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“God, I don’t even know why I called you…that’s a lie. I know why I called you out of everyone.” A sniffle comes across the recording causing Derek to stiffen up hearing the signs of Stiles crying.
“I can’t tell my dad because he’s the sheriff and he needs plausible deniability. There’s no way that I can tell Scott what happened. He won’t understand even if I tried to explain.”
A few shaky breaths have Derek moving to his closet already grabbing the packed duffle bag he stored in his hands. He can hear his betas moving around the building getting ready as well before the breathing on the voicemail evens back out.
“I didn’t mean for this to happen. He was going to kill me if I didn’t protect myself. I didn’t want to kill him. I thought I could hurt him so I’d have enough time to get away. I swear to the Moon that I never wanted his blood on my hands. Even though he threatened my dad, I didn’t mean for him to die. You’ve got to believe me Der. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”
The voicemail cuts off just as Stiles’ Pack Bond lights up with pain and the feeling of desolation. His betas meet him at the car, no words being exchanged as they head back to Beacon Hills.
~~~
Stiles finishes cleaning the blood off his hands from where he tried to save Donovan despite knowing it was too late. He’s startled when the front door opens causing him to head to the living room expecting his father to be there. Instead Scott is standing there and his blood freezes seeing the betrayed look Scott gives him.
“When were you going to tell me it happened?”
“What are you talking about Scott? What are you even doing here?”
“When were you going to tell me that you killed Donovan?” His whole world stops hearing those words, but he tunes in with Scott still speaking. “You know that we don’t kill people even if they’ve done wrong. We give them the chance to fix their mistakes and if they don’t then we tell them to leave Beacon Hills. How could you kill him?”
“Who told you that I killed him?”
“That doesn’t matter! When were you going to tell us?”
“It does matter! I didn’t have a choice, Scott!”
“There’s always another choice!” Scott snarls out causing Stiles to flinch back.
“He was chasing me with the intent to kill me! He said he was going to chew my legs off and then kill my dad! I didn’t know that a support beam would go through his chest and kill him! By the time I was able to get to him, I could tell it was too late but I still tried to save him! So, who told you that I killed him because that means they watched me struggle against a chimera without helping me!”
“Theo came at the end and said you pulled a pin out causing the beams to fall knowing that it would kill him. That you waited until he was almost dead before attempting to help him. He’s concerned that we didn’t completely neutralise the Nogitsune and that you’re still possessed.”
“And you believe him? Over me?”
“You called Derek over me when it happened. If you were really you then you’d have called me first not Derek. I can’t believe you really expected him to pick up for you like he didn’t run away from here. Like he didn’t leave you when everyone knows you’re in love with him.”
“He left because he was tired of looking over his shoulder in the town that was supposed to be his home. I didn’t call him because I’m in love with him. Me being in love with him is irrelevant.”
“Then why did you call him over me?”
“Because he’s always had my back when I was in danger and I needed to tell someone.”
“He’s not going to come back.”
“You think I don’t know that? He shouldn’t come back,” Stiles throws his hands up taking a deep breath. “Beacon Hills is no good for him. He’s only ever been hurt every time he comes back.”
“Then what’s the real reason that you called him and not me?”
“Because you never pick up when I need you to. Every time I’ve been in a life or death situation you’ve sent me to voicemail or hung up on me. Why would I call you?”
Stiles spies his father’s cruiser pulling up from the doorway since Scott refused to come inside. He catches his father’s eyes rolling his own, causing Scott to scoff at him.
“You’re the one who put themselves in those dangerous situations. That boy’s blood is on your hands and it’s all your fault.”
Before Stiles can reply, Noah comes into the house raising an eyebrow which Stiles shakes his head at. They’re both surprised when Scott shoves Stiles against the wall growling, causing Stiles to go completely still.
“You’re not a part of my pack. I could never have a murderer in my pack.” Scott snarls out, snapping the pack bond between them.
Noah catches Stiles who goes limp like a puppet with their strings cut as Scott storms out of their house. Before Noah can say anything, Stiles pushes his way up to his room with his father on his heels. Somehow, Noah senses that Stiles won’t react well to him touching him after what just happened.
When Stiles curls up against the side of his bed in a tight ball, Noah takes a seat next to him hoping to be a source of strength for his son. It becomes apparent to him that Stiles isn’t actually with him causing his heart to start breathing faster.
“Stiles…son, I need you to answer me.”
When he gets no reaction to his voice he feels a chill sweep through his body flashing back to the incident with the Nogitsune. Somehow, he knows that Stiles needs his pack even if they are spread out in different places. He’ll start with getting the ones in Beacon Hills here first before having someone contact Derek.
~~~
“Peter, I need your help.”
“What is Stiles doing right now?”
“He’s just sitting here. He’s not aware though. Normally I can help bring him back, but it’s not working this time.”
“I’m nearly at your house. We felt his emotions through the Pack bond and I was already on the way. Derek is as well, but don’t let Stiles or Scott know. He doesn’t want to cause a rift between the two.”
“We don’t have to worry about not telling Scott,” Noah mutters causing Peter to growl. “I get first crack at the kid.”
“Of course, dear. Looks like there’s going to be a line when it comes to showing him not to mess with our family.”
Noah laughs knowing the Hales are incredibly protective of those they consider family and heaven help the fool that harms their family. Scott had no idea the kind of hell he’s unleashed upon himself by hurting Stiles.
Peter speeds up the steps where he can hear the human heartbeats before knocking so as to not startle Stiles. The door pops open and a rumble leaves his chest seeing Noah so disheveled before he catches sight of Stiles. A growl rips from his chest causing Noah to give a tired smile. Peter enters the room taking a seat next to Stiles who is sitting in a tight ball gaze a hundred miles away. He growls when he can mainly smell Scott all over Stiles realising that is probably why he’s out of it.
“Peter, what is it?”
“He smells mostly like Scott. What happened?”
“They had an argument and Scott stormed off after saying that he doesn’t consider Stiles' pack.”
“No wonder, he’s like this. Scott broke the pack bond which is traumatic enough and now he probably on some level knows he only smells like Scott. Do you think he’s going to freak out if I start scent marking him?”
“I highly doubt it, Mój drogi. We both know how much he’s researched on Pack behaviour. He’ll probably recognise that’s what you’re doing. Could this help him?”
“It’ll level him out. Get him back to a normal level and possibly bring him out. But I can’t guarantee he’ll completely come out with just us here. He needs his whole pack for that. I’ll see if Derek is bringing the whole pack and if not I’ll have the others head down.”
Peter runs a hand through Stiles’ hair as he starts the call. He keeps it tucked against his shoulder as he slowly starts scent marking Stiles hoping to help. Noah slowly starts doing the same in the exact same spots causing Peter to smile as the phone picks up.
“What’s wrong?”
“I need to know if it’s just you or the whole pack.”
“It’s all of us. I couldn’t convince any of them to stay home after what we all felt. Why?”
“Scott broke the pack bond with Stiles which is why he was so distressed. Noah and I are currently working on getting rid of Scott’s scent to see if it will help. He’s not entirely aware of his surroundings right now and I’m hoping this will help, but I have a feeling he’ll need everyone here.”
He can hear five separate growls catching the smirk that Noah gives as it translates across the call. Before he can say too much more, the call hangs up causing them both to chuckle. Once Stiles no longer smells like Scott, he shifts a little before leaning into Peter.
“Myszko, I wished you never would have had to feel this type of pain. How Scott broke the bond was cruel and never should have been done. Your pack will be here soon.”
Both men relax when Stiles leans more into Peter with a little more light in his eyes as they wait for the Hale Pack to arrive.
~~~
“The Pack is here,” Peter mutters, causing Noah to stand up.
“Should I send them all at once or one at a time?”
“Send only Derek in first. I know the pups are going to be upset and I’d run interference…”
“But your wolf needs you to stay here until Derek comes in. Your wolf is protecting your packmate and won’t stop until they’re safe. I can handle the pups for a bit by myself.”
Noah heads down the stairs able to hear multiple car doors slam shut as he makes it to the front door. He’s out of the house and closing the front door as the Pack makes it onto the porch. He gives a soft grin noting how each one becomes antsy when they can’t immediately check on Stiles.
“I have instructions from Peter before any of you can enter the house. I know all of your wolves want to check on Stiles, but we don’t want to overwhelm him.”
“He’s physically okay, right?” Isaac softly asks, causing Noah to put a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“Physically, he’s perfectly fine. Mentally and emotionally are still in the air after what happened. Peter says the best course of action is for Derek to go be with Stiles first. Completely alone while you all stay in the living room with me. Once Derek is upstairs with Stiles, Peter will be able to come downstairs with us. I’ll make a phone call once Peter has come downstairs to get the last two of our family here. One of the family is still at work unfortunately.
“If Peter thinks this is the best course of action for Stiles’ benefit then we’ll listen. Our wolves want to make sure he’s fine, but we won’t put his well-being in danger. Not after how much he’s helped us individually.
Noah nods before letting the Pack into the house. The Pups all find somewhere to sit in the living room. Out of the corner of his eye, he watches Derek head upstairs.
~~~
Derek knocks on Stiles’ door before letting the door swing open. He swallows the growl that tries to come out at the sight of Stiles.
“Nephew, I’m glad you’ve made it. He won’t get away for hurting Myszko like this. He’s lucky that my wolf wouldn’t allow me to leave Stiles in such a state.”
“We’ll be lucky if any of us will be able to leave the room tonight. I can’t begin to explain how glad I am that you stayed behind in Beacon Hills. I’d hate to imagine the both of them going through this alone.”
Peter gently picks Stiles up, placing him on his bed about to leave when Stiles grips his arm. Peter sights letting his hand run through Stiles’ hair before Derek comes on Stiles’ other side.
“Myszko, I’m not leaving you alone. Derek’s here and I’m just going downstairs to check on our Pack. The Pack isn’t leaving you, I promise.”
Slowly, Stiles lets go of his arm and he nods to Derek before heading downstairs. With Stiles non-verbal, Derek decides to talk so that they don’t just have to sit in silence.
“I got your voicemail. I had just finished it already planning to come back when we all felt your reaction to Scott breaking the pack bond. I’m sorry the Pack left you here by yourself.”
“Wasn’t alone, Sourwolf,” Stiles mutters leaning into Derek’s side allowing Derek’s wolf to relax.
“I know you weren’t alone, but we didn’t exactly give you a choice on staying or leaving. We assumed you would want to stay to protect your dad. I won’t make that mistake again.”
Stiles hums burrowing closer to Derek who gently pulls him into his lap. He slowly starts scent marking him, noticing how Stiles’ gaze is becoming more lucid. His chest begins to feel less tight seeing the change in such a short time.
“Did I hear Peter say that you brought the puppies?”
“I wouldn’t say brought. They heard your voicemail and were already heading to meet me at the Camaro. When Peter called and said you were practically unresponsive, the pups all looked positively murderous.”
“Will they be able to come up here?”
“Once you’re ready they can come up here.”
“I’m ready.”
Derek snorts hearing all the puppies racing towards the stairs now that they have permission. A knock comes at the door causing Stiles to tilt his head before the Pack spills into his bedroom. They all notice the weak grin he gives seeing Erica, Boyd, Isaac, Cora, and Jackson. The Pack makes a giant pile surrounding Derek and Stiles causing Stiles to give a pleased hum. They all gently scent mark him surrounding him with the scent of his pack.
Derek tilts his head hearing the Sheriff ending his phone call knowing he’ll need to go downstairs eventually to talk to Noah. He knows how he wants to handle the situation, but Noah is the Sheriff and Stiles’ father. So, he’ll let him choose what they’re going to do.
Derek shifts intending to slip out while the Pack is telling Stiles what they’ve been up to since the last group call. As soon as he’s not touching Stiles at all, he’s surprised to hear a soft whine come from Stiles’ throat. He also catches the aborted movement of him reaching for the sleeve of his Henley.
“I’m not leaving you. I’m just going downstairs to talk with your dad about what he wants to do. I’ll be back after that.”
Stiles gives a quick nod with furrowed brows and he knows they’re going to have to have the conversation he’s been avoiding. But one thing at a time. He heads downstairs giving Stiles and the pack time to reconnect without him there.
~~~
Noah steps onto his porch pulling his phone out to speak with the last of his family in the area. He leans against the porch waiting for the call to go through.
“Noah, is something wrong? I know you and Stiles were going to spend tonight together.”
“You know where I can get any wolfsbane bullets?”
“Who are we going after? A rogue omega?”
“Our daughter’s ex-boyfriend.”
“Allison and I want to know if you and Stiles are okay.”
“I’m fine. I came at the end of it really. Stiles is currently disassociated and the Pack is with him hoping to help slowly bring him out of it.”
“We’re on the way. And we’ll plan out what we’re going to do about the situation.”
Noah sighs knowing this isn’t going to just blow over because the Pack has and always will be insanely protective of Stiles. He perks up hearing a familiar suv pulls into the driveway before his arms are full of an excited brunette. He presses a kiss to the top of Allison’s head before she darts into the house-most likely to check on Stiles-as Chris makes it up the front steps. Chris pulls him into his arms allowing Noah to sag into him before they hear multiple footsteps coming towards the porch.
“Noah, what would you like us to do?” Derek queries causing the Sheriff to give a soft grin.
“How about we go over to the McCall house for a nice conversation and tell Scott what happened after he left. See how he reacts as well as Melissa.”
Before they can plan anymore, a familiar two-tone yellow and white Ford F-250 pulls into the lawn causing a few of the wolves to stiffen up. However, Derek notices the soft grin his uncle gives at the sight of the truck. Before anyone from the pack can ask who just drove up, Parrish swings out of the driver door letting it swing shut as he takes in the pack on the porch.
“Peter said something was wrong with Stiles,” he breathes out, causing Noah to relax.
“Yeah, he’s just coming out of a dissociative episode from having a pack bond broken.”
The Hale pack’s eyes all widen when Parrish lets out a sub vocal growl causing Noah to snort. Nothing else is said as Parrish heads inside, presumably to watch over Stiles so they all can be there for the conversation with the McCall duo.
~~~
Before everyone can get ready to head to the McCall house, Derek politely pulls Noah into the kitchen. Noah gives a soft grin already guessing what this talk is going to be about. He’s glad that he already knows about mates and how important they are to wolves beforehand.
“If I’m honest, I’m not quite sure how to start. But the first thing I have to say is that as long as it’s in my power I won’t hurt Stiles.”
“Son, I already know about mates and how important they are to wolves. Once Peter explained mates to Chris and I, a few things clicked for me regarding you two. If you need to stay with him while we talk to Scott that’s perfectly fine.”
“You’re not upset?” He softly asks, causing Noah to soften.
“To be honest, I think you’re perfect for each other. I know you’ve been waiting to broach the subject with him. At first it was because he was underage and you didn’t want to be Kate. Then it became allowing him to live his life so he wouldn't be tied to you at a young age without having experienced the world. What changed your mind if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I missed a call from him, the very first one I’m pretty sure, and hearing how upset he was and being so far away…was already swaying me, but this situation with Scott made me realise that by doing it this way is taking away his choice. Which isn’t fair to him at all. I might wait until the morning to broach the subject so that he can decompress before he gets hit with the information.”
“He’ll appreciate that. I’ll let Peter know to take up the position of the Left Hand so you can stay with him. Once it gets quiet in the house he’ll probably start to fall asleep. I doubt I have to tell you that he still gets nightmares.”
“I assumed, but a part of me hoped he was having them less now.”
“They aren’t as bad as when he was possessed. He doesn’t have to scream himself awake, but he struggles to go back to sleep after them. Sometimes he has to do something besides sleep to get his mind off the nightmare.”
“Thank you for warning me and trusting me to keep him safe.”
Noah squeezes his shoulder before heading upstairs to bring Parrish and Allison with them. While the Pack begins planning how exactly to confront Scott and Melissa, he slips back upstairs to Stiles.
~~~
Parrish and Allison pass Derek on the stairs giving him a polite nod as they head to the rest of the Pack. Derek slips into Stiles’ room noticing how the blankets have shifted and that Stiles now has a blanket around his shoulders. Some of the tension in his shoulders leave when Derek enters causing his wolf to whine.
“Is anyone going to stay while the Pack goes to talk to Scott?” Stiles asks in such a soft voice that Derek rarely hears.
“I’ll be staying with you if that’s okay? Peter will be taking on the Left Hand role in my absence.”
Instead of answering, Stiles reaches out for Derek causing the wolf to relax knowing that Stiles still wants him near. Derek moves over to the bed carefully watching Stiles in case the other changes his mind. Stiles rolls his eyes, yanking Derek onto the bed before leaning into him with a content hum. Derek lets his hand run through Stiles’ hair giving a soft smile as he further relaxes.
“I’m glad you’re back, Sourwolf,” Stiles softly utters with closed lids.
“You mean me and the Pack?”
“Of course, I’m glad the Pack is back. It’s nice having us all in one place again. But if it had been just you that came back I’d still be happy.”
Before Derek can respond, he realises Stiles has fallen asleep already. He allows his eyes to drift shut surrounded by the scent of his pack and mate.
Not long after he wakes up as Stiles gasps, nearly throwing himself off his bed. Derek catches a hold of him before he can roll off the bed noticing how much Stiles is trembling. Without thinking about it too much, he pulls Stiles into him.
“I’ve got you…it was just a nightmare.”
His wolf practically purrs as Stiles buries his face in his neck taking gulping breaths. He lets a low rumble come from his chest running a hand through Stiles’ hair. Stiles practically melts at the actions twining their legs together as he sinks further into Derek’s embrace.
They stay wrapped in each other’s embrace for a while until the front door opens. Stiles shifts eyes half-lidded as a knock comes at his bedroom door. Before either can move, Noah pokes his head into the room giving a soft grin.
“The pack is getting dinner and they plan to move things in the living room for a giant pack pile if you two want to join. It’ll take them a while getting dinner though.”
Before either of them can respond, he’s closed the door and headed back downstairs. Stiles burrows closer to Derek with a soft sigh letting one of his hands fist against Derek’s Henley. Derek leaves one of his hands against the nape of Stiles’ neck letting his eyes drift shut while they patiently wait for the Pack to come back.
“Are we still going to politely not talk about it?”
“About what?”
“About the fact that we’re mates,” Stiles softly says, refusing to meet Derek’s eyes.
“How…how long have you known?”
“Peter explained mates to me when he asked if I would be alright with him and my father getting together. I connected some things, but I knew while I was still underage there was no way that you would broach the subject. I’m not upset with that by the way. I know it’s because of what Kate did to you and you probably felt that if you admitted that you felt those things for me when I was underage that you might feel you were like Kate. Nothing has to change between us, but can we at least admit to ourselves that we are mates?”
“I should have known that you would figure it out if someone even alluded to mates. We don’t have to change anything if you don’t want to, but I’m ready to admit it to myself and you.”
“Sourwolf, I’ve loved you since I first saw you even though I didn’t realise it at the time. If you wanted to just be friends forever I’d do it, but if you want something more…if you want to try for an us then I’d happily be willing to try.”
“I like the sound of trying for an us. And to think I told your father that I was going to give you time to decompress before broaching the subject of mates.”
Stiles snorts before feeling Derek press a kiss to the crown of his head. They both continue to lay there content in each other’s embrace and not moving in the meantime.
~~~
Derek and Stiles eventually make it downstairs being drawn by the smell of pizza along with Derek knowing the pack has made the living room ready for the pack pile. Everyone turns to the two when they enter, politely ignoring the fact that the two are holding hands right now before Stiles heads into the middle of all the blankets with a tired smile.
“McCall is a dumbass and he’s lost out on a great best friend.” Jackson mutters causing the edges of Stiles’ lips to turn up.
“You should have seen Jordan, Batman! We didn’t realise how close the two of you had gotten and that he sees you as his younger brother to protect.”
“Nobody got hurt right?”
“We kept it to a discussion. No one was allowed to put their hands on Scott. He is aware that you are under the protection of the Hale Pack though. That if he is to harm you that it means starting a fight with the pack.” Peter replies, trying to look nonchalant about the whole thing before Stiles moves to hug him.
Stiles grins hearing the slight rumble that Peter gives at the hug before the pack starts moving around getting comfortable and choosing their spots for the night. They all eat with small discussions going around while Stiles is mostly in Derek’s lap relaxing even more surrounded by their pack.
Once everyone is finished eating, the pack minus Peter, Noah, and Chris all start laying down in their chosen spots. Stiles gives a content hum when the television is turned on with the sound on low to a show that he and his dad always watch together. The triad heads up to Noah’s room citing their age for not sleeping on the floor with the rest of the pack making sure to scent mark the pack before going up. Stiles lets his eyes slowly shut at the feeling of the pack surrounding him and his mate holding him in his arms.