the laptop around to face the room. “Five guys and six girls.”

“Are the names listed?” Stiles asked.

“Not here,” Erica answered.

The names should be easy to get now that they had a lead. An old yearbook would give them the answers… or Jessica… or someone else who might have known them.

“Isaac, do you remember their names?”

Isaac was studying the image. The color drained from his face.

“Isaac, are you ok?” Derek asked. He slowly moved to a position beside Isaac. He squatted beside him and rested a hand on his shoulder. “Did you remember something?”

Isaac nodded, his eyes did not move from the screen. “After the championship wins… Dad threw a party to celebrate.” He trembled and seemed lost in his memories.

“What kind of party?” Derek gently prodded. He shot the rest of the room a look demanding they let him handle this.

“A pool party,” Isaac slowly answered.

“Did something happen at the party?”

Isaac closed his eyes. His hands tightened into fists. He took several deep breaths. His features lost their tension, and he unclenched his fists. He opened his eyes. Determined golden eyes focused on Derek then Noah.

“Matt’s the master.”

“What?”

“How?”

“Matt came over to play. He couldn’t swim and my brother threw him into the pool. They laughed while he thrashed about until he was fished out… but it was a close call. He almost drowned. Dad yelled at him and told him it was his fault.”

“Matt who? Daehler or a different Matt?” Allison asked.

“Daehler,” Isaac confirmed.

“He’s been on the edge of everything,” Boyd pointed out. “No one pays him any attention.”

Stiles pointed the capped marker at Boyd. “Excellent point.” He uncapped the marker and wrote on the sheet. “Motive: revenge for attempted drowning/murder.”

“It explains the kanima’s reaction at the pool,” Derek said.

“How did he become the master?” Erica asked. “They aren’t friends. They don’t hang out. How did they make contact?”

They all pondered that for several moments before Lydia spoke up. “The camera. Jackson forced Matt to lend him his camera to record what was happening to him.”

Stiles snapped his fingers several times. “But the recording was messed up and Danny was trying to fix it… until…”

“Until it was stolen,” Allison filled in. “He knew Danny was working on it.”

Stiles added more points under the “Matt is master” column.

“Boyd’s right that he is always around,” Allison said. “I thought it was just because he had a crush on me…”

Lydia huffed. “He does have a crush on you.” She studied her nails. “It doesn’t keep him from multitasking – ogling you and keeping track of those who are trying to stop him – your family being one of the interested parties.”

On another sheet, Stiles listed out Matt’s known locations during each attack. There were more holes than supporting facts. He was at the rave. The kanima did not attack until they were all busy with Scott. It was circumstantial but things fit.

“How sure are we that Matt is the master? You don’t have any hard evidence,” Noah asked, echoing Stiles’ thoughts.

“Who else would it be?” Erica asked.

“No, no,” Stiles said. “He has a valid point even though Matt’s our best suspect. We have a motive. Is he the type to hold grudges?”

Allison shrugged. “He’s been nice to me.”

Erica snorted. “Of course he has. He wants in your pants. Why would he put obstacles in…” She trailed off.

Stiles froze realizing what obstacles or who was between Matt and Allison. Looking around the room, he was not the only one to make the connection.

“Did he…?” Allison sputtered.

“Was he working with Ms. Argent?” Isaac asked.

Peter confidently said, “A fortuitous opportunity for him.”

“You don’t think he was working with the hunters?” Erica asked.

Peter shook his head. He stood and sauntered into the middle of the room. “One, to be the kanima’s master, he has to have a vendetta against someone.” He tapped on the paper next to the word “motive”. “Getting back at those who tried to kill you – intentionally or not – takes a certain mindset.”

“You would know,” Stiles muttered.

Peter grinned at him. “Exactly.” He turned to face the majority of the room. “Imagine spending years helpless while those who violated you were free and unpunished.” He lifted a finger into the air in his pause. “Then one day, you have the power to make them pay, and you use it.”

All eyes were on him as he set up the scenario.

“But you learn that there are those who are out to stop you… but they are not all acting conjointly – in fact, they are often at cross purposes.” He waved his hand outward. “They are getting in each other’s way. Would you a) do something to take them out and draw more attention to you or b) focus on your goal, keep an eye on them, and let them distract each other?

“The second,” Noah answered.

Peter nodded to Noah. “If one group took an unexpected action against one of the other groups, that upset the balance between them,” He clasped his hands together in front of him then drew them apart, “it would be an opening that you could take advantage of to keep them off balance and weaken them.”

“Or take out one side if you knew where the bodies were buried,” Noah thoughtfully said.

“Or take out one side without drawing attention to yourself,” Peter said. “If the other side is distracted or hindered by what’s happening to the first…” Peter appeared smug, “it gives him time to take out his original targets without them interfering.”

“But now there is only one group left to stop him,” Derek said.

“So he will be after us… more than he was?” Erica asked.

“Maybe,” Peter purred, “but most likely, he will focus on killing the others as quickly as possible.”

“Get to the end before we get to him,” Stiles said. “But if we got close…”

“He will probably turn his attention to stopping you,” Peter answered.

“If we find a way to free Jackson and attempt it?” Derek asked.

“He will interfere when we try to break Jackson free if he’s paying attention,” Lydia said. “We will need to distract him – keep him away.”

“Will that be enough?” Stiles asked. “There’s evidence that there is a connection between them.”

“Depends on the distraction.” Lydia smiled and batted her eyes at Allison.

Allison groaned and flopped back into her seat. “Me! We don’t even know how to free Jackson. I’ll probably tip him off.”

“Just blame all the odd reactions on your dad being arrested again,” Stiles said. “Sure you were planning on walking away from them, but they are dead or in jail for things you never imagined them capable of.”

“Betrayed trust and all that,” Lydia said, channeling her queen bee authority. “Bat your eyes and play injured damsel in need of comfort from a trusted friend. If he thinks you are turning to him for comfort and maybe more… he’ll be focused on you and not what’s going on with Jackson.” She recrossed her legs and settled into her seat. “I know how to save Jackson.”

Everyone in the room seemed to lean toward her.

“How?” Stiles asked.

snbrk

Matt was waiting outside the restaurant like an eager puppy as Allison approached. She forced her smile to look natural. She reminded herself that this was a meeting with a “friend.”

“How are you holding up?” he asked her. “I heard the FBI arrested your dad.”

She felt her face shift to display her shock. “I – I didn’t realize that was common knowledge.”

Matt looked sheepish. “You know how people talk… one person knows… others soon learn about it.”

She forced herself to be calm and nodded along. “True. They did.” She looked off down the road and sighed.

“Isn’t that good news?” Matt hesitantly asked.

She looked at Matt and managed a small smile. “It’s complicated.” She gestured to the restaurant. “Let’s go in, order, and we can talk about it.”

“Sure, sure. Talking about things always helps.” He pulled open the door and held it open for her.

Allison forced herself not to dash past him and walked calmly into the restaurant. The others were counting on her keeping him distracted.

They were shown to a table. She was relieved to spend time choosing her meal and commenting on the options. Their conversation stayed light until the food was brought out.

Allison was the one to direct it to darker topics. “Since you seem to know what’s going on around town, did you hear there was another murder?”

Matt looked slightly interested. “Another one? Is it the same person doing it or different? How did you hear about it?”

“Stiles. We’ve kept in contact after… the funeral and his dad helping me and all.” She casually gestured as if it was of little consequence.’

“What did he have to say about it? Anyone we know?”

Allison shook her head. “No. Some guy living in the woods in a trailer home or something like it.” She leaned forward to share the best bit. Matt mirrored her. “There was a witness this time. Can you believe that?”

“A witness? What did she see?”

Allison did not point out she had not mentioned the witness’ gender and carried on.

“Stiles didn’t know. She must not have been in very good condition because they admitted her to the hospital for tests… or an assessment… or something. Stiles wasn’t clear on that either. You know how he gets when he’s excited and rambles.”

Matt nodded and leaned back looking contemplative. “I think his brain is going faster than his mouth.”

Allison nodded and took another bite. She watched Matt return to quietly eating. He was very pensive at the news. He did try covering it with conversation.

It was not until they were both almost finished before Matt brought up her family again.

Allison pushed her vegetables around on her plate with her fork. “I know I was mad at them and leaving them… but now that they are all gone… it’s surreal.”

Matt reached across the table and rested a hand on hers. “But you don’t have to worry about them stopping you now, right? You are free to be and do whatever you want without them holding you back.”

She sniffed and blinked her eyes. “I have felt safer knowing I don’t have to be on the lookout for them any time I venture out. I didn’t think Dad would do anything to cross the line… but there was the funeral…”

“Did you think your mother would kill your boyfriend?” Matt asked.

She shook her head. “She was cutthroat in business, but I never expected her to take it farther or in such a way.”

“You’re better off without them. Parents only get in your way,” Matt said.

Allison was taken aback by such a bold statement. She tentatively said, “You don’t get along with your parents?”

He waved a hand in the air. “We have our differences.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Are they… do they hurt…”

He shook his head and waved her words away. “No, they aren’t like Isaac’s dad. They don’t hurt me. Honestly, now that I’m older, they let me do what I want – run around taking photos. They just never understood me or what I went through.”

“What you went through?” She tried to lace her words with the right amount of concern and interest.

“More of a misdiagnosis that did not fix the issue.”

“Like a misdiagnosis of ADHD or dyslexia?” she asked.

“Yeah something like that,” he answered.

Allison was curious what he was referring to but did not want to dig too deep. He might get suspicious or see her as a threat.

“Is it fixed?”

“We’re getting there,” Matt said. There was a curl of satisfaction to his lips.

“Good,” she said with more cheer than she felt. She focused back on her meal hoping for a new topic of discussion.

She felt Matt’s eyes on her for several seconds before he returned to his meal as well.

“I know it’s only been a few weeks,” Matt said, “but do you think you will date again?”

She did not miss that there was more behind the question than general curiosity. She pushed her hair back and tucked it behind her ear. “I haven’t given it much thought. I suppose eventually… but things have been a whirlwind trying to get things set up to be free of my parents and figuring out finances… where to go… how to get there… getting my diploma. Being fully responsible for yourself isn’t as easy as it looks. On top of that, the shit that’s landed on my family…” She scoffed and shook her head as if warding it away. “I don’t think I’ve had a moment to feel safe, settled, and process everything on an emotional level since the funeral.”

She looked off into the distance and blinked several times. “I just now realized that.” She huffed out a caustic laugh. She rubbed her face with her hands before turning her attention back to Matt. She managed to give him a watery smile. “I’m sure I will date again, but probably not until I’m settled into my new life and can put this behind me. I will keep in touch with those who have helped me through this time.” She widened her eyes and tried to look sincere. She hoped she managed it.

“What are your plans?” he asked.

“Depends on what colleges I get into. It looks like I will have some time between getting my diploma and starting college.”

Matt froze. His skin paled. He fumbled and pulled out his phone. He pretended, badly, to look at it. “Something came up. I have to go.”

He dashed away from the table and out of the restaurant. Allison pulled out her phone and found a text from Stiles.

“Success.”

“Matt just ran out of here like he was on fire,” she texted back.

The waitress approached. “Did you just get left with the bill?” she asked, sounding very pissed on Allison’s behalf.

Allison cocked her head. “I guess he did.”

“And you’re not pissed about it?”

“Honestly, I hoped for it.”

“That bad of a date.”

“Something like that.” She handed the waitress several bills. “Keep the change.”

snbrk

Lydia let the three of them into Jackson’s home with the key she still had. The others waited outside. They figured it would be best to not crowd him with the entire pack.

“Jackson!” she called out. “I know what’s happening to you. If you want to know, come talk to us.” She crossed her arms over her chest and tapped a high-heeled clad foot.

An angry Jackson marched into the room and glared at the group of three. “Why are the benchwarmer and Hale with you? Dad has a restraining order on Stilinski.”

Lydia snorted. “I needed help researching. The information isn’t easy to come by.” She pointed a well-manicured finger at Derek. “He had access to his family library.” The finger shifted toward Stiles. “And he helped me work through the material. I’m good, but even great minds have underlings to aid in the menial work.”

Stiles opened his mouth to protest, and Derek covered it with his hand to keep him from interrupting Lydia’s rapport with Jackson.

“Ignore them for now. I have answers.”

“What’s happening to me?” he demanded. “Why didn’t the bite take?” He glared briefly at Derek.

“We will be sitting down for this conversation,” Lydia said and then marched into the living room. She sat down on the couch.

They followed. She patted the couch beside her, and Jackson sat. She rested a hand on his cheek and directed his face toward her. Her features softened as she looked into his eyes. Stiles looked away because it felt too intimate for watchers.

“You always go above and beyond,” Lydia started.

“Lydia,” Jackson said. There was hesitance in the one word.

“Before I tell you…”

Jackson stiffened up but was calmed by Lydia’s finger on his lips with a soft shh noise.

“I want you to remember one thing.” She held up the house key for him to see. “Remember the day you gave this to me? Remember what we said?”

Stiles was now curious and was avidly watching. Derek’s arm wrapped around his waist and held him in place.

“Yes, but they’re broken…” Jackson said.

Lydia pressed her finger tighter against his mouth. “Strained, frayed, but not broken. I will always be your family – always no matter if we are dating or not as promised. Who else would understand us as well? We may fight and say cruel things when angry, but who else knows how to get under your skin the fastest but family. We chose each other as family. It is a choice we made for ourselves when the families we have failed us.”

She blinked her eyes rapidly. Jackson wrapped his hand around Lydia’s and the key.

“We did. But I’ve said things…”

“I know, and I retaliated in kind. But, I’m here now when you need me. Let me be your support, your family through thick and thin, bitchy tantrums, and diva moments. We can face the world with the other at our back. I’ve spent the past week hanging out with those two and their friends for you. I wouldn’t do that for just anyone.”

Jackson laughed at that and mirrored her with his hand on her face. “No, you wouldn’t.” They continued to look into each other’s eyes and only they knew what they saw.

“You are loved. You are worth loving and cared for by me as you are. Am I enough for you?” She leaned closer to him, but not close enough that they were touching. She waited.

Jackson’s eyes shifted to the lizard yellow with the vertical slits. “Yes, you are.” He blinked and they were beta blue as he leaned in to kiss her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him enthusiastically back.

Stiles clutched Derek’s sleeve. “Did she do it?” he whispered to Derek.

“I think so,” Derek said. “We can check when they come up for air.”

Slowly they pulled apart. Lydia rested both hands on Jackson’s cheeks and studied his face. “Derek, is he?” she asked. She turned his face toward Derek.

Jackson wrinkled his brow in confusion until Derek flashed his red eyes at him. Jackson’s eyes flashed wolf-blue in return. Stiles let out a whoop of joy. Jackson cocked his head in the classic listening pose.

“I can hear Erica and Isaac outside,” he said surprised.

“You have now made that transition to a werewolf, congratulations,” Stiles announced.

Derek placed a hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down into his chair. “Chill. Give him time to take it in.”

Jackson defaulted to anger. His eyes flashed and a partial shift took him by surprise. He froze as he realized he had claws. “What happened before?”

They – mostly Lydia – explained what a kanima was and the reason some individuals become a kanima instead of a werewolf.

“Your issue has always been not feeling loved or accepted as part of your family because of your adoption – the abandonment you felt towards your birth parents,” Lydia softly explained to him. “Once you accepted you had a place in our family…”

“I became the werewolf I thought I would be.” He continued to flex his fingers examining the new additions.

Stiles tapped a message to Allison on his phone. “We all need therapy for our issues and better coping mechanisms,” he muttered. He looked at Derek. “Pushing me into a wall isn’t how you get me to help you.”

“It really isn’t,” Jackson said with a smirk.

“Allison says Matt left her like hounds were on his heels when Lydia freed Jackson. Do you think he’s headed here or someplace else?” His text notification sounded. He read the message. “Allison is headed home. Should we all go to my place and meet her there? We can bring Jackson up to speed.”

Lydia rested a hand on his arm. “There is a lot you need to know. They do have the best resources there.”

Stiles bit his lip. He opened his mouth but hesitated.

“Spit it out, Stilinski,” Jackson grumbled.

“Well, you see…,” he shifted uneasily, “Erica brought us a copy of the accident report from your birth parents….” He lowered his voice, “It has their names in it – if you want to know.”

He knew Jackson wanted to know once he learned he was adopted. He was not quiet about the topic in grade school.

“How?”

“Her dad’s old insurance claim records,” Lydia answered. She held his hand.

Stiles looked at his phone once more. “Matt’s headed this way from the restaurant according to Peter.”

“Who’s Peter?” Jackson asked.

“Derek’s resurrected creepy uncle. All part of the story,” Stiles answered. He slid his phone back into his pocket. “Chop, chop, let’s get out of here before Matt shows up. Who knows how he will react now that he lost his puppet?”

Jackson reluctantly agreed to go with them. He insisted on driving his car. Lydia went with him.

“Hopefully she’ll fill him in on the Beacon Hill rollercoaster of maiming and death the past few months had been,” Stiles said once in Derek’s car.

“Yeah, I’d rather Lydia explain how he’s been a murder weapon away from us,” Erica said. “He doesn’t deserve an audience for that.”

They all agreed.

Chapter 12

Noah waited with Agent Aguirre watching the video feeds into the room of the decoy Jessica Bartlett. Agent Kerr was pretending to be asleep in the hospital bed. Agent Ball was hiding in the bathroom waiting and listening to the room activity and the coms. A mix of agents and deputies were stationed on the floor – undercover or in the room down the hall they set up in.

“Thanks for helping with this,” Noah said to Aguirre.

“This isn’t exactly the case we came here for, but as you pointed out, it is likely connected,” she said.

“If Matt turns out to be the informant, will that adversely affect your case against either of the Argents?”

“Legal says no. We have enough evidence to support the tips.”

They watched the hospital staff pass outside the room on the screen.

“Good,” Noah said.

“Target has entered the hospital,” reported Agent Lee, who was monitoring the hospital security feeds.

“Show time, girls and boys,” Aguirre said into the coms. “Track his movement. Don’t move in until he proves to be a threat.”

The orders were acknowledged. “Jessica” settled on her side, face away from the door. Those in the room with Noah checked their weapons and readied for action. Those acting as staff moved into their assigned positions. They all waited.

“He’s entered the elevator and is going up. He’s putting on a lab coat.”

“To blend in and avoid being questioned,“ Collins commented.

“He’s on the floor headed right for the room.”

“Got him on our cameras,” Aguirre confirmed.

“Cocky bastard,” Collins said. “He’s striding down the hall like he belongs.”

“Appearing to belong is how you don’t get noticed,” Aguirre said.

“He must have got the room number before getting here,” Noah added. “Unless he asked on his way in.”

“No, sir, he did not” Agent Lee confirmed from his place in the hospital security room.

Matt drew nearer the room. The air grew heavy with anticipation. People shifted prepared to move in. Matt scanned the hall as he walked.

Agent Konu pointed at Matt on the screen. “He’s suspicious.”

“Or just on alert,” Collins said.

“Or both,” Konu countered.

Matt entered the room and paused. He appeared to be studying the woman in the bed.

“He’s in the room,” Aguirre said to the coms. “He’s approaching the target.”

He cautiously walked across the room.

“What’s he planning?” Konu asked which got him a ‘be quiet’ hiss from Collins.

They were hoping Matt would not take a good look at her features before acting. He did not disappoint. He pulled the pillow out from under her head and covered her face in an attempt to suffocate her.

“Go!,” Aguirre ordered after narrating Matt’s actions.

“Jessica” punched Matt in the stomach. The blow was hindered by the blankets but did make him let up and step away from the bed.

Agent Ball emerged from the bathroom and tackled Matt to the ground. A deputy entered the room with his gun drawn.

“No!” screamed Matt. It was audible in their room down the hall.

The two agents with Noah left to join the others. On-screen they hauled Matt to his feet and cuffed his hands behind his back. Noah assumed the one talking was reading him his rights. He sighed and slumped into his chair.

It was over. The kanima was no more, and the one behind the murders was captured. They had caught him in the act, so he will at least be charged with attempted murder even if they can not tie him to the others with more than circumstantial evidence. He would be sure to keep an eye on the proceedings.

Aguirre turned to him with a triumphant grin. “We got him.”

“We did.”

snbrk

Matt sat in the station’s interrogation room. He slumped in his chair and glared at the mirror. If his hands were not cuffed, Noah was sure he would have them crossed. He looked like the broody teenager he was.

Aguirre entered the observation room. “At least one of his parents is on their way, and they have a lawyer called in. They were informed of his arrest when they were served the search warrant for his belongings.”

“A double whammy for them,” Noah commented. “How are they taking it?”

“About as expected. Shock. Denial. Collins said they were surprised at the shrine to Allison in his room and all the stalkerish pictures he had of her.” She pushed her hair back and sighed. “That’s just what the agents found on entering. They are bringing in his cameras and any electronic device they find in his room.”

“Is he skilled enough to hide his electronic tracks?”

“They’ve found two burner phones. The parents were surprised to learn about them as well.”

“A parent’s nightmare,” Noah said.

“Yes.”

snbrk

Noah entered his home to unsurprisingly find it filled with teens. They all looked at him expectantly for an update on entering.

“He confessed… ranted about it all actually,” Noah said.

“All,” Stiles echoed. “He’s trying for an insanity defense then.”

“He might draw the wrong type of attention to himself if he’s too honest about it,” Peter warned. “Some in the community don’t take kindly to such facts getting out – even if they aren’t believed.”

“Hunters?” Erica asked.

Peter’s head tilted back and forth. “Yes… or a shifter, or a magical individual, or someone who grew up in the world. They all have reasons for keeping things a secret.” He delivered the news as if it was normal – and maybe it was for them.

“Would they kill him?” Jackson asked, almost spitting it in his anger.

“It’s a possibility. Depends on who gets to him first. Hunters may try recruiting him or killing him.” Peter shrugged. “Fifty/fifty odds there. Someone involved in the supernatural world – most likely will get to him first. He’s probably got the best luck with a magic user or an alpha werewolf. They can both remove the memories of the supernatural from him.”

“Sounds like he has a target on his back now no matter what happens,” Isaac said.

Stiles’ fingers tapped on Derek’s leg where his hand was resting. “Not a guarantee he won’t be a problem in the future.”

“No, but for now we let the human legal system do its job and trust Agent Aguirre and the other agents who know the truth to deal with it.,” Noah said.

Stiles huffed but agreed.

“Was he the one to tip them off about Chris and Victoria taking the principal?” Allison asked.

“He was,” Noah said. “It seems he was following and taking photos of your family for weeks.”

“Why?” she asked.

“He ran afoul of your grandfather at Kate’s funeral. He had already been obsessing over you – and be sure to close your window curtains, especially at night. He had several photos of you in various states of dress.”

“Oh.” Allison blushed a bright red.

“He realized Gerard would be a hurdle in his path to you,” Noah continued.

“So he started following the Argents around,” Peter said.

“You sound like you admire him,” Erica pointed out.

“It was a gutsy move that could have easily got him killed,” Peter pointed out. “He was either skilled or very lucky to still be alive.”

“He learned about the supernatural world and hunters by shadowing them,” Stiles guessed.

“The FBI found photos Matt took of Gerard cutting a beta in half with a sword,” Noah admitted.

“Wow!” Stiles said.

“Old school,” Isaac muttered.

Noah ignored the comments. “The preliminary ballistics from the gun found hidden in his room matched the one that killed Gerard.”

“Oh,” Allison said. Her eyes widened at the news. “I shouldn’t be surprised… after everything else he did.”

“The gun traced back to Bennett,” Noah said.

“The Argent hunter that was killed?” Stiles asked, but Noah knew Stiles knew who Bennett was and was only confirming the facts.

“Yes.”

Erica snorted. “There’s something karmic about that.”

snbrk

Stiles and Derek sat in the bleachers watching the lacrosse game. Life had quieted down now they were not being chased by hunters or stalked by supernatural bogey-creatures.

“Glad I quit lacrosse. I was only doing it because Scott wanted to. It wasn’t the same…”

Derek squeezed their joined hands.

Their team scored. Lydia and Allison who were sitting with them jumped up and screamed in support. Derek curled in on himself at the volume. Stiles wiggled his fingers and cast his version of a muffling spell around them. It was something he had worked out with Fujiwara on their last video call.

“Thanks,” Derek muttered, relaxing now that the shrieking was not right in his ear.

The fans settled back into the seats around them and gameplay continued. Stiles watched only half interested. He enjoyed watching the game, but compared to everything else happening in his life, it was far down the list of interests. He was here to spend time with the pack and Derek. Derek was here in case the betas on the team needed him.

“Did you hear back from Alpha Ibarra?” he asked Derek between plays.

“Yes, this morning,” Derek said.

“Cora?” Stiles prompted.

“She’s still there. She made it to them just as Satomi said,” Derek said. “Peter and I got to talk to her.” There was a sparkle in his eyes that Stiles was happy to see.

They had all been surprised when Derek reached out to the other alpha about renewing their pack alliance, and she had informed them of Cora’s survival. That started a series of phone calls between the three alphas as they verified facts and identities before Alpha Ibarra would admit to Cora ever being there.

Stiles appreciated the due diligence. They had seen firsthand what some hunters would do. However, waiting for news was eating at both the Hales.

“Did you tell her about Laura?”

Derek nodded.

“How’d she take it?”

He shifted closer to Derek’s side. Derek wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him close.

“Since she already thought we were dead…” He shrugged. “I think she’s in shock and processing.”

“Does she plan on returning?”

“We talked about her visiting this summer once school’s out. She’s established with the Ibarra pack now. We’re family, but there are so many issues…. We’ll see what she wants to do after her visit.”

“True.” If all of Stiles’ important people were not here, he might have considered leaving when everything started going down. Who knows if Cora would feel it was worth taking a risk in the place she lost everything before.

Down on the field, Jackson took out one of the other team’s players. Stiles flinched at the collision.

“He did well and controlled his strength,” Derek said. There was pride in his voice.

Jackson briefly looked their way at the comment. Stiles huffed.

“Super hearing,” Stiles gripped.

He received a kiss on his temple in response. “How often have you counted on it to request one of us to bring you something when you are in a different part of the house?”

“I look forward to her coming home,” Stiles said, ignoring Derek’s valid point.

“Me too.”

Their team scored another goal, and the fans jumped up cheering once more.

Stiles closed his eyes and basked in the atmosphere of excitement and joy. He was safe with Derek beside him.

The betas were doing well and adapting to their new abilities. Jackson was learning how to be a beta and a packmate. Peter was behaving and finding his place as a questionable adviser and left hand. Lydia was learning about her own abilities with the mentor Peter hooked her up with. His dad had accepted the fact that there is a good chance his home will be filled with teenagers when he comes home.

The threat from hunters was gone for the time being. There were no ‘big-bads’ knocking on their door. Things were good. Stiles was going to appreciate it while they had it.

He was not a fool to think it would last. There would always be hunters and other supernatural beings who would target them. Next time he would be prepared to defend their pack and territory from them. They all would.

The End

 

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