Chapter 13: Stake A Claim

After the training was over, the betas dragged themselves over to the clearing. Everyone looked exhausted. Everyone got hit by Allison's arrows at least once. But Jackson dodged most of them, followed by Cora. Erica gave up way too soon. And Isaac was hit with the most arrows. He was still bleeding a little when they all walked back together.

"You okay?" The youngest Hale walked alongside Isaac and glanced over his wounds. Isaac threw a quick glance at Derek's direction before looking back at Cora. The Alpha was thankfully engaged in a conversation with Boyd and Scott. Isaac willed himself to keep calm as he stared into the beautiful eyes of one Cora Hale.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It'll heal in no time." He smiled sheepishly. "It was a little intense, right? The training? You have good reflexes though." The blonde beta managed to not stutter through his words even though he felt like he would. Cora just shrugged and walked over to sit on a fallen log. Isaac stood in front of her, his palms were a little sweaty.

"Yeah, running your whole life and trying to stay alive has its perks." Cora's scent turned a little sour, Isaac could sense her mind was wandering into unpleasant thoughts. But he wanted to know. Wanted to know her, understand her.

"Why didn't you come back? To Beacon Hills? You never tried to find your family in these six years?" Cora offered a sad smile. She kept staring at the dead leaves on the ground. "The first few months, I had no idea where I was or what I was doing. All I knew was that I had to stay away from here, save myself. I didn't even realize anyone in my family was even alive until a couple of years later. My pack bond was already fragile after the fire. I could barely feel Derek, Laura and Peter. I didn't even know who I felt or how many." She took a deep breath and looked up to meet Isaac's blue eyes.

"After my 13th birthday, I felt the pack bonds again. A little stronger this time. Born wolves' powers grow with their age. We go through this 'wolf puberty', if you will, during our teenage years. When I realized that I could feel my family, I wanted to come back. And I did." Her eyes glistened but no tears fell. "But no one was here. Derek and Laura were gone. I tracked Peter to the hospital but he was in a coma. I was scared the hunters would find me so I didn't wait. I ran away again." Isaac knelt down in front of her and took her hands in his. They were lean and a little calloused. But Isaac cupped them in his hands and brushed her pulse point with his thumb.

"Then I met another pack, in San Francisco. They took me in. I was with them all this time. New pack bonds were formed. But my old ones were never truly severed. They remained like a dull ache. Then last year, I felt this crushing pain and I knew another of my remaining family member was gone." Isaac tightened his hold on her hands. Cora took a shuddering breath and closed her eyes.

"I wanted to come here again. This is our home. I knew that Derek and Laura would be here no matter where they were. Our family is here. In the cemetery. Another would join them." A tear did leak this time. It fell on their joined hands. Isaac brushed it away and looped his fingers with hers. "But then something happened. The pack I was with, they went to a war with another rival pack. It was horrible." She was looking at a spot over Isaac's shoulder with a frown on her face.

"So many people died on both sides. Then we found out about the Alpha pack. They were the ones behind it all. They created some misunderstanding on both sides which led to the war. The packs were living peacefully until then. They were allies. The Alpha pack had to weaken them before taking them out. The Alpha of the rival pack died in the pack war. Deucalion tried to persuade the Alpha of my pack to join him, but she refused." Cora looked toward Isaac. He was listening intently with her hands in his. "They killed all of them. They would've killed me too but Deucalion and Ennis recognized me. They knew I was a Hale. They took me with them so they could use me to get to Derek. Their next target was Beacon Hills."

It wasn't just Isaac listening to Cora anymore. Everyone else had stopped talking and they were all focused on Cora. Derek stood a little away with his hands wrapped over his chest. His face was blank as he listened to what his sister went through. Cora didn't tell him much about her time away, just that she was captured by the Alpha pack and they held her captive. Cora looked up at her brother. Isaac followed her gaze and stood to his feet immediately, letting go of Cora's hands.

Derek walked over to the pair. Cora stood up from her spot and stared at her brother. Her eyes were still glinting with unshed tears. Derek stood close to them but his face was still blank. But then his mask slipped. His face contorted in pain, his brows furrowed as his eyes filled with tears of his own.

Derek held his sister's arm and pulled her to his chest, hugging her tightly. Cora finally broke down, holding on to her brother like she never wants to let him go. Derek tucked her head under his chin, his eyes held so much pain it was heartbreaking to witness.

"I'm so sorry." Derek spoke softly, his voice thick with emotions. "I'm sorry you had to go through all that alone. I'm sorry we weren't there for you, I wasn't there for you. We should've realized you were still alive." He kissed the top of her head. Cora was sobbing quietly on her brother's chest now. "I'm not letting you go again. Ever." Derek said firmly. He tightened his hold on his sister. Everyone was staring at the Hale siblings. It was rare for even one of them to show any emotion, let alone both of them.

Isaac was still standing close to the siblings. He had no idea what prompted Cora to open up like that. Maybe she was tired of holding it all inside and was just looking for a way to let it all out. Isaac was glad he was the one who helped break through her barrier. He was feeling pretty brave lately. He reached out before to hold Cora's hand, despite her brother being a few meters away. He was feeling brave once again as he stepped closer to the Hale siblings and touched Cora's shoulder.

Cora leaned back a little to look at him, still in her brother's embrace. Derek looked at his beta curiously. "Your pack's not gone, Cora." Isaac smiled at the youngest Hale, his face lit up like a ray of bright sunshine. "We're right here."

Derek let a proud smile grace his face at the beta's words. Cora smiled as well. She stepped back from Derek's hug but he still kept his left arm wrapped around her shoulders. He pulled Isaac close with his right hand and wrapped him in a side hug. The rest of the pack were all smiling at the scene unfolding in front of them. Stiles had a watery smile on his face as he looked at Cora finally accepting her place in the pack. He noticed Derek throw him a look and quickly wiped his tears, smiling encouragingly at him. Derek's look told him he noticed Stiles crying as well, but he understood. Stiles's empathy was one of his many qualities that he loved.

"Group hug!" Stiles announced suddenly, trying to make the situation lighter. He and Erica were the first ones to grin and jump onto the three huddled werewolves. Cora just laughed as the others joined in the hug. Isaac just rolled his eyes but he was still smiling. Derek shook his head like he was tired of dealing with a bunch of kids. But he was content. His entire pack was close to him. His wolf felt safe and loved. He almost forgot that feeling, almost. He felt a hand brush against his and he knew without looking that it was the spastic teen he was falling hard for.

Jackson was the first one to break out of the hug. He brushed his clothes with a scowl on his face, but the wolves knew he wasn't really mad. "This is becoming way too cheesy for my liking." The others slowly started to break off from the huddle as well. Stiles and Erica looked at each other and shared a grin, their eyes gleaming. Jackson noticed and his face turned concerned.

"No, no.." But the self-proclaimed Batman and Catwoman duo were moving before he could say anything. They were moving towards Jackson with their arms spread wide open. The others laughed at their antics. Jackson let out a little scream and ran.

"Stay the fuck away from me!"

"My offer still stands, you know?" Jackson asked Stiles when they were in the kitchen of Derek's loft later. Stiles was making dinner for the pack, who were all lounging in the living room. He kicked them all out when Erica dropped the sugar jar while trying to smear tomato puree over Isaac's head. Surprisingly, Stiles allowed Jackson to stay back to help him out. The two were getting along surprisingly well lately.

"About what?" Stiles asked without looking up from the sauce he was mixing for the spaghetti. "The Jungle. We can go out tonight and find some commendable candidate who would contribute to removing your virginity."

A faint crash sounded from the living room, which made Jackson almost smirk. But he focused on the Spark who was sporting a red face and still refused to meet his eyes.

"Oh! That! Yeah, I just think it'd be better if I focus on working on my spark, you know? No matter what we face, Darach or Alpha pack, some magic will definitely come handy. And a Spark's power is not limited based on their sexual experience so I'm good with that." Jackson tried a different approach to convince the 'Pack Mom.'

"Hey, we're already dealing with so much here. I just thought a night out could do everyone good, you know?"

"I'm in!" A shout sounded from the living room which both of them recognized as Erica's. Stiles just chuckled softly and shook his head. Jackson's right. We all need a little break.

"Fine."

A cheer sounded courtesy of the betas. Jackson grinned at his success. Oh it's gonna be fun!

A scowl was etched onto the face of the Alpha which seemed permanent. Derek just looked at the grinding mess of bodies on the floor. The scent of alcohol, sweat, and arousal, all of it together was making his head hurt. He kept taking small sips of his beer, the scowl on his face hardened. I can't even get drunk! There is no escaping this torture!

Jackson was drinking from his own glass on the other side of the booth. He could almost feel his Alpha about to jump over and snap someone's neck. Maybe he was enjoying torturing the older man a little too much. Erica, Boyd, Isaac and Cora were all on the dance floor swaying to the upbeat music.

He was a little shocked to see the youngest Hale step on the dance floor. But after observing the looks Isaac and Cora were throwing each other, Jackson was contemplating Derek's reaction once the Alpha realized.

The only missing members were Scott, Stiles, Allison and Lydia. There was still some tension between Scott and Allison but they were quite civil towards each other. Lydia did mention they would be "fashionably late" to the party. Jackson knew his girlfriend and the pictures she sent him just confirmed his hunch. He was just counting the seconds until their missing members got to the Jungle so he could gauge Derek's reaction.

He felt the exact moment Derek sensed Stiles and Scott. After a few seconds, Jackson could feel them too. It was very difficult to look for their scents or heartbeats in such a large crowd. But he could faintly pick out Stiles's erratic heartbeat after focusing really hard.

Jackson saw them before Derek as he was on the seat opposite from him. He almost choked on the beer he was sipping on. But Derek noticed his expression nonetheless. Jackson was too tempted to pull out his phone to record what was about to happen. But he feared for his life too much.

Allison and Lydia were both looking gorgeous. Allison wore a pair of ripped black jeans and a dark blue top with a white jacket. Lydia strutted confidently in her short full-sleeved silver dress and four-inch heels. Her dress caught the flashing lights inside the club, making her stand out even more. Scott was pretty casual in his khaki pants, light blue t-shirt and denim jacket.

But Jackson knew the Alpha was solely focused on the fourth member. From what he could tell from the pictures, there was a mini tsunami in Stiles's closet thanks to Lydia. She threatened the poor guy of bodily harm if he even considered wearing plaid or a graphic t-shirt. She made Stiles wear a dark maroon v-neck that showed off just the tiniest hint of his collarbone. He was wearing a black jacket over it that hugged his forearms perfectly. His jeans looked uncomfortably tight and Jackson could tell without Stiles turning around that his ass showed off very nicely in those pairs. Longer hair sure suited the young Spark as they were tousled on his head with a few strands falling on the forehead.

Jackson focused his senses on the Alpha and he could catch the barest intake of breath as soon as his eyes dropped on Stiles.

How the hell are the rest of the pack so oblivious? These two are ridiculous!

Jackson scoffed internally as he noticed the blush taking over Stiles's face. Lydia smirked before gripping Allison's arm.

"I've done my part. Jackson, hun, it's your turn." She gestured towards Stiles. "Make sure my efforts do not go to waste. Our friend here needs some action." And then she was dragging Allison away on the dance floor to join the rest of the betas.

"I'll get something to drink." Scott gestured to the bar before walking over.

Stiles was still blushing as he took the empty seat next to Derek. The Alpha did not even look at him after that first time. But Jackson could swear Derek was clenching his jaw. "You clean up good, Stiles." Jackson tipped his glass towards the lean Spark who had yet to speak since they arrived here. Stiles cleared his throat before throwing a glance at Derek.

"Yeah, Lydia basically shoved me into these clothes. Apparently, plaids are not sexy enough to ensure an 'ass-tapping'." He made air quotes on the last two words. Jackson laughed at the look on Stiles's face but he was also enjoying watching the Alpha so tensed.

Scott walked over with a tray full of beers. Derek immediately reached for a glass even though they could not feel the buzz of any alcohol, except for Stiles. Scott handed one glass to Stiles before taking one for himself.

"I know we can't get drunk, but it does feel good to be out for the night. Makes it feel somewhat normal." Scott shrugged his shoulder as he grinned. Jackson could not help but agree. He did miss going out to parties and getting drunk. With all of the supernatural bullshit going on in their lives, it did feel good to at least pretend like normal teenagers.

Stiles was uncharacteristically quiet. He just kept sipping on his drink while looking around nervously. He kept tapping his fingers that rested on his thigh while his other hand gripped the glass tightly. Derek noticed his finger tapping from the corner of his eyes. He reached out and took the familiar hand in his. He intertwined their fingers together, their joined hands rested on Stiles's thigh. The younger Spark didn't say anything but he did hide a smile behind his glass.

Erica sauntered over to their table with a flush on her cheeks. She was grinning as she eyed up the new additions at the table. Boyd just stood behind her with a blank face.

"You look lovely, Mum." The blonde werewolf winked at Stiles with a cheshire grin. The man in question just rolled his eyes before putting his glass on the table. "You look stunning as well, Pup." Stiles offered her a fake smile, but neither his smile nor the accosting could deter the blonde's spirit. She gripped Stiles's arm and put him on his feet, causing Derek to quickly let go of his hand.

"We shouldn't let this new look be for naught. Let's go." She dragged the Spark without even waiting for a reply. Derek scowled for a second before forcing his face to go blank again. Jackson was fighting hard to not let a smirk show on his face. He could feel their Alpha getting ready to murder someone without even reaching for the pack bonds.

The only reason Stiles wasn't freaking out about being surrounded by a bunch of sweaty strangers was because of his pack. All the betas stayed close to him even though they were dancing their hearts out. Erica grinded herself against him occasionally but it was still quite platonic. But she did slip away once in a while to get close to Boyd and steal some kisses.

Stiles noticed a few times and it made him long for those stolen moments. He tried to sneak some glances towards their table where a certain Alpha was no doubt scowling with his magnificent eyebrows. After a while, Stiles let the betas know he was going to the bathroom so they wouldn't get worried at seeing him gone. After he got out of the bathroom, the Spark couldn't make it back to the dance floor. A hand gripped his forearm before dragging him towards the back of the club.

Stiles could feel his heartrate pick up, but from excitement instead of fear. They stopped at a sort of hidden corner. Stiles looked around to notice some pairs were strewn around in similar corners. He refused to linger on them to notice what they were doing and focused on the figure before him. The eyes flashed red briefly before going back to their original hazel-blue. Even in the dark, Stiles could see the fierce gaze in the eyes in front of him. He smirked before biting his lower lip and felt elated at the low growl before his lips were claimed by a bruising kiss.

He kissed back with just as much fervor, pushing his hands in the familiar dark locks and pulling the hair at the nape of the neck as their tongues tasted the beer in each other's mouth. Stiles felt himself grinding their hips together, his body feeling much hotter than it did when he was dancing away. He broke the kiss when he felt himself running out of oxygen but the lips kissing him were relentless as they immediately attacked his neck. He felt his lips part and let out some obscene moans from the undivided attention on his neck.

"You staking your claim, Sourwolf?" Stiles managed to whisper out through his moans as his back hit the beam they were sprawled across. Derek bit down on the soft flesh of his neck with his human teeth before pulling back to look into the whiskey-brown eyes. His own eyes flashed red for a split second.

"You know how hard it is to control myself when you're out there looking like this?" Derek growled against his lips, nipping at them softly. "It's taking a lot of my willpower not to punch the ones who are eyeing up my boyfriend like a piece of meat!"

"Boyfriend? So we're exclusive now, grumpy-pants?" Stiles laughed before kissing the frown on the werewolf's mouth.

"I thought it was obvious." Stiles struggled to hear the mumbled words of Derek as the Alpha looked over his shoulder instead of meeting his eyes. He smiled before gripping the shoulder of the older man in front of him and turning their bodies. He reversed their positions and slammed the werewolf on the beam. Derek was obviously letting him manhandle him and the thought made his insides flutter. He quirked an eyebrow before leaning up and kissing the Alpha. Derek responded eagerly, his right hand gripping the Spark's waist while the left squeezed his ass. Stiles sucked his bottom lip with his teeth, causing the Alpha to lowly hiss out before releasing his lips.

"Well, it's obvious now." Stiles brushed their noses together, the smile refusing to leave his face. "But normal people do go out on dates before putting on labels like this." Derek rolled his eyes and wrapped his hands around the Spark's waist, pulling him close.

"Saturday? 7 PM sound good?" Stiles blinked rapidly a few times before spluttering.

"R-really? I was just messing with you, you know? You don't have to take me on a date just so we can put labels on this. We're not normal people and I love that. I wanna be with you just as we are, you don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. This is enough." A tender look crossed the Alpha's face before he leaned closer and kissed him softly.

"I know. I want to. I want to take you out, go on dates, hold your hand and all that sappy stuff. You deserve it. And I have a feeling I'll like it too. 'Cause it's with you." Stiles felt his ears heating up from the older man's words. Dammit you sappywolf! How am I supposed to be cool and composed when you talk like that!

He held the Alpha's face in his hands, his thumb brushing over the stubble. He pecked Derek's lips a few times before pulling back and offering a brilliant smile. "I'd love to go on a date with you, Der." He watched in amazement at one of his favorite things in the world- Derek's smile. The Alpha kissed his forehead before leaning back and pulling their bodies away. He didn't let go of his hand as they made their way back to the pack.

Suddenly Stiles felt Derek stop and tense up. His hold on his hand tightened and the Alpha turned his head to the side, his nostrils flaring.

"What is it?" Stiles felt his own skin start to crawl. A familiar feeling tickled the back of his neck, an unwanted feeling.

"Alphas."

Leave your thoughts in a review!