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Lacy here and it's time for more training. A lot more. Felipe is eager to see just how powerful Effie is, even if it puts him in danger. Effie doesn't like being pushed, a lesson Felipe will learn painfully. Read on!

Disclaimer: I own only Effie.

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Training with Felipe picked up once more, only this time Derek was always there and called the shots on when Effie needed breaks and to stop each day. Felipe wasn't happy about being limited, but Ralph reminded him that Effie wasn't their pack and he needed to respect Derek's wishes.

Today, they were working on track reading. Effie didn't even know this ability was a thing until Felipe told her it was almost an extension of pack bonds. She had to focus on the emotions and scents left behind in tracks and figure out what they meant.

"This coyote wants something," Effie was following the same were-coyote tracks from the last time. "They've been pacing outside the pack for days, possibly even weeks." she held her glowing hand over the paw prints. "They're a rare creature, being able to full shift. Might have been an alpha at one time, but now they're alone."

Felipe crossed his arms. "A former alpha, but it won't approach our pack."

"They." Effie pointed out. "Not it. Have some respect."

"Tell me more about them." Felipe adjusted his words. "Are they healthy? Have they fallen into omega status yet?"

Effie focused more. "They're tired, I can tell that much. They still have strength, but their control is slipping. They're not an omega, yet, but it won't be much longer."

"What else?" Felipe asked. He saw Effie's confusion. "What else can you read?"

"What else is there to read?" Effie questioned. "You know what species they are, what they can do and their mental and physical states."

"You have alpha potential, Effie." Felipe pressed. "Read the tracks like an alpha, not like a druid."

"But I am a druid." Effie pointed out. "Not an alpha. And I don't want to be."

"Think of the power you could have." Felipe paced towards her. "The advantage you could hold over other packs, your own pack, even. The other Beacon Hills alpha, you could make him submit to you. You have that power."

"No." Effie's eyes were hard, and shifted. "No, I could have that power, but I don't. And even if I did, I would never lord it over anyone, let alone someone I call family."

"But-"

"No." The force behind Effie's one word knocked Felipe back a step. "I will never abuse my power or position in such a way. Packs are meant to be families, they work together. Becoming a dictator would make me no better than the creatures we've chased from our homes. And if that's the type of council you give to Ralph, I'll suggest to Derek that we cut ties with this pack and take Cora back to Beacon Hills with us."

By the time Effie finished, Felipe was pressed against the cave wall, the crystals digging into his flesh. He could not move, could not speak. His eyes were wide, staring at Effie as her power swirled around her, given physical form by the power of the crystals.

"Effie." Derek stepped in, cutting a glare towards Felipe. "Let him go. He's learned his lesson."

Effie exhaled slowly, her hold on Felipe dropping. The emissary fell to his knees, panting in pain.

"My apologies, Emissary. Alpha." he spoke, head bowed. "I was overtaken by the idea of so much power and let it get the better of me. I can see now that you do not need to be an alpha to wield great power."

"I think Effie's training with you is done." Derek decided. "I thank you for teaching her control and giving her peace with her powers. But there is nothing more she needs to learn from you."

"Of course, Alpha Hale." Felipe could do nothing but agree. "It was my pleasure to instruct you, Emissary Stilinski."

"And mine to learn." Effie granted. "I'm only sorry it had to end like this."

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Ralph sighed as Derek and Effie told him what happened with Felipe. "Felipe was my father's emissary and easily adapted to his want for more power, more strength, within the pack. Any chance he gets to help a shifter rise to their full potential, he takes it. I was hoping he wouldn't do the same with you, Effie. I'm sorry."

Effie shook her head. "Don't apologize, Ralph. You don't control his actions. Only he is responsible for that. And I stood my ground against him well enough."

"I'll say," Cora smirked. "Our doctor spent over an hour stitching the gouges from the crystals digging into his back."

Effie flushed sheepishly. "I didn't mean to hurt him, just make him understand."

"I think it's safe to say he does," Ralph chuckled. "I do hope this doesn't harm relations between our packs."

Derek shook his head. "It would take more than just one person to turn us away. So," he crossed his arms. "It is my pleasure, as a final gesture towards our alliance, that I give my blessings on your mating with Cora." he held out a hand. "Make her happy and we will always be friends."

Ralph smiled. "Everyday for the rest of our lives."

Cora hugged Derek tightly. "Thank you so much, Der."

"You've grown up, Cor." Derek said quietly. "I didn't want to see it, but you really have. I hope you are as happy with Ralph as I am with Effie."

Cora laughed through happy tears. "No one's that happy, but thank you for the wish."

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Ugh, another short chapter. But we are reaching the end of this story. Thinking one or two more chapters. Might do a bit of a side trip away from Cora's pack, just Derek and Effie, before she heads back to Beacon Hills. Not sure yet, we'll find out next week. For now, let me know what you think, flame policy stands and thanks so much for reading.

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