Archive of Our Own

Stiles hates werewolves.

Well, hate is a strong word. He shouldn't get carried away with prejudice. Especially putting everyone in the same bag when he knows they're not really all the same. But Stiles can say that he hates those in charge of the government. Especially the governor of California. Now that one really is a son of a bitch.

Deucalion, an alpha both as a werewolf and in his secondary gender, assumed the governorship about a year ago and brought with him a whole wave of legislative changes that only ended up benefiting the werewolf race. 

Which you could say was a little understandable, considering everything that happened years ago, in "The Great Hunt". Around 15 years ago, a conflict broke out in the United States between hunters and creatures from the supernatural world. The latter had always kept themselves in the shadows of a normal life, until a family of hunters fired the first bullet that declared war.

Coming from France, the Argent were the ones who acted first and triggered the conflict. The hunters had slaughtered a pack of werewolves that were supposedly causing a series of riots throughout the state of California. But the supernatural community couldn't keep silent after that, especially the werewolves, who have been a prime target of the hunting family for centuries.

The survivors of the pack wanted to resolve the situation through the court. But fear had been spread in the human community. And victims of the riots that had been caused by the werewolf family, came out to speak out against the pack. That only added fuel to the fire, and the hatred between the two sides exploded into a civil war.

Not only the werewolves, tired of hiding and running away from the hunters, joined the cause. But creatures of other races also raised their voices, exhausted of living in the shadows and in fear. From shapeshifters to magical beings, all joined the family's victims' cause.

On the other side, frightened civilians and governments —who considered the supernatural community a threat to human security— joined the hunters. Several governors agreed to call for military action. Little did they know that there were supernatural members in both the political parties and the military. As a result, the conflict flared up and the guerrillas were unleashed in different states of the country.

What nobody expected was that the president of the United States would be a "fuchsbau". A fox-like shape shifter. A race which is known in the supernatural world for being peaceful and without any remarkable abilities. They have always been a target for hunters or other more violent races. Faced with the situation, the president stood up in rejection of the hunters' actions, aiming to implement pro-shifter policies. But that only stirred up the hate among the hunters' supporters, and led the hunters themselves to organize a retreat that ended the lives of several political leaders. Mainly the president.

That was the final straw that broke the camel's back. The hatred and revenge were palpable in the air. In just a few hours, the supernatural faction had wiped out most of the hunter army. The entire nation fell into a chilling silence when the leaders of the hunters group announced their defeat.

The peace that had been intended to achieve, was through hundreds of sacrifices and seas of spilled blood. Fear and anxiety reigned throughout all the United States, there was no one to lead and bring back a sense of security and stability to the people. No one trusted anyone and even though the war was over, the fear remained.

Until Talia Hale, alpha and mother of the survivor herd, took over as president.

The first few years were difficult, the opposition obviously didn't stay quiet and did everything in their power to prevent her government. But the people who wanted to live in peace again, no matter if they were human or werewolf, they could see the alpha woman's intentions, how she wanted to do things right this time. 

As the story of what actually happened became known, how she and her family had fallen victim to the unfounded hatred of the hunters. After all there was proof of how they had been wrongfully blamed. How the hunters had created a whole propaganda against the wolves, when in reality, they had greatly exaggerated what had been just an argument between a werewolf and a female hunter.

Talia expressed that at the time, she couldn't defend her family, but this time she wouldn't let the same thing happen again, not with her country.

To say that the first years were complicated would be an understatement. Because, in addition to rebuilding the bases of trust in a political party with an entire nation, they also had to bring back trust among the citizens themselves and overcoming experience after the civil war. On top of that, rebuilding a nation in which both humans and supernatural creatures could live together in harmony, was also necessary.

Which was not at all easy.

And what happened in the United States was a major shock to the whole world. The existence of a 'supernatural world' had always been there, but it had never been assumed or known, it had always been kept hidden. But now it was worldwide knowledge. It was the birth of a new paradigm. Revolutions in favor of the supernatural were taking place all over the globe. Humanity had to adapt to the existence of a different other, but one that was not as human as the others.

Even so, as the years went by and along with the consequences of the civil wars, the United States government had to make a decision that came as a surprise to many. The law received both criticism and questions, but curiosity was one of the biggest reactions from the public.

An annual mating run.

The main objective was quite obvious. Much of the nation's population had been reduced in the war fighting. Large cities were completely destroyed as they became battlefields. Many families lost a great part of their members as they were caught in the middle of the most violent conflicts. The number of casualties took by the war became immeasurable. The United States was barely holding together with the few survivors. And the situation was no different in the rest of the world.

The idea was to encourage the repopulation and reunion, to be able to build a family again. In simple words, these were the honest intentions. There were also others, such as the concern for the preservation of certain races, or the run proposed as a sporting activity and collective union in the communities.

It was a common tradition among werewolves, but one that had also been practiced by mankind in past centuries. For werewolves, this practice had a greater significance, since they were a species in which the bond with the other represents strength. Establishing packs. Establishing trust. Establishing relationships. A mating run responds to those instincts and the desire to establish connections, that is so latent in their blood.

Despite the objections of the opposition, the distrust and bewilderment of the majority of the citizens, the law was approved with a majority of votes in favor. After all, a large part of the population at that time was composed of werewolves and other races.

Over the years, each state incorporated and adjusted the activity according to their needs and customs. Since the practice did not legally imply the obligatory participation of the citizens. In addition, the run had also been introduced as a means to achieve other objectives in relation to the population, the development of citizenship of the community. 

One of the objectives was to function as a national census, in order to compile the living and working conditions of the habitants. In a similar way, it also sought to unite communities and encourage relations between cities. Even in some cases it has been considered as a festival. Many engaged couples have done the mating run as a ceremony for the consummation of their marriage.

Stiles was no one to judge each person's decision. After all, everyone was different and the last few years of his life were a clear experience of this. Perhaps the one thing that he did consider worthy of questioning was: the date that had been set for the national celebration of the mating run. February 14, Valentine's Day. Really? Couldn't it have been any other day? The decision seemed to have been made with the intention of honoring the date in accordance with the practice. Or that it was a joke among legislators. 

But what he couldn't help to judge were the political decisions made by Deucalion as governor of the state of California. The problem was not that he was a werewolf, or an alpha of a pack of alphas —which was peculiar enough itself — but that his campaigns were always on a pro-supernatural extreme. Especially with a strong belief of the werewolf supremacy.

He winning the election was not a surprise, considering that —apparently— most of California's population were werewolves. But it was also the location where it all began. Plus it seemed that being an alpha of alphas ended up adding up points of admiration and trust in the supernatural community. Not to mention that he had a certain charm when speaking. His speeches always ended up being very appealing to many.

In fact, the most questionable thing for the omega about Deucalion's policies were the decisions and changes he made about the organization and realization of the mating run. Those would not come as a surprise to anyone, as most of the popullation were very much in line with his political campaign. 

But what Stiles couldn't believe was that there were still people who agreed with his decisions. Because there was a level of facism and almost primitive behavior hidden among the changes he made.

First of all, only werewolves that were alphas as a secondary gender were allowed to participate. If a human or other creature wanted to participate, they needed to get permission from the alpha leader of the pack ruling the territory to which the participant belonged. Those of secondary gender Beta could not participate. The surprising thing was that this clause was accepted. Although it was understandable that many people didn't care.

After all, it was the second modification on the mating run that showed how archaic Deucalion's thinking was. In the practice, alphas were allowed to recur to the use of the force, whether it was fighting the other alphas or using force to hold down an omega. 

To Stiles, such actions were repugnant. Society, especially the omega community, has tried to work against such attitudes and practices, and to redefine the place of the omega as an equal and not as a minority that the alphas can control. But then, politics permited actions such as these.

In spite of the campaigns of repudiation and protest against this clause, everything ended up falling on deaf ears. Supposedly, the governor explained that allowing the use of force did not mean that the alpha was allowed to hurt the omega, but rather that the reference was to being able to physically catch the omega, unlike in other states, where only a touch was considered allowed.

Deucalion's other excuses were that this was somewhat instinctive on the part of werewolves and alphas. The adrenaline and fighting instinct they feel when facing another alpha, the need to expose themselves as stronger and more capable than others, to dominate and subdue the other. These were natural impulses that everyone has, but that were more latent in werewolves and that the mating run served as a means of sublimation to let out those instincts that are usually repressed.

A place where they can allow themselves to let out what they are. And it partly made sense, being that it was a werewolf practice and tradition. Still, the use of violence was completely unnecessary and primitive for the year they live in.

The only thing to Stiles that could stand out was that if the mating run, an alpha managed to encounter an omega and finish the run together, there would be a trial phase. It was proposed that they would live together within six months, so that the two could get to know each other. And if neither party agrees to continue or it simply doesn't work out, the union would be annulled.

The omega could admit that fact was a big step, unlike in the past, when the only opinion that mattered was that of the alpha. Also considering the primitive functioning in the mating run of the use of violence among the participants. That the omega could vote to reject the alpha was something to be positively acknowledged.

Still, there was the question of what would happen if the omega didn't agree to the relationship but the alpha did. Supposedly, the story they sell you with the mating run was that the unions that were formed were meant to happen. An alpha will go after an omega whom they see as a potential mate. In the same way an omega will let themselves be found by an alpha they see as suitable to be their mate. 

It was how they will romanticize a practice which was practically a persecution. So it was in Stiles' eyes. But he also understood that it was part of the werewolf culture, and he knew how the perspective of both worlds were different. Something that wolves have lived with for generations and that they consider to be almost second nature. It wasn't the same for other people.

Because after all, luckily, history cannot be silenced. And there is a record of events in which an alpha has submitted an omega by force. This has been recurrent for years. The desire to subdue and dominate makes no distinction between races. So Stiles was sure that werewolves would be no different. No matter how much they lie to everybody that werewolves wouldn't force a union and because for them it's the most important thing, finding their mate.

Violence is in everyone. The war was a great proof of that, no matter if it was a counteroffensive on the part of the werewolves for being the supposed victims of the story. The Hale had been the actual victims of that homicide, which took the lives of many innocent members of that family. But other packs did take advantage of the situation as an excuse to unleash their long-held grudges in violent retaliation.

However, there were no reports of an omega refusing a relationship with an alpha. Which could be equally as good or as bad. 

And Stiles has been into the cause for omega rights since he was a teenager. Plus his father was the sheriff and being a human with hyperactivity took his insatiable curiosity to new levels. He even went so far as to read police reports behind his father's back.

That he didn't find any cases at the police station wasn't exactly assuring for the omega. Knowing all the incidents of violence to omegas by alphas that his father has had to investigate. And as a newly graduated detective working at the Beacon Hills police station, he didn’t find no reports of an omega being submitted by an alpha on the mating run was kinda suspicious.

Which can mean only two things. Either that werewolves would never force an omega into a mating bond. Or that all those cases have been covered up. Stiles may be paranoid and have read and watched a lot of cop series. But corruption does exist everywhere.

Although, even if the election by the omega can be seen as a step forward in Deucalion's government. Whenever it comes to the policies of that alpha, they come with several steps backwards. And one of those was that if an omega, at the age of 24, is still without a mate, participation is mandatory, until they can find a potential mate. They were given the option to choose in which city to participate if in previous cases, in the place of their residence, the mating run had been ineffective for the omega.

And the worst part of the situation was that Stiles is 24 years old and single.

Great

~O~

Stiles was in the mayor's office, filling out the registration papers for the mating run. He ignored the secretary's comment about it being a shame that she as a beta couldn't participate, because according to her, it was a waste that such a pretty face as him was single. He was used to compliments from people, he knows his face is attractive, many alphas have reminded him of it for many years when they found out he was single.

And many of them have wanted to take advantage of that. Especially werewolves. Since Talia had assumed the presidency, the politics were, for most of those years, in the hands of the werewolves. Although the Hale government had the best of intentions, and even proof of that was her reelection. It wasn't possible to control every detail in every part of the vast nation of America.

That led to various creatures taking advantage of this. That the government was pro-shifter seemed to make them believe that they could do whatever they wanted. Even so, certain acts did not go unnoticed in the eyes of the she-wolf. Talia's campaigns always aimed at equality and repudiated acts of oppression of other races, even if the aggressors were werewolves.

But in cities like Beacon Hills, controlling situations like this can go unnoticed. It hasn't reached worrying levels but there were always some people who believed they were better than others, just because they were werewolves or stronger than humans. Situations that Stiles has had to experience first hand being an omega and a human.

His high school experience has not been the best. Bullying is no stranger to anyone but sometimes it is a little more intense coming from alphas. Especially if they are the ones you end up rejecting their advancement. 

Matt had taken it out on the omega just for the pleasure of bothering him. Although Lydia had the suspicion that it was because the alpha had some attraction for him, but Stiles never showed interest in him. Besides he wasn't the typical omega who would shut up in front of an alpha. Which annoyed Daehler to no end.

His other high school experience was his relationship with Theo. At first the alpha had been charming, always attentive and sweet-talking. Impossible not to end up giving in to his charms or his great worked body. Werewolves and their genes. But when Stiles refused to be knotted by the alpha, the alpha ended up showing his true colors. 

It wasn't like Stiles was going to give in for any pretty face. He was glad his father and Parrish had taught him self-defense. Because Stiles didn't know how he would have escaped Theo's grip when he wanted to take advantage of the omega by force.

In college it was no different. Although some people would like to believe that everyone is an adult and has some common sense, there will always be that person with a superiority complex enhanced to a thousand by being an alpha. They were minor situations but it didn't take away from the fact that they happened. Anything can happen at a fraternity party and no one knows about it. What he couldn't deny was that those parties were fun, as long as they involved drunken werewolves. Although that, too, made them more uninhibited.

His luck was like a russian roulette when it came to the alphas. Like, he never expected two of them to fight over him, at one of the frat parties. The effects of alcohol. Others, sometimes, became overly affectionate. Ideal when it is winter, they are walking heaters. Although they also get carried away with that "providing" instinct. Some gifts were lovely, others were a bit peculiar. And he even lost count of how many dick pics he has received on his social networks.

And speaking of his luck, the voices he heard calling his name sent shivers down his spine. He hadn't expected to find them right there.

"Well, well. If it isn't the new Detective Stilinski," Stiles turned to meet the obnoxious grin of Theo Raeken, accompanied by Matt. Those two just had to be together. "Haven't you found an alpha who wants your hyperactive ass yet?"

"You know what? No, I've been too busy looking for volunteers for a study of alphas with an ego bigger than their brains. I should have started with you." Stiles replied, he wasn't going to give in to Raeken's provocations, it was best to ignore him.  If he could avoid his sarcasm. After all, he knew how violent the alpha usually can get.

"I'm not going to help you on your stupid cases." Theo replied with a disdainful tone, crossing his arms.

"I think he's... making fun of you." Matt whispered fearfully for the other alpha's possible reaction. And sure enough, Theo shoved Daehler, telling him to shut up. Stiles took it as a victory.

"Anyway. If you are here, surely you are also here to register as a participant. Funny how the pot calls the kettle black. Anyway, I hope you have good luck finding an omega who can put up with both your huge ego and your tiny penis." Stiles tried to leave, putting his things away and walking towards the exit. But a strong grip on his arm stopped him.

"You think you can just walk away after talking to me like that?" Theo growled through his teeth, his eyes glowing golden.

"Let me go, Raeken." Stiles replied with the same tone. His hand trying to break free of the alpha's grip, though he knew it was useless. "Don't do anything stupid. Remember you're dealing with a law figure."

"Theo, please." Matt begged, who was noticeably nervous, looking at how the scene had caught the attention of the people around them. It seemed Matt was the only one with brain cells of the two.

"Listen to your friend Raeken. He's the one who seems to have a bit of sense out of the two of you." Stiles replied tauntingly but couldn't help but let out a high-pitched groan when Theo tightened his grip.

"We'll see when I catch you on the mating run. You're not going to talk to me like that ever again. I'll educate you well on how to be a house omega." He hissed, his grip getting tighter and tighter, pulling Stiles to growl at his face.

"You think I'd want a piece of shit like you to be my alpha?" Despite the pain in his wrist, rage boiled in the omega's chest.

"It doesn't matter if you want to or not. As long as I don't refuse the union, you will be mine." The alpha commented, control over his shifting nearly slipping away. Stiles could no longer hold back the whimpers of pain, if the werewolf continued, the omega was sure to end up with a broken bone.

"Get off me Raeken!" Stiles growled, already thinking how to get free of the other without it looking like abuse of power.

"Theo please." Said Matt tugging on the alpha.

And before Stiles could resort to the techniques Parrish had taught him and break free from the grip, someone quickly intervened, causing Theo to let out a pained yelp. Stiles sighed in relief as he felt his wrist free, raising his gaze to meet the broad back of a man with a leather jacket, dark-as-night hair and a dangerous look. It took no sign for the omega to notice that the man was an alpha and a werewolf.

The man had a tight grip on Theo's wrist with his right hand. The whimpers Raeken let out were a sign of the force the taller alpha was using. Stiles didn't want to imagine that the cracking noise he was hearing was the blond's bones.

"He asked you not to disturb him." The new alpha said, his tone wasn't harsh but the intonation was menacing, seeming to vibrate from his chest. Stiles wasn't in the mood to be in the middle of a fight between alphas, especially if they were werewolves.

Quickly, security, seeming to notice the situation in the area, appeared to intervene and separate the man from Theo. The latter complained that he had been provoked, that Stiles had abused his police powers and other nonsense. Typical alpha attitude of ranting when their ego gets hurt. The omega had to show his badge so that the situation would not end up escalating to worse.

"Don't worry. Mr. Raeken was already retreating." Stiles said to security, already calmer. Looking sideways at the brunette alpha who hadn't left his side.

Theo released his grip on the security violently, rearranging his clothes and massaging his wrist. The large, dark bruise, along with the swelling, were a sign that the other werewolf did break his bones. Raeken was clenching his jaw, as he glared at them both. When he wanted to approach Stiles, the growl of the alpha at his side, made the blond back away, cursing the omega as he retreated from the space, being followed by a worried Matt.

Then security approached Stiles to ask how the situation had gone and if he wished to file a report. Once he was left alone, Stiles could see that the alpha was still by his side, serious, his gaze fixed on where Theo had gone. Without any further interference, the human was able to observe every detail of the alpha's appearance who had come to his rescue.

The alpha was not much taller than the omega but his build was much bigger, a large and muscular body, typical of an alpha. His face was sharp in his features, giving him a mature and masculine appearance. His beard, as dark as his hair, brought out the prettiest green eyes Stiles had ever seen.

What was curious to the omega was how familiar the alpha's face looked to him. The werewolf surely noticed his gaze, because he turned to the human and raised an eyebrow as a silent question. And ok, an eyebrow shouldn't be that expressive. 

"I appreciated your help a few moments ago. But I don't remember asking for it. I was fine on my own." He said without seeking to sound ungrateful, though he had to make it clear to the alpha that he shouldn't have interfered. Stiles has his pride he got from his father, and prefers to settle matters with his own hands. He wasn't a damsel in distress because he was an omega. Though werewolves don't seem to understand that and always end up butting in. The alpha raised his eyebrow again.

"I... I smelled a scent of distress and pain. I couldn't ignore it. I'm sorry for stepping in where it was none of my business." The tone of his voice sounded softer and more gentle than when he was threatening Theo.

"It's okay. After all you did save me from who knows what. But you werewolves, especially alphas, need to understand that not all omegas are someone you need to protect. I can defend myself on my own." He said confidently, framing his shoulders, even though he felt small in comparison to the alpha in front of him. 

"I have no doubt of that, Detective Stilinski." He replied with a small smile and goodness gracious. As small as it was, a smile wasn't supposed to brighten a face like that.

"How do you know who I am?" Stiles asked to distract himself from that smile.

"Your badge." The man pointed, which Stiles still carried in his hand. Of course. He'd used it moments ago to ease the tension with the guards.

"Sure. Duh." Laughed the omega awkwardly. 

" Perfect, Stiles. You get caught over staring and now you're gawking at a smile. " The omega scolded himself in his thoughts. But just as he was about to ask the alpha's name, his phone started ringing, he couldn't help but let out a groan when he saw who was calling.

Dad. Which was no good at all. He wasn't surprised that his father had already heard about what happened at the town hall.

"If you'll excuse me, I have to answer." Stiles excused himself, the alpha just nodded and the omega stepped away to talk more privately. As soon as he answered the call, his father's voice sounded demanding, not waiting for his son to say anything.

"I need you to come to the police station." He said in his police tone.

"Dad, please..."

"Now." And he ended the call.

Stiles sighed, massaging his temple. He already knew what would be waiting for him when he gets to the police station. Still he was surprised at how quickly his father found out what happened. The omega assumes that when you're the sheriff for so many years, you have ears all over town. 

The human looked back to where he had left the alpha. Who was in fact still there, now talking to two women. The three of them looked like they had stepped off the cover of a magazine and Stiles thought it wasn't at all fair to look that good. Those women also looked familiar to him, the resemblance between the three of them was something he should realize. But now he couldn't decipher who they were, plus his eyes kept drifting back to the alpha, his gaze caught on that profile. The man noticed again that Stiles was staring.

"I have to go." He said knowing the werewolf could hear him just as well despite the distance. The alpha nodded and waved at him.

Stiles knew better than anyone that he shouldn't keep his father waiting. Later he might find out who was his supposed savior. He could even ask his dad to look for him. If he was so attentive to his son's safety, the sheriff surely knew who it was that helped Stiles.

~O~

"You're overreacting..." Stiles groaned when his father told him about the procedure he wanted to take to keep his son safe.

"I'm just taking the measures that are necessary." His father replied, sitting back down at his desk, as if the discussion was closed. But no, his father should know better that the omega never gives in easily.

"I can take care of myself, dad. I don't need Jordan or the other officers as babysitters. I'm an adult now, in case you don't remember. I thought we were past the phase where I'm not a fragile flower because I'm an omega."

"The bruise on your arm proves me otherwise." His father commented. Stiles covered his wrist, knowing it wouldn't go away the mark on Theo's fingers. It was in the car that he realized Raeken had indeed squeezed hard enough to hurt him. If it wasn't for the other alpha.

"It's not just about that Stiles." Jordan attempted, in a soft tone, trying to calm the omega down.

"Then what, Parrish? Because I don't think you have enough time and the will to be following me around every day." He retorted, his tone making the cop flinch.

He knew Jordan wasn't to blame but Stiles was tired of those overprotective attitudes. He also didn't want to go through what he experienced in high school again after what he went through with Theo as his boyfriend. Even though it was for his own good, it was embarrassing to walk the school with cops as bodyguards.

"One of the agents I sent to investigate some of Deucalion's abandoned properties was found dead, Stiles." John commented in a serious tone, snapping Stiles out of his irritation.

"What? Who? What happened?" Stiles didn't know that. The worst part was that he knew most of the members of the station. They all cared for his father as if they were family.

"McCall. A confidential case had come in involving Deucalion. We'd gotten some reports that they'd seen movement on some of his abandoned property on the town limits."

"It can't be." He whispered taking the case papers. Still reading it in disbelief. Scott was about Stiles' age. He was a very nice guy.

"We have a suspicion that Deucalion is hiding something. And we may have poked the bear." His father continued explaining, as he handed other papers to his son. The omega was not surprised that there was an investigation in the governor's name for corruption.

"You don't think he..." Stiles didn't continue. Not wanting to imagine what his father was thinking.

"No. But I can't take any chances." John sighed. And Stiles could notice the visible weariness on his father's face. The omega felt a little guilty about snapping like he did minutes ago. "Not when rumors have reached me, that Raeken and Daehler have been meeting with members of Deucalion's staff."

That was not good at all.

"Theo signed up for the mating run too." Stiles said automatically. Beginning to connect the dots for which they justified his father's concern.

"Plus he threatened you," Stiles was going to ask how he knew that too, but it was no surprise that his father and town sheriff already known about it. A father would do anything for his son. More so if that father has an entire police station at his service. "That's why Parrish and other agents are going to be accompanying you these next few days."

"And what will you do in the mating run? The law says I have to participate no matter what. Don't tell me you're going to make Jordan participate too. He's got enough on his plate with keeping an eye on me, I don't think he wants to spend a lifetime with me." Stiles tried to joke but he glanced at Jordan worried that his father had already made the cop sign up. Parrish just denied.

"Don't worry, I've already taken certain precautions with that." John said, not explaining further when the omega was left waiting for him to continue, but his father went on with his work.

"What do you mean by that, what precautions?" Despite this being his own son and even working with him. Stiles was sometimes unaware of the secrets John had hidden as Sheriff.

"I just been pulling in a few favors. Now, if you can take care of Mr. Davis' missing cat case." Stiles growled in frustration when his father told him that. 

When everything is calm in Beacon Hills, movement at the police station is pretty slow. And it seems Mr. Davis has a sixth sense for knowing when to bother the station with his very trivial problems. Though surely his father ordered him to do so on purpose, so that Stiles isn't snooping around regarding the Deucalion case or his alleged favors. Even though Stiles' job itself would be to investigate!

~O~

Anxiety.

That was what Stiles was feeling as he drove to the meeting point for the omegas participating in the mating run. He felt his palms getting sweaty and his chest starting to feel tight. The omega was trying to be as calm as possible because he knew that if he got carried away with his thoughts, it would be a one way ticket.

He didn't want to admit it but the omega couldn't deny that he was feeling afraid of what might happen. Maybe he wouldn't feel that way if he hadn't run into Theo and Matt at the town hall. But the situation was different. Stiles knew he was either capable of defending himself or had enough training to break free of an alpha's grip. The upside is that the use of force is allowed. And that goes for both alphas and omegas.

But the whole problem was in the series of situations that seemed to end up all concluding at the same point. That point being Deucalion. The possible corruption cases was no surprise, but the omega was able to investigate that the list might be bigger. There was also Raeken's rumored relationship with the alpha governor. As well as the murder of officer McCall, a case that his father did not let him work on because of the closeness between the two of them. Adding that Theo and Matt will participate in the mating run and that Deucalion will be present at the inauguration.

There are many factors that were not yet connected but instinct tells him that everything was related. And he knows his father felt the same way. That was why John had assigned him the company of an officer for his safety. It wasn't a certain science that Deucalion was going to mark the Stilinskis as his targets, it wouldn't be a smart move either. But Theo's unpredictable and explosive behavior gave no room for reassurance.

The werewolves at the police station assured him that he shouldn't worry about the mating run. That alphas find an omega on the Run when they are actually compatible to be a couple. That although it may not seem like it - according to their experience - it is the instinct that drives and directs a werewolf in the mating run. 

Which wasn't rocket science anyway and Stiles would have to rely on the subjective reassurance of his coworkers. Though if Theo's desire for revenge was great enough to guide his instincts, Stiles would have to be prepared to stand up against the alpha. It would be worse if Matt joins to the equation.

The days that passed since he talked to his dad about the incident at Town Hall were pretty uneventful, thankfully. Even though he had Jordan or another officer on his heels most of the time, there hadn't been any incidents. And Stiles would rather not think about that again and concentrate completely on his work. So much that he completely forgot that he wanted to know who was the mysterious alpha that intervened. He also didn't cross paths again with him or Raeken enough to remember either.

The other question that kept his mind occupied was to know what exactly his father had meant when he said he had already taken the necessary precautions for the mating run. The omega knows that the Sheriff and the police station are in charge of looking after the safety of the participants as well as the other activities taking place on that day. But they cannot intervene in the Run, after all it would ruin the purpose of the activity.

However, if there was no certainty about the safety of the participants, especially the omegas, it would be like throwing them into the wolf's mouth —literally and figuratively speaking.

Even though Parrish was sitting in the passenger seat, in the Jeep with him now, the alpha wasn't going to participate. Besides participating in the mating run would be putting himself as a shield to the omega, which Stiles was completely against. Besides, the beta already had his mate a long time ago. Lydia Martin. The most beautiful alpha the omega had ever seen in his short life at the beginning of high school. Although after he got over his crush, he never thought he would end up having a loyal friendship with the redhead. Still, Stiles was glad that Lydia and Jordan ended up together, after all they complemented each other perfectly.

Which still left the question of what his father had planned.

He didn't want to imagine that his father had hired someone from private security. Since it was embarrassing to need a bodyguard as an adult, plus he is also part of the police department, Stiles didn't want to be seen as a fragile omega either. He felt no shame in being an omega, but his wounded pride —which he surely inherited from his father— was in the fact that he had to depend on someone else. It has always been him and John since his mother passed away, them against the world. And since he began his life as an independent adult, Stiles has always wanted to take the burden off his father in his need to care for him. The omega was already an adult, he didn't have to get into situations that would feed the fear and overprotectiveness of the older Stilinski.

The worst part was that his father wouldn't tell him what he had planned. No matter how much Stiles insisted. John would only tell him not to worry and just concentrate on finishing the Run safe and sound. He also reminded the omega to use violence if necessary, but that he would take care of the rest. With that last, Stiles was sure he was referring to the alphas. And he didn't think his father would have been able to come up with something to complicate the participating alphas.

The next few minutes of arriving at the site, confirming his attendance as a participant, and listening to the explanation of the procedure and routes to be kept in mind, all went by in automatic mode. Stiles was immersed in his thoughts, rethinking and re-planning his strategies, questioning what his father had done and whether he should be sure that Theo wouldn't be able to find him.

Despite having better senses than an ordinary human, Raeken was pretty bad at geography in high school. So the omega hoped that his sense of location was just as bad. It was a ridiculous idea but it was the only thing that was granting him security as he watched the sun go down over the horizon.

It's literally like being on a hunt. Stiles thought, swallowing his breath.

The time of day for mating runs varies from state to state. In California it starts at dusk and the reason was to not rely on sight alone, but to be able to use the other senses. Since in the darkness of the night, both omegas and alphas have a better chance to hide and use their surroundings. Humans had a certain disadvantage in this case, but they were also given certain equipment to make up for these shortcomings.

On that equipment you could count with a map of the space where the run takes place - in this case, the entire Beacon Hills Reservation - with directions to the starting and finishing line. Cell phones were not allowed. But they were given flashlights and batteries to run at night. A light supply of food and water for the omegas, if it became necessary. Also a first aid kit. And a signal flare, in case of an accident. After all, the topography of the reserve is quite varied and someone could end up hurt if carelessly traversed at night.

And that was also part of the challenge.

Stiles checked the small backpack that had that equipment in it. He wasn't surprised to find pepper spray and a panic button in his own. That must have been his father's doing. It wasn't exactly against the rules, but you're not allowed to carry objects that could hurt or harm other participants. Still, a participant could, for example, carry their own flashlight or other items that would help in their journey. Stiles, for example, could use pepper spray to hide his scent or to distract an alpha.

Stiles looked around, observing each omega that was with him in the room. Some faces looked familiar, others not so much. With his gaze he searched to see if his father had infiltrated some of the officers but none of the people were from the station. But who did catch his eye, though, was a face he could never forget. Jackson Whittemore.

The omega well remembered that the blond had been a jerk to him in the beginning of high school. Despite being an omega, Jackason stood out as an excellent lacrosse player. Which he seemed to use as an excuse to pick on Stiles. But upon becoming friends with Lydia, Jackson had to tone down his attitude and reluctantly accept Stiles into the group. It was there that Stiles understood that his crush on Lydia wasn't as passionate as he thought, that Jackson can be nice, that Danny is a genius with technology and that Allison was a sweetheart.

What did surprise him was that the last he heard from the Whittemore was that he had gone to study abroad and had been accepted into a pack. The human didn't know if the rumors were true or not, but it was said that the Hale were the ones who had accepted Jackson into the pack. That made him wonder what the blond was doing here, especially in Beacon Hills, participating in a Mating Run. Stiles wasn't blind, the blond has a body that any alpha or beta would die to claim, and that was the envy of any omega. Stiles could have been one of them. The human had seen that Jackson could have anyone he wanted.

But the omega would have to work on his discretion, because the blond also noticed that he was staring at him. Being caught, he disguised his embarrassment and raised his hand in a small wave. Jackson didn't seem bothered and only nodded in response to his greeting.

In his jumbled thoughts and nervousness, Stiles didn't realize the meeting had ended. They were explaining that the omegas always start out some time ahead of the alphas, so that they can take advantage of the evening light and check out the terrain. Then they asked everyone to proceed to where the starting line would be. The omega hurried quickly to catch up with the others. For a moment it seemed to him that Jackson had stayed further behind the others, as if waiting for him.

"Stop reeking of nerves, Stilinski. You're going to drive the alphas away. Though, that might be a good thing." The blond commented as Stiles reached the line.

"Wow Jackson, it's been a long time. I can tell you're still just as jerk as ever." Stiles replied with a smile, not letting himself be stepped on by the other omega's attitude, patting the blond on the back, friendly. Knowing that the blond seemed to be allergic to displays of affection. Though Stiles knows well that within those walls of smug attitudes, there was a mildly sweet person. Lydia was one of the few who had managed to bring out that side.

Jackson just rolled his eyes but didn't answer. For a few seconds, they continued to move forward in the silence, which was only interrupted by the murmurs of the other participants. What ended up surprising Stiles was that the blond was the one who spoke first again.

"You have nothing to worry about, Stilinski. As archaic as it may come to appear to many, in the mating run those who truly do fit always end up crossing paths." He spoke softly, almost in a whisper. No malice in his tone of voice, calm. And Stiles could almost believe that Jackson sought to reassure him with words of encouragement.

"Don't tell me you got the werewolf romance rubbed off on you too?" Stiles asked with genuine curiosity, he could expect it from anyone, but not the Jackson he remembered. But the look the blond gave him was a clear sign he was still the same as before.

"You can think what you want. But there's a reason the practice was approved by the Congress." Jackson replied, keeping his tone calm, which was unusual in high school.

"And it has nothing to do with the fact that most of the people who voted for it are werewolves. Has nothing to do with the fact that it's part of their culture and traditions." Jackson suddenly slowed down, the human turned around to see the serious look on the blond's face, he didn't seem upset with his comment but he didn't agree either.

"It's okay to disagree with our traditions. Everyone has their own view and that is what makes humanity so diverse and varied. If one denies this difference, he denies the existence of the other. Keep in mind that if you ever need help, it may be from someone you least expect it." Stiles was surprised that Jackson would say something like that to him, with an undeniable conviction in his eyes, leaving the human completely speechless. Once the blond seemed to see that he made his opinion clear. Stiles was left recalculating until he realized he was standing alone in the hallway.

"Fine. But there was no need to give me a life lecture!" Stiles shouted as he ran to catch up to the Whittemore.

"Say what you want Stilinski."

They didn't speak again but the conversation had managed to put some calm in the omega. Later he would have to thanks Jackson. And maybe plague him with questions about why he'd returned to Beacon Hills. Maybe question Lydia if she already knew the Whitemore was here. He also wanted to know if the blond had come alone or with his pack. Stiles didn't imagine that Talia Hale would have returned to California. After all, it would be all news if the Hale alpha and former president had returned to her hometown.

But before he became lost in thought again, the signal whistle for the start echoed throughout the space, the Run beginning with the omegas taking off.

Stiles started further behind the others but caught a glimpse of Jackson rolling his eyes at his cluelessness. Later the Stilinski would have many things to ask him. But at that moment, he had to concentrate on doing the opposite of the supposed objective in a mating run. And that was to not be found by any alpha, specifically Theo and Matt.

They were only given about 5 minutes head start, which may not seem like much in some cases, but for the omega it was more than enough. It's been a while since he's visited the preserve but he has complete faith in his sense of location and prayed that Raeken would fail in that area.

~O~

He was definitely lost.

And luck was not on his side either. Maybe he shouldn't have trusted that he knew the way. Or drink so much water earlier in the run. Because when he finished drinking, it seemed that he closed it wrong and ended up soaking half of the equipment in the bag. Among them, the map of the reserve that his father had left him. He tried to see if it was possible to save it, to let it dry a little. But as soon as he grabbed it, it fell apart in his hands. Perfect . 

If he had a compass, maybe, it would be much easier for him but his father apparently thought it wouldn't be necessary. And the omega would be happy with that vow of faith, if that was the way of the matter. But Stiles was so deep in his thoughts, thinking about which safe paths to take or where he could make his trail disappear, that he didn't even notice how fast the time passed. The sun had already set  and the human can't remember exactly where it went down.

The flare and panic button didn't seem to have gotten completely wet, so he had no fear that he would end up completely abandoned and lost in the woods. He couldn't test to see if they worked, though. So now he found himself moving forward following his instincts and knowledge to find the way. At that moment, he did feel a certain zeal not to count on the sharp senses of the werewolves.

And speaking of werewolf. Matt had found it.

It had already been about 30 minutes since the Run had started, according to the provisional clocks he was given. But Stiles was cleaning up something he stepped on with his sneaker and even though the dead smell would help cover his scent, the stench was too strong. Even for him. He was so distracted cleaning the sole of his slipper, that he didn't notice when Daehler snuck up behind him.

The scream he let out, when the alpha held him from behind with his arms, was nothing to be proud of. But the embarrassment didn't matter when the important thing was to free himself from Matt's grip. The arms clamped down hard on him, leaving him completely immobile. Daehler seemed to laugh proudly at having caught him so easily, cackling like a madman. Stiles always thought he was unhinged.

Though to both of their bad luck, the alpha seemed to forget that the use of force was allowed for both of them. And Stiles wasn't going to give up easily.

The omega mustered his strength, leaning his body forward, planting his feet firmly. Matt didn't get to tell him not to try anything, when quickly, Stiles lunged backward, headbutting Daehler full in the face. From the force and surprise of the impact, he released his grip on Stiles.

The omega would have celebrated that his attack worked. But the sting in the back of his head was extremely painful. It wouldn't surprise him if he'd got hurt too. Perhaps he used more force than he should have. Stiles could really say that the concept of thick-headed did apply with Matt, quite literally. Though he felt a certain pride in seeing the alpha nosebleed trying to get to his feet.  But with a look full of hate.

That wasn't good at all.

But Stiles had already dealt with a lot of annoying alphas in college. And Matt was a puppy next to the frat jock jerk. The omega got into position, remembering every technique from his self-defense training, knowing that with Daehler he'd have a better chance than with the musclebound of Theo. Or so he thought until the alpha pulled out a pocketknife.

Shit. The situation was different. Although he could disarm him. The look on Matt's face at that moment made Stiles absolutely uneasy, and some of his confidence was starting to crumble. Even though he knew how to disarm him, the alpha seemed totally out of control, which could make him totally unpredictable. The omega now understood what they meant by the saying, "as dangerous as a monkey with a knife."

"Matt, put that down. You know weapons aren't allowed." He tried to use a calm tone, not seeking to provoke the alpha. Though, headbutting him earlier perhaps wasn't his best idea.

"Shut the fuck up. You always make everything difficult. You and your family always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong." Spat the alpha with contempt.

What?

That threw the omega off balance. The alpha seemed to be nervous and out of control, casting quick glances over his shoulders. Which was not good at all and only fueled the fear that the situation was bigger than it seemed. Weapons are not allowed, neither is beta shifting for werewolves. The use of force is only allowed with a bare hand, though excessive violence was not tolerated either. Any action intended to harm the other was considered punishable and could result in a prison sentence.

So there was no way that Daehler just had decided to bring a knife on his own and, in particular, that he was able to smuggle it in. His father himself was the one in charge of inspecting the participants. Which meant the only option was that someone gave it to him. And that was much worse. More so considering what he said a few moments ago. "Y ou and your family, meddling where you shouldn't ."

"If you were just a good omega. If only you were a good omega." Matt growled again without looking at him. Taking the opportunity to swing at him with the knife when Stiles was distracted trying to figure out what he was referring to. But the omega managed to avoid the attack by jumping backwards, though his leg caught on a root, falling on his back.

Stiles quickly tried to get on his feet but Matt took the opportunity to kick him in the chest, choking off his breath. The omega let out a loud groan at the blow, his vision blurring for a few seconds. The impact ended up being stronger than he expected. Coughing as he tried to catch his breath, he looked up as the Daehler approached. And Stiles' whole body felt paralyzed at the look in Matt's eyes.

Since when was Matt a werewolf?

In the darkness of dusk, the golden glow in Matt's eyes only made him seem more dangerous. Stiles began to discreetly reach into his bag for the pepper spray, scrambling backwards, his whole body aching from the fall. Daehler was slowly approaching, as if enjoying the position he was in. The crazy bastard.

"If only you had behaved like a good omega." The tone the alpha used didn't sit well with Stiles at all. Believing as if he had won. But unfortunately, being a werewolf, he had the upper hand and the omega couldn't react quickly when the wolf grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and lifted him off the ground with one arm. "You should have thought of that before you attacked me."

"I can say the same to you." And before Matt could say anything, Stiles pulled out the pepper spray and jammed it in his face, pushing the button.

The omega held his breath and closed his eyes, taking advantage of rushing away as fast as he could when the alpha released him in response to the attack. Stiles knew it must not be at all good to receive gas from so close, worse it must be for a werewolf. 

Matt was coughing, his breathing fully agitated and cursing at the human. Stiles felt a little of guilt but he forgot it when he remembered that Matt seemed to have every intention of killing him.

The werewolf let out a pained howl, which echoed throughout the forest. A shiver ran down Stiles' back, thinking to shoot the flare to call for help for Matt. But his heart froze when he heard more howls in response. It hadn't been any cries of pain, he was calling for his pack.

And despite noticeably suffering the consequences of the pepper spray. Matt was still looking for Stiles, shouting his name and cursing him. The omega had to take the opportunity to get away from there immediately. Yet somehow the wolf must have realized his intentions, because he quickly rushed towards Stiles.

The omega started running, in the dark, stumbling even over his own feet but still not stopping despite hurting his knees from his tripping. He absolutely could not take on a werewolf in his beta shift, in an almost feral and completely angry state. Especially with Stiles being the cause of it.

He shouldn't look back. He didn't want to look back. He knew that if he did, it could end very badly for him. But the omega felt him close, very close. He just had to run, even if his whole body was aching from the tossing and falling. He couldn't stop. This wasn't supposed to happen in a real mating run. Stiles curses werewolves and their archaic traditions.

His fear urged him to keep running. But his ears stopped picking up Matt's ragged breathing. Although Stiles knew he shouldn't turn around, his curiosity for the certainty of having lost him was stronger. His impulse got the better of him and he turned around. Getting yet another surprise in less than an hour into the Run.

Jackson was holding the violent Matt to the ground. With the weight of his body, his knee on the wolf's back, he had him pinned to the ground. His right hand was holding the violent alpha's arms. While with his left, he pushed Matt's face into the ground. The blond seemed to want to say something, but the howls echoed throughout the forest again, this time more menacing.

"GO AWAY STILES! They want you. I'll be fine!" Stiles wanted to object but he heard a yellow flare being fired. That meant the police had gotten the message. The omega turned to look at Jackson, in the sky was the trail of a red flare. "RUN STILINSKI!" the Whittemore ordered again as the howls echoed again.

"Please. Be careful." Was all Stiles could say before turning and bolting out of there.

Stiles cursed the werewolves as he ran. Despite being almost out of breath, he felt as if he had made no progress at all. The yellow flare signal still seemed far away and he wasn't getting any closer, no matter how hard he ran. Maybe it would be better if he used his flare and also the panic button. That way they would find him faster and get him out of all that shit as soon as possible.

But as he stopped to look for the items in his bag, it didn't give him a chance to realize that someone had gotten close to him. So focused and nervous on finding the fucking flare, he only stopped when he heard someone talking to him. Of all the people he could come across in a situation like this, it had to be him. Bless his luck .

"What's the rush, Stiles?" Theo asked with remarkable faked innocence.

Stiles just stepped back out of instinct. Hating feeling this way, helpless, like prey before a predator. He curses that werewolves think they can do whatever the hell they want, that violence seems their only solution to problems. And that they always want to take things by force.

"It's a surprise to see you so quiet. Wolf got your tongue?" Theo's smile was disturbing and just turned the omega's stomach. Stiles couldn't believe he ever liked dating that disturbing alpha.

Stiles took a step back again as the alpha moved forward. The smile on his face getting bigger. His eyes glowing golden and drawing his claws in both hands. The omega looked for the pepper spray, but it was nowhere to be found. He probably dropped it while running away from Matt. Theo chuckling at his desperation.

"There's nothing that you can...

But he was interrupted by a loud roar that echoed behind Stiles' back. The omega felt all his skin crawl, it had sounded low and threatening. However, it wasn't directed at him. But at Theo, whose face was split between fear and rage, instinctively backing away.

"I thought I made it clear to you that he asked you not to bother him." That voice!

Stiles turned around, never expecting to find him right there. He didn't know if his heart was pounding with fear or relief at seeing someone else the omega might consider an ally. But it was him, the alpha wolf who had helped him at the city hall The alpha approached Stiles, his eyes glowing red and dangerous. 

He was an alpha werewolf.

Fuck. The omega knew the man was a werewolf but it was quite a surprise that he was also an alpha. It was definitely not at all good to find himself in a dispute between werewolves. Especially when the alpha seemed completely pissed off.

"Hale," Theo snarled with disgust. Stiles being left recalculating what the blonde just said.  "What the fuck are you doing here? Missing your old burned down house?".

And there it all clicked.

Hale. Derek Hale. The man who had helped him at the City Hall was the very son of the former president, Talia Hale. He looked familiar to Stiles, but he never imagined it would be Derek. He was always a low profile man, not one to get involved in political matters either, so it was understandable that the omega didn't recognize him. And surely the women with him that day were his sisters. Laura and Cora Hale.

Derek ignored Raeken's accusation, turning to Stiles. Even though his face was shifted and his eyes flashed that dangerous crimson, his gaze was soft with a hint of concern. "Are you okay? can you run?"

"What are you doing here?" he couldn't help but ask, in a whisper. Still processing that the Hales were back in Beacon Hills. Or that it was precisely Derek who was on the mating run. Something was going on in his hometown and Stiles was in the middle of it.

"Stay away from what's mine!" Theo shouted almost howling. Leaping towards Derek. But the Hale was much faster and stronger. Catching the blond in mid-air, parrying his attack and throwing him hard into a tree. Stiles flinched as he heard what sounded like the other wolf's bones creak at the impact.

"Go on Stiles. I'll explain later." Derek's tone of voice was low, his voice sounding raspy from his shift. But still, the way he spoke to Stiles was reassuring.

There was no time for hesitation at that point. Stiles felt some confidence after finding out that the Hales had come to his aid. While he almost needed to know why, or even how they knew what was happening, there was no time. And the human would have to quickly get out of that run that seemed like its goal became to survive, rather than to find a mate.

He ignored the roars and threats Theo was shouting at his person. His concern for Derek was growing bigger as he recalled the unhinged and almost feral appearance Raeken had only moments ago. Very similar to the violent attitude Matt had when he attacked him. He knows werewolves can be territorial and very savage when they lose control. But those, they looked totally different. Theo and Matt appeared to be conscious but at the same time, not in control.

Still, Derek was noticeably stronger and more experienced than the blonde. The Hale couldn't lose against an attempted alpha. Anyway, the human was hating the feeling of incompetence that burned in his chest, especially that it was tied up with his fear. Him not having been able to do anything and having to run away, leaving the problem in the hands of a stranger, strongly hurt his pride.

So the only thing he could do at that moment was to get away from there. Get as far away as he could from the insanity that always seems to surround werewolves. Even though, in a way, he was involved as well. However, Stiles knew well when a battle he can't win, no matter how much it hurt his pride, the situation was getting out of hand. And if he wanted to understand and solve the whole thing that exploded only a few minutes ago, he needed to be alive first.

If luck wants to be on his side.

When Stiles finally seemed to be reaching the finishing point, he quickened his pace, even though his body was on the edge of exhaustion. But at least he could already see the finish line lights and some people waiting. It was almost there. Although in his desperation to finish, he did not realize where he was running, stumbling and falling down a low slope.

The fall was not too violent but the impact was enough to take the air out of his lungs, the pain almost clouding his mind. He also felt a terrible pain in his right leg and didn't want to imagine what he would find if he looked down. The fear of seeing his foot bent in a position it shouldn't be in, churned his stomach.

"Stiles? Where are you Stiles?"

The omega let out a whimper that sounded like a mix between relief at hearing the alpha and pain when he tried to move. Still, he never expected to be so happy in just minutes from hearing Derek's voice again. He didn't know if the alpha was always going to find him, by coincidence, when he was in a predicament but now he wasn't going to complain about the help.

Even though the alpha appeared in his field of view, Stiles couldn't help but let out a groan of surprise. "What is that? Good lord, is that blood?" he asked in alarm as he saw the t-shirt splattered with crimson stains, even reaching Derek's face. Who still maintained his intimidating beta shift, eyes glowing equally deep red as the blood.

"Don't tell me you faint at the sight of blood?" The wolf replied between growls, trying to lift a squirming Stiles in his hold. "Stiles, stay still! You're going to make your injuries worse."

"Did you kill Theo? Oh dear god, are those his viscera? I know he was an insufferable alpha but I didn't want him dead." Stiles couldn't stop his mouth, his thoughts clouded between pain and exhaustion. "Wait, what wounds? Derek, please tell me my leg is pointing the right way and that it's not twisted in a spiral."

The alpha let out a grunt but was finally able to lift the bundle of nerves that was the omega at that moment. "No Stiles, I didn't kill him. Yet." Stiles didn't know whether to be relieved or not with that answer. "And no, you didn't twist your leg. I think. But you might need to get it checked out. Does it hurt too much?"

" A lot. Like if some wolves used me as a chew toy and wanted to rip my leg off. Not pun intended." The omega no longer felt control of the filter in his brain, and he couldn't stop his mouth. "You werewolves are cavemen. Couldn't you have picked a better place? On top of all that just to find a mate? There is Tinder, you know? I even know there's an app exclusively for werewolves. I think it's called Howler. You should try it..." Stiles had started to speak until a sense of relief ran completely through his body. The pain and tension slowly disappearing from his body. "... That feels nice." He muttered. His consciousness slowly fading away, letting himself be overcome by exhaustion, surrendering to the warmth of Derek's body heat.

~O~

His body felt so light, as if he were lying on a cloud. And despite feeling that relaxing sensation, his muscles felt completely exhausted. Still, it was a rest that Stiles had deserved for days, he would lie resting on those silk sheet-like clouds for days. The scent that enveloped him was also delightful, it was like a heavy musk, like a pine smell but with a light sweet touch. The omega could roll over in that scent for days. 

But a series of murmurs began to disturb his peace. Many voices could be heard in the distance and dragged him from his dreamy state. Memories of what had happened moments ago, slowly returning to his memory. His body remembering everything that happened. Beginning to clearly hear what those voices were saying.

"Derek. He's rolling around in your sheets." A female voice said. Stiles didn't understand who she was referring to.

"Malia. Stop staring at him when he sleeps. It's creepy. And he needs to rest too." Reprimanded another female voice to the first one. And for some reason, the omega felt a certain familiarity in it.

"Your brother was doing it too these days and you didn't tell him anything." Replied the first, with an obvious tone of indignation.

"Can you two stop arguing? Can't you see you woke him up?" This time, Stiles did recognize the voice. Derek Hale. Which woke him up completely. Why was Derek Hale in his bed? The omega felt something sink to his side. "Stiles? Are you okay? How are you feeling?"

"Derek? Where am I?" the omega asked slowly getting up and looking around, realizing that this was definitely not his room, these were not his sheets. And he also noticed the other people standing around the bed, watching him.

"You're in my house. You passed out before you finished the mating run. And the doctor said you needed to rest." 

At that moment, the omega remembered what the first voice said. And having it up close, Stiles could tell from who the bed he was lying on was. The human had been rubbing and rolling in the bedsheets of —without knowing it first— Derek Hale's bed, an alpha. And surely his scent of satisfaction must have been picked up by the other werewolves present. Though his embarrassment was short-lived as he processed what the alpha said.

"Why am I in your house? What happened? What happened to Theo and Matt? Are they in jail? They seemed to be rabid, I don't think it's good for the other inmates. Maybe it's contagious. What about Jackson? Tell me Matt didn't bite him and get rabies too. He was an jerk but he didn't deserve to contract it. Is it lethal to werewolves too? And what did the doctor say? Can he be saved? What about me? Are they going to have to amputate my leg?" Stiles began to ramble questions, quickly wrestling with the sheet to see the state of his leg. Grimacing at the sudden wave of pain from the rapid effort and movement. But his leg was there. Healthy and whole, wearing only an orthopedic boot. He sighed in relief. Though he asked again the first thing he needed to know. "But why am I here, did you kidnap me? I thought you were better than Theo but you're just the same as the other alphas. You know I'm the sheriff's son? That you're the son of...

"Shut the fuck up Stilinski!" shouted Jackson, entering the room and crossing his arms.  "Breathe and stop with the drama already. Who would want to kidnap your hyperactive ass?" Despite not being a derogatory remark but typical Jackson behavior, it still earned a scolding growl from Derek. The blonde held up his hands in surrender. "I'm just saying that he should really be thanking us for saving him from being wolf food."

"He talks a lot awake just like he did when he was asleep. It's almost endearing." A voice commented with some awe and mischief in his tone. Stiles quickly looked around for whoever said that, glaring at him as he met Peter Hale's cocky grin.

"Could everyone please leave if you are not going to contribute anything? I want to explain the situation to Stiles." Rather than a suggestion, it was an imperative order. Derek's tone wasn't severe but serious. They all filed out of the room, whispering. Peter was the last to leave and close the door, winking at both of them. That Hale definitely gave the omega a bad feeling.

And Derek explained everything that happened. Although Stiles had to draw some answers out of them with a succession of questions, as the Hale was very short with his words. The human had been under the impression that the alpha was a man of few words but it was too much for someone like Stiles. Plus he had been in the middle of the whole situation, so he needed to know every minute detail of what had happened. Or maybe Derek said enough and necessary, which may be too little for what the human needed.

However, from what the alpha told him, his first impression of what had happened on the Mating Run - that it was only part of a larger problem - was correct. Theo and Matt were suspected of being part of a pro-supernatural group, with a very strong anti-human policy, which was also wanted for importing and smuggling illegal drugs. And most likely, both alphas had consumed the same drugs for the Run. Their attitudes were completely feral, so he was not surprised that they had been under the effects of the drug. The concern was the effects they may have caused.

There was also some possibility that they were sent with the goal of getting to Stiles, but they couldn't pinpoint exactly why. The omega believed it might be related to Deucalion but it was too early to make such conclusions. The investigation had already begun and was being conducted by his father. Who a few minutes ago had also been there. All night, watching over the safety of his son. But in the morning, he had to leave to return to the station. 

"Well, not that I'm ungrateful but anyway: why am I here, in your house?" In your bed. It was something he wanted to ask but knew he couldn't say it without embarrassment showing in his scent. That werewolves could notice the chemical signals in emotions was a pain in the ass sometimes.

"Your father and I agreed that you would be safer here in my home, with the security of my pack."

"Aha. Well, thanks for that. But I've got my place too, and I'd like to go there and investigate what the fuck is going on here." Stiles tried to get up, but Derek's firm, yet gentle grip stopped him.

"You need to rest, Stiles. Besides, with your father we think it's best you stay here." His tone wasn't imperative, but rather calm. Though now there was a certain discomfort on his face that the omega wasn't able to decipher.

"If you didn't know Derek. I'm an adult too. And I can decide on my own. Just because you're a werewolf or the son of the former president and most recognized alpha in the world, doesn't give you the right to decide on my behalf. It doesn't matter if even my father himself agrees with you." Stiles began, trying to free himself from his grip, though it was a surprise as well as a relief, when Derek didn't object and released him. "So I'd like to be able to go to my house and start investigating."

"Well I'm afraid that's not going to be possible." Derek said, even though he got out of bed so that Stiles could get up as well. Holding his hand in the air, close to the human, as if to catch him quickly in case he happened to fall. The omega didn't know whether to be flattered by the detail or offended that he was taking too much care of him as if Stiles was an invalid. It was just a sprain, it's not like he can't move on his own.

"You are not my alpha. And even if you were, you can't hold me." That the alpha kept quiet was odd to the omega, especially since he noticed how Derek's whole body seemed to tense up when he said "my alpha." Stiles quickly glanced at the wolf, who was avoiding his gaze. And who, to his surprise, seemed to even be embarrassed. "What weren't you telling me, Derek?"

Stiles was sure that his startled shout left all the werewolves outside deaf. It was quite possible that even the neighbors had heard it. But he just couldn't believe it, they had only just met and the alpha had the audacity to do what he did, taking advantage of the state Stiles was in. It was once again a case of the werewolves doing whatever they pleased.

"What did you want me to do? You had fainted and I had to take you to the emergency room. Despite the accident, the staff took it as we finished the race together." Derek didn't raise his tone of voice. Stiles could tell that the alpha was trying not to be upset by his accusations. And it was clear that he hadn't done it on purpose, he cared firs for Stiles’s safety.

"Who hires those people? That don't have the brain cells to realize the situation. Just because I was passed out didn't mean I gave myself to you." Stiles knew he was complaining at a high-pitched volume, seeing how Derek flinched when he shouted the last words. "And why didn't you explain to them that it had been an emergency?"

"I was going to. But..."

"But?" 

"But I thought it would be better to be able to take care of you if we made believe that we did finish the race together." The alpha finished his confession quietly, not looking away but his ears visibly burning with embarrassment. 

"PARDON?! I don't need any bodyguards or alpha for that. I can take care of myself just fine." He responded absolutely outraged, his anger growing as he saw Derek raise an eyebrow, as if he didn't believe him. "Just because you saved me twice doesn't mean anything."

"Your father agrees anyway." The alpha replied, crossing his arms. And if the omega hadn't been so angry, he would have been distracted by how huge the werewolf's biceps looked.

"I don't think you heard me right so use your wolf ears properly and remember this. Neither you nor my father have the right to decide for me, ok? I don't care if you are family, or alpha or whatever you are. I'm an adult who makes his own decisions." Stiles spits, pointing his finger at the alpha. Accentuating his last words, as he jabbed his fingertip into Derek's chest. Which ended up hurting him more than the wolf. Damn wolves and their bulky bodies. "And don't blame it on my father. I wouldn't expect an alpha like you to be accusing others for his own actions."

That did annoy Derek, which ended up scaring the omega a bit. The wolf straightened up, squaring his shoulders, letting out a low growl that made the wooden floor vibrate beneath his feet, his eyes glowing red.

"Who do you think I am?, don't you even know why I'm here?" The alpha was definitely angry and it wasn't something new for Stiles. He had his reputation for irritating others. But as dangerous as it seemed, that the werewolf could snap his neck with those massive arms, Stiles wasn't going to back down.

"I really don’t. So, why don't you tell me? Maybe you're one of those psycho alphas who pretend to be a good guy to fool the omegas." The warning growl from Derek did send a shiver down Stiles’ spine but he still wasn't going to shut up, though he instinctively did take a step back. That reaction did not go unnoticed by the Hale, realizing his attitude and backing away as well, causing his eyes to stop glowing that menacing red.

"You think I'd risk my neck and my pack for an omega I don't even know?" This time he didn't sound angry but as if Stiles' accusations hurt him. The omega gulped.

"It could be. I've studied cases of alpha stalkers who have gone so far as to fake illness to keep an omega by their side." Derek's repulsed face at the comment was a sign to Stiles that maybe, just maybe, he was wrong. "Besides, why else would you do it? It's not like anyone asked you to do it?"

Oh.

Stiles had a moment of realization, he wanted the earth to swallow him up. After he give a piece of his mind to his father.

"You're the favor..." Stiles said, completely embarrassed.

~O~

In the end Derek had been right all along. And the omega wanted to disappear as he listened to John's explanation and remembered how badly he had reacted to the alpha, accusing him unfairly, even calling him a kidnapper and a pervert. Stiles was supposed to work as a detective with his father but jumped to the first conclusion because of his prejudice to werewolves and alphas. Truth be told, he wasn’t any better than them. 

Stiles didn't know how to apologize anymore and honestly, what he wanted to do more than anything was run away from there. It was very possible that everyone had heard the argument and truth be told, it's too embarrassing to think that he insulted their alpha when they were only trying to help his father and take care of him. 

Still, he was thankful that Derek didn't put up too much resistance when he asked to go to the station and talk to his father, so he could fully explain the situation to him. Although he should have expected the alpha to send him with one of his betas to take care of him. Also, that he didn't believe Stiles was on his capability to drive either. Which the omega didn't want to discuss after all the commontion he made.

Cora seemed to be the most stoic of the Hale. And Stiles didn't know if her silence was a good or bad thing. But at least she was a familiar face, after all they had gone to elementary school together. Although after what happened to her family, they left the state. Anyway, it was a slightly familiar face, better than being with the pervert of Peter. Who Stiles still didn't understand how he was there, if the survivors had supposedly only been Talia and her children. Still, the omega didn't want to know. 

Although it was how he expected, John ended up explaining the same thing as Derek, giving him more details that the alpha Hale thought it was up to his father to explain. But it was true that the mating run certificate would end up stating that both Stiles and Derek finished the race.The sheriff thought it would be best if he kept up that facade, for the safety of the omega. 

His father also explained to Stiles that Hale objected, that he didn't think it was right to stick to such a plan, without first getting Stiles' consent. Which only made the omega feel guilty for yelling at the alpha. Besides, he didn't know how, but it was already a rumor everywhere that the reserved son of the Hale family had chosen an omega.

And the human did know that there was nothing he could do to stop the spark of gossip once it was ignited by the media. Besides, he felt he should be angry at his father, keeping him in the dark with this whole plan and agreement with the Hale's. But his embarrassment over his behavior with Derek was bigger than to reproach the sheriff. What's more, the human didn't know with what face he was going to look at the alpha when he returned to the loft, where the pack was living.

Because, yes he had to go back. It was true that his father had agreed with Derek that Stiles should stay with his pack, having more than one werewolf looking out for his son relieved the stress that the sheriff was going through.On top of that, while both Stilinski's had been on the mating run, someone broke into their house and ransacked the whole place. 

Although some valuables had been stolen, the way they found certain parts of the house gave the impression that the objetive had been something else. What could support that theory was how the rooms of both Stilinski's were a mess. As if they were looking for something specific. 

The first clue was Stiles' laptop, it was one of the only things they stole. Only days later it was found destroyed in an abandoned warehouse. There was still no way to prove it but they may have left it behind because they wanted to log in but found it had a password.

Stiles would later have to have a funeral for his laptop, it was his faithful companion, he loved that laptop. He just hoped they hadn't destroyed the drive, maybe he could save his files even though everything else was destroyed.

So that was one of the other reasons why his father insisted that he should stay with the Hale pack. His father's concern was understandable. First Raeken and Daehler's suspicious attacks on Stiles. And now the ransacking of their home. Isolated cases but they occurred in the same time frame, giving the possibility that they were connected.

Actually, both Stilinski would stay with the werewolves. Especially since it was Derek's suggestion. Besides that the detectives were going to check thoroughly if they found any evidence at their house. After the mess they left behind, John assume that whoever had been sent, were either amateurs or in too much of a hurry. Because they were not very cautious, there was always a chance that they would have made a mistake that could help the police to find them.

Another explanation that Stiles' father decided to tell him was his connection to the Hale's and this supposed favor that ended up involving the pack in the protection of the omega. It all went back to the incident fifteen years ago and the fire at the werewolf family's mansion. Apparently, his father was the only one who believed the Hale's were innocent and didn't rest until he could find evidence to prove it. He even discovered that who was the sheriff at the time had conspired with the hunters, who had been the real culprits.

Thanks to his father's work, the Hale's were able to find some peace with the criminals behind bars, although it was known that it had all been larger schemes and that some of the culprits were still walking free. Still, Talia Hale was indebted to John, even though Stiles' father only told him he was doing his job, the alpha promised they would always be there for whatever he needed. And after all those years, she kept her promise.

Once there was nothing more to explain, Stiles had to return to the loft. But that was just the new dilemma the omega didn't want to face. Even if he apologized, which he did in fact, the shame and memory of his actions haunted him enough to want to hide underground and never come out again. So he decided to be a coward and delay his return as long as possible, staying in his father's office even though his father asked him to go back.

What he didn't count on was that Cora Hale didn't have the greatest of patience or the necessary manners, kicking her way into the sheriff's office and dragging Stiles back to the car to return to the loft. His father only shrugged and asked him to rest.

He also didn't anticipate that upon his return, an improvised welcoming party thrown by the pack would be waiting for him. It was the idea of Erica Reyes, one of the betas with whom Stiles felt he could really get along. The partying was also done to break the ice and lift the weird mood that remained between the omega and the alpha. In addition, Derek used it as a way to apologize for creating a bad first impression and for his miscommunication. Even buying Stiles his favorite coffee and curly fries.

Stiles didn't know what the next few days living with the Hale pack could hold for him. But he wasn't sure his heart could take seeing again the shy smile Derek offered with his apology.

And the days passed.

And they weren't as bad as Stiles had imagined. Well, it wasn't all smooth like a walk in a field of flowers either. But, his day to day life with a pack was relatively pleasant. Perhaps what he enjoyed most was living in a house full of life and movement. Since his mother had passed away, it had always been just him and his father. He had his friends and roommates, both in high school and college, but it wasn't the same.

These days, there was always someone in the loft, it was never quiet unless they went to work or ran an errand or two. But he never felt lonely, also because Derek explicitly ordered that there should always be someone from the pack with him. Which he couldn't object to because his father also agreed. Anyway, it wasn't that bad, unlike most of the station officers, Derek's betas were the same age as Stiles, which made it much more enjoyable. Plus the betas were amazing, different humors and complicated at times, but Stiles quickly got along well with them.

What was sometimes problematic was the friction between them, even though it was a pack, it didn't mean that there wouldn't be disagreements.The one thing that was often a problem was that they could be very loud, being werewolves. Especially if food was involved. Stiles remembers the day someone finished Cora's cereal and devoured all the homemade puddings Isaac had made. It didn't escalate because Derek had just returned and managed to calm his betas down, although the argument surely was overheard by the whole neighborhood. Stiles still believed Peter was the culprit.

Another issue that the human found questionable, but had to do his best to get used to and not complain about, was the overprotectiveness the werewolves had with him. If he thought his father was extreme, it was because he didn't know what it was like to live with wolves. The first few days he hardly had a moment without his personal space being invaded.

And Stiles understood that he was limited with his sprain and they were the ones with better capabilities, it was only to be expected that they would want to over help. But he had only sprained his ankle! It's not like he was made of glass or couldn't do anything on his own.

Although he also had to admit that he enjoyed the attention a bit, especially since their concern and support was genuine. It wasn't because it was an order from his alpha —Although maybe it was for the first few days— but because they wanted to. It was as if they saw him as just another member of the pack.

Some occasions were funny. Like when Stiles was reaching for his cereal on a high shelf and out of nowhere Boyd appeared behind him, lifted him by the waist as if he weighed nothing and when the omega reached for the box, walked away without a word. Isaac would bring him breakfast in bed the first few days of bed rest. Erica always left him the most comfortable side of the couch and kicked out anyone who was sitting there.The funniest thing was Malia offering to help him bathe, the proposal had no sexual intent and it was funny how serious the coyote was about accomplishing that task.

As for Derek. Stiles didn't know what to think about the alpha. Serious and reserved, but also extremely attentive and affectionate to his pack. And that attention was also directed toward him. Not at the betas level, but with more discretion and respecting the omega's space, but still being careful with him. Bringing Stiles’ favorite breakfasts in bed, accommodating an entire room for Stiles so he could work from the loft and not strain his ankle. Absorbing the pain for the first few days, as long as Stiles agreed.  Even accompanying him to both the medical check-up and treatment to regain his mobility. Changing the compression bandages himself, helping him with exercises and even giving him massages.

Stiles didn't want to think it looked like a scene of an alpha taking care of his omega. But when the human saw Derek  and the gentleness and care with which he massaged his ankle, the omega felt himself melt inside.

And the Hale even bought him a new laptop when Stiles told Cora about what had happened at his house and how his computer ended up destroyed in the ransacking. The next day the alpha showed up carrying the box of a new laptop, with a serious face but Stiles could see the tips of the wolf's ears flushed.

The human was delighted with the detail but he couldn't just accept it just like that. And it seemed that there was someone more stubborn than his father, for the alpha would not agree to Stiles repay him the expense for the new equipment. But the Hale didn't remember that the omega could be twice as stubborn as his father and wouldn't take no for an answer. For a week, Siles used every possible means to make the alpha accept, even having the betas and his father agree. It was a plus that they couldn't kick him out of the loft. Derek had to end up giving in to an agreement of monthly payments until the price of the device was covered. 

Because the fucking Hale decided to buy a newer, more advanced machine at the store. He knew the Hale's were loaded but Stiles couldn't shell out that amount all at once.

Something else he ended up discovering was the other reason Derek had returned to Beacon Hills. Although the alpha had maintained a fairly low-key life in the media, unlike Laura, who had followed her mother's path in politics, Derek was going to run for governor in the state of California.

Which was a complete surprise to the omega, since the days he had spent with the pack and what he had gotten to know the alpha, he did not see him as someone interested in politics. Still, Derek explained to him that his family was suspicious of Deucalion's actions and the supposed reasons for most of his political decisions. Especially that in the previous re-election, his opponent withdrew without explanation.

Stiles knew that Derek was holding back more information and was only explaining to him what was necessary to understand the context. Probably, also, to keep him from snooping around, as warned by his father. Which he hates when both alphas plot against him. Still, he already knew part of the picture by his own doing. As also of the corruption cases his father told him about long ago.

But those days when Derek left and came back completely exhausted made sense now. Apparently he was going to work with his team to prepare his political campaign. Apparently, the rumor of what happened in the mating run became a topic that everyone was talking about in the media and that could play in favor of his campaign.

Still, whenever he came back, the last thing Derek wanted to talk about was politics. Despite appearing closed and sour on the outside, the alpha had a soft and sweet side. Going so far as to say that he just wanted to spend quality time with his pack. It wasn't exactly his words, but it was clear that being with the people he cared about, brought him peace after such busy days.

And the four weeks that Stiles had to rest, living with the alpha and his betas in the loft, were truly quality time with the pack. Despite the days when everyone had to work and the time differences, the days when they did spend time together were the most fun for Stiles. Getting to know more of the werewolf culture and traditions, most of all to know about the pack dynamics. Coming to feel ashamed of his unfounded judgments and prejudices he had about the werewolves.

While there were always exceptions, he liked to think the Hale pack was exceptional. He never found negative notes or critiques about Talia Hale's pack, in fact, many magazines focused on the supernatural public, always looking to interview the alpha and to tell about her life, presenting her as an example to follow. After all, her work as president of the United States had helped move the country forward.

Likewise, from what he had come to witness, Stiles was sure that Derek was also an inspiring alpha. Although each member of the pack had certain quirks and sometimes their differences came to some friction, the affection and loyalty they had for each other was undeniable. And Derek was not exactly one to show his affection, but he always recognized the work and progress of his betas, his pride was visible, and he always looked for ways to support them when they needed help.

And even when Stiles and his father returned home, after the four weeks of rest, the repairs of the windows and doors, and installation of security cameras, the pack never left. They were always close, and not to continue watching over them, but to visit for movie nights and the new board game night. In fact, they even slept over at the Stilinski's house.

It was a surprise for the omega, on the day he was due to go to the physical therapist to begin treatment and rehab, to come out of his house to find Derek waiting for him outside, with the Camaro parked right there. Stiles told him he could go on his own but the alpha insisted that he shouldn't exert himself, and that he felt guilty that Stiles had ended up hurt because he couldn't protect him on the mating run. The omega insisted that it wasn't his fault and that it wasn't necessary to accompany him, but the conviction with which Derek said he wanted to do it, left Stiles speechless.

Another detail that ended up baffling not only Stiles, but the pack as well, was that Derek seemed to have a bit of a competitive side. On board game nights, whether at the loft or at the Stilinski's, the alpha seemed uninterested in the games but always participated. At first he was the quiet type of player, not fazed by anything, then when he knew he was going to win, he destroyed the other players. Stiles never imagined that a game of UNO would end that way. Jackson crying, Erica throwing a tantrum and even Boyd losing his temper. Maybe he's exaggerating a bit —although Jackson did cry, he's a sore loser— but it was interesting to see that side of Derek, especially seeing his smug grin when he won for the third time.

And in the movie night, there have also been many fond memories. He didn't know if it was fascinating or to be expected how good Derek's taste in movies and books was. When he chose, they always had an interesting plot or the acting was memorable. Those days, Stiles ended up noticing how the alpha always tended to pick the mysteries and cop ones, Stiles’ favorites. The action ones were a common denominator among everyone. And Cora loves the horror ones. 

It was also a pleasant surprise for the omega to learn from the betas that they found Derek asleep on the couch in front of the TV after spending the whole night watching chapter after chapter of The Sandman, a show that Stiles had recommended to him. It had been the same day the omega told him how good the series was. The next day the alpha told him that he had enjoyed it and if he knew of any other series that might be interesting, and that perhaps, if the omega wanted to, they could watch it together. 

Within the week, they watched The Last of Us together. Just the two of them.

And as the weeks went on, Stiles didn't know what to think. Derek had promised him that he would nullify the bond established in the mating run after the six months of testing. But as the omega learned more and more about the Hale, and spent more time with the pack, he didn't know if he wanted that to end. Despite the alpha's assurances that he was already part of the pack, tthe human was somewhat afraid of losing that close relationship with Derek.

Like the time Derek was trying to bake Cora's favorite cake for her birthday, the one her grandparents made, which was a family recipe. And even though the alpha could hold his own in the kitchen and be an excellent griller, baking wasn't exactly his thing. Stiles received a text message from the Hale, asking if he could help him. That afternoon was about discovering Derek's big brother side, caring but reserved, focused on getting the ingredient measurements just right. It was a quiet time, not talking much but they got to bake the best cake for Derek's sister.

Another memory was when they were going to have a supposed movie night with the pack at Stiles' house. Derek arrived with the pizzas, on time as usual, but the betas still didn't show up. Until each of them sent excuses as to why they couldn't attend. Still, the Hale didn't leave, but stayed and offered that they could start another series together. The next day, the sheriff found them both asleep and curled up on the couch. They watched every episode of House of The Dragon.

The months passed with relative ease, Stiles was able to return to work at the station once his leg was fully recovered. The pack maintained their close relationship like the first day, even Derek had gone to the station when the omega was working, bringing coffee and reminding him to rest every time the human was overloaded with a special case.

Derek's run for governor was the topic of conversation all over the media and in people's conversations. Either for being an alpha werewolf, or in his secondary gender. And obviously for being one of the few survivors of the incident fifteen years ago, which took the lives of a family of werewolves from generations ago. Also, as the son of Talia Hale himself, the former president who managed to bring calm after The Great Hunt. Derek was making public his political intentions and starting in the state where he was born and where it all originated.

It was no surprise that everyone started talking about him, after all there were always certain expectations about the Hale's politics and influences. Besides that Derek has kept pretty much out of the public eye. At that time, his reappearance in the media, with a campaign to rethink Deucalion's supernatural extremist policies, was expected to generate a lot of talk.

And people were not blind either. So half of social media is talking about Derek's good looks. It was surprising how a smile from the alpha, when talking about his family and pack, caused a furor in the networks and even trending. Magazines wanted to interview and learn about his daily life and routines. It also didn't help that Erica uploaded a photo of Derek when he was training, with no shirt and his skin pearly with sweat. The media team couldn't believe how much Derek's instagram followers had risen.

Although that exposure also exposed Stiles to the public, as technically the two had finished the mating run together. The media was dying to know how it had happened, what their day to day life together was like. They were hungry for content to tear them down or support them. The omega wasn't fazed at all to find out how articles were talking about what had supposedly happened in the race, obviously exaggerating the details, for better or worse. Still, Derek never let them get to him, always asking to left Stiles out of it, that it wasn't right for them to talk about the omega without his consent, that he wasn’t involved in his camping,  and to respect his decisions not to want to explain or comment.

And Hale's words were respected.

Maybe it was because he was an alpha or because he was the son of the respectable Talia Hale. But still, whatever it was about, no one ever went after Stiles. His followers on his social media did also went up, however the interactions were always minimal. It's not like Stiles gave him much of a chance to speak about him as well. Although that didn't take away certain pressures around him, maybe not from politics but he did end up related to Deucalion.

The cases were still open and the police couldn’t find those who had raided his house. What also generated more questions was that there had been sporadic assaults in other houses, the modus operandi similar as it was in his case. But he couldn't exactly find a pattern or connections, what he could say was similar was that the people living in those houses were human.

Regarding Theo and Matt, the question ended up having a twist that only added to the concern. Both alphas were hospitalized after having epileptic seizures and hysterical episodes, days after the mating run. It was believed that those were side effects of the drug they may have taken. Large doses of a peculiar aconite were also found in the blood of both.

But just days before the end of her six-month trial relationship with Derek, Deucalion released a statement that left most people speechless. No one could have expected it. And what was most troubling was that the measure had been legally approved.

A singular mating run on the night of the blood moon.

~O~

The blood moon was a peculiar phenomenon which has a very special meaning for the history of generations of werewolves. It was an event that was firmly tied to their culture and nature. Exactly what the influences on the race were has never been probed but it was undeniable that it has a certain effect on the wolves.

It could be claimed that there was a countless amount of myths and tales that have been born as a result of the red moon. And the supernatural culture over expanded the horizon and opened up room for more questions. As in the case of the werewolves, where on those special nights, different traditions and rituals were born in response to the most primal impulses awakened by the blood moon.

One of them corresponded to the "Blood Race", a name that could be considered a bit archaic nowadays, but which referred to a special Mating Run. In this run, honoring its name rather literally, it was believed that with the blessing of the red moon, that an alpha and an omega would be able to consummate their bond under the light of the red moon, thus reaffirming their bond in soul as well as in blood. To Stiles, that kind of sounded like a supernatural wedding.

But because it was also a full moon, the runs were much more violent and savage.

The problem was that Deucalion invited the participation in the Blood Run on a national level. He was enticing the entire supernatural public and anyone who was interested in adrenaline, inviting them to live an unforgettable experience. But that the Hale pack knew that it was only a propaganda and that it surely had other intentions behind it, because the governor was romanticizing a story that if not proceeded with the necessary care and measures, it could end with severe results.

Even so, the situation did not end there. But the alpha governor also explained that to honor such a special event of an almost sacred status for the werewolves, the participants of the run would be chosen by draw. It was obvious how the governor was exaggerating the story, saying how it would be the destiny that would choose those who will be blessed by the nature and the moon itself. That they would honor the history and culture of the werewolves.

It was no surprise that when the announcement was televised, the Stilinski's and the pack had a bad feeling about what was coming. And on the day of the draw, it shouldn't have surprised them, but it did make everyone's blood run cold when Stiles' name was drawn. The matter did not end there, however, but Deucalion himself extended an invitation - which seemed more like a declaration of war - to Derek Hale. His opponent in the election and the alpha of the Stilinski omega. To make him a true example to all citizens of the nation and the werewolf community.

He was practically forcing the Hale to participate no matter what.

Stiles felt like in that very moment he was going to have a panic attack. Terror swept over him at the mere thought of having to relive what happened with Theo and Matt. But now with the full moon's influence on the werewolves, and especially that it was a Blood Moon. Quickly Derek was at his side, wrapping his arms around him and his warmth, promising the human with his very life that he would protect him and not let anything happen to him.

And maybe that's what scared the omega the most, because after all, in California, the use of force was allowed in mating runs.

~O~

The day of the mating run. Stiles was a bundle of nerves. With the pack and his father, they had time to plan the best possibilities for finishing the run intact. Technically, many of them involved the use of items not allowed in an ordinary mating run, and perhaps the help of people who weren't participating. But the occasion really called for it.

And even though he had the company of his friends at that time. The whole atmosphere was tense and made most of them uneasy. Despite the organization being the same as the previous one, the staff looked tense or extremely serious. Completely the opposite of the very friendly attitude they had at the last event.

It didn't help the pack that they hadn't heard from Derek either. Supposedly, the organizing committee requested the presence of the alphas before the event's start time. Which was odd, since it was always the other way around, with the omegas being called first since they were the ones who started with a head start.

A small fear began to rise in Stiles' stomach when he couldn't reach his father. He hadn't answered his messages in several minutes. The pack couldn't reach Derek either, which shouldn't be the case since the run had not even started. The staff was also not answering where the alphas were meeting, which caused Cora and Malia to lose their cool.

Something was wrong and it was noticeable in the atmosphere.

It was also suspicious that when it was supposed to be the omegas' turn, the omegas were called one by one. Stiles didn't want to get separated from the betas, still, he followed the organizers, confident that he just had to follow the plan and not raise suspicion. Enough commotion had been caused by the argument with both Hale, Malia and Cora, where they had to be restrained by two alphas. Luckily nothing bad happened.

Although the omega doubted he would be as lucky. Not when he felt all his gut instincts shouting to get the hell out of there; when he was alone in the meeting room. One of the organizers was still explaining the procedure of the run and the rules he had to keep in mind, as if it were an everyday activity.

But when they handed him the bag with the basic equipment, it was practically empty. Just a flashlight and a pack of gauze. Stiles felt his throat go dry and dread run through him, sending shivers throughout his body, his heart pounding too hard in his chest. The map and pepper spray that his father had smuggled in were gone, as the usual bottle of water and nutrition bars.

"Excuse me, but my bag....

"If you have no doubt, we'll take you to the starting line." Interrupted the attendant with a forced smile. And when Stiles tried to ask again, two pairs of huge arms wrapped around him. 

The omega tried to break free and fight, but that grip had him firm, and even squeezing tightly to a point of hurting him from the pressure. It was definitely alphas who were holding him down. And no matter how much he shouted, threatened that they were messing with the sheriff's son or demanded answers, no one came to his aid.  Still he wasn't going to give up, surely the pack could hear him, they were keeping an ear out for him.

But a strong blow caused him to lose consciousness.

~O~

Stiles wakes up prone in a totally unfamiliar place.

His common sense told him that he was probably in the preserve, but it wasn't the starting point like the other time. The guys knocked him unconscious and dumped him in the middle of nowhere on purpose. Ruining another plan they had come up with with the pack. " To follow the footprints." But looking around him he saw no familiar trail or sign, no wolf footprints that he could follow. They definitely had taken him somewhere else.

The omega felt his chest closing in, his eyes clouding over with tears at the terror that invaded his mind and drowned him in horrible images of what awaited. This time he literally felt like he had been thrown out to be eaten by wolves. Even more with the full moon shining overhead, slowly dyeing it red.

So all that was left for him to do was run.

Panic was the only thing that kept him going, even though his legs burned from overexertion and his lungs begged him to stop for air. He had to run, to get out of there, all his instincts screaming at him to not stop. Stiles no longer had any doubt that there was definitely something behind the Blood Run and it involved him.

A laugh managed to pull him out of his concentration to escape from there, causing him to stumble and halt his advance, catching his fall with a tree. He quickly looked for the owner of that sinister laughter, in the distance he saw a figure in the shadows, her silhouette was the only thing that could be seen before the moonlight that was dyed red.

Stiles was able to recognize who it was immediately, because a ray of light illuminated the woman's face. Kali. One of the alphas who were part of Deucalion's pack. A pack of alphas. That she was there, didn't mean anything good, even less when her face was shifted and her eyes glowed with that dangerous red.

The human ran off again. It was more than certain that woman didn't want to show him the place back. Not with that twisted smile that only got scarier with her face shifted with the bestial features. Stiles just had to keep running, no matter if there was a chance she would end up catching up with him.

The alpha's provocations made the omega's blood boil, but it was also all he needed to keep running. Whenever he could, he always took the opportunity to throw whatever was within his reach. The human felt some pride when he was able to throw a mud ball at her and she couldn't stop it, hitting her full in the face.

Although maybe that wasn't a good idea seeing how that only managed to infuriate her even more. Running faster, until she almost caught up to him. Stiles couldn't help but scream for help as he felt Kali's claws, brushing against his back, he was completely desperate. Even knowing that his scream could reveal his location to someone else, the human was scared.

But when he heard a horrible scream of pain from the alpha, he stopped again. His curiosity was bigger that time, he turned around with a scene that managed to give him hope again. Two medium sized wolves were growling threateningly between Kali and Stiles, impeding the alpha's advance. 

Stiles could recognize them even though he had never seen them before. The near-gold and white fur was Erica. The wolf next to her, slightly larger than her, his dark fur with golden eyes was Boyd. Kali again tried to pounce to attack but was stopped by a double attack. She wanted to defend herself but the wolves were much more agile.

The human let out a startled yelp when he felt a tug on his pants. Luckily he didn't react with a punch, otherwise he would have hit the lean, copper-furred wolf that was Isaac. Stiles didn't need him to speak to understand what the beta shifted wolf wanted to tell him.

He just followed the wolf. Ignoring Kali's screams of rage.

Though as much as Stiles ran away from Kali, he knew that soon more of Deucalion's people would be after him. After all, the altercation with Kali only seconds ago was far from discreet, so other wolves surely already knew his location. Stiles only hoped that some of them were from Derek's pack.

Two wolves joined his path, these two were larger than the betas, their furs in the dark brown range, but with white spots on their chests. These did look familiar, but there was no doubt that they were on his side, as they stepped forward and cut off the advance of two alphas who had attempted to ambush the omega.

Moonlight illuminated the shirtless bodies of the alpha twins, Ethan and Aiden. The youngest of Deucalion's pack but that didn't make them any less dangerous. Not when these began to approach each other, one bending down for the other twin to stick his arm into his brother's body.

"Oh, no. That's gross." Stiles couldn't help but whisper as he watched both bodies mergered, bones cracking and bending until they merged into an alpha twice their size with extremely more bestial features.

The two wolves let out a howl in unison, reversing their shifted quickly to both hold back the charge of the fused alpha. Though the brute was much larger, managing to push both betas back. Stiles staggered as he nearly collided with the wolves' dense bodies.

Up closer he could see their profile, catching sight of Peter and his eyes glowing in a chilling blue. But he hadn't expected the other person to actually be Laura Hale, also shifted but her eyes flashed the dangerous red of an alpha. Both Hale wore a smile on her face, which with their shift, looked more sinister.

"I didn't expect our first meeting to be like this, but a pleasure to meet the one who caught my grumpy brother." Laura commented winking at him.

"And you're not going to be able to know any more about him if he stays here," Peter snarled, dodging a swipe from the huge alpha. "Malia, Cora, get him out of here!" The she-wolf and coyote helped Isaac who was tugging at the omega's clothes. Stiles couldn't help but slow down and turn to look, worried. "We'll be fine. Get the fuck out of here!"

The giant alpha let out a roar as he saw the human move away, again being held back by the attacks of both Hale. The human wasn't going to be able to be any help, he would have to take that opportunity and get as far away from there as fast as possible. No matter if he felt guilty seeing how Derek's family was getting hurt for defending him. But no matter what would happen, the memory of their injuries and their screams of pain were being engraved in his memory.

Stiles was really hating Deucalion.

As he followed the betas, Stiles could recognize his surroundings better, even though everything looked the same and there was no difference between trees. This terrain did become more familiar to him, the vegetation more separated and marked trails were coming into his vision. It was likely that the staff had taken Stiles deep into the preserve for whatever it was they had planned.

The safety didn't last long, though, not when Cora slowed her pace at once. The she-wolf growled at a figure rapidly approaching from the right, her hackles raised and her fangs showing threateningly. But the attacker was much faster, lunging quickly at the she-wolf and throwing her away with his attack. Isaac and Malia pounced but the man defended himself at once, taking the bites with his forearms as if it was nothing.

"What's a human doing running around with puppies?" The man scoffed, breaking free from the grip of both betas' jaws with swift blows, throwing Isaac against a tree trunk, and Malia against the ground. The whimpering of both squeezed Stiles' heart. The man was much beefier and stronger than the other alphas. The omega could recognize that this was Ennis, another alpha in Deucalion's pack.

Stiles didn't have a chance to run, even though the other was pure muscle, the alpha in the blink of an eye caught him by the arm, pulling him close to ram a knee into Stiles' stomach. The impact knocked the omega out of breath, his vision blurring for a moment and he thinks he felt his bones creak. His body doubled over as he coughed, his saliva staining with the taste of iron from the blood in his mouth. One blow and he was completely knocked down.

As he was about to raise his fist to strike Stiles again. One of the wolves leapt at his arm, seizing the alpha's wrist between its jaws and grappling. Its fangs snapping violently at Ennis' skin. The man had no time to react as the other two attacked his ankles, biting just as violently, tugging so that their jaws tore at the alpha's legs.

Ennis released his grip on Stiles, the human pulling away as far as he could, still trying to catch his breath. Still everything around him seemed to spin from the blow. However he still wasn't escaping, and without having time to react, the omega received the impact of the she-wolf being kicked by the alpha.

Instinctively, the human surrounded Cora's badly wounded body, pulling the she-wolf closer to his chest, seeking to protect her. Crawling with difficulty, wanting to get away from that brute of an alpha. When the alpha saw him, he let out a laugh that made him feel nauseous. Hatred and fear boiling in his stomach, detesting how arrogant the alpha sounded.

"An omega and the pups should learn their place. I am an alpha..." He began, raising his tone, coming dangerously close to the human. But suddenly he stopped, his body tensing and a growl of pain escaping his lips.

"So am I." It was Derek's voice, echoing almost like a growl, appearing behind the other alpha, his claws buried deep in the back of the man's back. As if out of nowhere, he lifted Ennis up with a single arm and threw him hard against a tree.

The Hale turned to the omega, red eyes glowing in the night, just like the blood moon. His face completely transformed, his breathing agitated, and the claws in his hands tinged with crimson. In the moonlight, Stiles could see how the alpha's body was completely beaten, his clothes torn, revealing the trail of many wounds. Derek had already been fighting before he arrived.

"Are you okay?" He asked bending down, his hands reaching out to touch him but slowing as he realized his claws were stained with blood. Stiles wanted to say yes, Derek's presence filled his chest with relief. But his body ached, the betas were badly wounded and fear kept filling his body with dread.

"HALE!!!" Was Ennis' roar, leaping to attack the alpha. Derek managed to slow his onslaught by digging his claws into the older man's shoulders. Ennis roared again but Derek gained momentum to headbutt the other alpha hard, leaving him stunned.Taking advantage of the moment to hit him again, his fists smashing hard into Ennis' face, his claws tearing into the other's body.

The older alpha had no time to react, taking all the blows with no chance to defend himself. Derek grabbed Ennis by the throat, roaring menacingly in his face before kicking him in the stomach, sending the alpha's body away.

For a few minutes, the entire forest seemed to fall silent. Only Derek's exhausted and nearly feral breathing could be heard. Stiles felt his heart about to explode in his ears. Hugging tightly as the she-wolf began to whimper in his arms, the omega tried to calm her but Cora continued to whimper. The frightened human wanted to call Derek to see his sister but was stopped when, suddenly, a strong arm seized him from around the waist, a pair of sharp claws coming dangerously close to his neck.

"Impressive fight Derek." Deucalion said, his grip tightening on Stiles' aching body, causing him to let out a gasp of pain. "It would be an honor to have you in my pack. Too bad you decided to go against me."

"What do you want?" Derek's voice could barely be made out amidst the growls and ragged breathing. Stiles felt fear as he realized how similar the Hale looked to Theo and Matt when they had been affected by the drug on the mating run. Uncontrolled and almost wild.

"Only the best thing for us, the werewolves." The tone of his voice sounded like he was saying that should be obvius. But he wasn't hiding his intentions, his claws began to slowly dig at the skin on Stiles' neck. "But I can't do any of that when my own people oppose me."

"Let him go." Derek threatened, his voice low, his face contorted with rage. Stiles thought he was hallucinating from fear, because to him, the Hale's body seemed larger and stockier, his features already almost beast-like.

"Seriously Derek. Humans are too fragile for the perfect world we can create." Claws clenched arrow Stiles’ neck, blood slowly gushing from his wounds, causing him to slow the Hale's advance. "Just think about it Derek. Humans have betrayed us before. They betrayed you. Surely you remember that. They were to blame for what happened to your family.  We can't let that happen again."

"Let him go!" Derek roared, his movements violent and almost uncontrollable, much like what Stiles saw with Theo and Matt.

"What's happening to him?" the omega asked, his voice cracking, not realizing that tears had begun to fall down his cheek.

"Isn't it amazing?" Deucalion said in awe, his hand threatening to hurt the human, gripping his chin to make him look up at Derek. The Hale was shaking from side to side, his body jerking and howls of pain escaping his lips. Stiles' body was frozen just watching it, it was like when he shifted into full wolf form. But this time it was totally different. It was like he was getting bigger.

"You're hurting him!" Stiles shouted, trying to break free from the alpha's grip but Decaulion clasped the human's neck, causing a whimper of pain to escape him.

"Impossible. After all, we did everything we could to perfect that drug." No, it couldn't be. Stiles denied. He didn't want to imagine that Derek had been given the same thing as the other two alphas. "Isn't it amazing, Derek? Don't you feel the power coursing through your veins? And to think that first it was a drug the Argent's had made to hunt down your family. Can you believe it? Kate Argent came to me with an offer, the fucking bitch survived the war and had the audacity to come to me for help. Promising me that she would help me achieve the presidency if I would in return help her wipe you and your family out."

Derek roared at the mention of his family, his body definitely bigger and burly, Stiles even though he saw fur among the torn clothing. The Hale's face almost resembled that of a wolf. Moving dangerously close towards the other alpha and omega. Deucalion still stood his ground.

"Don't you see, Derek? I took it upon myself to end Kate's life. All these months with my pack  we were clearing our beautiful nation of the hunters. All for you and our kind, all for the advancement of werewolves. Isn't it wonderful? The weapon they had for us, we use it to our advantage. It awakens our deepest instincts, the genes of our ancestors in our blood. LISTEN TO YOUR BLOOD, DEREK!" Deucalion roared. That stopped Derek in his tracks, confused. "That's right, obey your alpha." Laughed the governor.

"Derek!" Called Stiles, unable to let the older alpha get to control with whatever he did. Fighting hard from Deucalion's grip. Biting the hand that held him from the neck. The older alpha screamed in pain, the other betas taking advantage of the moment to attack as well. Managing to get the omega free from the attack.

But the betas could not stop for long the older alpha, who quickly broke free from their jaws, his blows managing to knock them down. The whimpers of pain managed to wake Derek from his trance, who lunged at Deucalion as he approached to finish off Stiles.

The human could only watch in horror as the one who was supposed to be the alpha Hale snapped the governor's neck with its fangs, his huge and dangerous claws tearing his body apart. The blood soaking completely through the black fur that now covered Derek. There were no longer human traces of the Hale he knew, in front of him was a wolf beast that wouldn’t stop destroying the body of its victim.

"Derek. Stop, please."

The big wolf turned around and what Stiles saw filled his heart with dread. Derek's muzzle was drenched in blood, dangerous fangs let crimson thick droplets drip. And those red eyes held no trace of humanity, no matter how far away he was from the wolf, the omega could feel how he was being watched, how those eyes watched him as if he were a prey. 

"I wouldn't go near him if I were you." A woman's voice alerted. A calm but strong tone, one that gave no room for disobedience of her command. Stiles turned around looking for who it had been, for it was impossible for him not to recognize that voice. From between the trees, he could see the figure of Talia Hale approaching. "I don't know exactly what they gave him, but now my son is like a hungry animal."

The wolf reacted to the voice, standing slowly and sniffing the air, turning his head to the side. To Stiles it would seem like a cute scene, except that this was an over six-foot beast and his muzzle was soaked with the blood of the governor of Beacon Hills. Well...former governor.

"What can we do?" Stiles said as he slowly stood up, trying carefully not to alert the Wolf-Derek.

" ‘We’?" the woman asked with raised eyebrows. The omega now understood where Derek had gotten his judgmental eyebrows from. "YOU need to get out of the preserve, now. And go to a hospital to get your injuries checked out." Stiles wanted to protest but one look from the woman was enough to shut him up. Derek was definitely her son.

A badly injured wolfy Isaac nuzzled at Stiles' hand, Malia tugging at his tattered pants and Cora was limping to her mother, her injured paw raised. Stiles felt his heart break to see them like this. He didn't know what he could do to thank them for all they had done for him. Still, he felt that he couldn't leave Derek like that either.

Talia was about to say something but quickly turned her face away, as if she was listening to something. The betas also raised their ears, all looking in the same direction. He thought he heard Talia say that it wasn't a good thing, which alerted the human. But then, his human ears could pick up what the werewolves heard before,  the advance of several footsteps and an unmistakable voice calling his name. It was his father.

But that also alerted Wolf-Derek, who began to growl, the fur on his back bristling and showing his fangs. He was definitely more terrifying with the blood on his muzzle and because of his huge burly body. The omega understood why Talia looked worried now.

"Stiles? Stiles are you ok... Dear God! what the fuck is that!?" Stiles' father said, raising his gun. Other officers from behind were also surprised to see Derek.

"Put the gun down dad. It's Derek, please don't do anything to scare him." Stiles tried to keep a calm tone, putting himself between the wolf and the cops. Scared of what either of them could do to the other. Derek was still snarling towards the officers and his father still didn’t put his gun down.

" That is Derek Hale?!"

"I would seriously appreciate it if you don't end up shooting my son." Talia said, approaching the omega. "Stiles, go with your father, I'll take care of this." As soon as the woman rested her hand on the human's back, Derek roared, getting into an attack position. "Holy shit, seriously Derek? Now you're getting possessive?"

Stiles didn't get to ask what she was referring to, as the woman took him in her arms, shielding him with her body. Derek closed the distance in a leap, fangs and claws ready for the attack. But a loud roar from Talia made the entire forest vibrate, much louder and more powerful than Deucalion's. Stiles felt his very bones seem to tremble but he didn't feel fear as he did when the governor did. It didn't sound like a threat but neither did it sound like a command. It sounded like a call. Which caused Wolf-Derek to slow his advance, coming within inches of the alpha and omega.

"M-Mom?" His voice sounded low between fangs, raspy as if he was having trouble speaking. But his eyes no longer looked like those from a wild animal, despite glowing red, they showed the clear confusion in the alpha.

"Thank God" Stiles letf out a sigh, he didn't know he had held his breathing so long. He tried to move closer to Derek but Talia held him back.

"St-Stiles?" The wolf tried to approach as well but realized how defensive his mother was. "What's going on? Stiles...are you okay? Wh-What happened..." Derek started to ask but recoiled as if something hit him, letting out whimpers of pain. Shaking his head, bringing his claws to his face, covering his ears.

"It's the blood moon. It still has an influence over him." Talia whispered, visibly worried.

"Then what are we waiting for? We have to help him." Stiles tried again to move closer but the alpha wouldn't let go. "Talia, what are you doing? Let me go, I just want to help Derek!" the omega begged, unable to bear to see Derek in pain. The drug was getting to him again and they were just standing there doing nothing.

"D-Don't come closer. I-I don't want to hurt you." Managed to say the wolf. Stiles felt his heart squeeze, tired of watching the pack suffer and not being able to do anything. A painful tightness in the omega’s chest as he watched the panic on Derek’s eyes, as the wolf noticed how his own body has changed. The claws, the fur and the blood. Once again, letting out pained whimpers, his body jerking as if he was having a hard time keeping control.

"Derek...

"NO!" The roar managed to get both Stiles and Talia to back away. "Don't come near me."

It was the last thing he said before running out of there. Disappearing into the night.

~O~

An hour had passed and no one could find any trace of Derek. After all the chaos that occurred in the mating run, panic and insecurity had filled the air. The city has also been the center of a series of assaults and attacks. It could be seen that certain extremist groups took advantage of the fact that all the attention was on the reservation and the Blood Run. That was one of the reasons he could not contact his father or the station. 

In addition, the effects of the drugs on Derek not only changed his appearance, but also his scent was somewhat different. Adding up all the fear and unrest in the city, his trail ended up mixed in with everything. It was possible that the Hale didn't want to be followed either. Making it impossible to track him.

In between that time, Stiles was taken to the hospital to be examined, turning out to everyone's relief that he didn't have any broken bones, but he would have some nasty bruises for a while. The doctor prescribed some pain medication, not knowing that he had the whole pack wanting to absorb his pain beforehand. 

The omega no longer wanted them to carry more than they had to bear, but none of them paid any attention to his complaints. At least it soothed his guilt that they were all back in shape again, the quick healing of the wolves sure was a blessing for them. Some wounds still remained unhealed, having been inflicted by an alpha, but none were serious.

So they were back in the loft, thinking about where to look for the Hale. They were all opposed to Stiles helping, after all he was the only one who truly needed rest. If they were stubborn enough to not stop absorbing his pain, he would be even more so. Besides, after all they had done for him, the human couldn't just sit idly by. Luckily he seemed to convince Talia.

Laura came minutes later, accompanied by Stiles' father, probably from interrogating the alphas of Deucalion's pack. One sign of that was that the she-wolf kept wiping the blood from her fingernails with a handkerchief. The other sign was the package in his father's hand. Which was marked with the crest of the alpha pack.

"I didn't expect Ennis to be the first to cooperate. But it seems that the beating my brother gave him was enough." Derek's sister said, taking the small package from the sheriff's hands. "We got the drug they used on the run. But the one they used on Derek was a special kind of mixture. Which isn't good news."

When Talia asked what she meant, her daughter handed her the package. The alpha opened it, finding inside a syringe and a small vial with a thick liquid in it. She opened it to smell it and her serious face cracked as she caught the scent, which would definitely not be anything good for causing such a panicked expression on Alpha Hale's face.

" It can't be...they seriously used this?" Talia asked. Peter reached over and sniffed the bottle, frowning. 

"What did they plan to do with this?" Peter's displeased tone only raised more questions, the betas and the human demanding answers. "All I can say is that those alphas made a mistake if they used that wolfsbane."

"Wolfsbane?" Stiles was becoming increasingly alarmed. He may be human but he well knew that plant was lethal for werewolves.

"Actually, according to Ennis, they knew very well what they were using. They had another intention when the drug would have taken full effect." The discreet look Laura gave Stiles did not go unnoticed by the human. Whatever it was, it meant that the omega was involved in the plans the alphas had.

"Well the effects of the blood moon and the original drug will have worn off by now. But we still need the antidote for the wolfsbane." Talia started preparing to leave but her daughter stopped her.

"That's part of the problem. With the sheriff and the other officers we went through Deucalion's entire warehouse from head to toe, but we didn't find anything."

"Then... we need to find him now." Stiles didn't like the expression Talia wore at that moment, not when he recognized it was the same one his father wears when he's worried about him. It was a parent's fear of what might happen to their son. "And maybe we do need your help, Stiles." The seriousness on Talia's face only assured the omega that the situation was dangerous, but he didn't get a chance to answer because Peter jumped in first.

"Have you lost your mind? If you don't remember, Stiles is a human. And Derek was in his full alpha shifted, against his will. We can't force both of them to do that."

"Do you know that you are talking about my only son? I don't know what you're planning but if it involves putting Stiles at risk, I'm not going to allow it." Protested the Sheriff. Which didn't surprise the omega but he wasn't to change his mind either.

"I know Derek would never hurt me. Whatever has to be done, I'm all in." Stiles said to Talia. His father was about to protest but the human held up his hand to stop him from going on. "Derek already risked too much to protect me. Remember this was for YOUR so-called favor. It's our turn to help him."

Stiles was grateful that his father didn't protest, after all, he knew his son was right. So the man said nothing. But the omega was sure that dad  wasn't going to leave them until he was sure his son was truly safe.

"Well, that solves part of the problem. The issue now is finding Derek." Peter protested, because, again, they were back to the same point as before, no one had been able to find exactly where the Hale was.

"Well if they used that wolfsbane, he would have to be somewhere that would bring comfort and peace of mind to his animal side, right?" Laura asked. 

"And where would that be my dear niece?" Talia growled at the tone with which Peter asked the question. "We already looked everywhere. The old house on the preserve. His loft. The basketball court, the library. And there was no sign of Derek. Where else would he be?"

"I think I know where."

Everyone turned to look at Cora, who has been quiet throughout the conversation. But still, even though everyone was looking at her expectantly, Derek's younger sister didn't respond, but instead had her eyes on Stiles with a small smile on her face. 

"It's okay. I guess it doesn't hurt to try." Talia said with a soft smile looking at Stiles. The omega still didn't understand what the younger Hale was referring to.

~O~

Derek's mother's car pulled up in front of the Stilinski house, though she didn't need to get out to know her son was there. With her good hearing she could already hear Derek's heartbeat. Although it was somewhat irregular and his breathing was ragged.

"He's in your room. But i can tell he's managed to calm down. Even his scent is back to what it used to be." Commented the alpha with a reassuring smile to Stiles.

"And what is an unmated alpha werewolf doing in my son's room?"

"I think you and I already know the answer." Was all the woman replied, her father's face was a sign of displeasure but he said no more. "I'll go with you, I'm sure John will too," Talia added before the sheriff protested. "To make sure Derek is okay. Then it's all up to you."

"Why I feel like you're sending my child into the wolf's mouth? And I don't want to think it’s that quite literal, after what your son became in the woods." Despite his father still showing his dissent, it looked like he was going to cooperate and let Stiles help Derek. Though, the omega couldn't hide that he too was somewhat afraid.

After all, no one told him what to do. He was confident that Derek wouldn't hurt him, his faith in the wolf's promise was intact. Still Peter's comment was what made Stiles most curious about it. He didn't feel fear, he never got to feel it when the alpha was at his side. And just as the alpha was the comfort Stiles needed at those times, he wants to be the same for Derek. Knowing that returning the favor was just an excuse for what he really felt.

"Then don't think about it." Talia said to John getting out of the car, leaving Stiles’s father speechless. "Besides I don't think it's going to be a comfortable conversation for both of us."

An answers like that left the human completely baffled. Because it didn't lead to think that Derek was dangerous at that moment, and it didn't end up feeding the sheriff's fear either. But it did increase the curiosity of both humans. And the omega doesn't know if she could be referring to what he was thinking. About him and Derek. Or maybe he didn't want to let himself get carried away with the imagination that she was truly referring to that.

When they entered the house, all the lights were off and the lock hadn't been picked, so it was likely that he had come in through the bedroom window. Talia barely entered, sniffed the place and the expression she made was indecipherable to the omega, but it confirmed to him that it was indeed Derek. It was really his scent.

Going up to the second floor, Talia and John stayed in the hallway, at the alpha's order.  She 

said it was best not to alarm Derek and that it would saved the sheriff from seeing something he might not want to. Stiles' father asked her what she meant but the alpha didn't answer. So it was just the omega, slowly approaching his room.

When he looked in, he was overwhelmed with the scene in front of him. By one hand, he was relieved to see Derek's back, human, also discovering the triskele tattoo on it. And on the other hand, the pain of seeing the alpha lying on the floor, in the middle of a nest made out of Stiles’ clothes.

Stiles didn't know what to make with that information. To think that his scent would bring calm and comfort to an overwhelmed alpha, causing him to have to resort to making a nest out of his clothes. It was too much for his heart. And Talia surely heard his heart, because right away she was asking what was going on. The omega shook his head trying to calm his head and the urge to go after the sleeping alpha.

"He's asleep." He whispered. confirming it when the Hale hadn't moved at any point, even though he could have heard them since they parked the car in the driveway. Talia just nodded and turned around, nudging the sheriff to move as well, ignoring the man's complaints.

Once he heard the front door close, Stiles took a breath and entered his room slowly, taking more time to observe the scene. Derek's body moving gently with each breath. His broad back marked with traces of blood and mud, but at least devoid of fur. When he sat down near the werewolf, he could see his face was still shifted but it was his usual beta shift. Which was mildly good, but it also meant that the full moon or the drug was still having its effect on the Hale. Stiles just hoped he could still maintain his control.

What he did notice more closely was that the alpha's skin was completely drenched in sweat and it was imperceptible but at times he seemed to shiver. When Stiles rested his hand on Derek's arm to wake him up, the wolf's skin was burning in fever. And he knows werewolves are usually warm-blooded but that was definitely fever. And werewolves couldn't have a fever.

So the remaining option was the wolfsbane.

"Hey big guy, are you okay?" he spoke softly, shaking the alpha's arm just a little. Luckily it was enough to wake him up, the wolf let out a growl that ended up transitioning to a whine. Stiles didn't know whether to be surprised or scared to hear him like that. He didn't know how bad the effect of that plant is.

"S-Stiles? What are you doing here?" Derek asked in a hoarse voice, at least it was because he had slept and not because he was an over six foot wolf.

"It is my room after all. The real question is, what are YOU doing here?" he didn't say it as if it was a scolding, but rather he was truly curious. Even when the others let on certain clues, the omega had a hard time believing it. As much as he wanted that to be true.

It was hard to tell if the blush in the alpha was because of the situation he was in or because of the fever. Though the omega opted for the latter seeing how the wolf as the wolf was breathing heavily.

"I told you that you needed to stay away. It's dangerous for you to be near me." Derek growled, trying to sit up. Stiles quickly tried to help him but the wolf recoils at the first contact, his eyes glowing red. "I'm serious Stiles."

"No matter how much you growl, you're the one who came to my room. In addition, you made for yourself..." Stiles looked at where they were lying, at least it looks like the wolf had the decency not to lie in Stiles's bed with how dirty he was "A bed out of my clothes."

"Sorry."

"Relax. At least you used the clothes that were meant for laundry." The omega shrugged, averting his gaze from the alpha's chiseled, muscular body. Now that Derek was re-incorporated and sitting up,Stiles could see up close how well kept the werewolf's body was. It shouldn't be possible to have abs as perfect as those.

"It's just that your scent was stronger. And I needed..."

"Comfort" Completed the omega when the alpha didn't continue, earning a surprised look from the Hale, who nodded sheepishly. It was more than enough that he admitted why he did it. Now the omega just had to get him to accept his help.

"Still... I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done it. I shouldn't even be near you. It's too dangerous. I can barely keep control." He spoke as he looked down at his claws, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't sheathe them back. Derek felt incompetent, clenching his fists in frustration, not caring if he hurted himself.

"Hey don't do that. What did I say about the bloodstains?" The omega complained as he noticed it, slapping him on both hands. Slowly helping Derek open his fists. The wounds were barely superficial, closing quickly. "You're like this because of a certain wolfsbane, right?"

"How do you know?" The wolf asked in surprise. And it was funny to Stiles to see his expressions while still in his beta shift. It was proof that he still retained his humanity.

"Well we were looking for what the fuck they gave you in the Blood Run. Though your family kept to themselves what are its effects on you."

"It's better that way. That you don't know. I... I can handle this on my own." Derek tried to get up but the omega didn't need to make much effort to hold him there. Squeezing the alpha's shoulder, Stiles made him sit back down. But it did bother Stiles again how hot the werewolf's skin was.Trying not to put too much thought into how firm the muscles felt under his touch.

"Laura told me that you would say that." The omega said as he accused him with a finger. "Fuck. Please Derek, you're burning up with fever. Don't be stubborn and let me help you. There's a reason your family trusts that we can work this out, together."

" ‘ Together ’? No Stiles, we can't do thi… Wait, my family forced you to help me? Even knowing what it means?" Derek's eyes flashed intense red again.

"Woah, don't growl at me big guy. Complain to them. Besides, they never explained to me what you had or what needed to be done. But they were sure I could help you. And I am too. whatever needs to be done. That's why I'm here. Because you told me that I'm part of your pack. So, you're my alpha and I want to help you like you helped me." He stated without hesitation, not taking his eyes off the Hale's face.

Stiles knows that what he just said must have meant a lot to Derek, because the look he was giving to the omega was as if he was searching for some trace of a lie, as if he couldn’t believe what Stiles was saying. The omega felt a shiver run through his body at the intensity behind the wolf's eyes, which did not hide his vulnerability and concern.

"I don't want to hurt you." It was all he could say, barely in a whisper.

"I know you won't. You promised me that you will protect me, didn't you?" He replied with a smile. "Let me return the favor and be the one who is there for you."

The alpha swallowed hard, he didn't respond but the shy smile that appeared on his face was the answer Stiles needed. And even though he was in his beta-shift, that smile brightened Derek's whole face. And the omega wanted to always be the one who could make him smile like that.

"Good. It's settled then. But first, you should take a bath and get all the blood and mud off. You smell like a stray dog that rolled in the dirt."

~O~

Stiles was waiting on his bed, listening to the subtle sound of the rain in the shower. It wasn't hard to convince Derek to take a bath but the omega was worried about the fever and that the alpha could lose his self-control again. Cause when the omega said he would look for clothes of his own that the alpha could use, the werewolf's eyes flashed again and his breathing became ragged. All that was left was to hope that the shower would help bring his fever down.

It was also hard to find something that truly fit Derek. Even though they weren't that different in height, the werewolf was pure muscle. The omega found some pants that were sure to fit, a t-shirt,which probably won't, though that was the least of their preoccupations.

Within minutes, the Hale appeared at the door of Stiles’ room, still shifted  but at least completely clean, and with his shirtless torso. It seemed that the t-shirt didn't fit after all. Since he had it folded, along with the towel, in front of his crotch. Stiles tried his best not to let his eyes travel down that muscular body again. Derek was in a bad state, and he was supposed to be there to help him.

"Alright, let's see how that fever is." The omega said approaching without giving the wolf time to back away, resting the back of his hand on Derek's forehead. His fear rose to a hundred when the mere touch could burn him. "Dear god, Derek. The fever is worse. Don't tell me you took a hot bath?"

"It's not a simple fever, Stiles." Derek's voice was low and his vision seemed clouded, even his breathing was still labored.

"And what do you want me to think? If neither of you explain to me what you have. That I shouldn’t worry, that I will be able to help you. But how can I do that if none of you don't tell me exactly what's wrong with you?" he asked, waving his arms exaggeratedly. He was tired and scared that he couldn't do anything and that no one would explain what Decualion’s staff gaveto the Hale.

Derek swallowed saliva, averting his gaze for a moment. "Don't worry, I can figure it out on my own. Maybe I will need something from you..."

"Enough of that shit. Enough of the martyr role. What pisses me off the most is that everyone's keeping to themselves what is happening with that wolfsbane. But hey , they have no problem telling me that it's lethal and you could end up dead. I have eyes, Derek.I can see you're sick! Your family told me you surely know what to do and how I can help you. SO, why the hell won't you let me help you, what's there to do?"

"I don't want to hurt you." He whispered again. And Stiles never thought he'd see fear in alpha's eyes, always serious or grumpy, but now he looked really vulnerable.

"I don't think you will. Is it that bad that makes you believe that?" The omega begged, stepping closer to the alpha and taking his free hand on his own. Derek's eyes flashed red again, but Stiles didn't pull away, the werewolf didn't either.

"You don't understand. I'm not in control now. You don't know how hard I'm trying not to give in and get carried away... by my instincts." The Hale's voice was raspy again, his breathing increasingly ragged, his gaze fixed on their clasped hands.

"To me you look pretty in control now. Well except for the fangs and your wolfish face."

Derek denied but couldn't help but smile. Despite his recent words. Being around Stiles, his touch and his voice. It was what kept him in control. But it also tempted his most primal instincts.

"But you don't know how I feel." He confessed helplessly, feeling his throat go dry with how close the omega's was to his body. His gaze fixed on those lips that were so tempting and inviting. Those same lips had irritated him so many times with their unstoppable talking, but which also, had left him dreaming of them. A growl rumbled from his chest as he caught Stiles' scent becoming sweeter.

"So tell me Derek. Seriously, I can't help you if you don't tell me how." Stiles' plea was breaking through the alpha's defenses and he felt he was giving in.

"I don't want to force you..."

"You can't force me if I agree." Interrupted the omega.

"To have sex with me." 

Oh.

Derek could see the gears turning in Stiles' head. He knows he blurted it out carelessly, but the omega wasn't going to give up either and was going to keep asking until the alpha gave him an answer. The human let go of his hand in surprise, his scent tinging with embarrassment and a hint of arousal, which was not good for what little control Derek had left.

"Okay." The omega replied.

" ‘ Okay ’? No Stiles, this is no ' Okay '. Don't you think I'm possibly taking advantage of you?" The alpha couldn't believe Stiles would agree that easily, not when he remembered how much it bothered the omega when alphas thought they could do whatever they wanted.

"With how embarrassed you were with telling that to me, as well as your whole family, I doubt it's a lie. Besides, is on the internet, Derek. I could search on my phone for all the varieties of wolfsbane. I just didn't think it was THAT one." He said with a shrug. "So ok, let's do it." Derek had to hold back a moan that almost escaped him just hearing it.

"No Stiles, it's not okay. This is a situation that is not okay." Derek didn't want it to be like this, but Stiles didn't understand. Still, when the omega's scent turned sour, smelling disappointment, the alpha became concerned.

"Oh, I understand now. You just don't want it to be with me."

"No Stiles! I mean, yes. Shit, I do want you... It's just..."

"It's just what?" Stiles prompted Derek to continue. Derek swallowed hard.

"II don't want you to do it out of compromise for my own sake." He admitted. He doesn't want to be the charity case. He doesn't want the omega to agree to do it because he feels obligated to pay back the alpha. Derek always figured that if it came to it, it would be because they both wanted to and not because it was a life or death thing.

" 'Compromise' ? Derek, did you not catch my interest a few moments ago just by imagining it? In fact, have you never noticed my obvious interest in you during these months?" And it was true. Derek did pick up on how Stiles' scent was sweet when they were together. The arousal when he came back home from training, shirtless. But the Hale always thought there would never be a chance, with how much the omega talked about how he hated alphas. The possibility never crossed the Hale's mind that Stiles was actually interested in him.

"But you hate alphas." Was all Derek could say, managing to make the omega laugh and that sound was beautiful. Calming his wild impulses.

"I hate asshole and arrogant alphas. And you are neither of those."  He said with all the affection in the world. Amazed that the werewolf with senses sharper than anyone else didn't realize how much Stiles had fallen for him. "So, can I kiss you?"

"Please."

~O~

Kissing Stiles was nothing like Derek would have imagined. Although they both had to be careful because of his fangs, the kiss was extremely sweet and gentle. The omega had both hands holding Derek's face and the wolf was melting at the careful touch. 

He was completely surrendered to Stiles, letting the omega lead him with whatever he wanted to take, because if the alpha took control, he knew that his instincts would burn with overwhelming passion and he wasn't going to be able to enjoy the moment. 

He wants to be the one living that moment, in all his senses, and to not give in to his primal urges. He didn't want to let the wolfsbane cloud his mind. But still, the Hale had to make a huge effort to not use his claws and tear the human's clothing.

"Why don't you just drop this already?" Stiles said as he continued to kiss Derek. One of his hands wanting the alpha to let go of the towel and t-shirt he kept holding between their bodies. And when the alpha did it, the omega realized why the werewolf was keeping it right there. Rather, he sensed why.

When he looked down, he saw the huge tent that Derek's boner was raising. He looked up at the alpha in surprise, because well... what he saw, he liked it. And he definitely wanted to feel that in his mouth, inside him, everywhere. Like, right now. The omega felt his body burning with just the idea that he could have that inside him, feeling his entrance gettin wet with desire. 

The alpha on the other hand seemed embarrassed to have been caught. Though, when his nose soon picked up the scent of the omega's slick, a growl vibrating from his chest.

"Fuck Stiles" The alpha’s voice was low and his control again was slipping away. But this time, Derek felt more conscious than ever, how his whole body burned with the desire to take the omega. That was no effect of the wolfsbane, but his own desires. And Stiles' too.

"Yes, yes. Fuck Stiles . In the bed. Please ." Derek couldn't help but grin as he kissed Stiles. He loved how impatient and eager the omega was. Because he felt the same way. Even more when he felt the human's hands travel all over his body, caressing and squeezing every part of his skin. "Holy shit. You're so hot. Literally and figuratively. Having this much muscle shouldn't be legal." The omega complained, squeezing Derek’s biceps.

"It's to carry you better." The wolf whispered as he kissed the human's cheeks. The hands that were pushing the omega's waist against his body, traveling backwards, gently caressing that ass, until they reached his thighs and effortlessly, lifting him up. Causing Stiles to wrap his legs around him, as Derek carried him all the way down to the bed.

"Show-off." Stiles said with a chuckle but his scent clearly showed that Derek’s display had been completely to his liking.

The wolf carefully laid the omega down, the kisses starting to become more and more passionate. Letting his hands trail over Stiles' body as he had wanted for so long. Being careful with his claws not to tear his clothes. Even though all his urges told him to rip it off at once, so he could taste that whitish skin bathed in moles. From the first moment Derek met him, he hadn't stopped thinking if that his Stiles’ body would have as much moles as his face.

Derek wanted to see and taste it.

He slipped his hand under Stiles' shirt, lifting it, finally able to touch that soft skin. The omega shivered under his touch, a sigh escaping the omega's red, wet lips from his passionate kisses. Derek smiled at being able to cause such reactions in the human. Slowly beginning to leave kisses  from cheek to the human's neck. Burying his face there and breathing in Stiles' pure essence, full of excitement and arousal.

But he lifted his face when Stiles began to laugh. Softly, his body escaping from where the alpha’s fingers brushed. Derek stared at him, waiting to know why.

"Your claws, they tickle and make me shiver every time they brush my skin." He said with a big grin.

"Sorry." He wanted to pull his hands away but Stiles quickly caught them in his.

"No, no. Don't be sorry, I actually like it. I'm just... well, very ticklish." He said without losing that smile, pulling one of the alpha's hands closer, kissing it on the knuckles. Derek felt his body tremble at that little act. "I like every part of you. The human," he continued as he laced their  fingers together "And the wild one."

That had definitely left Derek speechless, but he couldn't hide his huge grin at hearing that. His heart was pounding at the affection that was growing ever bigger in his chest. His body no longer burned from the effect of the wolfsbane, but from desire.

"Hey! I don't know what you did but it's you again! Your face, is back to normal." Stiles said happily, his hands squeezing Derek's face, stroking and stretching his skin, as if searching for the wolfish features that were there only seconds ago.

"I didn’t. You were." Derek whispered, his tone affectionate, closing his eyes and tilting his head at the human's touch. Stiles looked at him in confusion. "You, your presence, by my side. It comforts me and makes me feel safe, human."

The omega's smile at his words made his face beam with joy. But he became serious after a few seconds. "But you're still running a fever."

"Well, we'll have to work that out. With less clothing."

"I wish all fevers could be resolved like that." Stiles said excitedly, trying to pull off his t-shirt but getting caught. Derek shook his head at the sight, and slowly helped him undress.

The alpha felt his mouth water at the image in front of him. The omega's body, completely naked and at his mercy. Slim but firm, surely from police training. The skin was whitish and marked by a variety of mole constellations, just as he had imagined it. A complete map he wanted to run his lips over.

The omega was trembling again at the touch of Derek's kisses and hands. But his heavy breathing and the blush that crept up his neck, were a clear sign that he was enjoying it. So the werewolf gave in to his hunger, leaving soft marks on that skin he had so longed to taste.

Slowly he moved down, following the happy trail on Stiles' abdomen, enjoying that he wasn't one of the omegas that shaved. The alpha could pick up with his senses how the human's breathing and heartbeat increased as he brought his face closer to the omega's cock, who was still wearing his boxer.

The desire and hunger was growing more and more in Derek's chest, but he also felt his primal instincts begin to emerge. The feeling of having his prey beneath him, so vulnerable and eager to be devoured. As much as he wanted to fuck him right there, he also couldn't hide his desire for how much he wanted to play with him. To try how much he could tease the little omega until would be begging for the alpha.

The sight beneath him was too tempting not to give in to his hunger. The omega's erection, the pre-cum wetting his belly, his body shivering at cold, needing the warmth the werewolf could give him. So he waited no longer, bringing his face to the human’s cock, feeling drunk on the pure, ripe scent of Stiles there.

The omega sighed at the contact he was so desperately needing, his skin shivering at the sensation each time Derek's beard scraped against him. The man licked his lips at the sight of the omega's cock just inches away, licking the full length and causing Stiles to moan. Derek smiled, it was just the touch of his tongue and he already had him like that, melting beneath him.

The taste exploded in his mouth, smooth but sweet, just like Stiles' intoxicating scent. Derek hummed in satisfaction at finally tasting it. While his fingers, now without the claws, could trace the entire skin of the omega's legs. All that soft skin where he also wanted to leave his marks.

But still, his hands stroked and squeezed, enjoying how the omega trembled at their treatment. His scent becoming heavier and fuller with desire. The scent reached full on Derek and left him dizzy with how pure and tantalizing it was. Awakening the alpha's instincts within him, both wolf and man.

Slowly, he brought one of his hands down to the omega's ass, gently caressing Stiles' wet entrance. All that slick making it easier for his first finger to enter. Provoking more pleasure at the sensation and soaking the alpha's hand. Derek was pleased to cause that reaction, to be the one to make the omega this wet.

As the werewolf greedily sucked the omega's cock, his fingers slowly opened and prepared the human's entrance. Stiles kept moaning his name, his body trembling as he received so much pleasure from both sides. His fingers tangling in Derek's soft hair, as his hips moved seeking more between the wolf lips and the thick fingers that were opening him up.

"Wait, wait. You're going to make me..." Stiles gasped, tugging the werewolf's hair to pull him away from his nearly aching erection. Trembling when he saw the alpha's red eyes. But he wasn't angry, rather that look was clouded with desire. "I don't want to come yet. Not until you're inside me."

Derek grunted, feeling his brain melt at those words. Especially seeing how agitated and how sunk in pleasure the omega was. All his instincts begging  him to please the omega at once. The werewolf could feel the fever getting worse and worse, but it was also because of how badly he wanted to make Stiles his. He too needed to be inside the human already.

Desperately, he struggled pulling off the pants that felt like a prison. TTrying, with what little control he had left, not to rip them as they weren't his. And his body felt like it could finally breathe when his heavy erection was released.

"Fuck." Stiles groaned. "I don't know what's hotter. That you were in commando. Or how huge you are." Derek puffed out his chest at Stiles' words. He couldn't help but to feel a sense of pride at the compliments of the omega that could soon be his.

"It's all just for you." He growled, once again clutching Stiles' body beneath him. Beginning to mark that neck that was begging to be painted with his bites.

"When they say alpha's are big, I know it's true. But fuck Derek. Nature didn't skimp on you. I don't know if all that is gonna fit in me." Stiles groaned, his hand tentatively circling the alpha's cock. Pleased to see he wasn't circumcised. 

"I can open you up a little more if you want." Said the alpha in a hoarse tone, licking his lips. Realizing he had yet to taste the human's entrance. His mouth watering at the very thought of being able to taste the omega's slick.

"I don't know if both are gonna have the patience for it." Stiles pointed out, watching as Derek kept fucking his hand. The werewolf growled in frustration. "Okay, in the second round you can do it. But right now, I need you now. You need me. And I'm wet enough for you."

"Fuck Stiles. Don't say things like that." The alpha wanted to reprimand him but ended up saying that with a low moan. Hiding his face in the omega's neck as his hands grabbed Stiles' legs and lifted it, exposing his wet entrance.

"Then fuck me already, alpha."

And that was all it took.Stiles calling him alpha only fueled the fire of desire and hunger, his vision clouding red. Surrendering completely to his instincts and making that body he had craved for so long his own.

Derek did not know if he was delirious from the fever or drunk with pleasure, but Stiles' body felt deliciously tight around his cock. Totally delighted that with little preparation, the omega could receive him so well, being so wet with the desire to feel him inside.

Stiles was no better, all the air escaped from his lungs at the penetration, all his nerves were being stimulated. Pleasure and pain mixed deliciously. The alpha's dick felt so huge, as if he was going to split him in two. But at the same time it felt like it was everything his body had wanted and needed.

The movement of their bodies responded to their deepest and primal desires Those of an omega and an alpha,finally together and concreting the much-needed bond they had been longing for. Derek's thrust were strong but accurate, striking perfectly and drowning Stiles in waves of pleasure.

Desperation gave way to wild passion. Their bodies seeking each other. Needing each other's warmth, their touch, their closeness. The desire and affections bubbling in both their chests had them dizzy with pleasure. The kisses were insufficient and at the same time, they were the most exact thing they needed. Wild but full of affection. 

They kept calling each other's names, their moans and grunts were answered by more kisses and bites. Their breathing was ragged and the air seemed to burn in their lungs. It was like a thirst that burned everything inside them. The only thing that could calm that need was each other, their lips, their bodies and their passion.

And they felt it. Both Stiles and Derek felt the pleasure growing more and more, the movement between their bodies becoming rapid and erratic. The sensation of coming left them gasping for air, pleasure as electric waves coursed through their bodies, and moaning loudly as the orgasm overtook them both.

The alpha let out a howl as he came hard inside the omega, filling him and marking him with his seed. Stiles felt his body swoon at the explosion of pleasure he reached with his prostate being rammed by Derek's huge cock, his orgasm leaving him completely exhausted.

Derek could no longer support his body, letting himself fall to the side, not crushing Stiles with his body. His cock leaving the omega’s body with a wet sound. Leaving the human trembling and making him let out a small moan as he felt empty. Exhausted and drunk in pleasure, the alpha wrapped his arms around the omega, drawing him closer.

Both of their breathing was heavy but the sensation that washed through their bodies they had never felt before, it was like being in a state of bliss, their bodies floating with pleasure. Derek could hear their hearts pounding. But their scents were thickly with pure arousal and ecstasy, mixed and together.

With a smile on his face, Derek closed his eyes. Enjoying that moment of their bodies together.

~O~

After several rounds, just in case, to make sure that the drug had lost its effect on Derek, that there was no longer a risk of death and that both could think clearly. All that remained was to talk —after a well-deserved postsex nap— after all, even though the omega gave his consent, there were still several issues that had to be made clear between the two of them.

Like their feelings.

Or how they were also victims of a hideous plan that was orchestrated by the governor of Beacon Hills himself. What would be a national uproar, after all Deucalion was renowned throughout the nation. Not only for his history as a werewolf, but also for leading a pack of alphas.

Revolts were also the raids that Deucalion had ordered behinh everyone's back. The Blood Run being a cover both to get to Derek and to make his other moves targeting human civilians. It appeared that the intention was to pass the raids off as a series of robberies in the first place. To spread fear and then Deucalion would come out as the savior, offering false security and controlling the supposed criminals. When in reality it would all be another facade to raise an army under his command.

The drug he had tested on Derek during the Blood Run; it was also the fire test to prove its effects, it had been intended to awaken the deepest and most primitive instincts in a werewolf. Combined with the influence of a blood moon, it was like completely removing any trace of humanity. Which only left a beast at the mercy of its instincts. And one of them was supposed to be the need to find the stability and security of a pack.

But their plan mainly backfired when the attackers got carried away by their extremist ideals and the influence of the blood moon. So they ended up doing whatever they wanted. Their other problem was not counting on the entire Hale pack to infiltrate the Run, as well as Derek resisting mostly the effect of the drug.

Deucalion, having established himself as alpha of alphas, believed that Derek would obey his orders when under the effect of the drug. Using Stiles as a leash of sorts on the Hale. Hoping that if he saw the risk one of his betas might take, the alpha in Derek would submit to Deucalion. The governor never counted that perhaps, Derek saw the omega as his mate, completely losing control when the governor threatened to hurt his potential mate.

Another factor was how they came to administer the drug to the Hale. It happened when they called the alphas first before the omegas. It had been set up to take the alpha to an isolated location, sedate him with wolfsbane fumes and then inject the special drug. Just like Stiles, the alpha later awoke in the middle of the preserve. And from there he was desperately searching for him.He was the one who also took down Kali and the fused twins. 

The betas and his family weren't able to fully confront them, after all, those alphas had also consumed the drug to increase their strength, without the disinhibiting wolfsbane. But Derek arrived in time, also under the effects of the drug and angry that they hurt his pack. Stiles, days later, heard that Kali and the twins were still recovering from the wounds that the Hale had inflicted on them.

It took time to restore order and calm throughout the United States, especially in California. The distrust in werewolves was once again at an all-time high. But the news reports made it known how the events really happened. And the fame and influence of the Hale family, as well as the fact that they were the main actors in stopping Deucalion's plans, helped to restore calm.

So days after several trials, arrests and legal proceedings. Stiles could say that his life and the pack returned to relative normalcy. The only thing that was now somewhat different was his relationship with Derek.

After all, it wasn't like they had had the most normal start. With danger that they both might have died, wasn't exactly how they had imagined when they started their relationship. Mostly from all the supposed first steps they skipped. But who seemed to be most bothered by that was Derek.

"We don't have to follow all the bases like everyone else. We can keep going through this like any normal relationship." Stiles said one day, sitting on Derek's lap, still feeling what happened that night.

"It's just not how I had imagined what our first time would be like." Replied the alpha burying his face in his omega's neck, content to feel their, now mixed scents.

"Who knew you would be so sentimental. Are you sure you're a wolf and not a cuddly teddy bear?" Stiles was delighted to know this side, because despite Derek being serious or quiet, there was all this honest and caring personality.

"Very sure, little red .” The alpha growled, biting Stiles' neck provocatively.

"Ok, ok big bad wolf. I get it." Chuckled Stiles, sighing as the bite turned into a big series of kisses. "So what do you want to do then? Because you can't turn back time."

"I wish I could have courted you properly. And not have jumped on you like an animal." Derek growled again in frustration, squeezing Stiles' thighs, pulling their bodies closer.

"I think you know that I don't mind you being an animal in bed." He joked, earning a grunt from the alpha. "All right, all right,” Stiles answered to Derek’s warning growls. “But if you want to court me so badly. Then do it." 

That seemed to get Derek out of his bad mood, who lifted his face from Stiles' neck and looked at him with an hopeful expression. "Would you like that? Despite everything we've already done?"

"I'd love it Derek." Stiles replied, his smile just as big as the alpha's. Leaving a sweet, short kiss on the wolf's lips.

"Perfect Are you free on Friday?" Derek said as he reached for the omega's lips again.

"For you? Always."

"It's settled. Friday will be our first real date." The smile the Hale was showing at that moment had Stiles completely in love with him. There was no need for courtship because they had already fallen for each other.

"I can't wait."

FIN