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The week passed by without fanfare, Stiles still stopped by every day after training and worked on healing John up. Friday came around fast as could be and the kids at school were out for lunch.
The teens were huddled around Stiles phone ready for the daily FaceTime Phone call. Everyone crowded around and John answered after a few rings. Today it was just him and Laura with a surprise visit from Melissa.
Scott had apparently asked her to stay away from everyone but she ignored him.
A chorus of greeting Was heard from Stiles, Allison, Jackson, Lydia, Cora and Isaac.
“Hi kids.” John answered he asked Melissa to prop the phone up so the three of them could be in the call. Laura waved from her chair and Melissa joined John on the edge of the bed. “Guess what?” John asked before dropping the hospital blanket to show off a Beacon Hills Lacrosse Jersey, Laura and Melissa also popped up posters. “I got cleared to go home! Derek is on his way with Chris’s Tahoe so I can get in easier than my cruiser.”
The kids all cheered and hugged each other.
“He is not pack up to walking around however.” Melissa jumped in before they got too exited. He is locked to the wheelchair. He will only het pushed to the car, then back into the chair to the game, then STRAIGHT HOME to lay down and rest.”
The kids all nodded enthusiastically.
“Isaac I am counting on you to log his Physical therapy, he’s going to need it for the prosthetic program we want him in this summer.” Isaac nodded stoically like a good little soldier.
Derek showed up half way thru the call, judging by the blush the nurses that have a crush on him had gotten to him. They caught up John on what happens so far, Tests, gossip and then they planned for the game.
Jackson would be with Danny and the other players. Meanwhile Cora would walk with Isaac, Allison , Stiles and Lydia to the field ; they would meet Laura, John, Jordan and Derek at the field. Chris had a last minute meeting with a client and would drive himself there later incase it went long.
They got times squared away and the lunch bell rang, they all said their goodbyes and John was off to his final check in before they cleared him to go home.
It was the last class of the day Isaac was in class with Stiles and Danny. Danny had been partnered with Isaac for the work of the day.
“Hey Isaac can I ask you something?” Danny asked with his signature smile “and of course you can say no.”
Isaac was concerned that he knew about the case but he knew Danny was nice so he nodded.
“What is up with Jackson and VP DuPont? I asked Jax but he just said it’s fine and I know him. It’s not fine.”
Isaac saw the concern in his eyes and knew he had to comfort him, in his slip second deliberation Danny continued “ look he’s my best friend. I know he is always hanging out with you guys since I’m busy with my Senior Project after school everyday but Jackson is my brother. I mean I came out to him when we were kids. You know and I know it’s bothering him but I can’t help.”
“Danny. Take a breath. It’s okay. We all know your busy and we literally have it on our calendar for when you finish your project so we can loop you in on everything.” Isaac pulled out the cellphone Derek got him and showed off the calendar for June 10th ‘Danny Internship Expo’.
“The truth is VP DuPont is Allison’s birth mom, Allison filed for emancipation to get away from her. So now she is being petty with all of us. That’s why we have been keeping our distance. Stiles said that she could impact your project so that’s why we have been avoiding you when she is around.” Luckily they had all agreed that Danny gets to know if he wants. All supernatural conversations had to wait until Derek was around but Danny would get to know eventually.
You could visibly see Danny perk up and the chip on his shoulder lifted. He knew he wouldn’t ever lose his brother but it was nice to hear.
“You know she asked me if I wanted to try to go for Captain of the team, she wanted to pull Jackson.” Danny confessed crossing out a number Isaac wrote down on the worksheet and correcting it.
“Yeah, she tried to get Coach Finstock that it would be for the best. He called her crazy.” Isaac laughed nudging Danny with his shoulder. It was small but friendships and joking like this was new to Isaac, the confidence of the pack helping him.
There was about half a page left in the worksheet in their computer science class when the intercom went off.
“Varsity Lacrosse, Varsity Lacrosse First call.”
Danny listened Then politely motioned for the worksheet. Isaac slid it over and Danny looked it over for a few seconds. Then he took out the pen and finished all the page in a minute.
Isaac just stared back in awe since it took him 20 minutes to do one line that Danny went in and corrected.
“I like computers.” He laughed and smiled at Isaac before grabbing his bag. He gave stiles a 2 finger salute when he called out a good luck yell and walked out of the class room.
When he left the room Isaac sent out a group text to the pack letting him know about the conversation with Danny, Jackson appreciated the heads up and they prepared for the home game. Stiles and Isaac walked down to meet up with the others and prepare for the big game, luckily it was a home game. Stiles re did the girls hair and the Lydia and Allison put war paint stripes on them. Lydia, Allison and Cora for Jackson’s old jerseys from the previous years. Stiles wore his old team t shifts from freshman year when he played. The others just wore red and white. They grabbed their stack of signs, mostly for Jackson but there was one for Danny in the mix. Then headed to the back side of the school to go to the field.
Sure enough they were the first ones here since the game didn’t start for 30 more minutes but they liked getting good seats, plus Allison and Stiles liked to back seat coach. A few minutes later the others showed up. Derek was pushing John in his wheelchair, which had red streamers hanging off the handles in support. Turns out the nurses liked to help decorate, mostly just to flirt with Derek, Jordan or Chris. They made their way over and John stood on one leg supported by Derek just long enough to hug everyone then Stiles was already fussing for him to sit down. They put John on the second bench that way he could prop his nub up and follow his resting guides. The others sat around him and finally turned back to the field to watch the warm up.
The stands filled out with students and parents, quite a few stopped by to check on the sheriff. Then minutes before the game was to begin Jackson ran over with Danny. Lydia thought it was for the good luck kiss but he stopped in front of Cora.
“Don’t shoot the messenger, but here.” He stuck out a hand up to the bleachers and there Cora held up a small lacrosse jersey it had Hale written on the back, with Derek’s old baseball number on it, 22. She looked confused but then coach Finstock walked over.
“Hale!” He called out as he ran over, the three siblings looking over confused. “Uhh tiny Hale!” He corrected looking to Cora. “Remember when you said no to joining the team. Well I added you to the roster, we lost 2 players to a failed final exam so I need you to step in. Just run around and if you get the ball just throw it to someone in red. Great great.” He was armed with a set of gear and pushed it into her hands then turned and walked away yelling at some poor unfortunate soul.
Derek and Laura were nearly collapsing in laughter at Cora not only being on a team sport but the fact that she got Finstocked into it. Jackson pleaded with his eyes and said, “we just need a body, I’ll put you back with Danny all you do is get the ball to me deal?” Jackson didn’t wait for an answer and leaped over the bleachers, threw Cora over his shoulder and ran to the locker room, Danny grabbed her purse and the jersey and jogged after her.
Jackson cleared the locker room and sat Cora down on the bench, Danny gave her the uniform and they both turned around. Cora was grumbling and griping the whole time, under her breath the was telling Jackson he was in big trouble next pack training night. Danny of course didn’t hear but he was making small talk trying to lighten the mood.
“Cora you and me will be the dream team, we just need an extra body’s all you have to do is stand their and hold a stick..”
“Okay okay I’m decent.” Cora called out letting the boys knew they could turn around , her uniform was crooked and nothing looked right. Danny and Jackson looked at each other then got to work, the pulled and tugged until it looked close to right. Finally they stepped away and she threw her hair up in a ponytail and walked out with the boys.
When she walked out to then field the pack started cheering, you could see they had taken 2 signs and crossed out Jackson’s name and wrote Hale and #22. Cora couldn’t help but smile and wave. She knew this would be the only time she would be in a team jersey so her and Jackson and Danny hammed it up. Posing as Charlie’s angels, power rangers and laughing the whole time. Finally Finstock called over the modeling squad for their huddle. The game was going to start.
“Alright team “ coach started his usual speech from the movie Independence Day then turned to the trio. “Jackson you know what to do. Let’s hustle boys! And ugh Tiny Hale!”
He blew his whistle and the team rushed the field, Danny had to physically place Cora in her place and then head to the goal, Jackson was at the face off. The rivals were in blue and black. The referee looked to the captains snd coaches then started the game with a blow of the whistle.
Jackson won the head to head and quickly moved toward the goal. Within 60 seconds he scored the first point. Cora ended up just standing there, she paces back and forth and played with her stick like she was in the color guard. Jackson led the team well and was off to an early lead, he did lots of assists for the players that had scouts at the match and played well.
The pack led the cheers and shouted for eveyone on the team, posters were being waved and hollering galore. The first quarter had just ended and Beacon Hills was up 5-0. They pulled away for a time out called my the other team. Cora struggled to get her mask off then warned the team, “The attackers are going to focus on me next. Heard them plan something about attack zones and getting the small one.”
Coach looked at her and understood, he shifted around the players and advised them to focus on defense.
“Greenburg stick with Cora in back left. Jackson switch from center and cover the right side and front.”
“Can I just hit them in the ankles when the big one over there tries to rush me? He will fall like a sack of potatoes if I get his legs out from under him.” Cora asked feeling the weight of the stick in her hand. Finstock looked over and sure enough the player built like a refrigerator was eyeing up Cora and the coach was painting her out.
“Greenburg I swear to god you better watch that bear of a student and block him. Do you under stand me? You will use yourself as a human shield got it!”
The time out ended and they made their way back to the field. As they walked back coach yelled out “Small Hale No breaking kneecaps”
This time since Jackson was sobering the entire side of the field the head to head was left to a junior. Danny was calling out illegal things that Cora kept asking if they could do. They lost the head to head and sure enough the giant came headed straight to Cora, ball was nowhere near her but there he came. Jackson managed a great hit and stole the ball back and rushed back for the other goal. Cora was dancing around making sure to keep Greenburg in the middle. Jackson and the team were able to score one more but it seemed that the other team switched to defense as well the they just kept going back and forth.
Half time came and they all huddled again, snacks were eaten, Stiles always packed extras for Jackson on game days knowing he shared with Danny. Cora was half listening and looking for the pack. John caught her looking over and waved, she waved back like he hadn’t watched her stand there the whole first half.
Coach gave more advice, called out some notes on the other team, Cora helped. Her training made it so she always noticed weakness and preferences. “Number 3 always fakes left then goes right, Number 6 has a bad shoulder he can only shoot from low down not overhead. Number 33 is in a fight with 24 they won’t pass to each other.”
The rest of the team looked in shock at the non athlete calling out the major weakness they only just started to see. Cora didn’t notice and kept going. “Plus their Goalie is too busy making sure he stays in Danny’s eyeline to focus on anything else.”
Finstock just nodded “do what tiny Hale said. Let’s push 33 and 24 together, Danny flex or something when we go to score.” Half time just ended and they went back to their positions this time they were going for a more aggressive front attack so Cora was now in front of Danny with Jackson in front of her. The other up on either side ready to pass.
The match started and the players were off to a run.
It was now the third quarter and Chris just arrived. He walked over to the and waved to everyone, he kissed Allison on the cheek then went over to Laura who saved him a seat. He leant Over and kissed her, she went to say stinging but she took one look at him and knew something was up. Before she could ask she just tipped her head, he gave a minuscule shake of the head and they knew that it meant not right now. She scrunched up her Europe’s a little and Chris gave her a look. At this point they did not need words. She just kissed him again and turned back to the game.
Cora was watching and saw that we had the ball, her helmet was hurting her ponytail so she took off her helmet to take down the high pony and let it drop. Turns out the other team did not know Cora was a girl and 3 of the opposing players got distracted. The human tank was even taken down my Greenburg becuase he ran while watching Cora. Jackson used the distraction and scored again, snapping the other team back. Coach called their time out .
“Ok guys great play. We are 15 to 2 let’s lock this down. Switch to defense we are not breaking tiny Hale because they will try now that they know she’s a girl. Jackson move back to defense you and Hale Jr stick to Danny. Front line defense as well.”
The whistle blew again and they made there way back over, again Jackson pointed out where Cora needed to be and they reasoned for the drop. The front line did their job and ball never came more then half way to them. Then with a minute left it seemed the opposing team gave up on winning and went for damage. The entire team besides the goalie rushed and tackled anyone they could that had the ball. The one player broke way and rushed down the edge of the field by Jackson. He broke away and went to stop him since he past the first line. When the giant student managed to shoulder tackle Greenburg and take him down and ran straight at Cora. Luckily since she didn’t have the ball near her he couldn’t tackle her. Then the player with the ball near the goal threw the ball right at her feet. They gave up the point so it was a legal tackle. Jackson was clear on the other side of the field and could not get to her in time. Danny saw what was happing and called out to warn Cora that she could be hit, but the tank was already sprinting to her and picked up the ball.
Cora heard Danny and readied herself, when he was steps away she braced and dropped down, which her size the player couldn’t correct in time and he flipped over her body and landed flat on his back. It knocked the wind out of him since he was in a full sprint. Cora saw the ball laying right next to him and scooped it up. She found Jackson who was on his way to her and she turned the goal, Jackson understood and sprinted to the goal. He managed to leap over a defender who tried to copy Cora’s move. Jackson was close to the goal and he glanced back, Cora knew he was ready so she threw it to him hard. Jackson caught it and in a single move he pivoted 180 degrees and slammed it I to the goal.
A second after it was in the referee called the end of the game and Beacon Hills won 16-2.
The crowd erupted in cheers and student flooded the field. When everyone rushed the field Jackson and Danny were lifted up, both playing amazing games and Danny had only let 2 goals in the whole match. Suddenly Derek and Stiles did the same and lifted Cora onto their shoulders to join the boys.
After the chaos hand calmed down John was wheeled over with Jordan,luckily he was acting as John’s guard to make sure no one bumped him in the wheelchair. They made their way over and Jordan was giving Cora a huge smile and winked at her. Before congratulating the boys. John was so proud of Jackson for the season plus Cora’s one assist. He gave them both the proud father speech.
They stood around waiting for Jackson to finish the team stuff then rallied the pack for dinner at the 24 hour pizza joint. Jackson jogged back with Danny and let them know Danny could join them at dinner.
Everyone walked back to the cars, loaded up marketing sure no one saw Derek easily lift John into the passenger seat. They drove over and ordered a bunch of pizza. They celebrated the end of a season. Derek joked about getting a letterman jacket to Cora’s one assist. She joked around and blamed him and Laura for giving the Hales a name in sports. Danny fit right in, his Hawaiian roots made him used to the closeness of family. Isaac and him were talking digital art since it’s new to Isaac and Danny speaks computers. 2 hours later Danny had to call it a night and said good bye to everyone who also called it a night and had a sleepover at the Stilinski’s.
When everyone arrived home they let the foxes out to run around in the living room. After everyone settled in around the living room Chris called everyone’s attention.
“I’m sorry to ruin the mood but we have a problem.” He pulled out a letter from his jacket pocket and continued “we have a formal meeting with the council. It’s for tomorrow. I couldn’t appeal or ask for a delay due to the claim. They advised this immediate action is due to claims of an Abusive Alpha and immediate threat to Humans and Hunters. I looked at the letter, it’s legit. Called my contact at the council and Me and Allison are removed as liaisons due to them claiming us as Pack members first.”
Chris finished by handing the letter over to Derek and Lydia. Laura put 2 and 2 together about Chris being upset at the game and just kissed his cheek and linked their hands together. Allison also made her way over and stood behind Derek reading the letter.
“They can’t be serious a Sanction Meeting! With no other reports against a pack, this is ridiculous. Dad who is leading this?”
“According to Vex, She said it’s the whole council.”
Laura gasped “if the whole counsel is coming they are going to want to do the immediate action vote.” She turned with a look of fear to Derek.
“I know.” Derek said stoically “all we can do is show up and prove we are not a threat or that I am being abusive. Chris what time is the meeting?”
“10 am on the far side of town, out in the warehouse district. The old hunter houses clearing. The whole pack has to go.”
“Everything will be okay.” Derek calmed the pack. “Me and Lydia have been planning for this, we thought there may be retaliation from Victoria but seems she skipped the first steps. Lydia grab the documents, Love can you clear the table, and some coffee it may be a long night for me. Chris I’ll need the citations.”
“There are none, they claim they will have live testimony.” He explained “I don’t know who they think will attest against you.”
“Probably a tactic to avoid providing proof for their claims.” Derek advised moving over to the table.
They all sat around as Lydia retired from the safe with an armful of documents. She handed half to Jackson and half to Stiles. “Separate these for each pack member, anything that pertains to more than one person scan and make copies for each.” She handed out labeled folders with everyone’s name. The documents were everything and anything, Birth certificates, Isaacs case documents, pack house documents, the case files from Uncle Peter, for the born wolves results of their first shift, the fire files, and for the bitten wolf documents of his first shift.
They got to work even thou it had just turned midnight. Documents were passed around, everyone’s folders were getting prepped, Isaac was on copies duty. Laura and Allison talked everyone thru a cousin meeting and what would be expected of them. Chris also advised that they would need to shift for the council, meaning Jackson and Lydia’s secret would be out to them only. Coffee was made and drank, the hours ticked by as they prepared for the unknown.
The early morning dawn came and they had just wrapped up the documents, Isaac was just scanning the last of them to their multiple back up hard drives. Unable to sleep Derek just called everyone to the living room and they had a puppy pile. Stiles curled up with him and turned to his dad, “only today do you get a break on your physical therapy.” Even with him trying to lighten the mood it was still a tense morning. With everyone cuddling and coming in and out of napping the few hours ticked by. It was now 800. No one was hungry or in the mood to cook so Stiles just handed out bananas and granola bars. They all took quick showers and got dressed. Allison and Chris changed into their hunter gear they wear on assignments and so did Stiles, his escrima sticks tucked in his waistband behind his back. Jackson was in clothes he knew could tear easily if he needed too shift. Lydia ditched the usual heels and went for sensible boots. Jordan was supposed to work but he called in a personal day. It was now 9 and they were ready to leave, they fed the foxes and placed them into their run. They took both Chris and Allison’s SUVs since they were the biggest and safest. Then made their way to the meeting.
The drive was silent and tense, the couples held hands and hoped for the best. They made their way to the long driveway and came upon the house, there were 7 identical fleet cars, standard for the 5 council members and the witnesses . Derek and Chris parked on the side and they headed to the front door.
Derek stood in the front with Stiles on his Right hand side and Chris on his left. Cora, Jordan and Jackson were behind them, followed by Lydia, Isaac and Allison who was pushing John in his chair.
The door opened and 3 heavily armed men answered, they were not holding their guns but they were there for you to see. Derek stood firmly and he greeted them.
“Hello Councilmen, Derek Hale and Pack here for a sanction meeting.”
“Thank you for timely arrival, we ask all weapons stay holstered and keep shifting at bay.” They moved away from the door and showed them to the house, it was empty and a huge open concept. There was a long table where the 5 council men and their guards stood. In front of them were 25 chairs for the pack to use.
“I apologize for the abundance of seats, we were advised your pack was growing exponentially.”
Derek motioned for his pack to sit down, one of the guards moved a chair so John could stay in his wheelchair.
“I do have intent to grow my pack, but I am not actively recruiting or expanding at this time. That information is incorrect.” He spoke calmly seating himself in the middle
The councilmen looked at each other and took down some notes.
“Alpha Hale, you were notified of this meeting by your designated Hunter liaison is that correct.” The strong black man in the center of the table asked.
“Yes, my pack member and liaison notified me yesterday afternoon; Within hours of his notification.”
“Pack member you say? That is no issue with us as long as it is consensual partnership. Which is a point we need to discuss. Please allow me to read off all claims we will need to discuss first then you may speak.” He advised calmly pulling up a piece of paper.
“Alpha Derek Hale, on this 23rd of May you are invoked into this Sanction Meeting at 1000 hours. You stand accused of Abusive Behavior to your pack, Abusive Training Methods, Control via threat of violence, alienation of members, Abuse of Minors and Interfering with Non-Supernatural Procedures. These claims were procured via first hand testimony and confirmed with physical proof in form of recorded conversation with the witness.”
The second councilman continued “Alpha Derek, do you fully understand all allegations, acknowledgement of accusations is not an admission of guilt.”
“Yes, I understand the allegations.” Derek replied keeping his tone even.
“Thank you. We will now be bringing forth the Witnesses as well as the evidence we were provided. We will allow you to defend yourself or your pack members to speak for themselves as we go thru each accusation.”
Derek turned to his pack to check for understanding, they and nodded and he braved himself to act cordial in the presence of Victoria.
The guards walked over to the one door, it was a sizing proof and air tight safe room since they could not hear or scent anyone else. When the door opened it was Stiles who broke the silence.
“Scott?!?!”