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Fox In The Hills	By : fusedtwilight Category: S through Z > Teen Wolf Views: 5459 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Wolf. It is the property of Jeff Davis and MTV. I make no profit from this fic.

Chapter List
- 1-Parrish
- 2-Ethan
- 3-Liam
- 4-Scott
- 5-Derek
- 6-Danny
- 7-Isaac
- 8-Brett
- 9-Jackson
- 10-Corey
- 11-Boyd
- 4
- 5
- 6
Fusedtwilight: Sorry it has been a while guys. Destiny 2 came out and it was my birthday so I got sidetracked. Since Derek is supposed to be coming back to the show tonight I decided to share the wood chapter with you guys. The season has been really good. I am going to miss it when it is over!
森
Mori
Wood
Once upon a time in the land of Beacon. A kingdom nestled in a valley there was a forest known as the woods of ash. Despite this rather gloomy sounding name it was a very pleasant forest. It was called this because it was filled with numerous rowan trees or as they were also known as mountain ash. The trees had the power to protect one from supernatural forces and were often used by humans (typically Hunters) to fight against the supernatural
Despite the trees supernatural-repelling-abilities there were many of creatures who lived there. Nature spirits who did not take kindly to their trees being cut down the trees for their own uses. They were a peaceful lot and did not involve themselves in the affairs of any who lived outside of their woods.
Other supernatural creatures like shape-shifters avoided the forest. While humans could enter it as they wished (provided they did not cause trouble) the shifters could not move about as freely due to the rowan's barriers. For them it was like a maze if you were not careful you would run into an invisible barrier. To a shifter this was not funny, but to those who lived in the forest it always made them chuckle.
The Kingdom had long since been ruled by a family of werewolves called the Hales. The matriarch and queen was Talia, a woman renowned for her grace and her wisdom. She had long since ruled and the land and its people flourished under her reign.
She had three children, her eldest and heir was Laura. Her middle child was her only son Derek and her youngest was her daughter Cora.
Laura inherited her mothers ability to totally transform into a wolf. A gift rare among their kind. She also inherited her mothers patience and her gentle disposition.
Cora and Derek on the other hand inherited their fathers temper and were known for their ferocity.(though they blamed it on there werewolf nature). Cora was the spitting image of their mother when she was younger while Derek took after his father.
The people loved the Hales they did not care they were werewolves. In the Kingdom of Beacon people from all walks of life could find peace and safety there. It was one of the few places in the world where the supernatural and the mundane could live together in harmony.
But peace is subjective to the ideals of others. While the people of Beacon Hills were happy with their way of life, others were not.
Gerard Argent was at first glance; a man of the people. Supposedly just and honest. But behind his mask was a monster. A selfish hypocrite who would sell his own soul if it meant he could live forever. Ever since he was a young man Gerard was a man of ambition. Always manipulating and killing his way to the top for power.
He was of the Argents. A family of Hunters who were one of the largest and most prestigious Hunter clans in the world. Once they had been honest and staid true to the code. But an infection had spread among their ranks. And it all began with Gerard.
He had his daughter, Kate seduce Derek to learn the secrets of the Hale royal family. Once she learned everything she needed Kate told her father everything he needed to know to stage an invasion.
While the Hale and Argent soldiers fought Kate attempted to burn the Hales alive in their own home. Luckily they escaped before the fire could consume them and they were forced to flee their kingdom.
With the Hales believed to be dead the kingdom soon fell under the thrall of the Argents and Gerard set himself as the new ruler of Beacon and began to hunt all the supernatural beings in the land. Any humans caught harboring any kind of none-human would face the punishment of death.
Now, six years later the Hales have returned to reclaim their homeland. With their return Beacon Hills has seen a war unlike anything in it's history. Gerard had done a wonderful job in causing discord among the humans and supernaturals. So not every mortal was willing to support the return of the rightful monarchs.
Our story takes place with the young prince Derek Hale running for his life. He runs for the forest of ash, though he knows it is folly, it is his only hope. He hopes to trick the Argents hunting him because even after the invasion even they staid away from the forest. Even Gerard was not fool enough to try to drive out the creatures that lived there, and no Argent who entered the woods ever returned.
Derek had no idea how they would respond to his sudden intrusion into their home. He hoped that he might luck out, and those that lived there might take pity on him and offer aid.
Deep in the forest a young boy is gathering herbs, he wears a blue tunic with a red cloak. His skin pale as snow, dotted with moles. His eyes, a whiskey brown that were filled with a mischievous glint.
Neither one knew that this would be the day their lives would be forever altered.
Stiles
I hummed softly to myself as I gathered somemore herbs. Roscoe was chewing on some grass nearby while I worked. I had gotten a message from dad today. To the untrained eye it would seem like a simple letter from a man to his friend who lived in another kingdom.
But dad and I had created a code long ago to decipher the real message hidden in the words and sentences. The way things were we couldn't risk the Argents intercepting one of our letters. If they knew he was still talking to me, they would arrest him and throw him in the dungeons.
Ironic seeing how he was the sheriff.
The message was telling me about how the war was going. The battles that had been won and lost. The lives on both sides that had ended so tragically. Every letter I got I prayed that it would tell me that the Hales had finally won and the Argents were gone. That it was safe to return home.
It has been months since he was able to escape to see me. His visits were always half-delight and half-fearful. I always feared he would be discovered and executed for treason.
Treason! What a load of shit!
The real traitors were those bastards who used to support the Hales and then threw in their support to Gerard when he started hunting all the shifters and giving their land and wealth to the humans. Suddenly Gerard wasn't an invader but a benevolent liberator.
I hated Gerard for what he did to my home. For turning friend against friend, for driving me from my father. For making me have to live in these woods far from my only kin and my beloved friend Scott. He had been conscripted into the Argent army
His weak lungs should have kept him from being forced to join the Argent forces. But the Argents must be desperate for fresh meat if they were willing to take Scott in. Though I believe it has more to do with the fact Scott was becoming close with the Argent heir Allison.
Scott's platoon was attacked by Hale forces. They never found his body.
The problem was no one was sure if he was alive or dead. Maybe the werewolves had ripped him to shreds. Or maybe they took him, giving him the bite.
The Argent's said the Hales were monsters who kidnapped humans and forced them to become werewolves to bolster their forces. A part of me wanted to deny this as nothing more than propaganda. But the more cynical part believed it was possible.
I remembered my mothers warnings about werewolves. How they were ruled by instinct and drew their power from the moon and from rage.
I admit, the Hales had been benevolent rulers. No one could say they were treated unfairly or suffered under them. But war has a bad way of changing people. My mother told me many stories of her homeland and the wars that occurred there.
"It is easy to fight in the name of what we believe Mischief," she told me. "But the worst crimes are committed by good men who think they are justified."
Perhaps it was my own cynical attitude, or maybe I just wanted to hang on to the hope that my best friend was still alive. Though I shuddered at the idea of Scott...sweet, loving Scott who cried every time he stepped on a bug as a werewolf.
I can only imagine how those beasts could be treating him. Or worse yet how his personality has changed. I had known people who took the bite and became a totally different person.
I had left the kingdom to live in the forest before my supernatural nature could be discovered. Most assumed I had left to avoid being conscripted into the Argent army. If the Argent's knew my dad had knowingly married a spirit and sired a child, he could be sent to their prison camps with the prisoners of war and Hale sympathizers, being worked to death to mine for the Argents.
My mother had been a duch lisa of the wind clan. A fox spirit. They were known by many names. Huli jing, kumiho, and kitsune. They were once regular foxes that had lived beyond their normal lifespan and obtained great wisdom and spiritual power.
She was born in Polska, having come to the kingdom of Beacon Hills to open her own little flower shop. She met my father when he was a young man. His father-my grandfather- was a man driven to cruelty by his time spent fighting in a war.
One night he attacked my father in one of his rages and hurt him so bad my father was forced to flee from his own home. My mother found him collapsed on her way home and took him to her den to help him heal.
They started spending time together, even after he had fully recovered. My mother was honest with him about what she really was. It was risky for her to confess that she was a fox spirit. The kingdom of Beacon Hills was home to a multitude of supernatural beings, but werewolves were the dominant group and they had a long history with my people.
There used to be many more fox spirits in these lands. But they had either been driven out or killed during a war with the werewolves. My people are known for being trickster who love to flirt with danger. Pissing off a werewolf might seem suicidal to you but for my kind it is an irresistible challenge.
Although I do not condone what the werewolves did, I can not say we didn't bring it on ourselves.
The war was a long time ago, but to this day the werewolves still mistrust the fox spirits.
My mother used to tell me she knew of others of our kind who bore a grudge against the werewolves for what they did. They thought the werewolves had overreacted to some harmless fun. Although to a fox spirit harmless was subjective.
My mother didn't bare the werewolves any ill will, neither did I. But she made sure I kept my distance from them. "Never trust a werewolf my little Mischief. They mean well but we are all slaves to our base instincts. We fox spirits are cunning and tricky and they are angry and beasts of instinct."
Personally if I had to chose I would take the Hales over the Argents any day.
Though I feared what they had become. What the Argents cruelty and manipulations had turned them too. Yes, they had been civil and good before. But what had they become in order to survive?
"Stiles!"
I looked up to see Penelope, Caissa and Pomona running to me. They were nymphs. Spirits of the ash tree. The forest was filled with nature spirits. The nymphs were some of the friendlier ones. Though if you didn't treat their home with respect...well, lets just say they are both beauty and brawn.
They appeared as a trio of inhumanly perfect women with smooth, flawless skin the color of ashwood. Moving with a speed and grace that made their movements appear as if they were dancing.
Normally they had smiles on their faces. But this time they looked worried. I knew something was wrong, because in all the years I spent in these woods I had never seen them without a smile.
"Whats wrong?" I asked.
"There is a werewolf in the forest!" Caissa said.
"A werewolf?" I asked in surprise.
Even before the war shifters avoided the forest. The rowan trees made traveling through here a waste of time. On occasion a human might pass through, either ignorant of the forest's reputation or smart enough to know they were safe as long as they didn't do something stupid like chop down a tree or pick the wrong flower.
"Yes, he is injured," Penelope said.
"And he is covered in sap!" Pomona said.
"Pomona dear, that is not sap. That is blood," Penelope corrected her.
"Ohhh. I thought it look a bit thin."
"Why in the world would an injured werewolf be here of all places?" I asked.
"He was being chased by a group of Hunters," Caissa said.
"Argents judging by the sigil on their armor!" Pomona said the word Argent like it was a curse.
The Argents knew better than to come here causing trouble. But stories of their evil had been heard even here. During the early days of the war the Argents sent some of their men here, looking for any supernaturals who thought to find refugee here.
They had been left alone until they began to chop a tree down for firewood. They were given a chance to apologize but merely drew their swords and thought themselves mighty monster hunters.
If you ever look closely at the bark of a tree and think you see a face...you know what, never mind.
"Maybe he is part of the Hale army," Penelope said.
"Like we need the Hales dragging us into their war," Caissa muttered.
"You must come see him Stiles, he is rather handsome. Even with all that sap-I mean blood," Pomona giggled.
"What do the others have to say?" I asked.
"Oh you know our kind Stiles. By the time we finally decide what to do with him he could be half-decomposed," Caissa responded.
"Please save him Stiles, it would be a shame to loose such a tasty looking morsel!" Pomona begged me.
"He is rather a delight to look at," Penelope said biting her finger.
"Oh yes. Been a long time since we had a wolf-man grace us with his presence," Caissa replied.
I sighed. Nymphs.
I admit I was kind of intrigued. Why would a werewolf be in the forest? And injured. The journey around would be a lot quicker than trying to figure out his was through it.
Since I was a wood fox, I could pass through the barriers created by the trees with enough time and concentration. Though the effort left me tired. Since I was friends with the nymphs, they allowed me to go where I pleased.
Perhaps I could find out some more info about the war from this guy. Then I could send word to dad. If we could let the people know if the Hales were wining or not that could give people the hope they needed.
The Hales still had supporters, but thanks to Gerard those who were vocal about their love for the old rulers were shipped off to the prison camps to spend the rest of their days digging in the Argents mines.
"Alright, lead me to him," I told them. I put the herbs I gathered in my satchel and climbed Roscoe. I followed the three of them through the woods, it was amazing watching them run. You wouldn't think tree nymphs were fast. But they could outrun even me.
We came to the edge of the forest, there was a group of people circled around what I assumed to be the wolf. They were all muttering excitedly. No doubt trying to decide if they should help or leave him to his fate.
"Look, it's Stiles," one of the leshy said pointing a green finger at me.
They all parted to let me through.
"I hear we have an uninvited guest," I said.
I knelt down to inspect the werewolf. I had to agree with Pomona, he was handsome. Though that word seemed inadequate to describe him. Perhaps glorious or even godlike. Even covered in blood and looking like he was on the verge of crossing into the veil the man looked like perfect and masculine had rough sex and made him.
"We've been watching him since he first arrived," one of the tree nymphs said.
"Poor thing," another cooed. "Look at him, hurt and covered in sap."
"It's not sap, its blood," Pomona corrected her.
There was a resounding "Ohhh." echoed by many in the group.
"Have the Hunters tried to follow?" I asked.
One of the leshey, a woman twice my size with skin the color of grass and hair like from the bush of a willow responded. "No. They stopped just outside the woods. We are keeping an eye on them. So far they have not tried to follow him."
"They know better than to enter here, no Argent scum will dare tread on our land!" one of the fauns said shaking his fist.
I checked the man for injuries. He had several lacerations with black vein-y lines around the injuries. I was sure it was wolfsbane. What else would the Argents hunt a werewolf with?
"I say we toss his ass back out. We don't need the Hales bringing their war here," an elf said.
"No!" Pomona yelled dramatically. "We can't do that, he is too handsome!"
The other nymphs agreed.
"The Argents are not going to come running in here for one little werewolf. Just leave him to his fate, he is of no concern to us," the faun from earlier replied.
"Absolutely not!"
Mama Gob glared up at the faun. Her hands sat on her brown, hairy hips. She was a brownie and even though she was only little more than a foot tall she had the aura of someone who could make even giants fall to their knees. She was the matriarch of her clan, she was centuries old and could make a mean stew.
"He is a guest in our home! We can't just let him die, that would be shameful. Let us heal him and feed him and then send him on his way. We are not savages!"
"And you think werewolves are harmless?" one pixie asked.
"Enough!"
Everyone fell silent. When Grandfather spoke all fell silent.
He stepped out from the shadows, wearing a fur cloak, his hood pulled up hiding most of his face. A pair of curved goat horns stuck out from under his hood. He carried a long knotted staff made from oak. I had never seen his face. So I couldn't tell you how human or inhuman he looked.
Grandfather was the oldest being I have ever met. Time seemed to cling to him like a perfume. Even his voice trembled with age. He had been here longer than any other spirit. Some say he made this forest long ago, others say he was a god once worshiped by the tribes that inhabited Beacon Hills long before it was ever a kingdom. Others say he was the guardian of the nemeton which sat at the center of the forest. No one was sure who he was, or where he came from. But all gave him the respect a being of his station deserved.
"Mama Gob you are quit right. It would not do well for us to allow this young wolf to die. He is injured, on the run from Hunters. Though we do not owe him kindness nor protection, we are all united by our common enemy the Argents. Let us tend to his wounds and release him back to his pack. Let us remind the people of the land that although we are not to be trifled with, we are capable of charity and empathy."
He stood over the man and I. I had to look up to stare into his face. All I could see was his mouth. The corner of his lips was turned, but I couldn't tell what that meant. If he was amused, irritated or puzzled.
"I sense something odd about what ales him," he spoke.
I took a deep breath. Most of the time old people smell bad. But Grandfather smelled like mint.
"I am sure it's wolfsbane. His wounds are black and not healing."
He nodded. "Yes. But I sense this is not a natural concoction. This is something different. Something man-made."
The group let out a collective hiss.
"Typical humans, using nature in natural ways to kill!" one elf said.
"Mieczysław."
I flinched when Grandfather used my real name. I never told him what it was. When I first met him all these years ago he greeted me by my true name, welcoming me warmly to the forest. Offering me food and offering me an old hut that had once belonged to a druid who had studied in the forest a long time ago.
He never called me Stiles. It was always Mieczyslaw. He was the only one besides my parents who could actually pronounce it right.
"Take him to your hut. Tend to his wounds and help him heal."
"What! Me? Why me?" I asked.
"Yes, Stiles should do it!" Penelope cheered.
"Yes, let the fox care for him," the pixies agreed.
"You can do it Stiles!" the leshey said clapping her hands.
"I repeat...Why. Me?"
"Because werewolves are temperamental twats and none of us want to deal with caring for a cranky, injured wolf," the faun said.
Grandfather banged his staff on the ground. The whole earth seemed to shake from the impact. "Than we are agreed. Mieczysław will care for the werewolf. Help him recover and when the time comes send him on his way."
"But Grandfather," I said over the cheers the group was yelling. "I don't know if I can treat him. If this wolfsbane is something man-made than-"
"I have faith in you Mieczysław. You are a fox spirit. Trust your instincts."
I wanted to ask him why he couldn't heal the werewolf himself. Man-made or not I doubted Grandfather would have any real difficulty coming up with some remedy to cure the man. But he was already moving back into she shadows of the forest and out of sight.
I sighed and looked down at the werewolf.
A part of me was irritated I now held the life of a stranger in my hands. But I admit, I was hoping he might tell me something about the war. Anything I could tell my dad and maybe give the people hope that it would all soon be over.
I sighed and turned to look at the others. "Well, help me get him on Roscoe."
Derek
As I awoke I became aware of three things. I was in a bed, I was in a lot of pain and there was something heavy on my chest.
I heard someone in the room. My senses were kind of dull. I could tell whoever it was, was a male. And whoever he was he smelled very good. I moved my limbs. I didn't feel any rope or chains and I was certain I wasn't in a dungeon. I could hear birds chirping from outside.
The last thing I remember was running from Kate and her Hunters. My pack and I had been on our way to meet up with the rest of our forces, some of us were already injured from a fight we had with some Argent troops. I had staid behind the buy my friends the time they needed to get to safety.
I had decided to go into the forest of ash. I knew the Argents wouldn't put one toe in that place. I knew the gentry who lived there wouldn't bother me if I didn't go causing trouble.
I had hit the barrier created by the rowan trees several times. My plan to escape the Argents had worked as I could no longer sense them following me, but I was already poisoned and I spent more time trying to avoid bouncing off a barrier.
This place is like a maze for shifters. A human could go wherever they pleased but for my kind it was a mad house.
I remember falling to the floor, my body sapped of strength. The last thing I thought of was my family. Of my pack. And of course the bitch that caused all this: Kate Argent.
I wish I had killed her before I fell. My last attempt at redemption before death took me into her cold embrace.
But I was sure I wasn't dead, and I was almost sure I wasn't captured. But I was in great pain and the weight on my chest wasn't helping.
I opened my eyes to see what it was. I saw a hairy creature with brown hair and an ugly face staring at me. For a moment I thought it was some mutated rodent.
I let out a scream and jumped up. I instantly regretted the action as my body screamed in protest at the sudden movement. The creature let out a shriek as it flew from my chest and landed on the wooden floor.
"Hey!"
A young man with pale skin made his way over from a nearby table to pick up the creature. "Are you okay Harry?" he asked.
"What the hell is that thing?" I demanded, pointing a finger at the creature.
"Dude relax, it's just a brownie," the boy said.
"Don't call me dude, and the hell is a brownie?"
The boy rolled his eyes. "You know, household fae that are like the most kind and gentle of all the fairies. I mean they help people keep their homes nice and tidy. For free I might add. All out of the goodness of their hearts."
The boy rubbed his cheek against the creature and it purred like a cat. He sat the creature on the table and it began to organize all the papers that lay on it.
The boy turned to face me and I got a better look at him. He had shaggy black hair and his eyes were the color of whiskey. Moles dotted his skin and my gaze kept on traveling to his neck which looked...succulent. He wore a blue tunic and there was something about the look on his face that made me want to growl at him.
I had a feeling this guy was going to be very irritating.
"My name is Stiles-"
"The hell is a Stiles?" I interrupted him.
The name sounded oddly familiar. I swear to the moon I have heard it spoken before...but where?
He frowned at me. "The name of the guy who is trying to help you. And before you ask no, Stiles is not my real name, it is a tradition for the men to go by Stiles in my family...don't know why but believe me it is better than my real name. So don't bother asking it because I doubt you could even pronounce it."
"Where am I?" I asked him.
He walked over to another table and poured me some water into a wooden cup. "You are in the forest of ash. You were discovered by some of the locals and they...decided I should be the one to care for you."
He handed me the cup. I sniffed it and drank from it.
"Seriously?" he asked.
"One does not survive long in a war by being trusting of strangers."
"When one is a part of the Hale army I suppose he needs to be a little cautious."
He smiled when he saw the look on my face.
"Dude, I saw the triskele on your armor and on your back. It's all right though, you're safe here. I have no love for the Argents. No one here does."
"Don't call me dude," I muttered and handed him the cup.
He rolled his eyes. "Wow, werewolves are so much fun."
I bristled at his tone. If this little punk knew who I really was then he would be on his knees submitting to me. But I would keep my true identity a secret for now, at least until I could be sure I was safe.
"Listen, I am glad you are away. Do you know what kind of wolfsbane the Hunters hit you with?" he asked.
I shook my head. "No."
He looked troubled. "You are still infected. It is really slow acting. But make no mistake, you are dying. I have been mixing different solutions but nothing is working."
He walked over and bent down. His hands reached for the cloths that rested over my chest. I growled lowly at him. He merely cocked his head to the side.
"I just want to show you the wound."
He gently lifted the cloth off and I saw the black veins around the wound where the arrow had pierced me. "I know it looks like a typical aconite infection. But trust me it's not. I have slowed the poison down. But I need to find a cure for you. If you can help me. it can speed up my research."
"What are you?" I asked him. "A druid, some kind of shaman."
He bit his lip. "Lets just say I am not welcome in Beacon Hills anymore than you are."
I scowled. The wolfsbane is messing with my senses. I can hardly hear his heartbeat and I can't tell if he is lying. His scent, although strong wasn't revealing any of his emotions. He could be lying. About everything. I was sure he had secrets but I didn't know what about.
"Look, I get you don't trust me, a few hours ago you were being hunted. All I want is to get you healed and send you on your way. Okay."
I nodded.
"Not much of a talker," he murmured. "Okay. So, this is probably a dumb one but tell me, how are you feeling. What are your exact symptoms?"
"I think it is also effecting my senses. I can faintly hear your heartbeat and most of your scent is muted."
"Okay, not unusual. Lots of aconite does that. Some werewolves use certain breeds to allow themselves to get drunk."
I had indulged myself in such a drink. After we had fled for our lives wolfsbane infused alcohol was my only solace from the shame and anger.
"What about pain?"
"I feel sore all over. Like I am a walking bruise. If I move to quick or put too much pressure on my joints it hurts."
"Okay...it might have a little bit of the yellow monkshood than. That causes total paralyze and causes the lungs to shut down. Can you breathe just fine?"
I nodded.
"Okay, so maybe not."
He walked back over to the table where the brownie Harry sat. He picked up an arrow I recognized all to well.
"There is still some wolfsbane on here. Not enough to use as a cure I am afraid, but if I can figure out their cocktail, I can cure you."
"So you have no idea how to heal me because this is some new strain of poison the Argents have made and you have how long to find a cure?" I asked.
"To be honest, I think I have more than a month, but I am not sure. This strain is moving through your system really slow. I just need time."
"And I need to get back to my pack." I tried to get out of the bed but my body groaned in protest.
"Easy there." he placed his hands on my shoulders and gently pushed me back down. "Look forgetting the fact it will take longer for you to get out of these woods, I doubt your pack would be any more help than I would."
"We have emissaries," I bit back.
"I am not trying to be cocky. Forgetting the fact my tonics are slowing it down the time it would take for you to make it through the forest and avoid the Hunters with your abilities mostly suppressed would make your journey back to your pack end in almost certain death."
He was right. I was sure the Argents were patrolling the forest. No way in hell would Kate give up on chasing me. That bitch and I have been trying to kill one another for years now. I took small comfort knowing she was probably furious I was so close and wounded, yet just beyond her reach.
He did say the poison was working its way slowly through me. But with my powers dulled hiding from the Argents would be almost impossible. Plus finding my way out of this damn forest would take up a lot of time.
We had plenty of druids on our side. Some were emissaries from our allied wolf-packs. Others were still being trained to served a pack. They had years of knowledge he did not have.
But his logic was sound. If this is what I am like now what will I be in a few days?
"Fine. I will let you try and cure me," I muttered.
"Well damn don't sound so pissed about it." he remarked.
"My homelands are in the middle of a war. My people have either been driven our, killed or enslaved and Gerard fucking Argent sits in my ancestral home, ripping apart the very foundations of my kingdom. Now I am slowly dying with no certainty I am going to survive to see my pack or help end the war. Forgive me if my manners are lacking!" I snapped.
He held up his hands in a placating manner.
"Okay, calm down. Why don't you try and get some sleep. I am going to keep doing research. Are you hungry?"
I was going to tell him no but my stomach had other ideas. A loud growl sounded in the hut, it reminded me of my uncle Peter when he snored.
Stiles looked amused at my belly then to me. "I'll take that as a yes. "Harry, whip up some stew would you."
The brownie gave Stiles a salute than jumped off the table walked off. I couldn't see what he was doing but I could hear the sounds of a metal being dragged across the ground.
"You're going to let him cook?"
"He's a household spirit. Plus he does most of the cooking anyway."
The fireplace roared to life, startling me. I pushed myself up so I could see over the better. Harry had started a fire and had placed a metal pot in the fireplace. He was surprisingly strong for a little thing.
"By the way, what is your name?" Stiles asked.
"...Derek," I answered him.
He nodded. "Funny, you look more like a Tyler to me. Or maybe an Ian. Well, better get back to work."
And So Stiles did become the caretaker to Derek. Unaware he was in the company of royalty (Derek was a common name so don't be surprised he didn't connect him with the Hales).
Stiles worked hard, using every technique he knew. He read every book he had and even went to the gentry for help. But even they could not help. Stiles soon discovered that the poison wasn't just artificial, it was created using magic.
Gerard Argent had no love for druids or those beings who were mortal, yet could control supernatural forces known as sparks, so the idea that someone schooled in the arcane was helping the Argents left him both flabbergasted and fearful he might not be able to help cure Derek.
But Stiles wasn't a quieter, he was a Stilinski and a child of the wood clan. He would not stop until he found a way to cure Derek. Because honestly, after three days it was a miracle they hadn't tried to kill one another.
Derek was desperate to get home to his family. Plus he was constantly being fed different tonics by Stiles and did not think it was possible for someone to speak about the most mundane subjects for hours...literally...hours. And of course Stiles being a huge smart ass didn't take any attitude from Derek without throwing his own sass in.
While Stiles tried desperately to cure his charge Talia Hale was holding a meeting to discuss some rather distressing news.
Talia
"Ennis, Kali and Deucalion` are dead," I announced.
The tent was filled with gasps. The twins looked especially furious. Aiden broke his goblet and Ethan's eyes blazed a fiery red. His mate Danny placed a comforting hand on his shoulder but that did little to calm him.
":What about their packs?" Satomi asked.
"Alive and unharmed. Marco has inherited Deucalion's alpha spark. As have Kali and Ennis's betas."
"Who did it?" Aiden demanded. "Which one of those Argent bastards did it! Tell me so I know who to kill!"
"It wasn't the Argents," I said.
"Who else could kill three of the most powerful alphas in the land?" Noshiko asked.
I looked to Scott and nodded. He leaned forward, addressing everyone at the table. "My informant in the Argent kingdom has told me of a series of unsolved murders that have been occurring in the kingdom. People have been found murdered in the same way. With their throats cut and the back of their heads bashed in."
"So what?" Aiden asked looking agitated. "Who cares if a bunch of humans are being murdered?"
Scott gave Aiden a hard look.
"Because that is how Deucalion and the others were killed, wasn't it?" Ethan asked.
Ethan always was the more calm and rational of the twins. Aiden wasn't a fool, but when his temper rises, he can't think straight.
Scott nodded at Ethan and pulled out a pouch. He pulled out a series of stones and placed them at certain points on the map. That covered the table "The murders are always in three. At first it was assumed to be a serial killer. But none of the victims had anything in common until my informant realized three of the victims were virgins, three were healers, three were warriors, three were teachers and now we have a set of three alphas murdered."
"The three-fold death," Noshiko said. She had a good poker face. But I knew this knowledge troubled her as it did with anyone who knew what it meant.
"And what does this all mean?" David Martin asked.
The Martins had once been one of the most influential members in my court back in the day. When the Argents invaded, they were quick to leave. The women in their bloodline tended to turn out to be banshees and his daughter Lydia had predicted the attack coming.
It was thanks to him and his wealth we were able to finance our army. Sadly Lydia had been captured when her family had tried to escape and if our information was right she was being kept in the castle and an honored guest.
Deaton stepped forward, drawing everyone's attention. "When Scott came to me about the ritualistic nature of the deaths, I suspected the worse. When I had him show me where they took place I realized the situation was more dire than we thought. Someone is making sacrifices to the nemeton."
"Impossible," Corrine spoke. "The nemeton is in the middle of that godforsaken forest. These are different locations in the kingdom."
"If the sacrifices are made on ley lines than it can still power the nemeton," Araya said.
Araya Calavera. One of my most powerful and controversial allies. Araya is the matriarch of the Calavera Hunters. You may be asking why a family of Hunters were helping my clan reclaim our kingdom?
The Calavera's can be ruthless and cutthroat. But they are firm believers of the code and follow it to the letter. Araya knows Gerard cares nothing for their code and has twisted it to suit his own ambitions. Araya refuses to allow Gerad to continue his sacrilege.
Bringing the Calavera into the fold had almost caused a schism among my allies. But the Calavera have proved themselves as trusted allies many times. It also helped they had brought allies. Nagual, mohan, duende and acalica. Creatures from their part of the world who were more than happy to be allowed to kill Hunters without fear of retribution.
"Nemetons are at the center of a massive crossing of ley lines. By making sacrifices at lesser crossings one can send power to and from the nemeton. The greater the number of crossings the more power is distributed."
One of the nagual, Araya's personal guard; Kissa spoke. "My people have long since built temples at these places. To make our sacrifices to our gods."
"Well it's not like anyone could have cared for our fallen comrades," Corrine said.
Aiden snarled and stood up so quick his chair fell back. His eyes burned red as he glared at Corrine.
"Watch your mouth coyote bitch!"
She merely smiled at him, her eyes flashed an icy blue color. "Sit down boy. I know Deucalion never taught you to respect your elders but I am sure he taught you how to fear your betters."
The twins had the strongest connection with Deucalion and the others. Once there had been a time I would have mourned his loss. But I already shed tears for my old friend a long time ago.
Once he had been a man of vision and peace. Then he was tricked by Gerard Argent. He stabbed him in the eyes with a pair of arrows which blinded Deucalion. After that he became a man of blood and war. He was one of the first to offer me aid.
I did not care for the man he became, but I always hoped that one day he would find his way back to the light.
He had taught the twins to control their power to merge into a singular powerful entity. They then killed over their alpha and took over their pack. Since they killed the old alpha when they were merged, his power was split between the two of them.
They were am old fashioned pack. One that lived by the law of the tooth and the claw. I had issues with them during my reign. Their pack had been raiding parts of my kingdom, ransacking villages and stealing cattle and people.
Danny had been one of those taken during a raid. He had been taken by Ethan as a slave and now is his mate. He was acquainted with Scott, they had gone to school together. Scott came close to attacking Ethan, thinking Danny was still a slave, but the young man had stood in front of his mate and got Scott to back down.
I had struck an alliance with the twins. They would help me stop Gerard and in return I would pardon their pack of all crimes against my kingdom and give them a piece of land to live on. Danny had been a great help in establishing communication between his pack and ours.
He knew their ways why they did what they did. Where we saw nothing but brutes and savages Danny saw people who simply followed an age old tradition that had kept them alive for centuries.
"Enough, the both of you," I spoke firmly. "Whatever faults they had they were our allies and have fought with us during the last few years."
Aiden sat back down, sending one last glare at Corrine who stile gave him that icy look.
Ah, Corrine. What had Peter been thinking when he courted her?
I loathed to have the wretch sit at my table. She would have killed her own daughter, Malia if it meant she could reclaim the power she lost when she birthed her. And she would have had Peter, and I not stolen her away as soon as they cut the cord and hidden her away.
Of course the Argents went and did the job for her. We had received reports that the Argents had killed Malia and her adoptive family when Malia transformed when she was thirteen.
Yet one more loss I would make Gerard pay for when the time came.
I only allowed her here because she was the representative of the werecyotes. They did not have alphas like werewolves did, they were mostly made up of packs of families ruled by the elders of their clans. Corrine was one of their most deadly warriors.
"So that is what these are?" Satomi asked. "Sacrifices?"
"Sacrifice is...a strong word. A true sacrifice it to surrender something that has meaning to the one making the offering. The greater the connection the more meaning the sacrifice has. I doubt whoever it is committing these murders has any true value for the lives he or she is taking. But still, taking life and using it in such a way can grant a great a terrible power."
"And do we know who or what is making these sacrifices?"
Deaton sighed. "I believe it is one like me. Not a druid, one who has gone down the dark path. A darach."
"Well they can't be working for Gerard than. Everyone knows that old fuck hates the sparks just as much as he hates the rest of us."
"Gerard Argent does not hate us because of our inhuman nature," Noshiko said. "He hates us because he envies us for our power, our strength. Because he is a man who craves power. And like all men who crave power he fears those who could be stronger than he or oppose him."
"What have the Argents done so far about these murders?" I asked Scott."
"Used it to accuse feral omegas of murder. My contact in the castle says the Argents are well aware that a darach is about. They are investigating peoples homes. Claiming they are looking for shifters when in truth they are looking for any signs of witchcraft."
"Could this darach be working for the Argents?" David asked. "If they killed some of ours surely they are against us."
"The murders have been random. People of both low and noble birth have been killed. Some were Argent supporters. Others were just common folk."
"If a darach is making sacrifices, then it is surely trying to obtain power from the nemeton. If that is the case we need to try to stop it. No human or monster is meant to wield that power," Araya said. "If the darach could kill the demon wolf and two other alphas than their power is already great."
"Can't your emissary just use his magic to find this thing?" Corrine asked me.
"If I could, I would. I am a druid. I have sworn oaths to protect nature and maintain its balance. But the darach is upsetting that balance by needlessly taking life. But if they have the power to kill Deucalion, then they are skilled enough to hide from detection."
Aiden slammed his fist on the table. "We have to avenge them! This is an insult to us! If we allow this darach to murder our own without retribution-"
"We are in the middle of a war with the Argents and prince Derek is still missing. Our manpower is spread thin as it is. We can't waste resources hunting a darach," Noshiko said.
I tried to keep the pain I felt from showing. It has been three long days and still no word from Derek. If he was still in that godforsaken forest than he could be dead or dying. If I could I would brave the fury of those who lived there if it mean bringing my precious boy home.
"We know the Argents have sent troops to patrol around the forest of ash. Which means they think he is in there. Derek was smart to run in there, no Argent would dare set foot in that forest," Peter said.
"We need to send some troops in to find him!" Cora finally spoke, her voice thick with anger but her eyes held a tinge of fear. When she learned Derek was being hunted by Kate she almost ran off to go find Derek herself.
"The forest of ash is not a place for our kind to just go strolling through. Or have you forgotten why it got its name?" Ethan asked.
"Then we send in our human troops!" Cora snapped. "They would have no problem getting in!"
"And what about the gentry?" Ethan fired back, his voice becoming more harsh.
"The creatures that live in the forest are peaceful until they are provoked. I myself spent time among them during the years I trained to become an emissary. There is a hut there where druids stay to learn and practice their craft. I was always treated as an honored guest and even broke bread with my neighbors many times," Deaton responded.
"But this is Derek we're talking about him. We all know his shitty attitude had probably gotten himself turned into a toad or something!"
"Cora," I said sternly. "No one here wants to march in there and find your brother more than I do. If Derek was willing to run in there than he is smart enough to know to keep his temper in check. For now we will monitor the forest and wait for any sign of him."
Cora looked like she wanted to argue, but she merely scowled at the table. Glaring at the part of the map where the forest of ash could be seen.
"As for this darach I am going to have Deaton investigate the deaths of our comrades. I do not like the idea of some evil druid running around killing for power. Make no mistake, whom ever he or she is I will see them punished. Not just for the werewolves they have killed but the humans. Gerad may sit on my throne but the people of Beacon Hills are still mine to protect. Now if there is anything else?"
No one spoke.
"Then let us adjourn."
Slowly everyone left the tent. Cora walked over to me. Before she could even open her mouth, I wrapped my arms around her.
"I'm sorry for my outburst mother," she said.
"It's all right my darling," I whispered softly to her.
"Derek could be dead or injured and he's being hunted by that cunt Kate and all I am doing is sitting on my ass!"
I pulled back to look at her. "Derek wouldn't want you rushing into danger to save him Cora."
"Derek would do it for me, or Laura," she replied.
I smiled. "True. And I would be telling him the same thing I am telling you."
"I just wish there was some way we could know if he was okay."
"I know. But there is no way we can find out what is going on in that blasted forest."
"Actually m'lady there is," Scott said. He was the only one still in the tent now.
I smiled softly at him. He didn't need to call me m'lady. Even after he became an alpha. I still remember when he was brought to me. He and the rest of the survivors from his platoon. A bunch of boys barely on the cusp of manhood who had no business fighting in a war.
I clothed them, I helped tend their wounds. Siphoning their pain and helping put healing paste to their injuries. Peter thought I should do to them what Gerard did to our people. Put them in chains and send them to die in the mines.
I firmly reminded Peter these boys were our people. They were born in the time when I reigned and should not be faulted for doing what any common folk would do.
So I gave them a choice. I would give them supplies to return to their home if they chose or even go to another kingdom to live. Hell, I even offered them jewels from my own collection for the journey. Or if they wanted, they could join me and reclaim their homeland and save their family from tyranny.
They all chose to join me, and Scott was one of the few who even requested the bite. The poor boy had weak lungs and should have never been allowed to serve as a warrior. But Gerard cared little for medical conditions.
Scott had risen beyond even my expectations, he rose to his station not by killing another alpha but through his own will. A true alpha.
His ascension had been the motivation our people needed. True alphas were rare, only appearing once every hundred years. And in these dark times such a being was sorely needed. Scott was a symbol to our people, something we all hoped to be. A true noble savage.
"I have a friend who lives in the forest. He might be of help."
"A friend?" I asked.
"My old friend Stiles. He is the son of Noah Stilinski."
"Sheriff Stilinksi's son?" I asked.
He nodded with a smile. "Yes. Noah is my informant in the cities guard. Not long after I was conscripted Stiles was forced to leave the city. He is...special."
"Special?" I asked.
He bit his lip. He looked at us, his expression serious. "I need you to both swear an oath in the name of your family name you will not repeat what I am about to tell you."
Cora and I looked at one another in surprise. Scott had never asked us to make such an oath. He was one of my most trusted men so for him to make such a request could only mean he was serious about his friends safety.
Cora and I both swear to keep what we were about to learn a secret.
"My friend Stiles is a fox spirit of the wood clan. His mother Claudia, Noah's late wife was of the wind clan. Stiles left the kingdom to live in the forest before his nature could be discovered. As far as the Argents are concerned he fled before he could be conscripted. But if they learn Noah married a fox spirit and has a son who is not human, it will be the end of him."
Cora and I were both stunned.
I remember meeting Claudia several times. I often met with Noah to go over security details and any situations that needed my attention. I even invited them to my palace for parties.
Now that I think about it I remember their son. He was a shy little thing, hiding behind his mother and looking at me like I was going to gobble him up.
"We had fox spirits in our kingdom?" Cora asked, looking furious.
Scott gave her a harsh look. "Stiles and his mother never hurt no one Cora."
"Not that you know of Scott. You don't know our history with them!"
I admit I was shocked. The idea a pair of fox spirits had been hiding under my nose was rather unsettling. I grew up hearing the stories of our war with them. It was long before my time but even after all these generations there was still bad blood between our people.
I didn't think any of them would want to live on our lands. I had never persecuted them. The past was the pas,t and I wasn't interested in stirring the pot by bringing up past sins.
I would have to have a talk with Noah when I had the chance. I could not fault him for keeping his family safe, I am sure plenty of other werewolves would have treated Claudia and their son with suspicion and hostility.
But I didn't like being kept in the dark.
I placed a hand on her shoulder. "Scott is right Cora. I know the spirits have a history for being tricksters. But the war was a long time ago. And if I recall Claudia came from Polska. Am I right Scott?"
He nodded.
"Then she would have no reason to bare us any ill will. I assume Stiles affinity for woods has made him fit in at the forest despite the rowan."
"Yes. He can pass through the barriers and he is friendly with the gentry. I can send a letter to Noah and he can contact Stiles and find out if he knows anything about Derek."
"Why haven't you told us about any of this?" Cora demanded.
"To keep Stiles and his father safe. Stiles doesn't even know I am a werewolf. It pains me to keep him in the dark but I have learned the hard way to keep a secret. Noah and I send coded messages but we know the Argents have code breakers."
"You mentioned an informant in the castle. Who is that?" Cora asked.
I already knew who she was. And if Cora found out I doubt even I could calm her fury.
"Scott does not need to tell us all his secrets in one night dear. I know who that particular informant is." I gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Why don't you go speak with Laura. I am sure she is fretting over Derek and could use a sisters ear."
She nodded and walked past Scott, shooting him a scowl.
I sighed. "I apologize for Cora. She and Derek got their fathers temper."
Scott waved his hand. "Suspicion can be good in small doses. If I was in her shoes, I am sure I would be irate as well."
"Irate?" I chuckled. "What a simple term to describe a Hale in a foul mood."
"Talia...I know our people have had bad blood with the fox spirits in the past, but Stiles isn't even related to the spirits that fought in the war."
I felt a sense of pride when he said 'Our People.' It had taken him a long time to accept his lupine nature. Even though he asked for the bite, he was a gentle soul and the predator instincts were difficult for him to adjust to.
"I admit Scott I do have reservations. I have never wished ill on the fox spirits. But if you had been properly schooled in our peoples history, you would understand why Cora and I are shocked to discover not one but two of them were in our lands. I may welcome people from all walks of life but I like to know who and what lives in my territory."
Sadly there had not been much time to sit Scott down and teach him about our peoples history. Most of his time was spent learning to control his instincts and training to fight. We tried to get as many lessons in as we could.
When the war was won, I was going to make sure every wolf bitten during this war received a proper education...no, not just the werewolves. Every child Gerard has denied the truth and knowledge to.
"I understand."
"But I recall you speaking of this...Stiles...many times before. It is clear you care about him."
"He is like my brother. We were the oddballs growing up. We always had each others backs. He is smart, I dare say he could be a help to us. But I would prefer him to stay in the forest where it is safe."
"If Kate Argent is sniffing around looking for my son, then he may already be involved. It is true werewolves and fox spirits don't get along. But we have Noshiko and her folk helping us. I don't see why we shouldn't trust your friend as well."
"Thank you Talia. I will send a message to Noah immediately. I know Derek and I haven't seen eye to eye before but I wish him returned to us safely."
I chuckled. Oh how that was putting it mildly. I wish I had spent more time training Scott but most of my time was spent leading our forces and making sure everyone got along. I had trusted Derek to train Scott, I always had a sense Scott had a lot of potential and I trusted Derek to help him tap into it.
They spent more time arguing and fighting then they did bonding.
"Talia!"
The flap of the tent was pushed aside and Jennifer, Derek's fiance walked in. I waved a hand at Scott and he left me alone with Jennifer.
"Talia, has there been any word of Derek?" She walked over to me, her heartbeat steady but her eyes showed distress.
Jennifer was a druid. She and Derek announced their engagement a few months ago. Truth be told I never thought Derek would ever marry. After what Kate did to him I feared he had closed his heart off forever. But something about Jennifer charmed Derek. They had been courting for little more than a year.
"I am afraid not my dear. But we believe he is still in the forest of ash. The Argents are still patrolling around those woods. We both know they would only dare go near it for a damn good reason."
"I have tried scrying for him. But the magics there are too strong. Even locator spells are useless."
"It is fine. Scott knows of one who lives in the forest who might be off help."
"Really? Who?"
I shook my head. "I cannot say. I trust Scott though and if he says this friend of his could help, then I believe him."
She nodded. "I just want him back Talia. The sooner the better. I can only imagine what he must be going through. All alone with no shelter. Why he must be so afraid!"
Derek
I sat comfortably in the bed, reading the book Stiles had given me to help pass the time. The book was written by a man named Gabriel Valack. He had been a spark with powerful mental abilities and studied the supernatural.
He had been a respected member of the scientific community until it was discovered he had been performing inhumane experiments on shifters. They say he even drilled a hole in his head to increase his own power.
The alpha werewolf with their eyes a fiery red are the leaders of a wolf pack. Their powers are naturally stronger than the average werewolfs. But they are not just important to the species because they are the leaders. They are also necessary for the werewolves procreation. Only the bite from an alpha or a scratch (provided it is deep enough and even then it is rare) can cause a human to become a werewolf. Not only that but alphas always breed werewolves. If a werewolf is injured by an alpha, their injuries heal at a slower rate. This serves two functions. As a way to punish unruly members of the pack, a way to remind them of their place. And also to discourage challengers. It is possible for a beta to beat an alpha in a fight but there are many factors that can determine the outcome. If a beta looses it almost means certain death as the alpha is likely to kill them to keep them from challenging their rule again.
The beta wolf is the average werewolf. Although their abilities are not as powerful as an alphas they are still considerable when compared to a mere humans. A beta is distinguished from an alpha by their eye color. Typically a beta will have yellow eyes. But should a beta take an innocent life their eyes will turn blue. It is said taking an innocent life causes spiritual damage to one's soul thus this is reflect in their eye color. However blue or yellow when a beta ascends to alpha their eyes will turn red. The only way an beta can become an alpha is if they kill another alpha or if their alpha dies and his or her power is passed to the next in line of succession. In families this is the first born child, while in none-nuclear packs the power will transfer to the highest ranked wolf after the alpha. When betas mate with humans there is a fifty-percent chance the child will be born either a human or a werewolf. Procreating with another beta increases the odds of another werewolf being born but there are times when a human child may be produced.
The omega wolf is for all intents and purposes a beta werewolf that has either been cast out of their pack for some crime or a survivor from a pack that has been decimated. All their abilities and their physiology is just like that of a betas. Though without the stability of a pack they tend to become more feral and more likely to attack innocent people on the night of a full moon. There are cases where omegas team up to form a pseudo-pack.. These are not true packs because every pack needs an alpha to provide the emotional and mental stability an alpha provides to their kind. Forming a pack can slow the rate of mental decline but it is possible for a omega pack to turn feral.
The true alpha is a very rare occurrence. Unlike other alphas who get their power through death and murder a true alpha gets his status through their own will. They have abilities more powerful than a typical alphas and if a wolf kills a true alpha they will not inherit their power. However if a true alpha is killed by a beta they bit the power will transfer to their beta. Or if they die through other means the power will only transfer to a werewolf they have made. Because of their rarity and their reputation for being the most moral and virtuous of the werewolves, true alphas are often regarded with a great amount of respect and awe. So great is their power, that with effort they can penetrate a ring of mountain ash. Though this takes a lot out of them and can be fatal.
The evolved wolf is a werewolf who has managed to learn how to transform themselves fully into a wolf. These beings are almost as rare as the true alpha. In order for the power to be obtained a werewolf (alpha or beta) must be at total harmony with his or her wolf in a way others are not. Because of their perfect balance of instinct, evolved wolves are greatly respected by others of their kind and often sought for console. In a way they are pseudo-alphas. Their abilities are on the same level of that of an alpha, the only thing that separates them is eye color, the ability to transform and of course evolved wolves are not able to turn another with a bite. Interestingly evolved wolves seem to posses the same ability to draw in other werewolves and control them that an alpha does. It is possible for evolved wolves to lead packs of omegas and keep them from de-evolving. In a wolf pack the evolved wolf is always the alphas second. Only the alphas orders and commands succeeds the evolved wolf's. It is possible for an evolved wolf to become an alpha themselves. With the power of an alpha the evolved wolf posses power unseen among their kind. The wolf instincts become even stronger and their abilities are said to be at the same level as a true alphas. Curiously the evolved wolf has a physiology more similar to that of an actual wolf, no doubt a result of being more in tune with their wolf spirit. The females never reach menopause and tend to go into heat during the winter and the males develop a knot during intercourse. And much like an alpha the children produced in a mating are always werewolves.
Finally, the eternal omega. There is not much to say about these poor, pathetic creatures. The eternal omega is an omega who has lost all higher cognitive functions and has totally given into their feral nature. Joining a pack is out of the question as they will even attack alphas. If by some chance they manage to kill an alpha they will become a feral alpha. Driven only by instinct they will try and form their own pack, even if this means indiscriminately attacking innocent humans. These beings are very rare as both werewolves and Hunters refuse to allow these beings to cause chaos.
The next part of the book spoke about werewolf mutations. What causes them and about deviant strains of lycanthropie where a person is still a werewolf but something about their spiritual self causes their transformation to become twisted and obscene.
He may have been a lunatic but he knew a lot about werewolves. Some of his theories were rather interesting if far-fetched. Why was it always the crazy ones who had the best ideas?
"Damn it all to hell!"
I looked up from my book to see Stiles bang his fist on the table. "Another failure?" I asked.
"Yes and it's pissing me off!" He began to rummage around going through the scrolls and papers he had sat down. "This might have been easier if there wasn't magic involved, but magic always makes things so damn complicated!"
Harry came running up to Stiles holding a brown pouch. He made some grunting sounds, nudging Stiles leg.
"Thanks Harry."
He reached down and took the pouch. He reached in and took two pills and popped them in his mouth and drank from a goblet of water.
"What are those?" I asked.
"Something to help me focus. Ever since I was a kid I have been hyper. My mind just starts racing and it is hard for me to concentrate on one subject."
He rook a deep breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose. I noticed the bruises forming under his eyes and felt a pain of guilt. Stiles only had one bed. He had been sleeping on a small cot, but most of the time he was working, trying to find a cure.
If he was another wolf or someone I was more familiar with I would share the bed with him. Werewolves were more tactile than humans. We didn't fuss over touch like they did. I have shared a bed with many men and women, but only as friends and comrades when beds and cots were sparse and comfort was needed.
But Stiles wasn't part of my pack, I have only known him for three...long days. Our relationship wasn't exactly cordial. My mood wasn't the best right now. I was separated from my pack and wounded and dealing with the aches and pains the poison was giving me and Stiles just got under my skin.
Grateful I was for his help, but by the moon he just wouldn't shut up sometimes!
"You know what we need?" he asked.
"A cure?"
He gave me a dry look. "Well slap my ass, he can actually make a joke."
I gave him a low growl.
"I was going to say you need to get out of this cabin. You have been stuck in here for three days. You must be going stir crazy. I am sure a nice walk in the forest would help you relax a little. Plus to be honest you need a bath, bad."
"Whats that supposed to mean?" I asked indignantly.
"I mean you are rather rank. Bet you haven't had a bath in over a week!"
I raised my arm and smelled my pit. Stiles made a gagging sound and covered his face. "Put that down, I can smell it all the way here!"
I glowered at him. He was right, I was feeling a little stir crazy. I could use a nice walk through the woods...and maybe a bath as well to be honest.
"I'll get you some tonic for the pain and I'll pack us some cloths. There is a river nearby where I go to get cleaned up."
He packed us a couple of bags and gave me some of the tonic (which tasted like overripe onions) and he helped me climb on his horse.
The second I felt the wind on my skin and the earth beneath my feet I instantly felt at ease. I wanted to transform and run around and roll around in the grass but I was still in a bit of pain from the poison.
We were about to pass through a group of rowan trees. Stiles either didn't forgot about their effects on shifters or he wasn't paying attention. Last thing I needed was to be knocked of my ass because of his lack of perception.
"Stiles, look out!" I warned him.
"Relax. Lets us through ladies."
I didn't know who he was talking to, but just as we were about to pass through the rowan I tensed, waiting for the power of the rowan to throw me off Roscoe. (Seriously, who names their horse Roscoe?)
But nothing happened. I stared at the trees in shock and Stiles chuckled at the look of surprise on my face. "It's okay. I am friends with the wood nymphs. They'll lets us pass the barriers."
"I didn't know that was possible," I said.
"Only if the tree has a nymph. Not all the rowan in this forest have nymphs. There is old magic here so a lot of the trees have a spirit."
"Stiles!"
A trio of women were running to us. I knew right away they were not human. They moved a grace and speed that no human had. Their skin was flawless without a single mark or blemish. Their hair long and illustrious.
They were more beautiful than any of the highborn women I have ever met and had an air of sensuality that would make even the most experienced whore envious. I have heard stories of the nymphs beauty. How mortals and gods alike often sought them for pleasures of the flesh and how they were capable of birthing humans and monsters alike.
They danced around us, laughing and giggling. Chanting Stiles name.
"Hey girls," Stiles responded. "Derek, these are Penelope, Pomona and Caissa. Girls, this is Derek."
"Hi Derek," they all said with a dreamy sigh. They stopped circling around me to walk closer.
"Are you feeling better? You poor thing."
"Is Stiles taking good care of you."
"My, those cloths are awfully tight on you."
They all giggled. The cloths I wore were Stiles. They were too small for me, they threatened to rip under the strain of my muscles.
"Come on girls, don't pester the guy. We are on our way to get a bath in the river."
They all jumped up and down and clap their hands happily.
"You're not invited!" Stile snapped, his cheeks turned a little red.
I shot him a look of gratitude and he nodded. The girls all whined and ran off, blowing kisses and winking at me as they left.
"Sorry about them. Nymphs are very susceptible to a pretty face."
"Pretty?" I asked.
He blushed and I felt an odd sense of pleasure at his reaction. We continued on our way. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck as we made our way deeper into the forest. I knew we were being watched. But I couldn't sense who or what it was.
My senses were still dulled by this damn poison! I hated this feeling!
We came across a group of brownies like Harry who were carrying little baskets of laundry.
"Afternoon Mama Hob," Stiles said.
"Hello Stiles. Taking the wolf-man out for a stroll I see," said the woman at the head of the group, at least I think she was a woman.
"Yep, he's been cooked up for too long, needs to stretch his legs."
"Needs a bath to by the smell of him," she replied. She fixed me with a hard look. "You be nice to this boy young man. Harry has told me you been rather snippy with him. I don't know how your mother raised you but when you are someones guest you best be polite."
All the brownies behind her shook their hands at me. I felt like a little pup being scolded by his mother. How was it I, Derek Hale prince of Beacon Hills was being humbled by a foot tall hairy creature.
"Now Mama, go easy on him. He is being hunted by Argents and is poisoned. I think that would put anyone in a mood," Stiles said coming to my defense.
"Aye. Last thing we need is Argents sniffing around the place. Don't worry young wolf. They know better than to come round these parts."
"Are those my cloths," I said noticing what they carried in their baskets.
"Aye, couldn't let fine clothing like that go to waste. Blood can be a bitch to get out. But nothing a brownie can't handle."
They went on their way, making the same grunting sounds Harry made. I had never heard Harry speak English before, I wondered if Mama Hob was the only one who could.
"She's fierce for a little thing," I said.
"Never underestimate a brownie. They may seem harmless but when angered they will mess you up."
I suddenly heard the sounds of pans being played and a group of goat men passed by eyes. Stiles waved to them and they waved back.
"Are those satyrs?"
"No, they are fauns. And don't let them here you call them that!" he warned.
"Why?"
"People confuse satyrs with fauns all the time. Fauns are part goat but satyrs are related to horses. We have satyrs in the forest but they live further north."
"I take it they don't get along?"
"Fauns are peaceful and gentle. Satyrs are sexual deviants who use their magic to lure in women to procreate with. Calling a faun a satyr is like calling a virgin a whore."
"I have heard some unsavory things about satyrs," I commented.
"Oh I am sure you have. Normally I am not one to perpetrate stereotypes but lets just say I am glad I am not a woman. Otherwise I would never leave my house unarmed. If a satyr can't woe a woman with wine or their own natural charms they use their pipes to hypnotize them. Plenty of times a woman has come to close to the satyrs territory and nine months later she is leaving a bundle outside the forest."
"Thats horrible."
He nodded in agreement.
We passed a couple more groups of creatures. They all waved and some stopped to chat with us. They were friendly with Stiles, though some of them treated me a little warily.
We finally came to the river and Stiles helped me off Roscoe. He handed me the soap he had brought and a washcloth and he walked over to the river. He took off his boot and dipped his toe into the river, checking it's temperature.
"It feels nice. Picked a good day to-"
The words died in his mouth when he turned around to look at me and see me void of any clothing. His face turned beet red and he spun back around. "What the hell are you doing?!"
"Getting a bath, you did say I smell rank remember?"
"You could have warned me you know! I almost had a damn heart attack!"
I rolled my eyes and made my way to the river. "Humans. You're such prudes. A little skin and you get all flustered."
"It's called decency. Not all of us are comfortable flaunting our privates around for the world to see!"
"I am not flaunting anything. You're just making a big deal out of nothing," I told him.
"Says the guy with a third leg," he muttered.
I didn't even dignify him with an answer. Though I felt a sense of pride. I wasn't vain about how looked, but I wasn't blind either. I knew I was attractive, moon knows I have had many people tell me.
I checked the water and was pleased by its warmth. I waded into the water until it reached my waist. I turned back to see Stiles was waiting by the rivers edge, his back turned to me.
"Well are you going to get in?" I asked.
"What?"
"You said you needed a bath two. This river is more than big enough for the both of us. No sense in waiting until I am done."
He turned his head to look at me. Then he walked over to Roscoe-who was drinking from the river-he grabbed a bag and pulled out a towel and some soap. He undressed but stopped when he saw I was still watching him.
"Do you mind?"
I turned my head. Why had I been staring?
Yes werewolves didn't sweat nudity but that doesn't mean we lacked manners or didn't respect other peoples boundaries. I heard him walk into the river and soon I saw him out of the corner of my eye.
"How are you feeling Derek?" he asked.
"All right. I feel a little fuzzy."
"It's the tonic, since the poison is effecting your healing your more susceptible to drugs and herbs. Which is good I guess because that means the tonic can help ease your pain. Sorry it's taking so long I-"
I lost track of what he was saying. I was too busy staring at his naked chest. Moon this boy was wolf-bait. Everything about his was tantalizing me. That round face and doe eyes, those lips that screamed 'Bite me!' and that mole-dotted skin. That shaggy hair just begging to be pulled and that neck.
By the moon the things I would do to that neck. Hickies, bite marks, beard burn. Just some of the things I would do to it. And his scent. Mmm, I confess laying in his bed wasn't so bad. Surround by the smell of him, lulling me to sleep. And even though his cloths were too small for me I liked knowing his smell was being rubbed into my flesh.
I felt my dick begin to stir between my legs.
Moon what is wrong with me? I am acting like I am a horny teenager again, getting hard over a single attractive person.
I was glad I had my back to Stiles, knowing him he would make some snarky comment like-
"Derek!"
"What?"
Stiles gave me an annoyed look. I have been calling your name for like a minute. What is wrong?"
"Its-just the tonic messing with my head."
I need to get it together. Forgetting the fact Stiles is a stranger I am engaged to Jennifer. Werewolves take their love life very seriously. Jennifer was kind and caring. I never thought I would be so lucky to be able to find love again.
To be honest I had not been interested in her at first. She was beautiful and intelligent but after Kate I could never trust another person with my heart. But somehow Jennifer found her way in. I found myself feeling more and more drawn to her.
One night after I returned from a battle covered in wounds she cared for me and we had sex and after that I just wanted her.
But Stiles was causing a reaction in me that wasn't anything like with Jennifer. It wasn't like with Kate either. Yeah, I had been attracted to Kate. I was young and she was an older gorgeous woman who chose me of all people. I should have been smart but like all young men my dick had a tendency to get me in trouble.
Because of me my family was almost burned to death and the Argents were able to invade our kingdom. The whole war is my fault.
My reaction to Stiles made me feel all the more cautious of him. I don't know why I am acting like this around him. But it can't be natural.
"So, do you have any family?" Stiles asked me.
"Why do you ask?"
He shrugged. "Just trying to learn more about you."
"Well don't bother. I won't be here much longer," I bit.
"Jeez, talk about hot and cold."
I fought the urge to say something. I knew if I did it would only turn into one of our sparring sessions.
Instead I decided to turn this conversation around. Maybe try and learn more about him.
"So, are you training to be a druid?" I asked. "All those books and you seem skilled in herbology."
He gave me a scathing look. "You're not going to be here much longer so what does it matter?"
"Just humor me."
"No. I am not a druid. When I first came here the gentry welcomed me. There not so bad. You just got to respect them and their home. They don't live like we do with out homes and huts. I mean if someone came in your place and started wrecking shit wouldn't that piss you off."
You have no idea.
"This one time I plucked a flower but didn't know it was guarded by a pixie and she damn near bit my finger off."
I couldn't help but chuckle. I had this silly image in my head of Stiles running around trying to fling a pixie off her finger.
"You laugh but let me tell you, pixies are like wasps. They are mean as fuck!"
"So why did you leave the kingdom? If not because you are a druid I assume you are a spark."
"Yes, something like that. I wasn't safe in Beacon Hills anymore. I had to leave my dad behind because if they found out what I really was...well, you know what happens to humans who are related to shifters."
"Yeah, I know."
I had several human family members. But that didn't stop Kate from trying to kill them.
"Grandfather, he is the leader of the forest. He offered me the hut. I found a bunch of books and scrolls there. It helped pass the time. And I was able to learn so much."
"What about your father? What ever happened to him?"
"He is still in Beacon. We speak using codded messages. He visits when he can but he can't stay for long."
"Why don't the two of you just run away to another kingdom. I know that's what many have done."
"Can't afford that. And what would we do? How would we survive. Besides, my dad is important to the people in Beacon. He is one of the few good people left. They need him more than I do."
We were quiet for a few moments.
"You're a very brave man Stiles," I finally said.
"Thanks. I wish there was more I could do. I hate staying here while there is a war going on. But I am not a warrior. I can't fight."
"There is always a need for medics."
He laughed. "I almost puked when I cleaned your wounds. If something like that bothers me what would I do if I saw someone with a severed limb?"
"Pass out. It would be rather shameful."
He splashed me with some water. So naturally I responded in kind. It went back and forth and soon we were circling around one another, laughing as we wildly threw our arms around.
I ignored the little pains I was feeling. I was having too much fun now. All the energy that had been building up was finally getting released and I admit, it was nice just to relax and have some….fun.
Got it was hard to even think of the word.
I rushed at Stiles and he let out a scream. I picked him up and hauled him over my shoulder.
"Put me down you giant twat!" he yelled.
"As you wish!"
I fell backward, the water washed over my face. I let go of Stiles and stood back up on my legs. Stiles was coughing and shaking his head. I laughed at him and he gave me a fierce glare. He came at me, arms outstretched to push me back into the water. I caught his arms easily and held him back as he tried to push me under.
This was turning to be less about fun though and more about instinct.
I was a alpha and a evolved wolf like my mother. I evolved some time after I became an alpha. My wolf instincts were stronger than the norm. I was more tactile, instead of hugging or shaking hands I scented, if people stare into my eyes for too long I see that as a challenge.
Right now my instincts were telling me to defeat Stiles. To show him who the dominant one was. What started out as harmless fun had turned into something more avatistic. I couldn't lose to him, I wouldn't! This was more than pride, this was about establishing a pecking order. I had to show the little shit that although he is my caregiver for now, I was still of a higher station than him.
Plus he does look cute when he is frustrated. You should see him, with his face scrunched up and his teeth bared.
"Let me go!" he yelled trying to break free.
"Submit," I replied.
"Never!" he replied.
I pulled his arms up a little higher and leaned forward until our nose were almost touching. My vision turned red and I knew my alpha eyes were showing. "Submit."
I spoke softly, but there was an edge in my voice. The voice of an alpha, a superior being demanding obedience from one of lesser rank. Very rarely do I ever have to grow or roar to make another obey me. All I have to do is flash my eyes or use this same tone.
He stopped fighting, his whole body went limp. Then he turned his head, baring his throat to me. He knew how to appease me, no doubt he learned about werewolf behavior in one of those books of his.
I growled in pleasure at his actions. His submission pleased me. A pecking order had been established and now I had to play my part. I bent my face forward and buried it in his neck. My hearing wasn't as good as it should but at this range I could hear his little heart beat frantically.
I took a deep breath. Fuck his scent! Moon, why did you have to make him smell so divine!
I rubbed my cheek against his neck, he whined a little but I ignored him. I am sure my beard scratched his delicate skin but I needed to scent him. I saw that a rash had developed, I frowned, I hadn't meant to mark him up this bad.
I licked his neck, apologizing for my actions. Bathing him with my tongue. A whine escaped his lips and his scent became more spicy.
Arousal! He is becoming aroused!
I felt my fangs try to pop out. I wanted to bite into his neck, not to hurt or punish. But to claim. My mouth opened and just as my blunt human teeth began sharpened and Stiles gasped.
"Derek!"
I snapped my head back to look at him. His face was flush and he was breathing hard.
I let him go and backed away. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath and silently chanted the mantra I learned from the book of the five moons.
Alpha, beta, omega.
The alpha leads the pack and gives the gift of the moon through the bite.
The beta defends the pack, serving the alpha working as one for the greater good.
The omega serves the pack, they find greater meaning in their submission.
The true alpha gains power through heart and will.
The evolved beta becomes the wolf through balance.
The lone omega is a wretched thing, doomed to madness.
These are the three things that make up a pack. These are the three things that one can become.
The beta can become an alpha and the alpha can become an omega. All can rise, all can fall.
Alpha, beta, omega.
It wasn't the most eloquent piece from our holy book. But this was what was drilled into my head since I first learned to read. What I repeated in my head during those days when I first started to shift and needed something to focus on.
I opened my eyes, the world had returned to its regular color. "I am sorry, I-wolf instincts."
"I didn't know you are an alpha," he said.
"Yes. I am sorry for over stepping my bounds. I know we were just fooling around but my instincts were telling me we were having a fight for dominance."
He gave me an exasperated look. "We have a splashing contest and your wolf-y brain tells you to get all brawny?"
"Nothing personal. Just nature taking over."
He rubbed his neck. "It's fine, lets finish up and we'll head back."
He turned his back to me and resumed cleaning himself. I cursed myself for not having better control of my instincts. I hope something like this doesn't happen again.
We dried off and got our cloths back on. Stiles asked me if I wanted to ride Roscoe again but I declined. We walked back to the hut in an uncomfortable silence.
I glanced at Stiles-who was staring ahead, lost in thought- and realized something strange. His neck was still smooth and flawless, but it should still be marked up by my beard.
He must have used his magic to heal himself.
I didn't like the idea of him using magic to remove my marks on him. A part of me wanted to mark him up again. But I quickly pushed those instincts down. I may be an alpha evolved wolf, but I wasn't a savage.
Stiles
My God he's a fucking savage!
My neck is still tingling from the sensation of his beard and lips on my flesh. I read werewolves are big on the whole dominance and submission thing and establishing a pecking order but damn!
I only hope his senses were dulled enough that he hadn't been able to sense how turned on I was. God how am I going to be able to be around him now after what just happened.
I had tried not to stare at him back at the river. The image of his naked body was going to be seared into my mind for years. The gods have a cruel sense of humor to make one man so damn perfect.
He was muscular, but overtly so. He was perfectly fit for a man his size. Chis chest and belly were covered in thick black hair and his thigh and legs had a nice batch covering it as well. I didn't think hair could be sexy. But like everything else about Derek it fit him like a glove.
This is ridiculous. I am supposed to be caring for him, helping him heal. Not thinking about his perfect blue and green eyes or the water cascading down his back or about the giant monster co-
"Stiles!"
I jumped. "What?" I asked.
Derek looked at me with an annoyed expression. "I was asking you where you got Roscoe from."
"Oh." I placed my hand on Roscoe's face. "My mom got him for me when I was a young boy. He was just a foiling then. I remember begging my parents to let him sleep inside with us. We fell asleep together by the fire."
Derek smiled, and I felt things in my stomach flutter. Things that shouldn't be fluttering at all.
"You said your father is back in the kingdom. Is your mother still there as well."
I shook my head. "No. She passed away when I was young. A few years after she gave me Roscoe."
"I am sorry. How did it happen?"
That was the question. My mother was a fox spirit so she should have been healthier than any human. But one day her mind just started to shut down. For minutes, then hours, than days she would just become catatonic. Until one day she just didn't wake up ever again.
"Illness," I finally answered.
"I am sorry. I almost lost my family. The Argents almost killed them all."
"I am glad they are all safe. So many families have been torn apart by this war. It pleases me to know at least one is still intact."
Just than something came running out of the bushes and tackled me to the ground. Derek yelled my name and I saw a pair of blue eyes staring down at me before a tongue was lapping at my face.
Derek grabbed my attacked and threw her off me. He roared, his voice resonated deep into the woods. He brought his claws out and his eyes shined with a red light.
The coyote growled at Derek, but kept her distance from him. I had to give her credit, she was brave for being willing to take on an alpha.
"Derek it's okay!" I yelled.
I stood up and grabbed his arm. A dumb move considering he was in alpha mode but I couldn't let him hurt her.
"Okay, she attacked you!"
"She was just playing," I explained. I looked over at the coyote and smiled. "You'd never hurt me, right Malia."
"Malia?"
The coyote began to change, standing up on two legs while her fur vanished. Soon a naked girl with tan skin and brown hair stood before us. She glared at Derek, her lips pulled back in a snarl.
"Malia it's okay, he's a friend," I gently spoke to her. She looked from me to him then back to me.
"Heard the was a werewolf in the forest. Wanted to make sure you were okay, she said.
"Derek this is Malia, she is a friend of mine. She has lived here longer than I have. Sadly since she has spent so much time as a coyote she is a bit wild. I have been trying to help her get in touch with her humans side. She still hasn't learned the value of cloths though."
"I hate them. They are too constraining and they itch," she said.
I looked to Derek to see he was looking at her with a stony expression. "What is your last name?"
She gave him a cool look. I have seen her use that same expression just before she tore into someone. "What's it to you wolf boy?"
"Tate...is it Tate?" he asked.
Her eyes filled with shock. Then anger. "How do you know my name?"
He took a deep breath. "Because, I am your cousin. Derek Hale. Prince of Beacon Hills."
Suffice to say Derek's revelation was a shock to both Stiles and Malia. They all went to Stiles hut so Derek could explain everything to both of them. He explained about how Talia, his mother had hidden Malia away to protect her from her mother. Corrine, the infamous desert wolf who wanted to kill her to reclaim the power she had lost when she gave birth to Malia.
Malia explained how she had escaped the Hunters. How they had come for her when she had turned into a coyote when she was thirteen. How they murdered her father, mother and sister under the belief they were all a family of werecoyotes. Malia had fled, remaining in her coyote form because it was easier to deal with the pain as a beast.
Eventually she had made her way to the forest because it was the only place where the Argents did not dare go. She had taken a liking to Stiles and would bring him dead animals to eat. Stiles figured out she was actually a werecoyote and managed to coax her into returning to her human form and had been trying to help her stay connected to her human half.
Derek also had to explain to Stiles why he kept his true identity a secret. Stiles was still a bit upset about the deception but begrudgingly admitted he could understand Derek's logic. He was happy Malia was able to find her family, even if it wasn't the one she truly wanted.
Derek promised he would inform Talia of Malia's survival and that both she and Peter would be delighted. When Malia asked if she could go with him when he left the forest (because she was confident Stiles could cure him) Derek said no. Corrine was with Talia's army and even after all these years her desire for power had not diminished.
Malia understood. Having spent so long as a beast she thought only with a cold logic.
Several more days passed, on the night of the full moon Derek and Malia ran around outside Stiles hut. Derek tried to ignore the pain as best he could, even though Malia was a coyote his wolf still recognized her as kin and he was able to take comfort in her presence.
Malia learned how to siphon pain. A trick her cousin taught her and she used this ability to take Derek's discomfort. He was thankful, as it meant he didn't have to rely so much on Stiles tonics.
Stiles continued to try and figure out how to cure Derek, but he was making little progress. With each passing day he feared he might not be able to save Derek. The Argents were still patrolling around the forest. The other gentry reported their movements.
Things were tense in the woods now. Some were starting to wonder if maybe they should have left Derek outside their home for the Argents to find.
While the trio continued on in the forest Scott was making his way to his tent to relax. He had received a letter from Allison and wished to share it with someone dear to both him and her.
Scott
I sighed to myself as I pushed the flap of my tent open.
I walked in, even though it was dark I could see perfectly. One of the many advantages of being a werewolf: Nightvision!
Since I was an alpha, I had a much bigger tent than most. But I was not alone. Isaac laid on my bed, the sheets were pulled up to his waist. He didn't have a shirt on and was snoring softly. He had grown out his hair, I loved how the blonde curls were splayed around his face.
He looked so peaceful, like an angel fallen to earth. I hated to wake him, but I know he would be mad if I didn't show him the letter as soon as it arrived. I took off my sword and armor first until I was only wearing my cotton pants. I walked over and sat down on the bed, bending down to kiss his cheek.
"Wake up Isaac," I whispered.
He began to stir, stretching his arms and flexing his muscles in a delicious display. He cracked open his eye and smiled. "Hey Scott."
I held up the envelope. "She sent a letter."
His eyes widened, and he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and staring at me with so much excitement his eyes glowed like yellow stars in the darkness. I handed him the envelope, and he used his claws to open it up and pull out the paper.
We both took in a deep breath as her scent wafted from the paper. Isaac held it close to his face and took a long drag of air.
"I smell her," he whined.
"Read it to me."
I leaned back against the head bored, Isaac moved so he was resting his head on my shoulder and he began to read.
"To my beloveds, I hope this letter finds you well. I apologize for not writing you sooner but I have eyes on me and it is not easy to escape from their gaze. My grandfather is not totally convinced of my dedication to his cause. I wish I could kill him myself and end this terrible war. I know this sounds heartless, but any affection I once had for him is long gone. I see him now for the cruel and evil man he is. A disgrace to my family name he is and when he is dead, I will not mourn his passing.
"I will have much work to do when he is gone. Once the Argent name stood for something. We had honor and respect. But he has turned it into something foul. The only comfort I take is knowing I will one day have you both in my arms again.
"You will be pleased to know my aunt has yet to capture Derek. She is obsessed with bringing him down. It sickens me to know how she used him. Yet another family member I loved who hurt me. Who shamed me. My father is the only one I can count on. And though he is still furious of our relationship I care not. Most girls are luck to find one true love, but I have found two.
"Scott my dearest I hope you are taking good care of our Isaac. I keep these papers in my dress, hoping my scent will rub off on them to provide you both a small comfort. Just imagine the paper you hold now, pressed close to my flesh. Know that when I wear it I think of the both of you.
"Isaac, I am sure you are hurting from our separation my love. But know it will be over soon and the three of us will be a family. Just like I promised. Keep an eye on our Scott. He is a good man but sometimes he lets his emotions cloud his judgment.
"Sadly I have nothing new to report. Gerard is gathering his forces. He is up to something but I do not know what. I don't know if he is planning an attack or simply strengthening the cities defenses. Have heart, soon this will all be over and once I have you both back, I swear on my honor we will never be separated again. I am a huntress so don't think you have lost me just yet. With much lover, Allison."
A small sob escaped his lips. I placed my hand on top of his head and petted him. I kissed his forehead. "I wish we had taken her with us when we had the chance. I hate the fact she is there. I don't care if she is feeding us useful information. I know I am selfish but is Gerard finds out she is helping us I know he won't hesitate to hurt her."
"Allison can take care of herself. Trust me, I underestimated her plenty of times."
I never thought I would have two lovers at the same time. I had met Allison when I was still a human. I got a job working at the palace. The pay was very good and I could send some to my mom to help her take care of herself and still have a little to spend for myself
I had always admired her for her strength and skill. I could tell she was lonely. She didn't have many friends and the girls that claimed her friendship were only a bunch of sycophants trying to kiss up to the Argent heir.
She took an interest in me, soon I found myself spending more time with her when she trained with her bow. That was when we felt the connection, when she had me try to fire an arrow, I didn't even hit the target. She had stood behind me and placed her arms over me, adjusting my stance and moving my arms.
I hit the target right at its center. We both laughed and looked into each others eyes and the rest was history. Her family wasn't too happy about her having a tryst with a mere servant. But that didn't stop us. We were in love.
Then I got conscripted and I was taken in by the Hales. I feared I would never see her again.
Becoming a werewolf was tough. I had chosen the bite, but the instincts were difficult for me to accept. I am not a man of violence. Never have been. But the blood lust was stronger than I could have imagined and life wasn't easy in the Hale army.
Werewolves by their nature are territorial. It was always difficult for any pack when a new addition was made. Much like their animal kin werewolves have a hierarchy that is earned in combat. If you want to be the top dog you have to fight for it.
I tried to keep my nose down and focus more on the training. To learn how to control my instincts and hone my new skills. Talia had assigned Derek to be my teacher and there were times when I seriously wanted to claw his face of.
Derek was harsh. He did not coddle or mother his troops. He was a bit softer with the humans than he was with the wolves. They couldn't heal like a shifter so he had to pull his punches with them. I myself had suffered injuries because of him.
One day during practice I had watched him break Isaac's arm when he complained about how rough the training was. I had snapped and attacked him. He beat the hell out of me and when he demanded to know why I had attacked a superior officer I yelled at him that he may be an alpha but he was a terrible person and a bully.
I even dared say he was no better than Gerard Argent for what he did to Isaac. No one dared question Gerard for fear of the repercussions. I told him just because shifters healed faster than humans didn't give him the right to torture us.
I seriously thought I was going to die right then. But instead he grabbed me by the shoulders and hugged me. To be honest, I think I would have preferred him to hit me, at least I had been expecting that.
He even apologized to Isaac and the rest of us for his harsh treatment. After that days he became a bit more understanding and patient with us.
Isaac as it turns out was bitten by Derek. He had been one of the many young men to be conscripted and sent to fight. Derek had bitten him during one of the battles between the Argent and Hale forces. Derek was still new to being an alpha and when Isaac surrendered he accepted him as his first beta.
Derek had the smallest pack in the whole army, it was Isaac, Boyd and Erica. Boyd and Erica were mates. Boyd was Derek's second and Isaac was like the little brother, even though he was Derek's first beta.
Isaac invited me to spend more time with him and his pack, I spent most of my time training with them. I soon called them my friends, telling them of my life before and of my mother, who was a healer. My quarky best friend Stiles and even of Allison.
I bonded with Isaac the quickest. We soon became bunk mates, sharing a cot and fighting together on the field. Watching each others backs. But over time our feelings for one another became more complex. I still loved Allison, but I knew we could never be together because I was a werewolf and she an Argent.
There was a part of me that was attracted to Isaac. The way he smiled, how he could fight so fiercely yet could only sleep peacefully when I was holding him in my arms. How he loved to knit and was always making scarffs for me and his pack.
He acted big and bad in front of others, but I knew he had a soft side. When he wasn't training he was working with the children in the camp. Orphans or kids who had parents in the Hale army. He watched out for them, helped feed and cloth them, would read to them and helped teach them.
Isaac had been abused by his father. Being conscripted had been a blessing for him because it meant he was able to escape his dad. Isaac told me of the things that had been done to him. I understood why he could be so prickly at times. Even to me.
I wanted to wrap him in my arms and keep him safe from the world. I wanted to hunt his father down and beat him with a whip for the pain he caused Isaac.
Our attraction to one another got to the point where Derek sat us down and gave us the werewolf equivalent of the birds and the bees talk. He also told me he had his permission to court Isaac, but he also knew of my lingering attraction to Allison.
My heart was being pulled in two different directions and I didn't know what to do.
Then Isaac had been captured during a battle and sent to the kingdom to be interrogated. Both Derek and his mother had to bind me in chains to keep me from going after him. I knew what horrors the Argents were capable of and despaired at the thought of Isaac suffering like that.
Derek held me as I wept, both us comforted each other. Derek was not one for showing emotions unless it was anger. But he did love Isaac, he was like his first born son.
Than, months after he was presumed dead my Isaac returned to me. By that time I had already become a true alpha. Boy was he surprised to see me with red eyes.
He tried to explain how he escaped, that it was Allison and her father who helped him. That they were secretly acting against Gerard and his allies from the inside. People doubted his words. Some believed him to be a traitor. Thinking he had been broken by the Argents.
Isaac demanded his mind be read to prove the truth of his words. Talia trusted Isaac but knew the rest of her allies wouldn't unless she read his mind. She confirmed his story and was even able to pass on secrets from Chris and Allison that allowed us to raid some of the Argents labor camps and free their prisoners.
Later that night Talia had called me to her tent. Isaac had been there and Talia explained she had something to show me. Using her claws she showed me the memories she had pulled from Isaac.
Isaac had prepared himself for torture, but instead he got something very different. Christ took custody of Isaac and supposedly had Allison be the one to get any info from Isaac. Part of her Hunter training he had said. But instead of torture Isaac was treated more like a pampered prisoner.
Allison would bring him his food and they would eat together and they would talk about the war and other things. She was happy to know I was still alive but didn't care if I was a werewolf. She still loved me.
Isaac hadn't told her about the two of us. Over time Allison spent more time with him and they began to develop feelings for one another. I saw images of her holding him in her arms, singing softly to him. The two of them talking while he combed her hair. Isaac throwing a fist at her, but she easily dodged it and flipped him over her back.
All that time I thought he was being hurt and he was having a damn vacation.
Allison and Chris faked his death. They used the body of a werewolf who was similar to Isaac and claimed Allison had gotten sloppy and accidentally killed Isaac. They had dressed him in Argent armor and helped him escape the castle.
Allison told him how to contact her. How I could contact her. She kissed him and sent him on his way.
And that was how I found myself with not one mate but two.
"I hate this. I hate not having her here and I hate not knowing if Derek is okay!" he growled.
"I sent word to Noah, I am sure Stiles will have gotten his letter asking about Derek. Look on the bright side, Derek isn't dead. We know that much."
Since Derek was an alpha, his death would transfer his power to one of his betas. Erica and Isaac believed Boyd would be the one to inherit the role. He was Derek's right-hand man. Even though he was the third person Derek bit.
"I just want this war to be over. I am tired of having to move around all the time. I am tired of having to fight young men who barely know how to use a sword. I am tired of my friends being hunted down like animals. I am tired of hearing children cry out for their parents."
I pulled him in close and kissed him on his face. "We're getting closer. Soon Gerard will go down and Talia will be back on the throne."
"I know. The only good thing about this war is it brought me you and Allison.." we sat there quietly in the dark for a few moments. "Hey Scott?"
"Yeah?"
"When the war is over, I want to open an orphanage."
"Really?"
He nodded. "Yeah. When the war is over there are going to be a lot of kids who need to be cared for. I want there to be a place for them to."
"That would be great!"
"Do you think Allison would like that?"
"Of course. Allison will do everything she can to reverse the damage her grandfather has caused. Helping orphans would make her happy."
"I know it will be a lot of work. Especially when you and Allison have kids of your own. But someone needs to make sure the children are kept safe. I want to make sure that they are kept safe and find homes with people that actually care for them."
"Isaac, that is wonderful you want to do this. But what did you mean when Allison and I have kids?"
He shrugged. "Well it's not like I can get pregnant."
"But, Allison can."
"Scott, she is your mate."
"So are you."
"Yeah but it is different."
"What do you mean?"
I was generally confused by what he was saying. We had touched upon the subject of family in our notes. It would be at a later time after the war was over and things were peaceful. But the way Isaac talked was like he would never have kids.
"Scott, I am like your mistress. Allison may be human but she is a woman and a warrior and I am just a low ranked wolf. You're an alpha, you need to breed."
"Isaac, you make it sound like Allison wouldn't be willing to have your kids."
He tensed and gave me a serious look. "That can never happen."
I frowned. "Why not."
"Scott, you may be a true alpha but when people find out you are mated with an Argent there will be some serious backlash. Having me as your third might help a little but if Allison and I have kids-"
I stopped him. "I don't get any of this Isaac. Why would it be such a bad thing for you to have kids with Allison. We are in love with each other."
He sighed. "Oh Scott. Allison is right. You really are too pure of heart." He moved so he sat in front of me, resting on his legs. "Okay. So as you know werewolves are complicated. Our customs reflect both our human and wolf natures. We form very strong bonds, especially romantic ones. But despite what the old myths say we don't necessarily mate for life. If a wolf loses his mate he can find another one."
"Thats what true wolves do. They form monogamous pairings but if one dies the other will find another mate," I said.
Isaac nodded, I could tell he was pleased I knew this. "Same thing with humans."
"I still don't understand Isaac."
He waved his hand. "I am getting there. As you know many of the packs allied to Talia practice the old ways of our kind."
"Like the twins?"
Isaac looked like someone had force fed him a lemon. "Yeah...them. They follow the way of the tooth and claw. Survival of the fittest and taking what you want, even if it's by force. Some of the packs are not that old fashioned but many of them still practice certain traditions. Like the right of the harvest moon."
"Isn't that like the right of the blood moon?"
I was not entirely unschooled in werewolf history and culture. I tried to learn as much as I could but between fighting in this war and helping out around the cam I had little time.
The right of the blood moon is a practice where werewolves give in to their murderous impulses. Entire packs would wage a bloody war on one another. Not for food or territory but simply for the thrill of death and murder. The winners of these bloody brawls were allowed the spoils of their victims property. That could include his or her family.
It was a practice That had been outlawed by the Hales a long time ago. Instead they had a competitions where werewolves would fight in the royal courtyard for the whole kingdom to witness.
"Yes. The right of the harvest moon is a custom which deals with the breeding rights in a pack. In the olden days only the alpha and their mate would procreate. The others had to ask the alphas permission or in others cases the alpha would breed with whomever they chose. It didn't matter of the beta had a mate or not. Kind of like how the human kings would sleep with a bride on the night of her marriage. The harvest moon tradition was basically gives the alpha the right to as many sexual partners he or she wants. It was also meant to inspire betas to strive to become alphas themselves. Not just for strength but to earn the right to have their own kids."
I frowned as he explained. "That sounds horrid and sleazy."
Isaac nodded. "The Hales and many other nearby packs follow the book of the five moons which in truth is a more up-to-date volume of the tooth and claw belief only a lot more civilized. But other packs like the twins are old school. My point being, since you are an alpha you have the right to as many lovers as you want. But since I am a male and of lower rank if I have kids with Allison than in the eyes of the other packs it would be like a mans mistress having relations with his wife."
"And why are you the mistress in this relationship?" I asked, feeling a tinge of anger. "Who is to say we can't all be equals in our relationship?"
"Allison is of noble birth and you are the true alpha. I am the lowest ranked wolf in Derek's pack and have nothing worth to my name."
He said it so plainly. As if there wasn't anything wrong with this line of thinking.
"We are all equals Isaac. You are m lover and soon you will be my husband. Allison's husband. We will share the same home, the same bed and when the day comes we will share the same children."
He shook his head. "No, I won't do that to you or Allison. Your status gives you some respect among the other packs but many of them see you as weak. Taking me on as your lover gained you some popularity because the others see it as you using your right of the harvest moon. But when you introduce her as your mate there will be an outcry. Many will challenge you. I won't risk you or her. I am happy being considered your lover. As long as I am with the two of you I don't care what others call me. You and Allison are my home and I won't put it in jeopardy."
"Oh Isaac, my sweet little love. Let me make something very clear."
I pushed him back and crawled over him before he could react. I grabbed his arms and pinned them above his head. He let out a whimper, but not of fear.
"I don't care what the other packs think. I don't care if they follow some stupid archaic laws. You are mine. Allison is mine. And I belong to the both of you. I am going to marry you both at the same time. I am going to make love to you both at the same time. I am going to read stories to our children. Boys with my crooked jaw and Allison's long hair and little girls with curly blonde hair and their mothers beautiful eyes."
I thrust my groin shallowly against his. Soliciting a moan from him.
"Submit," I growled softly to him.
He bared his throat to me and I bit into his neck enough to draw a little blood. He writhed beneath me. I could taste his joy mixed with his essence. "Scott!" he moaned.
I kissed and licked at his wound. The sounds he made made my dick harden like iron. "So good Isaac, my love. My mate."
I dragged my cock against his, the bed creaked at our ministrations.
"Scott, I'm going to-"
"Do it, cum for me!" I ordered.
I rutted against him harder and faster, it would have felt better without our trousers on and a little oil but we were too blessed out to care.
He threw his head back and cried out as his body shuddered. His teeth dug into my shoulder and I howled in pleasure. I was sure the others outside could hear us, even without their hearing. We were not quit lovers.
Why should I be quiet? I had nothing to be ashamed of. Neither did he. I wanted everyone to know Isaac was mine. That I had claimed him for myself.
He let go and I took a moment to look at him. God he looked so beautiful like this, his flesh flush and that wonderful blissed out expression on his face. My mark sat proudly for all to see on his neck. I touched it with my fingertips. It would take a day or two to heal but I knew he would flaunt it for everyone to see.
I walked over and grabbed a basin of water and a washcloth. I took of my dirty pants and went over to the bed. I unlaced his trouser and pulled them off and began to clean him with the wet cloth.
I loved moments like these, just the two of us. No one else to bother us. No stupid alphas leering at us with their judgmental looks or their rude comments about how I found myself good little bitch.
Aiden had once told me if I tired of Isaac to throw him to Aiden's betas as they needed some fresh meat. I sent him back to his brother with a broken arm and four broken ribs.
I wish Allison was here. She would be petting Isaac's hair now, kissing his cheeks and telling him how beautiful he was while he purred in happiness.
Soon, we'll be together soon I reminded myself.
Once I finished cleaning him I wiped myself free of my spent seed and we got under the covers. Isaac was taller than me but he always was the little spoon.
Hopefully the war would be over very soon. I wanted my mate. I wanted my mother. I wanted my best friend back. My pack was too fractured, I needed to fix it. I needed to make it whole again.
I would get Stiles out of that forest and we would return home, not as boys but men. Isaac would open his orphanage and Allison and I would go there after a hard day of dealing with pack and Hunter politics to see our beloved cooking dinner while Stiles played with some of the children and my mom read some others a story from a book she used to read to me.
Gerard had taken so much from us all, but I would be damned if I let him take this away from me.
Stiles
"Look I like Davis's works. But the man is clearly using queer-baiting," I said.
Derek frowned at me. "What on earth does that even mean?"
We were talking about a book series by J. Davis. A man who wrote a series of books detailing a young group of teens adventures with the paranormal. I had some of his work and I had been delighted to learn that Derek had read the series as well.
We have been spending a lot of our time talking about books. Derek loved poetry, I could never get into the stuff myself. I always thought was rather flowery and too much symbolism. Truth be told I was shocked he liked to read at all, he looked like the kind of guy who would only read a book of it had pictures of weapons or bloody battles.
"It means when someone uses one or more pairs in their works and deliberately writes it so it seems the two have the potential to become lovers but they never do. Simply to bait people who wish to see a gay couple and get them to read their work."
"I have read the entire series and have never once seen any evidence of a romantic connection between those two."
I threw my hands up. "Are you kidding me! The sexual tension between them is so thick I could cut it with a butter knife!"
He crossed his arms over his chest and gave me a disbelieving look as if to say "Prove it."
"Okay, Tyler is always slamming Dylan against walls."
"Because Dylan is a loud-mouthed little shit and Tyler has a short temper."
"What about that time Dylan kept Tyler afloat in that pool for two hours!"
"What was he supposed to do, let him drawn?"
"For two hours!" I argued.
"You also forget they were being attacked by a kanima, no way would Dylan have stood a chance against it. Keeping Tyler alive also saved his life."
"Oh, what about when Tyler was forced to kill his own beta and he placed his hand on Tylers shoulder?"
"It's called comfort. Anyone could see Tyler was in deep pain. Dylan was just being a human being and trying to lend his support."
"Oh my God man, how can you ignore the obvious signs!" I demanded. "What about when Tyler had that hallucination, and he was talking to Dylan! Of all the people he could have dreamed about why Dylan?"
"Because Dylan had just been possessed by an evil spirit and would be a bit of an expert on dreams and possessions."
"But-"
"If you are only reading the series for a make-believe relationship than you shouldn't be reading it all. The story needs plot, characterization and development. Not just romance."
"I am not just reading it for a very-obvious-ship. I am reading it because I enjoy the plot and the charterers journey."
"And yet every time we talk about the works of Davis all you can talk about are Dylan and Tyler," he rolled his eyes.
"They are beautiful together and Davis needs to stop screwing with his fans and make them confess their feelings for one another!"
"Or maybe you need to read less into things."
"Of course you would say that. You don't have a romantic bone in your body. You can't see these things like I do."
"I would much rather not take offense to none-existent issues."
I grumbled and sat down next to him to inspect his injuries. Lifting up the rag I bit my lip.
The poison was still spreading. Every day I tried a new tonic, every day was just another bitter disappointment. It has been three weeks since Derek first came to the forest and I was no closer to finding a cure for him.
"It's getting worse huh?" he asked, seeing the look on my face.
"I am sorry, I have mixed dozens of different aconite solutions but none of them are working."
He was quiet for a moment. When he next spoke there was a note of finality in his voice that I did not care to hear. "Perhaps you should send a message to your father. If a cure can't be found maybe I should make my peace with my fate."
My dad had sent me a codded letter a few days ago. Asking me if I had found any strangers wandering around the forest. He told about Derek having been attacked by the Argents and most likely wounded.
I had replied that Derek was in my care and was poisoned by a strange mixture the Argents was using. I also told him of its mystical properties.
"I am not giving up yet Derek, and neither are you," I told him firmly. "You are the royal prince of Beacon Hills. You're people and your family need you. So don't you dare give up."
He smiled sadly. "If you knew the man I truly was you would not be so kind to me."
"I happen to be a good judge of character thank you."
He was quite as I changed his bandages. He watched me with an intensity that reminded me of that day at the river. It made me shiver. Feeling his gaze on me.
The atmosphere between us was no more relaxed and yet had a new kind of tension. I couldn't figure it out exactly. Instead of sleeping on the cot I shared the bed with Derek. It was big enough for the two of us and Derek said he was tired of me tossing and turning trying to get comfortable, it kept him awake.
I would wake up with Derek cuddled close to me and I admit it was nice to be close to someone again. And seeing his peaceful expression instead of his usual scowl was nice to. I don't get how he can look so grumpy when he was awake but look so beautiful when he slumbered.
Sometimes Malia would join us in her coyote form, sleeping at the end of the bed. It was a pleasant experience for the three of us. We were like a pack. I would wake up and Derek would rub his cheek against mine. I had to give him a shave because I was tired of his course hairs cutting into my flesh.
I had been surprised when he agreed to it. He put a lot of trust in me by trusting me with a sharp blade against his neck.
I would cook us breakfast and after we ate, I would redress his wounds and continue to work on finding a cure. Derek would either read one of the many books in the hut or he would go outside if Malia was visiting so they could have some family time together.
Malia wanted to know more about her real father, Peter and even her mother. She never knew she was adopted, the Tates had died before they could tell her. But they had loved her like she was of their own blood and she longed for the day when the Argents would pay for their crimes.
Sometimes we would be visited by the other gentry. Even Grandfather came to visit a few times to check on Derek's progress. I tried to get him to help more, but he still seemed sure I was close to finding a cure.
"Stiles, do you believe in the afterlife?" Derek suddenly asked.
I stopped working to look up at him from the table. "You mean like...after we die there is another world?"
He nodded.
"I...I like to think. I mean if there is one thing every religion in the world can agree on is that there is some life after this."
"We believe when a wolf dies their spirit rises up to the heavens to join Mother Moon. That's why there are stars, they are the souls of werewolves who have died."
"I have read stores about werewolf lore. Some of it is rather beautiful."
"I don't think the Moon would want me by her side."
I chuckled. "Just because you are a bit grumpy doesn't mean-"
"My eyes were blue before I became an alpha."
I froze. Blue eyes. The only way a werewolf had blue eyes is if they had taken an innocent life. Derek could be a jerk...but a killer?
"I see you know what this means. May I ask you a favor? If these are to be my final days would you grant me the right of confession?"
"I didn't think werewolves practiced that."
He smiled, but there was no humor in it. "We don't."
I stood up and walked over to him. "I'll tell you my sins if you tell me yours."
"There was a girl I loved. Her name was Paige. She was gifted with the cello. She could make such beautiful music. I first met her while she practiced in the castle garden. Her mother was a maid. I was young and full of myself. I enjoyed the popularity my bloodline and good looks brought me. But Paige wasn't like the others. She didn't smile when she saw me nor did she fall to her knees at my glory. Perhaps that was why I took an interest in her. I thought I could woe her like I did so many others."
"You thought you were a player huh?"
He smiled again but this time there was some warmth to it. "Oh I was a player all right. But Paige was far too smart and classy to fall for my stupidity. I soon became enamored with her, in my pursuit of her affections I learned to temper my behavior and become more mature. We became lovers and I thought we were meant to be."
"What happened?"
I knew this didn't have a happy ending. Never once had Derek mentioned this girl. And the way he spoke of her was the same tone my dad and I used when we spoke of mother.
"She was poisoned. It was slow and painful. My mother tried giving her the bite but there was mountain ash mixed into it. By the time it would be out of her system she would have died and it was a terrible death. I held her in my arms and she begged me to end her suffering. I loved her. But I couldn't let her end like that so I murdered her."
"Oh Derek, I am so sorry. My mother...she died slow to. She became sick in the mind. hallucinate and lose her memory. She even thought I was a monster trying to kill her and attacked me."
"By the Moon," he gasped.
"I know she wasn't in her right mind. But when you're a kid and your mother is screaming at you it-it hurts." I took a deep breath and wiped away the tear that started to fall down my face. "But you did what you had to for Paige. You are right, no one should die like that."
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "That is not my true crime Stiles. After she died, I was a mess. I hardly left my room and stopped talking to most of my family. I was like a zombie. I went through the motions of life but had no true meaning to live any more. Then one day I met a woman. She was a little older than me but very beautiful. She was a new servant and I shamefully admit I found comfort in her arms and in her body. I slowly began to open up to her. Trusting her with my dreams, my fears. She was a comfort, something to ease the pain. That woman was Kate Argent."
Silence filled the hut. Even Harry-who had been dusting the floor-was quiet.
Derek continued. "She had come to spy on us. And she used to me to get secret knowledge. About the catacombs beneath the castle that were in place in case of an invasion. Of the secret rooms and where we all slept.." He looked at me, his eyes filled with tears. "Do you see now Stiles? I am a murder and a traitor. I killed my beloved and sold out my family and kingdom to some harlot. We are at war because of me. All the people who have died. All the families torn apart because of me."
I was in shock. I knew the Argents had somehow invaded the castle. But I never knew how they had managed to get in. There was always the rumors of a traitor amongst the Hales or a spy that had discovered their secrets.
I could feel my hands shaking as I grabbed his. His hands were bigger than mine, yet they felt so small as I held him. I stared at his face, his gaze was averted from me.
"Look at me," I demanded, my voice firm.
He turned to lock eyes with me and I could see the guilt in his gaze.
"I had to leave my home and my father. I lost my best friend and may lose my father. So I want you to listen well Derek Hale, prince of Beacon Hills. I forgive you."
His eyes widened in surprise. "What?"
"I forgive you. If that is some small comfort to you than I am glad."
"Stiles...I...it's like you said. All this. The war, your banishment. It's because of me. If I hadn't been a fool than none of this would have happened. You should want me dead."
"I want many things in life Derek. My mother, alive and healthy. My friend safe, my kingdom at peace. The Argents brought to justice. Your life isn't on the list."
"How can you say that, after what I just told you?"
"Because you are not the first man to have been seduced by a woman. And like I said, I am a good judge of character. I think I understand better now why you are the way you are. I can only imagine the guilt you have carried with you all these years. How it must have eaten you up. You are just as much a victim in all this as me or anyone else Derek. I forgive you and I hope you can learn to forgive yourself."
He brought my hands up to his face, placing them on his forehead. "Thank you."
I leaned forward and hugged him. He cried into my shoulder and I hugged him tight. I heard the sound of a nose being blown and craned my head to see Harry with a white hanky blowing his nose.
Derek and I could not help but laugh at the sound Harry made. It was rather comical.
And right now we could both use a little humor.
While Stiles and Derek had their moment of confession and forgiveness Allison was facing a dilemma back at the castle in Beacon Hills. Despite her and her fathers careful maneuvering their true allegiance had been discovered and both were captured and now faced Gerard in the throne room.
Allison
Dad and I were forced to our knees. Our bodies burned by the chains which bound us. Gerard stared at us coldly from his throne.
Not his throne! I reminded myself.
"My own blood, Hale sympathizers!" he spat at us.
"You say that like it is something to be ashamed of," I spat back.
"Watch your tone young lady," Kate said. She stood by Gerard, glaring down at us. Betrayal and fury shined from her eyes.
"Go to hell!"
"Allison," dad warned me.
"You are both monsters!" I yelled. "You plotted against the Hales and for what? This kingdom was peaceful and the Hales were kind and just rulers. But you usurped their rule and have brought nothing but war and pain to the people of these lands. And for what?"
"We are Hunters, we hunt-"
"We hunt those who hunt us," dad spoke glaring at his sister. "But we have a code. And you both violated it."
"We did what we had to do. This kingdom was a breeding ground for monsters. They may have acted like civilized beings but sooner or later they would have turned on the rest of us!" Kate argued.
"Lies!" I yelled. "You seduced a young boy. You tried to burn a family of humans and werewolves to death. To think I ever thought of you as something like a sister."
Something like hurt flashed in her eyes. "Allison!"
"Enough!" Gerard yelled standing up. "I am the king of these lands now and I am the leader of this family."
"The Argents have always been led by women, father. And for good reason," dad said.
Gerard sneered. "It's time men took a more active role in this family. We let the women lead for too long, making us soft."
"Soft doesn't mean weak. You are a liar and a hypocrite, you hide behind the illusion of righteousness. Even the Calveras can see that as can the other Hunter clans aligned with Talia."
"They are all traitors and will be dealt with once we deal with the Hales," Kate said.
"The war is over. You've lost too many resources and made too many enemies. If you surrender now, the Hales may let you live. In their dungeons."
Gerard smiled, and I felt something cold in my stomach. "This war will end very soon son. Too bad the both of you chose the wrong side." he turned to look at the guards. "Take my son to the dungeons and my errant granddaughter to the tower with her friend."
I called for my dad when the guards began to drag us apart. "This isn't over Gerard! You are a curse upon our family name. Marie-Jean weeps for the horrors you have unleashed!"
I kicked and screamed as they dragged me to Lydia's tower. My one sole comfort was that I would be locked away with my dear friend.
The guards threw me in her room, they knew better than to take off the manacles I wore. I heard the door lock behind me and stood up. Lydia came rushing over to me. Her face distressed.
"Oh no, Allison!" she cried.
"I am sorry Lydia. So sorry."
She hugged me. "It's okay."
Lydia was a banshee. The only reason she was alive was because Gerard found her powers useful and because the Martins were a powerful family. Killing her would only anger the other nobles.
She had been engaged to Jackson Whittemore, he had died trying to save her from the tower.
"Listen, something terrible is about to happen."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I can sense it. Death is coming. Lots of it. There will be a terrible battle. I can hear the sounds of swords clashing and people dying."
"Gerard has been gathering his forces. I believed he meant to attack the Hales."
Lydia shook her head. "Oh sweetie, it is so much worse than that. He isn't just going to attack the Hales. He's going to the forest."
"What?"
She led me over to her table where she drew her pictures. Many of them depicted terrible deaths.
"I think it's all connected. The invasion, the murders, the forest, your grandfather."
"What does Gerard have to do with the murders. It is a darach committing them."
"I have been having dreams...visions," she explained. "Gerard is dying Allison. He has been sick for a few years now. I can sense it on him. The darach has been keeping him alive with her magic. Using the power from the sacrifices to keep him alive."
"Damn him," I looked as some of Lydia's drawings. Many of them showed a dark figure with a deformed face. "I wouldn't think Gerard would work with a druid, let alone a darach."
"We both know Gerard will use the supernatural to his own advantage," she said with a stony expression.
"Lydia how long have you known he was dying?" I asked.
"Long enough your aunt threatened to flay me alive if I told you or your father. But now that we are approaching the end game it doesn't matter." She handed me a picture of a tree with long spider-leg like branches. "I drew this earlier today."
"It's a tree."
She turned the picture upside down. Instead of a tree I was staring at a stump with long roots. "No, it's the nemeton. A long time ago some idiot decided to chop it down. Calamity struck the land. Earthquakes, floods, disease. The Hales brought peace and order and become the rulers of the land. The darach has been making sacrifices to it. She draws power from it. The stronger it gets the more power she gets. She has convinced Gerard the only way he can survive and rule the land is with the nemeton."
"Could it work?"
"Allison the nemeton isn't something to be trifled with. It is a primordial power tied to the very roots of the world. Trust me, we don't want Gerard or the darach tapping into it's power."
"Do you know who the darach is?" I asked her.
She shook her head. "No. My powers are more about sending riddles and vague hints my way. I just know the darach is a woman, she's evil and she wants the nemeton for herself. She is playing Gerard and he is too damn scared of dying to see straight."
"What do you mean?"
"The nemeton draws power from sacrifice Allison. If Gerard sends his troops into the forest, the gentry will fight back. It will be a blood bath. It will be a-"
"Sacrifice," I spoke before she could finish.
"First thing we need to do is get you out of those chains. No offense dear but iron isn't your color."
She reached into her bosom and pulled out a metal pin. "You can pick locks?"
"Funny thing about being locked in a tower is you learn all kinds of tricks."
She picked at the lock and a moment later the chains fell to the floor. I reached down and grabbed the chain. "My grandfather made a mistake in putting us together. Our escape is all but assured."
"We need to get to Talia Hale. She needs to stop Gerard before it's too late."
"We'll escape and rescue my father. We can escape through the same catacombs Gerard used to invade the castle. Now...how do we get past that door. Don't suppose you can-"
Lydia raised her hands and let out a scream that shook me to my bones. She seemed to direct the blast to the door, blasting it off its hinges.
I looked at the door in shock then to her. She smiled at me, her eyes burned with a fury of a woman who had been scorned for far too long. "A little trick I recently learned."
"From who?"
"Let's just say I am not the only banshee who wants to stop Gerard Argent."
Okay so I think you all would love to read about how two women single-handedly fought off armed guards and rescued Chris and escaped but this is supposed to be a one-shot so just use your imagination and bam, bad ass escape.
We need to head on over to the Hale camp, Talia is introducing some new allies.
Talia
"Derek is in the forest, he has been poisoned by some new Argent poison and is being cared for," Scott said.
I let out a sigh of relief. My boy was alive.
"I believe this is the new poison the Argents have recently been using," Deaton spoke. "The same one that has been giving the other druids and myself trouble."
"We have been trying to make a cure. But there is some mystical element to it. It has made finding a counter-agent very difficult," Jennifer said.
"We know Derek is alive in the forest of ash. But who is caring for him, the Gentry?" Laura asked.
"A friend of mine. Stiles. The son of Noah Stilinski," Scott answered.
"Why would the son of the sheriff be hidden away in that place?" Peter asked. He smiled then. "Unless he is not entirely human."
"Deaton, I want you to head for the forest. Bring my son home. I will not let him suffer alone in that place. I trust your history with the gentry will afford you some protection."
He nodded.
"I will go with him," Scott said. "Stiles is my friend and Argents are still patrolling the forest. Deaton will need some protection."
I nodded. "Take a small group with you. I trust both of your skills but I will rest easier knowing you have help in case things go south."
"What is our next move?" Ethan asked.
"And who the hell are they?" Aiden asked pointing to a pair or men who stood by the wall.
They stepped forward and lowered their hoods.
"Allow me to introduce our new allies. Lords Halwyn and Lord Parrish."
Halwyn was a man of rugged appearance. He had short cut hair and a beard. He had a stony expression while his companion Parrish had light hair and a softer more gentle demeanor.
"They are hellhounds."
Their eyes glowed a deep orange color, like the coals in the pit of a fire. The whole room gasped.
"Hellhounds, what are they doing here?" Araya asked.
"We come because something terrible is about to happen," Halwyn said. "Long have our kind been guardians of the supernatural. Gerard Argent has thrown the balance of these lands out of control. But he is playing with forces he can't even begin to comprehend."
"As we speak Gerard Argent gathers his forces to invade the forest of ash," Parrish spoke. "He seeks to tap into the power of the nemeton to prolong his life."
Deaton and Jennifer gasped.
"He can't! That, it is madness!" Jennifer said.
"A man like Gerard would burn the world if it meant he could save himself," I said. "The hellhounds have come to help us invade the kingdom. Their hellfire can burn through the mountain ash barriers with ease."
"Finally, we can take the fight to the Argents!" Cora said with a savage smile.
"It will take time for us to mobilize our forces. I think we should wait until Gerard sends most of his forces to the forest. It will make it easier to invade," Noshiko said.
"But what about the forest?" Scott asked. "The gentry who live there-"
"Can take care of themselves," I said. "Once we have taken the castle, we can send a small army to lend any aid needed."
"Then Scott and I should go and collect Derek now," Deaton said. He looked to Jennifer. "Until we find a cure, I suggest you prepare the nine herbs. They may be the only thing that can cure Derek."
Jennifer nodded.
I stood up and addressed everyone. "This is the moment we have long waited for. The day when we take back our kingdom, our land. When we end the reign of the tyrant Gerard and rebuild what he destroyed. We have show him and those like him that when we band together we are unstoppable. We all come from different walks of life. We all have our own beliefs and ambitions. But let us show the world what happens when we go beyond the walls that divide us. What we can accomplish."
Everyone began to clap.
"Send word to all our forces. It is time to mobilize."
Stiles
"Tell me, how did you become an evolved wolf. And an alpha," I said.
We were having dinner. I still hadn't found a cure.
"After the fire I left my family for a little while. Became an omega. Wondered around trying to make peace with myself. I thought of killing myself a few times but I realized if I did that I would truly be a traitor. And a coward. And I would not give that bitch Kate the satisfaction of knowing I took my own life. During my travels I happened across a pack. They were led by an alpha who was cruel. He abused them. Beat the men when he was in the mood and raped the women when he desired. They were a pitiful sight. You could hardly call them a pack. Looking at them my own misery abated slightly. I felt such a fury rise in me. This was not how an alpha was supposed to treat his pack. So I fought him and I won. I killed him and took his power and became their alpha. They feared me at first but I was kinder to them, I treated them with respect and taught them the true meaning of pack. Most of them had been bitten, abducted from their homes. That is what triggers my evolution I think."
"Becoming an alpha did that?"
"In order to be an evolved wolf you must know what it means to be a werewolf. Alpha, beta and omega. The leader, the follower and the servant. I had been a beta in my mothers pack, I was an omega and then I was an alpha. I knew what it mean to served, I knew what it meant to be alone, and I learned what it meant to lead."
"A difficult journey to travel," I commented.
He smiled. "But not one without reward. I was reborn. I found new purpose in life and returned with my new pack. They were not fighters though. Alpha Satomi took them in instead. Sent them back to her territory further east."
"But you have a pack right?" I asked.
"He nodded."Erica, Boyd and Isaac. I admit I was a bit hard on them when I trained them. Being a leader was difficult, and I was still dealing with some issues. But I love them all and...and..."
He began to cough then. He grabbed a towel and put it to his mouth.
"Are you okay?" I asked. "Did I put too much pepper in the-"
He vomited a black substance. I jumped up from my seat and rushed to his side. "Derek!" I yelled.
He ripped his shirt off and I saw the poison was starting to spread further along his body like evil vines trying to choke the life from him.
"Oh no!"
He fell to the floor. I knelt down next to him. I tried to wake him but he didn't stir.
"No, no, no!"
I stood up and looked at the black liquid he spat up. I smelled something familiar and when I looked closer, I saw something in the tar like substance. I reached down and plucked up a single berry. "Mistletoe."
I ran to my bench and acted quick. Few people knew that mistletoe could be used against werewolves. No wonder my wolfsbane concoctions were not working! They didn't have mistletoe!
I planted the berry's in a pot of soil and used my power to make them grow. The magic user who created this poison no doubt used some of their magic and if I could replicate it than I could make a cure!
It took me almost an hour, but I finally made it. I brought the bowl over to Derek. He looked deathly pale and was starting to leak that black liquid from his orifices. I opened his mouth and managed to get him to drink the mixture I made.
"Please work, please!" I begged. I could feel tears running down my cheeks. The idea of Derek dying hurt bad. I couldn't even think of it! I refuse to think of it, he can't die, not like this!
He has a family waiting for him, he has survived so much. No way is Derek Hale going to be brought down my mistletoe!
"Mother, help me. I need your strength."
I placed my hands on Derek's head. What I was about to do was dangerous. It might not even work. But I had to try.
I was a fox of the wood clan. The earth clan dealt with dirt, mud and rocks. The mountain clan was tied to metal and all the precious treasures hidden below. But my clan were about life. The things that grew from the earth. Plants, trees, shrubs, flowers.
If the poison in Derek was made from things made from the earth and powered by dark magic than maybe I could use my own power to save him.
If I could purge him of the taint, get it out of him than maybe it would work. I placed my hand on his forehead prayed to my ancestors for strength and guidance.
I felt the wolfsbane and mistletoe inside of Derek and I felt something else. Something dark and twisted that had no business being inside Derek or any living thing.
I continued to pray, I pulled against the toxins in him. Willing them to leave his body. I could feel the tonic I had made. I felt it working against the poison, aiding me in my efforts. But the darkness was fighting me, keeping me from healing Derek.
I summoned every ounce of power I had. I was Mieczysław Stilinski. Son of Noah and Claudia. My name means sword and glory, I come from a long line of warriors on my fathers side and on my mothers side fox spirits.
I have lost too much, I refuse to lose any more!
A pink aura in the shape of a fox covered my body. I felt the fox in me snarl at the vile taint. I had three tails I earned in the last few years through practice and study. Wisdom and knowledge are the source of my kinds power. And like the god Woden who gave his eye for knowledge I too have gained much through pain and sacrifice.
There are thirteen clans of fox spirit. Each clan is tied to a certain element. Heaven, void, thunder, river, ocean, mountain, earth, time, sound, spirit, fire, wind, I was of the wood clan. A clan of life. A clan that drew power from the trees and the plants. And I was in one of the most magical forests in the land.
So I reached out and tapped into that power, the moment I had stepped foot into these woods I had felt it like an overwhelming perfume that had caused my aura to shine. Such was it's purity that I ran around like a fool, stripping my cloths to feel the dirt on my feet and the wind on my skin.
Was kind of awkward when Grandfather found me.
The power answered my call, I felt it enter me and lend me the strength I was going to need.
Two of my tails went into Derek's ears, the other into his mouth. I reached in deep inside him and pulled out that vile taint. Derek's eyes flew open, they burned with a red light. I pulled the poison out with my tails and stood up.
It floated in the air like tar made from smoke. I held it in place. It struggled against my control. I could feel the mind of the one who made it, fighting me, I felt such a terrible anger coming from it and a terrible hunger to match.
"Be gone from my home!" I yelled.
I threw the taint into the fire. It roared to life and for a moment I thought I saw a face in the flames. Something terrible and misshapen. Like a wax figure that had its face partially melted.
The flames died down and silence filled the hut. My aura vanished, and I felt so...alive.
"Well, good news. Your-"
I turned to look at Derek. He was on his feet now, but he was glaring at me. His eyes were red.
"You're a fox spirit!" he spat.
The confidence and joy I felt wavered. In all out talks I may have...neglected to mention that one little fact. I had been keeping my aura hidden from Derek. It was a trick I had learned from my mom to avoid being detected by werewolves and other supernatural creatures who could see our auras with their enhanced vision.
"Yes, about that. Look, how I about I-" I made a motioned to move closer to him but he jumped back.
"Stay away!" he roared. Pointing a clawed finger at me.
He moved around me to the jug where I kept some water. He reached down and picked it up and drank from it. Never once taking his eyes from me. He spat the water up, washing his mouth and the rest of the black goo.
"You know, I know you almost died just now but you are coming off as rather ungrateful," I said.
He growled at me. "I knew there was something strange about you! I thought you were a spark, but you're a fucking fox!"
"And you're a fucking wolf, so what?" I asked.
"No wonder you couldn't find a cure, this has all been one great big trick hasn't it."
I felt a surge of pain emanate from my heart at his words. "How in the hell is this some sort of trick?" I asked. "I took you and tried to help you!"
"You're a fox, and foxes lie. They love to play nasty little tricks. Did it amuse you to see me in pain fox? Did you laugh secretly as I told you my secrets!"
He took a threatening step forward. I was suddenly aware of how large and powerful he really was. For a time I forgot what he was: a predator.
"Is this just some kind of ploy? Are you using me for knowledge like Kate did? Do your kind think they can invade us after the Argent's are defeated?"
I took a step forward and smacked him across the face with all my strength.
"How dare you!" I roared.
He looked shocked, I felt a sense of vindication at that look.
"The Argents took everything from me! I took you in! I didn't have to, hell I didn't want to! But still I let you into my home and tried to help you! In case you haven't noticed knothead you are cured! I saved your ungrateful life!"
"What did you just call me?" he demanded.
"A knothead, because that is what you are! A typical alpha werewolf who only thinks with his knot. And...and...and you're a sourwolf to!"
"What?"
"You heard me!"
"Watch your tone fox, I will rip your throat out with my teeth!" he growled, baring his fangs threateningly at me.
"Oh wow a werewolf who uses violence and intimidation on other people. Imagine that!"
"Oh wow a fox spirit who uses deception and trickery to manipulate other people. Imagine that!" he mimicked me.
"Fuck you!"
"Fuck you!"
"Fuck you!"
"Fuck you!"
"FUCK YOU!" he roared, the sound of his voice shook the whole hut.
We were chest to chest now, I could feel his hear beating.
I glared at him, anger and joy and sorrow and pain all blended together. I knew I shouldn't be pissing him off, but I was angry at his accusations. Angry and hurt.
And yet despite all that, I was still happy to see he was alive. That the wounds he had suffered from the Argent arrows were already healing and that he would live.
And to be honest, I was turned on as well.
I merely smiled at him in a challenging manner. "You couldn't handle me mutt."
He cocked a single, hairy eyebrow. "Oh?" he grabbed my hand and thrust it against his groin where I felt that massive hung of meat stir. "I think I would tear you up little fox."
We just stared at one another. The tension between us was thick. Thick enough to cut with a butter knife.
I don't know who made the first move, him or me. But suddenly our lips were smashing against one another. My hand grabbed the back of his head to grip his hair while his arms wrapped around me to grab my ass from behind.
The kiss was needy, messy, frantic and passionate. Not bad for my first time.
After what must have been an eternity we pulled back, our lips red and puffy and our breath labored. I was still touching his manhood. It was hard now, the tip of his prick was peeking out from the waistband of the pants he wore.
Derek looked at me then to the bed. He lifted me up and carried me over. "I am going to wreck you!" he growled.
He tossed me on the bed and climbed on top, I pulled my shirt off while he jerked my pants off. I sat up and pulled his pants down to his thighs. His dick flew out, slapping against his chest. It was just as I remembered that day at the river. Only now it was alive and throbbing with life.
I have not seen many naked men before, but I know enough about my genders physique to know Derek was above average in all departments. I don't know if it was because he was an alpha or an evolved wolf or if it was just generations of really good breeding.
The man was a walking wet dream. Sin incarnate. The kind of guy who could not look anything less than mouthwatering. He was confident without being cocky, brawny but was very sharp minded and loved to read and learn new things. A perfect balance.
And his face! It was both sharp and strong. Something an artist would love to draw or make into a bust. It was so expressive, when his brows would draw together in his usual scowl, how his lips would pull back into a snarl, how his eyes would soften when he had a moment of levity.
I had seen him angry, frustrated, pained, sorrowful, joyful. But now I was seeing something new. Something I had only glimpsed so fleetingly before but now was seeing in its full force: Lust.
"Look at me!" he ordered.
I looked up from his manhood to his eyes which were still red. He grabbed my face firmly, but not harshly to look at him.
"Look at you, all bark but here you are smelling like a bitch in heat. You have no idea of the things I have imagined doing to you. I can't wait to feel those lips wrapped around my cock and-"
"I'm a virgin!" I yelled.
He froze. His eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"
"I've-I've never had sex before. Not even-I glanced at his dick-that."
He squatted down so so he was resting on the balls of his feet. "If you want to stop I swear on my family name, I will stop. But if you say you want to continue, then I swear to the Moon and all the spirits who live in the heavens I will wreck you. I will explore every inch of your body until I have forever burned the curves and contours of your body into my mind. I will dedicate everything. My lips, my tongue, my fingers, my cock to only one thing. I will worship you like a zealot worships his god. I will ruin you for the rest of your life so that should you ever lay with another it will be my name that slips from your lips. Be quick with your answer Stiles. I don't think I have enough control to last much longer."
I should say no. We are from two different worlds. He is a werewolf prince and I am a fox spirit peasant. He is supposed to marry some woman of high-birth and have a bunch of kids. There is no way this can end well for either of us.
I could still feel the bitter sting of his words. How he accused me of deceit and trickery when all I did was nurse and care for him. But I can't help but think of all the times I have awoken to the feel of him pressed against me, with those large arms covering my smaller body, making me feel safe and warm.
Or when we would talk about books and have our little debates about what we did and not not like. Reading paragraphs from our favorite novels or me showing him some of the scrolls I had found when I moved into this hut.
Our walks through the woods, our time bathing together, the meals, him confessing his sins to me.
This was more than just desire or sex. This was something much more. So, so much more. I felt like Eve when the serpent offered her the apple. But I didn't know which one Derek was. The snake, or the fruit.
But I couldn't stop. Not when I was so close to what I desired.
If this was to be my first time I could wish for no one else to sex me up than Derek Hale.
"Please, love me," I whispered.
Something stirred in his eyes that made me feel an odd sense of hope. He kissed me and it was gentle and sweet.
But I wasn't in the mood for gentle or sweet.
I pushed him back and climbed up his body, his cock was hard, I tried wrapping a single hand around his shaft and it barely fit. He arched his back as I slowly began to pump him, using the copious amount of seed spilling from his slit to lubricate my grip, making it easier to slide up and down.
"Fuck your hands are so soft."
I smirked. "Lots of plants around here to use for lotions. The nymphs shared a few beauty tips with me."
"Remind me to thank them."
He grabbed my hair and pulled my face against his cock, the head rubbed against my cheek, smearing some of his seed on my cheek. The hairs surrounding his thighs and privates were just as thick and course as his beard had been, the memory of him rubbing his face against my neck made my flesh erupt in goosebumps.
I took a deep breath. Fox spirits didn't have the same sense of smell werewolves did. We had the ability to heal from physical damage and the old ones of my kind were strong enough to rip the head off of a man. But our senses were slightly better than a regular persons.
So the smell of Derek's musk was especially strong. I took a deep breath, inhaling his most pungent of smells.
To be honest, I had no idea what I was doing. I was not kidding when I said I was a virgin, or that I had no experience with sex. What. So. Ever.
Judging from how Derek was handling the situation he had enough experience to write a book and we hadn't even gotten to the real good stuff yet. It makes sense, he was a prince and an alpha and an evolved wolf.
His pedigree alone would make it easy for him to find someone to fuck around with. But he was also a alpha and they were known to have strong breeding instincts. Either through procreation or the bite, they were important in keeping the werewolf population up. Mating would be at the forefront of his mind.
Like it was right now.
"I am going to blow you now," I said, my voice a little shaky.
He must have sensed my uncertainty because he ran his thumb down my cheek. "Don't worry. I am glad I am the one who gets to teach you the joys of sex."
"I am going to need a lot of lessons. My education is severely lacking."
He smiled, showing off a lot of teeth in a way that was almost sinister. "Good thing I am a good and patient teacher. Now, get started."
"Any tips?"
"Don't use teeth...at least not yet."
"Anything else?" I pressed.
"Just do what you think is best. We'll go from there."
I took a deep breath. I decided to go for something simple and ran my tongue up his length and to his slit. I winded slightly at the salty taste. Derek shivered and I repeated the motion a few more times to further the same reaction. I tried to think of what else to do, some way to make this more enjoyable for him.
So I thought of what I liked to do to pleasure myself. I started by dragging my finger along his taint and to his sack, that had always been very sensitive for me and judging by the sharp gasp and how his body tensed it was the same for him as well.
I ran my tongue over his swollen head and after I pulled my lips into my mouth-I remembered he said no teeth-I took him into my mouth. I tried to remember all the stories I heard the nymphs tell of their sexual encounters with men who passed through the forest.
Nymphs were known for their sensual ways. They were spirits of nature and sex was one of the most natural things in a world, the one way all life is created. So to them there was no shame or need to be private about such intimate matters. They had no problem talking about who they had sex with and every other sordid detail.
I was grateful for their oversharing as it was turning out to be rather useful now.
I didn't dare try and take all of him into my mouth, I would need a lot of practice before I even dared try and swallow that monster. And even then I will need a lot of work on my gag reflexes.
I sucked on his head, making it a darker shade of purple, then I lowered my head taking more of his rod into my mouth. I stopped when I felt his tip about to hit the back of my mouth. I marveled that I had barely made it halfway in.
"You're doing good so far, use a little more suction. There you go, doing good so far. Mmm."
Derek had his hand on the back of my head, his fingers gripping my hair tightly but not too roughly. His cock was still leaking a lot of pre-cum. I remember reading that alphas produce more seminal fluid than a normal human male. I was looking forward to finding out just how much Derek could produce.
I confess I wasn't overly fond of the taste of his seed. It was rather salty and slightly bitter. But with time it was something I could grow used to it.
I kept my lips over my teeth as I bobbed my head up and down and stroked his shaft. My free hand continued to rub his balls and taint. Derek was moaning and making these sweet little sounds as I worked him over.
I admit, it gave me a thrill to have such power over him. This mighty prince who was an alpha and an evolved wolf who just moments ago had been threatening me was now like putty in my hands.
Who says tops have all the fun?
I pulled off his cock to get some air. A line of saliva connected my lips to his prick. "Am I doing good Derek?"
"Yes, so good. Now. Can you use your teeth for me?" he asked.
I felt a little uncertain. On the one hand my lips were starting to hurt from using them to cover my ivories. But on the other I wasn't sure about using any of my teeth on his most blessed part. My teeth were not sharp like a werewolf's but knowing my luck...damn, it hurts me to just think about it.
"It's okay, I trust you. Just graze my skin a little okay."
I felt happy to know he trust me with such a delicate task, I also thought him a fool. "Let me know if I am doing it wrong okay."
"Don't worry, I am a werewolf. We can enjoy certain pleasures humans can't."
I bent my head down and slowly took him back in my mouth. I lightly dragged my teeth against his skin, when I heard a sharp intake of breath I went to pull off, but his grip on my head kept me where I was.
"Keep going, a little harder. You're doing so good!"
I continued sucking him off. Adding a little pressure of teeth to cock. His skin would turn red with welts left by my canines, but they would soon vanish. I fondled his fat sack, my fingers gently caressed his flesh. Feeling his testis which were the size of avocados. I could have fit the whole damn thing right in the palm of my hand.
"I want to fuck your face!" he grabbed the sides of my head. "Open your mouth wide. Let me know if I get too rough."
I nodded and opened my mouth wide as I could. Derek began to thrust his cock into my mouth, slow at first then he began to pick up speed. "Yeah. Finally found a way to shut you up! Fuck, your mouth feels so fucking good. Make you choke on my alpha cock. Fucking gag you with it!"
Spit and cum dribbled from my lips as Derek roughly fucked my face. I could feel his cockhead hitting the back of my throat, causing me to gag a few times but I was enjoying this too much to stop.
"Can you try to deep throat me baby? Please try!" he begged.
I should say no, but fuck if I didn't love a challenge. "I'll slap your thigh if its too much," I told him.
He smiled savagely and pushed his meat into my mouth. His head went past the back of my mouth and I struggled to hold it all in.
"Right there, keep it right there Stiles. Fuck you were built to be fucked!" Derek hissed.
I slapped him on the thigh and he pulled my head up. I took a deep breath of air, spittle and seed slid from my mouth.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
I nodded. "Good."
He pulled me up and kissed me. I moaned into his mouth and he spun us around so I was on the bed and he was on top of me. He pulled his pants further down and kicked them off. He ran his hands over my chest, drinking in the sight of my nude body.
"I can't believe you are a virgin. Why hasn't someone tried to fuck you before!"
"Don't get a lot of visitors out here in the woods," I replied.
He looked at me, his eyes serious but still heavy with lust. "I am serious Stiles. You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. You remind me of the old pictures they drew of moon sprites."
I felt my heart flutter at his words. The nymphs flirted with me all the time. But they were nymphs, it was in their nature to be free-loving. Some of the other gentry told me I wasn't very attractive, not out of cruelty but simply because as a human-like-being I was not attractive to some of them.
Mama Gob told me if I had hair covering my body like a brownie I might be more attractive.
The only other human I have seen since I came here was my dad when he was able to get the time to visit.
"Your skin is pale like snow, your hair black like the wings of a raven. Your eyes are brown like topaz shining in the sun. You have long limbs and are slender yet well muscles. You're a perfect blend of delicate and masculine. And your neck, Moon you are just begging to be claimed with a neck like that!" His eyes moved down to look between my legs. "And you are well endowed."
"Really?"
He nodded. "I have been with my share of men. Trust me, any woman would be lucky to be fucked by you. Now, show me that sweet ass!"
He spun me around and kneaded my cheeks. "I almost popped a knot when I saw this beauty." he gave my right cheek a light slap. The sharp pain I felt made my dick throb. "You like that, I can smell it." He gave me ass another, harder slap. "Now that poison is out of my body, my powers have returned to their full potential. Your scent, your arousal. God I don't know if this is some fox trick. But I don't care!"
"No trick Sourwolf. Just pure all natural-"
SMACK!
"Ow fuck that hurt!"
"Don't call me Sourwolf," he glowered at me.
I turned my head to glare at him. "Sourwolf!" I threw at him.
SMACK! SMACK! SMACK!
"Oh God!" I yelled arching my back.
"Call me that again and I will tie you up and leave you like this...hard...throbbing and horny."
I glared him, I was about to say something smart but the look in his eyes made the words die in my throat. He was serious, he really would tie me up if I gave him lip. Stupid Sourwolf alpha.
I kept my mouth shut, and he smiled. He parted my ass cheeks, and I shivered as I felt his breath on my pucker. "Now, before I rip this ass up, I will loosen you up."
Without preamble he shoved his face into my ask, my hole was suddenly invaded by something hot and wet.
"Oh gods," I moaned and bit into the bed sheet. Derek licked and teased my hole, making the most filthy and wet sounds I have ever heard. I had never thought I could be pleasured in such a way.
"So delicious, I could feast on you for days and still hunger for more," he said as he licked from the bottom of my balls to the top of my crack.
"God, this is amazing Derek," I moaned.
"It's only going to get better, I promise. My cock is throbbing for your hole Stiles, going to make you nice and wet then stuff you with my cock. I'll make you scream my name and fill you with my seed."
He continued to lick me, taking time to bite my cheeks every so often. The tables had turned, now Derek was in control and I was more than happy to let him hold the reins. I could feel his stubble rubbing against my skin. I had given him a shave earlier today but I don't know if it was because of his lupine nature but his facial hair grew back pretty quick.
"Time to get fucked!" he said.
"Oil, gonna need lots of oil!" I quickly said.
I heard him chuckle. "Where?"
"Table by the bed, in the drawer," I replied.
"And why do you need oil?" he asked as he rummaged around for the bottle.
"I am a healthy young fox spirit...I need some love even if it is from my own hand."
"Oh don't worry, you'll be getting lots of love soon." he had me get on my back as he uncorked the bottle and poured some of the oil onto his hand. "Put your legs over my shoulders."
I did as he instructed. He kissed my ankles, and I felt his fingers probe around my entrance. "I need to stretch you out a little okay? This is your first time and I am going to do everything I can to make sure it doesn't hurt."
"Sounds good to mee-yaahh."
I Derek pushed his middle finger into me and he laughed. "Oh I am going to enjoy making you squeal."
I placed my hands on my chest and began to play with my nipples. I didn't want to just lay there and let him do all the work. I wanted to put on a little show for him as well. So I pinched my nipples and ran my hands over my chest. I remembered what he said about my neck so I made sure to slowly caress it.
I could tell he was enjoying the show. He had three fingers in me, spreading my hole apart (and he didn't have small fingers either!) it was like we were silently communicating with one another. When I did something he liked he would stretch me further and move faster. If he was getting bored or wanted to see something more he would go slower.
My cock was leaking now, Derek wiped his thumb over my slit and licked his thumb. The sight caused a spurt of cum to shoot out of my dick and I felt myself blush.
"It's time," he said.
He pulled his hands out and I almost wept at their loss. I felt so empty now, I needed to feel full again Derek poured more oil onto his hand and lathered up his cock until it was nice and shiny.
I spread my legs as he leaned down, he guided his cock to my entrance where I felt it settle. He rested his forehead against mine, his eyes shined hotter than the sun.
"Tell me little fox, what do you want?"
"You," I answered in a broken sob.
He began to apply pressure, just when I thought he was going to breach he stopped. He did this again and again. "
"Say you're mine."
"I'm yours."
Again more pressure then it fell away. Leaving me craving for more. I moved my hips, trying to wiggle him deeper into me.
"Tell me your name."
I froze. "What?"
"Your name. Your real name."
"Why do you want to know?"
"Because I want to whisper it into your ear while you scream mine," he answered.
He kept prodding me with his cock, letting me feel that glorious organ but only in the most infuriating and teasing of ways.
"Mieczysław. It's Mieczysław," I told him.
He began to put more pressure and I felt my hole struggle to widen to accept his cock.
"Mieczysław," he whispered.
He said it perfectly, without any mispronunciation. No one besides my mother and father had been able to get it right on the first try. And just as soon as the word left his lips he was in me, filling me up.
I gasped at the sudden intrusion. He was so big and warm. And he kept pushing into me, slowly but with no intent to stop. I gasped harder and harder as my body was invaded by this man and his glory. He smiled and I could see the savage joy in his eyes, the triumph at having claimed me for himself.
"De-Derek, so big, I don't think I can-"
"Shh, doing sooo good for me. Almost done. Fuck you're so fucking tight! Feels so good wrapped around my cock like a vice!"
He pounded into me. Forgoing gentle and going straight to harsh controlled thrusts, I gripped his forearms tight and tried to stay relaxed, but it wasn't easy considering the massive slab of man-meat that was tearing away at my insides.
It was uncomfortable and there was more pain than I cared for. But when it suddenly began to fade I looked and saw black lines around Derek's lower belly and knew he was absorbing it from me. Taking it in and leaving only pleasure.
The whole bed shook from our rutting and we both made sounds like wild animals in heat. He bent down and began to kiss and bite at my neck. Whispering how beautiful and tight I was.
"It won't stay!" he snarled.
He didn't stop plowing into me, in fact he actually became more harsh. "What?" I asked.
"Every time I mark your neck it fades!"
"Fox spirits heal like werewolves," I told him.
"But I am an alpha!"
"Yeah, but I am not a werewolf. Rules are different!"
"No!" he barked. My eyes rolled into the back of my head as he pulled out of me, only to thrust back into me in single strikes.
"I. Will. Mark. You!"
It was such a simple thing. An instinct to mark, to lay claim to me in some lasting way. It angered him that the hickies would fade. There was nothing either one of us could do about that. But that didn't stop him from being any less determined.
And to be honest I enjoyed his rough kisses and the way he manhandled me.
He grabbed me and pulled me up and fell back on the bed so I was straddling him. "Ride me!" he ordered.
I bounced on his cock, the new position gave me more control and allowed me to fuck him at my own leisure. I felt something growing at the base of his dick and knew it was a knot.
"You feel it don't you?" he asked. "Feel my knot forming. Keeping going Mieczysław. My little fox of the forest. Ride me till I knot you!"
"Oh God, Oh God!"
The knot grew until I had to chose to either sit on it and let it lock us together or keep it outside, leaving us free to move about. I knew it was my first time but I wanted to be locked to Derek I wanted to feel him so big and deep in me that we would be connected in a primal way.
I ground down until I felt him expand and lock us in place. I began to stroke my cock, knowing his orgasm was about to happen I wanted to go with him. I squeezed my hole as tight as I could and he let out a cry that was almost painful.
"Fuck keep doing that!"
"You like that?" I asked.
"Fuck yes! So god damn tight!"
He pushed his hips up into me, trying to get deeper in, but he couldn't there was no way he could go in any further but still he tried. He threw his head back and let out a roar and I felt something hot and wet flood my insides and that sent me over the edge.
My load shot out and hit him on the chest with thick white ropes. We sat there, his cock still puling inside sending more ropes of cum into me and my own softening. He rubbed his chest, smearing my seed into his skin.
He pulled me down so he could kiss me. "That was amazing," I said.
"Yes. And it's only going to get better."
Before I could ask what he meant he moved us so I was back on my back. "Derek, what are you doing?"
He smiled at me. "Keeping my promise. I may be knotted to you but that doesn't mean there are not other ways for me to pleasure you."
"Like what?" I asked.
He grinned.
True to his word Derek spent the rest of the night deflowering Stiles and stripping him of any innocence her had left. The sexual tension that had been growing between them was being released with a vengeance and neither one wanted the night to end.
They relished in their mutual pleasure, discovering new ways and growing in intensity as they sought new ways to push each other over the edge with pleasure.
While they continued to test the limits of their species abilities to mate they did not realize they had an audience outside.
"Oh my word, they are still going!" Penelope said with a laugh.
"Our little Stiles is finally a man," Caissa said with a sigh.
Many of the gentry had come to witness Stiles and Derek mate. They peered through the windows, unseen by the duo who were too lost in passion to notice them.
"Mmm, I can feel Stiles power. He is strong!" Pomona said, cupping her sex.
"Wow, my cousin really is giving it to him," Malia said with a look of surprise.
"Isn't it inappropriate for you to watch your kin like this?" a faun next to her said.
"Maybe, but I don't seem to care," Malia responded. "Besides I am watching Stiles not him. Damn I didn't know someone could bend like that!"
A group of pixies swarmed around one of the windows. "Wait, whats the wolf doing to him."
They all let out a gasp as they observed what was going on. A moment later two voices could be heard shouting out from inside the hut.
"Is that even possible?" Pomona asked
"Must be because they are doing it," Penelope replied looking amazed.
"Next time a handsome man shows up we are so doing that!" Caissa said.
Roscoe walked over to the group and pawed at the ground.
"Nyyyaaaahhh!" (I say, it is highly inappropriate for you all to be watching my master and his lover engage in coitus)
"Oh please, you know you want to watch," the faun said.
"Naaayyh!" (I most certainly... I mean. They are being rather loud. Can't be that interesting can it?)
A giant crash and the whole hut shook. "Are they fucking or are they trying to kill one another, I can't tell," Malia said.
"Hard to say, those two do seem to mix anger and sex," Penelope said.
Stiles shout of ecstasy pierced the air and a pink light shined from the windows of the hut.
"Ohhhh," everyone said.
"Good thing I brought a snack with me," one of the pixies said. He pulled out a leaf and unfolded it and began to eat the seeds stored inside. "This is going to be one hell of a show."
For the next three days Stiles and Derek had sex, ate, rested, had sex, took a few breaks, had sex, ate, had sex talked about their feelings, had sex while they were eating...yeah, you see where this is going.
During that time Stiles received another message from his father informing him that some of Derek's pack would be on their way to take Derek back to join the Hale army for their final battle against the Argents. Stiles told Derek the good news, yet the prince couldn't feel as happy about rejoining his family as he should.
Meanwhile Allison, Chris and Lydia managed to find the Hales. Or rather they were captured by some Hale scouts and brought to the camp as prisoners. Once Talia learned of their arrival she had them released and revealed that Chris and Allison were spies for them. Many of her allies did not believe two Argents would turn on their family but Talia swore on her families life they could be trusted and that Allison was Scott's contact in the palace.
Allison was saddened to learn neither of her lovers were there, but instead focused her energies on telling Talia everything she had learned and what Lydia knew about Gerard and the darach. Armed with this new knowledge Talia and her allies agreed they needed to stop Gerard and the darach at all costs.
Once Derek was returned they would prepare for the final attack. Talia knew the ramifications of the nemeton being used for such a dark purpose. Her grandfather told her stories of the destruction the land suffered when it had been cut down, she shuddered to think of its power being used for such a dark purpose.
Derek
I have been awake for about an hour watching Stiles sleep.
The last three days have been wonderful, blissful, I have been happier now then I have in a very long time. Happy...something I haven't really felt in a long time.
The room stunk of the two of us and sex. I loved this smell. The two of us merged together in the most primal way. I felt pride and joy, I had staked my claim and marked my territory. I never imagined I would sleep with a fox spirit.
When I learned what he really was I admit I had acted rashly. I was still jarred from my near death experience and had grown up to tails of fox spirits and their sense of humor which had started the war between werewolves and them.
Leading travelers into a marsh to sink, antagonizing a werewolf to chase after them so they would fall into a pit, possessing innocent women and causing them to run around their village naked; and that was the good ones. The ones that were evil even by fox standards were said to wipe out entire villages for fun.
Yeah, I accused him of some outrageous stuff. I regret that now. But fox spirits were known for forming long and elaborate plots. Werewolves would like to prove themselves through strength. Typically we did this through hunting or fighting one another in contests. Fox's prided themselves on their cunning and they had an amazing amount of patience. Some even went so far to set up tricks that took years to execute.
Stiles told me about his mother who was a fox spirit from Polska. Who came to Beacon Hills and fell in love with Noah, the sheriff (then a deputy) and they lived happily until she passed from a mysterious disease.
My hand was slowly rubbing his naked thigh. We had made love late into the night, my hands had gripped his hips hard enough to leave bruises but his flesh remained unmarked. I hated that no matter how hard I bit into his skin or sucked on it any mark would soon vanish.
Werewolves were not gentle lovers. Even a submissive wolf fights for dominance even if his lover is an alpha. It is our nature after all.
Stiles may be a fox, but he fucks like a wolf. He loved it when I spanked him, held him down, pulled his hair. But he wasn't submissive. He may be a bottom but he never lost that defiance that I loved so much. He egged me on, daring me to push both his and my own limits. I thought a virgin would be more timid and hesitant. But he dived headfirst into this, and I loved him for that.
I knew I should have left the morning after we first mated. I was healed and should have left to rejoin my people, not staid here to fuck some peasant fox. But I could not bring myself to leave him. The time we had spent together had been pleasant. Though we had our moments of bickering and there was the constant threat of the poison spreading through my body I found myself enjoying his company as much as I entertained ripping his throat out...with my teeth.
He was sharp as a whip and well educated. I enjoyed our talks about philosophy, poetry, his love for botany, what we hoped to happen after the war and what we planned to do with our lives. And he was so brave. Even when I threatened him by flashing my red eyes and snarling and he reeked of fear he never back down and threw sass at me.
I had grown so used to be people fearing and respecting me that I was not used to having some stranger treat me as anything less than a prince or an alpha, to be honest it was actually welcome.
I knew I would have to leave him, my pack would be here soon to collect me. But as much as I hated to leave him I had to. We were in a war and my people needed me. And until Gerard was punished no one would be safe, not even he.
I kissed the side of his neck and slid closer to his body. He fit so perfectly against me. I loved waking up to him cuddled close to me. I raised my leg and parted his cheeks and pressed my manhood to his puffy ring. It was red but undamaged from our escapades.
I had promised him I would ruin him, and I have. I had been very through in my oath. I had used every technique and trick I knew from the many lovers I had taken in my life. But no matter how many times I poured my essence into him, no matter how many times he screamed my name I was not satisfied.
I began to prod at his entrance, I was gentle at first. He may heal quick but I knew shifters could still feel aches and pains.
"Derek?" he mumbled slowly awakening.
"Time to wake up," I whispered softly into his ear while I began to nudge my cock into him.
He moaned and arched his back, causing him to expose his neck to me and before I knew what I was doing I was biting down into his tender flesh. I felt my head pop into him and he cried out.
"God! You sex fiend, you are insatiable!"
"You weren't complaining last night, or the night before," I muttered.
"Trust me, I am not complaining!" he replied.
He moved his hips, pushing himself back against me and making me go deeper and deeper into him.
"Thats right baby, fuck yourself on my cock," I said and began to bite his neck again.
"Derek, Derek fuck!" he cried.
"Want me to knot you again? Want to feel my cock tie us together and fill you up?" I asked him.
"Feels so good, please do it! Knot me!"
I didn't force the knot, I merely let it happen. Maybe it was all the sex but now my knot would pop even when we were not having sex. The other day he was bending over cooking our food and the blood went rushing to the base of my cock.
I grabbed his hand and my whole body shook with tremors as my balls tightened and shot yet another stream of my seed into him. We both went limp, our breathing labored. I pulled his head back to gently kiss his mouth.
"I could fuck you for eternity," I told him.
"Sounds good to me."
I chuckled and continued to kiss him. He let me dominate his mouth, my tongue licked the inside of his mouth like a child licking their plate after a good meal. I will never tire of the taste of him.
"Well, this is one way to wake up I could get used to," he said with a smile.
I grinned and continued kissing him. Once my knot went down I pulled out and got up to grab a bowl of water and some towels. Stiles let me clean him without much of a fuss. When I first did this he complained about me treating him like a child.
But now he laid there and let me run the water over his body and clean him of the sticky mess our lovemaking had left.
I couldn't help it. I needed to clean him, needed to care for him, when we ate it was I who fed him with my fingers. My instincts were telling me to love, to protect, to shelter, to mate.
"I read evolved werewolves have knots. Is it possible for others types of your people to have such a blessing?"
I shook my head. "It's an evolved wolf thing. The average werewolf, even an alpha has a physiology with wolf like characteristics. But since evolved wolves are a perfect balance of man and beast our biology is more wolf than human. Which is why I have a knot. And why female evolved wolves can still have children even in their elder years."
"How did you find out you had a knot?" he asked.
I raised a brow at him. "Why such an interest in my past sexual experience?"
He moved his shoulders. "I can't help but wonder if you knew it was going to happen of if it surprised you."
I squeezed out the rag and ran it over his stomach. "It was a few months after I re-joined my family. The females in the pack I inherited offered themselves to me. But I knew they only did it because they thought I was going to be like their old alpha. I admit a part of me wanted to take them up on their offer. To sow my seed as was my right. But I also knew it would have been wrong. If they were a proper, healthy pack then yes. But they were all scared and it would have been wrong for me to use them because they were victims and not in the right state of mind. Once I returned to my family it did not take long before men and women came to me, offering me sex. I made it clear I wasn't looking for a relationship but they didn't care. They just wanted to be bedded by the Hale prince who was now an alpha and evolved."
"Nothing wrong with a guy blowing off some steam. Especially during a war," Stiles said.
He sat up and took my hand in his. "I know you will be leaving soon Derek. I wish you could stay, but your people need you."
"You could come with me," I said. "We could use someone like you on our side."
He chuckled. "You really want me to be running around with a sword?"
"It's not just the solders that win a war. It's the great thinkers. Your skills would make you a useful healer.
He stood up and walked across the room. "Come here, there is something I want to show you."
He placed his hand on the wall and the roots and vines around it began to move, revealing a secret compartment. Inside was a polished metal suit of armor with vambrace, a curved sword and a seat of yellow metal wings. All of it resting on red colored clothing with fox shaped emboldery.
"This belonged to my grandfather. My mother brought it with her when she came from Polska. He wore it in many great battles. He was one of the spirit clan. When he died he gave it to her and when she died I inherited it."
"It's very beautiful. Have you worn it?" I asked.
He shook his head. "No. Never felt like I was worthy."
"Thank you for showing me this. My offer still stands. Maybe this is the time for you to use what you inherited from your family."
He looked at me and smiled. "Do you want me to come with you." I opened my mouth but no words came out. His smile wavered, but only for a second. "I better go feed Roscoe. You get breakfast started okay."
He waved his hand and the wall closed again. He grabbed a pair if pants and left the hut. I should have stopped him. I should have told him that yes I really did want him to come with me. But I highly doubt that Jen-
"Oh shit Jennifer!" I groaned.
I had cheated on my fiance and future wife. Shame and guilt began to rise up in me. Werewolves take their marriage oaths very seriously. We may fool around with other people for fun like humans but when we decide to commit to a relationship we do not go outside our bonds.
That is not to say it doesn't happen. We are human and wolf and humans are far more fickle than wolves. But cheating on ones mate was seen as a terrible shame.
But the funny thing is...I don't feel bad about sleeping with Stiles, not one bit. Nor do I feel as bad about cheating on Jennifer as I should. Jennifer was a good woman. She was smart, beautiful and very easy going. She wasn't one for fighting and always wished to find a peaceful solution.
She had always been kind to me, unlike many of the other women who made their intentions clear and offered themselves to me she never tried to sleep with me or court me. Perhaps that was why I sought out her company.
I had no desire for love, loss and betrayal had hardened my heart to such notions of romance. I had no problem with finding someone to warm my bed, someone to loose myself to and help me forget my woes.
But Jennifer just...why did I decide to marry her? It was not uncommon or unheard of for werewolves to marry humans or even druids. One day she was just a woman I was friendly with who I worked with then one day I started sleeping with her and she said we should get married
My family had been happy for me, they feared I would never settle down. They all liked Jennifer, she got along with them which was good. But I feel like I have made a terrible mistake. Jennifer didn't make me feel anything, not like how Stiles makes me feel.
So why didn't I tell him that I wanted him to come with me? Why didn't I tell him that I...no...it can't be!
I paced around the hut. I can't love him! I can't!
He is a fox spirit and I am a werewolf!
But that didn't stop you from fucking him, from showing him more care and affection than you ever did for anyone else you took to your bed.
I am engaged to someone else!
A woman who you feel nothing for. You can't even understand why you accepted her marriage proposal in the first place.
She made me feel at peace!
She made you feel empty. Not peaceful, not happy.
No. I can't be in love with Stiles. I was not meant for love.
Then why accept Jennifer's proposal? She is not of royal blood nor does she come from a family that could help benefit you or your family.
Foxes and wolves were not meant to be together!
Yet he cared for you, saved your life and even let you deflower him. Even after you hurled those accusations at him he still let you defile him and he loved every second of it.
I bit my lip. I could not deny it. I have feelings for Stiles. Strong feelings. I hate the idea of leaving him in this forest. I want to keep him close, I want to keep him safe. I want to keep waking up with him in my arms with the smell of sex heavy in the air. I want to run my fingers through his hair and stare into those beautiful brown eyes. I want to hold him in my arms, peering down over his head as he read from one of his many books. I want to sit down at a table after a long hard day while he cooked our dinner and he yammered on about some irrelevant thing that had no meaning or purpose.
But the idea of confessing my feelings for him terrified me. It was like that damn poison was burning in my stomach. Doubt ran rampant in my mind. What if I lose him? What if this is a trick? What if my family doesn't accept him? What if he leaves me?
So many thoughts ran through my head. I cursed myself for being so weak. I wanted to tell him my feelings, but the fear was too strong.
I was not known for using my words. But that doesn't mean there are not other ways I could tell him. I searched the hut for some parchment and some ink and a quill.
If I couldn't tell him then I would write my feelings for him to read. By the time I was done I re-read the note and was satisfied with what I had. I rolled it up and go up and put my cloths on. I was about to go outside and give Stiles the note when a howl pierced the air.
I recognized that howl, my pack was here!
I cursed their timing, now wasn't the time to confess my feelings for Stiles. So I put the note in one of his books and ran out of the hut throwing my head back and releasing a howl. Letting my people know where I was.
Stiles
"Oh Roscoe, what have I gotten myself into," I whispered softly as I stroked his face.
He nudged my chest and I buried my face in his hair. The last few days have been amazing. I never thought I could have so much sex.
It was wild, passionate. The kind of thing you thought only existed in stories. I was happy to share every moment of it with him. He made me feel safe and happy. I enjoyed the time we spent together, though there were times when I wanted to smother him with a pillow for being a complete knothead I loved seeing him smile, and the feel of his arms wrapped around me.
But obviously the feelings were not shared. When I asked him if he wanted me to come with him I had wanted him to sy yes. I would have loaded my things and we would have left to go join his people.
But he hesitated.
Of course he doesn't actually want you to come. You don't really think the wolf-prince of Beacon Hills is going to introduce you to his family do you?
Just then a howl filled the air. A wolf's howl. A moment later Derek came running out of the hut wearing his cloths and armor and threw his head back to howl.
"Is that your pack?" I asked him.
He nodded.
A moment later a group came running past the trees. There were five of them, two blondes. A man and a woman and two others with dark skin. But it was the fifth who drew my attention.
"Scott!" I yelled.
"Stiles!" he yelled back.
He ran faster than the others right for me, I ram to greet him and he knocked me to the ground, but I could not help but laugh crazily. Scott was alive! I couldn't be any happier!
"I didn't know if you were dead or alive!" I cried as we hugged.
"Not only am I alive but I'm-"
He stopped, his face turned stony and he buried his face into my neck. He took a deep breath and a disturbingly familiar growl ripped from his mouth.
"Uh, Scott?"
I pulled back to look at him, instead of his regular chocolate brown eyes they were a searing red. "Oh shit," I said.
He stood up and glared at Derek. "You slept with Stiles!"
"What?!" the others said looking from me to Derek.
Derek looked form me to Scott. Then a look of realization dawned on his face. "Thats where I heard your name before. You're that Stiles!"
Scott stood up, his posture rigged. I watched as his nails turned into claws and his ears grew pointed and his sideburns got longer. His brown became more pronounced and his canines became fangs.
"Scott!" the tall guy with the curly blonde hair said with a timid voice.
"Derek what the hell have you done!"
Derek didn't respond, but his eyes glowed red but he didn't fully transform like Scott did.
I grabbed his arm and Scott glared at me, a low snarl leaked from his throat. "Don't you go growling at me Scott! What Derek and I did is none of your concern. Now come here!"
I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a hug. I felt him relax and he hugged me back. I pulled back to see his face had returned to normal.
"I have two questions. How the hell are you an alpha and why the hell is he wearing a scarf?"
I pointed a finger at the curly haired guy and he looked like I had insulted him. "Of all the things you want to know, this-he raised his scarf-is the second?"
"Dude it's summer time, why do you need a scarf on?"
"Your highness," the older dark skinned man said stepping forward. "How are you? The poison is-"
"Gone, Stiles cured me," Derek said looking at me with warm eyes.
The man and the others looked at me, impressed.
"Dude, awesome!" Scott said giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I knew you could do it. You are a fox spirit!"
"Dude!" I yelled clamping my hand over his mouth.
"We already know," the blonde girl said rolling her eyes.
I glared at Scott. "So you become a werewolf and start trading secrets? Not cool!"
"We can trust them Stiles, the Hales are the good guys!" Scott whined.
"Perhaps we should take this inside," the man said.
"No!" Derek and I both yelled at the same time.
We both looked at one another, knowing that the smell of sex was still thick in the hut.
"Deaton, we think a darach was the one that made the poison. Stiles sensed a dark presence when he got it out of me," Derek said.
The man, Deaton nodded. "We suspected as much. We think it is the same darach that is performing human sacrifices throughout the kingdom. We lost Kali, Ennis and Deucalion."
"What?" Derek asked. "What being could kill the demon wolf?"
"A being being powered by the nemeton," Deaton said.
"The nemeton? You mean the tree stump at the center of the forest?" I asked.
"You know about it" Scott asked.
"Yeah, Grandfather told me he made all the rowan trees to help keep out all the supernaturals that were being drawn to it."
"Your grandfather? I thought he was dead?" Scott asked.
"Grandfather is an ancient being who lives in the forest," Deaton explained.
"You know him?" I asked.
Deaton smiled. "Every druid who has come here to learn knows Grandfather." He pointed a finger at my hut. "I once lived there for a time when I was training. This forest is filled with ancient magic. A good place to study."
"So all those books belong to you?"
He shook his head. "They belong to those who come to study. Though I did leave some behind for future emissaries to study."
"How were you able to get the poison out of Derek?" the blonde woman asked giving me a suspicious look.
"I am a fox spirit of the wood clan. I was able to tap into the power of the forest to give me a boost to help cure Derek. It was odd, before the poison was spreading very slow. But then three days ago it just started spreading like a fire. He almost died."
The blondes and the one who had remained silent went trotting over to Derek, low whines escaped their throats. Derek held out his arms and embraced them in one large hug.
"It's okay, I am fine now," he said.
"I never should have left you!" the blonde woman said.
"I ordered you to leave Erica. I couldn't stand it if that bitch caught you or Boyd."
They began to scent Derek, rubbing their faces against his face and nudging him with their shoulders. It was both odd to watch and yet heart warming.
Scott saddled closer to me and began to rub his shoulder against mine.
"Really?" I asked him.
"I can't help it," he whined. "Watching them is making my instincts want to mark you...and you smell like Derek."
I laughed at the jealous tone and hugged him, rubbing my face against his. "I am so happy you are alive Scotty. I missed you so much man. I am sorry you became a werewolf."
"I asked for the bite. I don't have asthma no more and I am a true alpha!"
My eyes widened in shock. "Holy shit dude really! I was afraid you killed another alpha! Alphas like you are super rare!"
He grinned. "I know. I am one of Talia's most trusted alphas. And I want to introduce you to Isaac."
The blonde guy with the curls walked over to us, he stood tall and had a cocky smirk, but there was a glimmer of nervousness in his eyes.
Scott wrapped his arm around Isaac's shoulders and nuzzled his cheek. "Stiles, this is Isaac Lahey. He is my mate."
I looked at Scott then to Isaac who looked very happy. "Dude, thats great...I mean...wow."
I almost asked about Allison. I guess it makes sense they couldn't maintain a relationship, what with her being an Argent and he being a-
"I plan on marrying him and Allison when this is all over. You'll be my best man of course."
"Yeah of course. Don't think just because you're a werewolf now that-wait marry both Allison and him!"
They both chuckled at the look on my face. "Yeah dude. I love the both of them. The three of us are in a relationship."
"I...shit man. How is it you became a werewolf an alpha and landed two mates?"
"You seem to be doing good," he said casting a dark look at Derek who glowered back as him as if to say shut up or I will rip your throat out with my teeth!
"Can I scent you?" Isaac asked. "I know we just met. But Scott has spoken about you so much I feel like I know you. And you smell like Derek...I...hope you don't mind."
I grinned. "It's okay. Derek told me I am moon bait."
I turned my neck and noticed his eyes flashed yellow. "Yes you are."
"Hey!" Scott said looking indignant.
Isaac shrugged. "You didn't say he had such a nice neck."
Scott looked like Isaac just dumped a cup of cold water on his head. Isaac leaned down and rubbed his cheek against my neck. I shivered when I felt his nose against my neck. I heard him take a deep breath.
Then he let out a small whine and backed away, looking rather timid. "Are you okay?"
"You smell like a normal human. But you also smell like you should be my alpha!"
I looked at Scott. "Do I smell different?"
"Well other than the fact you smell of sex-he gave Derek another dark look- you smell normal to me."
"He is a fox spirit. shouldn't he smell different?" Erica asked.
"Not all supernatural beings smell different from human," Deaton explained.
Erica and Boyd walked over to us. "May we?" Boyd asked.
I felt more cautious about the two of them scenting me. Boyd was more than twice my size and Erica looked like she was considering eating me.
I looked to Derek and he nodded and I bared my neck to the two of them. Like Isaac they rubbed their cheeks against my neck and sniffed it. They two backed away, though they were a bit more reserved and less timid.
"Interesting. It seems only your betas are reacting to him," Deaton commented . His expression was neutral but there was a look in his eyes, like a scholar observing an experiment.
"Maybe since Scott is an alpha," I said.
I looked over at Derek whom looked pleased by his betas reactions to me.
Before I could ask him what this meant an arrow came sailing past his head and almost hit my face, had Scott not caught it.
"Argents!" he yelled.
They came running through the trees. Yelling a war cry as they aimed their crossbows at us. Derek ran over to me and began to drag me to the hut. "They must have followed you here!"
We all took over behind trees to avoid the arrows. "Don't let them hit you. I have no doubt their arrows are poisoned," Deaton said.
"Oh wow an Argent using wolfsbane-laced weapons imagine that!" I yelled.
He gave an an annoyed look.
I leaned around the tree to yell out. "You assholes have about one minute to get the hell out of here."
"We are here for Hale and his comrades boy. Hand them over and we will leave you be!" one of the hunters yelled.
"Tyhurst!" Derek growled. "I recognize his voice.
"Kate wants us to bring you in alive Hale. Says she wants to finish what she started!" Tyhurst yelled out.
"Tell that bitch I am going to enjoy watching her burn on a pyre!"
"No, I am afraid no one is going to be delivering any messages," a booming voice spoke calmly.
"Grandfather!" Deaton and I yelled.
I moved out from behind the tree to see Grandfather standing behind the Argent solders, seemingly not caring they were pointing their bows at him.
"Be gone creature, all we want is the wolves!" Tyhurst yelled.
"No. The Hales have always treated us with respect. Leaving us in peace and honoring our wish to be left alone. Prince Derek and his pack are welcome here. As is Alan Deaton. You are unwelcome, leave now, least you suffer the same fate as those who came before."
"We come prepared old man. These arrows are tipped with cold iron. Even a child knows iron is fatal to your kind!"
Grandfather did not seem impressed. He let out a long sigh.
Then a sound like a swarm of angry wasps began to rise. We all looked up to see a dark swarm of pixies rising above us from the trees. I saw movement coming from the trees. The bark flowed like water and nymph emerged from the trees.
I watched as Penelope walked over to one of the men, he was too busy looking up to see the other nymphs surrounding him and his friends.
"Hi handsome," she said with a grin.
His gaze snapped to her and he went to aim his bow, but she grabbed it out of his hands and threw it to the ground. She advanced on him, her face twisted angrily. "I understand when you humans cut down trees to make your homes or to keeps yourselves warm .But when you cut them down to make weapons to kill that really pisses me off."
The man grabbed a dagger and took a swing at her, she caught his arm and twisted. There was a loud crunch and the man screamed in pain as she broke his arm.
"CHARGE!"
The other Gentry arrived. The fauns leapt into the air, landing on to the soilders and crushing them underfoot. A mob of brownies with Ma ma Gob leading them attacked a trio of soldiers, they carried tiny little pots and pans and looked comical until swarmed the men and started hitting them.
"Get your asses out of our home you little shit!" she screamed.
A group of leshy joined the battle, their footfalls made the earth shake. The men fired their arrows at them and the leshy screamed as the arrows hit their bodies. One of them grabbed a man and rolled him up into a bloody ball.
The pixies flew from the air and like angry hornets swarmed the men. Biting and clawing into their flesh, laughing evilly as blood and skin flew from their sharp teeth.
I saw Malia in her coyote form pounce on Tyhurst and tear into his throat. As he lay on the ground clutching his throat she transformed back into her human form, her eyes shined like blue stars, her face looked similar to a werewolf's.
"Remember me you bastard!" she roared. Tyhurst looked stunned, I could see recognition in his eyes. "You murdered my family! My father, my mother! MY BABY SISTER"
I looked away as she began hacking him piece by little piece.
Within moments the soldiers were dead and the Gentry were cheering.
"Holy shit!" Isaac whimpered.
"Fear not Isaac Lahey, you are our guest," Grandfather said in a gentle tone.
"He knows my name! How the hell does he know my name!" Isaac hissed.
"I know all your names. Scott McCall the true alpha. Isaac Lahey his mate, Erica Reyes and Vernon Boyd the third. And of course Alan Deaton, you have become a fine man."
"Alan is here!" Penelope said looking around eagerly.
"Ohhh, he really has grown up nice and handsome," Cassa said fanning herself.
Deaton looked embarrassed and blushed.
We all moved out from behind the trees. The leshy were picking up the corpses and carrying them away. I didn't know what they planned to do with the bodies and I didn't care to find out.
"We are sorry for bringing the Hunters here sir," Scott said bowing to Grandfather.
"All is well young one. The Hunters have been getting more and more uppity since Gerard took control."
Malia trotted over to me, covered in blood and gore, looking like a warrior goddess come to rain hell on the earth. "Are you okay?" she asked me.
I nodded. She looked to Scott and the others. "The fuck are they?"
"Derek's pack. And he is Scott."
"Scott? Your best friend who you thought might be dead with the bad lungs?"
I nodded.
"Oh, hey. Nice to meet you."
"Thanks," Scott said looking at her warily. "And you are?"
"Malia Tate."
"She's my cousin. Peter's daughter with Corrine."
"Yeah, apparently my coyote-mom wants me dead so my dad and aunt hid me away with a human family but they were killed by the Argents."
"Derek, I want to go with you," I suddenly said. I took his hands in mine. "If the Argents are willing to come into the forest then I need to help stop them before they cause the gentry more trouble."
"No Stiles you can't!" Pomana wailed.
"It's too dangerous!" Caissa agreed.
"I have to. I have hidden myself away too long. All the people I love are involved in this war and it's high time I helped out."
"Then I am going to," Malia said. "I want to make the Argents pay for what they did to my family. Plus I want to meet my father."
"Don't expect too much," I heard Scott mutter.
"What about your mother?" I asked.
She shrugged. "I'll just kill her first."
"She's definitely Peter's daughter," Erica said.
"Derek you need to tell him," Scott said.
"Tell me what?" I asked.
"Stiles...I want you to come but...there is something you need to know," Derek said avoiding my gaze.
I smiled and put my hand on his face, making him look at me. "Come on sourwolf. There is nothing you could tell me that could make me-"
"I'm engaged."
And just like that the whole world came crashing down around me in a silent destructive shower of hellstorm.
"Her name is Jennifer, she is a druid in our army. I am sorry I never told you but-"
I let go of his face and headed for the hut.
"Stiles wait!"
I felt him try to grab my arm but I slapped it away. "Don't!" I snarled spinning around to glare at him. "You've been here for weeks Derek, and in all that time. Especially the last few days you never once mentioned you were engaged!"
"I am sorry, So sorry Stiles. I never meant for this to happen!"
"What, you never met to fuck me? Because I seem to recall you enjoyed every single moment of it. What was it you said, that you were going to ruin me for anyone else?" I laughed bitterly. "well congratulations your highness, you succeeded!"
He let out a pained whimper. "Please Stiles, just listen to me," he begged.
"No! Get the hell out of here and go back to your pack and your fiance!" I pushed him and he stumbled back. Erica and Boyd took a threatening step forward. Scott kept Isaac from joining them. "I wish I had never helped you Derek Hale. You hurt everyone around you!"
I spun around and ran into my hut, shutting the door behind me. I began to cry, my chest heaving. I flipped over my table, spilling books and bowls. I ran to the bed and ripped the sheets off. The same sheets covered in sweat and sex.
I fell to the floor. My face wet with tears and my chest aching. God I was pathetic. I actually thought I could have love. Me, stupid skinny Stiles who talks to much and can barely keep focused on a single subject.
I trusted him with my heart and he crushed it to dust.
I heard the door open and Malia laid down next to me in her coyote form, she lot out a whine and I stroked her blood soaked fur.
"I'm so sorry Stiles," I heard Scott say.
He sat down next to me, stroking my hair softly. "You should go. Get Derek back to his...people."
I almost said fiance.
"I want to stay, I have missed you," he whined.
"I know." I sat up and hugged him. "But you know where to find me."
"I've always known. I have kept in contact with your dad. He told me you were safe here. I wish I came to you sooner. But I had to learn to control my instincts and I couldn't risk being caught by the Argents and then I became and alpha."
"Scott, it's okay. Seriously. I am just happy you are alive and happy." I grinned at him. "You have two people waiting for you. Go back to them."
He took my hand firmly in his. "This war will end very soon Stiles. Once things are settled you can come back to Beacon. You'll be my best man at my wedding and Isaac wants to open up an orphanage and you can train to be a healer. Imagine helping all those unruly kids when they get a cold or break their arm from climbing a tree."
"That sounds wonderful Scott," I said.
He put his face against my neck and rubbed it. "I will come back to you. I swear by the Moon and all the gods. I am taking my brother back."
"Oh Scott."
I hugged him. In turned to look at Malia. "You are going to have to learn to wear cloths now."
She let out a huff of indignation.
"She isn't coming. She had some choice words for Derek."
"Malia you need to go with them and meet your family," I told her.
Her only response was to lay her head on my lap. I sighed and petted her again.
"Stubborn mutt," I said with nothing but affection.
And so what should have been a joyous occasion turned into a bitter farewell. Derek was quit for most of the journey, only speaking when he needed. Even his betas couldn't get a response out of him. For the third time in his life Derek found himself reacquainted with despair and shame.
When they returned to the Hale camp things warmed up. Scott and Isaac were delighted to learn their mate was there and they all shared a heartfelt reunion (and let on in the privacy of their tent they all consummated their union.)
Talia informed them of what Lydia told them. They decided to deal with Gerard first, then look for the darach. Hopefully they could learn more about her from Gerard. During the war council some thought it might be wise to wait for Gerad to send some of his forces to the forest to make capturing the capital easier. But Derek refused to allow Stiles or the gentry to be used in such a way. He managed to convince the others to attack the city first, Gerard didn't know they were preparing to attack and his forces were still converging on the city.
They still had allies on the inside who could make getting in easy and with the hellhounds on their side getting past the mountain ash barriers would be easy. Derek told no one about his romance with Stiles and neither did the others. Although Jennifer was happy to have Derek back he could not help but think of Stiles whenever she was around.
Peter was overjoyed to learn his daughter was alive, but the Hales agreed it was best to keep her existence a secret. At least until Corrine could be handled with at a later time.
With the help of Noah Stilinski, Melissa McCall and many other allies inside the capital the Hales were able to make sure any innocent humans would be kept out of harms way. They would remain in shelters until the fighting was over, thus limiting and collateral damage.
And so the day came when the Hale forces gathered under the cover of night to attack the capital in what was sure to be a battle for the ages.
But it's getting late, I'm tired as hell. Work has been rough and I have spent the last two weeks writing and editing this story and as much as I lover Sterek I really want to finish this chapter so let me just give you a quick rundown of what happened.
Okay, they are storming the gates, good thing Noah made sure to keep the gates open while he and his men started fighting the Argent men at the main gate. Alright the hellhounds are running through the mountain ash barriers and letting the supernaturals in. Oh shit is that a dragon? Oh no, it's just Parrish jumping from roof to roof. Wow he's got some good leg muscles.
Cue Argent men to start showing up, arrows are flying around, people are screaming and getting slaughtered let and right, oh fuck Derek just ripped a guys out with his teeth! There goes Cora she just jumped on a guys back and tore out the back of his head, oh no she's about to get stabbed from behind by oh never mind, Lydia just saved her, she blew the guys head off with her scream. Didn't think she would be in this fight.
The twins have merged and are ripping guys apart, their yelling at their wolves to wait until later before they start looting from the dead. Noshiko and her daughter are their fighting with some other kitsune. They got some oni with them and Kira has her sword charged with electricity.
Scott and Isaac are fighting together, Isaac is looking for Allison, they lost her and he see's she is firing arrows. Oh no a guy is coming at her with a ax and her quiver is empty! Oh damn where was she hiding that dagger! Well, he's down, aww Scott and Isaac are beaming at her. They're so proud.
Throats are being ripped out, people being cut in half, burned, stabbed, impaled. Corrine is attacking Peter, apparently one of her coyotes overheard Peter and Talia talking and she wants to know where Malia is. Laura just slashed her back and Peter just ripped her in half; okay that plot is settled.
Things are looking good for the Hales, credit to the Argents they are putting up a good fight but a bunch of their men are switching sides. Let's speed this up to about oh say...five hours.
Derek
We stood in the throne room. I barely recognized the palace. The Argents had done some rearranging since they stole our home. All the statues and portrates and busts and other small insignificant things I never paid much attention to were all gone. No doubt destroyed. I was going to enjoy tearing down everything that represented the Argents.
We were all bloody. The battle had been amazing, the stuff of legends. The kind of thing that would fill you with wonder and joy to see. I was still thrumming with energy, I still felt the urge to hunt and kill.
We had Gerard, he was on his knees in front of us, my mother sat on her throne. The only thing that ruined this moment was the fact Kate had managed to escape during the chaos. It didn't matter, she would be caught soon enough.
"Gerard Argent," mother spoke, her voice firm and strong. "You plotted to kill me and my family. You drove us from our home and threw our lands into chaos. You have ruined the lives of countless innocents in your selfish pursuit of power. How can you justify your actions?"
He glared at my mother. "I don't owe you anything wolf-bitch! You were weak, I did what anyone else would!"
"You are a disgrace to hunters everywhere pendejo," Araya spoke. "We live by a code. It keeps is human and helps us keep order in the world. You have violated everything we are supposed to represent."
"Don't prattle to me about the code you old cunt!" Gerard spat. "It's the damn code that has made us weak! Allowing these abominations to run wild!"
"Your a hypocrite!" Allison yelled. "We know you are dying. That you have made a pact with a darach, allowing her to perform human sacrifice to gain more power just to prolong your life. I am disgusted to be related to you!"
"The sentiment is the same you wolf loving whore!" he sneered.
Scott and Isaac growled and moved closer to her, glaring at him with yellow and red eyes.
"At least I have love in my heart, you souless bastard," Allison responded, her voice colder than eyes. Her hands found Scott and Isaac's.
"Kill me and be done with it, I am sorry for nothing! I did what I had to do to survive! So what if I had to kill hordes of people to do it. Nothing matters but survival!"
He really was unrepentant. He wasn't even trying to hide the sound of his heartbeat.
"And you called us monsters," mother said, shaking her head. "I queen Talia Hale, alpha of the Hale pack, first of my name, evolved wolf due hereby sentence you to death. As much as I would enjoy watching the disease eat away at you I will not tolerate your continued blight on life."
"But before we kill you, you are going to tell us what you know about the darach," I said.
He chuckled. "I know not who or where she is. The bitch played me. Tricked me into helping her. She knew I was dying and that I would be desperate, she made me the poison as an act of goodwill. So I let her kill to power that damn tree. Now I see she never meant to help me. Trust me, if I knew who she was I would tell you."
"Then you are of no use to us," mother said/
He chuckled. "So which of you bastards will do the job? My traitorous kin? You? Or maybe your son. Derek here has more reason to hate me more than anyone else."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"I had been planning this take over for years. All we needed was a way in. Have you never wondered who it was that had your lady love poisoned?"
Gasps sounded across the room. I felt like the air had left my lungs and a cold fury began to grow from the darkest part of my soul.
"We chose you because you were young and the loss of your mate would drive you to such despair. And Kate always had a way with men. A heartbroken pup was simple for her to-"
I do not recall what happened. I just remember seeing red and what was left of Gerard Argent was spread across the throne room. I was later told I had roared with such fury it shook the walls of the throne room. I rushed Gerard, first gouging out his eyes and then smashing in his head and ripped him to shreds.
Later on I was alone in one of the guest rooms. I didn't have the heart to sleep in my old room. Not while they still had the Argent taint.
All these years I had lost hope that I would ever find out who had killed Paige. But even though I had her killers blood on my hands I didn't feel satisfied. I only felt tired, so damned tired.
I longed for Stiles. To hold him in my arms, to breath in his scent. But he was lost to me now.
"You hurt everyone around you!"
"Derek?"
I looked up to see Jennifer. I hadn't heard her come in. She walked over to me, placing her hands on my shoulders. "I am so sorry. Gerard was a monster. His last act of defiance was to twist the blade you have long since carried in your heart."
"Jennifer, you are a good woman. Too good for me."
"Nonsense. You should get some rest. You have more than earned it my beloved. We have much to do and we still have the wedding to look forward too."
"Jennifer...I can't marry you."
Her face fell. "What? Why?"
I told her the truth. Everything. My meeting Stiles and my true feelings for him and of our intimate time together. She was not angry, nor did she show any signs of distress. In fact she seemed amused.
"Oh my love, I forgive you. War can tax a man and you are a young virile werewolf. It's not like you would be the first man to blow of some steam."
"Jennifer...I don't love you. I don't even know why I accepted your proposal. I hate to sound like a heartless bastard, but perhaps I am. Perhaps Stiles was right. I do hurt everyone around me."
She sighed and touched my face. The world became fuzzy. I felt a haze cloud my thoughts. Only Jennifer remained constant, her image sharp and clear.
"The wedding will continue as planned. In fact the sooner the better. And why don't we invite the little fox. I would just love to thank him for saving your life. How does that sound Derek? Would you like to see Stiles one last time?"
"I...yes...lets get married...so I can see Stiles."
A few weeks later and it was time for the royal wedding. When Derek and Jennifer went to Talia to talk about having a quick wedding Talia suggested they wait until they caught Kate who was still on the run. But Jennifer insisted the wedding take place as soon as possible, to help give the people something to focus on now that Gerard was overthrown.
Talia agreed, a royal wedding would be just what the people needed. It took time, longer then Jennifer wanted but there was no way such an event could be rushed.
True to his word Scott came to visit Stiles. Brinign his mates, Stiles father and Scott's mother who was delighted to see the only other boy she considered her son. Their reunion was wonderful, they all shared stories of their time surviving under the Argent rule.
There was still a lot of work to be done cleaning up Gerard's mess and the darach had yet to be caught. So far there had been no sacrifices but Deaton was sure the evil druid was still lurking around somewhere.
Scott told Stiles about the wedding. Handing him a wedding invitation which was promptly tossed into the hearth. Noah was tempted to risk imprisonment to give Derek a good beating for hurting his little boy. But Stiles reminded him that he was no longer little and he could handle himself.
As his friends and family left after making plans for Stiles to return to his home they all left to go to the wedding. Stiles hugged them all and watched them leave.
Some of the local gentry came to visit, knowing Stiles was still suffering from his split with Derek, some of the faun made their infamous wine and they drank to the fall of Gerard and to Stiles moment of glory.
Stiles
"Oh sweetie, I am so sorry," Pomona said as she petted my hair with her hand.
I was resting my head in her lap. We had started a little bonfire and were having a small celebration outside my hut.
Even Grandfather was here, drinking some of the wine the fauns had made. He sat quietly, observing us as we drank and danced and laughed.
Malia was in her human form, wearing a dress sent from Peter who was planning to come visit her. I knew Malia wanted to meet her father and the rest of the Hales, but she couldn't stand the idea of leaving me behind.
She was having an arm wresting match with one of the elves while the others cheered her on.
"Sorry for what?" I asked her.
"About that slut of a wolf. Ohh the nerve of him!"
"Strange, but not unheard of for to wolves to cheat on their mates," a faun said. "Nasty business if you ask me. Your better off without that cur youngling. And look on the bright side, you got your kingdom back, the royal family owes you a favor and you got some good sex out of the deal."
"Thats enough out of all you!" Ma ma Gob said sipping from her tiny cup. "Poor boy doesn't need to be reminded of that fool prince."
"It's my own fault. I actually thought we could be together. But he is a wolf prince and I am a fox spirit. It would have never worked out."
"There have been times when foxes and wolves loved one another and lived happily ever after," Grandfather spoke.
"Really?" I asked.
"It was rare. Such couplings were either killed for daring to love one another or fled to lands far away to live in peace."
"Doesn't matter. We were just not meant to be."
"Don't worry Stiles. A fine young man like you will find a nice boy to settle down with," Ma ma Gob said soothingly.
"Promise us you will come visit Stiles, we will miss you terribly," Caissa said.
I smiled at her. "You guys have been like a second family to me. I would never just forget about you."
Just then Harry came running out from my hut carrying a piece of paper. He was waving it around and making a bunch of noise.
"Harry, we're here to have a good time, not clean...well, maybe later but right now were taking ti easy!" Ma ma said.
Harry ran to me, waving the paper and squeaking something about Derek and a note he found while he was tidying up my home just now.
I took it from him and read.
Stiles, as you know I am not good with my words. Or communicating at all in general. I can only hope these words I right can help me tell you the dreaded truth I have been keeping from you and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
I am engaged to a woman whom I do not love. She is a kind woman, but our union is more about me doing my duty to my family and I fear her affections for me are misplaced. After Paige and Kate I did not think I could find love. Maybe with Jennifer I could at least find some kind of marital happiness.
But that was all ruined the day I met you.
When we first met I wanted to strangle you. Still do sometimes. You are loud, hyper, you talk about things that do not matter and I have difficulty following your train of thought. And you have a smart mouth. I have broken the jaws of men who dared speak to me like you do.
But you are fearless, loyal, loving and brilliant. I enjoyed our time together.
Even as the poison slowly killed me the one thing that made the pain bearable wasn't your tonics, but you yourself. You helped me focus on something else then the idea that I might die and never see my family again and before I knew it I was opening up to you and telling you my darkest secrets.
Though I have no excuse for my behavior after you saved me, all I can say I allowed ignorance and suspicion to rule me instead of seeing the truth. That you are one of the most beautiful and loving people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
The last few days with you has made me happier than I ever thought I could feel. Before I felt empty. The wounds of my past still festered but much like your potions you cleaned my wounds and I feel like I can finally begin to move on.
But I want to move forward with you. Stiles, if you are still reading this I want you to know that I love you. I want you to come with me so I can introduce you to my family and if you would do me the honor, allow me to court you properly and as you deserve.
Though we have obviously skipped a few steps I wish to give you the same joy you have brought me.
With much love, heart and soul, Derek.
Tears fell from my eyes and landed on the paper.
"Derek," I whispered.
"What is wrong? What does it say?" Pomona asked.
Penelope took the paper from my hand and began to read it out loud. I stood up and began to pace.
Derek loves me! He really loves me! I should have let him explain! After I said all those horrible things to him! No wonder he left without telling me, I had been so angry I wouldn't have listened!
"I have to go to him! I have to stop the wedding!"
All the gentry began to cheer.
"But it's a royal wedding, won't you need n invitation?" Grandfather asked.
"Yes, I got one...which I threw in the fire, shit!"
"So what, just because you don't have a piece of paper your not going to go get your mate?" Malia asked frowning at me.
"Weren't you just telling me the other day how if you ever see Derek again your going to chop his balls off," I reminded her.
She shrugged. "That was before I found out he is an idiot who doesn't know how to express his feelings."
"If Roscoe and I go now I might make it," I said.
It was getting late and the sun was soon to set. Scott had said the wedding would start at dusk.
"You can't go looking like that," Pomona said. "If you are going to go to crash a wedding you have to look dashing!"
"We live in a forest, what could I wear?" I asked. "It's not like there is a seamstress nearby."
"Silly boy. We can make you something out of leaves and moss. And flowers to, lots and lots of flowers!" Caissa said.
"I know where to find some fresh moss by the boulders at the river," one of the leshy said.
"And we got needles and thread we can use to make you a nice suit," Ma ma Gob said.
"He can't go to a mortal wedding dressed in moss and flowers. They prefer cotton and silks," one of the elves said.
"Mortals are so weird," Penelope said shaking her head.
Grandfather finished sipping his wine and stood up. "I believe this is where I step in."
He banged his staff on the ground and I felt the ground shake. The door to my hut flew open and the armor I kept hidden away came flying out. A gust of wind blew and I found myself lifted up, spining rapidly until the world was a blur.
When my feet touched the ground I was no longer wearing the rags I had been. I was now fully decked in my ancestral armor. The sword was strapped to my side and the golden wings hung on my back, the helmet rested in my arm and my red cloak hung by my shoulders.
"Damn, check you out," Malia said looking impressed.
"Oh, little Stiles is all grown up now. Your so handsome," Ma ma Gob said wiping her face with a hanky.
"Now for your horse. A man needs a good looking horse if he is going to crash a wedding," Grandfather said.
He pointed his staff at Roscoe and a green glow surrounded him A blue saddled appeared on his back and a matching blue sash and helmet with a blue feather placed above his forehead.
"Nice," I said.
I got on top of Roscoe, petting his neck. I could tell he was enjoying his new threads.
"Stiles!"
I looked to see a trio of pixies carrying a large bag. They handed it to me and I unlaced it to look inside.
"We got you some seeds in case you run into trouble," the one in the middle said.
"Thak you all," I said.
"Go get your man Stiles," Ma ma Gob said.
I kicked my heels into Roscoe's side and we took off. The gentry all waved and cheered for me as we rode off. I entered these woods a scared boy, afraid for my life. Now I am leaving it a man. I don't know what awaits me at the end of my journey, maybe it is too late, maybe they will already be married, maybe Derek has changed his mind.
But I can't live the rest of my very long life wondering what life would have been like if I had gone to Derek.
I just hope I don't get executed for disrupting a royal wedding.
Derek
I stared at myself in the mirror, I wore the traditional black of my family with a red triskelle to denote my status as an alpha. I wore a silver crown on my head and carried my sword at my side.
Most who looked at me now saw a warrior, an alpha, a prince. But I didn't feel like any of those things. I felt empty. I should be joyous, my kingdom was reclaimed and I had killed Gerard and was set to marry a beautiful woman.
But I feel barren, cold even. I feel like there is a part of me missing and I know what it is.
I heard a knock on my door. I already knew who it was. "Come in mother."
She walked in and looked at me, her eyes warm. "Oh my boy. Look at you." she walked over and cupped my cheeks. "I can't believe you are getting married today. Seems like only yesterday I watched your father chasing after you as you ran through the halls naked, refusing to take your bath."
I tried to smile but my lips barely moved. "What is wrong honey?" she asked.
"I talked to Scott...he said Stiles isn't coming."
"Oh, you mean the fox who saved you. I wonder why he didn't come. I know our people have a history but I told Scott to tell him about Noshiko and her people. She was actually looking forward to meeting him. She wanted to learn more about the kitsune from his mothers region."
"Mother...I have done something unforgivable. Again."
"Derek baby what could you have done to put yourself in such a mood?" she asked.
I told her the truth. How Stiles cared for me and we bonded and I slept with him and broke his heart.
"I told Jennifer. She insisted we invite Stiles to the wedding; I was looking forward to see him. I was a fool to think he would come."
"Oh Derek. My poor boy, what mess have you gotten yourself into." I let out a whine and she took my hand. "Derek. Maybe you should call off the wedding. If you still have feelings for this boy than maybe you should wait. Take some time to reflect."
I shook my head. "He hates me. I saw the look in his eyes mother. He was devastated. I should have told him but I forgot all about Jennifer."
She raised a questioning brow. "You forgot about your fiance?"
"I know, it sounds terrible. But being with Stiles, I don't know it was like he made me forget what a monster I am. He made me feel good again, in ways Jennifer doesn't."
"Listen to me well Derek Hale. You are not a monster. You are my son. Don't think I am playing the dotting mother, because we both know if you were even a little rotten I would let you know. I love my brother but Peter is seriously fucked in the head."
I could not help the laugh that came bursting from my mouth.
"You've suffered so much Derek. You lost the woman you love, was manipulated by a murderous whore. You've carried so much guilt and shame that there were times I feared I was going to lose you. But you endured. You pulled through. When you talk about this boy I can tell you care for him. I see the same light in your eyes I saw when you were with Paige. Perhaps you need to reconsider your future."
I remembered the look in his eyes when he glared at me. The pain, the fury, the betrayal.
"This wedding has to happen. The people need it. They need to see us united and strong. Plenty of people turned to Gerard's side and he sowed lots of discord among the humans and shifters. If I call of the wedding it will make us look weak. And I will not pout our family at risk mother. Not again."
"But Derek-"
I stopped her. "It doesn't matter how much I love him. I destroyed any feelings he has for me. I will always care for him and I will make sure he is well cared for. It is the least I can do."
"If the boy is as smart as you say than I can assure you he will receive the best education. Foxes from his clan are known for their healing abilities. Alan says he can personally teach him."
I nodded. "Good. Now, lets go out to the courtyard. We should go mingle."
She hugged me and we made our way out to the courtyard where the ceremony would take place. Despite the fact the whole thing was rushed I had to give credit to my sisters for doing a job with what little time and resources they had.
Personally if I had it my way we would just do it now and be done with it.
But it was important we foster good relations among the people. Once we held parties that had people from all walks of life and they mingled and enjoyed each others company.
But now things were different. Things were more subdued and there was an air of suspicion and paranoia in the air. Gerard had really fucked our country. The Hales had spent generations bridging the divide between the two worlds and in six years Gerard had almost destroyed it.
Plenty of the nobles and elite had switched sides to Gerard out of self-preservation. But Gerard was clever. He played the role of benevolent tyrant, showering love and affection to those who sided with him. Taking the lands and riches from the supernatural and giving them to his new friends.
But once he was dead they switched sides again. Bunch of fucking snakes. It was going to be a nightmare keeping the peace. I know many shifters wanted revenge for their human neighbors betraying them to the Argents and aiding in their capture.
Scott and Isaac stood with Boyd and Erica. They surrounded Allison and her father Chris. To some it might look like a friendly chat but in truth they were acting as bodyguards for the remaining Argents. Isaac and Scott had announced their intent to marry Allison. There had been an intimidate outcry and Scott had to fight to defend his mates honor.
I saw plenty of shifters looking at the duo with glowing eyes. Only to look away when my wolves glowered at them.
I admit I had my doubts when I learned of the whole thing. But I saw how happy Isaac was with the two of them. He was my first beta and I know I have been shitty to him at times, but I want him to be happy.
I saw Lydia talking to the hellhound Parrish. Apparently the two were very taken with one another. The hellhounds said the nemeton was in danger and were staying to help find the darach. Lydia had been working a lot with the hellhounds. They were all drawn to her and she to them, no doubt do to their connection to death.
They were rather protective of her, they listened to her and followed her lead. Anyone else tried to order them about they would just snarl and flash their burning eyes at them. But Lydia they followed without fail or question.
We were negotiating a pact between them and us. Many of them had been wandering from place to place and wanted a place to plant some roots. It was be a great boon to have a pack of hellhounds on our side and judging from the way Parrish was looking at the Martin heir he had already found a place to plant some roots.
Peter and my father and Laura were talking with some of the werecoyotes. They were not really bothered by Corrines death. She had attacked Peter and they were glad to be rid of her. They were appalled by the fact she was willing to kill her own daughter to take her power back.
They were delighted to hear Malia was alive. Since she was Peter and Corrines daughter that meant they had a connection to the royal family which knowing Peter he was planning to use that to our (his) advantage.
"Derek!" Jennifer came running over to me wearing a white gown. "Oh this is all so lovely. I am so happy to see so many people here. Tell me has Stiles arrived? I am so eager to meet him."
I felt my heart stutter at the mention of his name. "No, he decided not to come."
Her smile faded a little then returned. "Well, that is unfortunate. I was looking forward to meeting him."
"You seem awfully eager to meet the man your fiance slept with," mother said rather cooly.
"Oh, Derek told you I see. Stiles saved Derek's life. And it is not his fault that Derek failed to mention me. But this is not a time for anger or bitterness. This is a new beginning for everyone."
She took my hand and the pain lessened and I felt less burdened. "Come lets go get something to drink. Excuse us Talia."
I let Jennifer lead me away. The new few hours passed in a blur. I staid by Jenifers side the entire time. I let her do all the talking and only spoke when someone talked to me directly.
I just wanted this to be over with so I could get drunk and pass out.
Before I knew it the two of us were standing in front of the stone alter where my ancestors wed their mates. Deaton as our pack emissary was the one officiating the marriage.
I noticed my family looked reserved. They didn't seem to be happy about the wedding. They always got along with Jennifer, shouldn't they be happier.
"Jennifer, do you take Derek to be your husband. Will you love him and lend him your strength when he needs it and swear to honor him?"
"I do," Jennifer said.
"Derek, do you take Jennifer to be your wife. Will you love her and lend her your strength when she needs and swear to honor her?"
I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. There was an awkward pause. I could hear people start to murmur around us.
"Derek," I heard Laura whisper so softly only I could hear her.
"Derek," Jennifer said, sounding impatient.
Before I could respond I heard something. It was distant but it was getting closer. I wasn't the only one, other people were looking at the doors. Only the shifters though. Only they could hear it.
It sounded like a single horse running closer and closer. Suddenly the guards above began to move, I could hear them talking about an approaching rider. The sound of hooves thundering got closer and closer until even the humans could hear it.
Than there was silence, we all heard the guards demanding the rider turn around or he would be fired on. Then the wooden gates flew open, no. They grew roots that pulled them away, ripping themselves off their hinges.
People screamed and stood up, a single horse in blue attire came striding in, the rider wore a familiar set of armor.
"Derek!"
I recognized that voice. How many times had I heard him whisper it in the night or scream it in the throes of glorious passion.
"Stiles!" I yelled.
"Stiles?" Jennifer asked.
"Stiles!" Scott yelled.
"Scott!" Stiles yelled.
"Stiles!" Noah yelled looking stunned.
"Dad!" Stiles yelled.
"Stiles?" mother asked looking at Stiles with an incredulous look.
"Stiles!" Allison yelled.
"Allison!" Stiles waved at her.
"Stiles!" Isaac said.
"Seriously another scarf?"
"Stiles," Jennifer said with a hungry expression.
"Jennifer," I said looking at her.
"Derek!" Stiles yelled again.
"Stiles!" I yelled back.
"The fuck is a Stiles?" Cora asked.
"Neeeiiigghh!" Roscoe said.
"Roscoe!" Stiles and I yelled.
"Prepare to fire!"
The archers notched their arrows and took aim.
"Hold your fire!" I roared.
I walked down the isle closer to him. He got of his horse and headed for me, the guards that had surrounded him made room for the both of us.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
Despite the seriousness of the situation I was delighted to see him. He looked amazing in that armor...though the wings were kind of tacky.
He took of his helmet, his face was much softer and kinder then when last we saw each other.
"Derek, I found your letter. Why didn't you tell me?" he asked.
"I'm sorry. I am a terrible person-"
"Well your not fully wrong," he interrupted me.
"Can you let me finish!" I snapped.
He gave me an indignant look. "Oh I am sorry I was agreeing with you for once."
"You interrupted my wedding to give me lip?"
"No asshole, I came here to tell you I love you to."
People gasped, I could hear them all talking. Like a hive of angry wasps.
"I love everything about you Sourwolf. I love how you act all big and tough but are actually all soft and fluffy on the inside. I love how cute you look when you scowl and the shape of those perfect bunny teeth when you smile. I love the feel of your arms holding me as I sleep, I love how you can find the strength to endure even though you have suffered so much in life. I came here for you Derek Hale, because I love you!"
"Derek!" Jennifer called but I ignored her.
"Stiles, you came back to me," I whispered. My heart felt like it finally started beating again.
"Of course."
I held out my hand. We were only fifteen feet away from one another. He reached out to me and began to make his way.
"DEREK!" Jennifer screamed.
"NOW!" another, disturbing voice screamed.
Arrows began to fly. People began to scream and I roared when one hit Stiles on the shoulder. It was pure chaos. I ran to Stiles but there were too many people running around trying to avoid the arrows. But it wasn't just the archers, some of the guests stood up wielding daggers and swords and were attacking at random.
I saw Kate standing up with the archers, glaring down at us all with such hate I was surprised I couldn't see fire in her eyes. She raised her sword and screamed in fury. "For my father! Long live Gerard!"
I saw Stiles yank the arrow out of his shoulder. A man was coming at him from behind, but before he could get close Roscoe kicked him on the head.
I looked around, dozens of guards protected the human members of my family while mother and the other wolves attacked the Argent soldiers.
Some of the hellhounds had transformed but they couldn't use their fire without risk of hitting innocent civilians. I heard Lydia scream, sending a group of men flying back into a wall and land in a bloody heap.
Allison was fighting with a pair of daggers, Scott and Isaac covered her. I saw Boyd throw Erica up to join several other werewolves who were climbing up to deal with the archers.
The twins had merged. They had Danny, Ethans mate covered behind them and ripped any who got too close to shreds. Satomi was a blur, fighting with a pair of needles and moving with a grace and speed that was impressive for a woman of her age. Her betas fought with her, I saw one tall black haired boy fight using a staff.
Jennifer still stood at the alter. She watched everything happen with cold, dispassionate eyes.
Stiles had his sword out and was managing to protect himself, but he was no swordsman. I had to get to him.
"Face me Derek!" Kate was advancing on me, sword in hand. "Today I finish what I started all those years ago!"
"Today you join Gerard in hell you bitch!" I screamed.
I drew my sword and charged at her.
"You killed Paige!" I snarled at her as our swords clashed.
She sneered at me. "No, you killed her. I simply poisoned the little whore! Tell me Derek, how did it feel when you snapped her neck?"
She was baiting me, I knew this. But I couldn't help having my vision turning red from rage.
"After I kill you and your kin I am going to kill your little boy toy. I can see why you were attracted to him, he really does look fuckable!"
The ground shook and we paused to see large trees growing. Stiles had thrown a bag of seeds and they were rapidly sprouting and growing. Their branches and roots reached out to snare our attackers and bind them. The trees responded to his movements, moving wherever he pointed his sword, his eyes glowed orange.
"Well what do you know. The werewolf prince has fallen in love with a fox spirit!" Kate laughed. "You always did like forbidden fruit!"
We continued to battle. Thanks to Stiles we were quickly regaining control.
"This is a suicide mission Kate!" I told her.
"I don't care! I am a dead woman anyway, there is nowhere I can hide. If I am going to die I swear on my fathers grave I am taking you with me!" she snarled.
"Oh Gerard didn't get buried, we fed his corpse to the dogs," I said with a savage grin.
She roared and charged me, but I managed to trip her. She rolled on the ground but sprang back up. She went to attack me again but cried out when an arrow hit her in the ankle. She cried out and fell. Allison looked at her aunt coldly as she lowered her bow.
"Allison!" Kate cried in betrayal.
I walked over to her, knowing the sword from her hand. "You killed the woman I loved, you seduced me and tried to murder my family and you poisoned my kingdom!"
She smiled. "Is that all?"
I raised my sword to lop her wretched head off. But she reached to her belt where a pouch hung. She pulled out a handful of black ash. She threw it at my face, I felt like a horse had kicked me in the face. The mountain ash repelled me, and gave her the moment she needed.
I felt a burning pain in my side and the sensation of something sharp penetrating my body. It was a familiar sensation, I had been stabbed.
"Stupid beast!" Kate hissed as she twisted the knife.
"NO!" Stiles screamed. He ran to us, throwing seeds at Kate. They exploded in a shower of bark and wood that wrapped around her. She screamed in pain as it began to constrict her until blood began to pour out from the wood like sap.
I fell to my knees and Stiles was by my side in that moment. "Derek! No, No!" he moaned.
I pulled the knife out and could feel a familiar burning pain.
"The poison," I whispered.
I could feel it moving rapidly, just like last time. I fell back, my vision was turning dark. "Somebody help us!" Stiles cried.
"Stiles, I am so happy to see you," I told him.
"No! Don't you fucking dare start some goodbye shit. I cured you once I can do it again!"
"No time...Stiles, I am so sorry I didn't tell you about Jennifer...I never loved her. But I love you."
His tears fell on my face. They felt diving. "Derek please, don't leave me!" he begged.
"Never...never leave you...I am so proud of you. I knew...you had a warriors spirit."
I brought my hand up to cup his cheek. "Good bye, my little fox."
The last thing I heard as I slipped into darkness was Stiles screaming my name.
Stiles
I felt empty, hollow, void. Like someone scooped up all the happiness and joy in me.
Derek wasn't dead, but he was dying.
I didn't have enough time to make another cure. The poison was spreading too quick. The Hale soldiers were taking care of the last of the Argent infiltrators. Those that didn't surrender met their end at the end of a sword.
"Derek!"
I looked up to see Talia and some of her family running to us.
"Stiles!"
Dad, Scott, Melissa and some of the others were running over. I was happy to see none of them were harmed. But before any of them could reach us a woman in a white dress suddenly appeared in front of me, staring down with cold eyes.
"Hello Stiles," she greeted.
She held out her hands and everyone who was running to help suddenly stopped as if they had been frozen. But it wasn't just them. Everyone in the courtyard had stopped.
"There, now we can talk without the annoying sounds of death and destruction to bother us," she said.
"You're Jennifer. Look I am sorry for being a dick and ruining your wedding-"
She laughed a sharp unpleasant sound. "Ruin? Dear boy you did no such thing. This is actually rather fortuitous. When I heard you were not coming I thought I was going to have to actually marry Derek."
I didn't know why she was acting so calm or why she had frozen everyone. Something wasn't right, but I needed to focus on Derek for now.
"We have to help him. Please, I know how to cure him. I am going to need-"
"Mistletoe?" she asked. "I know. But you don't need that dear boy. Not when you have me."
"You?"
"Well, I did make the poison after all."
It all clicked. "You...you're the darach."
Her image suddenly faded, showing a creature wearing black with a horribly mutilated looking face before it resumed the illusion of beauty.
"Guilty as charged." she began to circle around Derek and I. "My name isn't Jennifer Blake. It is Julia Baccari."
Deaton wasn't able to move, but I heard him make a sound like a gasp. Jennifer, or Julia or whatever her name was glanced at him. "I see you recognize the name Alan. Once a long time ago I was the emissary to the alpha Kali. We were best friends and after I finished my training I bound myself to her and her pack. Over time we fell in love. But then she met Ennis and she fell in love with him. She always did have a thing for the strong and bloodthirsty type. She tried to break things off with me, but I tried to convince her that he wasn't good for her. That he would only bring out her dark side. Boy was I right! She attacked me and left me for dead. But I survived. I managed to find the nemeton before I could die and I used it to keep myself alive until Grandfather and the gentry found me and helped me recover. After that all I could think about was revenge!"
"But you killed Kali, I heard Deaton tell Derek," I said.
"Oh yes, I killed her alright. It wasn't easy. Even with the power I amassed from all the sacrifices I made taking down three alphas was not easy. But I had the element of surprise. I lured the three of them alone. I told them I had news about the poison, about who created it. The wine I gave them was laced with kanima venom so it made killing them that much easier. I killed Deucalion first, then Ennis and I saved Kalia for last. Gods how I savored that. I made her look into my real face as I slit her throat. I wanted her to know it was me, her precious Julia."
She ran her hand over her cheek, her lips pulled back to a manic grin.
"You can save Derek. You made the poison so save him, please!" I begged her.
"Oh sweetie I would love to. But I need something in return."
"Anything."
She smiled. "I need your life."
"You want me as a sacrifice."
"Oh I have wanted you for a long time. When Derek told me he had slept with a fox spirit hiding off in the woods I was shocked, then delighted when he told me your name. It was surely a sign of providence that our paths would cross again after all these years."
"What do you mean, I have never seen you a day in my life!"
She shook your head. "Of course you don't know. After I healed I began to plot my revenge. I learned the hard way love was weakness. I had been betrayed and mutilated by the woman I loved and I made an oath to not only avenge myself. But become the most powerful being. The nemeton was my best bet. As the nexus for the ley lines it has access to power beyond compare. Years ago I became aware of a small family of fox spirits hiding away in the capital. One was of the wind clan and the other was you. A child of the forest. I came for you in the dead of the night. I planned to use you for my plans. Since you are of the wood clan you have a unique connection to the nemeton most do not posses. I snuck into your room and cast a sleeping spell to keep you unconscious. But I underestimated your mother, she sensed me and we fought. She was powerful, I would have died had I not fled. Not that I had a choice, she sacrificed much of her power to cast a powerful protective charm on you. Keeping you safe from me."
She bent down to touch me, the second her hand came within inches of my face. There was a spark of green light and she pulled her hand back.
"Even after all these years the charm is still active. Casting left her weak. Weak enough for me to cast a curse on her that began to eat away at her mind."
"You...you did that to her...you made her sick!"
My hands trembled. We could never figure out why she got sick. Fox spirits were supposed to be immune to the ailments of mortals.
"Of course. I couldn't risk her talking to her husband or someone else about an evil apparition that tried to take her son. After all, who would believe a mad woman."
I remembered when my mother was having one of her episodes. She had grabbed me by the shoulders, screaming that I was in danger, that the monster would try and hurt me. That I had to be careful.
"You bitch!" I seethed.
"It was nothing personal. Just business."
"If I am protected then how can I give you my life?"
"I can't hurt you Stiles. But that doesn't mean you can't offer yourself up. It is like Alan said. True sacrifices have meaning and must mean something to the one making the offering. None of my victims meant a thing to me. The closest I came was Kali. Even though I hated her I still loved her. And the power I got from the nemeton was much more powerful than any of the other offerings had been. That is why I had Derek invite you to our wedding. I was going to poison him myself and force your obedience but Kate did a wonderful job."
"I don't get it, why did you want Derek to marry you?" I asked.
"So when I came to power I could kill the rest of the Hales and use Derek as my claim to the throne. It was not easy, I tried using my natural charms to try and seduce him but Kate really fucked with his head. I had to use the power I gained from the virgins to tempt him. The power of their purity gives me a great deal of control over others. Especially men. They love to taint and defile things that are pure and innocent. As I am sure you know."
I looked down at Derek, he looked terrible. I wanted to rip the poison out of him like I did last time. But without the cure and the power of the forest to help me there was nothing I could do.
"If I agree to help you, do you swear you will save him and spare everyone here?" I asked.
She put her hand to her heart. "I swear by the goddess Nemetana that if you come with me peacefully and willfully to be offered as a sacrifice I will save Derek and spare all those here save for you."
She may be a darach but she was still a mage and such an oath was binding that even she would have to follow it.
"Do you swear to come with me when this is done?"
I sighed. "I do."
I could hear my friends and father trying to scream, but they couldn't open there mouths. I looked at dad and saw tears were running down his face. "I'm sorry," I said to him.
I may not be a druid but I was a fox spirit and we were bound to keep our oaths no matter how small.
I glared at Jennifer. "Now, save him!"
She knelt down by Derek and placed her hand on his face. The color returned to his skin and the black lines vanished. "The poison is gone. His injuries will heal and he will survive. I will miss him, he really was a beast in bed."
She stood up and offered me her hand. "Now, let us go. Destiny awaits us both."
I gave Derek a quick kiss to his forehead and took her hand. She helped me stand, she looked at me hungrily. But it wasn't for sex. It was for something far more evil.
"Thank you for this Stiles. You have made me a very happy woman."
Black smoke began to envelop us and the last thing I heard was my name being screamed.
Derek
I awoke to the sight of Deaton hovering over me.
"He'll be fine, he is coming to."
"Stiles...where is Stiles," I said weakly.
I began to sit up. Deaton tried to stop me but I shrugged him off. I looked around to see the battle had ended. Most of the traitors who had surrendered were already taken away to the dungeons. The rest were still bound to the trees Stiles had summoned, but they would not be going anywhere anytime soon.
I stood up on shaky legs. I glared at the lump of bloody wood that contained Kate's crushed corpse. I opened my mouth and spat on it.
Healers were checking those still present for injuries. I kept looking for Stiles but couldn't see him. I saw his father arguing with my mother. I couldn't understand why he would be yelling at her of all people.
"-Fault! My wife was murdered by that monster and now she is going to kill my son!"
"Noah, calm yourself, we will get him back!" mother yelled back at him.
I quickly made my way to them. "What is going on, where is Stiles?" I demanded.
"It was Jennifer Derek," Cora said looking furious. "She was the darach. She used her magic to charm you and took Stiles to be sacrificed to the nemeton!"
"What?!"
"It's true, she froze us all with a spell and told Stiles she would save you if he went with her. She is going to offer him to the nemeton and since he went willingly to save your life his death could give her enough power to achieve her goals and if that happens we are all doomed. No mortal was meant to have that kind of power. Especially not one with a soul as twisted as hers," Deaton said.
I began to laugh darkly. "Once again I am betrayed by a woman who claimed to love me. But Stiles will not die, I will not let him! We have to get to the forest now!"
"Derek, you are still recovering from the poison," Deaton cautioned.
"Getting through the forest will take too long or have you forgotten about the rowan trees?" Peter asked.
Laura began to speak. "If we had the hellhounds go they could-"
"Burn the barriers and piss off the gentry?" Peter asked giving her a dry look.
"Stiles said the nymphs can allow supernaturals through. I have to go, they will let me through!"
"You don't know that!" Laura yelled.
"I have to try! I love him and I will not lose him!" I turned to Noah. "I give you my word I will save your son, and after that I intend to court him. I would like your blessing sir but I will still romance him without it."
"Save my boy and I will gladly let you marry him!"
I turned to Scott. "I am going ahead. Gather as many as you can and head for the forest."
I ran over to Roscoe and climbed on top of him. "Come on boy, take me to Stiles!"
He reared up on his hind legs and I held onto the saddle to keep from falling back. We ran out of the courtyard and down the road and through the city. The sun was setting, it would be night out soon. I didn't need light, I could see perfectly in the dark.
I wasn't going to let Jennifer take him from me, that bitch is going to pay just like Kate did.
Hang on Stiles, I am coming!
Stiles
We walked through the woods. Jennifer no longer wore her wedding gown, now she wore a black tattered cloak and leather.
"Can you feel it Stiles?" she asked me. "Feel the nemeton pulling on your soul?"
"I feel...something."
"Grandfather has used his magic to try and cloak it from detection. But since you are of the wood clan you can sense it differently than most."
We broke through the trees and arrived in a small clearing. There was a massive tree stump in the center of the clearing and I knew we had found the nemeton. I could feel its power, it made me teeth ache just being close to it.
"At last, you have no idea how long I have waited for this day Stiles. Tonight I shed the last of my mortal coil and become a goddess."
"It's not too late to stop Jennifer," I pleaded. "You already have more than enough power. Kali is dead, you have your revenge. Make a new life for yourself."
"Silence!" she spat. "I have not come this far just to back down now. I used to be like you Stiles. Naive and innocent. I thought love was the most powerful force in the world. And look what happened to me!"
Her image faded, revealing the horrid creature I had seen in the flames of my hut.
"This is what loves leads to. Pain and suffering. I loved Kali bit she loved power more. Ennis was a tall brute and she loved that more than she loved me. She told me I was too gentle, that I was weak and she hated me for that. Than she mutilated me and left me for dead. Power is the only thing that matters in this world. Once I have that no one can ever hurt me again."
She grabbed me and dragged me over to the nemeton. "The gentry won't let you do this!" I warned her.
She laughed. "The gentry, don't even know I am here. Unlike the Argents I don't just go blundering into a magical foresst waving my sword around like an idiot. My magic keeps us cloaked. Grandfather is powerful but with the power I have gained through sacrifices I can hide even from him."
She climbed on top of the nemeton, pulling me with her. The second my feet touched the bark I felt like I couldn't breath. It was like I was suddenly immersed in a vast ocean.
"Yes, feel its power Stiles. It has been growing stronger with each life I offer to it, when you sacrifice yourself it will give it a tremendous surge of magic which I will siphon!"
"How will you do it?" I asked.
She reached into her cloak and pulled out a red apple. "I have cursed this apple with a sleeping curse. It will send you into a peaceful slumber and eventually your heart will stop. Let it not be said I am not without mercy. Think of it as my way of saying thanks."
"You're too fucking kind," I sneered.
"Hurry and eat this apple boy. Or I swear I will make you watch as I kill everyone you love. Starting with Derek!" she hissed.
I took the apple. I glared into her hungry eyes as I brought the apple to my mouth. "Congratulations. You win."
I bit into the apple. It tasted sweet, yet I could only feel bitter as I chewed it and swallowed. The world began to spin and I felt my body become light.
"Derek," I whispered.
Stiles fell unconscious, the apple rolled from his hand and off the nemeton. Jennifer raised her arms and spoke loud and clear.
"Nemeton, I offer you a sacrifice. Given in the name of love. Let its purity strengthen you right to the roots!"
A green glow began to shine from the stump. A mist rose and Jennifer breathed it in. She felt the power flowing into her, filling each of her cells with pure magic!
"YEEESSSS!" she cried.
She rose into the air, her body began to warp and twist. Her eyes shined like green stars and her body turned into pure darkness.
Back at the hut the gentry were still partying. Malia was wrestling with an elf (who was surprisingly strong for a creature so slim) when they all saw the darkness growing in the sky.
"What in the infinite hells is that!" Ma ma Gob asked.
"Grandfather, something is wrong. I can sense it!" Penelope cried. All the nymps were holding their sides, sensing a terrible darkness.
Grandfather stood straight and addressed the crowed. "We are under attack, warn the others. The nemeton has been breached!"
The leshy threw their heads back and let out a war cry. All throughout the forest cries and horns sounded as the gentry prepared to defend their home.
"At last, I have finally done!" Jennifer cried. She raised her arms and screamed to the sky. "Do you see me Kali! Am I beautiful! Am I powerful enough for you!"
Just then storm clouds began to gather in the sky, lightning began to strike at her, she merely laughed as the bolts merely ticked her.
"Is that you Grandfather?" she asked looking around. "I have no desire to fight you old man. Join me! It's time the gentry left the forest!"
She saw him standing in a clearing with a dozen other of the forest dwellers. "Julia!" he cried. "My child what have you done to yourself!"
"I have become the divine!" she raised her arms, showing off her form. "I have become beyond even you! Do not make me kill you, bend the knee and join me!"
"You have chosen darkness, I will not let you throw this world into chaos!"
"Then die!" she opened her mouth and a stream of green fire flew from her mouth.
Grandfather summoned a shield to protect himself and the others. He struggled to maintain it, everything outside his shield was incinerated.
"Oh no, the trees!" Caissa cried.
"Sisters," a nymph began to sway, her body began to smolder. "Save..yourselves." they watched in horror as she turned to ash.
Nymph are nature spirits. Their true forms are the trees and rocks and rivers. If it is destroyed than the nymph will die with it. Her tree was one of the ones destroyed in Jenifers attack.
Grandfather summoned rain to help quench the flames. The devastation to his home tore at his heart.
Derek rode to the forest of ash, he was close enough now he could see Jenifers monstrous form.
"No, Stiles!" he yelled.
He drove Roscoe on and they continued on their way while the gentry gathered to fight this evil. While the world turned to chaos around Stiles slumbered, his heart beat becoming weaker and weaker with each beat as the curse sapped him of life and gave Jennifer more power.
But Jennifer had made a terrible mistake. She had underestimated his power and his connection to the nemeton.
Stiles
"Stiles? Stiles?"
A gentle voice spoke my name, shaking my shoulder.
I cracked open my eyes. There were firefly's flying around the air, I was on the nemeton. As my eyes focused on the figure standing next to me I realized who it was.
"Mo-Mom!"
She smiled at me, her eyes so painfully familiar. The same eyes I saw every time I looked into a mirror. "Hello my little Mischief," she said.
I sat up and hugged her, she wrapped her arms around my shoulders and I felt like a little boy again.
"Mom, oh gods mom I missed you!"
"I missed you too Mischief. I see you landed yourself a hot little wolf prince. I always knew you would find a handsome hunk!"
I pulled back to look into her smiling face. "Am I dead?"
"Hmm, not quit. Nemetons extend into multiple levels of reality. Including the afterlife. The curse is slowly sapping your life so you are kind of between places right now."
"I failed mom. It's because of me the darach has won!"
"Oh don't try and be the martyr sweetie,: she said running her hand through my hair. "It was not your duty to fight the darach. She has been planning this day for a long time. But it is your destiny to stop her."
"What do you mean?" I asked. "If you fought her and couldn't stop her what chance do I have?"
"Think about it. Jennifer may have offered you to the nemeton. But you were the one who offered yourself as a sacrifice. You are a child of the forests. And the nemeton takes the form of a tree. She was right when she said you have a unique connection to it. You can tap into the same power she has and stop her."
"But she is a darach, she was cursing people when I was just a kid."
"You can do it baby. You may not be a warrior. But you are a fighter. And even a fox will fight when backed into a corner."
The nemeton began to glow a light green.
"It's time," she said sadly.
"Not yet, please!" I begged.
"You have to go back Stiles. It is not your time. We will see each other again. One day. Tell your father I love him and when he feels the air ruffle his hair it is I."
"I love you mom," I told her.
A pink light enveloped me and I felt like I was floating. I could hear someone yelling my name. People were talking.
"Why won't he wake up?"
Malia?
"I don't know, we should move him!"
Caissa?
"No, look at the nemeton. Some sorcery is going on here girls. I may not be some woodland mage but I know something magical when I see it."
Ma ma Gob?
I opened my eyes and I stood up. I heard them gasp and I looked down and I understood why. My body was still on the nemeton. My human body. What rose up was my aura. The manifestation of my fox spirit. My soul.
I was a humanoid fox with three tails, I looked at my hands. They were not paws, but actual human hands.
"Holy shit! Stiles?" Malia yelled.
I looked down at her and winked.
I focused on the nemeton. It was like holding onto a church bell when it was ringing. The sheer force of power coming from it was greater than it had been earlier. Had my sacrifice really mattered that much that it gave it such a surge of power?
I don't know if you can hear me, but I sacrificed myself. Jennifer didn't kill me, I took my own life to saved my loved ones. If anyone deserves a taste of power it is me!
I could feel an awareness from the nemeton. It wasn't like the sentience I could sense from a tree that had a daemon spirit. This was something far older and beyond human than anything I had ever sensed before.
I felt like a young child that had awoken an old man from his slumber. Problem was I didn't know if it would help me or not. Jennifer had been the one making sacrifices to it, helping it regain its power. But the nemeton was still a being of nature and nature was all about balance.
So I waited with bated breath, then I felt the power begin to flow into me. Just like it had in the hut when I healed Derek, only this was something more pure. Something that if I was not careful with could have disastrous results.
There were forces that even a trickster dare not tamper with; guess what I was doing now?
I began to grow in size until my head breached the trees and Malia and the others were the size of the toys I used to play with. I could see Jennifer. She looked horrific. Her eyes were glowing green and she seemed to be made of living shadow now. Only her mutilated face remained in the void she had become.
She was fighting with the gentry, they attacked her with boulders and arrows and arcane blasts of energy. But nothing was working.
"Enough!" I roared.
She spun around, her eyes widened at the sight of me. "How is this possible?"
"You were right Jennifer, I am connected to the nemeton because of my clan element. But you failed to understand how powerful the connection is. In the name of all that is good your wrath upon this world is over. This is my home and these people are my friends. I will not allow you to harm them or anyone else. The time has come for you to pay for your actions!"
"Little maggot, you think because you have sipped from the power of the nemeton that you are a match for me!"
She opened her mouth and a stream of green fire shot out. The blast didn't even hit me, a green shield protected me.
"You forgot my mothers protection. You can't harm me." I lashed out at her with one of my tails. It struck her chest, leaving a glowing green scar. "But I can hurt you!"
Before she could move the trees around her legs began to wrap themselves around her, holding her in place. She shrieked in rage and started to pull them up. I lashed out again with all three of my tails. Two of them wrapped around her arms and the third around her neck.
"This is for all the people you hurt!" I yelled clawing her face. "This is for Derek!" I swiped at her stomach. "And this is for my mother!" I brought my hand back and plunged it into her chest.
She screamed one last time and erupted in a shower of green light.
I used what power I had left to heal the forest. Mending the trees and meadows that had been injured. There was nothing I could do for the ones that had been destroyed. Both they and any of the spirits tied to them were gone.
But they would be reborn. Life grows from the ashes of destruction after all.
I released the rest of the power the nemeton gave me. I didn't want it and it wasn't mine to keep. As it left me I felt the life being sapped from me. Jennifer may be dead but her curse was still leeching the life from me.
Movement outside the borders caught my eye. It was Derek! He was riding Roscoe. A fierce look of determination his face and his eyes burned with purpose. Behind him a small battalion of people were following him though they were a distance away.
Derek...at least I got to see you. One last time
I began to shrink and I felt myself falling on my back as my spirit was pulled back into my dying body.
Mom, I'll see you soon.
Derek
We were almost to the edge of the forest now. I had seen a giant pink fox rise up from the middle of the forest and watched it destroyed Jennifer. When it spoke it had been Stiles voice that came from its mouth.
I knew he had seen me, he had looked right at me and I saw the longing in his eyes. Then he vanished, shrinking back down into the woods.
"I'm coming Stiles, hold on!" I yelled.
Roscoe stopped in front of a line of rowan trees. I wouldn't be able to pass through them, but I didn't have time to stumble around trying to find my way to the nemeton, I had to get to Stiles now!
"Let me in!" I roared. "I am prince Derek Hale. I have come to save the life of my love and mate Stiles Stilinski. He whom you all hold dear. Please, let me help him!"
At first there was no response. Then the bark on the trees began to shift and bend. Nymphs emerged from the trees. I recognized them. Friends of Stiles.
"We shall let you pass Derek Hale," one said.
"But we fear you may be too late," another said sorrowfully.
"Just let me through!"
They pulled their hands back as if they were moving a curtain from a doorway. I watched as a wall of blue light appeared and was pulled back like a veil and I knew they had opened the path for me.
"Run straight child of the moon, your love awaits!"
I hit my heels against Roscoes flank and we ran forward. I don't know where the nemeton is, except it is somewhere in the center of the woods/. But something was different now, the air seemed to be heavier now. I could taste the magic in the air, it was like pure moonlight was floating around me, the wolf in me felt a pull.
I followed it, let it lead me to the nemeton.
We ran for what seemed like a lifetime, I could see evidence of a battle. Parts of the woods seemed to have been burned away. Where once there were mighty and proud trees there were now little saplings with small children around them. They all waved to me as I passed them.
"Hi mister!"
"Nice horse!"
"You're very handsome!"
I ignored them and continued on my quest. If anything dared to get in my way now I would gladly tear it to pieces. I would not tolerate one more second separated from Stiles.
I caught his scent on the wind, I could smell many of the other gentry and hear their heartbeats. I followed their scent and their heartbeats until we came bursting through the trees and into a small clearing.
The gentry were all gathered around a tree stump. On it surrounded by flowers and colored by a green light cast by the swarm of fireflies that flew above was Stiles, still in his armor. His heart was the only one I could not hear.
"No!"
Roscoe suddenly lurched forward, letting out a pain filled cry. We stopped next to the stump and I got off. He bent his head began to nudge his masters face with his mouth, trying to wake him. Stiles did not move. Tears fell from his face and he sat next to the stump.
"What happened?" I demanded.
"The darach cast a powerful curse. It persists even with her death," Grandfather said sadly.
The clearing was quiet save for the soft cries coming from the gentry. I saw Malia, her face stained with tears. The nymphs Penelope, Caissa and Pomona all held one another, sobbing.
I knelt down next to him, my hand cupped his face. He was still, his body still warm but no breath escaped his lips. "I'm so sorry Stiles."
I threw my head back and let out a pain filled howl that echoed far into the distance. A moment later a series of responding howls followed. Scott and the others were on their way, but they knew the worst had happened.
I stared down at him. Half expecting him to be looking at me with one eye open and a smart ass look on his face. Waiting to see my reaction to his horrible prank.
But his eyes remained closed and his face was peaceful.
"Oh Stiles...I...I hate you for leaving me!" I cried. "This isn't how it was supposed to happen! I was supposed to save you. I was supposed to stop Jennifer! Just like in all those stupid books where the prince saves his love. What am I supposed to do now huh? You little smart ass tell me what I am supposed to do? I'd give it all up, my crown my spark, even the moon itself if I could have you back. I should have taken you from this place. I should have kept you close."
I ran my hand down his chest, admiring what he wore.
"The armor looks good on you. I think the wings are a bit tacky. But knowing you, you would go on some long winded rant about how the wings add character or something."
Scott and the others showed up, they came rushing through on there horses. I could hear the sounds of his father and Scott yelling his name and crying.
I turned my head to look, Noah had jumped off his horse and had fallen to his knees, sobbing as Scott held onto him, tears fell down both their cheeks. I saw my mother holding her mouth, looking at me with such sorrow.
I looked down at him. My little fox.
"What am I now?" I asked. "I finally found what I was missing, only to lose it. How can I go on when there is a hole in my soul."
I bent my head down until my lips ghosted over his.
"I love you Stiles Stilinski. Forever in this life and the next."
I kissed him softly, wishing I could feel the pulse of blood beneath his skin or to feel his teeth biting on my lips.
There was a moment of silence, I felt the magic that was heavy in the air sigh. As if it had been holding it's breath. Then it was like a gust of wind blew out, almost knocking me back.
I wasn't the only one who felt this invisible force, people cried out and had to steady themselves. Before anyone could ask what had happened there was a sudden sharp intake of air in front of me. Stiles arched his back and opened his eyes which glowed orange.
"Stiles!" I gasped.
He sat back on his back, his eyes returned to their normal color and he looked at me. "Derek...I'll have you know these wings add a nice flair to the ensemble."
"Oh come here you little shit!"
I grabbed the front of his armor and pulled him up to kiss him. I felt his tongue push into my mouth and I quickly wrestled it into submission. He grabbed my shoulders so he could pull himself up further, I put my arm around his back so I could hold him, allowing him to move his left hand down to my-
"Ehem!"
We broke apart to see everyone watching us with grins. The nymphs were fanning themselves while Malia was giving Stiles a thumbs up. Noah looked rather embarrassed and my mother was shaking her head trying not to laugh.
"We're not apologizing," I told them all.
I looked back to him and kissed him chastely on his lips. "You came for me?"
"Always," I told him.
He hugged me and I buried my face into his neck and took a deep breath.
It was all over now. And yet, it was also beginning.
Five Months Later
Stiles
I laughed as Derek carried me through the doorway and into our room.
We had just come back from celebrating out double wedding with Scott, Isaac and Allison. We decided to do a double because A.) Why wait? And B.) it saved a lot of money.
It had been beautiful and less bloody then the last time. Deaton had officiated the whole thing and all our friends and family had been there along with humans and shifters of various backgrounds and even the gentry from the forest had been invited.
Sadly most of the nymphs were unable to come since they were bound to their element that means all the nymphs of the trees had to remain behind. But I would see them soon. Derek and I would be returning to our hut for our honeymoon.
The last several months had been busy. We would be cleaning up Gerards mess for a long time. Allison had retaken control of the Argent family and was doing a good job keeping her clan in line. Of course they were not too happy about her marrying two werewolves.
But there were also plenty of werewolves who were not happy about Scott marrying Allison. But Scott didn't care. One of the first things Talia did was put Isaac in charge of the orphanage which sadly was overflowing.
Those kids kept Isaac plenty busy which helped him keep his mind of Allison and Scott when they had to take care of pack and Hunter business.
My dad had been promoted from sheriff to head of all security in the kingdom. It kept him busy and I worried a lot about his personal health. I have put him on a strict diet, because a man his age needs to eat healthier.
Of course keeping order in the kingdom is easy when you have a pack of hellhounds working under you. You think a werewolf is scary? Imagine a creature covered in fire with fangs and claws.
One of the hellhounds is courting Lydia Martin who has been using her powers to help protect the people (especially the royal family) from assassination attempts. Kate and Gerard may be dead but that doesn't mean they didn't still have loyal followers who wanted to continue their work.
Meeting the Hales and being introduced as Derek's mate was...interesting. Needless to say I had to deal with a lot of personal questions being asked and more then a little suspicion. After his last two lady loves I had to deal with people keeping a close watch on me.
I couldn't blame them. After Kate and Jennifer, Derek did seem to have bad luck with women. Good thing I am a man.
But it wasn't just because of Derek's loosing streak. Not everyone in Derek's family was thrilled to learn he was in love with a fox spirit and there had been plenty of arguments about the subject that got to the point where Talia had to intervene before the claws came out.
I had earned some points with Peter when I introduced him to his daughter and she told him I had been helping her get back in touch with her humanity. She also made it clear to her werewolf kin that she was on my side and if any of them had a problem with me than "Too fucking bad!"
I was allowed to go with them when they went for a full moon run. It was great to watch Malia with her family, hunting, wrestling. Teaching her younger cousins how to track their prey.
She was planning to go visit the werecoyotes and learn more about her heritage. Peter was going to take her since he had been an envoy to the coyotes which was how he met Corrine.
I had earned the love of the younger Hales by growing flowers for them to enjoy and trees for them to play on. Talia and Laura especially loved what I did to the royal garden.
I told my dad about what Jennifer did to mom. We both cried and held one another. Dad never knew. Though he had heard her speak of an evil monster, like me he always assumed it was a result of his sickness.
Derek tossed me on the bed and I laughed. He towered over me, looking me up and down. "So, how does it feel to be a prince?"
"Same as always, only with a fancy title. Prince consort Mieczyslaw Stilinski. Protector of the realm and lord of the forest. Man it was funny watching your mom and Deaton trying to pronounce my name."
He raised a single bushy brow at me. "You know it is not smart to antagonize a queen."
True, I had chuckled when Talia couldn't pronounce my name right. But there was something funny about seeing a queen stutter when trying to say a name during a ceremony.
"Your mother loves me. I am her new favorite son."
He took off his cloak and shirt. He got on the bed and we kissed.
"Please tell me I am not dreaming," I told him. "If this is just me having a very real dream I don't want to wake up."
He smiled. "No dream. Just a lifetime of joy, happiness and me trying not to rip my ears off when you start ranting."
I gently punched his shoulder. "Sourwolf."
He pulled my shirt up exposing my stomach. I gasped as he began to rub his cheek against my flesh and bite my tummy.
"I am going to make love to you. Sweet, slow and gentle for the rest of the night."
"Sounds like a plan to me!"
And so Derek and Stiles lived happily ever after….for about fifteen minutes when they hit a little: Complication.
We laid in the bed, naked but I am sad to report things were already not looking good on our first night as a married couple. Derek was glaring so hard at the ceiling I was surprised the stone hadn't started to melt under the heat of his gaze.
"You know...I am sure this normal. I mean...we have been having a lot of sex so one of us was bound to start running on empty. And I know it happens to lots of men."
He slowly turned his head to look at me. "I am an evolved alpha werewolf in his twenties. Not some middle aged man who is a limp dick!" he snapped.
"Don't be mad at me because you can't get it up!" I snapped back.
He sat up and glared at me. "I don't need you to try and make me feel better Stiles!"
I sat up and gave glared in return. "Sorry I am trying to help make my husband feel better because his dick won't get hard!"
"Moons tits we are not even married an hour and already I am getting a headache!" he bitched.
"Excuse me mister?" I poked his arm. "Why is it every time something goes wrong you have to throw a tantrum like a damn five year old?"
"Maybe I am just spending too much time with you!"
"Really?"
"Really!"
I was on my knees now and he mirrored me. We were both glaring, our jaws clenched tight. His eyes glowed red and I knew mine were a bright orange.
"I can't believe I married the worlds most immature man-child!"
"Oh hi pot names kettle have we met?" he asked in a mocking tone.
"Whats that supposed to mean!"
"Your the smart one you tell me!"
"Jerk!"
"Brat!"
"Knothead!"
"Fox bitch!"
"Derek!"
"WHAT?"
"Look."
He followed my gaze to see both of our erections standing proud and touching at the tip.
"Oh."
We lifted our faces to look at one another. "I don't think we were built to be the slow and gentle love making."
"Yeah. To be honest I much prefer to just fuck you straight into the ground," he nodded in agreement.
I smiled. "Figures a werewolf would need violence to get it up."
He smirked. "Figures a fox spirit spends more time talking than fucking."
"I fucking love you sourwolf!"
"Don't call me that you fucker!"
We both lurched forward at the same time. Wrapping our arms around each other in a crushing hug that caused our dicks to press so tight against each other it hurt, but to be honest we both enjoyed it.
I cried out when he stuck his finger into my hole. "Like that?" he asked biting my ear.
"Oh fuck yeah! Add another, there we go now twist it!" I hissed.
He pulled out and threw my on the bed. He grabbed my legs and pulled them apart, leaning down to settle his wait on top of me and keeping me pinned in place.
"I own this ass now!" he snarled.
"Damn right!" I agreed.
He suddenly pushed into me and I cried out. "Oh sweet mother fucking earth!"
"Yeah, feel me stretching you out?" he asked and began to pound into me. "Get used to it! I'm the first and only cock you will ever know!"
"Oh gods, oh gods, oh gods!" I cried, grabbing the head bored to try and steady myself.
"My name is Derek!" he whispered darkly.
I bit his nipple and he cried out in joy. His hand gripped my thigh as he pounded harder into me.
The rest of our wedding night went on without a hitch. Though it was embarrassing when we had to have the head bored and the bed frame replaced.
There were many more nights and days spent in bliss. I won't lie. There were times when we argued and it had nothing to do about sex. People argue, even those in love. But we always found a way to compromise and though it took a lot of time I managed to teach Derek to talk about his feelings instead of just brooding.
I never thought I would have a fairytail ending. But here I am married to the most handsome prince in all the lands. We came from two different worlds but still found one another.
Times like this make me thankful fox spirits and werewolves life for a very long time.
Gerard and the darach were defeated. It took many years to fix what he broke. But over time the Hales managed to restore the balance that he had almost destroyed.
With the nemeton empowered once more Beacon Hills soon had to deal with a sudden increase in the supernatural population. Creatures from far lands began to arrive. Some were peaceful, others not. But as they had for so long the Hales managed to ensure both humans and shifters lived together in harmony.
Isaac, Scott and Allison waited until things calmed down before they started having their own family. Isaac continued to run the orphanage, though he considered every child under his roof his, some he helped find new families and others he watched grow up and became adults to make their own families.
The three of them ended up having seven kids, three girls and four boys. Allison and Scott would come home to find their husband in the kitchen preparing their dinner surrounded by their children. Including the orphans whom Scott and Allison viewed as their children as well.
Lydia never thought she would find love again after she lost Jackson. But Parrish somehow found his way into her heart and after three years of courting they too were wed and had three children. Two girls who had their fathers hair but their mothers voice and one boy who had his mothers hair but his fathers hellish nature.
The gentry mostly continued to live in the forest, though they now enjoyed the new treaty with the Hales and it was becoming more and more common for human-fae hybrids to start popping up as a result.
And so Stiles the fox and Derek the wolf enjoyed a long life together, and they lived argued happily ever after.
Fusedtwilight: It took me two weeks to write this chapter. I started writing it when I started writing the ocean chapter. My muse just started rolling out ideas and I had to start writing while the inspiration was strong. The next chapter will be the ocean chapter for sure.
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Fox In The Hills