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Lacy here. Alright, time to explain what Felipe meant by Effie is an alpha. Fair warning, he did jump the gun, a bit. You'll see what I mean. Like last chapter was focused on Effie and Cora, this'll be more of Derek and Effie than anything else. They need to talk about everything Felipe reveals to them. Read on!

Disclaimer: I own Effie and her confusingness.

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

Effie blinked at Felipe. "I'm what?"

Derek sighed. "He means, you have the potential to be an alpha."

"It's the combination," Felipe took over. "The strength and power between your fox and druid powers, it's almost like a true alpha, but more than that."

Cora shook her head. "What's more than a true alpha?"

"We don't know." Ralph said. "It's never been heard of."

"Neither have I." Effie said. "Deaton told me a shifter like me hasn't existed in seven generations."

"On that," Felipe said. "Alan was right. But that shifter was a wolf. Foxes are different, because they come in so many forms. As shifters, Kitsune, Nogitsune." he saw the flinch in the Hales and Effie. "What?"

"My brother was possessed by a Nogitsune." Effie said. "We almost lost him."

Felipe nodded. "My apologies, I didn't know. But, it makes even more sense." he crossed his arms. "A creature like the Nogitsune could have been drawn to your brother because of your power combination. It couldn't get to you directly, so it went for the next best, hoping Stiles was just as strong."

"Is he?" Derek asked. "Does Stiles have the same potential?"

"To have survived a Nogitsune possession and have a twin like Effie?" Felipe took a moment. "It's very possible. I would have to spend time with him, learn his talents, to know for sure. But for now, Effie, I want to test your powers more. Are you-"

"That can wait." Ralph stepped forward. He could see the way Derek was reacting to all this, his eyes fixed on Effie and not moving. "Effie is still recovering and will for another day, at least." he looked at Felipe. "Am I understood?"

The emissary bowed his head once. "Yes, of course."

Cora squeezed Effie's arm. "Go rest. I'll have dinner brought to your hut."

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

Effie laid in the comfort of Derek's arms as they watched the sky turn colors. The sun was setting and dinner sat untouched by the door. Neither had moved since returning to the hut nearly four hours before.

"I don't want to be an alpha." Effie finally whispered.

"You don't have to be." Derek replied. He ran his fingers along her back, keeping her calm with his light touch. "Felipe said you were like a potential true alpha and they only gain their powers by their own will. Scott knew he needed to be stronger to stop Jennifer, so he became stronger. But you," he looked down at Effie. "You're already as strong as you need to be. You could be an alpha, but you don't need to be, so you won't."

Effie sighed. "I know this has all always been inside me; the druid from Mom and a fox being the shape I was meant to take, but I wish it came without all the complications."

"Are you regretting training with Felipe?" Derek asked.

Effie took a moment. "I don't think so, no. I mean, I'm glad to have more control and a better understanding of what I can do. It's finding more secrets than answers that's the problem. And it really doesn't help that I seem to be this one in seven generations rarity."

Derek smiled some. "Mom always said you were special."

"If this is where you tell me Aunt Talia knew," Effie threatened. "I'm finding a way to bring her back and I'm going to yell. A lot."

Derek chuckled. "Well, I haven't found anything to suggest she knew, but you're more than welcome to take a look at the journals."

"Might just do that." Effie muttered. She sighed again, her entire body sagging against Derek's. "I'm exhausted."

"Sleep then." Derek kissed her head. "Ralph and Cora don't expect us again until morning."

"If Felipe smiling tomorrow," Effie slurred as she started to doze off. "Can I hit him?"

"Go for it." Derek granted. "I'll even hold him in place."

Effie smirked weakly. "Knew I loved you for a reason."

"I love you, too." Derek smiled. "Sleep, Ef."

A soft sigh. "Kay."

Derek waited until he was sure Effie was completely out before closing his own eyes. Even though it was still early, Effie wasn't the only one exhausted from all the information they'd been given. An early night was just what they needed and he intended to take advantage of it.

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

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Okay, this was intended to be short, I promise. I really just wanted Effie to truly absorb what Felipe said, share with Derek how she really feels about everything and have him ask the hard questions and be exactly what she needs. Now, they really need the sleep, cause training gets more intense next chapter. Let me know what you think, flame policy stands and thanks for reading.

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