Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

My Darling Mieczysław,

My Once in a Lifetime child, my Mischief. You know you weren’t even supposed to be possible. I was told from a young age that I would never be able to carry and bear a child. My body just wasn’t built right. Your dad never cared that I was infertile, he just wanted me. Anything else, he said, was a bonus. Your grumpy dad is a secret romantic, Mischief. He hides it well, but it’s there. Feel free to tease him.

My sweet son, I am writing this letter because I know now I will not be around to talk to you about how special you are. Yes, I’ve always told you that, but some things could only be said when you’re older and able to understand things more clearly. I am so sorry I am not there for you. I can’t imagine what you have already been through, losing me and then finding out the truth of who you are. I am so sorry you have to discover that on your own. I am so sorry I will have to leave you. I am also sorry for anything I say or do in my illness that may hurt you. I can already feel how my brain isn’t working right anymore. It isn’t me, my son, so carry none of it in your heart and spirit. Know that I love you, my child. Carry pride in being a truly unique wolf.

You, my Mischief, are a Life Giver. I know you are already heading for your books and computer but keep reading please. You are probably the only male wolf on the entire planet who can bring forth life. Don’t freak out, I can tell you are. Stay calm. Now, I could go into what a Life Giver is and does, but that you can find out on your own. What I do need to share are warnings. Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Your ability does not make you a commodity. It makes you worthy of awe and reverence. Being a Life Giver, when you’ve chosen your mate, you will bring forth the strongest alpha born in centuries. Do not give of your body until you are sure you are with your forever mate. You will know, deep down, when it is right. Your body will react with a false heat once you have completed your mating. False because you won’t conceive until you choose to. It’s like practice and an example of things to come.

No matter what people may try to tell you, being a Life Giver doesn’t make you weak, less, submissive, or anything lower than the rest of the pack. If anything, you are the Gift of the pack, the Treasure they won’t deserve. You are worth more than anyone who wants to do you harm.

That is why I sought the magic of the Nemeton while I was pregnant with you. The Nemeton is how I found out you would be a Life Giver. After several months of thinking, I returned to the Nemeton and asked if They would give you a way to protect yourself and your ability. The Nemeton gifted you with a Spark. You will be capable of protecting yourself and others. Part of the definition of the word ‘spark’ is ‘ignite’. Once you come of age, 21, your Spark will awaken and ignite. You are Magic, Mischief.

Here you go: You’re a wizard, Mischief. I know you really wanted to hear that. Enjoy your moment. You will be able to hone and grow your abilities and ignite the fires of magic. Always trust your instincts, especially when it feels like you can’t trust anyone. The Spark and the Nemeton will always protect you. Count on that. Stay strong, my Mieczysław. Times will be tough and you’ll have to fight for yourself, but you are strong. Your name means ‘glory’ and ‘sword’. Live up to your name, my son. Bring a glorious sword to your enemies and live your life brave and strong.

When you do bring life into the world, visit the Nemeton for a blessing. I wish I could be there to see you come into your fate. I am so damn proud of you and yes, Mama used a curse word. I am, though. I know you are going to do amazing things. If I am able to, I will be watching. Look for the white feather. I’ll leave it for you.

I love you to the ends of the universe, Mischief. Be brave. Be loving. Be strong. I love you so much. These short years I had with you and your father will be a treasure I keep close for eternity. I will see you on the Other Side. Not too soon, though.

All my love,

Mama.

Twelve Years Later…

Stiles rubbed his eyes as he turned the page in the useless book Deaton had given him on magic. He knew his Spark wouldn’t waken until he turned twenty-one at the end of the week, but he was determined to have as much knowledge memorized as possible. Deaton doubted he was going to have a Spark at all, though he had known Stiles’ mother and knew of the gift the Nemeton had given him. He continually told Stiles to not expect much so he wouldn’t be disappointed. Stiles, however, trusted his mother more than anyone living. She said he would have a Spark and so he would.

Right now he was studying wards. He wanted to protect his dad, the sheriff’s station, the whole town eventually, once he was advanced enough. It was going to be the first real magic he practiced after his birthday and he wanted to be ready.

There had been reports from nearby Beacon County of a gang of omega wolves going around and causing trouble, raping and stealing along the way. Beacon County was home to the Hale Pack, led by Alpha Peter Hale. The alpha was well known for having no mercy and anyone wanting to harm his pack usually didn’t live. Some stories said he was heartless and needlessly cruel to his pack and a thousand times worse to those who mean his pack harm. Stiles wasn’t able to parse out whether it was true or not, but he knew one thing… Problems entered Hale territory, but they didn’t leave. Stiles didn’t want problems like that for his father and his pack. Ergo the wards. He was even looking into the ability to tattoo runes into his skin and having them activate with his Spark. That would be another way to protect those he loved.

Stiles couldn’t wait to show Scott what he could do after his birthday. Scott McCall was the alpha of the McCall or Beacon Pack and his best bro. They’d been close since they were children. When Scott had been gifted with a True Alpha level up, Stiles had been right there, cheering him on and helping him adjust to the new strength and responsibilities.

It was right around that time when Theo Raeken showed up and immediately joined the pack. He had sailed right up the ranks and was just one step below Stiles who was First Beta. If Theo had his way, Stiles would be pushed down the ladder.

Theo had asked him out the first few weeks he’d been in Beacon Hills. Stiles had only been on a couple of dates, waiting for the feeling of meeting the One who would be the one to bring out his hidden status. He knew from the first sniff that there was no way in hell Theo was the one. He had been kind and gracious, but Theo took immediate offense, calling him a bitch and an ice queen. Stiles just let him rant and then walked away.

Since then, he’d kept his distance, but he knew Theo wanted his position. He also knew Scott took Theo’s word on most things and feared Scott would push Stiles back. He had no idea why Scott had trusted him from the start, even above Stiles’ advice. Not to mention he was seeing Theo and Deaton spending more and more time together.

That was another reason he wanted to be proficient in magic as soon as possible. He wanted to remind his pack of what he could give them. He knew at some point he would have to reveal his Life Giver status but had felt deep down that it was best hidden for now. That secret was more important than his magic and his place in the pack. It would be shared when he knew it was the right time.

Tonight though, it was Best Bro night. One night per month Scott came over to play video games. They put aside pack discussions, responsibilities, magic and just let themselves be young and silly, something neither of them got enough of. They sat around in sweats and ate their weight in junk food and played violent video games killing aliens and relaxed.

It was a good night. The only odd thing was when Scott frowned, leaned over and sniffed at him. Stiles asked what was up and Scott said his scent was different, changing.

“Maybe it has to do with me coming of age Saturday?” Stiles suggested, sniffing at his armpit to see if he noticed a difference. All he smelled was junk food and sweat.

Scott frowned. “I don’t know. Maybe. It kind of reminds me of Spring. You know when everything starts reproducing and bringing new life. Weird. We’ll see what happens after your birthday.”

“Better than being super stinky,” Stiles said with a grin. “Wanna try the next level? We get bazookas!” Stiles pointed at the game and the topic of scent was dropped.

“Who is gonna dance with me?” Stiles asked, leaping up from his seat. Jungle, the LGBT+ club they all attended was full and loud as usual. It was busy, being a Friday, and the pack was in attendance for Stiles’ birthday. Kira and Lydia had planned it and Stiles had seen more than one grudging face. They didn’t want to be there with him, for him. Especially Theo and he was across the table muttering into Scott’s ear. The alpha was nodding and grimacing. Stiles had a feeling he didn’t want to know what they were talking about.

“I’ll dance as soon as I get one more drink in me,” Kira told him, sucking her Sex on the Beach down as quick as she could.

“I’ll meet you out there in a few,” Hayden said with a grin.

“You all suck! I can't legally drink yet, so I must shake this thang,” Stiles said and put his nose in the air as he walked toward the overflowing dance floor, already feeling the beat and walking in time.

Pushing his way to the center of the dance floor, he closed his eyes and let the music flow over him. He swayed and undulated to the heavy bass, hands in the air as he smiled and lost himself in the song.

From a hidden catwalk above the roving masses, Alpha Peter Hale stood, observing the dancers and those at the tables. Or he had been until he saw the young wolf dancing with utter abandon. He’d seen the wolf before, hadn’t been able to take his eyes off him that time either. His name was Stiles if his source was trustworthy. An unusual name for a unique young wolf. He was certainly a contradiction. Watching him interact with his pack, Stiles would flail around and seemed to trip on open air. But once he reached the dance floor and lost himself, he became graceful and made his body move in ways that he shouldn’t be able to; his slim hips popping and circling would make any belly dancer proud.

Peter had heard the McCall pack might be here tonight. The chance to see Stiles again was something he couldn’t pass up. His initial opinion remained true. Stiles of the McCall pack was meant to be his mate.

The first time he’d seen the wolf was in a diner. The pack had been seated in Peter’s view, though none of them seemed to scent him or notice him. Even if Peter did use his alpha power to deaden his scent, they still should have noticed another wolf in the diner.

Instead, he watched Stiles crack jokes and flail around. But when it came time to order their meal, he made sure everyone had what they needed, even going so far as to order extra salads because “even wolfie’s need their greens, now hush up and eat or there’ll be no cookies when we get home.” His statement held weight and everyone went quiet and Peter could hear the sound of lettuce being crunched. Stiles was giving of himself to all his packmates, making eye contact and giving each one a smile. Then he heard a brunette wolf refer to Stiles as First Beta and Peter became even more impressed.

A First Beta was the Right Hand of a pack. The one who executed the orders of his alpha. Peter’s First Beta was his nephew’s mate, Jordan Parrish. He knew what Jordan did for their pack and if Stiles was doing some version of the same, he was definitely someone Peter wanted to keep an eye on. The only red flag was the dark-haired wolf sitting next to the alpha. He was rolling his eyes every other second when Stiles spoke and Peter knew he was someone to alert Derek about. As his Left Hand, his beloved nephew protected the pack and the interests of the pack. Using whatever means necessary.

Seeing his chosen mate writhe on the dance floor made him want to speed through the regular channels needed to start a courtship.

“Get rid of him,” a voice caught Peter’s ear when he heard Stiles’ name being said.

That dark haired asshole was talking to the floppy-haired alpha, Scott McCall. Peter had to control his need to growl and felt his fangs threaten. He knew that wolf would have to die. In the few words the wolf said, Peter could practically taste the hate he had for Stiles.

“Theo, I’m not sure he is as dangerous as you think,” Scott was saying with a confused frown.

Why would his mate be dangerous? Peter made note of the trouble-making wolf’s name, Theo, and closed his eyes to tune his hearing better, forcing out the voices, songs and sounds of the club around them.

“Deaton is convinced, Scott. He won’t have a lot of power, like Deaton, but he will have enough to be like a ticking time bomb. If you concentrate, you can already smell the magic power building. I think we need to have a plan in place,” Theo said. He shrugged. “You need to protect the other pack members.”

Scott looked constipated as he considered the advice. “Alright. For now, until after his birthday, I’ll have you assume the duties of First Beta, just to learn the ropes and help out in case you are right. Will you do that?”

Theo smirked but quickly changed his expression to one of caring and eager to help. “Absolutely. I love this pack, even if I haven’t been around as long as everyone else. I just want them to be happy. Including Stiles.”

“Good,” Scott said, nodding resolutely. “We’ll talk more after Stiles’ birthday tomorrow.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll be ready no matter what happens,” Theo said.

From there, the talking devolved into Scott’s veterinary practice with Dr. Deaton, the druid.

Peter sighed and knew he needed to consider things carefully. His mate was apparently a Spark whose power would come into being on his birthday. Grabbing his phone, he noted the special day and texted Derek that they needed to talk. Peter was going to have to make a move to get his mate. A part of him hoped it ended badly so he could yank the head off Theo’s body and toss it in the trash where it belonged. That might be fun to do anyway.

Climbing down from the catwalk, he entered the dance floor and slunk his way over to his mate, making sure to keep out of his eye line. He sniffed slowly and inhaled his mate’s scent. Ink. Lightening. A touch of lilac. He smelled of intelligence and burgeoning power and something lush and full. He wanted nothing more than to bury his nose against that long pale neck. Instead, he left the dance floor making sure to pass by Stiles. He let his hand brush Stiles’ bicep, leaving his scent behind, claiming Stiles for his own.

Stiles stumbled through his apartment, grateful to himself for doing some advanced cleaning and leaving out the Drunk Tray. It was a small tray like in a cafeteria. There was aspirin, an electrolyte drink in blue, and a bottle of water. It also meant the coffee machine was cleaned and prepped with an alarm so when he stumbled out of bed, he’d have coffee after he downed the blue drink. He quickly downed the aspirin and the water and made his way to his room. He wasn’t too drunk, but tipsy and sleepy enough he knew trying to watch TV or play a game would be a waste of time.

Stripping to his boxers, he fell onto his bed where the comforter was already pulled back.

He hummed as he saw the time. “Happy twenty first birthday Stiles! You’re officially a Spark.”

Then he passed out and didn’t wake until mid-morning when his entire life would change.

Chapter Text

Stiles woke at the exact time of his birth, 9:28am, on his 21st birthday, the room around him shaking. “Oh shit, earthquake, dad!” he called out, immediately jumping out of bed and running to the doorway of his room, laughing as he remembered he didn’t even live with his dad anymore.

It was as he braced himself that he realized the shaking was coming from him. From inside him. Why was his body trembling like an earthquake? Hunger? Nah. Alcohol poisoning? No nausea.

The shaking began to worsen, his entire body trembling and moving without his permission.

Stumbling back into his room, he tried to reach for his phone. Instead, he fell to the floor as he succumbed to a seizure. It felt like something inside him was growing, changing, inflating. Getting ready to burst. Oh goddess, was he dying? His wolf whined inside him, scared as he was for whatever was going on.

He reached one more time for his phone when the pressure inside him grew too large for him to contain and he screamed as something in him unlocked, exploding outward. His lamp shattered, the window cracked and he watched his phone crack, now useless to him.

Stiles’ irises turned violet, the pupil white, the colors glowing against the carpet, making him gasp as he saw the color erupt before it settled back to his normal vision. Only now, he realized, he could see Everything. The vision of a wolf was already perfect, but this was different. He could see the dust molecules on the hard wood floor of his room. He could see a tiny caterpillar   making its way down the branch of the tree next to his house. Everything was brighter, more vivid, like hi-def, but even more intense. Because he could see colors that didn’t exist in human/wolf vision. The streaks of color seemed to follow noise. He growled and saw a streak of color follow the noise. Could he see sound waves? Was that what this was?

As the pressure inside finally eased off of him, he felt it inside him, now glowing instead of erupting. A single light inside him that was the power of his Spark. He was now a fully powered Spark. Add that to his genetic gifting and he was feeling pretty bad ass.

Also confused.

Deaton said that most Sparks received their powers on their 18th birthday but that Stiles wouldn’t. He’d been under the impression his Spark was just that, a tiny spark of power. Deaton told him he wouldn’t experience a power gifting when he came of age. It just wasn’t in the cards for him. He was fine with it. His little talents with water and fire were awesome enough.

Did Deaton lie to him? Because he knew Stiles would be powerful? The Emissary had been pushing him away, canceling lessons, not teaching him the deeper magics. Even Scott had been pushing him away if he was honest with himself.

Since Theo joined the pack, things were different. Theo always had ulterior motives. He was mean to Stiles, but he’d grown up around Jackson, he was used to being bullied. Stiles would just growl at Theo, his place as First Beta demanding submission. Then he would walk away.

But Theo and Deaton were two peas in a pod over the last few months.

Did Deaton lie to him about his Spark gifting? Or did he honestly not know? Luckily he had a lesson with the man in a few hours. He would get his answers then.

Stiles spent the rest of the morning experimenting and experiencing his Spark. He watched colors he had never seen before following his words when he spoke aloud. He got lost in music for over an hour watching the strange colors dance around the notes and harmonies playing in his ears.

He had a little herb garden in his window and he wiggled his fingers over them, willing them to grow strong and healthy and watched as all the little plants grew before his eyes, lush and green, their sweet scents filling the room.

Stiles played in the mirror for a while as he realized with a thought he could change his features like a glamour. He changed his eyes to all the colors even solid black, including the whites of his eyes. That one was creepy but could be fun at Halloween.

His hair went white and red and black before settling back into his regular rich chestnut. He gave himself a bigger nose and smaller mouth, chuckling at how ridiculous he looked. But he was able to hold the glamour with just a thought, he didn’t need to constantly concentrate on it.

Deaton had always made it seem like magic was like a piggy bank. You could use what could fit in the bank, but when it was empty, it was empty and he would have to wait for it to refill.

Stiles Spark was constant, it was a part of him, endless and forever. He never felt his energy flag, never felt the Spark fade or grow weak. He walked out to the tree in the back yard and pushed his power into the tree to heal the small signs of rot that were showing. He felt that power fill the tree and followed the roots to several other trees. Their energy made him feel like they were reaching out, thanking him for the healing and their support and eagerness to be in relationship with him. He could feel more echoes of energy and knew that if he wanted to, he could connect with the entire forest and even into the Preserve. It was exciting and made him eager to experience all of the things.

Returning to his kitchen, he experimented with the basics. Telekinesis, check. He washed all of his dishes and cleaned the kitchen without touching a thing. He even lifted himself and floated around the kitchen and living room, cackling like a loon as he realized he was levitating. It was awesome. Elemental manipulation, playing in the water and turning it into a fountain; and a small candle that he made burn three feet high; air came in the form of a small tornado above his coffee table. He’d have to replace his stoneware coasters that shattered under its power. Earth came in the form of rolling all the rocks out of his backyard and into a lovely circle that framed the small yard.

Spirit came in the form of seeing his aura and experimenting with how it could change and be faked. He became angry at the thought of Theo setting him up or working with Deaton and yet kept his heart calm and his aura a friendly yellow with a tinge of blue loyalty. He practiced flashing his Spark eyes and felt a ‘rev’ in his power when his eyes were lit up violet and white. It was like giving his power fuel. That was good to know.

He needed a practice dummy to try things on. His normal dummy would be Scott, but he was coming to realize he didn’t trust his alpha 100% anymore. It was sad and gave his aura subtle gray streaks of sadness and grief. He knew some of the pack were his friends, but also extremely loyal to their True Alpha.

That afternoon, Stiles walked into the vet clinic, ready for his next lesson with Deaton. His Spark had settled somewhat, with the random cracking of glass or color streaks appearing out of nowhere when he got irritated. He was practicing breathing and controlling his power.

Deaton had originally said he was teaching Stiles in the hopes of Stiles taking over the duties once Deaton was ready to retire. He wondered if it was just his imagination that Deaton seemed more and more angry with every lesson. Bitter almost. The scent hurt his nose, but he knew Scott listened to Deaton over anyone else in his life, including his own mate and First Beta, so he didn’t mention the smell to anyone.

Deaton walked into the waiting room, a bland smile on his features. But Deaton was always sort of bland, so this was nothing new. But that acrid smell was back, even more now.

“Ah, Stiles, right on time. However, I had an emergency come in and I’m going to have to reschedule with you later, once I can go over my schedule,” Deaton told him.

“Did you lie to me Deaton, or did you really not know?” Stiles asked, flashing his eyes violet and white at the man.

“Hm. Interesting. No, I didn’t lie,” Deaton said.

As the words ‘didn’t lie’ left the man’s lips, Stiles saw a streak of black follow the words. Huh. Looked like he could do more than just hear a lie through a heartbeat. Not that he could do the heartbeat thing with Deaton, he’d trained himself to have a calm heart when he lied. He’d taught that to Stiles when they first started together. He talked about how useful it would be. Looked like he was right. And wrong.

Curious that the man didn’t ask about Stiles’ birthday and coming into his powers. He figured they’d be able to sit down and talk things out, going over what Stiles should work on. He should have known better.

“Interesting indeed. Call or text when you have time. Have a great day,” Stiles said, flashing him a grin.

Leaving the clinic, he paused as he heard another voice speaking behind Deaton, but the magic bubble Deaton had on the clinic kept him from figuring out who it was.

Getting into his jeep, he wished he could peel back the bubble to see inside the clinic. He felt his eyes go violet and as if he was watching television, he saw the wall of the clinic peel back (a very trippy Inception-esque moment) and like the magic it was, he could see Deaton talking to none other than Theo the Asshole.

He used his Spark and pictured a volume button that he could manipulate. He heard Theo asking what had changed with Stiles and Deaton said that his Spark Gift had occurred just as they had feared. Theo said he was going to call a meeting with Scott for later that day to discuss their strategy, especially considering his new scent. The letter made everything clear.

Stiles was stunned. What letter? What scent? What the hell was going on? Why were they keeping shit from him?

Alpha would know what was going on. He started the jeep and turned toward Scott’s house, keeping an eye out to make sure Theo wasn’t going to follow him.

His wolf was pacing around inside him, feeling a threat, but unable to figure out what to do.

His Spark was also roiling around inside him. After his rear-view mirror cracked in the corner, he pulled over and took deep breaths until he had himself under control.

Finally he reached Scott’s house and saw there were a couple cars parked outside, including his dad’s cruiser and one fancy black car he hadn’t seen before. What the hell was going on?

Please protect me. Head to toe, wolf and Spark, I am safe. Nobody can harm me. He felt something come out of his skin, the unnamed colors swirling around him. They flowed over him until he could feel every part of him was covered. Thank you. He had no idea how much of the Spark was him or a gift of the goddess, but he knew to be grateful no matter what.

He parked and went up to the house, not knocking. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d knocked on this door, if ever.

“My Alpha looks forward to hearing your response,” a mild, smooth voice was saying. “I thank you, Alpha McCall, for your reception and time.”

“Thank you, Jordan. We will be in touch within the week,” Scott replied to him.

Jordan? Did he know a Jordan? There was one in the Beacon County pack, Jordan Parrish, the First Beta and right hand.  Wait, no, he was Jordan Hale now, mated to the alpha’s nephew, Derek Hale who was also the Left Hand of the pack. Stiles’ heart pounded. That pack was dangerous and he’d heard bad rumors about their alpha, Peter Hale. What would he be doing here and what was Scott referring to about being in touch? Why hadn’t he been called into this meeting?

Stiles walked into the room just as Scott and Jordan Hale - yep, it was the Beacon County pack - came around the corner.

Holding his hand palm up, he walked to the wolf. He was giving him honor by admitting he was in a higher position than Stiles. “First Beta Jordan Hale, I’m Stiles Stilinski. It’s an honor to meet you.”

Jordan nodded at him, his green eyes serious. He took in a deep breath of Stiles’ scent and lifted a brow. But he ignored Stiles’ hand and walked by him and out the door.

“Did I say something wrong?” Stiles asked, looking at Scott, brows raised.

Scott looked irritated. “You’re not even supposed to be here, Stiles,” he said and turned back to the living room. He stopped and turned his head and took in Stiles’ scent and shook his head. “I’d like you to leave.”

Stiles reared back, his stomach clenching as shock filled him. “I have never heard those words out of your mouth in all the years we’ve known each other,” he said, eyes wide, his hurt obvious. “I’m the First Beta. As far as I’ve known, I should have been here.”

Scott crumpled at the look on Stiles’ face. “I’m sorry, Stiles. This was last minute. Now I just have some stuff I have to get done and I need the house to myself. Can I call you later? I’ll explain everything then.”

“Sure buddy. Don’t tell me why the First Beta of the Hale pack was here when it’s usually my duty as First Beta to be here to greet wolves from other packs. Or why my dad is here and I’m unwelcome. But I’ll go because I trust you,” he said, looking deep into Scott’s eyes. “I trust you.”

“You don’t need to worry about anything,” Scott said, giving him the same floppy haired, funky jaw-ed grin he’d been giving since they first met as toddlers. “I’ve got you.”

That was when the Spark colors twirled out of his Alpha’s mouth, black streaks painting his lie. He wondered when Scott learned to control his heartbeat. He’d ask, but he was no longer certain he would get a straight answer. He left the house, head down, barely giving Jordan - still there, in his car - a glance.

“Damn it, Scott, are you sure this is the only way?” Noah Stilinski asked, pacing back and forth after seeing his downtrodden son leap into his Jeep and speed down the street. “How did you even find out about his status?”

Scott had somehow found out that Stiles was a Life Giver and felt that action was needed. Noah wasn’t so sure.

“The scenting that attests to Stiles’ Life Giver gift is going to start attracting everything. You smelled it. I smelled it. Other wolves will want him for his fertility. Other beings who just want him as a trophy. Or would want to take him and sell him to the highest bidder,” Deaton said from the speaker phone sitting on the coffee table. “Now we have to worry about what effect his Spark will have on everything. I think our little pack could be in very real danger.”

“From Stiles? My son, Stiles? How could he bring any danger to the pack?” Noah was in shock and sank down onto the couch, head in his hands.

“Sheriff, it’s due to the very unique mix that young Stiles brings. He is a natural First Beta, born to support an Alpha. The Life Giver also has magic in his spirit, not just to bring forth life, but to guarantee the gender. Add all of that to a Spark who just came into his full powers. I hesitate to use this term, but he is a magical ticking time bomb. Theo and I have been looking into similar stories and we haven’t found anything that would ease our concerns,” Deaton said, sounding worried.

Scott, who always took Deaton’s word as law, nodded. “Well, we might have an answer. Jordan Hale from the Beacon County pack was here just moments ago with a mating offer from his Alpha, Peter Hale, for Stiles.”

“I’m still not sure about this,” Sheriff Stilinski said. He didn’t know how he felt about giving his kid to a stranger.

“Sheriff, I think this is a good thing,” Deaton said, sounding suddenly eager. “Once he is mated, his Life Giver traits will take over, toning down his magic abilities. It will end the danger for Stiles and for the pack.”

“And he would still be nearby,” Scott said, letting Deaton’s words calm his worry. He saw the Sheriff’s doubt. “Hale said they would pay a Mate Offering to our pack. We would be able to build a pack house with that money. Pay off our parents’ houses. Help our wolves get through college.”

“It sounds too good to pass up,” Theo said in the background.

“Are any of you remembering that you’d be giving away Stiles to another pack? Just to get some money and avoid any danger that we don’t know is real or could actually happen? My kid is worth more than any of that,” Noah said, not wanting to admit that it really was an ideal plan. If Stiles had to leave the pack, at least it would be to a local pack. “Damn it. I don’t want to lose him, but it does sound like the best option for everyone. Make sure Hale is solid, you hear me, Scott McCall? I even hear a hint of abuse or harm coming to Stiles, I’ll take down both packs. Legally or not.” With a final glare at Scott, Noah left.

Allison entered the room, having been listening from nearby. “It really is the best outcome. If he’s in danger, we can help him.”

“Not to mention, being able to fund our pack for a long time,” Theo said.

“Come on, Theo, the money is a small part of it,” Allison frowned at the phone.

“Sure, sure. But it’ll help,” Theo had to add.

“Deaton, what happens next, how do I answer the mating offer?” Scott asked.

Deaton explained how to do things. Stiles, as First Beta, would usually be the one to handle it for Scott, but since it was regarding Stiles, they needed someone else. “Have you thought about who your next First Beta would be?”

Scott scratched his head. “Liam would be the usual choice, since he was the first one I brought into the pack, but I’m going to pick Theo. He has more pack knowledge and the ability to be polite and would be able to handle himself when talking to a pack. What do you think, Theo? Interested?”

Theo took a moment before responding. “I would be honored, Alpha,” he finally said. “I will have Deaton go over things with me and then I will deliver your response.”

“Good. Thank you, Theo. So Theo handles the response that says we are open to Hale claiming Stiles. Once we hear back from the Hale alpha, regarding the offering, we will tell Stiles. Until then, keep this to yourselves. If he finds out prior to me telling him, I will be furious.”

Theo delivered the response to the Hale pack and before he could even get in his car, he had the Hale’s response which he took directly to Scott.

“Wow, that number has a lot of zeroes,” Scott murmured, leaning back in his chair, reading the response which included the Mate Offering. His mom wouldn’t be in debt anymore. He could give away his best friend for his mother. He could. He ignored the cold rock in his gut. He had to put the needs of the pack above the need of one. That was an alpha’s job.

“Scott, you wanted to see me?” Deaton asked, entering Scott’s kitchen.

“Deaton, yes, thank you for coming. I got the response from Alpha Peter Hale. He is offering quite a lot of money for a mating with Stiles. What is the next step?” Scott asked, handing over the mating offer.

Deacon scanned the contents and nodded. This was all being done by the book. “It looks good, a solid offer. That will definitely benefit our pack. Stiles will see that. Next, we pick the date of the Mating. At this point, you can call Alpha Hale and discuss the things between yourselves. The official mating has already been accepted so the rest is the little details that make up a mating. Since this is an arranged mating, it will be very straight forward. No parties, no fanfare. We’ll just all meet in one location, the preserve would be best. We will break the pack bonds between Stiles and our pack, then Peter will bite Stiles which will activate the new bond.”

Scott was nodding along with him. “How do we break the bonds?”

“It’s very simple. Some herbs to burn and a couple of words to say. Quick and easy,” Deaton assures him, a smirk flashing across his face, gone before Scott could see it.

“When do we tell Stiles?” Scott asked. “Probably ought to give him a couple weeks to adjust, right? Let him get to know the new pack? Damn, I just realized he’s gonna have to move in with them. He won’t be down the street anymore,” Scott said, going quiet, thinking of the years of friendship, the hours and days and months they’d spent together at each other’s houses. All of that over, for money.

“This will sound cruel but hear me out. I propose we do not tell him until the night of the mating,” Deaton said and held his hand up as Scott squawked in response. “Hear me out. Thinking logically and not emotionally. What would Stiles do if we told him he was being mated off to the Hale Alpha and he had two weeks?”

Scott slumped, knowing exactly how his best friend would respond. “He’d be all anxious the whole time. Crushed that I made this decision.” He sighed. “He might even try to run.”

Deaton nodded. “I agree. Now, when we are in a dangerous or unknown situation, how does Stiles react?”

“He always has the right answer and reacts perfectly even if he’s put on the spot. Damn,” Scott said on a sigh. “You’re right. It’s either torture him for two weeks or put him on the spot and hope he behaves. Which he will. Fuck. Okay. Well, I don’t want to tell any of the pack outside you and Theo. We three will handle the details. If any word of this leaks out, I will not be happy,” Scott said, flashing his eyes at the emissary.

Chapter Text

Stiles sat down with his laptop, aka Awesome Research Tool. He had his cup of coffee, his soda, two packs of pop-tarts and three Reese’s cups. There had been four, but he’d been stress-eating earlier. He had two notebooks, four highlighters, and three pens and one pencil. He was ready.

So. Jordan Hale, First Beta to Peter Hale, Alpha of the Beacon County Pack. Let’s see what is going on under the hood. He stretched and cracked his knuckles and began typing. There was something so soothing about the tap and light pressure of typing on his laptop. He found it almost hypnotic.

Peter Hale, not fond of smart-asses, has been known to punch the messenger. You know the whole ‘don’t kill the messenger’? Yeah, he doesn’t play. He’ll beat them down. He was not known for patience. But other than the alpha being an asshole, there were no records of him being violent. Were they just spreading rumors? No, that didn’t make sense.

Where were the records of this harsh, mean Alpha? The body’s of those who pissed him off?  Why was Jordan Hale at Alpha McCall’s house without Stiles being involved? What the hell was happening? Was he being edged out of the pack? Is that what was happening? Were they forming an alliance without him?

Stiles went into his bedroom and pulled out his lunchbox from his bottom dresser drawer. It was a 1980’s Star Wars lunch box. He kept his mother’s keepsakes in there. Opening the box, a cold chill swept over him. Someone had been in there. Someone had rifled through the contents and mixed everything up.

Stiles had one option. He hoped it would work. Concentrating on his Spark, he whispered, Show me who did it.

A ghostly hand appeared, touching his most sacred belongings. Dark red fury swirled around his vision, but he kept watching as the hand developed a wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder, neck… a little further.

Theo.

The fucker was going to die.

Ghostly Theo took his letter. The letter exposing who he is, what he is. He read it and snapped a picture of it. Fuck. That meant he might have a clue how powerful Stiles was too. Fucking Theo.

“The letter made everything clear.” That’s what Stiles heard when he spied on Theo and Deaton at the clinic.  

They knew everything.

Three days since anyone from the pack had spoken to him. Scott telling him to leave. That was the last thing spoken to him.

Stiles has been experimenting with his Spark and decided he would name the new colors he was seeing. He couldn’t just keep calling them Spark colors. So, the dark, lying color would be Arkham. There was a lighter, brighter color that made him happy to look at. He’d only seen it a few times. When he would give a genuine laugh, he would see the shade of color swirl around his laughter sounds. He would name that one Quinn after his favorite bad-ass chick, Harley Quinn. He figured out how to just see what the colors looked like. It was amazing. He spent long hours – alone – watching the colors dance around him.

He got to know his magic dragon, which he experimented with different forms, lion, elephant, otter – shut up they’re adorable! – but in the end, Doomsday was best as a dragon. Doomy for short just because he can. Doomsday was taking on a personality all his own. He’s a bit of a jackass, but Stiles thinks that just adds some spice. Doomsday the Spicy Dragon.

There were other things he worked on. He can build up an electrical charge in his hands and shock things. He’d gone to the grocery store where the produce guy always leered at him. Gross. So he went and when the guy tried to come on to him, again, he flicked him between the eyes with an electrical charge added to it. The guy yelped and flailed and knocked over the apple display he’d been stacking.

Justice.

None of that mattered if you’re always alone, though. Stiles needed some friends. He couldn’t believe how lonely he was, but when he was honest with himself, he’d been lonely for a long time. He didn’t know why this was happening. He didn’t do anything wrong. There had been no incidents or mistakes. Why was he being pushed out of the pack? Already his pack bonds were looking brittle, though there was still a solid strength in them still. Something told him that it was his stubbornness that was holding on.

“Is that pack mentally deficient, Jordan?” Peter asked, looking over the mating paperwork with his First Beta and Left Hand. Also known as nephew-in-law and nephew.

“I would have to answer yes,” Jordan said, smirking at his alpha.

“I would have to agree. Jordan, they mentioned nothing about having an alliance. They have two demands. One is that there is no contact between Stiles and I until the day of the mating. Odd on its own, as this isn’t exactly an arranged marriage in the 18th century. Two, they are asking for $50,000. That’s it. For Stiles. That delicious young man with the brilliant mind and beautiful everything else. He is worth more than the multi millions I have,” Peter said with a sneer. “Those people are idiots.”

“You could always offer more,” Derek teased, pulling Jordan more snugly into his side..

“Now you’re the idiot,” Peter said, shoving his nephew before giving him a knuckle rub to the head.

“No noogies, Uncle!” Derek cried, slapping at the laughing man.

When they settled again, Jordan fixing Derek’s hair, Peter looked at the mating papers again, pursing in lips for a moment in thought. “I will offer them more, but still so unbelievably low that when they think they’ve gotten a deal, I’ll tell them just what Stiles is really worth.”

Jordan gave an approving grin. “Nice. Very Peter of you. But in this instance, I completely agree.”

“I’m getting mated in five days. I honestly never thought I would find someone I would want to spend the rest of my life with. But I don’t know why they want to do it so soon, I was anticipating being able to court Stiles and at least get to know him. The first night is so intimate, I hate the idea that he might end up scared or worried,” Peter said with a frown.

“Well, we are the ones with the money they want so bad,” Jordan said. “Why not move the time of the mating to midday or afternoon. You wanted to take him on a honeymoon, right?”

“Yes,” Peter said with a pleased smile. “I can’t wait to tell him where we’re going.”

“I’m happy for you, Uncle, I hope you know that. You deserve this,” Derek said, sincerely, Jordan agreeing with a nod.

“Thank you, nephews, I can only hope my instincts are right and we can carve a little bit of happiness out for ourselves. But anyway, what does that have to do with the timing of the mating?” Peter asked, squeezing the back of Derek’s neck, secretly pleased that his favorite relative was happy for him.

“Just tell them you have to prepare for your honeymoon. Then they go home, you have a few hours alone with Stiles to adjust and make sure everything is good before the end of the night. Other than tradition, there is no rule saying you have to have your mating at night.  If we were that anal to the traditions, we would wait to have the ceremony on the full moon. As long as the circle is completed and you bite him, that’s all you really need.”

“Jordan, you are amazing,” Peter said and smiled as Derek kissed his clever mate. “Thank you. That’s a fantastic idea and exactly what we will do. Would you please reach out to Alpha McCall tomorrow and let him know the ceremony has been moved up to noon,” Peter requested.

“No problem. I hope it helps,” Jordan said.

“I’m certain it will. One or two hours compared to eight or nine? Yeah, huge difference,” Peter told him. “Get those new cars you’ve been wanting, my nephews. I am so grateful for your help and want you to know it. So. Car.”

Jordan looked at Derek and grinned wide and happy. “Thank you, Alpha.”

Stiles, we’re going to have a picnic on Saturday at noon in the preserve at the meadow we like. I expect you to be there on time. Allison is going to take pack photos of us. We’re wearing all white, so loose white pants and shirts. We’ll be barefoot, so don’t worry about shoes. Reply so I know you got this.

Stiles stared at the email. It wasn’t even a text, it was an email. Why didn’t someone just call him and tell him? And the all-white thing? That was weird, because, hello, werewolves in the woods screams for grass stains and ripped clothes, but at least he’ll be able to see his packmates. Everyone had blown him off when he’d tried to talk or visit with anyone. He’d searched his mind for reasons they might be upset with him. He even wondered if maybe it was a belated birthday party since everyone apparently forgot him this year.

It had been days since he heard from anyone in the pack. He was certain he was being edged out. They were judging him on the Life Giver thing. They didn’t want to deal with him anymore. He had a feeling there would be a pack meeting where he would get the notice. He would have to find another pack to belong to. Hopefully hiding what he was until he knew he was safe. Even his father was distant. There had been no Stilinski Men Diner Breakfast as they tried to do a few times a week. He was alone and now he got this message about a picnic. What was the picnic for? They never had picnics. They never had pack pictures. They definitely didn’t dress all in white.

Friday afternoon, a package was dropped off at his door. He opened it to find a single note card that looked like it was added to the order, not something written directly to him, it simply said “For Saturday”. It was a white tunic and baggy white pants. Putting it all on, it looked like he could do some karate in it.

Instead, he stayed in it and played with his Spark. He had been experimenting with bigger glamours. He had the beginning of a plan. He wasn’t going to leave his pack peacefully. They want to betray Stiles? Give his position to Theo? Try again. Picturing the dragon, he saw it crawl out from behind him. It was seven feet tall, with a head full of razor-sharp teeth. He pushed the dragon and suddenly it lurched in front of him, roaring so loud the windows rattled. Let’s see who pissed their pants when he busted out with the dragon. He formed it perfectly. Whoever he aimed it at would feel the dragon’s breath and if they tested it, they would find themselves bloody. Those teeth slash daggers were the real thing.

Saturday he was dressed for karate and made it to the preserve on time. He was shocked to see the car he’d seen Jordan Hale in. He hadn’t been aware of anyone other than pack would be joining the picnic. Tossing his shoes into the passenger seat, he slipped to the ground outside his jeep and began walking to the clearing they liked to run around in on the full moon. He didn’t see having all white on as being a good thing. He still anticipated many people going home with green streaks on them.

He felt a red flag begin waving in his mind. Arkham streaks colored the air in front of him, sensing his anxiety.

All white. Meadow. Jordan Hale. First beta of Hale Beacon County Pack. The whole pack. People ignoring him. Picnic. All White. Hale. Meadow. Pack.

Holy fuck.

He was getting mated today.

He felt lightheaded and leaned up against a tree for a minute. How did he miss so damn much? They had to have had this planned for a while. All the while, he looked like a fucking idiot because he trusted his pack. In every way a person could trust, he trusted his pack. He would never have anticipated something like this happening.

The letter from his mother had made it all sound so sweet and romantic. He would find the One who would treasure him and his gift. Find love. His choice. Now that choice had been ripped away from him.

They were mating him off.

Giving him away.

Son of a bitch.

Chapter Text

Stiles leaned into the tree, trying to wrap his mind around everything that was happening. His pack had turned on him. Betrayed him. They had decided the pack would be better off without him. Giving him away. To Peter Hale, who was the topic of too many local horror stories. Why would they do this? Was he that much of a threat? Or not good enough? They never let him do more!

He pulled his magic closer to himself its heat a comforting blanket. He armored his wolf to keep him safe. Taking a deep breath, he thought of the pack members he loved; Kira, Lydia, Corey and Mason. Not many. He needed to do the right thing, to do what was best for his pack at the judgment of his alpha.

Only… fuck that!

Stiles decided he’d had enough. He was done with playing Scott, Deaton, and Theo’s way. They only thought of him as either a threat or a commodity and planned to use him as such.

So what do you do to a powerful force when you need to fight back? You take away the power. They are left with nothing. Right now, Scott thought he held that power. It was up to Stiles to make him see the error of his ways.

Stiles stood straight and measured his Spark, feeling it strong and undulating under his skin, flowing through his limbs, an endless tide of power. He wasn’t alone. Doomsday was with him. There was something he wanted to try with his dragon and he could definitely use the extra power and companionship right now. Lifting his shirt, he placed his hand on the pale skin of his abdomen. Calling Doomy forward, he let the dragon flow from his fingers and onto his skin. Doomy slithered around, his long wings surrounding him. Blue-green scales covered him, iridescent in the light. Then Stiles pushed his hand into his ribcage, so gross, but it was fast and when he pulled his hand back, Doomy was tattooed into the skin stretching from his right hip, across his chest and Doomy’s angular head was resting on Stiles’ left shoulder. He could feel the dragon’s power thrumming through him, making him feel more protected. The company was nice, too.

Now he was ready. The plan was decided, the protection guaranteed. He had to make sure they bought his ‘cooperation’. Time to hope Stiles can be a good actor!

He followed the trace of his pack’s scent to the field they had been to many times on full moons and just to have a pack day in the sun.

The pack was waiting for him in a loose half circle. At the center of that was another circle created with different herbs and rushes that were typical of wolf matings. Other than that, it was just his pack. All of whom were staring at Stiles, either with pity or with malice or with cold calculation.

“Stiles Stilinski,” Scott announced, stepping forward when Stiles approached the half circle of people and into the empty spot between Lydia and Kira. “It is the honor of the McCall pack to present you as a mate to Alpha Peter Hale of the Hale Pack. Your mating will bring power and prosperity to our pack.”

“Uh huh,” Stiles interrupted. “And you didn’t tell me about this before because?”

Scott frowned and growled at him. “Do not interrupt, Beta!” he snapped before clearing his throat and continuing. “Now, McCall pack, please welcome into our territory, the Hale Pack. Alpha Peter Hale, Beta Jordan Hale, Beta Derek Hale, Beta Erin…,” Scott turned red and looked at Allison.

She whispered to him and Stiles rolled his eyes. Real good, McCall. Way to honor another pack by forgetting the most important member’s names.

“Beta Erica Reyes, Beta Vernon Boyd. Alpha Hale, we bid you welcome,” Scott finished.

The Hale pack seemed to materialize out of the trees themselves, suddenly arriving and in one long line. At the head of that line was Peter Hale. Stiles made eye contact with him immediately and his entire world changed looking into those piercing blue eyes.

Mate.

Peter Hale was his mate. Like as in an actual mate. And not because Scott said so. Holy fuck. Okay. World shifting again. He could roll with this, he was good with surprises. As Peter came closer and shook hands with Scott, Stiles quickly adjusted his plans. Wouldn’t be good to curse your own mate.

Peter was moving down the line with Scott, meeting each of the pack members and being downright political. Finally they stopped in front of Stiles, Scott glaring at him, trying to make him submit.

“Stiles Stilinski, beta, meet Alpha Peter Hale,” Scott said.

Stiles tilted his head and took in his mate. He was certainly good looking with those blue eyes that seemed to sear right into him. He had a neatly trimmed goatee, brown hair stylish and short. He was wearing all white, like the rest of them and it set off the tan he had. He’d left the loose top unbuttoned and Stiles couldn’t help but notice his mate was hot as fuck.

Peter smirked and then it changed to a gentle smile. “I’m very pleased to make official acquaintance with you, Spark Stilinski.”

“I’m pleased to know you as well,” Stiles said, reaching his hand out to shake it and make a connection with his mate.

The instant their hands touched, they knew each other. They knew the depth of their connection, the power they would share together, their love of pack and loyalty and honor. It was a warm coal in a fire but had the potential to erupt into a volcano of power. Only seconds had passed yet everything was different in that moment.

Hear me, Stiles told his Spark to reach out to Peter. He made eye contact with him, pulling the alpha into him. If you can hear me, smile.

I’d do anything for you, Peter responded as he smiled, charming and open. He didn’t seem shocked at all that they were suddenly able to communicate mentally. Anything. Peter then turned to Scott. “Please give us a moment,” he said and without waiting for permission, took Stiles’ hand and led him to the tree line. They stood facing each other, backs to the pack. You are stunning.

Stiles blushed at the compliment but had a plan to stick to. Mate? Are you really my mate?

I am. Now and forever. I knew the first time I caught your scent.

When was that? I’ve never seen you before. Stiles would remember if he’d seen Peter. Those eyes were too remarkable to miss.

It was at Jungle. You walked by me and that’s when I knew. Then I stayed and watched you dance. Peter grinned with zero regrets or fucks to give.

Stiles couldn’t help his own smile in the face of that expression.

How do I know that we will be okay? Peter, how do I just know that we will be powerful together and actually happy?

That is how it is with mates, Stiles. They don’t usually communicate telepathically, but the knowing is a very common thing. Peter rubbed Stiles’ chilled hands. He couldn’t believe how blessed he was; he was in awe of Stiles. Those honey eyes that flashed violet and white. The waves of power coming from him. Peter would never admit it where anyone could see, but he was certain he would be perfectly happy to just watch Stiles for the rest of his life. His mate was exceptional. I have a question for you. Will you do the Hale Pack the honor of being our emissary?

Stiles stared at him before a beautiful, face cracking smile lit him up. I would be honored to. Then he remembered what he needed to do. You may change your mind about that.  Stiles rolled his lips so he could bite on them. I cannot mate you today. You are my mate and I intend to mate you soon. I will explain everything later, but first, I need you to trust me. I know it’s a big ask, as we’ve just met, but my pack has betrayed me. I didn’t know about this mating until I walked into this clearing. They want to be rid of me probably for money or power and I do not want them to think they won. Stiles’ eyes flashed with his anger. Can you please try and trust me?

Peter growled but was gentle when he brushed a finger along Stiles bottom lip, rescuing the wet skin, both of them gasping at the electric sensation. I do believe I promised I would do anything for you. As for not mating today, I will trust your reasons. What do you have planned?

We’ll get as far as breaking the bonds. If you accept me as your beta, that will keep me going until we can…

Get to know one another? Peter smiled.  I couldn’t agree more. I didn’t know why there had to be secrecy. I didn’t know that you didn’t know, I swear. They said no contact until today, but they didn’t tell me you were unaware. Want me to start something?

Stiles immediate answer was no. Then he thought about it. You can do whatever you want other than actually harming the pack. Watch Theo and Deaton, they have something planned, I just don’t know what.

Alright. Let’s go have some fun, mate.

Stiles couldn’t help his grin when Peter winked at him and kept his hand as they walked back to the circle.

“We’re almost ready to proceed,” Peter said. “However, I am going to say this and then we can commence. I am furious that Spark Stilinski was unaware of the mating. How dare you seek to give him away! Hell, not give, sell,” Peter growled, his eyes flashing red.

“Yeah, I’m not a freaking mutt, you can’t just re-home me because you have a problem with what I am,” Stiles interjected.

“Excuse me,” Derek Hale said. “Can I ask what you are referring to? What is the problem…”

Scott threw his hand up and snarled at Derek. “No questions. Can we get on with the mating, Deaton?”

“First, do not tell my betas what to do,” Peter said, fury in his red gaze. “Second, Stiles has the right to be heard if he feels comfortable answering.” Stiles gave him a nod. “Go ahead, then, Stiles.”

“Derek you asked what the problem is. It starts with Theo Raeken, who broke into my apartment and found a letter from my late mother detailing my status as a Life Giver,” Stiles announced, deciding that there was zero reason to hold back. There were gasps around the clearing, including from Peter and many of his packmates. Scott, Theo and Deaton didn’t show any surprise, of course, which confirmed their guilt. It was then he realized his father wasn’t there. On the supposed day of his mating. When would he stop being let down and hurt by those he loved? Shaking it off, Stiles continued. “He then took that information to Deaton who, I’m sure, was easily able to convince Scott that getting rid of me was the best idea. Am I missing anything?” Stiles said, glaring at Deaton and Theo, who smirked at him before Peter’s low growl made him stop. “No? Then let’s do this.”

“As Spark Stilinski said, let’s do this,” Peter said and the two walked into the herb and rush circle. He could barely wrap his head around the fact he wasn’t just mated to a Spark and natural First Beta, but a Life Giver? He was in awe. You are miraculous, aren’t you, mate?

Apparently I’m more of a commodity than miracle, Stiles told him, bitterness leaking through his scent.

Deaton called the four corners and called on the moon to bless their mating. It came time for the bond breaking and Stiles steeled himself.

It’ll be quick, Peter assured him. Kind of like a popping sensation.

Okay. I’m ready. Stiles opened himself up, picturing the bonds of his pack. The red of Scott, though it was muddled through with rust; the silver-burgundy of Lydia, resident goddess. Theo and Deaton were even in there, but it was more like weathered bronze, covered in pigeon shit, nothing shining with light.

Deaton spoke the traditional words to break the bonds. As he was watching in his minds eye, his bonds suddenly tore apart inside him. Stiles began screaming as pain ripped across his body and mind.

He’d once had duct tape stuck to his back by Jackson while changing for lacrosse practice. The angle was wrong for him to pull it off himself. Watching him turn in circles had sent the team into hysterics. Scott had been absent that day, he didn’t have any allies around. Then after practice, Jackson comes along and rips the duct tape off. He’d cried out, his raw flesh ripping under the heavy glue of the tape. It didn’t matter that his wolf quickly healed him, the pain was a clear memory.

That was nothing. The pain he’d felt that day was a cool breath across his skin. This was wrenching his soul and shredding the bonds he had grown and cultivated over the years, filled with love and loyalty and respect and friendship.

The searing agony had him dropping to his knees. He cried out, crossing his arms over his middle to try and protect the area, try to ease the pain. A familiar chuckle sounded across the field as Theo laughed at Stiles’ misery.

Derek leapt over and roared in his face, ready to protect his new packmate. “Show respect!”

Theo shut up.

“What did you do?!” Peter roared at Deaton, eyes red and fangs fully descended as he knelt next to his mate and began pulling pain Stiles shouldn’t have been experiencing. There was nothing to physically heal, though, so he just pulled as much as he could.

“I simply followed the ritual. I don’t know why Stiles is so sensitive. Most wolves can handle it,” Deaton said with a sniff. Dark Arkham vapors followed the lies as they fell from his mouth.

Stiles had sweat beading on his face, small tremors shaking his body. He felt hollow and empty inside. Even the bond with his father was gone. He called on Doomy to warm him and the dragon snuggled close in his Spark, heating him and helping him calm.

“Stiles, I need you to accept me as your alpha,” Peter said, raising his mate’s face and wiping the silent tears away with his thumbs. “It will help ground you.”

Clinging to Peter and Doomy, Stiles nodded, opening his heart and Spark. “I, Spark Stiles Stilinski, Beta, Spark, Life Giver, submit myself to you, Alpha Peter Hale.”

As soon as the last word was uttered, Stiles was whole once more and he gasped at the instant blissful warmth. He felt Peter’s bond snap into place, vibrant and red, filling him with energy and power and the last of the pain faded into nothing. Like dominoes, Stiles felt Derek and Jordan, Erica and Boyd and others he’d never met, all there, all welcoming him, bringing him into their hearts and lives. There was a reverent tint to the bonds and Stiles blushed. It wasn’t easy to accept that people thought he was a miracle. Unlike his pack. Unlike his old pack, he amended to himself. Even Doomy was inspired by their new pack, undulating over Stiles’ body.

Peter was pushing more power to him - alpha power now boosted by Stiles’ inclusion to the pack - that polished the rough edges in his spirit and wolf. Stiles stood, but wanted to stand taller, higher, show his new pack what their easy acceptance meant to him. With his head tilted back, he spread his arms and slowly began rising into the air, floating above them all, showing the world what his new pack could do, what unity could do. What he could do when he wasn’t being held down. He returned the acceptance to his new pack and with it, he gave them a boost of energy, an excitement and joy that had Erica and Jordan giggling off to the side.

Peter was in awe. He didn’t know how an arranged mating turned into seeing the most powerful being alive do the impossible. There was nothing Stiles couldn’t do. Beta, Spark, Life Giver, he had said. The Hale Pack would never let Stiles be pushed aside again. They would revere him and treat him with the respect and honor he deserved. They would let him explore the world of magic, ready to help and receive from him when he gave back. He spared a look at Derek whose green eyes were wide on Stiles. All of the pack that were present had the same look. From what he was receiving from his side of the pack bonds, all of them, near and far, could feel the joy and purity in the power Stiles was freely giving to them.

Slowly, Stiles lowered until his feet were touching the ground again. He turned to Peter and tilted his head back and to the side. “Alpha.”

“Beta Spark Stiles Stilinski, Life Giver and Emissary of the Hale Pack of Beacon County, we honor you and welcome you,” Peter said.

“Thank you, Alpha. I bring the hope that I can do our pack proud, make them strong,” Stiles said, still somewhat shy.

“I know you will,” Peter said, rubbing his thumb across Stiles’ cheek.

“Alpha, I have a question,” Stiles said, his violet eyes now sparkling playfully at his mate.

Deaton gave a loud harrumph. “We should be returning to the ceremony.”

Peter flashed eyes at Deaton. “My Spark has a question and I will give my answer. Spark, please continue.”

“I was wondering what the exact arrangements are in the mating contract,” Stiles said.

Peter nodded. “Well, it said there was to be no contact between us, pure bullshit if you ask me. They also requested fifty thousand dollars as a mating gift.”

“Fifty thousand. Wow. I think I should be insulted. Should I be?” Stiles gave Peter a wicked grin.

“I think so. Measly amount, really” Peter agreed, smirking at his impish mate.

“You changed it, don’t you forget that Hale! You agreed to a million dollars,” Scott jumped in.

“Et tu, Scotty?” Stiles shook his head.

“What? Stiles, shut up, the alphas are talking,” Scott said, glaring at Stiles.

“Mm, nope, see the whole thing that just happened was me joining the Hale pack which means you have no more say in my life, you have no right to command me or demand from me. You might want to remember that. You piss me off and my alpha will have to step up,” Stiles said, utterly confident in the words he was saying. He had complete faith that his alpha – and his new pack – would have his back.

“Your alpha will be honored to step up and handle any kind of slight or insult to my pack member,” Peter said, loud and proud.

We’ll reveal our mate status at the end, Stiles told him.

Go out with a bang. I like your style, Peter said with a wink.

“So the whole contract was for a million dollars and not meeting each other. Really? You didn’t at least get free travel miles? No gift with purchase? I think you got ripped off. Wait, actually, I can make it so you aren’t ripped off. Ready?” Stiles asked, grinning wide and wicked.

“I’m ready, my Spark,” Peter said. Do it, sweetheart. Show them the mistake they made in giving you up.

“Yeah, sorry Scott, I don’t feel like mating today. I mean, I really hate this outfit. I’d rather get mated in jeans and a Batman shirt. So, yeah, I’m not feeling it. I’m out,” Stiles said and stepped out of the herbed circle, ending the ritual.

“You heard the Spark. Mating is canceled due to lack of interest,” Peter said with a proud smirk.

“What? You can’t do that! He can’t do that, can he Deaton?” Scott’s eyes were red and rage twisted his puppy features. Allison was practically frothing as she turned red, tapping on her phone.

Deaton looked very attractive with his mouth hanging open. “He left the circle. He shouldn’t have been able to. I spelled it so he couldn’t.”

A deep roar sounded across the field. “You. Did. What?” Peter was in Deaton’s face, full Alpha shift on his face, fangs sharp and dangerous. “You spelled the ritual circle?”

“Oath breaker,” Stiles breathed, though they could all hear him. He walked around the circle, glaring at Deaton. “You trapped me in order to force a mating on me. You don’t deserve the power of a druid. You’ve manipulated me, lied to me, trapped me and tried to sell me off. No more! Alpha, do you hereby agree that Alan Deaton, druid, is an oath breaker, breaking the vow of neutrality and balance in order to manipulate a pack member.”

“I hereby agree,” Peter swore loudly, still scarily close to Deaton’s face.

“Beta Derek Hale, do you hereby agree that Alan Deaton is an oath breaker?” Stiles continued.

“What is going on?! When do I get my money?” Scott was shouting.

“Beta Jordan Hale, do you hereby agree that Alan Deaton is an oath breaker?”

“I hereby agree,” Jordan said.

“Banshee Lydia Martin…” Stiles continued on with Lydia and Kira, Mason and Corey. He then asked the same of Erica and Boyd, two of his new packmates.

“As decreed by the natural law of a druid, if he is found Oath Breaker three times three, he will be nulled,” Stiles announced, walking up to Deaton. Closing his eyes, he reached into Deaton with his Spark and took his magic and stuck it in a magical lock box. It would remain inside him so he wouldn’t die, but he would never be able to use it. Unless Stiles unlocked it.

Spoiler: Stiles doesn’t unlock it. Ever.

Deaton gasped and grabbed at his chest as if to find his magic. “No! No! What did you do?” Deaton fell against Scott who eased the older man onto the ground.

“You little bitch, you can’t do this!” Theo growled leaping at Stiles, clearly intending to hurt or kill him.

With dual roars of fury, Jordan and Derek jumped in front of Theo, grabbing him. Derek roared in his face to shut him up, claws at the ready if he needed to do his job as Left Hand.

“Beta Jordan, Beta Derek, would you hold him for me?” Stiles asked, smiling sweetly.

Peter could already tell his betas were under Stiles’ spell as they proudly held Theo captive, honored to help their new member.

“Theo, I don’t know what the hell crawled up your ass and why you hate me so much, but I’m done with being bullied. You are on notice. Piss me off again, and you won’t have anyone to protect you,” Stiles said. “I have a new friend, one who would really love to meet you.” Stiles unbuttoned his top and let it slide from his shoulders, grinning when his mate quickly stepped up to take it from him. “Thank you, Alpha,” he said with a sweet smile.

Gasps were heard at the sight of Doomy tattooed across his body.

“When the hell did you get a tattoo? I didn’t say you could do that!” Scott yelled. He’d been yelling for a while, though, and Stiles just drowned it out.

“Theo, this is my new pet dragon, Doomsday. Wanna see what he can do?” Stiles eyes glowed violet, voice growing deeper as his fangs descended and he grinned wickedly. “Oh Doomy, wanna say hi?”

Move! Stiles told Derek and Jordan who yelped and both wolves moved away from Theo.

“Doomsday, my friend, meet Theo the Asshole,” Stiles whispered and all there would swear his voice echoed, like a rock in a pond.

At that moment, Doomsday leapt off of Stiles and formed a physical body. His long thin body was covered in blue-green scales, glowing in the light, almost appearing backlit. His angular head rushed into Theo’s face, roaring, fangs dripping, heat bursting from his mouth in gasps that sent burning steam onto Theo. The wolf cried out as the steam burnt his skin.

“Didn’t I tell you? Doomy likes to eat wolfsbane. It doesn’t hurt me or my pack, so we’re safe,” Stiles said, looking at his new pack members. They’re eyes were all wide with awe and shock and even some fear, though Stiles did comfort them through their new bonds. He then dropped the smile and glared at Theo, violet eyes cold as ice, voice echoing with power. “Fuck with me again and Doomsday will have you for dinner. Don’t test me,” Stiles warned. With that, Doomy spread his wings and took to the sky, suddenly the size of a bus, with a roar that shook the ground they stood on. He soared up, blocking the afternoon sun before swooping down and roaring at Theo, who now knew Doomsday could snap him up like a snack. The field filled with the acrid stench of urine. Theo growled and then ran from the meadow.

The wolves present sought each other out for comfort, staring at the dragon in fear and awe. Knowing they were safe didn’t make Doomy any less scary.

With a single thought, Doomy returned to him, shrinking and then sliding onto his skin.

I know we don’t know each other yet, but darling, that was so fucking hot, Peter stared at him, red eyes alight with barely restrained lust.

Stiles blushed and put his shirt back on. “Time to go?”

“Sure. Would you do me the honor of having coffee with me?” Peter asked.

Giving a shy smile, Stiles nodded. “I’d like that.”

“What about the money?” Scott whined. “You agreed!”

Peter rolled his eyes. “The contract is broken, McCall. I’m not mated, so I’m not paying a mating price. Accept it, little boy, and move on.”

Scott listened as Allison whispered in his ear. “Okay, uh okay. But, we still have to sit down and write up the alliance papers,” Scott tried.

Peter cocked his head to the side. “There was never any mention of an alliance. Not in the contract and not that we discussed.”

“But I thought because we sold you Stiles,” Scott blanched and Allison rolled her eyes. “I mean…”

“Finally you say the words. Nice. Great going, bro. I feel the love. Seriously, though, you’re an idiot. You have no idea what you lost,” Stiles told him. He would not show how much this hurt him, how much Scott hurt him. He felt Peter shoring up his side of the bond, protecting his heart. “No alliance. No money. No druid. No power.” Stiles felt the victory. A little hollow, but at the same time, he finally felt like he got his. He got to say what he wanted, serve up his own version of hurt. He was satisfied.

“To those who have been loyal, you know who you are and I’ll be in contact,” Stiles said. He turned from all of them, putting them behind him and let go of the anger. “So, our first date is coffee. What’s our second date?”

Peter wrapped his arm around him and tucked him close. “Well, we didn’t mate, but I did have a honeymoon of sorts planned. Ever wanted to travel?”

Stiles did a little skip of excitement. “Yes! Where to?”

“Ten European countries in thirty days. You up for it? It’s not too much for a second date?” Peter watched Stiles expressive face and grinned when joy burst onto his face like the sun.

“Really? Really? Holy crap! Yes! And it’s too much for a second date, but not a second, third, fourth and so on,” Stiles said with a cheeky grin.

“Well, I’m glad we’ve got that figured out. Shall we?” He offered his arm and they turned and walked away.

Stiles stopped for a moment once they were near the tree line and turned back. Scott was still staring at them, Allison whispering furiously, waving her hands around.

“Stiles, your dad is on the phone,” Allison said, jogging over to hand her phone over. Scott followed slowly.

Stiles took it and put it on speaker. He knew everyone would hear anyway. “Dad,” was all he said. For the next minute he listened to his father berate him and tell him he couldn’t be irresponsible and not fulfill the contract. “Well, that’s your opinion. It’s not mine.”

“My son would honor that contract,’ the sheriff said, trying to guilt trip him.

Stiles felt something in him crack open. “Well, I guess I’m not your son.” Peter pulled him close and soothed him in their bonds, just as Derek and Jordan were doing.

“I guess you aren’t,” Noah said.

The call ended and he handed his phone back to a smirking Allison. Peter automatically took his hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. Stiles noticed the smirk and lifted a brow at Allison’s disrespect. “You really want to watch that attitude Allison. You don’t want to piss off my pack. I may have lost my father, but that doesn’t get you the million dollars. Or an alliance. Or a druid. Oh and Scott, one thing I do thank you for is introducing me to my mate. Who knew!” Stiles said with a grin, holding up his and Peter’s clasped hands.

Allison gave them a fake pleased smile. “Then just have the ceremony so we can call this even and there won’t be strife between the packs.”

Peter scoffed, his blue eyes ice cold. “You think you have a foot to stand on? You don’t scare me or my pack. Or my Spark. Back down, little hunter. You have no power here.”

“No, but I have this,” she said and pulled a dagger from somewhere and threw it at Stiles.

Before anyone could even jump to protect him, the dagger stopped in midair before crumpling up like tin foil.

Peter roared and only Stiles hand kept him from leaping at Allison. Calm, please, Alpha. Let’s get through this so we can get out of here. It took a solid minute for him to get himself under control. “You should be arrested for attempted murder. Only the grace of my mate keeps me from taking you out.”

Stiles used the wind to toss the chunk of metal and it landed at Scott’s feet. “Here’s your money. Melt down the silver. Sell it for scrap,” Stiles said. “Won’t be a million dollars, but you might be able to get a soda.”

One more thing, mate, and then we’ll be gone. “By the by, Alpha McCall, I have to say I was surprised by your acceptance of a million dollars. You know the last true Spark that was mated off received a mating gift of over ten million dollars? That wasn’t even including having the Life Giver gift. You really need to do your research,” Peter told Scott with a smug smile, chuckling as the other alpha turned as red as his eyes. “Let’s go.”

Scott was still cursing at Stiles, demanding his money and arguing with Allison when Peter and Stiles were walking through the woods to their vehicles.

That was the end. There was no unfinished business. Theo had gotten his with his public humiliation. Deaton had lost his power completely. Scott had his nose rubbed in his shortcomings. His father lost his son.

Stiles and Peter paused at their vehicles. Peter invited Stiles to visit their packlands for a barbecue. Stiles never turned down free food and now he wouldn’t give up the chance to talk to Peter.

What a day!

Stiles spent that night getting to know his mate and their packmates. Learning about one another and strengthening the pack bonds, solidifying them. Stiles felt like he was high, there was so much joy and excitement running through him and his pack. He would be moving to Beacon County as soon as he could pack and would have most of his stuff at the packhouse while he was on the trip with Peter. They weren’t officially living together, but it was kind of a foregone conclusion.

At the end of the night, under the moon and stars, Peter kissed him. For a kickass alpha, he was a true gentleman and asked if he could kiss him. Stiles, of course, said yes. Peter’s lips were firm against his, kissing first his top then bottom lip before tilting Stiles’ head to the side and kissing him deeply. Far above them in the sky, Doomy soared through the clouds, his roar declaring to the world that they were mates for life.

Stiles couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

The End?