New Beginnings
I stepped out of the shower and tied my towel around my waist. I grabbed my toothbrush and turned on the sink faucet. I wet my toothbrush, put on some toothpaste, and wet it again then turned off the faucet and started brushing. With my toothbrush in my mouth, I looked up into the mirror. My hair had grown longer and the dark circles that used to always be present under my eyes were finally gone. My muscles had gotten more defined thanks to Chris’s extreme training regimen and there was a spot of black right under my collar bone. I stared at it for a moment completely frozen before I yelled, “Danny!”
He came running into the bathroom with claws and fangs out. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“What is this?” I pointed where the black triskele overlain with a triquetra just was but seems to have disappeared.
He studied my chest for a moment with his brows creased in confusion before his eyes flared red and his mouth dropped open in shocked awe. He walked forward slowly and traced the mark with a claw-tipped finger. “It’s our pack’s symbol. It’s beautiful Stiles. Your magic is so amazing.”
My breath hitched and I whispered, “Magic?”
He nodded and rested his hand over the tattoo. “Yeah, you’re spark finalized our bond with the pack and left a tattoo of our symbol like Derek has the Hale pack symbol tattooed on his back. I think it’s also trying to protect us by hiding it from people without supernatural senses.”
I nodded dumbly and was about to turn back to the mirror to finish brushing my teeth when I realized Danny still had his hand on my chest and his claws were still out. “Okay… okay we need to work on your control today,” I said glad to have something other than my weird magical powers to focus on.
He carefully moved his hand away and closed his eyes. It took a few minutes but he was eventually able to get the claws and fangs under control. However, his eyes stayed blazing red. He huffed in irritation and turned to walk out of the door but he stopped right before he went through it. He rubbed the back of his neck and asked, “Do you think you could leave your shirt off today? It’s just my wolf doesn’t want you to cover the mark yet.”
I stared at his back in surprise but agreed nonetheless. “Yeah, yeah I can do that.”
“Thank you,” he mumbled and left the bathroom.
I stared at the doorway for another minute before I shrugged and went back to finishing my morning routine.
The music was blaring so loudly I could hardly hear myself think. Danny was a heated presence pressed up against my back. He was moving his hips in time to the music and keeping my movements in sync with his. His pulse was steadily rising but mine had gone into overtime the second he slid behind me.
He tipped his head forward to rest against my shoulder when his nails turned into claws. I suppressed a shiver as warm desire flooded through me and settled in a pit in my stomach. I didn’t have time to stop and contemplate though so I turned to face Danny and rest my hand on his cheek. “Hey remember what I said. You need to find an anchor, something that ties you to your humanity.”
He growled, “I’m trying Stiles. Why did we have to do this ridiculous stunt again?”
I grabbed a clawed hand with the one from my injured arm and rubbed circles against it with my thumb. “Because we’re about to start school and you need to learn control. I figured dancing was better than throwing lacrosse balls at you until you got angry.”
He huffed then took a deep breath. After about six more he was able to draw the shift back which surprised me. “Okay I think I got it,” he said.
I nodded and said, “You definitely do. What did you use?”
Danny shrugged. “I just thought about you, the pack, my mom and dad, and all of the love we have for one another.”
I grinned and patted his shoulder. “Well, good job Danny-boy you did amazing.”
He smiled and my breath caught in my throat.
Monday morning was hell. Like who even decided mornings needed to be a thing when sleepy cuddles with alpha werewolves were so comfy? Unfortunately, Danny forced me up and out of bed because we had our first day of school at Fire Creek High.
As soon as we got out of the car Danny froze. He sniffed the air and his eyes flashed. I quickly ran around and grabbed him, turning him away from the other students who were making their way into the school. “What is it? What’s wrong?” I asked.
He growled, “There are other supernaturals here.”
My whole body stiffened and I had to remind myself we weren’t in Beacon Hills. I swallowed then forced myself to relax. “It’ll be okay. Maybe they’re friendly, we don’t know but we do know you need to get yourself under control.”
He nodded his agreement and closed his eyes. “Thanks, Stiles,” he said once he was back under control.
Once his back was turned and he was marching his way across the parking lot I sighed and started counting my fingers before following after him.
We didn’t encounter any of the other supernaturals until three people sat down at our lunch table.
The pale guy with hard dark brown eyes that looked almost black had a sneer that just barely showed off his fangs when he snarled, “What are you doing here?”
I opened my mouth with a sarcastic retort but the girl to his right hummed and instead I said, “I was possessed and kicked out of my pack so I left my hometown with a member of my new pack. He got attacked and bit by a feral alpha on our way here though and now we’re just trying to go to school so we can finish what little we have left.”
My eyes widened and I turned to Danny in shock and fear while the other girl's mouth dropped open and she asked, “I’m sorry what?”
Danny focused on the girl who hummed before I spoke with bright red eyes. “What the hell did you do to him?” he growled.
She flinched and started apologizing. “Fuck- fuck I’m so sorry. If I’d known I never would have done that.”
I put my hand on Danny’s arm to remind him to stay in control and to calm myself down. He looked at me with raised eyebrows and sharper teeth than he usually has but he still seemed to be in control. “Hey, I’m okay, it’s fine,” I turned to look at the three students and let my spark twine around them, “Now would be a good time to start talking.”
They shivered and the girl who had been mostly quiet said, “Look I think this is all a big misunderstanding. I’m Naomi and these are my friends Cole and Calliope. We sensed a new supernatural presence and it worried us so we came to find out more. Calli is a siren but all she did was make you want to tell her the truth. Now I’m sorry but I’m sure you can understand our concern.”
Danny grumbled in annoyance but let the shift fade from his features because it certainly was something we could understand. “Look we get the concern, hell I was concerned when we got here this morning but my friend has had enough people messing with his mind and control so don’t ever do that again,” he demanded.
The three of them nodded and I let my spark trail back to me. “Okay now that that has been settled maybe you guys could tell us a little more about this place?” I asked.
Cole raised his eyebrows in a way that made me miss my wayward Hales but said, “Yeah I guess we could do that. Since lunch is about to end how about we meet you at the cafe on Main Street?”
“We’ll meet you there,” I agreed and they left.
After school we went straight to the cafe and ordered some hot cocoa then found a table big enough to house the five of us while still giving us some privacy. A few minutes later a chiming bell alerted us that our three new acquaintances had arrived. They went to the counter to get their orders then they joined us at the table. “So what do you want to know?” Cole asked.
I thought for a second over everything that has happened and came up with a question I felt was pretty important. “We don’t have that much or the best experience with other supernaturals nor have we had a particularly reliable source for information so what can you tell us about the different ones in this territory and around the world?”
Calliope hummed but this time in a thoughtful way rather than a persuasive way and said, “Well you’ve at least had someone giving you reliable information or you would have died a long time ago.”
“That would be Der, Peter, and Chris Dr. Deaton very rarely gave us anything useful,” I agreed. “But they don’t know everything especially when it comes to this specific territory,” I added.
Naomi nodded and said, “Honestly there isn’t much in the territory just us and our families though mine is quite large and quite diverse. I’m an elf… well technically I’m half elven half human. My family is pretty chill when it comes to our relationships with humans but there are some elves out there who are the complete opposite and would view my existence as a disgrace so I was taught to always tell people I’m an elf. I don’t really know very much about us because I’ve just started learning but maybe I could introduce you to my parents one day?”
I gave her a small smile. “That would be amazing Naomi thank you.” She beamed back and I could see the little hint of elven beauty coming through.
Cole went next. “I’m a vampire. It’s all very Vampire Diaries honestly. The only big difference is the whole weird veiny under eye thing. As for my family they were killed by the vampire that turned me so it’s just me,” he said.
I gave him a small smile too and grabbed Danny’s hand under the table to keep myself calm and grounded. “Thank you Cole.” He just nodded and took a sip of his drink.
Calliope started after playing with her cup for a minute. “Well you know I’m a siren already. Again I’m sorry about earlier. Um honestly there’s nothing really special about me. All I can do is use my voice to affect people I want it to. My mom’s pretty cool with humans but my grandmother drowned my father like she drowned any of the people she was ever with.”
I took a deep breath then placed my hand over hers and squeezed gently with another small smile. “It’s okay Calliope you were just worried. Using your voice is pretty awesome in my opinion. I used to be friends with a banshee and I told her the same.” She nodded with her own small smile and that was it.
We started meeting there after school for the rest of the week and slowly everyone started opening up a little more. By the end of the week Danny and I agreed to have them over for dinner with Naomi's parents and Calliope’s mom after Danny’s first full moon.
First thing Saturday morning we packed up and made our way to the Inn. Jules greeted us as soon as we pulled in and whisked me away when Elijah started Danny’s training. “So what’s been going on with you sweetheart?” she asked.
I fell into the chair in front of her and let the tension that had been building inside me all week bleed away. “I like Danny. We met some other supernaturals at school. My spark is creating magical tattoos on my body. I’m still having nightmares. I miss my pack. I don’t understand why my best friend abandoned me even though I know I deserve it,” I said.
“Woah, woah honey one thing at a time.” She leaned forward and grabbed my hand.
“Well um I don’t understand why Scott did what he did even though I guess I kind of do. Like if he killed my dad I’d probably do the same and I let the nogitsune in but I didn’t kill Al-Allison the Oni did,” I explained.
She thought for a second then said, “Firstly I’m glad you recognize that you’re not the one who killed Allison. Secondly you didn’t just let the nogitsune in you fought him for control. Most people wouldn’t have been able to even do that. Finally he was grieving and angry and that was amplified because of the pack bonds but it still doesn’t excuse what happened. He doesn’t deserve your forgiveness or understanding. You have me and your pack and we all care about you sweetheart so we’ll do anything we can to help. Now what else is on your mind?”
“I really miss everyone. Half of my pack is in London and the rest are in Beacon Hills and I hate having everyone split up like that. Plus I keep having nightmares that the nogitsune isn’t really gone and I end up tricking and killing my pack.”
“You went through something incredibly traumatic honey you’re going to have nightmares for a long time but I promise you the nogitsune is gone. I also know a ritual that can completely cleanse you and shut the door permanently if you want. As for your pack you’ll be together again soon sweetie. For now you have us and Danny.”
“I know I do and I’m so thankful I do. We met these three kids at school who are also supernaturals and I probably would have had a panic attack if Danny weren’t there to remind me I wasn’t in Beacon Hills anymore,” I said.
Her eyebrows creased then she asked, “Do we need to worry?”
I shook my head and said, “No, they seem pretty friendly. We’ve spent time with them after school every day this week and their parents are coming over for dinner after Danny’s first full moon. I’m just still adjusting to being away from home and realizing that maybe not all supernatural creatures are bad.”
She reached forward and patted my hand then leaned back in her seat. “In my opinion that’s a good thing. You can make some friends you guys don’t have to hide part of yourselves from.”
I thought about it for a minute then agreed she had a point. “You might be right we’ll just have to see if we have anything in common. For now we’re just sharing what we know about the supernatural.”
She smiled and said, “It just takes time sweetheart. You’re improving everyday.”
“Yeah. Danny is such a huge part of that and I’m going to mess everything up. I’ve asked him before if he found me attractive and he never answered but no one else has really found me attractive so why would he. It’s just that he’s so amazing. He cares so much and he’s so nice to everyone. It isn’t even about how he looks although he looks amazing too it’s about being able to be honest with him and share things I’ve never been able to tell anyone before.”
Jules was beaming now and I couldn’t help but smile with her. “I think that you developing feelings for Danny will do many things but I doubt it could ever ruin what you guys have built. Even IF, and it's very unlikely, he doesn’t return your feelings he wouldn’t let them affect the way things are between you two,” she informed me.
She took a moment to let me process, then continued, “You’re very handsome sweetie and anyone who doesn’t recognize how amazing you are doesn’t deserve you or your time.”
“Thank you,” I replied.
“You’re welcome honey. Now let’s practice some with your spark. You mentioned it created a tattoo?”
“Yeah it’s the pack symbol. I can only see it when I’m using my spark or looking in the mirror and Danny can only see it when he uses his wolf eyes. It’s a triskele overlain with a triquetra. Danny had me spend the entire weekend shirtless because his wolf didn’t want it covered.”
“I’ve never heard of this happening before but then a lot of the things your spark does is new for me. Can you think of any reason your spark might tattoo your pack’s symbol on you?” she asked.
I nodded and said, “I think it’s because of Der and Scott. When I met Derek he had the Hale Pack symbol tattooed on his back and when Scott started forming his own pack he got two bands tattooed on his arm.”
“Well that makes sense then. Would you have wanted to get it tattooed on you if your spark hadn’t already done it?”
“Yeah I would have but my fear of needles would have made me pass out before I could ever get it done.”
She raised an eyebrow and smirked. “You’re using your spark without even realizing it. You’re a natural at this.” I smiled at the praise and we started on my training.
Jules and I worked on some protective magic until dinner then Danny and I did Chris’s assigned training routine. After that we were both worn out so we went to bed after each taking a quick shower.
Sunday I spent the first half of the day working with Jules again then Elijah asked if he could spend the last half of the day training me and Danny in self defense techniques. He took it surprisingly easy on me because my arm was still healing but I was exhausted by the end of it. Then he decided we needed to go for a run through the woods surrounding the inn.
We ran for so long I thought I might pass out when we finally stopped outside of the inn. I was tired and out of breath but Danny only seemed slightly affected by all of the physical training. “Your heart’s racing,” he slurred through his fangs. His eyes were glowing with the feral power he inherited as he studied my chest like he could see my heart beating in its bone cage. He closed his eyes and pulled off his shirt while taking a series of deep breaths.
“Still a human dude I don’t have that werewolf stamina,” I panted, looking at him hunched over with my hands on my knees. A bead of sweat ran down his bare chest drawing my eyes with it. I licked my lips while I watched it run between his abs and disappear. I could feel my face flush further and was glad Danny’s uncle had decided to wait back inside of the inn while we were running.
He snorted then froze as worry and fear started leaking through the pack bonds of our London members. It quickly turned to dread, and I started pulling my phone out of my pocket. Right before I could call Jax my phone started ringing with an incoming call from Ethan.
“What’s wrong?” I asked as soon as I answered.
Ethan rushed out, “ScottjustcalledChris.”
“I’m sorry, what?” I replied.
I heard a scuffle then Chris’s voice said, “Scott called. He wants me to come back to Beacon Hills.”
Danny’s eyebrows creased in concern and my heartbeat sped up. “Why would he want that?”
Chris sighed. “He wants me to make Derek and Peter leave because they won’t join his pack.” He hesitated then added, “He also wants me to track you down.”
Just as my breathing started to pick up Danny grabbed my trembling hand reminding me I needed to stay calm and take care of the problem at hand. “Did he say why he wants you to track me down?” I asked.
“Apparently Deaton is insisting the Nemeton is having a negative reaction to your absence.”
I frowned trying to think of what we should do but drawing a blank. Danny huffed and rolled his eyes before snatching the phone away from me. “What did you tell Scott Chris? Did he say anything else?” he asked.
I pouted at Danny and pulled my hand out of his so I could cross my arms over my chest. He smirked at me and poked my nose which only made me pout harder. He opened his mouth then snapped it shut while his eyes got a manic edge. I quickly uncrossed my arms and got as close to the phone as possible so I could hear what Chris was saying.
“-other hunters he knows and they’ve agreed to help look for Stiles as well.”
I felt Danny’s warm breath ghost over my neck when he sighed. Then he was pulling me against his bare chest and putting the phone on speaker so we could both hear easier while he said, “We need a plan and fast.”
I raised an eyebrow but the heat Danny was projecting felt too good to move away from especially when he started draining the pain that had built up in my arm during the day. I melted against him and started thinking over our options.
After a moment of silence, I said, “Chris you need to agree to help him and be our inside man. First ‘drive’ Peter and Der out of town and send them to us. Then once we’re ready convince Scott you’ve found me and lead him and Deaton to an ambush.”
Everyone started shouting in protest but was interrupted by Danny’s phone ringing. He shifted so he could grab it and answered the call after handing me my phone back.
“What’s happening?” was said loudly enough I could hear it from my place against Danny’s chest.
“Scott called and asked Chris for help. Stiles wants to send him in so he can be our double agent.”
Then even more shouting occurred before Peter agreed that it was a reasonable plan. He was soon followed by Dad who had just joined the conversation with Jordan.
With a resigned tone, Chris added, “We need a more thorough plan if this is going to work but Stiles is right. It’s our best option and like I said Deaton has already called other hunters who’ve agreed to help. We’ll need to know what they know so we can stay ahead of them and I’m the best way to do that.”
“So what do we need to do?” I asked.
Peter said thoughtfully, “We need a way for him to contact us without using his phone, a plan for how to set the trap, what to do if Scott or Deaton get suspicious, a few back up plans, and then what happens after it’s over because Scott isn’t just going to get over Deaton going missing or looking for you just because Deaton is gone.”
“Maybe Chris, Peter, Jordan, Derek and I should handle this part so you kids can stay focused on school. Once we have a solid plan we’ll let you all know and keep you updated as we figure out certain parts. I know once Chris is here Jordan and I can keep an eye on him,” Dad added.
I didn’t want to agree but I knew he had a point so I just turned my face into Danny’s chest. “That sounds like a reasonable plan for now. We’ll keep having our nightly phone calls and we’ll start facetiming each other more often. We give updates on even the smallest things. Stay safe guys and stay together. Stiles and I have been talking and we wanted to ask if any of you might want to talk to someone professionally who knows about the supernatural. We’ve all been through some really crappy things and we both think it would be good for our pack if we started therapy. We could even do some group sessions together until everyone is comfortable on their own,” he said.
I smiled and nuzzled his shoulder. He ran his hand through my hair and held me a little closer. Everyone started protesting until Der said, “I actually think we should do it. I know I should have seen someone years ago but I would never be comfortable enough unless you guys were there with me.” Then slowly one by one the rest of the pack agreed to show their support to each other.
I pulled away from Danny enough to speak and said, “I’m glad you guys agreed. We can do a group session next Saturday at 3:00 pm. Until then any new updates?”
“I’ve started texting Cora. Mostly we talk about Erica and Boyd but occasionally she asks about our pack now. She says she’s glad to have the alpha she does but it just doesn’t feel like home anymore,” Isaac told us.
I heard two sharp intakes of breath and knew Der and Peter were trying to keep hope from swelling up in their chests. “Add her to the group chat Isaac. We’ll see if maybe we can convince her to make a trip to see everyone in the summer.”
“Yes sir. I think that will be a great idea,” Issac replied with the smallest hint of longing seeping into his voice.
Jordan said, “I haven’t met her yet but I’d like to. As for here Derek and I have been doing patrols every night around the perimeter of the territory and it seems like even more assassins are coming but the Calavera’s haven’t shown up so we think they accepted Kate’s head.”
Der agreed and added, “Deaton also seems to be preparing for something at the Nemeton because he keeps taking a bunch of things out there. Whatever it is I’ve never seen anything like it though and I’m a little concerned he might be doing some sort of spell on Stiles or the pack.”
“I’ll ask Jules if she can look for any spells like that.”
“Good, that man better not be doing anything or I’ll find some way to arrest him. I’ve already arrested a few of the assassins to keep the public safe. So far though they only seem to be going after Scott and his pack so I’ve tried not to interfere too much,” Dad said.
“Actually a couple tried to attack me and Derek and we dealt with them. Some guy on the lacrosse team and a girl with a thermal wire. They’re dead now and I certainly wouldn’t mind adding a meddling vet to my list of victims,” Peter corrected. Dad seemed upset but we agreed long ago we weren’t Scott or his pack. We do what we have to to protect our own and sometimes that involves things that aren’t necessarily legal by human standards.
Chris hummed his agreement then said, “I ran into a member of the pack here and helped them with a wendigo earlier today. Other than that not much has happened here. I did decide that maybe I’d like to start dating again though.” I felt the faintest rush of relief flow through my bond with Peter and sent some curiosity back so he’d know it didn’t go unnoticed and we’d be talking about it soon.
Jax and Ethan told us, “We got the plane tickets settled for the day after school ends for the year, got my parents permission to come back and stay with you both, and even talked to the school so they could get ready to send over any files we would need.”
“You’re all doing great. Elijah has decided that on Sunday’s I’m going to spend half of the day learning self defence with him and Danny on top of what Chris has me doing,” I said.
Danny added, “Uncle Eli has started working with teaching me some of the older rules and laws in supernatural etiquette and pack dynamics since Stiles has already covered teaching me to find an anchor and control the shift.”
I leaned back into Danny while everyone talked some more about their everyday life. It was nice and only made me miss them more. “I really really love all of you guys,” I said and let my emotions bleed through the pack bonds.
I felt the emotions return to me in each person’s own unique way. Danny felt like coming home and the warm cuddle he wrapped me in every night. Dad felt like sitting in front of the fire between my parents under the blankets sipping hot cocoa. Peter felt like diving into a pool in the middle of summer. Der felt like dancing in the rain. Isaac felt like scarves and snow angels. Jax felt like the rush you get on a rollercoaster. Jordan felt like walking across the beach at sunset. Ethan felt like flying. Chris felt like wind blowing across your skin after laying in the sun for hours. It made me wonder what I felt like to them and if we all felt each other the same way.
After that we started saying our goodbyes and I made Danny call his parents. “Hey Mom. Hey Dad,” he greeted when they answered. I said hi and caught up with them before kissing Danny’s cheek and going inside to check in with Elijah and inform Jules of what’s going on.
Danny came stumbling in right before dinner with tar stains on his cheeks and watery eyes. I pulled him into a hug and awkwardly walked us to our room. “What happened honey?” I asked running my fingers through his hair once we were in our room.
He held on tight and whispered, “I told Mom and Dad what happened. I even told them about our family. They didn’t take it so well but when faced with evidence they had to accept it.”
I rubbed his back and shared, “Dad didn’t believe me when I told him either. He yelled at me in the hospital then I said ‘Mom would’ve believed me’. I felt so bad but there wasn’t time for that so I pushed it down and carried on. You don’t have to do that so talk to me. Tell me all the worst things that came to mind and let them go.”
A sob escaped and fresh tears ran down his cheeks. “I wanted to shove the fact that I literally died in their faces. I wanted to tell them about every secret my family has ever kept from them. I wanted to break their hearts but I’m not that person. I couldn’t do that. They were already upset by everything so how could I make them feel worse even though it felt like they had ripped my heart out and crushed it to dust.”
I shushed him and continued the soothing motions. “It’s natural to have felt that way Danny. You are a good person like you’ve always been. Now what can I do to help you feel better sweetie?” I reassured.
“Just don’t let go yet.”
I guided him towards the bed and carefully maneuvered us so we could lay down with his head on my chest. “I’m not going anywhere Danny.”
He fell asleep like that about an hour later and I just watched him sleep until Jules crept in. She raised an eyebrow so I pointed at the door and slowly slid out of Danny’s hold placing my pillow in my place. “What happened?” she asked as soon as I closed the door.
“He told Caroline and Nick everything. They didn’t believe him.”
She flinched and looked at the door in worry. “Is he okay?”
I shrugged and said, “He’s upset they didn’t believe him but he’ll be alright. We talked, he cried, now he just needs some rest.”
She nodded and squeezed my shoulder. “Well you should get back in there before he wakes up. I’ll have someone leave you some food in the kitchen for when he wakes up.”
I thought for a second then asked, “Is there any way that food could be chocolate chip pancakes?”
She smiled. “Those are his favorite. He had them every time he was here. I’m glad my nephew has you sweetheart.”
I smiled back and said, “Sounds like Danny. I’m glad I have him.”
She gave me a quick hug then made her way to the kitchen while I went back inside and climbed back into bed. As soon as I laid down Danny was cuddling me again. I smiled and kissed his head, Then I closed my eyes and let myself drift to sleep thinking about how we wouldn’t be able to make it home in time for school tomorrow.
When I woke up Danny was already awake and looking up at me from his place on my chest. “Hi,” he whispered.
I smiled and trailed my fingers down his back. “Hi,” I whispered back. He hummed and nuzzled my neck. I chuckled then poked his side. “Hey we have to get up. Jules left us chocolate chip pancakes and I need to text the three stooges to see if they can pick up our work from school today.”
Danny groaned, “Do we have to? You’re comfy to lay on and I don’t want to face the world for a little while longer.”
I ran my fingers through his hair with a sigh. “Fine but you have to hand me my phone.”
He agreed and reached over me to get it from the bedside table. “There now I’m going back to cuddling you until you force me to get out of bed.”
I rolled my eyes fondly and sent a quick text to Calli, Naomi, and Cole.
To Calli, Naomi, Cole: Hey guys Danny and I won’t be at school today. Can someone collect our work for the day from our teachers? We'll pick it up when we meet at the cafe
From Calli: You guys okay? I’ll pick up the work you guys miss from the classes I share with you after lunch but one of the others will have to pick up the rest
To Calli: Yeah we just stayed longer than we were supposed to last night. Thank you
From Calli: I’m glad you’re alright. You’re welcome
From Naomi: U 2 good? I’ll get classes before lunch. Sched?
To Naomi: Yea we’re good. Thx. Eng w Mr. D, USH w Mr. A, Pre-Cal w Mrs. C, AP B w Mrs. V, and A&P w Mrs. S
From Naomi: Yw. Got it
From Cole: Heard you stayed a little too long so I’m not going to ask if you’re okay. I’ll pick up the work from the class you have with me after lunch. You and Danny both have the same schedules right?
To Cole: That’s honestly a relief. Thank you. We do indeed
From Cole: You’re welcome. That’s going to make it a lot easier to pick everything up
I set my phone back down on the bedside table then went back to rubbing Danny’s back. His hair was sticking out in every direction and he had his pretty, warm brown eyes closed with his nose pressed against my collar bone. He still wasn’t wearing a shirt and he had on his jeans from yesterday though he didn’t seem as uncomfortable as sleeping in jeans would suggest. His warm breath was blowing against our packs symbol every time he let out a steady exhale. If it weren’t for his thumb moving back and forth across my stomach where his hand was resting I would assume he went back to sleep. I reached out to lace our fingers together and gave a quiet hum of contentment while my eyes closed once again.
The next time I woke up it was to a drooling Danny laying on top of me and Jules knocking on the door. I poked his side then pushed him off of me when he grunted. “Time to wake up Danny-boy. For real this time. We need to eat and say goodbye then hit the road,” I informed him as Jules opened the door and came in.
Danny groaned and buried his head under a pillow. I had to bite my lip to hold back my laughter when I added, “Come on Alpha feed me, provide for me, take care of me,” and Danny bolted out of bed so he could throw me over his shoulder and carry me to the kitchen. Jules followed us the whole way there laughing the entire time which served as a nice distraction but made me pout.
“So boys what are the plans for this week?” Jules asked once we had made it to the kitchen and got seated.
I shrugged and said, “Meet the three idgits after school, do Chris’s exercises, and work on Danny’s shift so he’s ready for this weekend. Oh yeah speaking of which we talked the pack into group therapy for Saturday at 3.”
She smiled and her eyes sparkled but I couldn’t quite tell which emotion she was feeling. “That is amazing news honey. I’m happy you boys trust me enough to let me help your pack.”
Danny reached across the table and pulled her into a hug. “You’re family Aunt Jules of course we trust you with our pack. Besides you’ve been helping other creatures here for as long as I can remember,” he whispered into her ear.
When he let her go I walked around the table and pulled her into another hug. “He’s right ya know. You’re family and we trust you.” She squeezed a little tighter then let me go and shoved me towards my seat.
Just as I was sitting down Gabe and Katie came running over. Katie made grabby hands at me so I picked her up and sat her down in my lap. “Hi there sweetie,” I greeted while watching Gabe run to his mom. Jules picked him up with a kiss to his forehead.
Katherine beamed at me. “Hi Stiles.”
I smiled back and asked, “Why aren’t you doing your school work yet young lady?”
She looked over at Danny before turning her attention back to me. “Mama said we didn’t have to start until you and Danny leave,” she explained. “So I really need you to not leave. Okay?”
I looked over at Danny who was smiling with a mouth full of pancakes and snorted before putting on the most serious face I could muster. “Now sweetheart school is important. You might not like it but it’s how you learn and learning can be very fun if you make it that way. Besides Danny and I have to get home we have to meet some people and even go to school ourselves.”
Her eyebrows scrunched together and she asked, “But you don’t live with your mommy or daddy so who teaches you?”
“Well Katie Cat we go to school with a whole bunch of humans and get taught by a stranger who works as a teacher,” I explained.
She looked even more confused now and her little nose scrunched up like she had smelt something terrible. “But why would you want to be around that many people? They’re meanies. They made fun of Gabe because his eyes changed during his birthday party but he couldn’t help it. He was happy and he’s still learning control.”
I frowned and looked up at Jules. She nodded and I growled. “People can be mean sometimes sweetie,” I hugged her a little closer, “But not all people are like that. I knew this girl once. You remind me of her a lot. Anyway she was so brave and amazing even though she came from a family of hunters.”
Katherine gasped and Jules handed Gabe over to Danny so she could eat now that Danny had finished his breakfast.
I smiled and continued on. “She dated a werewolf and formed an alliance with his pack. Before she died she changed the code to ‘We protect those who cannot protect themselves’. Her dad is part of my pack now along with some other humans.”
Katie took on a thoughtful look before she finally smiled. “I think that’s pretty cool. I’m glad there are good people too,” she said.
I ruffled her hair and said, “They’re just like us honey. Everyone has some good and bad in them no matter what their species is.” She nodded then grabbed Gabes hand and they jumped down to run off.
Once Jules and I finished eating Danny and I said our goodbyes and started on our way back to the cabin. We listened to music the whole way there and sang along to it in the most terribly exaggerated voices we could manage to pull off. We got home with just enough time to drop off our bags before we had to leave for the cafe.
Danny and I pulled in just as Calli, Naomi, and Cole were walking into the Grinder. We went in and ordered then joined them at our usual table. “How was your guys day?” I asked
Cole said, “It was actually quite good until Naomi and I found out Calli has never seen any DC or Marvel movies.”
I gasped and jumped up out of my seat causing it to fall over. “No. No, I will not accept this. This is an offence against the core of my being. You are coming home with us right now and we are at least watching one movie.”
Danny laughed but agreed along with the three musketeers so I straightened my chair and we made our way back to the cabin.
We watched Captain America the First Avenger then decided to eat dinner and watch Captain Marvel before sending off our companions. Once they left Danny and I did our work and got into bed. “Do you think we can really trust them?” I asked while resting against Danny’s chest.
He rubbed my back and said, “I’m not sure yet but I think so. I do want to learn more about each of them though. I think it would be nice to have some friends.” I hummed in agreement and closed my eyes.
“Goodnight Stiles,” I heard Danny whisper as I fell asleep.
I was sitting on top of the Nemeton with people surrounding me. A woman who radiated power stepped forward and said, “You must be Stiles.”
I had a quick flashback to Peter with scars covering half of his face and could see the Hales resemblance in this woman. “I am indeed though I fear you have me at a disadvantage ma’am,” I replied.
She smiled and the girl I had seen in the hall the day my pack bonds were broken stepped forward next to her. “I suppose you have a point. This is my mother Talia Hale and I am Laura.”
My mouth opened in surprise but then I remembered falling asleep at the cabin and knew I was dreaming. “What can I do for you?” I asked.
“We need you to help us cleanse the Nemeton so the spirits that have been trapped here can finally move on. We also wanted to thank you for what you’re doing for us and our families,” Talia said.
Erica, Boyd, and a girl I had only heard a story about stepped forward now. The girl smiled and asked, “Can you tell Derek it wasn’t his fault and I would have accepted him as he was even if I wasn’t bitten please?”
I smiled back. “I would love to, Paige.”
“How about us Batman? Tell Isaac we love and miss him, and tell Derek he did his best and we forgive him but it wasn’t his fault for that either,” Erica requested from her place by Boyd.
I nodded and said, “Of course Catwoman.”
The three of them stepped back and Alli moved forward now. “I just want you to know I don’t blame you for the Nogitsune Stiles and I’m glad my dad has joined your pack.”
I gave her a sad smile and nodded with tears in my eyes.
She stepped back so it was just Laura and Talia standing front and center again. “Tell Uncle Peter it wasn’t his fault Deaton lured me back and Uncle Peter was just trying to defend his territory. He was half feral by then because Deaton told me to protect Der I had to leave. Then he only wanted to avenge our family. Tell Der and Cora I love them and not to blame Uncle Peter either,” Laura requested.
“I will,” I promised.
Laura rested a hand on her moms arm before moving back as well.
Talia looked at me for a moment then walked closer and pulled me into a hug. “Thank you Mr. Stilinski for taking care of my family. Please keep watch over them and tell them it is time to let go of the past and this land. Most importantly cleanse the Nemeton so we can finally rest and keep an eye on Dr. Deaton. He was a good emissary once then he was not. I am afraid that maybe he is not himself and wasn’t for quite some time.”
I squeezed her tight while she slowly faded out along with all of the others surrounding me.
When I woke up the first thing I did was reach for my phone to relay the messages I was left with.
Word Count: 7,629