Authors Note: HEYO! XD Please tell me what you think; I would love to know XD I own nothing and no one, apart from the following: Harlequin (Harley),Sam Campbell, Charlie Jones, Zane, Chase, Gabriel, Ben, Mia, Stiles' fox = Melrakki (Rak), Stiles' wolf = Okami (Oki), Derek's wolf = Cana, Diego, Serena, Deputy Shane Harding, Deputy Jason Curtis, Mo, Job, Asa, Cleo, Ezra, Alric, Lina, Quintin (Q, Curly Q, Quin), Galiana (Gali, Lia, Ana, Liana), Rudolph (Rudi), Durin, Emery, Kai, Wesley (Wes), Reiner, Henry, Carleigh, Isa, Myna, Nyx, Zelda.
JUST SO YOU KNOW: like everyone else, I have no idea what Stiles' real name is, so I'm going along with what everyone else puts :) and I've made his middle name up XD
You guys are all so amazing and I love you all! In a non-creepy non-psycho kind of way XD
Please, please review XD
P.S. I know it's been a while, but I've been having a lot of issues with family, University, my anxiety, etc. It's kind of knocked me off of my writing. Trust me when I say I'm trying to write for my fics as fast as I can.
Chapter 50 – Part 1
Stiles
September 15th was Allison's birthday. Whilst she was at the University with the other Betas, Sam helped Peter, Derek, Harley and I set up the house for when they all returned. We pilled all of Allison's presents in the living room, hung banners and balloons around the house…. Harley even helped me make Allison's cake, feeding me ideas as she snuck tastes of the batter and icing. Especially when Sam started joining in. We had a sort of tradition for birthdays now, ever since Peter's. I couldn't hold myself back and neither, it seemed, could the others. It still amazed me how they had skated around them for so long before. It was also on this day, when the night was winding down, before Sam and Charlie left, that Peter and Derek gave us the news: from the next day, until Saturday, we were going to be joined by a visiting Pack, from Germany. They had only been contacted about it recently and, so they could build connections with Packs in different areas, couldn't say no.
"Derek and I know a few members of this Pack." Peter had assured us. "Talia had a good relationship with them, so it's only right for us to. Of course, they need to see how Derek is as an Alpha, as well as how our Pack acts together under his leadership."
It hadn't exactly helped any of us.
The idea of having strangers in our home, the idea of strangers critiquing us and Derek…. No one wanted that. It was as if everyone went, automatically, into protection mode. I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. I could hear the low growl emitting from every Beta wolf in the house. Hell, even Harley had gone quiet, her face emotionless and jaw set hard.
"I know it's not exactly the best situation." Derek tried to placate. "But it'll help us, forming these connections. Especially abroad. Besides, it's not even for a week."
"What if they're seeing how strong we are before they attack?" Lydia frowned, folding her arms over her chest.
"Then they'll be in for a surprise." Peter smirked, his eyes glowing an electric blue for a few seconds. "Stay on guard, but don't let it show."
It wasn't like we could refuse.
Tuesday morning started off quietly. No one seemed to want to say anything, silently hoping that the rest of the week would end quickly. The German Pack wouldn't reach us until, around, three in the afternoon. We had a while to wait, not that anybody wanted to think about it.
We were all gathered in the living room, as always, the TV playing low in the background. Everyone was quiet, enjoying that last few hours of peace, before our home was invaded by strangers. I wasn't looking forward to it. I doubt that any of us were. The twelve of us, fourteen when Sam and Charlie were with us, were used to it just being us in the house. We were used to it being our safe place, away from everyone and everything. We had never had anyone stay in the house, with us, before. No one that wasn't staying as part of our group, anyway. It was something new that none of us wanted to take part in.
Groaning softly, I leaned back against my arm chair, watching Harley doodle on some paper, the tip of her tongue sticking out of the side of her mouth. She was the only one that seemed to be calm, though I suppose focusing on what you were drawing was a good distraction.
"Look, I know no one's looking forward to this, I get it." Derek sighed. "But it's only until Saturday. If all goes well, we have some connections. This won't happen all the time."
"Doesn't mean we have to like it." Jackson grumbled.
"I know, I know. But, please, at least try? Just to make these few days a bit easier?"
Everyone mumbled in agreement, not really wanting to but doing so for our Alpha's sake. Really, it was the only reason no one had put up a big fuss about it. We all knew how much of a burden it was for him, knew how much it rattled him, no matter how unaffected he pretended to be.
We all knew.
"Thank you." Derek breathed. "Now, who else wants coffee?"
Time seemed to pass slowly that morning. It was ridiculous. No matter what I did, I just couldn't forget about what would be happening that afternoon, my head too wrapped up in the 'what ifs'. Everybody else seemed to have been doing better, dotted around the house, talking or, well, doing whatever they did when they were alone. I could be found in the kitchen, leaning back in my chair, and a cup of coffee between both of my hands. I couldn't help but wonder what could happen when the German Pack arrived. What would they be like? What would they think of us? What if they weren't looking for an alliance? I just couldn't stop my mind from spinning.
Dropping my head down, I ran a hand through my hair.
"Just four days." I muttered to myself. "Just four days. That's all."
"That's exactly what I've been telling myself." Derek's voice sounded from the doorway.
Turning my head slightly, I looked up at the Alpha wolf. He was leaning against the door, arms folded loosely over his chest, a small smile on his face. He stood there for only a few seconds before he pushed himself off, walking over to the table and slipping carefully into his own chair.
"You ok?" Derek asked, quietly, placing his hand on my forearm. "You seem a little spacey."
"Yeah, I'm fine." I nodded. "Just thinking."
Derek only nodded, rubbing my arm slightly.
"Still hard, isn't it?" he mused. "Trying to get used to people?"
I wasn't sure how to answer. I wasn't sure if I should stay quiet, or if I should speak up. It was one of those situations I still didn't know how to handle. There was so much that I was still trying to understand, so much I was still trying to figure out. It was irritating. All I wished was to know everything that everybody else my age knew. I felt like I was so many years behind everybody else, not knowing the simplest things. Like a flipping hashtag!
"Getting used to, trusting, understanding…." I sighed, looking down at the table. "It's like I'm an alien, or something."
"You're not an alien." Derek told me. "It's not like it's your fault."
"Still…."
I heard Derek exhale, softly, before I heard the legs of his chair scrap against the floor. I didn't have time to think about it, however, before my own chair was being moved, slowly and gently being turned towards Derek. The moment I was away from the table, Derek dragged my chair towards himself, until our knees were touching. As soon as he let go, he stayed leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he looked at me. His hands took hold of mine, his thumbs rubbing over the backs of mine, the slight callouses on his finger tips not getting in the way of his gentle touch.
"It is not your fault, Gen." Derek repeated. "You were isolated from everyone, alienated from them. Your Dad, Zane…. They did everything they could to stop you from getting help. They did everything they could to make you vulnerable."
"Derek –" I started.
"I mean it, Stiles. They are to blame for it, not you."
Turning my head to the side slightly, I stared at the table top. I supposed what he was saying was true, but I still couldn't help but doubt him. How could I, or he, know for sure I wasn't at fault? How could either of us say it definitively? It felt wrong saying I didn't but felt wrong to say I did…. I just couldn't understand it! Gnawing on my lip, I could feel my teeth slightly puncture my skin, the metallic taste of blood assaulting my tongue. I had tasted it so many times that I didn't even flinch any more, I didn't mind it. To be honest, I barely took notice of the taste.
It took a moment for me to notice, but I felt a coolness on one of my hands, right before I felt a touch to my chin. Now that I couldn't help but react to. My entire body jolted, my head snapping back around until I was looking straight into Derek's eyes. He stayed stead, though. He didn't pull back, he didn't hesitate. Derek placed his hovering hand on the side of my face, as gently as he could. His thumb pried my lower lip from my teeth, softly stroking my cheek.
"Hey, I'm not lying, Stiles." Derek told me, softly. "It was them, not you. You may not believe me, but it's true. And I, we, will all help you. You're not alone anymore."
Turning my head slightly, into Derek's hand, I just nodded. I heard Derek shift off of his seat, felt as his hand shifted from mine until it rested on my arm. He crouched on the floor, in front of me, the hand on my face moving to cup my neck. For a moment, he just looked at me. He didn't say anything, he didn't move. He just….looked at me, with this softness in his eyes. When Derek finally moved, he moved forward slowly. He let me see him move, let me see what he was intending to do.
And I let him.
Derek moved until his forehead was resting against mine, the tips of his fingers brushing the hair at the back of my neck. I could feel my heart pounding, could feel the weird ache in my chest. A similar, but not the same kind, of ache I would get whenever Dad would come home, or when I would have to visit Zane. Those two were worse, though. This kind of ache was a little different…. Derek stayed in that position for only a few seconds. Just resting there. Then, as slowly as he had moved towards me, he pulled back slightly, turning his face up until he could press his lips to my forehead.
"We've still got a few hours." Derek whispered. "How about you go sleep for a bit? You seem tired."
Sighing quietly, I slumped down a little, my shoulders falling inwards.
"Will you come with me?" I murmured. "I don't think I can sleep alone."
"Course I will." he smiled. "Come on."
When I woke up, it was somewhere close to one in the afternoon. Derek was still lying next to me, lightly dozing with his arms wrapped around me loosely, and Harley was resting on my shoulder. I didn't know when she had come into the room. I hadn't heard a thing, let along felt anything.
I was more tired than I thought….
Supressing a yawn. I ran my hand, lethargically, through Harley's hair, shifting as slightly as I could to look at her. It had been almost four months since the kid had come into our lives. Almost four months and it already felt like I had known the kid forever. She was family. As I continued to move my hand through her hair, Harley shuffled closer towards me, her hands fisting loosely in my t-shirt. She mumbled nonsensically in her sleep, no real words, just noises. I couldn't help but huff a little laugh. As soon as my body started to shake, I heard a long inhale from behind me, a shifting of muscles and a quiet cracking of bones emitting from the arms around me. I felt the softness of Derek's hair brush against the skin of my neck as he shifted, moving closer until he was plastered against me, his nose nudging the joining of my neck and shoulder.
"Hey, sleepy head." Derek chuckled, softly. "Sleep well?"
"Yup." I croaked, my throat dry. "When'd Harley get here?"
"Just after you fell asleep. She wanted to know if anything was wrong, then didn't want to leave. Think she needed the sleep too."
The closeness was still strange. I still wasn't used to being wrapped up in somebody's arms. The only up side? Derek didn't mean it to be intimidating or threatening in anyway. It was a weird, warm feeling.
"We need to get up." I sighed, closing my eyes. "I doubt we have long left."
"Two and a half hours, to be exact." Derek told me.
"And everyone still needs to eat."
But Derek didn't move. He buried his face further into my neck, his hand gently stroking my arm.
"They can feed themselves." Derek muttered.
"The last time that happened, my kitchen was a complete mess." I snorted.
"Your kitchen?"
"Yes, my kitchen. Now come on, up you get, Der."
Groaning, I felt Derek kiss my shoulder before rolling up off of the bed, grumbling something about 'lazy, messy Betas'. Smiling slightly, I ignored him, and the cold feeling, in favour for Harley. Using the arm that wasn't wrapped around her and combing through her hair, I scooped the kid up so I could sit up myself. I tried not to jostle her too much as I sat up, but I still hadn't managed to master the move. By the time I had settled myself again, Harley was already starting to come around.
"Sti?" Harley yawned. "Time's it?"
"Time to wake up, Sweetheart." I grinned. "Wanna help me make lunch?"
"Can we have a picnic outside?"
"I think that's a great idea."
By half one, everyone had been fed.
By two, everything was cleaned up.
By ten to three, everyone was outside the house, waiting for the German Pack to arrive.
We didn't know much about this Pack, only that they were from Germany and there was sixteen of them. They weren't one of the largest Packs out there, but they were well-respected. Definitely people we needed on our side, if I was being honest.
It was annoying, having to wait outside. I didn't see why we couldn't stay in the living room until we heard cars approaching. At least we had somewhere to sit, at least. Harley sat with me on the porch swing, her legs tucked up underneath her as she leant into my side. Derek stood near us, pulling faces, when he thought I wasn't looking, to make her laugh. He was a big goof, not that anybody would ever believe me.
"I hope they're nice." Harley mused after a few minutes, resting her head on my shoulder. "It would be good if they were nice."
"I'm sure they will be, Bud." Derek smiled. "Not everybody's bad."
"Besides, Derek and I know the Alpha." Peter assured her. "He was a good friend of mine when we were younger, a great Pen Pal."
It seemed to relax Harley a little, the kid nodding as she slumped a little further into me. She fiddled with the buttons of my plaid shirt, twisting them to reflect the light of the sun. Her fondness for shiny things still amused me.
It wasn't long before we heard the rumbling of car engines.
They're early….
The moment we heard them, everyone was on their feet, walking down the steps of the porch, until we were standing on the ground. Within seconds we were seeing three black, seven or eight-seater SUVs.
I couldn't relax.
I couldn't get anything to stop, my mind racing through endless possibilities of what could happen. We didn't really know who these people were. Derek and Peter may know the Alpha, but that meant nothing. People could change. People could hide who they truly were. I, of all people, knew that….
Trying to push those thoughts away, I put on my best, friendly, smile, focusing on the man walking towards us. He stood just a hair taller than Peter, stubble around his mouth and chin, connecting to his bleach blond hair. His eyes were dark and large, slight bags underneath them. Think an Alpha werewolf version of Eric Northman from True Blood, slightly less muscular and, well, creepy.
"Alric, my friend." Peter grinned, meeting the man half way, with his arms wide open.
The two wrapped each other in a hug, their hands clapping each other on the back, both of them chuckling slightly.
"Peter, how are you?" Alric, most likely the Alpha, greeted, his accent hardly hindering his perfect pronunciation.
"I'm well, I'm well." Peter nodded. "And you? I haven't seen you since the wedding."
"What can I say? I am a happy man, with a happy home. What more could I want?"
The two of them continued to chit-chat as Derek led us closer, a woman behind Alric doing the same with the other Pack. Harley stayed close to my side, the same way two children, a boy and girl, kept close to the woman leading the other Pack. It struck me as a little funny, to be honest.
"Derek! Look how you've grown!" Alric cheered as Derek came to stand by his Uncle. "You look just like your father."
"It's good to see you again, Alric." Derek smiled, shaking Alric's hand.
"I must say, I'm sorry for your loss, both of you. I apologise for not contacting you sooner."
"No apologies needed but thank you. And thank you for reaching out to us."
"Of course! Your Mother was not only a great ally but a brilliant friend. It would feel wrong not to join with you and your Pack."
Glancing at Harley, I noticed her watching me. Cocking an eyebrow in question, I received a nod and a small smile in reply. It made me feel better that Harley seemed to trust Alric and his intentions.
"Speaking of Packs, I suppose introductions should be made." Peter chuckled.
"Right. Why don't we head inside?" Derek offered. "I'm sure you'd all like to get settled, as well."
"That would be wonderful." Alric beamed. "Please, lead the way!"
Once inside, after Alric's Pack had placed their things in their designated rooms, as well as a drink in hand once in the living room where extra seating had been placed, introductions were made.
Lina, thirty-five, three years younger than Alric, was Alric's wife and Mate. She was half Latin on her Father's side, half German, moving to Germany with her parents at the age of seven. She was a born wolf, with dark hair and blue eyes, her skin a beautiful golden. What else do you expect? She was a head shorted than Alric and petite, not that I dared question her strength. She seemed, well, lovely. And Harley took a shine to her straight away.
Quintin and Galiana were Alric and Lina's seven-year-old twins. Both had dirty blond hair and hazel eyes, a rather healthy weight for children of their age and height. Both were quite lively and outgoing, neither seemed shy of new faces, unlike Harley and me. Like Harley took a shining to Lina, the twins took a liking to Harley, the two of them wanting to play with the kid from the second they were introduced.
The Betas were introduced next. Rudolph, or Rudi, twenty-nine, had dark hair and dark eyes, six foot and built like a house; Durin, thirty-nine and the oldest of the group, had dark hair and green eyes, around the same height as Sam but extremely muscular; Emery, thirty-one, had dark hair and blue eyes, skin only a shade darker than mine and fairly gangly; Kai, thirty, had dark hair and dark eyes, reminding me a lot of Matt Cohen from Supernatural; Wesley, or Wes, twenty seven and the youngest of the entire group, had dyed electric blue hair and green eyes behind thin rimmed glasses, with tanned skin similar to Danny's; Reiner, thirty-three, had blond hair and blue eyes, with the same height and build as Rudolph; Henry, twenty-eight, had dark hair and papaya eyes, his skin a gorgeous dark ebony and not overly muscular; Carleigh, also twenty-eight, had dyed pastel green hair and violet eyes, her skin a beautiful caramel with her Dad being from Jamaica and her Mother from Germany; Isa, twenty-nine, had blonde hair and green eyes, her figure like that of a model with legs to match; Myna, thirty-two, had light red hair and blue eyes, her features almost pixie like; Nyx, thirty-seven, had blonde hair and black eyes, her nature making her seem completely harmless, but those were the people you needed to watch; Zelda, twenty-seven, had dark red hair and dark eyes, explaining that, yes, she was named after the character.
They all seemed alright. I hadn't known them long enough to form a solid opinion.
After Alric had introduced his Pack, Derek and Peter introduced all of us. It was all standard, until they reached Harley and me.
"So, you're half wolf and half fox, and you're an Alpha in this Pack?" Isa blanched. "I've only heard about your kind!"
"I only know of one Pack with two Alphas…." Henry mused.
"Cool." Zelda beamed.
The majority took it well. One was rather…. Well, I wasn't sure how to explain it….
"Attention seeker." Wesley muttered, only loud enough for me to hear as he walked past me, heading to sit next to Kai.
Wesley I wasn't sure of. He was fine with everyone else, overly so with Derek, until it came to Harley and me. He wasn't sure what to make of Harley, whilst his dislike of me was noticeable from the moment Derek introduced me and wrapped an arm around my waist.
"And you're a Fairy?" Myna asked, wide eyed. "I knew Fairies were real!"
"You're so cute!" Carleigh giggled.
The boost it gave Harley was indescribable.
We all sat there for a long while, getting to know each other and listening to Alric and a few of the elder members of the Pack recounting stories from visits when they were younger. It was nice hearing stories that I hadn't been around for, hearing how Derek acted with others instead of just me. It was sweet, hearing stories of little Derek.
Of course, when it came to five o'clock, people were getting hungry. And, not only did I have Harley helping me in the kitchen to make dinner, but I also had Lina and her twins. It was the closest feeling I had to when I used to cook with my Mom…. I couldn't tell if I liked it or not.
Harley and the twins were put to bed not long after everybody ate. Quintin and Galiana almost passed out in their food, their bodies far from used to the travel or trying to adjust to the time difference. Harley, on the other hand, was just tired, what with being up half the night worrying.
Rooming arrangements for Alric's Pack, were much like ours. The Betas were on the first floor, Mated wolves rooming together. Alric, Lina and the twins had rooms on the second floor with Derek, Peter, Harley and me, the twins taking the room next to Harley. It was a hierarchy thing. Alric and I were the ones to put the three of them to bed, the two of us carrying our respected child – or, in Alric's case, children. They all went down easy, the three of them passing out within moments of being placed in their beds. For a moment, I thought everything would be fine.
I thought it wouldn't be so bad having a visiting Pack staying with us. That was, until I walked back into the living room, with Alric.
Everything was fine until I looked over to Derek, intending to head over to him as Alric went towards Lina. Wesley, one of Alric's Betas, had moved his chair next to Derek, leaning as close to the Alpha as possible. Wesley's hand was resting on Derek's arm, his fingers drawing gentle circles on his skin. The guy kept fluttering his lashes at Derek, laughing at every little thing he said, biting his lip as he moved closer. The raw lust oozing off of him was so strong that everybody could sense it, especially since everybody was staring at him! I could feel my blood boiling, the hackles on the back of my neck raising, every hair on my body standing on end. I wanted nothing more than to rip the guy limb from limb.
But Derek wasn't moving away.
Derek just sat there, talking to him, smiling politely. Did Derek like the attention he was getting form Wesley? Did he prefer the attention from the blue haired Beta? It was bad enough knowing that Derek was way out of my league. Did Derek want someone else? Did Derek was someone like Wesley?
I wasn't so sure about any of it anymore.
Hesitantly, I walked over to my chair, curling myself up on the seat, my feet underneath me. Trying not to look at Derek and the visiting Beta, I took out my phone. I thought about calling Sam and Charlie, but I couldn't. The two of them were having a date night and I didn't want to interrupt. Besides, they were supposed to visit the next day. By the look Sam gave me when she told me, I didn't expect to see them until late afternoon or early evening, if you catch my drift….
"Stiles?"
Honestly, I swear Sam liked embarrassing me. She would allude to just enough to make me regret asking her anything about her plans with Charlie. The woman would probably be the death of me, especially if she, somehow, got Charlie involved. Or Erica. Or Lydia. Or Allison. Or, hell, any of the Betas! They all seemed to get a kick out of making me squirm!
"Stiles?"
But that wasn't the point! The point was, I had no one to talk to, to take me mind off of the situation at hand. In the end, all I was doing was staring at the black screen of my phone. Was I just supposed to sit there and deal with this Wesley's blatant flirting? Did I have to watch as the person I cared about just sat there, as if nothing was happening? I wasn't sure I could cope with that….
"Stiles!"
My head snapped up, my eyes going straight to the person standing in front of me – Isaac. He stood there for a moment, frowning slightly, just staring at me. Before I knew it, Isaac had grabbed my wrist, dragging me up and out of my chair.
"Come with me." he muttered, dragging me a long behind him, taking no notice of the others calling after him.
I was too surprised to protest, letting the guy take me wherever it was he was taking me. Isaac flung open the front door, storming out onto the porch. He led me down the stair, continuing to pull me into the Preserve. It was starting to get dark, the sun low in the sky. The night air was cool, a light breeze rustling the leaves. The seat swing on the porch was rocking gently, my hair ruffling slightly.
Isaac kept quiet the entire way. I could see the tension in his shoulders, the straightness of his spine. I had never seen the guy so stiff. I could practically hear his teeth grinding together. I didn't exactly want to say anything. You know – just in case…. Don't get me wrong, I doubted I had to worry about Isaac doing anything like that to me, he would never. But, still….
Isaac only stopped when he was sure we were far enough away from the house, so we wouldn't be overheard. He spun around quickly, his face scrunched and jaw locked. It was an expression I had never seen on him before.
"What's going on?" Isaac asked. "What's wrong?"
"What do you mean?" I muttered, glancing behind me.
"With you! In there! How could you just let that happen?"
The kid started pacing, his hands racking through his hair. He was tugging so hard I thought he'd rip chunks out.
"Even I wanted to throw him through a wall." Isaac growled. "Why didn't you do anything?!"
"Why didn't Derek?" I whispered, staring at the ground.
Isaac froze the moment the words had left my mouth.
"Why didn't Derek do anything before I walked in? Or after?" I continued. "If Derek didn't like it, or even want it, why didn't he stop Wesley?"
Isaac said nothing.
"He deserves someone that isn't damaged." I mumbled. "Someone that isn't broken."
Isaac and I stayed outside for a few hours. He tried to convince me that I was being an idiot, but I just couldn't believe him. When he realised he was getting nowhere, Isaac changed the topic of conversation. We talked about Harley, Sam and Charlie; we talked about random shows and bands…. Just random small talk to pass the time. Not that it helped much.
By the time we went back inside, everybody was getting ready to head for bed. Many of the Betas, from both Packs, had started walking up the stairs. Not that they got far, none of them getting more than halfway up. They were staring at something going on in the living room, all of them looking less than comfortable. As soon as I had closed the door, Isaac headed to Danny but, before he could ask what was going on, we heard it.
"Maybe I could come to your room later." Wesley said, his baritone voice deep with lust. "I heard these walls are soundproof."
I wanted to walk outside. I wanted to change, into my wolf or fox I couldn't decide, and head deep into the woods. Like I used to. Not that I would be able to sleep. My mind would keep swirling, wondering what Derek and Wesley would do, wondering what would happen. Wondering what that would make me….
"Look, for the seventh, and hopefully last, time – I'm with Stiles." Derek hissed. "Stiles is my Mate and I'm more than happy about that."
That, however, made me stop. My brows furrowed together, my head snapping towards the living room.
"It's not like you two are Mated, or anything. Doesn't matter." Wesley purred, shrugging and pressing himself against Derek's front. "It's fine. No harm, no foul; the little freak doesn't need to know."
Instantly, Derek had Wesley by the neck, against the wall. Derek's eyes were blood red, his claws and fangs sharp and piercing, a threatening snarl emitting from my Alpha.
"Oh, I believe there is!" Derek roared.
Before I even realised, I had move. I didn't notice until I had Derek on the other side of the room, restraining him. Glancing over my shoulder, I could see Alric hauling Wesley to the kitchen, his face full of rage.
"Derek – Derek, stop!" I huffed, struggling slightly against the taller, stronger Alpha. "Derek, it's fine!"
"No, it's not!" Derek growled, grabbing me by the arms.
Derek's claws dug deeply into my skin, like daggers, his grip almost bone crushing. He pulled me tightly against his chest, so tight I could barely breath. I could feel him shaking, on the verge of throwing me off and going after Alric and Wesley. I could feel my bones beginning to give way under Derek's grips, could feel my blood starting too pool under Derek's nails and run down my arms. I couldn't move. I couldn't breathe.
FLASHBACK – Thursday, December 24th 2009 – 15-year-old Stiles
It was dark in the basement. It was always dark in the basement, when I was alone. Even with my eyesight, it was difficult to see. But that's what Dad liked. He liked that I couldn't see anything, liked that it scared me so much.
I had been down in the basement for a week. Dad had fed me scraps, given me just enough water to keep me from dehydrating. He wouldn't let me out for anything, not even to pee. Of course, that meant a lot of mess. A lot of mess he didn't like. I was surrounded by my own faeces and urine. Nothing I could do prevented it from happening. My clothes were soaked and filthy, clinging to my new wounds. I could practically feel the infection starting to form. I already knew the first thing Dad was going to do, the moment he saw the new additions to the mess. It happened every time, without fail.
I couldn't cry anymore. It was physically impossible, at that moment. All I could do was sit there, in my own mess, and stare into the darkness, in the general direction of the basement stairs. It wouldn't be long before the door opened and the lights flicked on. With it being the day before Christmas, Dad had sometime off. At first, he would take the holidays and my birthday off to spend more time with me, considering Mom was gone. Everyone still though that was the case. It just gave him more time to do all this to me.
As if on cue, I heard the door slam open, the lights flickering on. My entire body seized, my eyes closing as his footsteps echoed against the wood of the stairs. They were heavy, slow. He liked to drag it out, making me anticipate and sweat. He liked putting me on edge before he did what he liked to me.
"What'd I tell you boy?" Dad yawned, starting to undo his belt as he stepped onto the basement floor.
"I'm sorry." I whispered.
"Sorry ain't gonna cut it."
Before I could do anything, Dad grabbed me by the back of my hair, launching me face first onto the ground. My head cracked on the pavement, my entire body laying in the dirt on the floor. He placed one booted foot at the base of my neck, applying enough pressure to make it harder to breathe, keeping me still and pinned. The weight of him standing on me made the chain around my neck bite into the skin. The bruises around my neck would be there for weeks….
"You act like an animal, I'll treat you like one." Dad told me.
I heard him pop the button on his jeans, heard him pull down the zipper. The next thing I knew, fresh urine was soaking through my already wet t-shirt, seeping into the wounds from the day before that still hadn't healed. It was…. Dehumanising, demoralising, humiliating. Just what he liked. I thought he was done when the foot on the back of my neck was gone, only for the last wave to land on the side of my face and the back of my head. I should have seen it coming.
"Now, get up." Dad hissed.
But I couldn't move.
I couldn't breathe.
END OF FLASHBACK – BACK TO: Tuesday, September 16th 2014
I only came back from the memory when Derek's nails dug deeper into my arms, thanks to someone from behind us apparently trying to come closer. I could vaguely hear Alric shouting, over the noise of Derek's deep grumbling and others trying to defuse the situation.
It made me thankful the house was soundproof, least it woke up the kids.
Everything was too much. The noises, the feelings. Everything. I felt like I was going to pass up. Or throw up. Or maybe both. I could feel a stinging jump into my eyes, an ache leaping into my throat. It was just too overwhelming.
"Derek, you're hurting me." I whispered, my lower lip shaking uncontrollably. "You're scaring me."
Just like that, everything grinded to a halt. All noise stopped, even from the kitchen. No one moved, barely even breathed. Derek's hands were off of me in an instant, his eyes back to normal, claws and fangs retracted as quickly as they appeared. As soon as Derek let go, I almost dropped to the ground, my head spinning. Which was when Derek grabbed hold of me again, his hands wrapping lightly around my waist. The wounds on my arms healed in a matter of seconds, but that didn't stop Derek from hovering a hand over where they had been, guiltily, as I wrapped my arms around my torso. I couldn't look at him. Seeing Derek like that had truly scared me, his entire demeanour turning almost feral. If I looked at him, I was more than likely going to cry.
The moment the first tear fell over the edge, Derek gathered me against his chest, one arm wrapped around me, the other gently cradling the back of my head. I could feel Derek shaking, though different to before. It wasn't Derek that had scared me, just the reaction he had. Seeing that for the first time was scary but, if it ever happened again, I'd be ready. And, hopefully, I wouldn't be as….fragile, as I was at that moment. I moved my arms enough that I could grab hold of Derek's t-shirt, pressing my face into his shoulder. I needed to get a handle on myself and my emotions.
It was then I heard movement from the direction of the kitchen, two sets of footsteps, one shuffling quickly after the other.
"Derek, I apologise for Wesley's behaviour." Alric insisted. "I promise, it'll never happen again and he will be dealt with immediately."
"Please, Alric, it wasn't your fault. No apology is needed from you." Derek assured, his hold tightening only slightly. "I apologise for my….actions, but I hope you can understand my position."
"Of course, my friend! I would have done exactly the same."
For a second it was quiet. No one moved, no one said anything. Although, someone must have been about to, considering Peter spoke up.
"Perhaps we should all get some sleep." Peter suggested. "Everyone can calm down, feel refreshed in the morning. Maybe then we can talk about this more, if needed.
"I second that." Derek breathed.
"As do I." Alric agreed. "Hopefully, we can start anew."
No one said anymore after that.
I couldn't sleep. I ended up sitting outside of Harley's room, not wanting to go in just in case I woke her up. The kid was tired enough as it was. If I was being honest, I was scared to sleep. I didn't want the nightmares. I didn't want the memories. I thought they had stopped, but obviously not. I thought I had started to move on, but no. Sniffling slightly, I rubbed a hand over my face. It hadn't even been a full day of having Alric's Pack in the house, and nothing was going right.
Typical.
That was when a door opened.
I snapped my head up, only to see Derek walk out of his room, his eyes finding me easily and quickly. The guilt was coming off of him in waves, his head dropping for a moment. I gave him a small smile, the only kind I could manage to conjure up at that time. At first, Derek just stood there, not knowing what to do. It was strange seeing him so unsure, so cautious. I wasn't used to this side of Derek. However, after a minute of two or silence, Derek held out his hand to me, frowning slightly in question. I got up without hesitation, lightly grabbing hold of Derek's hand. He seemed surprised for a moment, as if he thought I wanted nothing to do with him after the scene in the living room. I could understand, but I knew he didn't mean it.
I let Derek lead me down both sets of stairs and into the living room. The entire time, he said nothing, just kept a strong grip on my hand. He only let go once I was by our chairs, the Alpha disappearing into the kitchen. I just waited for him, perching on the arm of my armchair as I waited for him.
It was only a few minutes before Derek was back with two cups of hot chocolate.
After Derek handed me my cup, he sat in his chair. He was surprised when I moved him gently, so I could curl up with him and he didn't spill his drink. I grabbed the blanket that was folded over the table, draping it over us one handed. After it was in place, I carefully pulled the leaver to release the recliner, Derek easing it up gently.
For a while, the two of us just sat there, silently sipping our hot chocolate. It wasn't a bad silence, which was nice. The longer we sat there, the more I felt myself melting into Derek, my entire body relaxing as his scent engulfed me. I could feel him doing the same.
"I'm sorry." Derek whispered after a while, the drinks both gone and cups resting on the table. "I just– I'm sorry."
"Don't be." I told him.
"I didn't want to scare you."
"I know."
"I'm sorry."
Sighing softly, I leaned up to look Derek in the eyes. He was frowning, the edges of his mouth pulled down. I did the only thing I could think of. I reached up with my right hand, placing it on the side of Derek's face. I turned his head slightly, until he was looking at me, before moving forward a little. I pressed my lips to his, lightly. Just a small press, nothing more. I only intended for that to be it, but after the one, I couldn't move away. I went in again and again, just gently kissing him, Derek's arms coiling around me, shifting me slightly so I wasn't hurting my neck, his hand resting on the side of my jaw.
"Please don't be." I murmured. "I know you didn't. I know. Let's just forget and move on, yeah?"
All I go was a hushed ok and a small nod. I kissed Derek once more before moving back to my original position, resting my head on his shoulder. I didn't remember much after that.
The next morning, after waking up a little earlier than usual and getting dressed, I started on breakfast for everyone. It made it easier getting up earlier, considering how many of us there were. Derek helped, passing me anything I needed, getting rid of what I didn't and putting things on the table. It all felt very domestic.
People trickled down around the same time, the three kids the last to make it down the stairs. Quintin and Galiana came rushing in first, calling 'good morning' to everyone as they ran to hug their Mom and Dad. Harley came walking in behind them, greeting everyone with a timid hello, dressed in his 'boy' clothes. Noting the confused glances from Alric's Pack, Harley stayed closer to Derek and me, the kid shuffling over to us as fast as he could.
"There's my gorgeous boy." I grinned, wrapping my arm around his shoulders. "Sleep better last night?"
"Yeah, I'm good." he smiled, burying himself into my side. "Not so sleepy now."
"Good. We don't need you passing out, do we?"
Harley giggled as I rubbed his arm lightly, hugging him closely for a moment.
"Hey why don't you ask Quintin and Galiana what they want to drink?" I whispered to him, fully aware the two children could hear me. "You could help Derek."
Before I had even finished, Harley had jumped his way towards the twins, chatting happily with the two. I could practically see him shaking with joy. It seemed to help him being around kids his age, even if it was only his mental age they were around. For a moment, I just watched him. Seeing him grinning and bouncing on the balls of his feet. I only moved when he ran to Derek, the Alpha lifting the kid onto his shoulders so Harley could grab some cups.
I lifted the last pancake out of the pan and onto the plate, Peter and Isaac helping me move them all to the table that had been extended to fit everyone around it. It was a good thing I liked pancakes, otherwise I would never be able to eat them again, considering how many of them I had made during my time living in the house. I hoped it stayed that way.
The second the last plate was on the table, Harley had carefully placed the cups of juice in front of the twins, running around to me as soon as he was finished. He practically flew into his seat next to me, shuffling it closer so he could lean against my side. I rewrapped my arm around his shoulder, playing with the tips of his hair. It always seemed to relax him a little.
As soon as Derek and Alric started to eat, everyone else joined in. Apparently, it was custom for the Alphas to begin eating first before the rest of the Pack, especially when one Pack was visiting another. Not that our Pack really went by that. Derek didn't really care about that. From what I could remember, Talia didn't either.
"I must thank you all for your amazing hospitality." Alric mused. "You have made us feel quite welcome."
"Yeah, so welcome." Wesley muttered, keeping his head down.
"Yes, you've been fantastic." Lina smiled, ignoring the Beta. "I'm so glad we were able to meet you all."
"And we, you." Derek agreed. "It's been quite a while since your wedding."
Looking up at Alric and Lina, I watched as the two of them took each other's hands, both of them smiling shyly. It was amazing just how happy they looked together.
"How long have you been married?" I couldn't help but ask.
"Kiss ass." Wesley snorted, quietly.
The guy was getting on my last nerve. I just couldn't figure out his problem. I couldn't figure out what he had against me, we didn't even know each other. Was I really that unlikeable? Was I that awful?
"Thirteen years, now." Alric grinned, ignoring his Beta yet again. "It seems like it was only yesterday."
"Woah!" Harley gasped. "That's a really long time!"
"I suppose so, Kleiner. But that's what happens when you find your soul mate."
All of a sudden, Harley just got very excited. He practically jumped up in his chair onto his knees, his eyes wide and staring at me, bouncing slightly.
"Does that mean you and Derek'll be together forever?!" Harley grinned, his eyes flicking between the Alpha and me. "Does it? Does it?"
I could practically feel my face flare up.
It had taken all of twenty minutes to get Harley off the topic. Twenty agonising minutes. The majority thought it was hilarious, watching Derek and I squirm, trying to figure out what to tell the kid. None of them helped us, not that I expected them to. But, hey, we managed to in the end.
We had ended up in the living room after breakfast, to have a bit of Pack-Pack time, so each Pack could get to know the other a bit more. I mean, it was kind of obvious, wasn't it? Harley and the twins sat at the coffee table, the three of them drawing using Harley's art supplies. Galiana was amazed when she first saw them. The kids would join in the conversation every now and then, but mainly just talked with each other.
"Ok, I have a question." Carleigh sighed. "Tell me if I'm overstepping, here."
That got everybody's attention. Even the kids.
"Harley, are you a boy or a girl?" Carleigh asked.
Harley pretty much folded in on himself. The shutters came down, the walls were up. It was the first time anyone had come one and asked that, because everyone that needed to know already knew. I couldn't believe I didn't see it coming.
Before I could say or do anything, Harley had crawled up onto my chair with me, hiding himself against me. Without thinking, I wrapped my arms around him, hugging him close as I spoke quietly to him.
"Do you want to tell them?" I asked the kid. "It's up to you, Sweetheart."
"Can you?" he whispered. "Please?"
Nodding, I ran a hand through his hair, waiting until Harley wasn't so tense.
"Fairies are very different to us. They identify as male or female, no matter what gender they were born and it's accepted, but there's no in between." I explained. "Harley was abandoned by his own kind, because he's Gender Fluid. He can identify as male, female, neither or both."
For a moment, everybody was quiet. I watched as Harley looked around at the other Pack, one by one, gaging their reactions. Slowly, he began to move, sitting up. But then he froze. I felt Harley tense. I felt him begin to shake.
Then he was gone.
The last thing I saw was Harley running out of the room.
Looking in the direction Harley had, I locked eyes with one person. Wesley.
I saw red.
I hadn't realised I had moved until I had Wesley by the shirt, pinning him to the seat.
"What were you thinking?" I demanded.
"What're you talking about?!" Wesley shrieked. "I said nothing!"
"I said thinking! What were you thinking?!"
"What the hell is wrong with you?!"
Hands pulled me off and away from Wesley, holding me back. I had one person on each arm, keeping me from going after the German Beta.
"Fairies can read minds." Derek said. "Harley tries not to, but some thoughts, if they're strong enough, will get through. Whatever you thought, upset him."
"I did nothing!" Wesley protested.
"Liar!" I yelled, trying to get free.
"Go fuck yourself!"
Alric was standing between us before I could make a retort. I didn't need to see the Alpha's face to see the red eyes.
"Wesley. Tell them. Now." Alric demanded.
The Beta tried to stay quiet. He tried to keep it to himself. But the moment his Alpha growled, he gave up.
"I only thought the truth." Wesley glared. "What he is, is disgusting. It's wrong."
Next thing I knew, I had broken free of the hold on my arms. I grabbed Wesley by the shirt and flung him into the hallway, his back slamming into the wall. I could feel this fire burning inside of me, could feel myself about to erupt. I was honestly going to kill him.
But I couldn't because, as I stepped into the hallway, I saw it.
The front door, wide open.
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Kleiner = German for Little One