Stiles was only too happy to work on the binding spell but he had like a million and one questions whirring through his head. They were important question as far as he could tell, and answering them; might see them all live through the week. The Vet could tell that the young mage was trying to figure things out in his head, and as long as it was conducive to helping he would answer the questions asked by the young Alpha mate. Personally, he didn't see why he should answer stupid questions because the whim took the young teen.

"What is it Stiles?"

The teen opened his mouth, and then closed it again, "She wouldn't have always been Jennifer Blake and also how did she survive Deucalion?"

The vet paused, "All good questions to ask. She was Jennifer Blake because names held power her real name is Julia Baccari."

Stiles nodded as that made perfect sense – after the whole revelation of being a spark and then something a whole lot more: He was glad that he was so tight lipped about his real first name, and for more than just being annoyed that no one could pronounce it. In fact when he started training with Deaton; the Vet had commended him on the practice and encouraged him to maintain the secrecy of his name. Not that it bothered Stiles, as he was never ever willingly going to reveal his name - unless it was under the pain of death, and even then he would be reluctant.

Still Stiles had concentrated hard so as to ensure that his pack had a fighting chance, and the paste was mixed up so all he had to now was to bottle it, "We need to know how she survived. I don't know why but it is important."

The Vet looked thoughtful, "Then you need to ask Deucalion and whoever is responsible. I believe the Nemeton played a part though."

Stiles had read about that in the information given to him by the Old Emissary. "The Nemeton is meant to provide balance, but would have been out of sorts by an event. Did she take advantage?"

Deaton frowned and pondered the information; this was one of the reasons that he didn't mind talking with Stiles. When he dropped the annoying teen facade he could be quite insightful. "The Nemeton is powerful, the death of a virgin who'd bled out and if the blood of the virgin had been absorbed by the roots of the tree ..."

Stiles sucked in a breath as he was starting to see how all the chips had lined up and wanted to minimise the pain caused to Derek. "Paige."

Deaton nodded, "It would have been powerful the death of someone who was never meant to die could be used as a Druid as a way to subvert death.

"Bitch. She sacrificed them at the Nemeton didn't she?" Stiles groaned as this was just becoming that little bit more difficult. As this would mean that not only would they need to bind her power but they would also need to cut off her access to the Nemeton. When it came to Druids their magic, like the Fae, was tied to nature and in the more powerful Druids - the Mages you could add the tie to the Earth as well.

Deaton hated the perversion of the magic too, "I believe that she did. I'm sorry to say though that she won't stop. There is a ritual that could let her face a Druid-Mage. It would require the sacrifice of three Protectors."

Stiles didn't need to be told that she was preparing for a showdown with him. It was days like this that just made him tired. "She wants the Alpha Pack but will kill anyone in her way. "

Deaton just nodded as that was about the fairest assessment. "So what will you do?"

Stiles shrugged, "What is necessary. I will keep the pack safe and make nice with a whole bunch of psycho wolves to do it ... Hey least I had practice with Peter."

Deaton shook his head, "Yes well it is good that you can see a silver lining."

Stiles wasn't thinking about Silver linings he was thinking about how he could do this and make sure everyone survived.

The pack was gathering for awkward meeting part deux as Stiles was calling it in his head. Deucalion looked aggrieved but it was hard to tell. Stiles had never appreciated just how much he read from a person's eyes until he couldn't do it. A thought struck him; it might take a bit of research but he felt that if he could restore Deucalion's sight then he was pretty sure that he could ensure his pack's safety for years to come.

Derek kept Stiles close and no one would blame him, "So we have a name and a way to neutralise her."

Deucalion was pleased, "That is good news. We need a plan and soon - she has Ennis under her control."

Derek froze and Stiles gave him a look, knowing what Derek would dearly love to do to that bastard of a werewolf. He had a lot of crimes to answer for and the only thing that had protected him from Derek was Deucalion. Derek looked at Deucalion, "If he attacks us we will protect ourselves."

Deucalion shrugged, "Then attack. He was careless enough to be caught he deserves his fate."

The sheer coldness of that statement surprised many of the wolves but not Stiles. Stiles didn't even blink just carried on, as all he really wanted was the wolves off his land. He was getting even more territorial than the wolves of the pack - the irony was not lost on him. "I need to know where Julia was abjured."

Kali sucked in a breath, the boy had learnt something that very few people knew - her first loves name. She would not trade her mate Marin for the world but she was sorry for the way that things had ended between them, but whilst she was an Alpha she would never be stupid enough to cross Deucalion. She answered honestly, as whatever love she had had burned away with Julia's attacks, "In the forest just outside Beacon Hills. I fought her and tore her throat out."

Stiles didn't blink and if she was expecting to shock him then she'd picked the wrong wolf-mate. "Gotcha but she wasn't actually dead when you left?"

Kali shook her head, "No she was near death. I'd filled my Alpha's wish but I didn't watch the life leave her."

Derek could see that meant something; he just didn't know what. "Stiles?"

Stiles shrugged, "Deaton and I had some theories and Kali has just confirmed them. In fact if we can find where she was almost killed then defeating the Darach comes a hell of a lot easier."

Peter wanted to sigh as honestly he was surrounded by born wolves who were clearly stupid, "Yes but you have forgotten that tomorrow is a very special full moon."

Derek froze, "You gotta be shitting me it is then that she will attack."

All the wolves were looking strangely vulnerable and while Stiles only cared for his pack - he figured this was probably something that he needed to know. He was learning all the while about the wolves but there was always something new. "What?"

Peter answered, "This is the moon where our powers are at their lowest."

Stiles wanted to bash his head against a wall because of course that was the case because nothing could ever be easy - just once. He thought it might be a nice feeling if he ever got to discover it. "Of course it is. So she will attack tomorrow. Perfect so kids we go to school. Come back here and then we will fight the bitch." Stiles looked around the group seeing the shell-shock of the intruding pack - he supposed that they have never been Stilesed before.

This seemed to amuse Deucalion, "Yes Little Alpha."

Stiles wanted to pout while Peter and Derek had been surprised by both the affection and the respect that the old wolf was showing. It was practically a blessing from the old cantankerous wolf. Any relief and sense of calm that could have been gained from this was the broken by the arrival of a distraught Allison.

And she wasn't even in hunting mode that was what Stiles found ironic.

Kali hissed, "Hunter!"

Stiles rolled his eyes it was not like it was new to any of them. He was slightly more worried about what had her hysterical - the last time she was this distraught she'd buried a load of arrows in his pack and that was not okay. "Ally, come on talk to me."

She was still sobbing into Scott's shoulder which was a whole other set of issues. He could tell that she was mumbling something but not what. He looked at his wolves to see if any of them could shed light but all he got was a shrug. He moved over to the sobbing teen and gently stroked her shoulder, "Come on girl tell me what is wrong."

She threw herself at Stiles and really this was why he ended up as Pack Mom, "The Darach has our parents."

Stiles made a mental note to ensure that if one hair on any of their parents' heads were harmed to kill the bitch in the most powerful and worst way possible. There were some things you just didn't mess with – pack and family being the main ones. Stiles growled, "Oh it ends tomorrow, and Derek our bond will protect your power."

Derek gave him a crooked grin as he hadn't forgotten that little fact. "I know. Together we're stronger."

"If she has touched my Dad she is dead." Stiles said in a voice that the whole pack knew; it was the one that said no quarter will be given and that he was deadly serious.

Derek and all the Hale pack nodded, "We hunt as a pack."

Deucalion, the twins and Kali actually shivered because they were seeing the difference a healthy pack, with strong bonds and a true mate pair leading them could do. Deucalion hadn't said anything because he had a feeling that Julia had sealed her own death without him having to say a word.

Across Beacon Hills they were some very disgruntled adults just waking up.

John Stilinski woke up underground with a ringing headache and a need to see his son to make sure that he is alright. He knew that it was this Darach character that had taken them and Stiles would be in the thick of it somehow.

"So this is where she is taking them." Was all Melissa said, as if she was happy to have that little mystery solved even if took her being kidnapped.

John loved the way she was so unshakable. "You okay?"

She nodded and Chris who was hogtied the strongest grunted, "Fine thanks."

The Sheriff rolled his eyes, "Yes because the big bad hunter is unable to take a clonk to the head."

Chris could accept that, "Did she find everything?"

The sheriff grinned, "She seemed to have fun searching you thoroughly."

Chris shuddered, "That is why I feel violated."

Melissa was more concerned, "The kids?"

Chris shrugged "Allison was distraught as I was dragged away but I could hear her determination - she was getting the pack."

John was torn because getting the pack meant that Stiles was coming. He knew that Stiles was probably the only one who could defeat this loony tune. However he was a father first and he would rather die than see his son hurt.

Melissa tried to comfort Chris even as she snuggled next to John for her own comfort, "Scott will see her safe."

Chris started chuckling as he could appreciate the irony, "Oh I know I was appreciating the irony of a wolf coming to save a hunter."

Melissa smirked at her sons, well essentially father-in-law, "Well you're okay. I hope Gerard is rolling around in his grave."

Chris chuckled, knowing just how badly he would freak out at the notion of his son being rescued by a wolf. "Yes well let's hope they get here soon. I have no intention of being sacrificed."

John steeled himself for the upcoming argument, "When she comes I'm gonna make her want me first."

Melissa hissed, "Don't leave me alone especially with Kyle in town."

John frowned hating Melissa's ex-husband with the very fibre of his being. He had only just started to make a move with Melissa and he had no intention of leaving her alone. "I won't but I'm twice blessed and protected by the Fae. She can try and sacrifice me but I will give her indigestion."

Chris just had a dawning expression as if a final piece of information had also slotted into place. "Oh I hope I see Stiles take her apart it would be justice."

Melissa frowned, "Is Stiles the mage she wants the power to fight?"

John listened carefully to make sure that she hadn't returned, "Stiles lets people think that and it is an understatement."

Chris was a little in awe, "Claudia was one of the Seelie."

John nodded with a bitter smile, he loved Melissa but Claudia was his first love. Melisa grinned, "She was hell on wheels and helped me send Kyle packing."

"That she did, that she did." John said fondly.

Claudia and Stiles were a lot alike in that respect; if you were someone they liked they would move heaven and hell to help them. However if a person had the misfortune to get on their bad side - well there was nowhere far enough you could hide. Especially true when you took into account that the angered were Fae, or part Fae so the Earth was on their side.

Chris coughed and they could all hear the pain in it, "Tell me, we have nothing we can do until the kids get here."

John grinned, "What about the sprinkler?"

Melissa snorted, "Oh I remember Stiles playing innocent. It was genius."

Chris wondered just what a mischievous young Stiles could get up to; after all he had a feeling it was just like this Stiles. "Well he did insist on having a garden as good as ours."

Melisa snickered, "It wasn't a fair fight ... That implies both sides have an equal chance of winning … Although the skin colorant was a nice touch. Kyle went around bitching that he looked like a Smurf."

Chris looked amused, "What did he do?"

John shrugged not sure now if it was science or magic. "Kyle was a douche to both Mel and Scott so Claudia and Stiles managed to put something in the feed that when it interacted with his skin turned it blue. He couldn't prove it and Stiles knew how to play up his cuteness."

They could only wait and tell stories and that was the worst thing; a parent should not wait for the child to rescue them - it should always be the other way round.

Stiles awoke early as the new day dawned, and the wolves even in their slumber looked sick. Stiles felt bad and did his best by his pack, and their reluctant allies. He didn't join in their misery, but felt bad that they felt bad so had prepared something the night before – it amounted to a Harry Potter style Pepper up potion for werewolves. He poked Derek awake, "Here drink this."

"I'd rather drink you," came the sleepy response from his mate.

Stiles snorted, "Sexual joke this early anyone would think that you were the horny teen. And sorry but I need to concentrate for tonight."

Derek could sense his mate's worry and understood it completely. His Dad was his last real blood family and considering Peter was his he could understand the desire to keep that link. "We'll get them all back."

Stiles smiled knowing his mate wanted to reassure him, and to a lesser extent it was working. "I know, but you guys need to come through unscathed."

The pack were preparing, and listening to the plans set forward by Derek and Peter. Allison, Lydia and Stiles were off to the side proving why humans could be a very destructive bunch all on their lonesome. Although right now Stiles was unsure whether he adored, or was terrified of Lydia. "Lyds that is Greek fire!"

"I know but I doubt any minions she has will be able to stop it. Hell even if she can she will be distracted." Lydia reasoned and you couldn't fault her logic. It was hard to argue when she was a genius, in fact, the only one who could was Stiles.

Stiles smirked, "Well we have a binding potion, but we have an issue she could be able to draw power from the Nemeton."

Lydia knew all about the Nemeton as she had consumed all the information she could about the supernatural upon learning of her own supernatural origin. The Nemeton had the potential to turn Beacon Hills into their very own Sunnydale Hellmouth. There was a way to keep Beacon Hills safe but it would require a big commitment from Stiles. "How wedded are you to college?"

Stiles when he'd been fifteen had chased the dream of college as a way to escape and then re-invent himself. However not long after he had no reason to reinvent himself as he'd first bumped into Derek and his life took a very different turn. Stiles shrugged, "I thought about it but it was suggested that I write for a living."

Lydia laughed at the idea as it was kind of perfect, "Well you're made for life if you write supernatural books."

Stiles could see that she was struggling to say something and he would hope that Lydia would always be able to talk to him. "Come on princess talk to me."

Lydia sighed, "With the Nemeton would accept a Fae guardian if it bound itself to the site."

Stiles head kind of exploded with a thousand thoughts. He knew that his life was the pack and while he knew that he was certainly clever enough to go to college; he didn't need the validation. He could be happy in Beacon Hills and he would be able to travel for short periods but if he was a guardian then it was a big deal. However if he was a guardian then that meant that the power could be never used against the pack, and that did appeal.

Lydia waited for Stiles to assimilate the information, and it was fascinating to watch Stiles thought processes occur; Stiles was always so animated and his face betrayed his thoughts. "I need to talk to Derek."

She just smiled softly knowing that this was definitely a conversation for mates; if Jackson tried she'd cut his balls off with Wolfsbane dipped scissors.

So Stiles walked back to their den, having checked on all the pups. Brian and Peter had rolled their eyes saying that they were old enough to look after themselves. Stiles let them believe that, but all knew that Stiles would still worry about them, and call it pack mother instincts, or just the pack bond but he needed to check. Feeling safe in the knowledge that that pack was safe he went to find his mate.

Derek was sitting on their bed staring out at the preserve; he looked up and his heart went out to his mate. Stiles did not look young at the moment - he looked worried and wearied. Derek wanting to comfort his mate took the decision to pull his love closer, "Stiles?"

Stiles just took a minute to soak up the simple strength and comfort he offered without even knowingly doing it. "Did you ever see us moving from here?"

Derek understood implicitly the seriousness of the question; recognising the difference between vague musings and important questions. He thought about the question honestly; there had been a time where he couldn't run fast enough, or far enough away from Beacon Hills. Now though the situation was completely different, and the thought of moving left him cold, "No this is Hale land and I have everything I need right here."

The simple truth warmed Stiles as he already knew the answer, but to have it confirmed was heartwarming. He wouldn't hide the facts from Derek; they protected the pack but always tell each other everything, "I can take away her power. She wouldn't be able to access the Nemeton."

"How?" Derek asked knowing that there would be a price.

Stiles took a deep breath, "It would accept a Fae guardian, allowing me the right to choose how it's power is used."

Derek froze, "But a guardian would not be able to leave for college."

Stiles nodded his head as that would be exactly the problem, "Hey I wanna write and the truth is leaving you and Dad is not my idea of fun."

There were times when Derek worried that he was ruining Stiles life, this was one of them. It must have showed on his face or translated through the band as the next thing he knew, Stiles was swotting his arm.

Stiles wanted to make sure that Derek was perfectly clear on certain things, "Hey this is something I've been thinking about this for a while ... But Der ... I want this, you, the pack all of it and I don't need college."

Derek could only kiss him upon hearing that - I mean who could resist? Stiles was so pure and innocent in his love that Derek wondered what he could have ever done to deserve someone like Stiles in his life. He peppered kisses over his mate's face wanting to yip at his joyful laughter. "Do it, you know I will support you."

Stiles grinned because that right there was what it meant to be pack and mate's – and he would so anything to keep it one piece.