Chapter 103: Before the Dance
After playing with their new fire ability for an hour, Lydia stopped and held up a hand. "Girls, I think we've had enough fun. Let's go outside, grab the clothes we bought for the formal, and change here. Since we have so much more time in this space to get ready compared to the outside world."
"Good idea." Allison agreed.
The three girls teleported out of the Harem Space, quickly gathered their clothes from the mansion, stored the outfits in their spatial rings, and teleported back, reappearing beside Jacob and Cogman.
Lydia was holding one of Jacob's tailored suits. "Jay, stop what you're doing and go take a shower and put this on. We're going to be late."
Jacob wiped his hands on a cloth. "What time is it outside?"
"It's 6:00 p.m." Lydia replied.
"Then why the rush? We don't have to be there until 7:00." Jacob pointed out. "Which means we still have five hours since we're here in the Harem… ahem, ahem." He quickly caught himself. "By the way, girls, what should we call this place?"
Allison smiled sweetly. "What did you just call it? We can just call it that."
"Oh, I called it the har…" Jacob's eyes widened slightly. 'Oh crap, that was close. She almost tricked me with that sweet smile. Although it is called the Harem Space, if I tell them that, I'll never hear the end of it.'
Allison narrowed her eyes. "Go on. I'm listening."
Jacob coughed awkwardly. "I didn't say anything. You girls can name this place."
Allison decided to let him off the hook—for now. She looked at Lydia and Malia. "So, what should we call it?"
"Well, this is our home." Lydia said thoughtfully. "So we should give it a good name."
Malia tilted her head, a playful smirk on her lips. "Hmm… The Coyote Den? Or maybe the Coyote's Playground? Or… I dunno… the Thunder Coyote Den?"
Allison giggled, shaking her head. "Malia, we can't name the whole place the Coyote Den. You can name your room that if you want."
Lydia held her chin in thought. "How about something that feels calm and peaceful? Serenity… it means the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. Maybe we could call it Serenia?"
Allison tilted her head, considering. "That sounds nice, but… not quite right."
Malia rolled her eyes. "Yeah, that sounds stupid. Let's call it The Hidden Coyote Palace or The Dragon Den instead."
Jacob said. "Well… how about Serendell?"
Allison's eyes lit up immediately. "Serendell… Serendell… I like that. It sounds good to me."
Lydia nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. "Me too. I like it."
Jacob looked at Malia, raising an eyebrow. "And what about you?"
Malia shrugged. "I still think The Thunder Coyote Den sounds better. But… Serendell doesn't sound bad either."
Jacob smiled, finally relaxing. "Then it's decided. We will call this place Serendell."
"Alright," Lydia said, holding up Jacob's suit again. "I'll leave your suit in your room." She then looked at Allison and Malia. "Since we have five hours, let's do some more exploring of our new home."
Malia shook her head. "You girls go ahead. I want to help Jay and Cogman butcher the two cows."
Lydia stared at her. "Seriously?"
"Yeah," Malia said. "It's more fun than exploring the palace."
"If you say so." Lydia said with an amused shake of her head.
With that, Lydia and Allison teleported to the residential wing. They chose the two bedrooms closest to the main bedroom—which they designated as Jacob's—dropped off his suit, and then set off to explore more of the vast palace.
Meanwhile, after finishing butchering the two Sker Buffalo, Jacob helped transport the mountains of meat by storing it in his pocket dimension and depositing it directly into the main kitchen's magical storage room. Afterward, he and Cogman cooked up a barbecue feast. Allison and Lydia eventually joined him and Malia, drawn by the smell, and the group shared a relaxed meal.
Once they had eaten, it was finally time to get ready.
Jacob took a quick shower and put on his elegant suit. He then went to the main living room in Serendell to wait, idly scrolling through his phone. Soon, Malia appeared.
She was wearing a perfectly fitted woman's suit.
Jacob looked at her, his eyes widening with genuine appreciation. "You look gorgeous. But… don't you want to wear a dress?"
Malia said, "No. I don't like wearing dresses." She gave a little twirl, showing off her suit. "Don't you like my suit?"
Jacob stood up, pulling her into a gentle hug. "I like it very, very much, Ms. Tate." He lowered his voice to a playful murmur. "And I do hope you'll wear it from time to time in the bedroom and act as my teacher."
Malia's lips curved into a smile. "Would you like me to wear glasses and be strict with you, too, you little pervert?"
Jacob whispered. "Yes, ma'am, I would love that. And I promise I'll be a good student." He kissed her softly, then added. "Allison and Lydia are going to take forever to get ready. Let's go back to the outside world. That way, time will pass more quickly."
With that, Jacob and Malia teleported out of Serendell (The Harem Space) and settled into the living room of the mansion to wait.
A few minutes later, Lydia and Allison appeared in the living room in a shimmer of displaced air. Allison wore a striking red dress, while Lydia was dressed in blue.
They both turned in a slow circle, showing off their dresses to Jacob.
Allison asked with a smile. ""So, what do you think?"
Jacob looked at them, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "You girls look absolutely gorgeous."
Lydia smirked, striking a playful pose. "Yes, I think we look gorgeous, too. After all, we bought these dresses, and Malia's suit, from..."
"Stop, stop!" Jacob held up his hands. "I don't need to hear what brand your clothes are or how much they cost. We're going to be late. I'm going to find Cogman." He quickly left the room, calling out for his butler.
"You're boring!" Lydia called after him. She then turned to Malia, who was about to follow Jacob. "Wait a second, Malia."
Malia looked at her warily. "What do you want?"
Lydia smiled, holding up a small makeup bag. "You haven't put on your makeup yet."
"I don't need it." Malia said flatly. "I don't like its scent."
"I know." Lydia said. "That's why I bought you fragrance-free makeup."
Malia groaned. "Do I have to?"
Lydia caught her hand, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Yes. Sit your ass down and let me do a quick touch-up on that beautiful face of yours."
Malia sighed in defeat and sat down. "Fine. But just my lips."
"Sure, sure." Lydia agreed, already opening her kit. "Just your lips... and a few more subtle touches."
---
Outside the mansion, Jacob stood with Cogman, waiting for the girls.
"Which car shall I use tonight, sir?" Cogman inquired.
"Drive the Bentley tonight." Jacob decided.
"Very well, sir." Cogman gave a slight bow and went to retrieve the sleek Bentley from the garage.
Jacob waited another fifteen minutes before the girls finally emerged. He smiled, handing his phone to Cogman. "Take a few pictures of me and my ladies."
He took individual pictures with each of them, then gathered all three into a group hug for a final shot, their smiles bright against the evening light.
After the photo session, they got into the car—the girls in the spacious back, Jacob in the front passenger seat. Cogman smoothly pulled the Bentley out of the driveway and onto the road toward the school.
On the way, a translucent system screen materialized in Jacob's field of vision.
[Available Sign-Ins:
- Location Sign-In: Host can sign in after participating in the Winter Formal.
- Important Event Reminder: Host has 5 hours until the fight between the Argents and the Hales at the old Hale house.
- Event Sign-In: Host can sign in after witnessing Peter Hale kill or turn Kate Argent.
- Event Sign-In: Host can sign in after witnessing Derek Hale become an Alpha.
- Quest Sign-In: Save Peter Hale's life.
Note: Peter used Lydia Martin as a backup plan in the Teen Wolf series canon. He no longer has that backup plan. Therefore, he will die permanently tonight if you do not save him, and the sign-in opportunity will be lost.]
Jacob read the list of sign-in opportunities with growing excitement. 'So, they will finally fight tonight. I'm so lucky today. First, the rewards from bonding with Malia, and now I have four sign-in opportunities! What a great day. And I'm definitely not going to miss the quest sign-in; I was planning to save stupid Peter for Malia's sake anyway.'
He checked the time. 'We still have time to enjoy the formal. After that, I'll have to tell the girls.' His excitement dimmed slightly. 'Although I really don't want to. I don't know if Allison will choose to save Kate or not. I might lose a sign-in opportunity, but I have to tell her and let her choose for herself. I'm not a scumbag. I'd rather lose some rewards than break her heart when she finds out I was there and didn't tell her. Besides, even if I don't tell her, Derek might contact Scott, Scott will tell her, or maybe Kate will reach out herself.'
Jacob sighed inwardly. 'I just hope she chooses to let Kate face the consequences of her actions. I don't care if Kate dies or not. I just don't want to lose a sign-in opportunity.'
He shook his head, clearing his thoughts. 'Anyway, there's no point worrying about it now. I just need to wait and see what happens.'
Out loud, he smiled and said. "Cogman, turn on the music. I'm in a very good mood today."
The sounds of music filled the luxurious interior of the Bentley as they continued toward Beacon Hills High.
Chapter 104: The Winter Formal
The Bentley glided to a smooth stop in front of Beacon Hills High School. Jacob stepped out, offering a hand to help each of his ladies from the car. The main building was transformed, bathed in swirling blue and silver light, with the deep thump of bass music echoing from within. Malia, in her sharp suit; Lydia, in her elegant blue dress; and Allison, in her stunning red gown, made a breathtaking trio that immediately turned heads as they appeared.
They were met on the steps by Stiles, looking uncharacteristically polished in his new suit, with Erica beside him. Erica wore a simple but elegant green dress, a shy smile on her face as she clung to Stiles's arm. A few feet away, Scott stood with his date—a pretty, brown-haired girl from their chemistry class whose name Jacob couldn't immediately recall.
Lydia gave Scott and Stiles an approving once-over. "You guys clean up nice! Now it won't be too embarrassing being seen with you."
Stiles wasn't offended. He grinned. "If you want us to always look like this, you should ask your stupidly rich boyfriend to sponsor us. He's the one who gave us the money for these suits."
Jacob smiled and slung an arm around Stiles's shoulders. "I don't know about sponsoring you, since you're not a beautiful girl." He teased, then lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper meant for Stiles. "But… maybe I can sponsor Scott in the future if everything goes well with Melissa."
Stiles chuckled, whispering back. "You know he can hear you even if you whisper, right? Look at him. If it weren't for Erica and his date, he'd be growling right now."
Allison tactfully moved the conversation along, taking Erica's hand warmly. "Look at you! You look stunning."
"You look beautiful, Erica." Lydia added sincerely.
Erica's smile widened, her earlier anxiety melting under their genuine praise. "Thanks." She murmured. "You all look… really beautiful, too."
Lydia, ever the perfectionist, produced a small makeup kit from her handbag. "But your makeup could use a few finishing touches. Let me help with that."
Malia rolled her eyes. "You're sick."
Lydia just smiled, unbothered. "Not everyone hates makeup like you, Malia." She then began deftly touching up Erica's look.
Malia ignored her and turned her sharp gaze to Scott, who was still glaring at the laughing Stiles and Jacob. "Hey, dumbass!"
Scott flinched and looked at her nervously. "W-what do you want? If it's about what happened in the cafeteria, I'm sorry. I didn't know it was you."
"No," Malia said, her tone flat. "It's about your bitch friend. She's been ogling Jay since he got out of the car."
Scott's date immediately looked away from Jacob, her face flushing with awkward embarrassment.
Allison shot Malia a gently chiding look. "Malia, be nice."
Scott coughed awkwardly and made a quick introduction. "Guys, this is Maya. Maya, this is Jacob, Allison, Lydia, and the, uh… the rude one is Malia."
The girl, Maya, gave a small, polite wave, carefully avoiding eye contact with Malia.
Introductions were cut short as a particularly loud beat pulsed from the gym doors. "Shall we?" Jacob asked, offering his arms to Allison and Malia. The three of them walked ahead, leading the way inside.
"Lydia, hurry up! Erica already looks perfect." Stiles said.
"Just a moment!" Lydia replied, putting the final touches on Erica's lip gloss.
Scott offered his hand to his flustered date, and they went inside. A few moments later, Stiles, Erica, and Lydia joined the bustling crowd.
The gym was a sea of swirling lights and moving bodies, transformed into a glittering dance floor.
Jacob danced with Allison first, her red dress spinning like a flame as he twirled her, her laughter ringing clear and bright above the music. When a slower song came on, he found Lydia, who melted into the rhythm with a graceful elegance. Malia watched from the side, a small, contented smile on her face. When Jacob approached her, she didn't hesitate, placing her hands on his shoulders. Her dancing was less practiced but more instinctual.
And just like that, Jacob and his girls lost themselves in the formal. When he danced with Allison, Malia would grab Lydia's hand and pull her into their own duo, the banshee and the coyote moving together in surprisingly good sync. When he danced with Lydia, Malia danced with Allison.
Jacob, currently swaying with Allison, watched the wild, energetic way Malia was now dancing with Lydia and smiled. "Malia seems to be enjoying herself."
Allison smiled, following his gaze. "Yeah, maybe a little too much." She then glanced around the crowded room, her smile turning wry. "Everyone seems to be looking at the four of us, though. I even heard some girls calling Lydia, Malia, and me bitches."
Jacob pulled her a little closer. "Do you care what others say about you?"
Allison answered by kissing him—a deep, slow kiss that spoke volumes. She pulled back just enough to murmur against his lips. "Not at all. They're just jealous. I'm certain if you asked any of them out, they'd say yes in a heartbeat."
Jacob smiled, his eyes soft. "Too bad for them. That will never happen. I'm only interested in special, gorgeous girls like you, Lydia, and Malia." Then, he gave her another kiss.
Lydia and Malia, dancing nearby, overheard him. They shared a knowing, happy smile with each other before being swept back into the music.
Stiles danced with Erica for several songs, his usual chaotic energy tempered into something sweet and attentive to ensure she felt comfortable. Erica was radiantly happy, her head resting on his shoulder during a slow song—a picture of quiet contentment.
On the other hand, Scott danced with his date awkwardly, their movements stiff and out of sync.
After a while, Jacob and his friends had had their fill of dancing and were standing at the side of the gym, each holding a drink.
Stiles glanced around. "Where's your date, Scott?"
Scott shrugged. "She's over there with her friends. We only promised each other to come to the formal together and dance for a few songs, then go our separate ways."
Jacob patted Scott's shoulder in mock consolation, though his struggle to hold back laughter was obvious. "Hang in there, man. You'll find a girlfriend one day."
Stiles patted Scott's other shoulder, also fighting a grin. "Hang in there, tiger. Or should I say… wolf."
"Screw you both." Scott snorted, pushing them away. "I'd believe your deep concern for me if you two idiots weren't laughing."
Everyone laughed at Scott's misery—even Scott himself shook his head and smiled.
When the laughter died down, Stiles turned to Erica, gave her a soft kiss, and asked. "Did you have fun tonight?"
"Yes." Erica said, her voice full of emotion. "It was the best time of my life. Second only to the day you asked me to be your girlfriend." She took a shaky breath, her nerves rising to the surface. "I… I l-love you." The moment the words were out, she became visibly anxious, and one of her hands began to tremble slightly.
Stiles was stunned for a second. But he felt her hand trembling and immediately recognized the signs of her growing anxiety—a sign of a potential seizure. He didn't hesitate. "I love you, too." He said firmly, then pulled her into a deep, slow, reassuring kiss. He held her close until he felt the tension leave her body and the trembling stop.
He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. "Are you okay?"
"I'm sorry." Erica whispered. "I almost ruined our..."
"Don't say you're sorry." Stiles cut her off gently. "I was at fault for not saying I love you back right away. In my defense, I was just too shocked that a gorgeous girl like you is in love with a nerd like me." He then hugged her tightly, burying his face in her hair.
Lydia watched the exchange with a soft smile. "That was nice. Stiles isn't an unredeemable idiot after all."
Jacob clapped Scott hard on the back, making him spit out his drink. "You should take notes if you ever want to find love."
Scott turned on him, sputtering. "Damn it, give me a break, would you?"
Jacob held up his hands innocently. "Calm down, I was just giving you advice."
Stiles gave Erica another quick kiss, then smirked. "Alright, babe, to celebrate our love, let me show you some of Stiles Stilinski's signature moves." He glanced at Jacob and Scott. "Don't you guys dare steal my cool moves."
"You don't need to worry about that. Ever." Scott said, grinning. "And I wouldn't do those weird dance moves if I were you. You might make Erica regret being with you and lose your love before it even starts."
Jacob nodded in agreement, smiling. "Yeah, I'm with Scott. Don't show her how weird you are just yet. Wait a few more years—if you're lucky enough to keep her and have a bunch of kids with her, so she's tied to you and won't leave for the sake of the children. Then you can show her."
Stiles waved them off. "Oh, please. You guys are just jealous of my awesome moves."
With that, he walked to the center of the dance floor. What followed was less a dance and more a full-body spasm set to music—a bizarre, flailing concoction that involved the Shopping Cart, the Sprinkler, the Robot, something that looked like a hyperactive version of The Migraine Skank, and several other moves that seemed to be of his own insane invention. His limbs moved in directions anatomy shouldn't allow, all while he pulled a series of wild, manic facial expressions.
The entire gym froze for a second in collective shock, then erupted. Laughter and cheers exploded as students pointed and howled with amusement.
Jacob, Scott, and Lydia immediately burst out laughing, pulling out their phones to film the spectacle. Allison buried her face in Jacob's shoulder, her body shaking with laughter. Malia stared, her head tilted in utter confusion, before a loud, snorting laugh burst out of her.
Erica raised an eyebrow, watching her boyfriend's performance. "Are those his great dance moves?"
Scott, who was laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes, managed to say. "Yeah… you should've stopped him before he went out there to embarrass you and himself."
Erica just smiled, her eyes soft and happy. "I don't mind. He looks like he's having so much fun."
Stiles's little show became the most gloriously ridiculous moment of the night. Some brave—or equally silly—students even joined him, adding their own weird dance moves to the chaos.
Allison, still leaning on Jacob's shoulder, smiled. "At least the formal feels like a real party now."
Jacob and the rest of their group nodded in agreement, smiling as they watched the gloriously crazy show unfolding before them.
Jacob thought. 'System, sign in.'
[Location sign-in successful. Rewards obtained:
1. Cinderella's Glass Shoes Variant: These shoes are comfortable, indestructible, and, unlike the original, can fit any woman. However, once put on, they cannot be removed by the wearer until she has declared her love for you, the Host, and kissed you in front of at least three people.
2. Concealment Charm Bracelets x15: A bracelet that hides the wearer's supernatural side. While worn, a supernatural creature will appear to be a normal human to other creatures. Their true nature and energy signature are completely masked. This effect only breaks if they voluntarily shift forms or actively use their powers.
3. James Bond's Aston Martin DB5: While it does not have gadgets (machine guns, ejector seat, revolving plates, etc.), the vehicle itself is indestructible.
]
Jacob read the first reward and smirked. 'Should I give the Shoes to Melissa?' He quickly dismissed the idea. 'No, that would just make her furious and probably make her hate me. But I bet the girls will like them, especially Lydia.'
His eyes scanned the second and third rewards. 'The bracelets are incredibly useful for the girls. And a normal Aston Martin DB5 would be amazing enough, let alone an indestructible one. These two rewards are great. Even if I'd only gotten the Concealment Bracelets, I wouldn't complain.'
The night wound down with more laughter and a few final group photos under the glittering disco ball—Jacob with his arms around all three of his girls, Stiles making a peace sign behind a beaming Erica. When it was Scott's turn for a photo, Jacob and the others mischievously stepped away, snapping a picture of him standing alone. Scott glared, but they quickly gathered around him for a proper group shot.
Afterward, they spilled out of the school, standing on the steps in the cool night air. Jacob sighed, the weight of the evening's fun settling. The reminder from the system was a ticking clock in the back of his mind. He had two hours left until the clash between the Argents and the Hales.
He looked at Allison, who was linking arms with Lydia and Malia, still giggling about Stiles's dance. His smile softened, then turned resolute. The fun was over. It was time to talk.
"Alright." Jacob said, his voice cutting through the post-dance chatter with a new, serious tone. "The fun part's done. We need to go home. There's something important we need to discuss."
The seriousness in his voice made the laughter die on their lips. Lydia and Malia exchanged a quick, questioning glance. Allison's smile faded, replaced by a look of intuitive concern. She could read him too well.
"What's wrong?" Allison asked, her voice tight.
"I'll explain everything at home." Jacob said. "But first…" He turned to Stiles. "Stiles, I think it's time to tell Erica the truth."
Erica looked between them, confusion and nervousness flashing in her eyes. "What truth?"
Allison squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, it's nothing bad. Actually, it's something that might make you very happy."
Stiles ran a hand through his hair, anxious. "Do we have to tell her tonight?"
"Yes." Jacob said firmly. "I was going to ask how you truly felt about her, but there's no need now since you two already confessed. It's better to tell her sooner rather than later and give her the right to choose. You know how dangerous our world is. If you really want this relationship to continue, she has to know."
Stiles sighed. "Fine. I guess you're right. I'm just… scared she'll choose to leave."
"You should trust her a little more." Jacob said.
Erica's anxiety spiked. "What is going on, Stiles? You guys are scaring me."
"Do you trust me?" Stiles asked, meeting her eyes.
Erica hesitated for only a second before nodding. "I do."
"Then don't be scared." Stiles said, his voice softening. He looked at Scott. "Scott. Show her your eyes."
"Are you sure?" Scott asked, glancing around.
"Yes. Do it."
Scott made sure no other students were looking their way, then turned to Erica. To her shock, his eyes glowed a bright yellow.
Erica gasped, taking a step back. "How did you do that?"
"He's a werewolf." Stiles said quietly, stepping closer to her. "But don't worry. He doesn't lose control."
Erica stammered. "A w-werewolf?"
"Yes." Stiles confirmed. "He's a werewolf. The supernatural creatures from mythology are real. Magic is real."
"Are you serious?" Erica whispered, her eyes wide.
Allison's own eyes glowed with a soft, emerald green light. "Yes, Erica. He's telling the truth."
Erica stared at her. "You… you're a werewolf, too?"
"No." Allison shook her head. "I'm something else."
"Alright." Jacob said. "Stiles, you can explain the rest on the way. Let's go."
Without another word, Jacob headed for the waiting Bentley, with Allison, Lydia, and Malia following closely. Stiles took Erica's trembling hand and led her to his Jeep, while Scott got into his own car. Moments later, the three vehicles drove toward Jacob's mansion.
The night of laughter and music was over.
The night of revelations and choices had just begun.
Chapter 105: Allison's decision
Jacob and his friends arrived back at the mansion and settled into the living room, the festive mood of the formal dissipated into an uneasy tension.
Jacob looked directly at Erica, who was holding Stiles's hand tightly. "So, did you think carefully about everything Stiles told you? The bite can heal you, but there's also the risk of dying."
Erica hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering between Jacob and Stiles. Stiles squeezed her hand gently. "Don't worry about me." He said softly. "Just think about what you really want. I won't break up with you, no matter what you choose."
Empowered by his words, Erica turned back to Jacob, her expression firming with resolve. "I want the bite. If there's even a chance I might be cured, then I'm willing to take it."
"And did you consider everything Stiles told you about the dangers of becoming a shapeshifter?" Jacob asked.
"I did." Erica confirmed, her voice steady. "And I still want it."
"Alright." Jacob nodded, a slight smile touching his lips. "And don't worry too much. Call it a hunch, but I think you'll be just fine."
Having settled that, Jacob's demeanor shifted. He turned his focus to Allison, his expression turning grave. "Allison, your family and the Hales are going to fight tonight." He glanced at his watch. "In less than two hours."
Allison's eyes widened slightly. "Are you sure? My parents and Kate didn't tell me anything."
"I'm sure." Jacob said. "And you don't have to worry about your parents. I warned Derek not to harm them. But Kate… Kate will probably not survive. So, Allison… the choice is yours. Do you want to save her or not?"
Allison let out a slow, heavy sigh. She pulled out her phone and stared at a picture of herself with Kate, her aunt's smiling face frozen in a happier time.
Lydia reached over gently, catching Allison's hand, and said softly. "Hey, if you want to save her, we'll understand. We won't judge you, and of course, we'll help. She's a monster, but we know you love her."
Allison gave Lydia a small, weary smile. "Thanks." Then she looked back at Jacob, searching his face.
Jacob met her gaze. "Whatever you choose, I'll stand by your side."
Allison stood up, leaned over, and kissed him softly. "Thanks." She took a steadying breath. "I'm going to Sere..." She caught herself, remembering Stiles, Scott, and Erica were present. "I'm going to our other home to think for a bit."
"Alright." Jacob said.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Lydia offered.
Allison shook her head. "No. I need to be alone for a little while." With that, she left the living room, walked out of the mansion, and teleported to the palace in Serendell.
Just as Allison left, Scott's phone rang. He glanced at the screen. "It's Derek." He answered. "Derek, what's up?"
Derek's voice came through. "The fight with the Argents is tonight at the old Hale house. They're keeping Peter's two Betas there. It's obviously an ambush, but Peter decided to go anyway. He says it's his chance to kill Kate. We attack at midnight." He paused. "And, Scott… do you want to help me deal with Peter?"
"No." Scott said firmly. "I don't want to get involved in your family drama."
"I'd owe you a favor." Derek tried to bargain.
"Nope. I won't help you kill Peter."
From the other end of the line, Derek sighed in frustration. "Can you give me Jacob's number?"
"If you want to talk to him, he's right beside me." Scott said, holding out the phone to Jacob.
Jacob took it. "What's up, Rocket Man?"
"Hahahaha, Rocket Man!" Stiles burst out laughing, unable to contain himself.
Derek's angry voice crackled through the speaker. "Stiles, I can hear you laughing!"
Stiles didn't care. He laughed harder. "I know, and I don't care! I just remembered how you flew that night… hahahahaha!"
Jacob smirked. "What do you want, Derek?"
Derek forced his temper down. "I want you to help me become an Alpha tonight. I'd owe you a favor."
"You already owe me for saving your life." Jacob reminded him.
"Then I'd owe you two favors." Derek said.
Jacob considered it. 'I need to witness Derek become an Alpha tonight anyway for the sign-in, so it's not like I'm losing anything. Besides, I might need his favor when Cora comes to Beacon Hills.' A slow smile spread across his face. "Alright. I'll help you, but after your fight with the Argents ends. And make sure to remind Peter not to harm Chris or his wife. Otherwise, you all might end up dead tonight."
"Thanks." Derek said, the relief clear in his voice. With that, Jacob hung up and handed the phone back to Scott.
Cogman, who had been listening intently, leaned forward, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "Sir, may I participate in that fight?"
"No." Jacob said flatly. "You will not."
"But, sir…" Cogman began to protest.
Jacob cut him off, his tone final. "I said no. The Hales are fighting to avenge their family. The Argents are my in-laws. So, who exactly are you planning to have your twisted fun with?"
Cogman leaned back in his armchair with a huff, crossing his arms and turning his face away to sulk.
Jacob shook his head at his butler's dramatics and turned to Stiles and Scott. "What about you two? Are you coming to watch the fight?"
Stiles's eyes lit up. "I'm definitely going!"
"Me too." Scott said, though he sounded more hesitant. "But I'll just watch from a distance."
Erica, looking between them, hesitated for a moment then said. "Can... can I go with you, too?"
Stiles thought for a moment, his expression turning serious. "Sure, but you have to prepare yourself for what you're going to see. A fight between hunters and werewolves isn't something pretty. People will be dying. In gruesome ways."
Erica swallowed hard. "Are we going to be safe if we go to watch?"
"Don't worry about that." Stiles assured her. "As long as Jacob and his girlfriends are there, we'll be totally safe. All of them are crazy strong."
"Really?" Erica asked, glancing at the seemingly normal girls.
"Yep." Stiles said. He pointed a thumb at Malia, who was now zoning out in front of the TV. "I'm not sure about her." Then he gestured to Jacob and Lydia. "But these two, and Allison? They're monsters."
Lydia's head snapped toward him, her eyes narrowing. "Hey. Don't call me a monster, or I'll beat your ass."
Stiles shrugged, unfazed. "I didn't lie, did I? I saw what you did to a monster like Peter that night. So, if you're not a monster yourself, then what are you?"
Lydia's expression morphed into a sweet, terrifying smile. "I warned you." She turned to Cogman, who was still sulking in his armchair. "Cogman. Stiles just insulted me."
It was as if a switch had been flipped. Cogman's sulk vanished instantly. Without a word of warning, he launched himself from the chair, tackling Stiles off the couch. The two of them crashed to the floor and immediately began fighting.
Erica let out a small gasp of panic, but Lydia caught her hand, her tone calm. "Don't worry. They do this from time to time."
Erica watched, wide-eyed, as Stiles, pinned beneath Cogman, took a solid punch to the face.
"AAAAGH! That hurt, you crazy bastard!" Stiles yelled. He retaliated by driving two fingers straight into Cogman's eyes. "Take this, you psycho!"
Cogman recoiled, letting go of Stiles to clutch at his face. "Don't poke my eyes, you wanker! That hurts!"
Seizing the opportunity, Stiles scrambled up and tried to run, but Cogman, still blinking, lunged and caught his leg, tripping him. They fell back to the floor in a tangle of limbs, rolling and wrestling like children. Eventually, Cogman managed to pin Stiles again. This time, he caught both of Stiles's wrists and began using Stiles's own hands to hit him in the face, all while wearing a disturbingly cheerful grin. "Stop hitting yourself! Stop hitting yourself!"
"Jacob, help!" Stiles yelled, struggling uselessly. "Tell him to stop!"
Jacob leaned back, a smirk on his face. "You know, Cogman tried to annoy me today by acting coquettish and using a girly voice. When I electrocuted him, he told me it was your idea. So, you're on your own. Besides, it's not me you should be asking for help. It's Lydia."
Thump. Stiles got smacked with his own hand again. "Ouch! Damn it!" He was about to beg Lydia directly but knew it was futile. Instead, he turned desperate eyes toward Erica. "Babe! Please, ask Lydia to call off her crazy butler!"
Erica looked at Lydia pleadingly. Lydia sighed with theatrical weariness. "Okay, Cogman. That's enough."
"Very well, my lady." Cogman said pleasantly. Then he leaned down, his smile turning cruel. "But before that…" He caught Stiles's left hand and gripped his pinky finger. "Let me break something."
Before Stiles could even yell, there was a sharp crack. Cogman released him, stood up, and calmly straightened his suit, leaving Stiles writhing and screaming on the floor.
Cogman settled back into his armchair, a look of deep satisfaction on his face. "That was most satisfying."
Erica looked at Stiles with genuine worry, but Lydia waved a dismissive hand. "Don't worry, he's fine." She raised her voice. "Stop screaming, you idiot." Then she smirked. "Cogman, help Stiles fix his finger."
Stiles immediately shot up from the floor. "There's no need! I'm fine! I'm already healed!" He quickly sat back down next to Erica.
She looked at him, her brow still furrowed. "Are you okay?"
Stiles smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine. I have superpowers, remember?" Then he glared across the room at Cogman. "One day, I will take my revenge and beat your ass. But I'm very pleased to know you got zapped by Jacob. My prank really worked on you, you idiot."
Cogman glared back, his eyes narrowing.
Stiles's grin widened. "What? Are you pissed? I thought you were smart, but apparently not. You know Jacob hates it when I act like a girl to annoy him, don't you? But you still did it anyway, you dumbass."
Cogman's expression shifted from anger to a slow, calculating smile. He leaned back in his seat. "Pranks, huh? Childish… but I can do pranks, too. So prepare yourself, you dickhead."
"Language!" Lydia chided.
"Sorry, my lady." Cogman said smoothly, not taking his eyes off Stiles. "I will punish myself by beating Stiles again."
Stiles panicked, but Jacob cut in, his tone putting an end to the nonsense. "That's enough, Cogman. Go make us something to eat, and be quick. We need to leave soon to watch the fight."
After Cogman left for the kitchen, Stiles turned his glare on Scott. "Why didn't you help me? You just sat there laughing like an idiot. I thought we were friends!"
Scott just smiled. "Who told you to open your stupid mouth and insult Lydia? And I'm on good terms with Cogman, I don't want to be added to his shit list."
Stiles snorted. "You'll need my help one day, and I'll just watch from the side and laugh."
The group ate a quick meal and continued talking, the atmosphere a mix of anticipation and dark humor, until only forty minutes remained until the scheduled showdown at the Hale house.
That's when Allison returned from Serendell. She walked into the living room, her expression composed but weary, and sat down next to Jacob.
Jacob looked at her, his voice gentle. "So, did you make a decision?"
Allison sighed. "I won't interfere. Let Kate face the consequences of her actions." Her voice hardened. "But, if Peter kills her. I won't kill him. I'll just make him wish I had."
'I won't lie, I'm glad she chose not to interfere.' Jacob thought with relief. 'So let's hope everything goes as in the original—Peter slits Kate's throat and turns her instead of killing her. That way, he and Derek get their revenge, Kate doesn't die, Allison won't be heartbroken, and most importantly, I'll get my sign-in.'
He hugged her and said. "Okay. And maybe Kate will survive. After all, she and your parents are the ones who set the ambush. Since they know they're dealing with a powerful Alpha and his pack, they must have prepared well to face him."
"Ambush?" Allison asked.
Jacob then filled her in on everything Derek had told them earlier. As they were talking, the sound of a piano began to fill the room. It was Cogman, seated at the grand piano in the corner, his playing growing louder and more dramatic by the second.
Jacob snapped. "Cogman! What do you think you're doing?"
Cogman stopped mid-chord and turned, his expression one of mock solemnity. "I am playing 'Funeral March' by Frédéric Chopin, sir. To mourn Kate."
Allison's face instantly darkened.
Before Cogman could react, Jacob summoned a crackling ball of lightning in his palm and sent it streaking across the room with blinding speed. Cogman was hit square in the chest, the impact throwing him backward. He crashed into the piano with a cacophony of shattered wood and discordant notes before crumpling to the ground, convulsing violently.
Stiles burst out laughing and couldn't resist walking over to stand triumphantly over the twitching Cogman. "How do you feel now, you..."
His gloating was cut short as Cogman's hand shot out and grabbed his ankle. Stiles yelped as he was yanked off his feet, landing beside Cogman, where he immediately began convulsing in sync with his attacker.
Jacob ignored them and stood up. "Let's go."
The group left the mansion. Erica glanced back with concern at the still-twitching pair, but the sight of Stiles and Cogman, both spasming on the floor yet still trying to kick each other, made her shake her head. With a sigh, she turned and followed the others.
A few minutes later, Cogman and Stiles—their hair standing on end in spectacular, lightning-struck styles—caught up, bickering quietly but persistently.
Thirty minutes later, Jacob and his group were concealed in the darkness of the woods, a safe distance from the burned-out skeleton of the old Hale house. They watched, and they waited.
The show was about to begin.
Chapter 106 - showdown at the hale house
From their hidden vantage point in the darkness of the woods, a safe distance from the burned-out shell of the old Hale house, the group watched and waited.
Scott frowned, tilting his head. "What is that annoying high-pitched sound I hear?"
Jacob said. "That's coming from the Argents' ultrasonic emitters. They produce a frequency that's inaudible to humans but intensely painful and disorienting to werewolves and anything else with supernatural hearing."
Malia's nose wrinkled in irritation. "It's really annoying."
"Lydia." Jacob said. "Use your sound control. Block that noise from reaching us, and contain our voices and any sounds we make. We don't want to spook Peter's pack."
"Okay." Lydia replied. She raised a hand, fingers moving in a subtle, practiced gesture. A faint shimmer, like heat haze, briefly surrounded them. "It's done. I created a... well, a sound barrier, I guess you could call it, around us. Our noise won't leave it, but we can still hear everything from outside. And I muted those stupid emitters for us."
Scott blinked. "The sound really stopped. Is controlling sound that easy?"
"Yes." Lydia said with a slight smirk. "I can manipulate sound waves as easily as talking or moving my hand. I could even mute you if I wanted to."
"Now let's hide our scent, too." Jacob said. He waved a hand, channeling a minimal amount of energy. An invisible Quen shield enveloped the group. It wasn't meant to withstand an attack—just to contain and mask their collective scent.
Five minutes later, Jacob's sharp eyes caught movement in the tree line opposite the house. "Peter and his pack are here."
"Where?" Stiles whispered, squinting.
Scott, with his enhanced vision, pointed. "There. Behind those trees. Peter, Derek, Jackson... and four others."
Stiles shook his head. "That idiot Jackson is going to get himself killed."
Jacob said. "He'll probably run the moment the real fighting starts."
---
The Hale House
The hunters weren't all inside. Chris, Victoria, Kate, and ten other hunters were concealed in the woods behind the house, using the ultrasonic emitters and wolfsbane to mask their presence from supernatural senses. Ten more hunters waited inside the house, a trap within a trap.
Peter, scanning the silent house from the tree line, signaled to three of his Betas. "Sneak in. Find Kevin and Oliver (The two students that Peter turned) and free them. Kill any hunters you find—except Chris or Victoria if they're inside. We'll cover the outside."
The three werewolves blurred into motion, using their speed to dart across the open ground and slip through a shattered window into the house's dark interior. They moved silently, searching until they descended into the basement.
There, they found the two captured Betas—chained to the wall, beaten, and hooked to IVs dripping with diluted wolfsbane. The room was unguarded.
One of the rescuers, a Beta named James, stepped forward to free them. The moment his foot crossed the threshold, he screamed. The floor was covered in a shallow pool of water, and a high-voltage current surged through it. James convulsed violently, collapsing into the electrified water, his body seizing.
From the shadows, the ten waiting hunters emerged, weapons raised. Chaos erupted.
The two remaining rescuers, still in the hallway, were riddled with wolfsbane-laced bullets. They gritted their teeth, shifted into their werewolf forms, and launched themselves at the hunters in a frenzy of claws and fangs. The confined space became a slaughterhouse.
Outside, Peter heard the commotion. "Now!" He growled.
He grabbed Mike, a human he had brought with him, and used his Alpha speed to run toward the house. Derek gave a glance at Jackson—who was pale and trembling—before shaking his head and following Peter.
After Peter and Derek entered the house, Jackson didn't think twice; he turned around and ran away toward town.
Inside, Peter and Derek found a scene of carnage. Only one of their Betas was still standing, locked in a desperate fight with the last four hunters. Peter and Derek struck from behind. The hunters, overwhelmed, fell quickly. But the last standing Beta succumbed to his wounds, slumping to the floor with a final sigh.
Peter didn't spare his dead betas a glance. He strode to the electrified room's doorway, saw the two cables running from outside into the water, and ripped them free. He stepped inside. "James. Are you alright?"
James sat up slowly, his skin covered in livid electrical burns that were already knitting themselves closed. "I'll live." He rasped.
They moved to free the two captives chained to the wall. The blue-eyed Beta, Kevin—the student who had killed his parents—was dying. Dark, poisoned veins spiderwebbed from a bullet wound in his stomach that refused to heal. He coughed, a spray of black blood staining the floor.
"He's poisoned with Nordic Blue Monkshood." Derek said, his voice flat. "He won't survive."
Peter turned to the other captive, Oliver. "Who shot him?"
"It was a woman named Kate." Oliver stammered, eyes wide with fear. "She shot him a few hours ago. She wanted to shoot me, too, but a man stopped her."
Peter's eyes flashed a dangerous crimson. "Alright. Let's get out of here."
Oliver looked desperately at Kevin, who had now lost consciousness. "What about Kevin? Are we just going to leave him to die?"
"He was dead the moment that bullet hit him." Peter said, with no emotion in his voice. "We don't have Nordic Blue Monkshood, so there's nothing to be done." He turned to leave.
They left the basement. Mike, the human Peter had dragged along, whispered urgently. "Are you going to give me the Bite yet?"
Peter patted his shoulder, a cold smile on his lips. "Not yet, Mike. You're my secret weapon. Stay close."
But as they moved to exit through the front door, Peter stopped, his hand pressing against the charred wood of the wall. He felt the faint, repelling energy humming through it. He smirked. "Mountain ash. We're trapped."
Then he heard a click sound coming from outside.
"Take cover!" Peter roared, shoving Mike back toward the basement stairs and diving after him. Derek and James scrambled up the main staircase, taking cover on the second floor.
Oliver, confused and slow to react, remained standing in the central hallway.
A second later, the night erupted. A hail of gunfire tore through the old, burned walls of the house from all sides. Bullets ripped through the dry wood, shredding the interior. Oliver cried out as multiple rounds struck him, dropping him to the floor in a writhing, screaming heap.
After a brutal minute, the gunfire ceased, leaving an echoing silence filled with dust and the painful moans of Oliver.
Then came the grenades, flying through the gaps where the windows had been. They didn't explode with fire, but with a hissing release of thick, purple wolfsbane gas, rapidly filling the first floor of the house.
---
Outside, Chris, Victoria, and Kate stepped into the open, flanked by ten hunters; they kept their rifles aimed at the house. A few hunters continued to toss the smoke grenades inside.
Kate's face was lit by a vicious, triumphant smirk. "Alright, boys," She called out, her voice cutting through the night. "Pour the gasoline around the perimeter. Let's burn Peter and Derek and send them straight to meet the rest of their family."
---
Back inside the house, Peter tore his shirt off, ran back to the electrified room in the basement, and soaked the fabric in the now-deactivated water. He covered his mouth and nose with the wet cloth, a flimsy but necessary barrier against the wolfsbane gas still swirling on the first floor. He snatched up two rifles from the dead hunters.
"Mike, follow me." Peter ordered.
Upstairs, Peter handed the second rifle to Derek. "We need to drive them back from the front of the house first." He then turned to the terrified human. "Mike, listen carefully. When I give the signal, you go to the front door. Look for a line of black ash on the floor. Break it. Do that, and I'll give you the Bite."
Mike nodded, his eyes wide with fear and anticipation.
Peter and Derek moved to the boarded-up windows on the second floor. Using the butts of their rifles, they smashed holes in the rotten wood, creating firing ports. They took aim at the hunters visible in the moonlight outside and opened fire.
"Take cover!" Chris Argent's command rang out.
The hunters scattered, diving behind trees. Three of them, caught in the open while hauling gasoline tanks, weren't so lucky. Peter's and Derek's shots found them, and they fell, the tanks thudding to the ground beside them.
Still firing, Peter yelled over the gunfire, "Mike, now! Break the line!"
Mike scrambled down the stairs, coughing as he hit the lingering purple fog. He yanked the front door open, saw the line of mountain ash across the threshold, and scuffed his foot through it, breaking the circle.
Peter felt the repelling pressure vanish instantly. "Derek, James! Avoid Chris and Victoria and hunt the others down, and remember—Kate is mine."
With that, the three werewolves leaped from the second-floor windows, hitting the ground in rolls before exploding into motion. They became blurs in the darkness.
In the darkness of the night, the hunters stood little chance. Screams and snarls mixed with the sound of gunfire as Peter, Derek, and James tore through the remaining Argent forces with brutal efficiency. Peter alone accounted for four of the kills.
Derek killed a hunter with a swift snap of the neck, then melted back into the shadows. He waited for Peter to kill Kate—and for his own opportunity to take what he really wanted.
James, however, had the misfortune of running straight into Chris and Victoria after killing two hunters.
Chris and Victoria stood back-to-back, each holding an ultrasonic emitter. He tried to run away, but Victoria activated hers.
The high-pitched shriek hit him like a physical blow. He cried out, hands flying to his ears, he was stunned and disoriented for a brief moment.
It was all Chris needed. He raised both Desert Eagles and fired. Two thunderous booms echoed through the woods. James's head snapped back, two gaping holes blooming in his skull. He was dead before he hit the ground.
Just then, a woman's scream ripped through the night.
Chris and Victoria turned to see Peter in the clearing before the house, one hand clamped around Kate's throat, lifting her off her feet.
They ran toward them, weapons raised, emitters still whining. Peter gritted his teeth against the painful frequency but didn't release his grip.
"Let her go!" Chris roared, his fingers white on his pistol grips.
"No one is saving her tonight." Peter growled, his voice guttural. "She burned my family alive and left me broken for six years."
Kate, her face turning purple, struggled. With her last bit of strength, she rasped. "Chris… Victoria… tell Allison… I'm sorry. And I love her." Then, in a final act of defiance, she twisted, drew a concealed pistol from her jacket, and fired twice point-blank into Peter's abdomen.
Bang! Bang!
Peter grunted in pain but didn't release her. Instead, he slit her throat with his claws. Kate's eyes went wide, then blank, as Peter dropped her limp body to the forest floor.
---
From where Jacob and his group were hiding, a translucent screen appeared in Jacob's vision.
[You have witnessed Peter Hale turn Kate Argent. You may now sign in, Host.]
'Good, Kate isn't dead, just turned. That means Allison won't be sad.' He thought. 'System, keep the sign-in for later. Right now, I need to talk to Allison.'
Beside him, Allison stifled a gasp. She had heard Kate's final words and seen the blood gush from her throat. A wave of regret and fury washed over her, hot tears streaming down her cheeks. Uncontrolled wind energy began to whip around her, rustling leaves and stirring debris.
Before she could launch herself at Peter, Jacob's arms wrapped around her from behind, pulling her gently but firmly against him. "Allison, relax. Kate isn't dead."
She turned, her eyes glowing green. "What do you mean she isn't dead?!" She hissed, her voice trembling. "He slit her throat! I'm going to kill him!"
Jacob wiped a tear from her cheek with his thumb, his expression calm. "Believe me. She isn't dead. Remember what I told you about how Alpha werewolves turn people?"
Lydia spoke up softly. "An Alpha can turn someone not only by biting them… but also if their claws pierce deep enough, or if their venom enters the bloodstream from a grievous wound."
"Exactly." Jacob said, holding Allison's gaze. "So you can relax. Your crazy aunt is still alive. Tomorrow, she'll wake up—healed, and as something new. I don't know what she'll become, but she'll be alive."
"Are you sure?" Allison whispered, the green light in her eyes dimming.
"I'm sure." Jacob affirmed. "You guys might not feel it, but I can. Her life force hasn't extinguished; it's… changing."
Allison leaned against him, a shuddering sigh of relief escaping her lips. "I guess… this is for the better. Derek got his revenge, and even though Kate will survive, she'll become what she hated most." She straightened, a determined smile touching her lips. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go give Peter a good beating."
---
In the clearing, Chris stared at his sister's body lying still on the ground, blood pooling darkly around her neck. He raised his guns, aiming squarely at Peter, his finger tightening on the trigger… then slowly, he lowered them. The fight drained out of him.
Peter clutched his bleeding stomach—already beginning to heal—and smirked through the pain. "I have no grudge against you or your wife. I only wanted to kill Kate for what she did. So let's just go our separate..."
A blur of emerald light streaked across the clearing.
Peter was suddenly airborne, flung like a rag doll as something slammed into him with tremendous force. He crashed into the side of the Hale house with a sickening crunch of wood and bone.
In the space where he had stood, Allison now hovered an inch above the ground, green wind energy swirling around her like a miniature hurricane.
She calmly removed her jacket, walked over to Kate's body, and draped it gently over her. She met her parents' stunned gazes and gave a single, solemn nod. Then she turned, her focus locking onto the groaning Alpha struggling to push himself up from the rubble.
Jacob teleported, appearing silently beside Derek, who was watching from behind a large oak tree. The werewolf jumped.
"Relax, it's just me." Jacob said, patting Derek's shoulder.
Derek let out a sigh of relief. "You're here."
"You can take the Alpha spark from Peter after Allison is done with him." Jacob instructed, his eyes fixed on the scene.
Derek watched as Allison stalked toward the dazed Peter, her hands crackling with arcs of blue electricity. He nodded slowly. "Alright. But are you sure she isn't going to kill him?"
Jacob said. "Don't worry. She won't kill him."