Big Bad

Chapter 25

Derek lobbed his considerable weight onto the roof of Stiles house, leaning easily down he rapped on the window. Smothering his amusement as he heard Stiles flailing around dramatically. He could just imagine the entire scenario playing out in front of him. Worry replaced that amusement when he heard Stiles curse out, clearly, he'd managed to hurt himself, again.

"Is there a big bad out there?" Stiles asked yanking open his window as he hopped into his jeans. A large red sore where he'd bumped his leg already forming, soon it would bruise. Humans were so fragile, and Derek worried.

Derek easily and quickly slid into the room, not bothering to ask, if he did start that Stiles would think there was something wrong. He couldn't change the way he was without rousing Stiles' unending curiosities. Knowing Stiles, he'd just go full steam ahead and he didn't want that.

It mattered little; he didn't know how to proceed full stop.

Even just the thought of trying caused him to freeze. He wanted to try, this was his mate, and Uncle Peter had warned him repeatedly not to give up on his mate. It was advice that he knew his uncle was giving him from the heart after what happened to him and Harry.

He wanted his mate, but on the other hand the last two relations she had had turned deathly. Paige had died, and in turn Kate had killed nearly his entire family. He was pretty sure there was going to be payback for what they had done to the Argents. Which meant hunters, if he knew what was good for his pack, he'd protect them, kick them out, send them as far away from him as possible.

Then he remembered what his Uncle Peter and Harry were willing to do to keep the pack safe. How they never run from a fight, they stand their ground. Unconsciously, he stood straighter, and looked twenty times more intimidating while confident. The feigned confident had nothing on this Derek.

"erek?" Stiles had continued talking and Derek had no clue what he said.

Scowling mutinously, annoyed with himself, and that annoyance becoming more evident when he noticed that Stiles had stepped back, as if he thought it was him Derek was mad at. Which just made Stiles even more hurt, but never afraid. Stiles hadn't really been afraid of him, even when he was at his worst.

"The conference," he bit out, pissed off with himself, "You weren't answering your phone."

Stiles was bewildered for all of a few seconds, glancing at his desk, expecting his phone to be in charge. It wasn't there. Groaning dramatically, he smacked his hand against his head, he was an idiot. Cursing in annoyance, he climbed over his bed, and fished around until he found the device under his bed where it had fallen last night. "I had an idea last night," he admitted sheepishly, and he'd had to write it down lest he forget. "I'm not sure how to do it but it sounds awesome, a draining spell, so if we're up against any magical their magic can be temporarily drained allowing us to get the upper hand…" Stiles prattled on about his idea as he shoved his charger into its port.

He continued to talk about his latest ideas, knowing that for some reason Derek calmed when the attention and focus was off him. He must be the only person in existence that actually preferred Stiles rambling.

"We have to go, the Portkey won't wait," Derek said, glancing at the time on the desk, and it was odd saying that word. Portkey, he knew what it was, what it did, but still, weird to say. Magic hadn't been a big part of his life, well, it was now.

"Now?" Stiles squawked, diving for his wardrobe, yanking out a bag, he shuffled through it, before pursing his lips and nodding it would need to do. Excitement thrummed through him; he hadn't really made anything for himself – his tattoos didn't count – everything was just still experimental really to him. now he was going to sell them, with a little luck he'd gain enough money to pay off his father's mortgage. He wasn't sure how he would spin it, having that much money, but he'd figure it out.

He hoped.

Derek grunted, having to really stop himself laughing at look on Stiles' face. Only to yelp when he felt a stinging on his backside. He glared at Stiles, a look that promised death. "No using magic on your Alpha," came the grumbled complaint, but he noticed proudly that it was getting really easy for Stiles to use magic now, and less obvious too.

"Then stop laughing," Stiles called out without even pausing until he exclaimed in triumph when he found the small crystal pendants he'd clearly been searching for.

Right, the pack bond, his amusement wasn't quite so silent anymore. Nor was Stiles quite so human anymore come to that.

His mate was going to be extremely powerful, if what he heard Harry say to Peter was true.

Stiles gave Derek an odd look, before shoving the pendants into his bag. Excitement thrumming through him, before recalling he didn't have his wallet. "I'll be right back," he muttered, quietly but hastily making his way downstairs grabbing his wallet from the table beside the house phone – which by the way rarely got used – as he rushed hastily up the stairs.

"Ready," Stiles said clambering out the window, "What's wrong?" cocking his head to the side.

"Your father is being informed that Scott's just been found," Derek said, "If you want to go, move now." there was little doubt that Noah would expect Stiles to rush to the hospital, and probably question him about the last time they spent together.

Not that Scott could refute that, since he was entirely missing the memories relating to the supernatural world.

Stiles blinked blankly, oh, he'd forgotten about that which filled him with shame. This was his best friend in the world, yeah, he'd been shitty lately…and irrevocably severed ties. Scott had been the centre of his universe for so long, his brother from another mother. Was it wrong that he cared more about Melissa than Scott?

"Harry and Uncle Peter know what they're doing, he's going to be fine," Derek said, gripping his neck in support, then spitefully, added, "Scott wouldn't change his plans for you." wanting so desperately to get rid of the heartbreak suffusing Stiles' scent and part of the bond.

"I'm not like Scott," Stiles murmured, trying for defensive but it came out tired. He was so tired of defending Scott, to himself, to others, people change, his dad said that, and nobody could predict how they'd turn out. Admittedly he was talking about criminals and not Scott, but schematics.

"You aren't," Derek agreed, he was getting better at this comfort stuff, but whether it's because Stiles was his mate or pack, he wasn't sure. He still wasn't very good at comforting the rest of the pack. However, with Uncle Peter and Harry, they weren't looking to him to lead them so much. With less danger, they were able to relax a little more, and now he had a solid pack with solid pack bonds. With structure, hierarchy, he wasn't being questioned on every little thing. "It's why you're pack." The affirmation that he was pack, that he was wanted settled Stiles nerves entirely and while he was still worried for his ex-best friend, it was a background thing not a full frontal panic attack mode.

Scott being gone and no longer a werewolf (thorn in his side) was…it was unbelievable what it had done. It just proved that the slightest disturbance in the pack caused ripple effects.

He owed it all to Peter, and more importantly to Harry.

"Your dad is getting up," Derek murmured easily grasping a hold of Stiles, and careening both of them out of the second story window. Derek made sure that Stiles landed feet up and kept a grip of him afterwards. Then they were off running towards the Camaro and taking off towards the loft. Fortunately, there was nobody quite awake yet. It was still too early, even Stiles' nosy neighbour who wakes at the crack of dawn (exaggeration) wasn't up yet.

"I hope there's food in the convention." Stiles stated, "And coffee. Lots of coffee." He told Derek, as he rummaged around in until he pulled out a sock? It rattled and Derek immediately knew exactly what it was. Stiles' medication.

"Here," Derek said, reaching behind his seat, his eyes never leaving the road, able to drive perfectly with just the one hand on the wheel. Grasping the bottle of water, he handed it off to Stiles' who was quick to take the pills.

"Thanks," Stiles murmured, putting the bottle in the cup holder, appreciative. He could swallow them dry, but he didn't like the taste on his tongue afterwards. "Do you know where we're going?" excited at the thought.

"Hasn't said yet," Derek said, putting his foot down more, he'd been at Stiles' far longer than he meant to. Honestly though? He was looking forward to it, the entire pack out for a day out, and none of them knew what to expect. Showing off his pack, their abilities. They might be small, but they were going to prove their worth. They were deadly. They'd taken down a Darach at the hight of her power. Glancing at the bag, "What are you bringing along?" he'd seen him put pendants in, that he'd been working on, what he'd worked on was unknown, he didn't know. Considering Stiles rarely shut up, it was a surprise to find he had worked on something they didn't know.

"Everything I've been working on," Stiles confessed, "Remember how much the Leopardess paid for her trunk? If I do that…I could have my dads mortgage paid of really quick and set money aside for college."

Derek blinked, glancing briefly at the boy, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. He shouldn't be worrying about that sort of stuff. At his age, he should be worrying about school, not whether the mortgage or saving money to go to college. "What is your preferred college?" wondering what Stiles wanted to do.

"One that isn't going to drown me in debt for life," Stiles muttered, "Dad feels bad enough I won't put him through that." They were still paying off what was left of his mom's medical bills, being a cop didn't exactly pay enough to cover (medical) or the price of what was left. Although, honestly, knowing what he could make by creating magical items to sell? It was so tempting to forego college altogether.

Unfortunately, he doubted his father would be alright with that.

Stiles perked up seeing the rest of the pack waiting, excitement thrummed through him. So much so that Stiles was opening the car door before the engine switched off entirely. Luckily, Derek had more or less stopped the car fully, otherwise he would have flailed like a dramatic doe.

"Where are we going? Will we be away overnight? Do I need to change?" Stiles asked, as always mouth constantly running, seeking information where it can be found. "How many people are expected at this thing? How are we getting there? Will I need a passport?" his mouth continued to move, but nothing came out, as Stiles glared at Harry in sheer annoyance, he still couldn't figure out how to remove those spells that Harry casts on him, and added to the fact, the shields didn't really stop it either.

Harry flickered his gaze over Stiles clothes, a thoughtful look on his face, he just looked like a regular teenager. Word would get around really quickly just who Stiles was, especially if the people who had met him already spoke about him. Flicking his wand, he summoned a cloak, and turned it green. "Put this on."

"Why green?" Stiles asked, finally able to talk again, genuinely curious.

"You'll find a lot of people wearing green, it means they have the ability to use magic. When you have magic, you are more connected to the earth. Druids wear brown, some attempt to wear green so don't be surprised if there are a few trying to pass themselves off as more important." Harry shrugged, "It's more of a tradition than actual rules, and not everyone adheres to them."

"Awesome!" Stiles said with an aborted jazz hands move.

"Put these on, we'll be leaving in five," Harry said passing the pendant.

"How do we know it's safe?" Stiles then asked, glancing at Lydia. "Could security be compromised?"

Harry laughed, Peter chuckled, "You don't know Millie," Peter said wryly, "She's the most stringent with her security. You don't get much notification before it's time." gesturing towards the box.

"I…I thought you got notification through an email," Stiles wanted to smack himself for being an idiot. Why would magical people use a telecommunication or email to connect? "Why are we having to wear this anyway?" Stiles jerked back, "Whoa!" as a slow whirlwind shimmered into being.

"If you've not got that on, you don't get through, well, you do, you just wished you hadn't," Harry said with amusement. "You must wear it all day, if anyone is found without one on, they're evicted…with extreme prejudice."

Erica stopped fiddling with it immediately, rolling her eyes at Cora's snort, but she ceased playing about with it too.

"Go, we only have a minute then it fades away, there's no other way to get there," Harry said shoving Peter through, before jumping into the doorway.

The rest of the pack were quick to follow, Derek waited until the rest of his pack went through before taking the plunge himself. Just in time, since the magical transportation began to blink before fading entirely.

"Whoa, I know where we are…" Stiles said staring around in awe. "This place is magical?" not sure why he was surprised. The place was positively teeming with people, how on earth did they get away with that?

"Where are we?" Isaac asked, looking around, standing atop of a mound. Noticing its odd shape, it was half circle, continuing on…in the shape of a snake?

"Snake mound, Ohio," Lydia said, watching everyone with rapid fascination. "What do people like me wear usually?" hoping she'd get to know someone who had gone through what she was.

"White," Harry replied, "Always white, they'll have white hair,"

Lydia touched her hair as if fearing it had suddenly turned white.

"The Great Serpent Mound is a 1,348-foot-long which is….411 meters, three-foot-high prehistoric effigy mound on a plateau of the Serpent Mound crater along Ohio Brush Creek in Adams County, Ohio. Maintained within a park by Ohio History Connection, it has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of Interior. The Serpent Mound of Ohio was first reported from surveys by Ephraim Squier and Edwin Davis in their historic volume Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley, published in 1848 by the newly founded Smithsonian Museum. The Serpent Mound is the largest serpent effigy in the world." nobody was surprised Stiles could recall that information on whim.

"And we're allowed to trample all over it?" Cora asked, shrugging indifferently, she didn't really care about the 'great serpent mound' "Cool."

"This is a monument, what if someone comes to visit today?" Isaac asked, looking all around at the stalls being put up, magic was being used openly, he could see animals running after each other further ahead, two wereleopard's by the look of it, young ones.

"They'll decide to go somewhere else," Harry told them, it was a more complicated version of the spell used back in the UK to make someone recall something urgent. Such as being under the impression they left the oven on, or had a dentist appointment they couldn't miss. Since they couldn't do that to everyone that might make their way there today, they had to make them decide to go somewhere else to take in the sights.

"Wait a minute…what's down there?" Stiles asked making his way over hastily, "Since when did they have caves?"

"They've always been there, only magical people can see them," Harry explained, "It's full of people selling their Merchandise, plenty of room to look around through, they have a system in place. Most of the tables up top are food, and make sure to ask what they are." He warned them, sighing softly, staring out at the tables, the twins would love this, swallowing thickly, shaking off his dour thoughts.

Leaning back into Peter's side, sighing softly at the reassuring squeeze. He was no longer alone, and he'd meant it, he'd never be alone again. He'd kill Peter if he left him again, and then himself.

Peter turned to Derek, "You best watch, people will sense his power, and he will be highly sought after." No need to elaborate for Derek to know to whom he was referring. Stiles would be highly sought after, his magical powers were immense, and when he was more than just a Journeyman? Blood would willingly and easily spill for his hand. Stiles was literally catnip and any pack would jump at the chance to let him join.

Derek snarled, eyes flashing red, furious at the mere insinuation never mind reality.

"Best keep up with him," Peter taunted, knowing that Derek needed the damn push to reveal everything to Stiles. He kept going hot and cold on the teen, and if he kept that up Stiles was going to wake up one day and deciding he could do better. Right now, he could, anyone would be damn proud to have Stiles as a partner. Intelligent, good looking, powerful…what the hell wasn't there to like?

Derek glanced at where Stiles had been just moments ago, to find that the entire pack was no longer there. They'd split up, Cora, Isaac, Boyd and Erica had taken off in one direction, Stiles, Lydia and Jackson had gone another. Derek took off after the human – ish – members of his pack, or so he told himself. It had nothing whatsoever to do with the fact what Peter suggested he knew could happen.

"You alright?" Peter asked, he'd sensed his mood take a big dive. He'd seen children running about, he assumed it was something to do with Teddy.

"I will be," Harry said, squeezing his hand, "Just some unsavoury thoughts."

Peter said nothing, very familiar with unsavoury thoughts, he got them frequently. Brushing his chin along Harry's shoulder and up his neck and to his chin before biting his neck. Leaving a clear sign that he was taken from anyone who would dare to assume to gaze upon his mate unchecked. It certainly wouldn't be unchallenged, because he would challenge them if they thought for a second, they could do what they liked.

Harry laughed, his emotions settling on amusement, well aware of Peter's possessive tendencies. Honestly, shaking his head ruefully, "Come on, I know where exactly you want to be." tugging him into one of the many, many caves that had long since been hidden from the No-Maj's.

Derek remained glued to Stiles side, thank circle he was a werewolf, otherwise he wouldn't have had the energy to keep up with Stiles' enthusiasm. The morning completely disappeared in what felt like a blink of an eye. Although, not all peacefully, signs of his Uncle Peter being right began to present itself.

"That's awesome, where is it you come from?"

"Beacon Hills,"

"Where's that?" clearly faking that he didn't know where it was, since Derek could smell the harmless deception oozing from him.

Derek who had been about to flash his red eyes in warning, and stand behind Stiles stewing in jealousy. When a seriously judgmental look crossed Stiles' face, Derek suddenly had to smother his amusement.

"California." He answered rather bluntly, dismissing him entirely.

Apparently, the only idiot Stiles had been able stomach or tolerate was Scott.

Derek watched him walk away with a smirk spread across his face.

They then spent what felt like hours at the largest pavilions, watching people dancing, watch them act out routines while doing magic floating in the air! Flying in the air! Stiles had been all agape, watching them continue with such passion and dedication to their crafts. Musicians singing and entertainment going on everywhere, and Stiles made sure to give them a little something for their work. It wasn't a lot, but he saw that a lot was accumulating so they would be well rewarded for their work at the end.

Someone's second attempt at flirting had been a little better, and actually flustered Stiles. Everyone seemed to want to get Stiles alone, and waited for the best second to pounce. Usually when Derek went to take a leak or get them both some food or drink when it was his turn. The day was dwindling fast, it would soon be night. Neither could believe how quick the day was going.

"Sorry about that! I didn't hurt you, did I?" tone filled with concern, Derek paid no attention to it, he was used to ignoring everything and everyone unless it was relevant. He handed over the money for the soda bottles. It was a beautiful day, and the sun was shining.

"I'm fine," Stiles said, sounding distracted, and that had Derek's full attention, zeroing in on Stiles picking up the plastic bags that had fallen. He didn't look injured, thank goodness for that. He froze, narrowing in on the rather attractive man moving to help Stiles, both laughing after they bent at the same time, their heads smacking together.

"Sorry," he said, his voice low and bordering on seductive. "I didn't hurt you, did I?" attempting to see the 'damage' but Stiles wouldn't play ball. Not used to anyone remotely giving a shit about such a small injury. That or sick of anyone believing just because he was human, he was fragile. He smacked the hand away that attempted to move his head to the side so he could see.

"Well, it seems like you're fine," he teased, causing Stiles' face to flush red. Standing, the man helped Stiles up, "Forgive me, I'm being rather rude, my name is Sam, Sammy," Sammy said, giving him a wide disarming smile that worked wonders.

"St..stiles," the flustered teen said, he wasn't used to anyone paying any sort of attention to him. While the guy was cute, he was nowhere near as hot-like-burning Derek who he had a huge crush on. The only thing was, he was able to talk to Derek without stuttering or going bright red. When you've been through what they have though, you didn't react typically.

"Stiles?" it was clear Sammy was taken off-guard by the odd name, "That's a…rather unique name." was all he could think to say.

Stiles laughed, "It's part of my last name, nobody can say my first name,"

"What is it? I'd love to give it a try," Sammy said sheepishly, grinning in delight. "I've always been good at languages and names."

"Not this one," Stiles said, smiling a little, but it was off, only someone who knew Stiles would know this. Even now he still missed his mom, and it still hurt like a thousand blazing suns. With his father working, he'd been very close to his mom. Even when she was dying, he'd been closer to her than his father, whom had been working when she passed away. He didn't blame him, not really, as an adult he understood. They'd been drowning in medical debt, but child him was still angry.

"C'mon, you can tell me," Sammy said, adopting a puppy dog look, which unfortunately, for him, Stiles had grown impervious to.

Stiles shook his head; he couldn't bear to hear anyone butchering his name. It had been bad enough starting school, the only one that had been ever able to pronounce it was his mom.

"No? Shame," he pouted playfully, "It must be quite embarrassing if you don't want to reveal it." nudging him still smiling, "Want to go and get a drink together?"

"Me?" Stiles asked, his incredulity hidden but the yearning evident. He yearned to be seen, to be wanted, to be desired. It was all anyone wanted, but most of all, in a very mature move, Stiles wanted to be seen as he was, and loved for it. Not in spite of it. "Uh…"

"What is it? Do you already have an Alpha?" Sammy asked, stepping forward, being extremely forward and touching him, an insult if Stiles did have an Alpha. "Not that I should be surprised given the power I can feel coming from you." only someone who had an alpha of a big pack could cause that amount of power. Hopefully though, he could entice him…with a little luck he had more Beta's so he'd want to join them.

Stiles always imagined a scenario like this, he'd thought he'd enjoy being pursued. Yet he felt awkward, perhaps a little uncomfortable.

Then Sammy took a step back, staring behind Stiles with wide eyes.

Stiles relaxed knowing without a doubt who was behind him and that gave him confidence he didn't have in day-to-day life. The warmth wasn't stifling despite how hot it actually was here.

"You've tied yourself to the Hale pack?" the guy said, staring in stunned disbelief, "How can you be powerful when…" everyone knew the Hale pack was small, infinitesimal.

Naturally Stiles didn't hear the last part, only Derek did, and he let out a bass growl at the sheer audacity. The growl vibrating up Stiles' back, and he'd never admit it, but he really liked the feel of being so possessively protected. "What's wrong with being in the Hale pack?" Stiles argued defensively, as cracks appeared in Sammy's pleasant demeanour.

Sammy softened in sympathy, "A couple of Beta's and nothing to offer except surety of death…" shaking his head, aghast, "You deserve better than that." He rather hoped he didn't have to go for the Druid, Morrell he'd rather have someone more powerful. Someone like Stiles. He had sort of abandoned her in favour of seeking out the powerful magic user. Which did make him feel a little bad, but first come first serve.

Derek inwardly crumbled, his mood taking a very deep dive, outwardly he remained stoic and unaffected by – what he was sure was a fellow Alpha's – his words.

"That 'couple of Beta's' managed to take down two Darach's, one even masquerading as a Druid." Stiles said defensively. "No matter how strong and powerful you are, I'd still stay where I am." His tone defensive to the extreme. Knowing better than to mention everything else, sometimes remained quiet, others were subtly told…but never outright revealed. Self-preservation to the extreme.

"Annoying everyone again, this year, Sam?" came the cold harsh voice.

Stiles blinked, if he wasn't familiar with that voice, he would never have guessed Harry could sound that way. Even when he was at his most pissed off, he'd never heard him sound like that.

Peter propped his arm around Harry's shoulders, unsheathing his claws, pretending disinterest, while watching the Alpha like the predator he was.

Stiles watched in fascination, as any teasing and flattery and happiness that had been just present moments ago vanished. Leaving nothing but a pale and ashen alpha, swallowing thickly, as he stared at the power couple in obvious fear. The Alpha even took a step back, clearly Peter's reputation proceeded him, or maybe the fact he had killed his niece for the 'Alpha powers' had him so scared.

"I'm not," he managed to squeak out, "I was merely making conversation, seeking a druid, which I might have done." his territory was quite vast and bordered Canada. Eagerly looking around for his so called 'Druid', glad when he spotted her. "M-m-Morrell!" taking a few seconds to recall her name properly.

The Druid in question turned around, and the she blanched, fear colouring her features.

"You," Harry said.

"You can't," she squeaked, "I'm under…" She was under Millie's protection, at sanctuary.

"Good afternoon, Millie," Harry said, very clearly not saying 'high priestess' which is what people usually referred to her. "Those robes look stunning on you." meaning it entirely, the last time he saw her she had burnt orange on, oh, it hadn't gone that well with her skin tone at all.

"Oh, you, flatterer you," she said eyes gleaming wickedly, getting amusement out of the current situation.

"I'll be seeing you," Harry warned Morrell, he had warned her repeatedly.

"Oh, I see, so that's whom you are trying to outrun," she said, shaking her head, "Oh dear," causing the Druid even more distress and she was being genuine.

"You're going to let her go?" Peter asked, as Morrell burst out running, fear causing her to react without thinking. Running from a predator.

"No, just giving her a head start, if I leave in three minutes, she'll be passed the sanctuary wards," Harry said chuckling darkly, causing nearly everyone to shudder at his dark delight.

"Oh, man, this is going to be good," Cora said, hands full of bags, "Looks like I got back in time." Lydia and Jackson were with her.

"Surely, she's not stupid enough to actually leave sanctuary?" Stiles asked, wrinkling his brow, "She's a physiatrist, they have to be at least moderately intelligent." In fact, she had just put in to work at Eichen House before she took off after Harry's threat.

"You'll be surprised what people do when they're afraid," the high priestess informed them all, an air of mystic and mystery surrounding her.

Oooo so will she actually give Harry a fight worthy of a fight or will she go down easy? I mean she is only a druid and Harry's so much more powerful and it gets boring when there's nobody giving him a worthy fight lol downside to making him so powerful I think, I learned that lesson in A life worth living recently...I'll have to keep it in mind for future teen wolf stories if I do them :D same with Out OF The Darkness to be fair! Anyway there we go! R&R please