Chapter Text
The entire pack stood on the porch of the rebuilt Hale house. Derek had explained that Stiles, with more breath going to praising Stiles than actually explaining, had begun making possible alliance ties with a pack from Europe when he visited last summer and a group of the pack were now visiting Beacon Hills. They had all shared eye rolls when their Alpha almost lost his train of thought when Stiles was reaching for something on the top shelf of the kitchen. The pack could see it, but Jesus why couldn’t they?
The pack remembered the trip with vivid accuracy. Stiles had announced he was going for the entire month of July, and the Alpha had sulked for a week. When Stiles was gone he was snappy and growly again. They were very grateful for his return, especially when Derek followed Stiles around for two weeks scenting him.
They didn’t wait long before they heard the sound a single SUV coming down the drive. It was all black and reminded them all of the Argents. A tall man gracefully slid out of the SUV and approached Derek, who had descended the stairs, with a women sliding out of the passenger seat. Stiles grinned as he stepped down to stand next to Derek.
“Alpha Hale,” The man bowed his head softly. He had a thick British accent.
“Alpha Ren,” Derek returned the gesture.
“This is my mate, Penelope,” Ren gestured to the women standing next to him. She was tall and broad shouldered with long waist length brown hair and pretty blue, inset eyes. She bowed her head and Derek did the same. “I am Malcolm.”
“Mal. Penny.” Stiles greeted with a grin. The Alpha and Penelope both smiled in return. The pack all exchanged glances
“Stiles it is splendid to see you again!” Penelope opened her arms, and Stiles flew into them. The pack was outright gaping now. They knew Stiles had made some small connections, but this was something else completely. Stiles stepped back after a minute, his hair mussed and a grin still on his face.
“Indeed Stiles.” Ren held up his hand, and car doors began to open. The portion of the Ren pack filed out of the car. Ren and Penelope stepped aside as their pack was revealed. Stiles was tackled and landed several feet away from where he was standing. The pack all sprung forward, but stopped short at the sound of Stiles’ laughter.
Stiles looked down at the mop of golden hair buried in his neck and laughed. “I missed you too.”
“Jackson!” Lydia all but squealed. Stiles felt Jackson huff and pushed at his shoulder.
“Let me up pup.” Jackson rolled off Stiles and jumped to his feet, shooting out a hand to help Stiles. The pack just stared as Stiles brushed dirt from his pants.
“Tactful,” Derek growled. Jackson smiled and just shrugged.
“Alpha,” He stepped forward and batted his head against Derek’s, who leaned into the touch. Stiles motioned for the pack to come forward and they did, lining up like the Von Traps.
“I feel like I need a whistle.” Stiles mused. Ren’s pack all laughed. Jackson took the distraction to jump on Stiles back, clinging to him like a monkey. The pack stared, mouths agape. “Okay in a row, Scott, Allison, Lydia, Isaac, Erica, and Boyd.”
“It is a pleasure to meet all of you. We hope to strengthen the bonds between our packs and form a beautiful alliance.” Penelope’s voice purred. A boy and a girl stood next to her. The boy was roughly fifteen and the girl was in her early twenties. “This is our son, Charles, and our daughter Melinda.”
“It is a pleasure. Stiles has told us so much about you.” Melinda smiled. She looked over at her father, who smiled at her.
“Melinda is in training to be the next alpha.” Ren explained.
“Well, shall we all go inside?” Stiles put forward. Melinda and Charles stepped forward to hug Stiles, both were reluctant to let go. Alpha Ren nodded and he and Derek led the way toward the house, talking quietly. Melinda and Charles were practically glued to Stiles side as he carried Jackson up the stairs. Penelope smiled to the group. They were all watching as Stiles was able to carry Jackson up the stairs.
“I take it Stiles didn’t elaborate much on his trip to visit?” Penelope asked.
“We didn’t really ask.” Erica said, shifting back and forth on her feet. Penelope huffed, her lips pursing slightly, but didn’t say anything.
“Stiles is you right?” Lydia blurted.
“Me?” Penelope smiled.
“Yea. Alpha Mate, and second and all that.”
“Well yes, he is.” Penelope affirmed softly.
“Then why can’t they see it?” Isaac whined. Penelope tilted her head in confusion.
“What-”
“Penny, pups, aren’t you coming inside?” Stiles voice cut through their conversation. Penelope made eye contact with him and asked a question the pack didn’t understand. Stiles answered with an equally puzzling look. They hadn’t seen it before. Stiles was growing close to this pack. They all exchanged look of terror. Penelope had said they wanted to strengthen the bond. They couldn’t lose Stiles. Derek couldn’t lose him.
“Of course we are. I hope to get to know you all personally. Shall we?” Penelope motioned for the house and they all began to walk toward the house. At the door, Penelope looped her arm with Stiles. “Darling, you should see the new addition we are adding to the house. You would just love it.”
“Oh I hope to see it soon.” Stiles said with a grin.
“You remember Oliver right?” Stiles nodded.
“Of course I do.” He giggled. Lydia looked at him, mouth open. He fucking giggled.
“He gifted half his book collection to us, so we’re adding a library. The pack exchanged another look as they sat in the living room. They wanted Stiles. They were building a library and filling it with books. There is practically no better way to seduce Stiles into leaving.
“Oh that’s absolutely fantastic!” Stiles practically squealed and began to jump up and down.
“Stiles,” Derek’s lip twitched as he looked at Stiles. The entire pack noticed. Stiles looked at him with a grin.
“I’m doing it again aren’t I?” Derek did smile this time, and he laughed as well. Ren and his pack laughed as well. Jackson jumped on Stiles back again. “Well then what does everyone want to drink. Or eat. It’s almost time for dinner.”
“Oooh how about the manicotti you made?” Melinda gushed.
“Melinda,” Her father admonished.
“Oh please, you know very well its fine,” Stiles laughed. “Manicotti does sound awesome. Drinks?”
“Water will be fine,” Penelope bowed her head. Charles nodded.
“Scotch for me if you could,” Ren put it.
“Father,” Melinda mocked. Ren smiled. “That does sound nice though.” She smiled at Stiles who just laughed. Stiles motioned for a few members of the pack to follow him. Lydia and Allison scrambled after Stiles and Jackson. When they reached the kitchen, Jackson slipped from Stiles back and sat on one of the bar stools. Lydia and Allison gaped. He acted like he belonged there.
“Jackson,” Lydia breathed. Jackson kept his gaze locked on his clasped hands.
“Hi Lydia.” He kept his eyes on his hands. Lydia stepped forward eyes blazing.
“You run away to London after everything we went through and all I get is a ‘Hi Lydia?’” She hissed.
“Lydia, leave Jackson alone.” Stiles chided. He handed her two glasses, filled with scotch. “Please bring these out.” Lydia turned on her heels. Allison slipped into the seat next to Jackson.
“So how’ve you been?” She asked. Jackson looked up and smiled.
“Really, really good. England has been amazing. Malcolm and Penelope have helped a lot. Stiles has been the best.” Allison’s eyebrows shot up.
“Uh wow.”
“I know right? Talking. Praising Stiles of all people, but you understand. With the pack bond, everyone’s relationship changes.” Allison just nodded, not understanding.
“Jax, I told you. They don’t get that yet.” Stiles pushed softly. Jax? Allison thought with shock.
“Oh right,” Jackson looked put out.
“Allison, could you bring these out please?” Stiles put two glasses of water on counter. As she walked out of the kitchen, she heard Jackson whine.
“Stiles,” He whined.
“We’ll talk tonight okay?” Stiles placated. When Stiles and Jackson returned to the living room, conversation flowed easily. The pack felt them being drawn into the British family and slowly starting to like them. After dinner, they circled in the living room.
“Jackson, have you?” Penelope asked soothingly. Jackson fidgeted and shifted from foot to foot.
“No, but now’s the perfect time.” Stiles linked his fingers with Jacksons.
“What’s up Jax?” The entire room was watching.
“Well I have an announcement. When I went to England, my grades pushed forward and I graduated early.” He took a deep breathe. “I am starting Beacon Hills community college in the winter.” Stiles beamed before launching himself at Jackson, who caught him easily. Derek placed a hand on Jackson’s shoulder and squeezed, a pleased smile on his face. Stiles shifted toward Derek and his grin widened. The pack was struck by how much closer those three were than to the rest of them. Penelope and Malcolm shared a grin.
“I think the alliance between our packs will be bountiful and very beneficial.” Malcolm said with a nod. Jackson let Stiles go and they both sunk into the couch.
“Yes I think it will as well.” Derek smiled.
“For now, we will return to our hotel. Shall we meet up for breakfast?” Malcolm suggested.
“Oh what do we want?” Stiles perked up. Charles and Melinda shared a look, but didn’t say anything. “C’mon you two. We are almost officially in an alliance. Spit it out.” Stiles leaned forward and grinned. Charles looked sheepish. “I will tell everyone about Aberdeen.” Jackson blushed red. Charles and Melinda both smiled before sharing a glance.
“Banana nut pancakes!” They both squealed before tackling Stiles. It was a mess of limbs and laughter. Both Alphas smiled down at the pile.
“Yes I think things will work out nicely.” Ren and Penelope stood. They both shook hands with Derek and nodded towards the rest of the pack.
“Children, leave Stiles alone. We have to go now.” Penelope chided.
“But Mom, we haven’t seen Stiles in ages.” Charles wined. Penelope gave him her best glare, which could rival the Hales.
“Go on pups. I’ll make you damn banana nut pancakes.” Stiles laughed. Melinda and Charles extricated themselves and followed their parent’s example.
“Stiles.” Penelope bowed her head and led her children out. Malcolm smiled and bowed to Stiles as well. Jackson stayed tangled with Stiles on the couch. Once they were gone, Stiles stood and stretched.
“Alright guys, I gotta go make sure dad ate his vegetables. I’ll be over early tomorrow.” He grinned at Derek. “Later Alpha.” Stiles mocked. Derek grumbled with suppressed laughter.
“Stiles. Jackson where are you going?” He focused on Jackson, uncomfortably shifting on the couch.
“He’s coming with me.” Stiles grabbed Jackson’s hand and pulled him to his feet. Jackson smiled and looked at Derek, who sighed.
“Don’t do anything stupid.” Stiles pulled Jackson from the house and pushed him toward the Jeep.
“Of course you still have this piece of crap,” Jackson joked wholeheartedly.
“Hey, you knock Roscoe and you’re walking.” Stiles jibed. When they pulled away, the pack turned on Derek, who had begun to read.
“What the hell Derek?” Scott yelled. Derek raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t want to give us any warning?!”
“Warning for?”
“How about Jackson?! Or Stiles?! Or the fact that they are all very buddy buddy?” Lydia hissed.
“I wouldn’t have to if you guys, oh I don’t know, treated Stiles like pack?” Derek sassed before focusing on his book.
“We treat him like pack!” Erica snarled.
“No you don’t. You treat him like a random friend you hang out with. I wouldn’t have to warn you if you had asked Stiles about how his trip was.”
“I did.” Isaac said sheepishly.
“There’s a reason you’re his favorite.” Derek said off handedly. “What did he tell you?”
“He said he met some really awesome people. He mentioned he met a pack and pretty much hung out with them for the trip. I knew that though.”
“How?” Scott asked incredulously. Isaac tilted his head in confusion.
“The smell was all over him. I didn’t realize it was Jackson though.” Derek hummed.
“Did Stiles tell you everything?” Lydia asked Derek.
“Of course he did.” Derek sighed and stood. “Since you won’t leave me alone, I’ll be going to the study.” When they heard the click of a door, they all converged.
“Okay what the hell were they talking about? What about this alliance?” Allison hissed.
“Whenever they were talking about an alliance, Malcolm would look at Stiles.” Lydia put the pieces together first of course.
“You don’t think he’d leave us do you?” Isaac’s voice was small and scared. They all shared looks.
“Stiles and Jackson are very close. So are Stiles and the two kids.” Scott put out.
“Stiles is very close to all of them.” Erica hissed.
“We haven’t treated Stiles like pack.” Boyd spoke up. “We need to go show him that he is pack.”
“He’s with Jackson right now.” Scott countered.
“Yes and according to what just went down, Jackson is coming back to the pack. We should welcome him too.” Isaac said.
“When Jackson and Stiles were in the kitchen, Jackson mentioned Pack bonds. Stiles told him that we ‘weren’t there yet.’ Jackson seemed pretty upset about that.” Allison was looking at Lydia, who would be able to put it together.
“I think we need to reassert Stiles in the pack. Welcome Jackson as per usual. We need them to see Stiles belongs to us.” Lydia confirmed.
“Does he though?” Isaac didn’t want to lose Stiles. He looked at Stiles for protection. His wolf did too. His wolf looked for Stiles sometimes before Derek. He knew that was important. He had mentioned it to Stiles one day and he had grinned wide before telling him he was almost there.
“We’ll just have to ask him.” Lydia was determined as she marched from the house. They didn’t know Derek had left the door to the study open, instead opening and closing a bedroom door, to hear them. He flipped his phone open and hit the number 2, speed dialing Stiles.
“Ello.” His voice was heavy with sleep, making Derek grin.
“I just wanted to let you know the pack is currently en route to see you. They have it in their heads that you’re leaving.” Derek’s voice was hard and tense. He knew where Stiles stood with him, but he was still pretty damn insecure where he stood with Stiles, especially after today. Stiles snorted.
“Please, like I could leave your pretty face behind.” Derek could hear the smile in Stiles voice. He took a deep breath, relaxed, and smiled.
“Just thought I would let you know.”
“Well thank you for the update. I’ll let Dad know a bunch of werewolves are coming over.” Stiles sniggered quietly. “God I never thought I’d say that. Are you coming over later?” Derek sighed. It was 100% fake and Stiles knew it.
“I guess. See you later.”
“Bye Der.” Derek hung up first and paced the study for several minutes. It wasn’t like Derek thought he couldn’t tell Stiles, but he just couldn’t say the words. They just wouldn’t form right.