Becoming Alpha

Ch. 6 – Jackson's Determination

A/N: I do not own Teen Wolf

Jackson watched as Stiles finally snapped and lost control of the wolf raging inside of him, watched as his friend roared and launched himself at his former Alpha, he watched and his insides boiled with rage. Stiles deserved better then this, deserved to be his own Alpha, deserved better then to belong to Derek. Jackson knew that Stiles longed to be Derek's mate, could smell it on him the moment Stiles had turned and noticed Derek's scent the first time with his new senses.

-2 years prior-

After Jackson had turned fully into a wolf and was welcomed into the pack Jackson hadn't really known what to do, where he belonged. Stiles and Isaac immediately made him feel welcome, even after the way Jackson had treated Stiles' for years. Stiles had looked him in the eyes with patience, had never shown Jackson pity, had treated him as an equal.

Jackson had met a lot of resistance when he entered the pack, Derek had disliked him, making it obvious he didn't really want him there but took him in out of responsibility. Erika and Boyd did their own thing, always slightly apart from the rest of the pack but always unwaveringly on Derek's side trying to make up for their betrayal.

Erika had sneered at Jackson, thinking of him as lesser then her because he hadn't gotten to be a werewolf immediately, because he had been a Kanima first. She would never trust him, never. Peter gave him the creeps at first, he still remembered throwing the Molotov that Stiles had made and lighting the Alpha up in flames, remembers how terrified he was and how he had looked to his left and saw the determination in the other boy's face, a fierce sense of fearlessness in his eyes as he watched the man burn to ashes.

When Peter came back everyone was weary, Stiles most of all. Jackson had watched as the two circled one another, both testing to see who would break first and was amazed when Peter was the one who bowed and took to Stiles lead graciously and with a smile on his lips. Stiles and he had been nearly inseparable after they made a truce, had always been together whispering in corners, watching the pack interact around them, both with contemplative looks on their faces and mischief in their eyes.

Jackson had watched as Isaac pushed and pushed at Stiles until one day the boy broke and put the Beta in his place, stripping his masks away and revealing the submissive and hurt boy from underneath the facade, had been amazed when Stiles decided to protect Isaac and heal his wounds, even after the other boy had been harassing Stiles for months. Jackson watched as Stiles loved and cared for Isaac and Peter as if they were his family, as if he would die for them without a second thought. Jackson watched and he yearned.

Jackson had watched the bonds growing in between the three and had wanted it, wanted that connection, wanted to be pack. He had started out slow, showing Stiles small pieces of himself, hoping that the other boy wouldn't reject what he found. Jackson shouldn't have worried at all, Stiles took his opening up with over joyed smiles and secretive winks when the rest of the pack wasn't looking. Jackson knew that Stiles would never reject him, knew he would do his best to make Jackson feel like he belonged and Jackson felt himself giving into to the warmth that the other boy exuded.

When Lydia had given him the ultimatum of choosing Peter over her Jackson didn't even have to think. At the time he didn't really care for the older man one way or another but he cared for Stiles and Stiles cared for Peter, saw him as pack, Peter was important to Stiles and Jackson wasn't willing to risk throwing away the growing bonds between him and the other boy, wanting to belong so bad that he didn't even think when he told Lydia that Peter was pack and that she would just have to get over the past, everyone else had.

Something broke inside of Jackson when Lydia told him that he wasn't worth it, that she couldn't let go of the past for him, that she just didn't love him that much. Jackson felt a piece of his soul shatter and he felt like he had nothing left, that there was nothing left for him. Jackson had barely taken a step away from the spot where Lydia ripped his heart out before he had a warm body wrapping around his body, before he felt another press into his back.

Stiles had wrapped around the front of Jackson's body, his eyes held only concern, no pity, just letting the boy know he wasn't alone. He felt Isaac at his back and took in their scents and he broke down, he let them both see a side of himself that he never thought he would let anyone but Lydia see, he showed them that vulnerability, that weakness and neither judged him for it, they just held him and helped him put the pieces back together with concerned words and touched that made him feel wanted and loved.

Jackson had decided in that moment that he would make Stiles and Isaac his pack, his family. Jackson would make sure that nothing happened to the two boys, that he would do anything for them and that he would support and love them as much as they would love and support him. Jackson had let go of his reservations that day and had held nothing back from them from that day on.

Jackson smiled with Isaac and laughed with Stiles, he cooked with Peter and made sure that they all knew he was there if they needed him, that he needed them to be there when he needed them as well, and they always were. One of the hardest days had been when he first saw Lydia again, he and Stiles had been walking down the side walk towards the local coffee shop when Jackson had heard the girls flirtatious laugh and he immediately stiffened, all humor dying from his mood.

Lydia had been sitting at a bench with one of the boys on the swim team, she was leaning towards him and laying her hand gently on the boy's chest, her eyes looking at him appreciatively as they smouldered in interest. Jackson felt his heart ache at the sight and he knew he couldn't stay here, couldn't watch anymore. Stiles hadn't said anything, just taken his hand and walked him back to the boy's jeep in silence. Jackson didn't remember the drive to Stiles house but he did remember being in Stiles bed, surrounded by the boys scent and his warm skin as he held him close.

Jackson had closed his eyes and basked in the scent of Stiles and Isaac. Because of course Isaac's scent was there, layered in with Stiles' scent where they both slept. Jackson took in their scent and he let out a jealous growl, wanting that, wanting to have someone to mingle his scent with. Stiles looked at him in confusion and then understanding colored his features.

"Stay here for the night, we can squeeze you into the bed. Never let it be said that Stiles wouldn't comfort a pack mate when he needed it, small-ish bed or not." He had smiled softly at Jackson and he had gaped at the boy for several seconds before clinging to his smaller frame, tucking his head beneath Stiles chin in need of the comfort. Stiles had just hummed and rubbed Jackson back until the boy fell into a contented sleep.

Jackson had woken up to Isaac at his back cuddling him while still touching Stiles who remained in the same position cuddling Jackson in a protective embrace. Jackson had smelled around and wasn't surprised to open his eyes to see Peter lying behind Stiles an arm lying across all of them, his eyes trained over them all with a fierce protectiveness radiating from his face and demeanor. Jackson had stared at the older man for a few minutes and had then shrugged and cuddled further into the warm bodies surrounding him, feeling loved.

Jackson had given his loyalty to Stiles and had never been disappointed, had never felt unwanted. Stiles preferred if he listened to Derek, acted as the loyal Beta, he knew he did it because he didn't want the pack to think any less of him for submitting to Stiles like Isaac but Jackson resented it. Hated listening to Derek when his heart and his wolf told him that Stiles was his Alpha. So when Dimitri had offered The Bite to Stiles he had to stomp down his enthusiasm, his want.

Stiles had looked to Isaac first, wanting the boy's opinion, when he got an affirmative he looked towards Jackson and Jackson felt himself swell with pride. He had given his assent and he had felt the other pack members confusion at why Stiles would care about his opinion, why he would look to him to help him make this choice and he smirked.

Jackson was not surprised by Derek's answer to not bite Stiles, he knew that Derek was too afraid. Jackson didn't know what the man was afraid of but Jackson didn't care, Derek was weak, if he wouldn't turn Stiles then that was his own fault, that was Derek's hang up, not Stiles. When Stiles held out a hand for him there was no hesitation, no split decisions. Jackson knew where his loyalties lied and now so did everyone else.

When Stiles squeezed his hand while receiving The Bite Jackson could already feel the pull from the other boy, could feel the insistent tug at his insides that screamed 'pack' and he immediately went to protect his unconscious form from Derek and Dimitri, had listened as they had talked about Stiles like he wasn't a person but a possession to be had, something to make them stronger and he hated them both.

Stiles was better then both of them, would be stronger then them both. When Dimitri mentioned that Stiles would be an Alpha Jackson almost laughed in Derek's face, almost couldn't control the smile that wanted to split his face in two. Stiles would be his Alpha, his and Isaac's and maybe Peter's. Stiles would be their protector and Jackson knew without a doubt that he would be magnificent at it, knew that Stiles was born to lead, love and care about a pack, his pack. A pack that Jackson would belong to and be loved by everyone, not just Stiles and Isaac, but anyone who Stiles chose.

Jackson had watched with admiration as Stiles transformed before his eyes, roaring all of them into submission but Derek and Dimitri, had been ecstatic that they were right, that he was an Alpha. His exhilaration was short lived as they all realized that Stiles had the choice between Alpha and Mate, Jackson had seen Stiles eyes go to Derek longingly, then in utter despair because Stiles thought that Derek would never want him just to want him.

Jackson glowered at the older Alpha and tried hard not to growl at the man. Jackson wasn't stupid he saw how possessive he was over Stiles, how wrong Stiles was. Derek wouldn't say no, he would mate Stiles without a second thought, would bring him back into the pack if he could and take Stiles from all of them, would hoard him and keep him to himself. Jackson would not allow that, would not allow Derek to possess Stiles in that way, Derek was not allowed to have more of Stiles then he did, was not allowed to take him away from him and Isaac. Derek had no right to Stiles, had not earned the right to possess him that way and Jackson would do anything to make sure it didn't happen.

Jackson had stood back and watched as Stiles ranted at Derek, had told him to his face that Stiles was Derek's mate and watched as Derek completely skipped over that information, instead focusing on why he didn't give Stiles The Bite, some bull shit about not wanting to hurt Stiles, about not being able to lose him. Jackson felt his wolf ripple beneath his skin, felt his teeth aching in his gums, his eyes burned with the change, wanting nothing more then to beat the shit out of Derek for making Stiles cry, for making him hurt.

He was relieved when Stiles decided to be an Alpha, was amazed at the howl the boy let out, had felt it ache in his bones. He watched as Stiles shifted before his eyes turning into a beautiful white wolf; he had stood proud and strode to his room to shift and change. Jackson felt his blood flush beneath the surface in eagerness as Stiles approached the two Betas, his eyes glowing in Alpha red. When Stiles had gripped his hip in a possessive manner he had nearly thrown his shirt off in his hurry to get the boys teeth in him.

When Stiles said no his heart skipped but he was immediately relieved to hear that Stiles still wanted them, had even made it so that if anything happened to him they would be safe. Jackson felt his heart swell with the fact that no matter what he and Isaac came first to Stiles, that he would always protect them. Jackson nearly howled in pleasure when Stiles teeth sunk into his wrist, when he felt the pack bond he had been longing for fill him up. He watched Stiles eyes fill with warmth and love as he took the feeling in. Jackson knew that Stiles would never take it for granted, would never think of this as anything but a gift.

Jackson had nearly took off Derek's arm when the man hugged Stiles, had wanted to rip him to pieces for touching Stiles after the pain he had put him through. Jackson watched as Stiles joked to make the other pack relax, to see Derek smile and he plotted. Jackson knew Derek was going to figure it out, eventually. He didn't know when he would but he knew it wouldn't take long for the older man to realize that he could still have Stiles, that he could still keep him.

When Jackson listened to Stiles explain things to Isaac he almost wrecked his car. Stiles knew, he knew that Derek was going to figure it out, he knew and he knew that it wasn't something Stiles wanted, saw the pain he was in when he said he was no one's pity fuck. Jackson had watched the want in Stiles face when he said that his wolf was calling to Derek and his wolf growled at the implications and he understood when he told him to call Danny, that they had to leave.

When Stiles offered The Bite to Danny Jackson was ecstatic. He knew Danny wanted The Bite and he knew that Stiles would be an amazing Alpha to Danny and that Jackson would make sure that the other boy felt welcome in the pack. Jackson knew that Stiles did this mainly for him, that he liked Danny well enough, that they were friends but he knew the main reason he did it was to make Jackson happy and it made his wolf purr in contentment as he packed his things.

Jackson had smelled the panic on Stiles before he saw him, had seen Isaac's distressed face as well and hadn't hesitated in handing Danny to Isaac and embracing his Alpha. He could see Stiles control slipping, could almost feel the boy fraying and giving in beneath his fingertips. Jackson packed Danny's things as fast as possible and was set to leave to Colorado, all he had to do was leave their phones, he was so close to getting Stiles away from Derek forever when he heard the roar, the second following even as he sprinted through the door to the drive way.

Jackson took in the scene of Derek facing Stiles down, both with red eyes and angry stances. Jackson immediately went to flank Stiles with Isaac at his other side, he felt pride well in his chest as they all three roared their threat at Derek to stay away, stay away from Stiles and his fraying control.

When Derek had noticed Danny in the jeep his anger increased ten fold, Jackson was prepared for a fight and guarded Stiles back as the boy ran to Danny in distress, making sure his newest Beta was well and safe with no regard to Derek watching him with rage in his eyes. Jackson glared at Derek while also being proud of the way Stiles was already such a good Alpha, already a better Alpha then Derek, taking care of Danny after only minutes of Danny officially being his.

Of course Derek then proceeds to yell at Stiles about them leaving and Stiles biting Danny, Jackson tries to hide back a smirk at Stiles angry retort that Stiles could bite whoever he pleased and that Derek had his chance to bite Danny. He completely fails to hide back a smirk at Derek's angry face but it quickly fades as he feels Stiles losing control next to him, his wolf close to the surface. Jackson sees it in Derek's face the moment the man realizes that Stiles is fighting hard to keep control and that he's slipping, sees the wheels turning in his head and sees the smirk when Derek knows he can use it to his advantage. Jackson sees Derek's face contort with raw want as Stiles utters his next words.

"I have to leave, we have to leave, because I can't be around you for another five minutes without my wolf completely breaking free. Your stupid smell and stupid face...Ugh." Jackson sees Derek's triumph when Stiles loses control and turns but watches at it turns to fear when Stiles attacks him with a ferocity that even startles Jackson, it startles them all so much that before any of them can react Stiles has sliced through Derek's arm and it's pouring blood steadily. Jackson wakes up from his stupor at the same time as the others and he, Isaac, Peter and Scott all work as one to hold down the enraged Alpha, taking care to keep away from the sharp teeth reaching for them.

Jackson starts to panic and does when he's flung into the air by Stiles, as well as the other three Betas. When Jackson is getting to his feet he feels Stiles red eyes zoning in on him and smells the desperation and confusion coming from his pack mate. Jackson is relieved when he sees recognition coming to the boy's face and almost giggles in relief when Stiles comes to him and Isaac and wraps himself up in between them so he's surrounded by their scent, the scent of pack.

Jackson is confused when it seems that Stiles is still discontent until he forces Peter to join in their group hug, he understands, Stiles will always see Peter as pack, even if he never actually bites the man. Jackson watches as Derek gets a look of outrage on his face and takes a step closer, he also see Stiles eyes widen and turn towards Derek, the red burning in something akin to longing but also fear.

When Derek meets his eyes he knows that he has to make a decision, he knows that if Derek comes any closer that Stiles wont be able to say no, will allow Derek to claim him. Jackson meets Derek's eyes and makes his decision.

"His wolf is calling for a mate Derek, that's what's wrong with him. He said he wanted to leave because his wolf wants you and he can't control it." Derek takes another step forward before Jackson's next words stop him dead in horror. "But I can't allow that, you don't deserve him, none of you do. He's too good for all of you, so I'm making my choice, my choice to protect my Alpha from himself." With that Jackson tilts his neck and bares it for Stiles, whose mouth is panting over the vein in Jackson's neck.

Jackson feels Stiles fang sink into his flesh, feels the bond pump within him and he howls in victory before sinking his own teeth into the soft skin of Stiles throat. His eyes watch as Derek's eyes widen in shock, then horror. Jackson watches as realization of what just happened hits Derek and he feels a deep satisfaction thrum in his skin. Jackson had claimed Stiles and as such he would make sure that Derek could never have him, that he would never have less of Stiles then anyone else, instead he would have more.

Jackson would get a part of Stiles that no one else would ever have. Jackson had protected his friend, pack mate and Alpha and he wasn't going to take it back or regret it, after all Jackson was always a selfish person when it came to things he wanted.