Author's Note: And just because you've left me such nice reviews, I'm writing one more chapter for today. I haven't exerted myself this much on a fic in a long time, but this idea literally hit me, and I have to get it out.

ooOoo

Scott's eyes widened in surprise when the arms collapsed around him, and holy shit, Jackson Whittemore was actually hugging him. Jackson was just as confused as Scott, but its what his wolf wanted him to do. This was his alpha, and it was nothing like Derek. Derek had talked about the love and loyalty a beta is supposed to feel naturally toward their alpha, but Jackson never had until now. He actually loved Scott like some second father or something. He inhaled his alpha's scent, his inner wolf leaping for joy, and some of the doubts he'd been having for weeks since the Gerard incident spilled out.

"I'm such a bad person," Jackson said into Scott's ear. "I've done so many terrible things. Scott I've been a total ass to you, and you totally didn't deserve it."

Scott felt a little confused again. This was Jackson Whittemore right?

"My inner wolf is like totally fucking with my mind right now Scott."

He laughed a little, and that helped reassure Scott. Jackson inhaled the scent again. His alpha! He felt that from here on out things would be different between them. Maybe behind that cold, hard exterior that's what Jackson had wanted all along. He would be Scott's friend...

"Okay dude," Scott said. "Much as I'm loving this new you, this is like totally awkward."

"Sorry," Jackson laughed.

He pulled away, and it was a real, genuine smile on his face complimenting slightly watery eyes. Jackson looked more than happy. He looked free, like the artificial mask everyone knew he hid behind was fading away. This was a different Jackson. He looked so genuine, his eyes so bright and peaceful, and Scott found his breath hitching. Those wolf blue eyes were absolutely beautiful...

ooOoo

"Arrogant whippersnapper!" Peter raged, stomping into the forest clearing. "I'll teach that punk nephew of mine, and I know you hear me!"

A cloaked figured dropped from a nearby tree. Two more followed in succession.

"You do not look pleased Peter," it was Xaiu's voice, slightly mocking.

"Pleased!?" he hissed. "I just finished nearly getting my wrist twisted off by my arrogant ingrate of a nephew."

"I thought you said he was weak," the female alpha said.

Peter had to reconsider his words suddenly.

"He is weak in his own way. He's inconfident. Xaiu you know that. You fought him. He doubts himself too much and he lacks heart."

"Peter is right about that," Xaiu agreed. "Derek still has much to learn if he wants my stamp of approval. This outburst is further weakness. It shows he cannot control his anger. Still... I will wait. This should be interesting to watch."

"You will insist on doing it your own way!" Peter snapped. "You should have made me alpha!"

"Watch it," Xaiu warned him. "Or I might have to rough you up myself. Remember who you're speaking to."

Peter drew in a few calming breaths and sighed deeply.

"Very good," Xaiu said. "I find what you're trying to do quite interesting Peter. I hope you will entertain me. Who knows? Perhaps I will decide to give you your wish."

Peter felt considerably more gleeful at the remark. Xaiu wanted a show did he? Well the fireworks were just getting started.

ooOoo

Stiles rolled over in his bed, wide awake. He couldn't get he and Scott's argument out if his head. Pulling out his cell phone he decided to text Derek.

What's up Der?

He felt the buzz about twenty seconds later.

Derek: Not much, u?

Stiles: I'm kinda depressed

The reply took longer in coming this time, and Stiles knew that's probably because the alpha didn't know what to say to that. Derek didn't exactly relate to emotion very much.

D: That sucks...

S: Yeah... I started to go to Scott's, but changed my mind. I've been thinking...

He waited for the next buzz.

D: Been thinking what?

S: Its a lot to explain. You want 2 come over and talk?

It was late, but Stiles knew that didn't matter much to Derek. His dad was working double shift, so that wouldn't be a problem.

D: Sure... Be there in about 10...

Stiles pocketed his phone and looked up at his ceiling. His thoughts returned to the fact that Derek did things like this for him more and more in the past months. There was a time the alpha would have told him to suck it up, or screw off, or some other remark. He smiled, thinking how their friendship had made real progress. He and Derek were closer. Now he just wished he knew where he and Scott stood...

ooOoo

Next chapter, coming tomorrow (if the gods will): Stiles confides in Derek