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Lacy here! Alright, so we've got some more fun for Effie in this chapter. Only this time, Derek's gonna be on hand in case she spirals again. Not sure if that's gonna happen, but better safe than sorry. But before that, she has to recover and if there's one thing a Stilinski hates, it's inaction. So Cora takes her shopping. That's right, shopping trip for the girls. Be scared, boys. Be very scared. Read on!

Disclaimer: Effie and her ongoing weirdness is mine.

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~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

Effie was going out of her mind.

It had been three days since her druid got a power overload. And in those three days, she hadn't been allowed to leave her and Derek's hut for anything other than the bathroom and showering. Even then, she had an escort, mainly Derek sometimes Cora, just in case. Once back in the hut, she was allowed to read and draw. That was it. Nothing that would tax her or her powers.

She was going to snap if she didn't get out. And soon.

"Alright," Cora walked in, dressed in ripped gray jeans, a graphic tee and leather jacket embroidered with various types of flowers. "You have five minutes to get dressed and then you and I are going shopping."

Effie's eyes widened. "Seriously? I can leave?"

Cora nodded. "I basically told Derek he was being overprotective, same with Felipe and asked Ralph for the SUV for a few hours in the city."

Effie nearly jumped from the bed. "Cora, you are amazing." In less than her five minute deadline, she was dressed in a gray loose fitting tee, matching jeans and an off-white leather jacket. She grabbed her bag, slipped on some boots and grinned. "Let's get out of here."

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Two hours later, Effie was laughing with Cora as they walked through a local mall. They had driven for about half an hour before reaching the nearest city. The pack was known there, not as supernatural creatures, but for hanging around every weekend or so.

"Ralph feels it's important we remember how to be around humans." Cora explained. "Especially the younger ones who don't go to school or really see anyone outside the pack."

"Makes sense," Effie nodded. "How else will they travel away from the pack one day if they don't know anything about the rest of the world. So," she leaned on the table they sat at in a restaurant. "Show me."

Cora blushed, but laid her left hand on the table. On her ring finger was a silver ring, the top coiled into a Celtic knot, meaning love. "He gave it to me just after we bonded."

Effie ran her finger over her own ring. "It's beautiful, Cora. Ralph sounds perfect."

"No guy is perfect," Cora corrected. "Shifter or human."

Effie laughed. "Yeah, you've got a point there. Derek and I definitely have our ups and downs."

Cora watched Effie's face. "How close was it, Ef?"

Effie didn't have to ask what she was talking about. "He died. Our mate bond severed and the pain was unimaginable. I can understand why some shifters die from it." she shook her head. "I didn't want to function afterwards. It was only the promise of digging my claws into Kate that got me moving."

Cora exhaled slowly. "I felt something that day. Like a heavy weight was sitting on my chest, only it was trying to rip itself off at the same time. Ralph couldn't figure out what it was and Felipe could only guess something was wrong with you or Derek."

"It's not something I would wish on my worst enemy." Effie admitted. "But seeing him come back, seeing him shift from wolf to man, I haven't felt that kind of elation since," she stopped. "Ever, actually. And our mate bond has never been stronger."

"Our bond is stronger, as well." Cora said. "Mine and Derek's, and the bond I feel with you."

Effie nodded. "I felt that, too."

"I've got something for you," Cora said. She pulled a small box from her bag. "Just a little something to remind you that you're not alone when you head back to Beacon Hills."

Effie took the box, opening it carefully. Inside were two silver bands, the tops twisted into infinity knots. And inscribed inside was one word.

Sisters

"I love them." Effie said, her voice thick with emotion. "They're perfect." she handed one to Cora and slid the other on her right pointer. Cora did the same, reaching to hold Effie's hand.

"You've been my sister since we were kids." Cora said in a rare moment of complete honesty. "Even if you and Derek weren't together, you still would be. And I'll be there if you ever need me."

Effie smiled. "Same here. Just a simple phone call and I'll be here as fast as planes can fly."

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Returning to the compound, Effie and Cora were greeted by Ralph, Derek and Felipe. The two alphas looked concerned, but the druid was simply beaming.

"What's going on?" Cora asked.

"I've figured out why Effie has so much power." Felipe said.

Effie looked at Derek and Ralph before giving the emissary her attention. "What is it?" she saw Derek look uncertainly at Felipe. "What's going on? What's the reason?"

"It's very rare." Derek spoke instead of Felipe. "But it seems, at some point after you were bitten, you evolved, in a way."

"Meaning?" Cora questioned. "Stop beating around the bush, Derek. Just say it."

"Effie's an alpha." Ralph said. "That's why she's so strong in her magic and her shifter. Effie is an alpha fox."

Effie blinked. "What?"

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

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Yes, the cliffhanger was on purpose. The main aim of this chapter was the bonding with Cora and Effie. I really love the relationship those two have and wanted to focus on it a bit more. I'll do that again later on. So, who saw this coming? I know it seems random, but I've actually had this planned since I decided to turn Effie. I promise to explain more in the next chapter. Until then, let me know what you think, flame policy stands and thanks for reading.

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