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The pack awoke that morning to the sound of Jackson’s cell phone ringing. He saw the caller ID and groaned but answered quickly.
“Yes.”
It was Jackson’s father on the line “Isaac is signed over to your mother, the Deputy that found him is dropping him off at your place shortly. Your mother will be with them for the visit. I will handle the case; it is clean cut. We have 6 months before he needs to find an official guardian.”
“Good. I’ll need you need to stay on the west coast until trial is closed, his father will no doubt throw a fit since Isaac is his only employee.”
“Jackson, I’ve done more than enough for your fri-“
“You will stay here. If you miss a single court meeting or one of his calls I will make the call to the board.” Jackson didn’t bother giving him a choice and hung up.
Everyone felt the stress and hurt from dealing with his parents so they cuddled around him in reassurance.
Stiles was the first to jump up. “We can’t overwhelm Isaac with everyone here, he knows that I will know because of my father but it should be up to him when he brings others around. Cora, Alli, Lydia and Laura can you all hunker down at Either one of our houses?”
They grumbled slightly but knew it was for the best , the girls loaded up into Allison’s car and packed up the foxes as well, the runt putting up a fight when he realized Derek wasn’t coming. Derek reached down and took off a sock giving it to the fox to snuggle.
Stiles went down to start breakfast meanwhile Jackson and Derek worked on the spare room for Isaac.
Shortly after breakfast sandwiches were made Derek and Jackson headed down stairs, they had revived a text from Parrish that they were on the way. Both Derek and Stiles could feel the sadness and anger coming from Jackson at the thought of seeing his mother.
As they heard the cars approach Derek took a minute to hug Jackson and scent him, before running off upstairs to hide.
Stiles and Jackson heard the door bell and they made their way out front. On their porch was Parrish and Isaac, Parrish had two duffel bags in his hands and Isaac was looking at the ground.
“Hey Isaac” Stiles spoke softly not making any movement to get close yet.
At the sound of Stiles voice Isaac’s head jerked up and he had a soft smile, he saw Jackson and smiled bigger almost like he was surprised. Seems his mother didn’t think it was needed to introduce herself.
Speaking of her, the silver Rolls Royce pulled in behind the deputy.
Jackson wantsles to avoid this as much as possible so he asked everyone to come inside to the dining room. Jackson placed himself and Stiles on either side of Isaac, while the deputy sat at the head of the table and Jackson’s mother sat on the furthest spot.
“We have breakfast sandwiches ready and juice.” Stiles distributed the food around and brought extras to sit in the middle in case they wanted seconds. Hoping to ease the tension everyone ate and Jackson saw Isaac eying the extras infront of him but not reaching out. He decided to help by grabbing himself a second one and holding another out to the blonde, Isaac smiling took it and ate it quickly. After Jordan Isaac and Jackson had each had 3 sandwiches they switched into business mode.
Stiles stood and packed the extra sandwiches for Jordan to take back to the station.
“Well Mrs.Whittmore I see you have been registered for many years as a State guardian but this is your first placement so there are a few questions I have to ask. For this Isaac must be present but we can do it alone if you’d like Isaac or you can have Stiles and Jackson here if you’d feel more comfortable.”
Unable to took Jordan in the eyes he spoke in a hushed tone “If they want to stay they can.”
Stiles moved slowly and placed his hand on Isaacs knee, he only flinched a little but smiled back at him.
“Okay thank you Isaac. Mrs.Whittmore first off this is a longer case since there are multiple charges being filed, do you understand that the placement can be for short term only a few days or up to 6 months depending on the case.” Jordan spoke calmly note pad in hand.
“Yes I understand.” She answered almost in a bored tone.
“Are you available in all capacity to provide for the minor, in both time and financially.?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you, and lastly like I said before this is your first placement why has it taken you 4 years to take one on?”
“You can ask Jackson it was him that asked me to.” She replied
Isaac snapped over to Jackson at the revelation.
“In middle school my friend was in an car accident with his family. He lost his sister and his parents were hurt, I had my mom sign up in case he needed someone. They pulled thru in the end. We have the time and money so I wanted to be able to help.” Jackson explained speaking slowly so Jordan could take notes.
The boys clearly knew he was talking about Boyd but chose to keep the name quiet.
“Well that is everything for us to leave him in your care Mrs. Whittmore, CPS will call you in less than a month for the first home visit and based on that they may schedule follow ups as they see fit.” Jordan stood up the loud chair noice causing Isaac to flinch again. “Since we signed all the paper work at the station we are all set. Issac here is my card as well as CPS contact Incase you ever need it. Thank you for breakfast and I will make sure the other get these while they are still warm.” Jordan excused himself and headed back to the station.
As soon as he turned out of the driveway Mrs Whittmore headed out as well “Jackson I will be here for home visits but I will be at the manor full time.” Not botheing to say goodbye or thank anyone for food she didn’t even eat she left.
Jackson just shut the door behind her and turned to Issac “I’m sorry she is like that; but I just wanted you not to go somewhere else.”
Issac just looked at him in shock “Jackson you have done more than enough, you called in both your parents in to help me. I will never be able to say thank you enough.”
Jackson just smiled at the blonde “well let me show you around it will just be us here well.. um mostly just is…” Jackson turned to Stiles for help here.
“Isaac we have a very close group of friends and we like to hang out a lot. You know Alli and Cora but we are more like family than friends. Jackson too, they would love to be around you and Jackson but that will be up to you. I don’t know if you know the Hales they lived out on the preserve years algo. But one of them is my Boyfriend and his sisters are super close. Whenever you are ready for people they want to meet you. I won’t lie Derek is actually upstairs right now but they all know what happened. Ummm Jordan I mean deputy Parrish is also in our little family unit. We dont keep secrets…” Stiles hoped his explanation was good enough, finding a human way to explain pack dynamic was a hard balance.
Isaac just looked between and asked “wait they want to meet me?” Not being used to being a first choice.
“Yes,” Jackson urged on “Allison and Stiles were actually going to invite you to the first lacrosse game of the season in like 2 weeks to see me play. We wanted to invite you before all this happened honestly.”
Stiles nodded along hoping Isaac would believe them.
“How about we settle you into your room and then you can think about meeting Derek, if you don’t want to he can leave just say the word.” Stiles offered picking up Isaacs duffel bags and heading to the staircase.
“Okay I can do that.” Isaac gave a soft smile and followed the boys upstairs, Jackson leading the way to the room across the hall from him.
“This is your room, I can still hear you if you need but it’s not next door so You can have some privacy,” Jackson motioned around the room. “This dresser has some clothes in it for you, they are new and clean since I didn’t know how much you brought with you. Here is the bathroom , towels under the sink and it’s stocked with stuff.” Jackson quickly showed him the room and placed his bags on the bed.
“Jackson thank you this is too much again thank you..” Isaac looked around the room, this was nothing like the mobile home his father and he shared. He stared longing at the shower and bath tub.
Stiles caught on “why don’t you take a shower and change, I can guess you slept on my dads couch in his office and I know that it’s not a good smell in the station. We will go in Jackson’s room whenever you are done just come out. Oh and one last thing” Stiles reached for a small jar of ointment from his jacket pocket. “This lotion will help with the cuts on your hands and nails. It also works well on rashes, scars, burns and hives.” It was really just all natural lotion mixed with his healing tears but no one needed to know that.
He gently placed the jar into Isaacs hands and walked out with Jackson on his heels.
The pair walked into Jackson’s room and Stiles went to sit on the bed cuddling into Derek who has pulled a book from Jackson’s shelf. It looked well worn, he managed to recognize it as The Princess Bride. Derek kept reading but curled his arm around Stiles and pressed his lips to his hairline. Jackson was reading the Kanima records Chris had provided him. After about 15 minutes Derek let Stiles know that Isaac had shut the water off. A few minutes later Isaac knocked on the doorframe and let himself thru the open door.
Derek pretended to just notice his presence and marked his page before nudging Stiles to get up.
“Hi, I’m Derek Hale. Nice to meet you Isaac, thanks for keeping Stiles company in class he’s talked a lot about you.” Derek put in the charm, busted out the bunny toothed smile and everything.
Isaac glad to have heard that shook his hand and let out a dazzling smile. Stiles swears he heard Derek’s heart break and practically adopt him on the spot.
“Well I’m sure it’s only half true.” Isaac teased back feeling at ease around Derek.
Derek laughed and continued “please Allison has me convinced your full name is Isaac Ray of Sunshine Lahey. Jackson, Stiles, Allison and Cora have all said you are nice. Plus my sister Cora told me you are in her art class and that you sat next to her on her first day since she was new.”
“Oh I didn’t know Cora was your sister. That’s cool.” Isaac looked around the room and noticed all the sports stuff “honestly I don’t feel as as weird as I thought I would. If you were planning on having company and stuff they can all come around. I don’t mind… it may be nice to have people around.” Isaac finished looking to Jackson for a reply. Hopefully at the thought of being near nice people.
“Great I’ll tell everyone to come over I think we just had a movie night planned today nothing crazy since it’s just a 3 day weekend.” Jackson rattled off. “We will text everyone and they should be here soon. And if you ever need to get some quiet feel free to head to your room anytime.” Jackson made gestures at stiles to text the pack while he prepped the movie room with Isaac.
User: Isaac gave green light for company, pick up snacks and food then head over.
RobinHood: sounds good we are taking my car be there in 30
Screamer: make hot chocolate for me
Lady Hale: I’ve been training with Chris, too tired for tonight. Alli letting me sleep in her room tonight.
Hale Jr.: I am taking art supplies for Isaac!
Stiles didn’t bother replying, he made his way to the kitchen with Derek and made the hot chocolate for the army. Derek gave him the few minutes warning and the young pack let themselves in.
Stiles handed the spill-able cups to the coordinated werewolves and left the non breakables to himself. They headed over to the movie room and found Jackson and Isaac sitting completely comfortable on one of the long couches. Everyone said a quick hello to Isaac and made their way in, grabbing a blanket to cuddle with as they went.
Lydia snuggled into Jackson’s already open arms, Stiles gently placed himself down next to Isaac and Derek sat himself between Stiles legs, Cora laid on the floor resting between Isaac and Jackson’s legs and Allison curled into Derek’s other side.
As they scrolled thru the movies to play arguing about what to pick Isaac finally added to the conversation.
“Well since it’s Jackson’s house shouldn’t be pick?”
The pack laughed and groaned. Cora leaned into Isaacs leg , happy that he didn’t flinch, “nooooo Isaac, if Jackson picks it’s the saaAaaaame movie every time. We have already seen The Princess Bride 2 times this month. Wait you’re the guest! Isaac you pick the movie, show us you’re favorite one!” Cora finished.
Isaac let out a first real belly laugh they had heard. “My favorite movie is a kids one, I probably watch it once a week maybe more than Jackson watches the princess bride.” He looked around nervously before adding “I love Megamind.”
Stiles laughed and mimed answering the phone “Olo?”
The pack laughed seems only Stiles had seen it before. They put it on and enjoyed the night together.
*****
Flashback to the girls at the argent household.
Chris had set up Lydia to translate passages in Archaic Latin meanwhile he had Cora doing scent training with Allison in the basement. He was working with Laura In the first training room.
She had built up enough strength that he now wore Taekwondo gear so he could measure the strength of her hits. After an hour of controlled sparring he moved them on to Tai Chi for movement and control.
“Good Laura, now move forward follow me but slow your heart. Movements flowing in the same speed but bring yourself down.” He watched as she cycled thru the Tai Chi movements correcting her posture every now and then when an elbow would dip or she relaxed her core.
After an hour of that moved her to the mats and sat down with her knees touching crisscross. Just as they were about to get into the last part of her routine Cora spoke loudly enough for Laura to hear her.
“Stiles says movie night at Jackson’s, I have your phone.”
Laura heard her sister and she answered in her normal voice “too tired, I’ll pass tonight. Can you text him from my phone.” She was careful to keep her breathing even and Chris gave her a bright smile clearly understanding that she and the other were were having a conversation.
“Focus now. Get ready to Tune in your hearing , your scenting, your vision.” Chris spoke to Laura keeping his own voice even. “Now listen to my heart. Focus in remember your training.”
Laura took slow breaths thru her nose and mouth then she was ready. She Placed one palm face up on Chris’s knee, this was their silent signal that she was ready to move on.
“Now keep the sound of my hear beat and smell, take in the room nothing else.” Chris kept an eye on the heart rate monitor he put on Laura for training impressed with the level of it. Clearly she was focusing and taping into her wolf side but her heart stayed steady. Laura took her other hand and placed in on his other knee. She kept her hands closed but had the backs of her hand resting comfortably on the hunters knees.
“Good. Take a minute and marry the smells and sounds. Now I want you to remember your shift , the focus you had when tracking. Using your senses together. Now open your eyes focus on me. Lock in like the hunter you are.”
Laura took a few more breaths then opens her eyes. She could feel the vivid yellow in her soul. She took in every shade of blue in Chris’s eyes, every micro scar, every fine line. When she was able to focus in she heard his last order. Bring it together now. She focused on his eyes, fixated on his scent and honed in to his heart. When she had it in perfect balance she let her hands open and let her palms face the ceiling.
“Very good. Now Laura last step will be different than what we have been doing before. This is important, you need to hear me. I need you to tap into your beta form.”
Chris took a second and watched her intensely, “you and your wolf need unity. Total acceptance. You are a beta wolf to the Hale pack, will you be loyal?”
Laura kept silent but let her eye flash vividly
“Will you defend the pack?”
Another flash
“Will you put the pack above yourself?”
Another flash
“Laura Hale Shift!” Chris commanded staring intently into her vivid eyes.
Laura pushed her wolf with all her heart, she felt the almost foreign feeling on her claws burst from her hands. The feeling of claws brought her eyes snapping to her hands. She looked down in shock before she realized what she had done.
This was the first time she was a able to do that, a smile broke out across her face and she felt tiny canines with her tongue, not quite the alpha fangs she used to have but it was a start.
Over joyed she let out a tiny howl , luckily the training room was sound proofed, and she jumped up in excitement . Chris followed her up and smiled back at her. She couldn’t help it and she threw herself at Chris. He had been working with her daily since that night in the forest and she knew he was a huge factor in her success. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and cried into his neck.
The strong hunter just held her tightly and maybe a single tear had escaped him.
“Thank you! Thank you. Thank..you” Laura blubbered out between sniffles.
After a minute or two she realized she was still latched on and she dropped her legs and end to pull away. His piercing blue halted her half way and she froze there. Her hands lightly resting in his shoulders and his arms still loosely on her waist. They both stayed like that for a few moments before stepping apart. Both of them choosing to ignore the awkward and obvious matching blush they had.
She stared at her clawed hands for a minute then got a wave of exhaustion. Chris saw the sway in her stance and the light flicker out from her eyes.
Laura didn’t even have time to ask for help before she felt her legs give out. Chris was there and ready, he caught her and carried her up in his arms. Laura only able to hold her eyes open for a second before completely falling asleep in his arms.
Chris carried her to Allison’s room and laid her into warm blankets, the cage of sleepy foxes only woke shortly for the noise then went back to sleep. He covered her in blankets then brought up some electrolytes drinks and left them on the bed side. Chris didn’t feel right leaving her in such a weak state so he settled into the corner of the room where he could see the window and door, he checked and armed all the security around the house then let himself rest against the walls not letting himself fall into a deep sleep.
*****
Back to Pack Night at Jackson’s.
The movie was just wrapping up and it had gone over very well with the rest of them which made Isaac very happy. Allison was falling asleep on Derek and Cora was completely asleep and Derek was just closing his eyes since Stiles was running his hands thru his hair .
Jackson felt Lydia readjust a few time so he moved himself taking one arm and throwing it on the back of the couch, it happened to graze Issacs shoulder and he let out a gasp of pain, the jolt caused him to drop his can of soda on Cora.
In a second she awoke from the van hitting her head and she sprang up , emitting a growl and looking for what attacked her. Derek reacted to Cora’s shift and stood up vaulting over the couch to the door to put himself between the entrance and his pack. Since there was no threat he turned to Cora who realized what happened. In a matter of seconds they realized they shifted and settled down. Isaac was frozen just looking between the sibling.
Derek took a step towards Stiles knowing he would be able to handle this the best but then he felt Isaacs body freeze up and fear over whelm him.
He stopped put his hands up and backed up, focusing on Isaac. “Isaac no one is going to hurt you. I’m walking away okay. You are safe. Guys come with me give Isaac some space.” Cora moved slowly toward Derek, then Jackson and Lydia and they felt Isaac start to breath again.
Stiles was the last to move, he turned to Isaac “Isaac this isn’t how we wanted to tell you. Now there is no pressure on you. However much you want to know or not know is your choice. You are safe here. No one is asking you to leave or stay. So take some time, and when you are ready you can come out to the kitchen. We will do what you want. If you want to be alone all you need to do is ask. Okay.” Stiles motioned for the pack to walk out.
Isaac snapped his eyes to Allison who was standing next to Cora.
Stiles saw the panic and calmed him again “Allison is safe, she knows everything. We are not in danger here.” Isaac simply nodded then collapsed into the couch. Stiles walked out of the room.
Cora was already holding back tears and belong held by Allison and Derek.
“I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry… I should have had more control… I know bet…”Cora mumbled into Derek’s chest between the tears.
The pack could do nothing as she cried. It seemed to hit her so hard, it had been along time since she had been rejected and shunned for who she was. “Isaacs going to hate me…” sniff “I can’t.. at school” sniffle sniffle “Derek.” She just wept.
In the room Isaac was just trying to get himself together for the fear and shock of what he just witnessed. As his heart came down he heard a very familiar sound, he heard crying. As he listened he heard the group in the other room. He could hear Cora as she wept and heard her say that he hated her. His heart broke, Cora was so nice to him and he loved sitting with her in art class. Unable to handle the idea that he hurt her, he rushed out of the room and forgot all the fear he felt minutes ago.
The huddle of friends snapped their heads over as he burst in the room and he just kept charging to Cora. He saw as Allison realized his intention and she detached herself and made room for Isaac. Isaac wrapped her into his tall frame and squeezed her “I don’t hate you Cora.”
Cora cried at the words and latched onto Isaac. Wrapping her arms around him but then pulling away like she was burned when he gasped in pain again. She focused in her n his scent and smelled blood and healing.
Derek reached for his phone and spoke to the room, “Jordan is on his way, he felt distress on you Cor.”
Isaac looked at the smile on her face and teased “Jordan that must be the mysterious boyfriend you say you don’t have.”
Cora laughed back glad to see Isaac smiling, she stepped beside Derek for strength before asking what she was afraid of “do you want to know?”
“I need to.”
Isaac looked around the room and saw everyone looking at Derek.
“Everyone has a choice, share what you want when you want. Cora can go first.”
“Everyone?! Is everyone something!?” Isaac looked around at the seemingly normal looking group.
Cora took a step forward and walked Isaac over to the couch, sitting was probably a good choice.
“I am a werewolf.” She said like she was commenting on the weather. Tact was not the Hales strong suit.
“Wait what! Like twilight, Michael J Fox werewolf?” Isaac started laughing “oh yeah and next you will say that Derek is the leader wolf.”
Derek walked over and stuck a hand out to Isaac “Derek Hale, and it’s Alpha Wolf.” He winked at the teen hoping to ease the tension.
Isaac just looked back and forth between the siblings.
Just then the door slammed open and in came Deputy Parrish, he rushed to Cora and was about to wrap her into his arms when he realized Isaac was still in the room , he stopped short and panicked looking to Cora and Stiles for help. Cora decided to help him out and she walked into his arms . She felt much better after being held.
“Wolfs out of the bag, Babe” Cora teased him kissing the deputy on the cheek.
“Seriously less than a day.” Jordan groaned “o can imagine it was Stiles doing. What did he sit Isaac down for a bad joke that went “So a Wolf, Banshee, Hellhound and Kanima walk into a bar.”
This time the rest of the pack groaned. Isaac looked like he was turning green.
“Hellhound! Banshee!” Isaac yelled out
Parrish looked like a deer in headlights.
“Thank you Honey.” Cora mocked “we had actually only JUST told Isaac about me and Der being werewolves.”
Jordan just groaned and then took a step towards Isaac sticking out a hand “Jordan Parrish. Hellhound. And also I’m the reason why Cora says she’s single.” Isaac just stared and shook his hand.
“Is that how you…” Isaac started
“Yes. I heard you, superhearing.” He answered quickly
Isaac looked around the room and eyes landed on Allison. She just smiled and raised her hand in a little wave, “I’m human, but I’m a trained Hunter.”
Stiles raised his palms and created a ball of light “I’m Magic.”
Lydia stood confidently and said “Banshee.”
Jackson took her hand and smiled at Isaac “Kanima, basically Were-Lizard.”
Isaac just kept darting his around to the group before busting into a nervous laughter. The motion of him curling forward caused pain to shoot up his back again and he stopped himself.
Cora noticed the slight metallic smell from blood and the pain coming from Isaac.
“What’s wrong?” She inquired stepping closer to Isaac.
“Nothing .” He lied
Derek took a few steps toward them and placed a hand onto Cora’s shoulders. “Cora forgets her manners, Where’s have elevated senses. We can see, hear, feel, smell and taste more. This includes heartbeats which means we know when you lie or when you bleed. She is worried because she smells blood on you and feels your pain. We don’t normally intervene with humans but truthfully more than half of them consider you pack so they want to help.” Derek squeezed onto Cora’s arms letting her know he wasn’t upset she over stepped.
Isaac looked around the room and felt safe, safer than he has felt in along time. “I’m okay, I hurt but I’m used to it don’t really realize it until I move to quickly. My dad he … well he drinks and gets mad. Since it’s just me around I just get the worst of it.” He slowly stood up and turned to face the back of the couch, he pulled up his shirt and showed them his back.
There was a mess of old scars, new bruises, an array of cuts in various stages of bleeding and healing. His ribs were purple and green.
He heard the short gasps from everyone else seeing it and he lowered his shirt again. When he turned back around Cora was curled into Jordan meanwhile Derek had both Allison and Stiles under his arms. Lydia had latched into Jackson’s hands like a lifeline.
Cora’s shock dissipated and she turned to look at Parrish in the eyes “Did you know?”
He nodded slowly “John talked with Isaac and he agreed to be photographed for the case.”
Stiles composed himself and pulled away from Derek, he waved a hand and moved his medipack in from the front room. He infused all of his items with mountain ash to help him.
“Jordan does he need to be photographed again or present live at the court hearings?”
The deputy just shook his head no.
Stiles pulled out various supplies and smiled at Isaac “well Isaac running with wolves had its perks, plus my magic touch will help too. Can you take off your shirt it’s time to give you a clean slate.” Allison realized what he was doing and she grabbed other items laying a sheet down on the floor for Isaac to lay on. The supers helped move the furniture around to open up the floor. Stiles made lost of packs of ointment covered bandages. Isaac confirmed the damage was only in his hands and back. Allison took the time to walk Isaac thru the Wolf pain drain and healing process, the idea of no longer having these scars cover him brought tears to Isaacs eyes.
When everything was set up Isaac laid on his stomach and he held out a hand which Allison took. Cora and Derek placed a hand on his biceps to pull the pain. When they gave a nod to Stiles he asked Isaac if he was ready. He gave a meek yes and Stiles began.
He started in the freshes cuts and lashes the ones that were actively bleeding. Once those were covered in wet bandages he moved onto the scars, placing a different ointment on them and running his glowing hands over them. Last were the bruises, he could see the wolves here starting to feel the effects and it broke his heart to think of Isaac living like that everyday. He used a special oil and covered eveything that was bruised using his magic hands to massage it in and speed the healing. Then he placed large patches that covered his entire back to seal it in until tomorrow.
He motioned for the wolves that it was all clear and they both collapsed with a soft sweat across both of their faces. Parrish caught Cora as she flopped back in exhaustion. He just reached up the the couch and pulled off the cushions placing one under her head. Derek was only just staying awake, the alpha in him giving him more energy.
Stiles was also tired from the use of his healing magic, he copied Jordan and magic Ed over more cushions laying right were he was next to Isaac.
The pack decided it was as good a place as any to sleep, they didn’t actually need blankets since they all cuddled and wolves ran hot. Everyone just cuddled around Isaac and the exhausted healers. Jackson was last to bed after Turing off all the lights and setting the alarm. Isaac was Magic Pulling drunk and he slurred out “mmm nice. Sooo familyyy. Goood wooooolf. Stay here….” He curled onto his side but didn’t let go of Allison’s hand.
Working minutes everyone was asleep.