Disclaimer:

Much to my sadness, I own none of the Teen Wolf characters, mythology, actors, cars, etc. used in this story. Apologies if anyone is unacceptably OOC. I did try, I promise. All constructive criticism, or recommendations welcome.

Also people - I'm Australian, don't knock my spelling variations. :)

Reader's Notes:

This story is situated directly after Jackson becomes a werewolf. There is no Alpha pack coming to Beacon Hills anytime soon. And, Erica and Boyd didn't run away. And, Jackson is still in Beacon Hills. The main characters/pairings in this story are Derek/Stiles, Jackson/Lydia and a bunch of Isaac story-lines because he is adorable (I find these characters the most interesting).

Jackson

"I Remember Everything"

Jackson slowly rose upwards, his naked body surging up from the ground dramatically. An electric hue of bright blue protruded from his eyes and blazed towards the other teenagers and the three older men, who were frozen with shock. Peter and Derek exchanged hurried glances, Derek seemingly expecting some kind of answer in the older man's eyes. He found none.

Almost as suddenly as it had appeared, the colour in Jackson's eyes faded, returning to his normal colour, and his near-transparent claws retracted. Other than being entirely naked and surrounded by a crowd of people in an abandoned dank warehouse, Jackson was seemingly normal again. His eyes glanced around the room nervously, before settling on Lydia. A minute passed before he rushed forward; both of them embracing one another desperately. "Jackson" she breathed, and buried her face in his neck "You're alive". His arms wrapped tighter around her, but he didn't say anything. His face screwed into an expression that was so un-Jackson-like: a mixed combination of love, comfort, and relief. It was a welcome break from the sly, smug and authoritative looks that seemed to be a permanent fixture on his face for as long as the others had known him.

Stiles waved his hand in the air awkwardly after a few minutes; no one except Lydia and Jackson had even moved a muscle. "Uhh, guys. What just happened?" The sound of his exasperated voice broke apart the couple. Jackson suddenly became very aware of his situation, but after a few seconds contemplating it, he stood proud and made no attempt to cover himself up. Alison averted her eyes awkwardly, sneaking a look at her father and the other men. Everyone seemed to have directed their gaze away Jackson and were now staring at Peter, expecting him to answer.

The older man just shrugged in response, "Why is everyone looking at me? It's not like I'm an expert of all things supernatural." He avoided everybody's attentive gazes, and looked at Jackson for a second thoughtfully. Then he spoke with a bemused smile, "Sorry for trying to kill you. And, I guess I'm glad you are not dead... or trying to kill us". Then he disappeared from the crowd almost unnoticed, something he had become in a habit of doing. This was not his pack now, it was Derek's. And, it had been a long day.

Derek felt all eyes shift towards him, and he emitted a low growl. It was primarily meant for his Uncle, but everyone else backed off wearily from the Alpha regardless. The group shared another few minutes of astounded silence, nobody sure what to do or say. Jackson was the next one to talk, his voice was serious, pained and eerily quiet, "I remember everything".

Jackson strutted down the school halls, to any random stranger or acquaintance, it would seem as if nothing had happened - nothing had changed. Only those closer to him had noticed the subtle differences in his behaviour. The changes may have seemed like tiny steps, but for anyone that knew Jackson, they were giant leaps.

For several months he had been - for a lack of a better way to put it - a giant lizard-creature and puppet for vengeance controlled by two different murderous psychopaths. This had been happening pretty much without his knowledge until a week ago. A week ago, it all finally came to a head. It had involved him killing himself under someone else's control, getting carted off in a body-bag, coming alive again, getting killed by werewolves momentarily, then... being reborn no longer as a kanima but as a werewolf. Finally. Oh, and he couldn't forget being kidnapped by two classmates and being handcuffed in an armoured police truck for the better part of a day. Yeah, great memories.

He thought back to the day that had changed everything. The day that he had more or less cornered Derek in the Hale house after they had finally defeated Kate Argent and Derek's murderous uncle, and he had demanded the bite. And, Derek had bitten him just like he had wanted, yes... but then he had simply left him there... his side searing with pain and his head drowning in an overwhelming mixture of emotions. He remembered feeling the pain, the excitement, the waiting, the loneliness, the confusion, the anger, the pain and sadness from his lonely childhood all at the same time. All of that and Jackson had not even gotten what he had wanted. No... he had become the kanima - something that reflected to all the world: the pain, the loss and the loneliness that he had been living with. He gritted his teeth at the memory. He had been alone, confused and oblivious to what was happening. It was over now; but, he still had to live with the dream-like memories that had rushed back after becoming a werewolf. Memories of killing, and of watching and stalking his prey expertly. It felt like someone else's memories had been messily shoved into his brain - but he knew better. It had been him. Yes, he'd had someone else driving his actions, but he still felt partially responsible, partly guilty because he could remember everything, he could feel everything. It was all like a nightmare... A voice and a slap on the back tore him out of his thoughts.

"Jackson, my man." Stiles said, an awkward smile plastered on his face. Jackson glared at him, but not with the same hatred that he used to, it was more amusement and well slight irritation that fuelled his gaze now. Stiles could sense the change, and was a lot more comfortable around him. "How are you going?" The boy asked sincerely.

Jackson considered ignoring him for old times sake, becoming increasingly aware of the intrigued stares of other students in the hallway at their interaction, but he didn't. "Yeah, alright." He said, he wasn't entirely lying. He was still reeling from the horrible memories of being the kanima. But, his feelings of abandonment, of loneliness and pain were almost gone. It was almost as if he had been cleansed of it all in the transition from the kanima to the werewolf. Leaving those feelings behind him took a great deal of weight off of his shoulders. "I'm dealing." He added quietly.

"I'm glad." Stiles smiled. "I'm around if you want to... you know... talk about your time as a murderous lizard." Stiles stumbled over his words and then finished with a raised eyebrow, instantly regretting his word choice. He was trying desperately to lighten up the events that had occurred for Jackson's benefit, but his run-ins with the kanima still haunted him. He couldn't forget spending hours treading water in the middle of the school pool, all the while supporting the weight of a heavy disgruntled werewolf, as the kanima had stalked and hissed at the sidelines. Nor had he forgotten the time that he'd been paralysed and unable to move out from the personal space of that very same werewolf. He jerked his head slightly, realising that both his experiences with the kanima had resulted in awkward moments between himself and Derek, but dismissed the revelation quickly. Instead, he looked back up at the newest werewolf of Beacon Hills in time to catch a much more dangerous Jackson-glare. "Yeah, or not, you know..." He added dismissively before darting to his locker to escape the oncoming wrath of Jackson. Yes, he'd changed... but not that much.

Jackson softened his glare, and smiled discreetly as he watched the only really human member of the pack disappear from his line of vision. Stiles was probably one of the most irritating and confronting personalities that he'd come across, but he grew on you... quickly. And, Jackson was finding that he didn't really mind the company of the human boy. In fact, he kind of admired Stiles. He was a human among a group that were almost entirely supernatural beings. There were the werewolves that made up most of the cohort: himself, Isaac, Erica, Boyd, Derek and Scott. Then there was Lydia, who it was becoming clear was something other than simply human. She had shown time and again that she was something a little more. Even if they weren't sure exactly what that "something more" entailed. The only other member of the group was Allison. Technically Allison was human too, but she had also been raised by hunters who brought her up in a world of archery, gun ranges and various other advantages that Stiles did not have. He shook off his thoughts, not wanting to be caught thinking about Stiles Stilinksi for too long. He really was different.

The next person to interrupt his stride through the school corridor for the first time since that eventful night was Danny. Of course, Danny was also human. But somehow he had managed to remain oblivious to the countless supernatural beings and incidents that had been occurring in their small town. Though, Jackson suspected that Danny was getting closer and closer to realising that there was something else going on at the high school. In fact, Danny had been involved in various different situations that would make a lot more sense to him if he knew the truth. Jackson had considered telling him so many times, but he still didn't have a clue how he would break that kind of news. Hi Danny, you know when I got that unhealthy obsession with what was going on with Scott McCall? Well turns out he was bitten by a werewolf. I asked for the bite actually... but I became a kanima because of my unusual upbringing. Oh, and I was used by that creepy Matt guy and also our ex-school principal to kill a bunch of people. But, hey! Now I'm a werewolf too. Oh, and so is Erica, Boyd and Isaac. Yeah, that sounded totally believable. No, of course Danny wouldn't freak the fuck out and bail on him like most of the other people in his life. He chewed on his lip, bitterly. Then shook himself out of his deep thoughts for the third time that day and smiled up at his best friend, and clapping a hand to his shoulder.

Danny returned the smile briefly. "Dude, where have you been?" He said a little quietly, his best friend had been as good as missing since the paramedics mistakenly pronounced him dead a week ago. "I've been worried sick..." then he added thoughtfully "And another thing... what is with the newly acquired stalkers?"

Jackson frowned and opened his mouth to ask what he meant, but then shut it quickly noticing his surroundings properly for the first time and realising what it looked like. Lydia and Allison stood a few metres in front of them, eyes fixated on Jackson. Lydia looked ready to pounce on Jackson when he reached her. Scott and Isaac were talking at their lockers, but both of them kept glancing at Jackson with a look that seemed to alternate with acceptance, acknowledgement and familial concern. Danny had no doubt seen Stiles approach him before. But the worst were Erica and Boyd who were basically following him and certainly not been discreet about it. He understood it of course. He was a new addition to the pack, and he was learning what that meant. "Stalkers? I haven't noticed anything." He tried to quell the subject quickly. "Don't worry about me, I'm fine. Just recovering. Are you going to training this afternoon?"

Danny frowned a little unsatisfied with his friend's answer. Yes, you come to expect less sharing in a friendship with Jackson. But he'd hoped that Jackson would consult him on something if it were really serious. And, by the way his friend had been acting... it had to be serious. "Yes, of course. I never miss training." He said, managing a smile. It seemed that things were becoming a little more normal in Jackson's life. He hadn't been to training since his incident at the game. Not that Danny could blame him of course. But, it was good a sign that he was coming back.

Jackson smiled suddenly, as if remembering a joke.

Danny looked at him inquisitively, "What?"

"Oh, nothing... I just realised how excited I am to play Lacrosse today." he admitted, sending a smirk back at Scott.

He heard Scott grumble under his breath.

Now they were on even playing fields.

Lacrosse was a welcome distraction from the increasingly weird day Jackson had been having. Yes, Danny had pointed out that the pack were keeping close to him, but he hadn't been prepared to how close they were beginning to get. Erica had approached him several times, running her hands up and down Jackson's chest and running her hands through his hair. Boyd had passed him various times each time slapping his shoulder or bumping fists with him. Even Scott tried to sit as close to him as possible throughout their classes together, nudging him a couple of times. This had confused him until Isaac had him convinced of what they were doing. In their last class, Isaac had discreetly rubbed himself against the newest werewolf, then proceeded to sniff him. When Isaac smiled afterwards as if it were a job well done, Jackson finally understood that they were scenting him. He hadn't really been sure it was something that werewolves actually did. Then again, he'd been reading Stiles' supernatural research and scribblings, and there was a lot about the importance of scenting and how it meant you belonged to a pack, that you were protected by a pack. He couldn't help but feel strange though as the wolves continuously invaded his personal space.

Coach looked at Jackson with a smile. "Good to have you back, Jackson." His sincerity surprised the players around him.

"McCall, you're playing goal today."

Scott whined a little, Jackson realised with interest at how his sounds and actions seemed slightly animalistic. "But, Coach..."

"It'll teach you to miss training all week. Trust me I could be finding much more creative punishments..." the Coach quickly retorted.

It was a little unfair seeing as Scott had spent the week helping him deal with the change, sorting out the aftermath of the showdown with Gerard and of course whining over the development in his relationship with Allison. It wouldn't have left him with much time to think about Lacrosse. Scott motioned to Jackson with a huff, unfortunately it was caught by the Coach. "Did you almost die a week ago? I don't think so. Now get into goal."

A couple of wolves laughed quietly at the coaches' words. Yes, Jackson had nearly died. But all of them had had a close run in with death that night, including Scott and including Stiles who was sitting on the bench practically unnoticed by the coach.

Jackson smirked a little, looking a little like his old self.

Danny caught the familiar expression and was a little relieved, not only because he was suddenly feeling a lot less worried about his friend but also because someone else was playing goal for a little while. He enjoyed change.

As the game progressed, it was clear that Jackson was here to take his position back as captain. While he didn't pull out all the stops as Scott had when he first found his wolf powers, Jackson was still immensely impressive on the field. The coach watched clapping gleefully. "Trying to get your captaincy back, I see." He congratulated Jackson animatedly as training ended and the players headed to the locker rooms.

Scott growled softly to himself, glad that Jackson could hear him now. "Don't forget, we're meeting with Derek afterwards." He decided to avoid the subject of Lacrosse, speaking softly so that only the wolves would be able to hear.

Jackson turned around, and to Scott's surprise, he gave him a friendly nod.

It had taken Derek long enough, but finally (and thankfully) he had come to the realisation that living in a burnt frame of a house, which was haunted by the memories of the slaughter his entire by his girlfriend, was not really doing him any good. Jackson was relieved to be able to pull up to an actual house - or as close to a house that someone like Derek Hale was likely to buy. It was an old warehouse, which he had transformed into a training area, on top of which was an entirely liveable loft space. Even Jackson was impressed with the living space, it rivalled his own house with its modern and expensive (though minimalistic) furnishings.

He took a breath and then climbed up the stairs a little hesitantly to the loft part of the residence. He still felt a little uncomfortable in the presence of the entire pack, especially in Derek's... lair. Jackson was the newest member to an unstable group of misfit teenager werewolves under the guidance of a bad-tempered werewolf in his 20s and his uncle whose sanity was exceedingly questionable. He heard Isaac clambering up the stairs below him, meeting him halfway up the staircase, Jackson was surprisingly relieved to see him.

"You nervous?" He said, in his friendly, understanding way.

Jackson looked at him thoughtfully. Isaac was incredibly empathetic, he could often tell what and why people were feeling the way they were. His concern was suddenly making Jackson feel very guilty. How could he have done nothing to help Isaac? All those years... Absolutely nothing... had he even cared? Jackson tried to push down the guilt and looked at the werewolf, who was patiently waiting for him. "A little." He nodded at Isaac and walked up with him, grateful not to be going alone.

Derek and Peter were quietly talking when Jackson and Isaac arrived into the large living space that the pack was slowly converging to. They nodded in acknowledgement to the two wolves. Boyd and Erica were already seated on one of the couches. And, Scott and Stiles hadn't arrived yet. Jackson was thankful that he was not last to arrive. He could see Derek already impatient and looking at his watch. The Alpha werewolf had scared him, and he still did. Derek was still stronger, faster and more experienced than his new werewolf strength allowed him. He sat down quickly, and felt Isaac do the same.

"So, what did it say?" Peter asked carefully, their conversation almost too quiet for the other wolves to hear.

Derek's answer was too quiet for even his werewolf senses to make out, only Peter seemed to have heard him judging by his expression shifting into one of confusion and surprise. "But, how would he know that?" Peter didn't made much of an attempt to be quieter. And, Jackson found himself listening to only one half of a conversation - the less interesting half.

The door suddenly crashed open. Stiles stumbled in, having tripped on the last stair, and fell into a heap on the floor. He sprung up erratically, trying to straighten out his clothes and looked down to avoid the amused faces of each of the seated werewolves. Jackson, who had been trying to decipher the ominous conversation the Hales were having, hadn't heard even him approach the warehouse.

Erica let out a muffled giggle.

Derek shook his head, and Peter smiled at Stiles amusedly.

"Listen, I don't have the same supernatural agility that you all have..." Stiles began, but Scott emerged from behind him and nudged him silent trying to salvage his situation.

"Yes, because all humans are doomed to be as clumsy as you." Erica said, sarcastically.

Isaac motioned for Stiles and Scott to sit down, and Stiles responded by quickly sitting down next to him, grateful that at least one of the werewolves had not paid too much attention to his clumsy entrance.

"How is the newest werewolf doing with all the stresses at school?" Stiles turned to Jackson, eager to avoid any more talk about him. "Any almost-shifts?"

Jackson shrugged, "What stresses?"

Stiles gaped, then shut his mouth quickly. "Of course, being Jackson Whittemore, you'd have none." Stiles whined, feeling a little exasperated, "I mean Mr. Harris actually likes you... how is that humanly possible?"

Scott laughed a touch coldly, "one of my main stressors was actually you... guess you don't have to worry someone trying to uncover your secret, steal your girl and ruin your life all at once."

Jackson rolled his eyes a little. "Come on, McCall. That was a year ago. A lot happens in a year."

Stiles grinned, and joked "People change..."

Isaac laughed, "and Jackson has had his fair share of transformations."

Jackson shook his head laughingly, but stopped at Derek's expression. He and the other wolves gave him their attention quietly. Stiles followed their gaze, and rolled his eyes at the commanding expression and the flash of red of the Alpha wolf's eyes.