I don't own Teen Wolf.

Seeds of the Nemeton- Chapter 25- Eyes, Red Eyes

After the game and some friendly banter between packs they split and went their separate ways. The Stiles pack returned to the apartment. Jackson rushed up the stairs while the pack rode the elevator up. Stiles looked to Danny and said, "I think Jackson found a new friend in Liam."

Danny smiled and said, "More like the little brother he never had."

The pack stepped out of the elevator and Jackson stood by the entrance, door open, with a smug look on his face. He said, "I heard that Danny."

Danny shrugged and pretended to look away as he playfully said, "Whatever do you mean Jacks?"

Jackson laughed and slapped Danny on the back as he walked into the apartment with him. The pack sat down in the living room area after taking their bags to their rooms. Jackson, Danny and Ethan shared the couch while Isaac and Stiles sat in the adjacent chairs. Ethan and Danny whispered to each other as they caught the little smiles and looks from the new couple.

Jackson groaned and rolled his eyes, "So are we going to make faces at each other or figure out our next move?"

Stiles snapped out of his lulled relaxation and said, "Yeah, we do need to figure out what to do next."

Danny asked, "Since Stiles and Jackson were already sacrifices, do that mean the Nemeton will leave them alone or at least aim for them less?"

Ethan looked at Danny, "I doubt that. Plus we have to worry about who is going to be the vector for the Nemeton's power."

Stiles looked to Ethan, "I think it's a safe assumption to think that Gerrard succeeded in reaching the Nemeton and becoming its vessel."

Isaac nodded and asked, "So that means we not only have to deal with assassins, the evil magic tree, but a heavily experienced hunter with powers and nothing to lose."

Stiles looked at Isaac, "C Bear, that's what I was talking about not being too helpful."

Isaac blushed a little and Jackson rolled his eyes when he said, "Oh my god. I can't believe I am the fifth wheel in this pack."

Danny looked at his best friend and said, "You could always invite Liam and Mason over."

Jackson glared at Danny, "Not funny Danny."

The pack laughed at Danny's joke before Stiles asked, "Care Bear, have you heard anything else from Chris?"

Isaac shook his head, "I haven't. Do you think we need someone else who might give us a different perspective?"

Stiles nodded and said, "I'm almost tempted to call Deaton."

Ethan looked to Stiles and asked, "Why not call Ms. Morrell? I know she is still in contact with Deucalion but in a situation like this I know she would help."

Jackson impatiently stood up and said, "That sounds like a great idea." He moved over to the sparring mats and looked to the pack, "Someone can call her and then someone can get over here and spar. After the lacrosse game I am wired."

The two couples exchanged glances and Stiles said, "Jackson, I think you are the only one wired right now. I will call Ms. Morrell though."

Jackson huffed and slightly pouted before he plastered his cocky jock expression and said, "Whatever." The jock pulled out his cell and started texting as he ignored the pack.

Stiles looked to Ethan and Danny, "I'll call Morrell and we can get cleaned up and relax a bit before we decide what to do next."

Ethan and Danny nodded and stepped into Ethan's room. Stiles looked to Isaac and said, "Shower and food after I call?"

Isaac smiled as he stood up and walked into the bedroom. He glanced back at Stiles which only motivated the young man to dart into the bedroom after him.

Jackson texted Liam:

Hey. What R U Doin?

Liam- With Scott and Stiles. Malia broke up with Stiles or something

Jackson rolled his eyes as he read it.

Jacks- Damn. Drama

Liam- Dude I know

Jacks- I want to train more. Still wired from game.

Jackson bounced on his heels as he anticipated the reply.

Liam- Me too. What R U thinkin?

Jacks- I want to fight. Spar at the apartment?

Liam- Maybe later. Pack concerned. Deadpool.

Jacks- Another exercise?

Liam- Like what?

A twisted grin formed on the beta's face. He replied:

Jacks- Hunt the hunter.

Liam- HtHr?

Jacks- Grab a marker, no sharpies. Bigger = Better

Liam- Marker?

Jacks- Catch me before I catch u.

Jackson yelled to the pack, "I'll be back later", before he ran out the front door.

After talking with Ms. Morrell and taking a shower, Stiles and Isaac laid on the bed. They were on their sides so they faced each other. Stiles asked meekly, "So, Care Bear, what happens now?"

Isaac shrugged, "I've never dated a guy before."

Stiles laughed dryly, "Well, I've never dated before."

Isaac laughed a little, "So I guess this is kind of a bunch of firsts for us."

Stiles rolled onto his back and looked at the ceiling, "It just seems confusing. Like what's next and how will it affect the pack? And then what is going on with Gerrard and the Nemeton and will Ms. Morrell be able to help us? She said she wanted to come visit us and talk about something. It kinda sounded important. I just feel confused and lost but hopeful, you know?"

Isaac recognized Stiles' verbal diarrhea and leaned towards Stiles and said, "Relax. For now everything is simple. It's just you and me."

Stiles tilted his head and looked into Isaac's blue eyes. He could see and feel nothing but acceptance and trust. He leaned forward and Isaac followed suit and the two young men closed their eyes and kissed one another. When Stiles pulled away and opened his eyes, Isaac looked at him confused and scared.

Stiles asked, "What's wrong Care Bear?" As the words left Stiles mouth he could feel his bite was different.

Isaac gulped and said, "Stiles, we may have a problem, go look in the mirror."

Stiles' eyes widened as he darted to the sink outside the bathroom. He looked in the mirror and saw the glow of red in his eyes. He opened his mouth and saw the bite of a werewolf. The young Stilinski fingered his elongated fangs and said, "Shit. This isn't right." He quickly looked to Isaac and said, "BB, what is going on?"

Isaac shook his head and asked, "So when is Ms. Morrell supposed to be here?"

Stiles anxiously said, "In an hour or so?"

Isaac nodded and sat up as he opened his arms, "Come here bae."

Stiles slowly walked over to Isaac and curled up in the bed with him. Feeling utterly afraid he let the young alpha wrap his arms around him. He could feel his heart beat slow down. He asked, "CB, do I look scary?"

Isaac giggled a bit which caused Stiles to feel the vibrations on the back of his neck, "No offense bae but you look as scary as a kitten."

"Like a scary one?"

"A fluffy cuddly one."

Ethan and Danny sat in the living room and talked about school and the game for a bit. They heard a knock on the front door and Ethan walked over and opened it. Ms. Morrell stood in the doorway, wearing her professional school attire.

She said, "Good afternoon Mr. Carver."

Ethan stepped away from the door and invited Ms. Morrell in as he said, "Good afternoon to you too. I didn't think you would be here so quickly." Ethan returned to his seat on the couch next to Danny.

She smiled as she walked in and sat in the side chair near the door, "Well this isn't a situation to procrastinate."

Danny asked, "The Nemeton?"

She tilted her head, "Partially."

Isaac said as he opened the door to the bedroom and ushered Stiles into the living, "We may have a problem."

Stiles looked at Danny and Ethan who looked incredibly shocked at the red eyes and werewolf fangs.

Without even looking at Stiles, Ms. Morrell said, "Actually, that is the situation I was talking about.

Isaac and Stiles walked over to the couch and Isaac sat down with his legs spread wide as Stiles sat on the floor between the alpha's legs. Stiles used the front of the couch as a back rest a leaned against one of Isaac's legs. Isaac leaned forward and held Stiles' shoulders as the young man looked at Ms. Morrell. His expression was buried under his complete confusion. "I can't shift or change it. It doesn't matter how calm I am. What's going on? What's happening to me?"

Ms. Morrell sighed and closed her eyes to collect her thoughts. She slowly said, "When a human joins a pack there is usually a bit of difficulty. As a beta the person typically only shows emotional changes, sudden mood swings or fierce loyalty to the pack. Nothing that is truly detrimental. However, there are stories about a human who leads a pack. They say that the force of the wolves begin to cause physical changes in the person. These stories all end rather tragically with the person losing their identity and their mind."

Stiles eyes widened fearfully, "What? Can we just change it then? I don't want to go crazy? Or crazier than I already am. Someone else can be alpha."

She shook her head, "It's not that simple Mr. Stilinski. The wolves in your pack already recognize you as their leader. They already carry your scent. Such a change isn't done easy and even if it is done, it may kill you in the process."

Isaac desperately asked, "Then what are we going to do?"

She smiled slightly, "The changes you are experiencing Stiles are caused by the aspects of the wolves of your pack to give you their strength. Much like when an alpha werewolf leads a pack, their betas give them power."

Ethan asked, "So we are subconsciously empowering Stiles?"

Ms. Morrell nodded, "What we need to do is create a way for Stiles to be able to receive that power."

Stiles looked to the floor with a despondent expression, "I have to accept the bite, don't I?" As the words left Stiles mouth, Isaac tightened his grip of his boyfriend's shoulders.

Ms. Morrell said, "That's one possibility but due to your abilities, I wouldn't advise it."

Danny looked confused and asked, "Why not?"

She turned to Danny and said, "The bite can cause a person to become a werewolf or kill them. Stiles' very being rejects the supernatural. He has to allow it consciously. He would not be able to shut his body's reaction to the change. The bite would most likely kill him."

A single tear slid down Isaac's face a hit the top of Stiles' head as he quietly whispered, "There is no hope?"

Stiles looked up a tried to force a comforting smile to Isaac. Isaac fought back tears at the idea of losing someone, again.

Ms. Morrell looked to Isaac and said, "Isaac what do you think?"

Isaac gasped as he said, "It seems like every problem becomes another. We're losing this fight and everything we've done has worked against us. We can't lose Stiles too, I can't. Without Stiles, I don't think we can go on."

Stiles smiled at Isaac and rubbed his calf as he said softly, "Care Bear."

Ms. Morrell nodded and said, "Then remember what Harriet Beecher Stowe said, "When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you…never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."

Isaac looked at Ms. Morrell and said, "What do you mean? I don't want Stiles to die from the bite or him to lose his mind."

Ms. Morrell grinned slightly, "If Stiles as a human can't receive the power of the pack and Stiles can't become a werewolf to receive the power."

Danny interrupted, "Then we have to find a way to change the power so Stiles can receive it."

Ms. Morrell's grin shifted into a full smile, "Exactly Danny." Danny blushed slightly at the praise as Ms. Morrell continued, "There is a way to bond a human into a pack, more than just acceptance. We need to gather all who are in the pack together to do it. All members, living or dead must be represented for this to work. It requires a ritual to bond the pack. There is a risk of failure but given the alternative, I think it is our best shot."

Stiles looked to Ms. Morrell, "So we just need to get Jackson and someone to act as Elijah's representative?"

She nodded and said, "Yes, I will head back and get the supplies needed. We need to do this soon before the more feral aspects take over."

Stiles nodded and looked at Ethan and Danny, "Are we in agreement about doing this?"

Ethan smiled and said, "If it saves your life, I'd gladly risk it."

Danny smiled and nodded.

Ms. Morrell stood up and said, "I do need to warn you that one component of this ritual is wolfs bane and there is a risk of harm, maybe death to anyone involved."

Ethan responded, "That doesn't change my response."

Danny said, "Mine either."

Isaac leaned forward and kissed Stiles on top of his head and said, "For Stiles, this self-sacrificing, risk taking, daredevil, I'd gladly risk it."

Stiles laughed, "For once I guess I won't be the one taking the biggest risk."

Ms. Morrell nodded and left the apartment.

Stiles stood up and turned to face his pack. "We need to get ahold of Jackson and find someone to act as Elijah's representative."

Isaac said, "I'll call Jacks." The young alpha stepped into the master bedroom as the rest of the pack continued to talk.

Isaac dialed Jackson and after several rings the beta answered, "Thanks dicknuts. I'm going to kick your ass when I see you next Lahey."

Isaac responded with anger and said, "Something is wrong with Stiles. We need you here now." Isaac heard Liam's voice in the background as the beta asked what was going on. Before Jackson could reply Isaac continued, "And bring your protégé. We are going to need him too."

Jackson's tone changed as he said, "Sorry, I'll be right there."

Isaac stepped back into the living room. As soon as he opened the doors, all eyes were on him. He said, "Jackson is coming and so is Liam."

A look of relief flowed across the faces of the pack as they waited for Jackson to return.

Almost an hour later Jackson almost tore down the door as he opened it. He appeared out of breath and a single red marker line was noticeable on his left cheek, right below his eye. He asked, "What's going on?"

Before anyone could answer he saw Stiles' eyes and fangs as the young Stilinski looked at the beta from his usual chair.

"What the hell?"

Liam slid by Jackson as he stepped into the apartment, his neck, arms, and ears darted with multiple black marker lines. He looked at Stiles and asked, "When did you become a werewolf?"

Jackson looked at Liam, "He isn't one. You can tell by the smell."

Liam blinked a few times as the information sank in and repeated Jackson's statement, "What the hell?"

Stiles looked at the two betas as they walked to the couch and sat down next to Danny and Ethan. He said, "Ms. Morrell is coming back so we can perform a ritual to allow my body to receive the pack's strength. It is risky so if you don't want to do it, I can't make you."

Liam looked uncomfortable as Jackson smirked his patented cocky jock smirk, "So for once WE are allowed to take the risk for you? I'm in. Maybe this will let you know that the burden isn't just your own."

Liam looked to Jackson and said, "You'd risk your lives for each other?"

Jackson nodded, "I couldn't imagine doing anything less." The jock looked to Stiles, "Remember what I said though."

Stiles rolled his red eyes and said, "If I try to be the hero again"

Jackson interrupted, "I'll kick your ass."

Liam could feel the strength of the pack and thought about his own connection to Scott and his pack and said, "If I can help, I'm in."

Ms. Morrell returned shortly afterwards and set up the room for the ritual. The pack sat in a circle around Stiles on the sparring mats. As they began to get situated, Aiden appeared in physical form, his hand on Danny's shoulder and said, "You guys weren't planning on leaving me out, were you?"

Stiles and Ethan smiled and Ethan said, "Of course not Aiden. We were just waiting for you to arrive."

Ms. Morrell lit a large candle that reeked of aconite and set it on the kitchen table. She had Isaac hand the picture of Elijah's family to Liam and had everyone close their eyes. She said, "Focus on Stiles. Focus on what he means to you as a pack, as a friend, as someone you care about. Reach forward and place your hand on your pack mate and accept him. Focus on him."

Before her words could continue the pack found themselves no longer in the living room, but a large white room. They still sat in the circular formation but realized they were no longer in the physical realm.