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Call of Duty

Summary:

Sequel to The Walls of Jericho.

Stiles has to deal with coming online as a Sentinel whilst still being involved in all the supernatural sh...enanigans.

The Sheriff and Tony have to make adjustments to their lives because of their Sentinel Guide bonded sh... state.

Jim Ellison is in deep sh...trouble with his Guide because Werewolves Man, Werewolves?

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes.)

Chapter Text

Stiles stared wide eyed around him, the little fox still clinging onto his shoulder. This is amazing” he enthused “I’ve never flown in a helicopter before” Blair smiled, enjoying the kid’s uninhibited reactions. Then he looked at his Sentinel in curiosity. He could feel their bond pulsing. Jim was up to something.

Ellison stared at the baby Sentinel. Stark wasn’t the only one who had noticed the kid’s reaction to the threat of danger.

“So Stiles, why do you stink of Werewolf and your Dad doesn’t?”                

 

Those clever Bambi eyes opened wide in utter shock, and the kid went completely still.

Blair hadn’t recognised it before despite the way he felt like Stiles was a kindred spirit but the kid had been in motion all the time they had been together. If it wasn’t his mouth, it was his hands, his expressions, the quick glances and flickering of his eyelashes, his quirky but oddly graceful body movement, even tapping his feet whilst standing up. 
It was as if all that abundant energetic sheer life force had come to a stop at Jim’s blunt question. The kid’s face paled to a shade of white Blair was not sure was even possible. Well damn, the kid was in trouble alright.

But most of Blair’s attention was on his Sentinel. His damn secretive sentinel who was telling the truth about Werewolves. Blair’s eyes flickered to the pilot but his sneaky ass sentinel had switched to a private channel on their headsets. Though Blair knew Rafe wouldn’t betray their confidence, Jim obviously wanted to make sure only the three of them had this conversation.

Werewolves what the hell man? How had Jim managed to hide that from him? His Sentinel was in deep shit and from the slightly nervous dart of his beautiful blue eyes towards his irate Guide he damn well knew it. But he had to hand it to the big guy, the one glance at Blair was it, because he kept that stern demeanour focused on the now non fidgeting appalled youth.

Jim’s mouth quirked up with reluctant amusement “Annnnd breath kid” he ordered almost gently, then his face was back to stern and serious Sentinel Prime.

Stiles drew in much needed air in a quick gulp then all that energy burst forth and he was once again the embodiment of perpetual motion

“Werewolf?” the kid managed to stammer, cough and almost choke at the same time trying to get the word out and then his head was swinging round as if trying to spot the mythical being in the actual helicopter.
  
“Nah, Dude, er I mean Alpha Dude, er, Alpha Prime Sentinel Dude, there are no wolves in California. Died out years ago. Don’t know why you are asking where the wolves are in California”

The kid offered Jim a weak desperate smile then seemed to forget that the older Guide and Sentinel could see him as he actually rolled his eyes at the ridiculousness of his own response and then bit his lip nervously.

Jim cocked a disbelieving eyebrow at him, although laughter was deepening the blue of his eyes. Stiles stared back with hopeful stubbornness though the word lame was resounding in his too active brain like a death knoll. But why did it have to sound like freaking Jackson douche canoe Whittemore?

“Seriously kid, that the best you can do?” the Sentinel Prime sounded just like his Dad when the Sheriff was dealing with perps. Right the Prime had been a cop once in Cascade. A Cop, an investigator, a seeker after truth and justice, a man of the law. And the most important and powerful Sentinel with the most important and powerful Guide in the whole of the USA.

And Stiles was trying to lie, obfuscate and wiggle his way out of telling the Dude about Beacon Hill and the Supernatural shit show his life had become. Well shit…ake mushrooms on toast. Stiles was so doomed, the nefarious Dr Doom would have to change his name to Daisy because the word Doom would now forever be attached to the name Stiles Stilinski.

Blair nearly winced in sympathy. He had been on the receiving end of Jim’s eyebrow of impending retribution often enough.
Blair didn’t need any empathy to pick up the kid’s utter disconcertion but his nervous system was then flooded with the pure terrified panic and the unmissable sentinel determination to protect that the kid was leaking like a second hand sieve.

“Please, you can’t tell my Dad. I can’t lose him too. I can’t. I have to keep him safe” Blair wasn’t even sure if the kid realised what he had admitted in that despairing undertone. But it was loud enough for both Blair and Jim to hear. Blair saw the flair of recognition in Jim’s eyes as he too felt that instinctive sentinel drive pouring off the kid.

A Guide’s hearing might not be on a par with a Sentinel but a full bond always provided improvements to the partners, though most of the Sentinels weren’t that bothered about the empathic part of their Guide’s gifts. As for the Guide, well the fact that Blair had been bonded to his Alpha Sentinel for nearly ten years meant that his own senses had steadily improved to well beyond mundane range so he could make out the words too.

The cute little fox kit seemed to take offense at the kid’s building terror and angrily barked at the Alpha Prime Sentinel whilst baring its teeth.  Suddenly there was both a grey wolf and a black panther snarling at the baby Sentinel and his baby fox. 

“Guys, come on,” Blair soothed solemnly, hiding the intense desire to laugh, beneath a serene expression. The fox kit was now scrabbling to sit on top of Stiles head out of the way of his flailing arms and further away from the older and unimpressed spirit animals.  
Out of the corner of his eye he saw his big lug of a Sentinel suppress a wickedly delighted grin. 

Blair almost felt sorry for the poor kid, he wasn’t going to know what hit him. Especially if he had been keeping dangerous secrets from his own father who was the actual Sheriff, a newly bonded Guide and a retired Ranger buddy of Jim Ellison.

Stiles might not realise that his sentinel instincts had been ramping up his natural need to protect his Dad but Jim was a force to be reckoned with when his own sentinel protective instincts kicked in. That would be multiplied by a factor of a thousand when kids were involved. Especially when he liked said kid. Oh yeah. Stiles was so screwed. He was going to have to spill the beans to his Alpha Prime whether he liked it or not.  But first Blair he had to deal with the excess of negative emotion and sooth the disgruntled and snippy spirit animals.

“There’s not enough room in the copter for this nonsense, now calm down everyone”

It seemed like Stiles got over his shock pretty quickly and managed to regain the use of his voice because he started a rambling rant about lack of privacy, the UN rights of the child and for some reason a link between playing lacrosse, circumcision as an economic driver and the statistics on endangered or extinct animals in Northern California. 

Blair could see the way Jim’s eyes were lighting up with unholy glee listening to the kid trying to deflect. He frowned with disapproval at him, mainly to try to distract his own need to laugh but Jim was too focussed on Stiles.

Blair could have told Stiles that Jim had more than enough experience with the deliberate distraction technique of rambling over the years. Blair still did it because he loved the exasperated but amused look on the big guy’s face but he had developed a few new techniques which were much more effective starting with the kissing Jim breathless special. They all went downhill from there… literally. Not that he would recommend that course of action to the young Sentinel, except Man, the look on Jim’s face would be… no, nope, still not a good idea even if it would be hilarious.

Blair deliberately projected soothing calmness at the still distraught youngster and suddenly grinned wickedly at him. He echoed Jim’s first words to the kid.

“Seriously Stiles, you are worried about keeping your Dad safe? Right now he is bonding to Tony Stark, you might have heard of him, Iron Man? Kick ass flying suit of armour and scourge of terrorists? Genius and Billionaire? Also the fact that those two will become an Alpha pair so your father the Sheriff, who is already employed as the protector of the County I might add, will be more than capable of protecting himself even without a possessive newly bonded Blessed Protector. And hey, Alpha Prime Sentinel and Guide of the USA might just have some nifty abilities that a baby sentinel hasn’t developed yet don’t you think?” 

The mockery was gentle but Blair’s message was deadly serious and Stiles knew it. 

Oh God, the Adults were taking charge.

 

“Come on Tony, did you really think the first time we did this it would be mind blowing?” John’s voice was kind despite his pink cheeks and the way he avoided looking at his reclining sentinel.

“Seriously, it only works that way in stories or unrealistic romance films. You know I have never done this before with a man and you were just a bit too… enthusiastic?” his voice tailed off at the continued silence from the gloriously naked man lying prone beside him but slightly turned away from John with his arm flung across his eyes.

John cursed his lack of practice with his Guide gifts, Tony seemed to have closed the budding link between them that was increasing after each imprint. How the hell had he done that the stubborn prideful little bastard?

“You know every man has a little trouble sometimes especially when they are stressed” he offered that horrible platitude as a desperate last resort. John wouldn’t blame the guy if he punched him for that one. Christ on a crutch why did he have to be the one to deal with this emotional shit just because he was the Guide? They weren’t horny young teenagers anymore so it should have been something they expected to happen. Especially with Stark's greater sexual experience.  

John’s eyes widened with horror as he saw Tony’s shoulders begin to shake and heard the hitch in his breathing. Was his Sentinel crying? Dear Lord. Was he actually crying? His hand instinctively reached for the bare shoulder just as Tony flung himself on his back and literally howled with laughter.

Anger flared bright and painful as John made to get out of the tumbled sheets before he strangled the fucker with his own lying deceitful teasing tongue. Then he felt himself pulled back and under the hard muscled body of his madly grinning Sentinel. The arc reactor was a heated brand against his own chest that for a few seconds distracted him and made him want to hunt the bastards down who had committed such a crime against this beautiful infuriating man.

“Sorry, sorry Babe, don’t be mad. Just don’t be mad. Never had so much fun in bed before. You are amazing trying to comfort me and of course it wasn’t going to be perfect the first time”

John felt his anger and irritation drain away as he stared up into that gorgeous laughing face, and those damn pleading eyes. Those bloody eyes were his downfall. Why in the name of all that was holy did the bastard have the same coloured eyes as his Claudia and Stiles?

Then sheer wicked delight lit his Sentinel from within and flooded their link with arousal and laughter. 

“I’m a mechanic Sheriff, I fix things. Trial and error. Lots and lots of trial and error. You know what they say, practice makes perfect Johnny, practice makes perfect”, the bastard literally purred at him before their lips met and John Stilinski forgot all about being angry.

 

Chapter 2

Summary:

Stiles is still desperately trying to get rid of the Primes when he has a melt down.

Chapter Text

It didn’t matter what Stiles said or tried to get the Primes to back off, Alpha Guide Sandburg just smiled gently at him and his big scary Sentinel raised that eyebrow so high Stiles wondered if it was going to float off the top of his head.
 
The helicopter had landed in the private airport just outside town and a brand spanking new SUV with the SGC logo and a sentinel driver were waiting for them. Dear God just who were these guys? Well Stiles knew who they were of course he did. He knew the history of the SGC as well as any other kid his age, better in fact, hell he knew things his teachers didn’t because Stiles had fallen down that particular rabbit hole years ago and when did he ever not follow up on something that fascinated him. He could recite statistics about these two guys in particular, the fact the Sentinel Ellison had been in the Rangers and then a cop just like his Dad had drawn him in until he had begun to feel like they were family. To a kid who had just lost his Mom and nearly his Dad too, learning about the Primes had become his refuge from reality for a while. God he had even read Sandburg’s books. In fact his Dad could blame that reading for his new and improved diet. Guide Sandburg’s words about healthy eating had triggered another obsession in the younger Stiles especially when he had caught a look at his Dad’s medical report. Thanks to Guide Sandburg he knew all about the evils of certain types of cholesterol. His Dad might not be a Sentinel but healthy eating was good for everyone.

Stiles heard Ellison mutter something about missing his Sweetheart and why couldn’t he drive himself anymore, whilst Sandburg just patted his arm soothingly totally ignoring the fact that his bonded Sentinel was calling someone else an endearment. What the hell was his life now?

Their sheer obstinate refusal to see sense and just back off was why Stiles was reluctantly opening the front door to his home with the two Alpha Primes trailing him. He briefly considered darting in and locking the door behind him but that fled when he heard the snort of laughter from Sandburg and the drawled “Seriously Son” from the unimpressed big guy.

He didn’t pout like a little kid, he didn’t. He might not have shown them in with much grace but he wasn’t pouting and that cheek pinch and wobble thing the Alpha Guide did was seriously not okay, he was a teenager, it was, was abuse, definitely abuse, even if it felt like affectionate teasing, it was abuse. He wasn’t a little kid, for the love of Reeses Pieces, he had saved Tony Stark from being murdered!

Stiles came to a sudden stop and went pale. His breathing began to speed up. He had saved Tony Stark from being murdered by that nasty old dude. Dude, he had saved Tony Stark. If he hadn’t gone to Malibu to give him a piece of his mind, the guy would be dead. Dead. Dead. Dead. Murdered. No longer alive.

Stiles knees went weak beneath him, he could hear his heart pounding like a drum, he couldn’t catch his breath, damn it he was having a panic attack after the damn event. What the hell?  This was stupid, the shit he had seen go down in Beacon Hill and carried on as if it was all normal. Argents and Werewolves and green lizard things and freaking magic hadn’t triggered this reaction but Tony bloody Stark did?
His brain was betraying him, he was losing it big time. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t get any air into his lungs. He couldn’t breathe. There were black spots in front of his eyes.

Suddenly he was surrounded by enormous arms, his head was resting against a muscular chest and he was being rocked gently.  His panting breathing the only sound until Ellison demanded bluntly “Do something Blair, help the kid”. 
“You are doing just fine big guy, he needs this” the voice of the powerful Guide was calm and fond, he continued before this bonded Sentinel could protest. “Stiles is wound up tighter than a top, he’s been suppressing his own emotions too much, I am not going to add to that. He needs to let go. His heartbeat will settle into sync with yours and then we will all talk”

Despite the ominous words about talking, a feeling of utter safety and protection as he rested against the Sentinel Prime seeped slowly into Stiles until his heart beat did start to sync with the big guy’s. For a few blissful seconds peace flooded his body. Stiles couldn’t remember the last time he didn’t have anything to worry about. He literally couldn’t remember.
He had just opened his mouth to politely ask to be released from the Sentinel’s hug because he was fine now thank you very much, when to his total and complete humiliation he burst into tears. Hard wracking gut wrenching tears that he couldn’t stop. He turned his head into the big Sentinel’s chest and refused to look at anyone. He just knew he was destroying the nice silk shirt the man was wearing but he couldn’t stop it.

“Blair” Ellison growled as he picked the kid up as if he weighed nothing. Damn it, the kid was too thin, his sentinel senses had catalogued the worrying thinness, the bags under the boy’s eyes, the paler than normal skin and the nervous twitching.  Ellison moved towards the comfiest chair in the homely living room, from scent and observation it was definitely John’s easy chair, and sat his ass down, still with the kid clinging to him like a distressed koala bear. The sound of the despairing sobs was making the Sentinel even more determined to deal with the shit that had been tossed this kid’s way. There was going to be payment for causing one of his baby sentinels this kind of pain. Damn straight.

Blair sank down to his knees beside the chair and lay a gentle hand on the kid’s shoulder. He could feel the helpless fear and exhausted embarrassment pouring of the boy. He decided to deal with that ridiculous embarrassment caused by the usual stereotypical macho bullshit young men were taught.

“Your Uncle Jim doesn’t think less of you because you are crying. Tears are natures release mechanism for pain and unhealthy repression” he reproved gently then gave a wicked smirk to his Sentinel which the boy didn’t see “You should see the guy when he stubs his toe, waterworks r us man”.  Ellison scowled at his guide but responded with a patently fake whine “But it hurts Blair”

For a second the sobbing was interrupted by a startled snort of laughter, but the kid didn’t raise his head from the damn patch on Jim’s chest. Blair watched him intently for what seemed a long time, the tears slowly drying up. Blair was about to start asking him questions in an effort to get the kid to open up when Stiles took in a deep hitching breath.

If Blair wasn’t well versed in “Jimspeak”, he would have missed the almost imperceptible shake of his head. He raised one eyebrow in silent protest.

“My best friend Scott is a werewolf and it’s my fault” the abrupt words seemed to spill as helplessly out of the kid as his tears. And like the tears they didn’t stop until he had got to the meeting with Tony, then the kid’s eyes and mouth fluttered shut in absolute exhaustion.

Neither Jim not Blair had interrupted him. Jim’s body had remained relaxed so as not to distract the boy but Blair could feel the rising protective rage in his Sentinel as much fuelled the boy’s words and by his guide’s own appalled anger.

Over the head of the sleeping teenager, Blair’s bright blue eyes met those of his Sentinel. “Babe, you can deal with the rest and I will gladly help but that Druid, he is mine” the calm murmured words were laced with enough menace that the exhausted boy shivered in his sleep.

Ellison smiled back at his beautiful Guide in perfect accord. All the idiots involved in this supernatural shit show were going to find out exactly what an Alpha Prime Sentinel and Guide would do to protect their own.

Chapter 3

Summary:

Blair and Jim have a plan.
Stiles has his first zone out.
Do not mess with Alpha Prime Sentinel Ellison

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

 “Rise and shine kid, Blair’s got breakfast ready. Up and at them Stiles because I will polish the lot off by myself and you don’t want to miss out on Blair’s blueberry pancakes.”

Stiles woke with a start to see the huge figure looming over him, his eyes widened and before his brain kicked into gear, one hand went out and he threw himself off the other side of his bed, hitting the floor with a couple of dull thuds. Ellison winced in regret. One of those sounded like his head smacking into the carpet and the other one was an elbow hitting the bed frame.

 Blair was going to have his hide. Well shit, he was going to tear himself a new one. He did know better than to startle a traumatised kid, especially since the kid was a baby sentinel who hadn’t yet evolved enough to deal with traumatic events the way trained adult sentinels could. 

He could hear the kid’s heart beat shoot up so fast that if Stiles didn’t calm down soon, he would pass out.

“Sorry Sport, it’s okay. Everything’s okay. You are safe.” Jim lowered his voice and slowed it down to a soothing cadence. He tried to project calm like Blair would. Just as a guide picked up some of a sentinel’s traits the longer and stronger the bond, a sentinel could develop low level empathic skills if they were so inclined. Blair had been his usual sneaky self about it, by making Jim spend an afternoon at the Cascade centre crèche.
Damn straight he had used those skills to settle the wailing babies and toddlers, then he got his revenge on his Guide by eating junk food for a week. That it backfired on him spectacularly had never been mentioned by either of them again but when Blair introduced a topic that he knew Ellison would object to, the sneaky little shit prominently displayed a bottle of syrup of figs in the kitchen. Jim knew he was never going to live that one down.

Stiles’ head popped up over the end of the bed, those Bambi brown eyes staring at him with fear and then growing embarrassed anger. “Dude?” he exclaimed “Dude”. But before he could begin his epic rant at the Alpha Prime Sentinel, the big guy winced and ducked his head. “Seriously Stiles, Blair is going to kick my ass, you don’t need to do it too” 

“Too damn right I am going to kick your ass, what the hell did you do you big lug? Go and finish cooking the bacon and it will be up to Stiles if you get any. Seriously I heard the thud from the kitchen. Now shoo”.

Stiles jumped again. Damn he hadn’t heard the Guide come up the stairs but Ellison must have. He never missed anything. So he knew Blair was there when he confessed. 

The Alpha Prime Guide pointed one finger at the bedroom door and Stiles stared in amazement as the bad ass Sentinel slunk out of his bedroom at the weight of disapproval being sent his way.

The door hadn’t even shut behind him when Blair called out. “Don’t you dare start to eat without us Man.”

Stiles got shakily to his feet and stared at the fuming guide. “Um, I’ll just go shower okay” he edged away from Blair. Stiles might not have heard him arrive but the anger he was projecting was as obvious as the pretty nose on his face. Ewww. No thinking of Blair or Uncle Jim as anything other than Blair or Uncle Jim. That was just not on.

Even the Guide’s curls looked annoyed. Blair turned his frowning face back towards Stiles and then began to laugh sheepishly “Sorry Stiles. He really didn’t mean to frighten you. Go have your shower and then come down to breakfast”

Blair watched the bathroom door close behind the kid. Stiles hadn’t noticed when Blair had eased his fear further so that his pulse was back within normal parameters. The kid was going to have a hard enough day as it was without his body giving him shit for something that wasn’t his fault.

Blair and his Sentinel had a plan. It was a plan that would no doubt meet with strong disapproval from the baby sentinel but that was just tough. It was time he remembered that he didn’t have to deal with everything himself. Besides Jim was really looking forward to taking Stiles to school.

As the Alpha Prime Sentinel he could initiate random checks on the facilities any public body had on offer for Sentinels and Guides. Then there was a long overdue conversation to be had with the new Principal of the school. 

Stiles had just taken a mouthful of the most delicious pancake his mouth had ever had the pleasure of entertaining when he spat it back out again. His eyes watered as he coughed up the remnants that had gone backwards down his throat instead of joining its brethren on the plate in front of him. The big guy patted his back gently as Blair handed him his glass of water. It was all their fault anyway. Did they really just say what he thought they said?

“No, no way, nope, niet, not happening Dudes” Stiles began once his coughing had stopped. “No way am I being taken to school like a toddler. Not going to happen” he jabbed his fork into the stack of pancakes that Blair had thoughtfully replaced to emphasise his point. The smell of the hot pancake mixed with the blueberries seemed to permeate through the room, and Stiles took a deeper breath. It was so delicious, the aroma lingered in his nostrils and he could feel it making its way down to his taste buds. He had to concentrate on that smell. It was the best smell in the whole world. Nothing else mattered but that smell.

“Stiles sweetheart, come on. Come back now. Can you feel me touching your face. Can you feel my fingers, just tapping your cheek bone. Come on Stiles, come back now. I have you. You are safe.” 

First he heard the voice, calm and kind, when there had only been static. The voice impinged on his consciousness, and then he felt the gentle tap tap on his cheek. It was too much. All too much.

“Stiles, use your dials sweetheart, you know what they are don’t you? Lower the dial for scent Stiles until it’s comfortable, now go through each of your other senses one by one. Touch is irritating you right now, lower the dial. Sound and then sight. Tell me how you are doing Stiles”

“Dials Blair?” Stiles grinned weakly at him “Dude that is so last decade, don’t you have a smart phone? You know you should be swiping to the left now to turn things down”

Blair stared at him, then his eyes drifted over to his Sentinel who was staring at the kid as if he had grown a second head. He couldn’t help it, Blair began to laugh.

Stiles sniggered at Blair’s reaction, then tried to stand. Shit he felt all wobbly. Ellison was suddenly behind him but this time his looming was a comfort. Stiles couldn’t allow that to carry on though because he had to get to school. He took a glance at the kitchen clock and he had ten minutes before he was officially late. Panic set in, he needed to get his stuff, until Blair that sneaky sneak, took his hands in his and made him sit back down again.

“Sorry Sport no school today” Ellison told him and Stiles was pretty sure the big guy wasn’t sorry at all.

“But” he only got as far as the one word when Ellison continued sternly. “You have just had your first zone out. You have to be monitored for twenty four hours by a bonded Guide to ensure that there are no after effects. And no Stiles this isn’t just for you. This is S&G regulation which you will not be flouting and is there for the protection of the emerging Sentinel and for the people around them.” It was the Alpha Prime Sentinel speaking to him, expecting obedience from his Sentinel. It definitely wasn't his indulgent Uncle Jim.

Blair could feel the irritated anger coming off the boy in waves. Poor kid was an absolute mess of emotions and a lot of people were going to pay for that one way or another. In the mean time before the objections raced off the kid’s agile tongue and the two Sentinels got into an argument that Jim would win but Stiles would utterly resent him for, it was time for Blair to intervene.

“You wouldn’t mean to harm anyone Stiles but what if you zoned driving your car, or walking across the road, or on the stairway in school or in gym? The rules and regulations are there because of practical reasons Stiles, not to make your life more difficult. So take advantage of an officially sanctioned S&G day off from school and set us up with some video games. I am going to kick your ass kid whilst Uncle Jim has a few phone calls to make.”

Stiles closed his open mouth in shock and reluctant awe at the feisty grinning Guide. What had he done to deserve this? First there was Tony Stark who could out class him with the art of the snark, now he had met someone else who could talk rings round him. He must never let his Dad find out or he would mock his son mercilessly. At least Stiles could take Blair down on the games front.

Ellison watched his Guide and the stunned teenager make their way to the living room. He pulled out his cell. “Swipe to the left indeed. Cheeky little brat” he snorted softly. He knew Stiles heard him because the kid swung his head round to smirk at him. Ellison smirked right back as he continued to stare at the kid whilst he sent a text with all the dexterity of an actual teenager. Stiles laughed and turned back to Blair who was utterly failing at setting up the games system.

The cell phone beeped at him. Jim glanced down at the swift response to his text. He smirked again. This time it was smug and very dangerous. It showed a cell number and a name. “Araya Calavera.”

Notes:

Hello. I am doing Nano this year so there has been a delay on updating with all my WIPs. Much to my surprise the more I write, the more I write, so have this next chapter courtesy of the insanity of NANOWRIMO. Enjoy.

No infringement intended.

Chapter 4

Summary:

The bit where two grown men panic and lose their shit, instead of talking things through properly. Ugh feelings.

Miscommunication, misunderstanding and missed coffee.

Also Eric Clapton saves the day.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Stern blue eyes stared into sleepy but defiant brown. “Step away from the coffee pot, Stark.” The order was clear and unequivocal. He had to know that the man meant business.

The beautiful bastard merely smirked at him as he opened those pretty eyes wider in faux innocence, as he inched closer to the prohibited treasure.

Even Stiles knew better than to disturb his father before that first sip of life giving nectar. Did Little Lord Rich kid think he stood a chance against an experienced and, more importantly, caffeine deprived Officer of the Law? The man might be sex on legs and his Sentinel but he was trying to take John’s coffee god damn it. Not going to happen, now or in the future.
Besides the man drank way too much of it. Excess seemed to be Stark’s middle name. Really his Guide was just looking out for his health. The same way Stiles looked out for his father’s health by consuming all the red meat in the house.  

Tony nearly laughed out loud as he heard his Guide actually growl when he took a step closer to the disputed coffee. Was this how he behaved when he was caffeine deprived? The sexy Sheriff had been fast asleep, exhausted after their spectacular bout of bonding sex when Tony had risen and stumbled into the penthouse kitchen where his darling J already had the coffee machine prepared. So his Guide was not aware that this was the second pot of the morning.

Tony had got up early enough to check out the state of his workshop after the events of the night before and make sure his bots had been safely recharging out of the way when Stane was on his rampage. Bloody bastard. SHIELD had better be dealing with him properly or he would sic a bloody Jericho on their asses. But so not the point right now. The point being that he had left his exhausted guide asleep in their bed, (it took Tony a brief moment for him to overcome his awe at the aptness of that phrase and if it had been anyone else saying out loud what he had been thinking, he would have mocked them mercilessly. He must remember not to tell his honey bear or he would never hear the end of it. Rhodey would so hold that over him until the end of time.)

Now the deliciously rumpled man was standing in front of him, barring him from his own coffee machine and it amused the fuck out of Tony. He raised his hands in mock supplication and backed up a step, watching the satisfied curl of the Sheriff’s lips and the way he almost inhaled the delicious brew with those gorgeous blue eyes of his closed in appreciation.

“Should I bow out gracefully now and leave you two together?” Stark teased trying to ignore the persistent growing need to take the man back to bed. He hadn’t been this horny since his teenage years despite all the media stories about his legendary refractory time and his insatiable sexual appetites. The poor dears had to make their stories better than the last to get their fifteen minutes of sordid fame. But Tony had been too amused and too busy to correct any of those assumptions. He just didn’t care.

Those eyes opened and pinned him like a butterfly to a board, Tony caught his breath at the frankly sexual assessing regard and the slow wicked smile that was revealed when the Sheriff lowered the mug, licked his lips and god damn actually moaned his pleasure at the taste. He looked Tony up and down and that smile got wider as he put the mug back to his mouth and drained the rest of the liquid. Tony couldn’t take his eyes off him. He was seconds away from just picking his Guide up as he watched the way his throat worked to swallow every last drop, when he saw the tantalising gleam in those blue eyes as if he knew exactly what he was doing to him. Every instinct shuddered to a halt whilst his brain kicked in. Of course the Guide knew what he was doing to him.

He was a guide. It confirmed all of Tony’s worst fears. Everyone in his bloody life tried to manipulate him. As if that hadn’t been proved conclusively last night with his ever loving god father Obadiah Stane. Another one he was supposed to trust so that he could be led around with a ring through his nose.

Anger, disappointment and grief mixed in his gut like a poisonous cocktail. Everyone wanted something from him. Did the guide think he was now on easy street with a sugar daddy sentinel?

Tony could feel his paranoia taking hold but he was making no real effort to stop it. Fuck it even SHIELD had their grubby fingers in his pies. Rushman was a perfect example and his so called Guide just happens to turn up just at the right moment.

Tony didn’t see how the Sheriff had straightened up and was watching him with concern.
Before John could open his mouth to ask the Sentinel what was the matter, why his emotions had gone from light-hearted amusement to an intense bitter rage, Tony walked away from him and headed towards the lounge area.

The coffee forgotten John nearly missed the counter when he put down the mug as he hastily followed the Sentinel.  And didn’t that just yank his chain and push all his buttons.
John Stilinski didn’t follow anyone like a love sick puppy. He resented the hell out of the guide’s need to assure the Sentinel’s welfare. For god’s sake, the guy was an adult, if he wanted to throw a tantrum about something, then fine, let him do it. It shouldn’t mean that John had to go crawling after his stubborn ass to make sure he was okay. John had his own life to lead and he had been doing it for a long time, he had enough to do without having to fret about a grown ass temperamental sentinel. His grown ass temperamental sentinel.

And for the love of all that was reasonable, he had just woken up. He had only drunk three quarters of a cup of coffee when he should have been on his second right now to ease himself into the day. What the hell had riled his damn sentinel so badly when they hadn’t been awake and aware together for more that fifteen minutes?

“I need a drink”. Tony ground out. He didn’t know how to deal with this, any of this, but a few under his belt would at least slow down the panic crawling through his veins. He took one of the crystal glasses and reached for one of the whiskey decanters. He didn’t have a preference at the moment, they were all the best money could buy so anyone of them would have the required effect.  It was the effect he wanted not the actual taste.

“You want one?” The question was chilly, begrudging and he only asked as an afterthought because he heard the guy follow him as he made his way to the bar. Damn stupid intrusive sentinel senses.

“No.” The Sheriff barked, no not the Sheriff, his guide, John. There was a strange note in his voice that stopped Tony in mid stride. He looked at the man, one eyebrow raised and Stilinski raised his chin. It reminded Tony of the way the kid had been stubbornly defiant in front of those SHIELD assholes. What? He didn’t realise he said it aloud but that chin went up further and the guy answered.

“I had a problem with it, with drinking, when Stiles was younger, when his Mom died” there was a pause as the Sheriff seemed to swallow hard then he admitted reluctantly through gritted teeth.  
“Truth be told I still have a problem with it, so I don’t touch it, not a drop since I made Stiles a promise. When you wake up on the sofa from a drunken stupor and see your eight year old kid in his dirty pjs trying to open a tin of something to eat because there is nothing else in the house, it’s definitely not your finest moment, especially when you can hear your dead’s wife voice in your head begging you to look after each other. So no Stark, I won’t drink with you, not now, not ever.” 

The Sheriff’s cheeks were flushed with shame but he was calm and collected and that damn chin stayed at the challenging stubborn angle. Tony felt the intense need to go to him, lick at his lips and those red cheeks and just hold him to offer comfort. Fuck that. He was Tony Stark, he had never offered anyone comfort in his life, (well except Rhodey, and the original Jarvis, and Pepper when her cat died and Happy but he didn’t count them).He was not going to be a slave to any sentinel urges. He was his own man, he was not going to be made to do something because of his biological makeup.

But without even looking at the glass in his hand because he couldn’t take his eyes from the frowning guide, he flung it away so hard that it hit the wall and smashed.
The Sheriff actually scowled at him as if the action had offended him. “That needs to be cleaned up” Tony shrugged his shoulders indifferently “That’s what I have a cleaning service for. JARVIS will make sure they are aware of the broken glass, isn’t that right Jay?” “Of course Sir, but as you are still within your bonding period may I send one of the bots,“You” perhaps, instead of allowing a person in this safe space?” The calm voice of the AI seemed to have a relaxing effect on the sentinel because his shoulders dropped slightly.

John wondered sourly if everyone and their dog just cleaned up Stark’s mess without him taking responsibility for his own actions. Then he realised that he was reacting to the whirlpool of emotions being fed across the bond link by the Sentinel. He took a deep breath, he would need to calm things down. He just needed a moment to deal with his own spiking emotions first. He had never done this before so he didn’t want to mess it up. This was too important.

Tony didn’t like the look of the Sheriff’s face. How dare he judge him when he knew nothing about him? His rage ramped up again and he smiled coldly “So Sheriff darling, what is it you want from me exactly?”

Tony had the satisfaction of seeing the question flummox the man. There was honest confusion on his face and for a second there was a slither of doubt worming its way through his anger but he ignored it as he listened to the guide’s response.

“What? What do you mean Tony?”

“Yeah that’s about right, it’s always Tony when they want something. I mean now we are bonded what do you want from me? New house, new car, donation to a favourite charity? How can I reward my guide today for all your hard work putting up with me?” The angry bitter words spilled from between his teeth as he watched the confusion last for about three seconds until the words hit. He saw the hurt first and then John’s face went utterly blank and the link between them dulled.
For some reason Tony’s stomach swooped worse than when he fucked up in the Iron Man suit.

“Yeah that’s about right” John parroted Tony’s words back at him but with ice instead of fire. “Sentinel entitlement treating Guides like whores. Been happening for centuries. Even worse when the Sentinel is richer that Croesus.” The unadulterated disdain in his voice shredded Tony but John didn’t stop “I have a kid and a job and a life to get back to. Might not mean much to you but it means the world to me. I don’t need your god damn money, I don’t want your god damn money and let’s be honest about this, I need you about as much as you need me Mr Stark.”

And then his guide walked away from him. His guide walked away from him. Tony just stood there whilst his guide walked away from him.

He must have said the words aloud because the next thing he heard was the disapproving voice of his baby boy. “No Sir that is not correct. Your guide is not walking away from you. You drove him away from you.” Unspoken was the knowledge that it was Tony’s instinctual response when he felt threatened. Tony’s rage drained away. What the hell? Why would he do that to his guide? They hadn’t even finished bonding properly and he was driving his guide out of the door. Literally because he heard the house alarm as the entrance was opened.

Tony took off like a bat out of hell but he was too late. He stood at his front door and watched as the Sheriff drove away in the battered old blue jeep that had been abandoned in his court yard.

Horror hit his gut, the damn thing was a death trap. He couldn’t allow his guide to drive in that. It wasn’t safe. He need to make sure that his guide was safe.

John was too angry to notice for the first half an hour. He concentrated on the drive so he didn’t have to think about the idiot that was his so called Sentinel. “Arrogant, suspicious self-centred, stupid cynical sentinel bastard” he muttered on repeat to himself on the drive until he finally calmed down enough to take in more of his surroundings.

Then all Stiles doom laden predictions about his heart nearly came true as it almost failed him when he saw what or rather who was flying behind him in a red and gold suit. Thank god the road was relatively quiet so that no one else had noticed the way he swerved. It was embarrassing, he was a County Sheriff, he knew how to drive correctly and safely and again it was his damn Sentinel’s fault. Bloody irresponsible maniac. Did Iron Man think he was going to follow him all the way to Beacon Hills? That was so not happening.

His cell buzzed with an incoming call. The phone answered itself. “Guide Stilinski, will you accept a call from Sentinel Stark?” JARVIS’s voice was polite and utterly professional and the Sheriff almost felt bad for him when he gave him his answer. “I don’t drive and talk on a cell phone JARVIS, it’s irresponsible and dangerous. Goodbye” and he flicked the off button.

The next thing he knew that other irresponsible and dangerous idiot in his life flew in front of the jeep and hovered in front of the windscreen, flying backwards as John refused to stop. He even had the utter gall to wave at John repeatedly. Then Tony must have activated his external speakers because “I shot the Sheriff” by Eric Clapton was blaring out and the mad bastard was dancing to it as they travelled. It was the most surreal thing John had ever seen in his life and that included that visit to the blue desert where he first met this lunatic.
  
John pulled over to the side of the road. He rested his head against the steering wheel as he began to laugh helplessly.

“Hey” Tony’s voice was uncharacteristically soft as he slid into the vehicle beside his guide. He had left the suit standing beside the jeep.

“Hey” John answered as he raised his head and looked at the man.

“So that went all to shit because I’m a paranoid bastard?” Tony winced when he said it but he looked his guide straight in the face. “Look, I know you want to go home. That’s your right but please this jeep, its’ not safe. I need you to be safe.  There are plenty of cars at the house or I can call the jet or…” he started in a rush when John hadn’t answered.

John raised his hand and cupped the idiot’s face and Tony just shut up as he lent into his guide’s soothing touch.  

“It’s okay Sentinel, I’ll come back now but we need to talk to Blair and Jim. I never took the Guide training that dealt with high level Sentinels, hell I barely had any formal training at all, just what I learned from my parents and I know damn well you haven’t had anything to do with the SGC lately, if you ever had anything to do with them at all.  We can’t keep doing this to each other. We need to understand what’s happening to us and why before we can get the bond really settled”

Notes:

And another one. Lots of angst but please, two grown men with issues being pulled into a relationship neither wanted. Not going to be easy at the start. They are going to have to work for it. Hope this does the pair of them justice. xx

Chapter 5

Summary:

Scott meets Blair. Deaton meets Blair.

Ellison has something to prove. Mainly to Stiles, but he has taken names and has a list.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Scott was just finishing cleaning and filling the water bowls in the kennels when he heard the sound of the bell on the front desk. He frowned in confusion. He hadn’t heard the door open or a heartbeat, he was still learning how to control his extra strength senses but he had thought his hearing was improving. He hadn’t scented anyone coming through the door, but then he never did when he was at work in the clinic because of the wolfsbane lined counter. That scent overpowered everything else unless it was the copper burn of blood. That cut through any other scent like a knife until he could almost taste it in the back of his throat and it made him want to heave. He hated that he knew what blood smelt like. He hated that he knew that.

He quickly washed his hands, and went to the front desk. Dr Deaton wasn’t in, said he was collecting supplies and would be a little late that morning. If he hadn’t arrived by the time Scott had to leave for school then Scott was just supposed to lock up and go. It was still early though.

Scott had enough time to grab some breakfast because these days, after his change, he had to eat every couple of hours, and then get off to school.
Before he had got his bike, when he just had his cycle, he would have headed over to Stiles to catch a lift to school.
He couldn’t remember the last time he had done that with his best friend. Too many other things going on at the moment. Too many other things to think about. Suddenly he wished with all his heart that he could just go and talk to his best friend.
Stiles always had his back and he could always explain problems in a way that made sense to Scott. But Dr Deaton had gently reminded him that it was Stiles’ fault he was bitten in the first place and that normal humans couldn’t really cope with the Supernatural without getting hurt.
 
Officially the clinic wasn’t really open yet, but Scott had left the front entrance unlocked when he had arrived. He should have locked the thing, he really didn’t want to have to deal with anyone this morning because he was still trying to work things out in his head. That hinky plan of Dr Deaton to stop Gerrard Argent for a start.

If Scott had understood it correctly then he was actually poisoning the guy. Murder 101. He was going to kill Allison’s grandfather.  Scott McCall was going to be judge and executioner. He had tried to argue against Dr Deaton but the Druid made it sound so reasonable and inevitable. Made it sound like the only way possible because Derek certainly couldn’t deal with the Hunter. But it was murder dude, how did that make Scott any better than the old psycho?

Deaton kept on insisting that it was the only way to keep the balance. Scott didn’t have a clue what he meant by that but it sounded important. And the guy kept on calling him a true Alpha. What even?
God he wished he could speak to Stiles about all of this. But he couldn’t because according to Deaton Stiles was part of the problem. What if Stiles went running to his Dad and more innocent people got hurt? Scott had protested that the Sheriff was really good at his job but Deaton had just looked at him as if he was stupid and said slowly “But you are a werewolf Scott” as if that was the end of it.

His mind was running in circles trying to come to terms with this stuff so he wasn’t in the best of moods anyway. Besides he was getting hungry and that always irritated the shit out of his wolf. So he was decidedly grumpy as he headed towards the reception area.

There was something faintly familiar about the older guy with the long curly brown hair, who was standing reading one of the pamphlets from the rack nearest the counter.
Scott frowned slightly as he began “I’m sorry sir but the clinic isn’t open yet”. He was just about to ask if it was an emergency when the guy lowered the pamphlet and half turned to face him.
Calm blue eyes focused on him so intensely that Scott involuntarily swung his head to look behind him. His cheeks were pink when he hastily corrected himself, stuck out his jaw as if daring the guy to say something and stared stubbornly back. Scott saw one eyebrow raise and the genuine amusement that edged out the calm in those vivid blue eyes.
Scott’s eyes widened as he took a step back involuntarily when the guy’s aura hit him with the force of a sledgehammer.  Wow. Who, what?

He didn’t realise he had said the words aloud until he saw the guy smirk at him.  “Hi you must be Scott, Stiles has told me all about you. I’m here to see Alan Deaton. I’m Dr Sandburg.  Stiles’ Alpha”

Scott couldn’t stop his eyes flashing and the growl started low in his gut as jealousy and possessiveness flooded his body.   Who the hell did this guy think he was? Stiles belonged to Scott. Stiles was his. Scott wouldn’t even let Derek be Stiles’ Alpha. Fuck that. Stiles was his. He didn’t have some freaking Alpha who just turned up out of nowhere. Besides the guy didn’t smell like a werewolf?

That eyebrow raised again, and this time Scott felt the same way as when he had been naughty in kindergarten and was about to be told off. It rattled him and he didn’t like it.

The guy’s smile got even wider as he watched Scott’s reactions, then the timbre in that calm voice changed to a soft voiced viciousness that beat Derek hands down in the scary stakes.
 
“Where was that posturing when “your” Stiles was being tortured by the Argents Scott Rafael McCall? Or is he not your friend anymore? Seems like you haven’t been interested in him since you met your own personal pretty little hunter?”

Scott paled. Stiles had been hurt by the Argents? When? How? Why hadn’t Stiles told him? But before he could utter a single word another voice spoke.

“That’s enough Dr Sandburg. It should be beneath the Alpha Prime Guide of North America to bully a teenager”.

Dr Deaton came to stand behind Scott and put one hand on his shoulder. Shit Scott hadn’t heard him arrive either. What the hell was the matter with his senses this morning?

Scott hadn’t taken his eyes off the stranger, Dr Sandburg’s face. The guy offered a sweet smile but his blue eyes blazed with a frozen fire as he deliberately looked at where the Druid’s hand was resting on his shoulder and then slowly tilted his head with that one eyebrow getting closer to his hairline as he stared at Dr Deaton. Scott felt the hairs on the nape of his neck raise. This wasn’t fake posturing, this strange dude was literally furious with Dr Deaton.

Dr Sandburg hummed gently, then addressed Scott without removing his eyes from Deaton’s face “Bullying is rather harsh, I think of it as a reality check but by all means let use Dr Deaton’s verb. Now what do you think is worse Scott, apparently bullying a teenager or allowing them to face danger and death in world they don’t understand, have no conception of the threat level they are facing without providing the advice, guidance and protection that is the sworn duty of an Emissary to a supernatural werewolf pack?”

Blair watched as affront crossed the vet’s face before it returned to what the guy obviously thought was bland indifference but instead of responding directly to the guide Deaton too addressed the kid “I believe it’s time for you to go to school Scott, you don’t want to be late”

Scott took a step backwards, his head swinging between the two men like he was watching a tennis match. He didn’t know what the hell was going on but he wasn’t sure that Dr Deaton would be safe with the furious Guide Prime dude.
Suddenly Scott remembered where he had seen the guy. On the back of some of Stiles’ recipe books for healthy eating.  The ones he had bought when Stiles found out about his Dad’s cholesterol levels.

“You wrote ‘Eat the Sentinel Way for a Healthier Life’ and ‘Sensible Eating for your Senses’.” Scott blurted out without thinking. “I helped Stiles practise the recipes for his Dad. The Cascade Lemon Chicken risotto is one of our favourites.”

There was another stunned silence as both the older men turned to stare at him for what seemed like an eternity. Scott felt like a bug under a microscope. He could feel the blood rush up to his cheeks. Running far, far away was becoming his preferred course of action or just curling up and hiding in a dark corner.

Then Dr Sandburg gave a surprised snort of laughter and sent him a genuine smile, warmth lit his eyes for a second, which made it even more noticeable when he turned back into freaking Frosty the Snowman as soon as he returned his gaze to the silent vet.

Dr Deaton went very, very still. Scott didn't blame him in the slightest.

 

Ellison ignored the way his cell phone lit up like a damn Christmas tree. He had left his message,  now he had more important things to handle, or at least one very important but recalcitrant thing by the name of Stiles Stilinski.

Why the kid still thought he was going to get out of being taken to school by his Alpha Prime Sentinel, Jim wasn’t sure but he didn’t think ignoring the obvious was the way to get on in life and Stiles seemed to have avoidance as a natural defence mechanism.

“But Uncle Jim”, the whiny brat began once more,  still trying the “irritate the fuck out of the big bad Sentinel and maybe he will go away” tactic. That tactic had never worked for Blair, seemed like Stiles was going to have to learn the same life lesson when it came to his Uncle Jim.
 
Ellison slowly turned his head to stare at the kid without saying a word and Stiles shut his mouth with a snap and pretended to zip it. Ellison was not going to laugh at the brat’s antics. He could resist Blair there Stiles should be a cake walk.

Then said brat opened his mouth again and blurted out under his breath, “Well at least you aren’t going to slam my head against my steering wheel” there was a considering pause and then, “though you can’t because you aren’t driving my baby,” the last part was an aggressively grumbled whine with full on pout as he glared at the interior of the boring rental the S&G had arranged for the Primes use.

Fury raced through the big Sentinel’s veins at alarming speed. Stiles was startled at the sudden appearance of the huge panther on the back seat, fangs alarmingly on show as the Alpha Prime snarled in a perfect impression of the angry spirit guide behind the pair of them. 
“Who the hell slammed your head against the steering wheel?”

Stiles paled and winced when he realised what he had said. “Um, did I say that out loud…Oh look we are at the school entrance, we need to find a parking place before they fill up” he tried in a desperate attempt at changing the subject.

No way was he going to let his Uncle Jim get into it with an Alpha Werewolf for the love of all things Star Wars.
He knew Ellison was strong but Derek was a freaking Werewolf, an Alpha Werewolf and he had seen what his teeth and his claws could do. No way was his Alpha Prime going to get hurt because of him. His Dad and Blair would never forgive him. Shit he would never forgive himself.

The panther lent forward and huffed disapprovingly against the back of Stiles’ neck.  Stiles shivered as hot breath tickled his neck. “Hey cut it out kitty cat, you’re supposed to be a spirit, incorporeal, misty image, ghostly” he grumbled still trying to distract the scowling sentinel. The ghostly incorporeal panther licked a stripe up the kid’s neck and dipped its unreal tongue into his very real ear.
Stiles yelped and batted frantically at the spirit guide. The panther made a strange chuffing sound as if it was laughing at the kid.

Ellison rolled his eyes at the kid’s transparent attempt to divert his attention. God damn it, just how much had Stiles left out of his story. No-one smacked around one of his kids and got away with it.

“He’s the least of your worries sport” rumbled the Sentinel, “we haven’t finished this conversation at all” he warned in that blunt no nonsense way of his. He switched off the engine to the perfectly parked Jeep and opened his door. “We have other things to deal with right now but I won’t forget Stiles. Grab your bag”

Jim didn’t bother to hide his smirk as he followed the kid from the parking lot to the front entrance of the school. The kid was adorable when he was frustrated. His smirk widened when Stiles came to a full stop as he saw the two official S&G vehicles and the lone cruiser from the Sheriff’s office.

He could smell the panic pouring off the kid. No he wasn’t having that. This was not supposed to scare the shit out of the baby sentinel. This was supposed to show him that he was no longer without protection. That he was part of the Sentinel and Guide community. But the kid’s bambi eyes were wide with fear as he stared up at Ellison. He had been shocked silent.

Jim wrapped his hand around the back of the kid’s neck and stared him straight in the eye, the smile on his face savage and uncompromising.

“Trust me Stiles, you are going to enjoy every minute of this.”

Notes:

This chapter has been fighting me, so I have split it up and sent it to separate corners! The next part has over half written so shouldn't be too long. Bloody procrastinating hunters.... And Deaton is going to have a lesson in being a responsible adult....
I decided Scott deserved a bit of introspection because I never understood why such a supposedly "good" character would deliberately poison the grandfather of his girlfriend...
Enjoy.

Chapter 6

Summary:

Scott spun round in a frantic circle. His chest felt like he was having an asthma attack. That shouldn’t be possible now he was a werewolf. But neither should this be possible. Where the hell was he?
It was blue. It was a blue jungle. He was in a freaking blue jungle. And right there, in front of him, there was a nearly naked really muscular older man with a painted red face and feathers and braids and even a freaking spear. What? Just What? What had that crazy Alpha Prime Guide dude done to them?

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Scott spun round in a frantic circle. His chest felt like he was having an asthma attack. That shouldn’t be possible now he was a werewolf. But neither should this be possible.  Where the hell was he?
It was blue. It was a blue jungle. He was in a freaking blue jungle. And right there, in front of him, there was a nearly naked really muscular older man with a painted red face and feathers and braids and even a freaking spear. What? Just What? What had that crazy Alpha Prime Guide dude done to them? ...

“My duty is to keep the balance”, the annoying asshole bleated at Blair. Blair could feel his Zen withering in the fire of his utter rage. He hadn’t had a problem reigning in his temper in years mainly because of all the practise he had reigning in Jim’s. But from the first words Stiles had spoken about this man, Blair had wanted to punch the guy literally in the face.

An emissary was tasked with the essential liaison role in the supernatural world of werewolf packs. Including between the supernatural and the mundane, like the Hunters Council. Blair had literally spat out his coffee when he had heard that name. A Hunters Council. The fact that the humans who were part of this so called policing body of the supernatural world actually still called themselves Hunters told Blair all he needed to know about how Werewolves and any other supernatural species were regarded. Animals. Beasts. To be controlled and put down if they stepped out of line and even sometimes if they didn’t.

So in this dangerous deadly world Emissaries provided advice, guidance and protection. The way Blair understood it, in essence they had a very similar role to that of a guide. Emissaries were even bonded to their packs. Not just to their Alpha, but the whole damn pack, and the ritual bonding was renewed when a new member was added.  The success and survival of the pack was their sworn duty and reason for being. And the way this bastard was talking about keeping the peace made what was left of the pack sound like pawns on his damned chessboard. Only there to be sacrificed when the time was right.

Blair had a real problem with anyone refusing to help a member of their community, guide or mundane. That was all him though his role as Alpha Guide Prime only added to it.
Help didn’t mean servitude. He would not tolerate any of that stupid nonsense that said a guide had to give up their hopes and dreams for a sentinel, but leaving someone in distress, leaving them to flounder, leaving them in danger when it could easily be avoided and to top it all actually breaking their sworn word. Fury bubbled through his veins until he felt like he would literally explode. He could feel his fist clenching in readiness to punch the bastard in his face.  
 
Blair might not have known about werewolves (and he and his Sentinel were due words about that!) but he was a Shaman and Alpha Guide Prime. Once he had been told about the existence of both werewolf packs and emissary, he had done his research. What was Stiles’ term for it?  A Google-fu master? Blair had surpassed a master in research years ago. Hell he had multiple doctorates. Research was built into his DNA. Besides that, his partner was an ex-cop. Technically, Blair was an ex-cop and he knew when he was being given the run around. He had learnt to trust his investigators gut, in addition to his Shamanic instincts and guide talents. Not forgetting that he actually had his first Doctorate in what Jim so charmingly called nosy people watching and gossiping.

Now standing there, listening to the shady bastard justify his dereliction of duty the urge to smack him into next week was getting stronger by the second. He would happily forget his pacifist principles for Deaton. Keep the balance Jim’s sentinel exemplary ass. The deceptive bastard would be lucky to keep his teeth if he kept on with this puerile reasoning.

“What bloody balance? Your duty is protection and guidance. You are a god damned emissary, not a trapeze artist.” Blair snarled. “You allowed two terrified traumatised grief stricken teenagers from your bonded pack to disappear without a trace, you abandoned the only surviving adult member of the Hale pack to coma that lasted years and the resultant insanity and you are now ignoring the needs of the current Alpha and his pack. That is not keeping the balance, that’s fucking cowardice. You are forsworn.” Blair’s voice had slowed as he spoke, until each word carried the weight of icy disapproval.

“Hey Mr Prime Guide Dude, leave the doc alone. He does the best he can to help us. If he says keeping the balance is important then it is.” Scott retorted angrily. He didn’t know what the hell was going on but his instincts were telling him to protect Deaton from this angry guy.

Blazing blue eyes swung towards him and then the guy just smiled. How could such a kind face look so threatening just by twisting his lips up?
Scott swallowed involuntarily because his mouth had gone dry. He wasn’t scared of some curly haired Dude who was calm for God’s sake. He wasn't okay! The guy didn’t even have a weapon, didn’t smell of wolfsbane, he wasn’t snarling with sprouting claws and … Yeah shit this was going to be bad.

“Why don’t we have a little chat with an old friend of mine?” The gentle implacable words made Scott’s stomach take a dive towards his toes as Blair clasped a hand on his shoulder and then on Deaton’s before either of them could say another word. How the hell did the guy move that fast and bypass his wolf’s protective instincts?
Then there was a really strange floaty sensation and the next thing Scott knew he was on his ass in the weird blue jungle with Dr Deaton sprawled beside him.

Blair’s voice was mockingly apologetic as he stared down at the pair of them with an amused glint in his eyes. “Oops, I probably should have given you some warning before I did that. Scott will be fine with his suped up healing but you are going to have some aches and pains when we get back Al old pal. My bad.”

Incacha tilted his head as he regarded Enqueri’s shaman and guide. Despite the outer mask of amusement, the younger man was nearly vibrating with rage. So very unlike his usual calm kind soul. His eyes flickered over the two others his powerful brother had brought with him on this spirit walk as they regained their footing. The younger one more nimble than the elder.
Neither of the strangers were Shaman or Watchman. What had his young Wolf Shaman done now? And more importantly how had his young friend once again managed something that should be impossible? Not that Blair even knew what that word meant when it came to his guide gifts. Always testing, always researching, never accepting any boundaries that were not proven to him first.

Incacha didn’t sigh but it was near thing. His sharp eyes caught the slightest twitch of the lips on the now bland face of his protégé. He knew that Blair had caught the fleeting emotion as he had allowed it and in turn it had amused the younger guide but to his credit Blair made no mention of it aloud.

Incacha turned his thoughts as well as his gaze towards the two strangers. He almost allowed his eyebrows to rise but wouldn’t give Blair the extra satisfaction.

The young male was two natured. Incacha hadn’t seen such in a long time. In his territory the two natured tended to be feline and mostly solitary. It was interesting that this one was wolf. His aura for the most part still shone with the sunlight of his soul’s purity and youthful innocence, except for the life link that tethered him to the adult stranger.
 
That link seemed to undulate like an Amaru, the green anaconda. It was strong and growing stronger. The boy’s sunlight was turning to dappled shadows that were the same as those cast by the tallest trees in the depths of his jungle. The trees where the big snakes lay hidden, waiting to crush the life out of their unwary prey. 
Even as he watched he saw the shadows creep ever closer to the boy.  The overwhelming feeling that a big snake was patiently constricting the young one to ultimately devour him was very clear to Incacha.
 
The Shaman narrowed his eyes and turned his attention to the second stranger, the man. He, like his Shaman brother, was filled with rage but it was tainted with a deep fear. There were jagged tears in his aura as if all other links had been forcefully removed except for the wolf youth beside him.
There was no sunlight left in his faded aura, it was completely covered with those same dappled shadows. Strangely the Amaru snake wasn’t hidden beneath them, instead Incacha could see the slow spread of thick roots reaching from his feet towards his heart.

The wrongness seeping from the man made Incacha want to undertake a cleansing ritual. What worried the Shaman was that he had no knowledge of the cause of this damage.
He could see now why his Blair had brought them on a spirit walk and summoned his aid. But how he had done it remained a question he would not ask his brother within the hearing of the strangers. That knowledge belonged only to the Shaman.

“Incacha” Blair bowed his head formally although he refused to remove his eyes from his guests. Incacha knew that Blair was seeing the creeping wrongness also. The disturbed expression in his eyes was evidence enough.   

But before Blair could speak further the young one shouted angrily, trying unsuccessfully to mask his shock and fear. “What the hell have you done Dude? Where are we? And who is this guy?”

Incacha scolded him, fear was no excuse for bad manners. “You will speak to the Wolf Shaman with respect young one”

“Respect is earned” the boy firmed his crooked jaw as he tried to glare at the senior Shaman. But his words were like the barking of an overexcited pup, scared at the unknown.  

Scott shuffled his feet uncomfortably as he realised he had all the adults attention. This was so nuts, he really didn’t want to be here. He could feel the power emanating from the Shaman dude with no clothes. Hell he could feel how powerful the Alpha Guide dude was. But the worst feeling was whatever power was leaking from Doctor Deaton. It scared the shit out of him. He and his wolf just wanted to run away from all of them.

“And how has this one earned your respect child?” Incacha didn’t take his eyes off the youth while he gestured to the silent stranger as he gently but unobtrusively coaxed at the truthfulness in the boy’s soul. No one had ever been able to lie to the Shaman once he had come into his gifts.

Incacha ignored the knowing smirk Blair sent his way. In truth Enqueri’s guide was still a brat after all these years.

Scott shot him a wide eyed glance and as he opened his mouth to respond, to give the guy with the feathers a piece of his mind, to his horror he heard something else entirely spill out.

“I don’t want to poison Ally’s grandfather, I don’t want to be the true Alpha. I want to be human again” he wailed desperately. Scott’s eyes widened and he clamped a hand over his own mouth.

Deaton had swung his head to glare the boy into silence but Blair took matters into his own hands.

“Sleep now Scott” Blair murmured gently and the kid’s eyes rolled to the back of his head as he was slowly lowered to the soft grass covered ground.

Blair turned his own fierce glare on the Druid “Oh Lucy, you got some ‘splaining to do. What the hell are you doing to the kid besides making him your own personal assassin?”

For the first time Deaton spoke, “You don’t know what you are talking about” his dismissive attitude loud and clear “the boy is disorientated and doesn’t know what he is saying. You had no right to bring us here without our consent”, his voice was utterly calm and still the asshole was coming out with that cryptic shit. As if the concerns of ordinary mortals were beneath him and he didn’t see the need to answer them. That was the last straw for Blair.

“Don’t think consent is actually a mainstay of your existence you shady prick, because I doubt Scott consented to his soul being tainted by whatever the hell that is emanating from you.”

He turned to Incacha and as always the elder Shaman knew his heart before he could express the words.

“Blair, I do not think we will be able to release the young one from this snare until we have dealt with the tainted one.” Blair gave him a fierce grin and cracked his knuckles as he swing his head to regard Deaton once more.

Deaton calm finally deserted him. “Do not dare to touch him”. His voice resonated with that creepy power. “He is essential to the balance and you will not touch him” The two Shaman could feel the Druid’s magic trying to coalesce into the snake shape as it slithered towards the unconscious boy.

Blair’s fist met Deaton’s jaw, and the punch was so hard that the guy dropped like a stone. The snake shape dissipated immediately.  “Ha” Blair snorted with satisfaction.

Incacha sighed. “My Blair” he began to scold, “this is the spirit plain not the physical”
Blair’s face lit up with mischief “You know we can manipulate form on the spirit plain my dear friend. ‘Sides the Dude had it coming. Karma man Karma”

For the first time Incacha allowed his amusement to show, then the deadly smile was directed to the stunned prone Druid.
“This is the psionic plain you fool. The protected domain of Sentinel and Guides. You are subject to our gifts here. I know not what has enslaved you and also taints the boy but it matters not as it has no power here. Do not worry. One way or another we will release your soul from this corruption. Save your strength to ensure you do not die in the attempt”. 

Notes:

Have I mentioned that I love all your comments and kudos? Thank you so much for taking the time to give me your thoughts. I really appreciate it. Also thank you to Notreallyme who pointed out my error with Stiles Jeep. I know he loves it but I don't think it's canon that he had two of them! Lol. Have gone back and changed it.
Enjoy. xx

Chapter 7

Summary:

"I told you to enjoy this kid because I am going to"

Jim takes Stiles to School.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“Uncle Jim, I’ve got to go or I will be late for class” Stiles grumbled at the big man. He could feel his anxiety rising. He hadn’t heard from Scott or the pack in days, he didn’t know what was going on and he could imagine the grief he was going to get from the usual buttholes for his days off because of coming online as a Sentinel. Stiles had hoped to get to school early enough to avoid the busy hallways but Ellison just clamped a hand on his shoulder and kept him in place.

“Don’t panic Sport, first period is cancelled this morning, we are heading for the assembly hall”

Stiles turned in surprise to stare at the Sentinel and just caught the very satisfied smirk on his face before it was smoothed out.  Stiles stomach dipped and his “oh shit” meter was going off the charts until Ellison reminded him with a wicked smirk “I told you to enjoy this kid, cos I am going to.”

Stiles had still been protesting when they had entered the packed assembly hall in time to hear one of the strange Sentinel and Guide pairs introduce themselves to the school.  The rest were scattered around the hall seemingly propping up the walls as they watched the students. For a second Stiles could feel himself bristle at the intrusion of so many Sentinels into his territory. The High School was his, just who did they think they were to…, but before he could get really fired up, he felt his Alpha Prime’s hand on his neck and then he was suddenly calm again. He blinked uncertainly at Ellison, who grinned at him and nodded his head towards the stage.
Stiles frowned in confusion as he turned his head.  The Guide on the stage seemed to be staring straight at him, her expression unreadable, but then she winked at him before she concentrated on her Sentinel once again. “It’s okay kid Caro just settled your Sentinel instincts down a bit. Now listen to the spiel” Ellison’s low voice could only have been heard by a Sentinel.

Stiles obediently concentrated on what was being said which confused him even further.
Guide Carolyn Plummer and Sentinel Megan Connors were definitely from further afield than San Francisco. What was going on? Where were the rest of the teachers? Where were the damn Argents?

Stiles had just opened his mouth to interrogate the big lug beside him when said big lug put his finger to his lips and nudged him to be quiet. Stiles glared at him but then his attention was diverted back to the bonded pair when he heard a familiar voice ring out in challenge across the hall. Lydia Martin even forgot to flick back her glorious hair she was so furious.
 
“Uniforms? We have to wear uniforms? We have to all look the same?” The outrage in the redhead’s screech was priceless. Jim took a swift glance at Stiles’ face.
The kid looked gobsmacked, but then as the rest of the stunned student population began to express their feelings very vocally, the trademark Stilinski smirk made its first appearance of the day. There was a strange sound, a combination of a giggle and snort that was hastily stifled with compressed lips and pursed mouth but the kid couldn’t fool the Sentinel beside him. Tremors were visible in his shoulders and those bambi eyes shone with wicked laughter. If the kid wasn’t careful he was going to bite through that bottom lip trying to hold in his amusement.

Jim remembered the same evil expression on John’s face when they were in the Rangers together. Jim would shave off Blair’s curls if the good Sheriff Stilinski had ever made his son aware of the fact that he had inherited his loyal nature and talent as an utter little shit from his own father. The guy had been infamous for retaliatory strikes against anyone who stupidly tried to take on members of his own team.

The effort he and Blair had made to get this situation ready for Stiles return to school was worth it to see the amusement in the kid’s face. Maybe the kid could start to remember he was actually a kid and that his adults were going to keep him safe whatever it took.

The smiling Australian Sentinel gave a piercing whistle which shut the noise down. “Sorry Sentinels” she announced cheerfully to the room, whilst running a quick apologetic hand down the arm of her exasperated Guide who still stood beside her in front of the podium “but I need these guys to listen up”

“Now my little cherubs, a lollipop to the first one who can tell me what it means to be a Sentinel” she cheerfully offered in the same kind of tone an elementary school teacher used on the littlest of kids. The offended groans and mutters made her smile even wider. “Well stop reacting like infants and I won’t treat you like them” She scolded lightly. Then her face turned stern and serious.

“This school is an outreach S&G hub for the main San Francisco centre. The SGC now own and run this establishment. Your own District School Board had enthusiastically agreed to the use of this school in a long term pilot to determine the viability of this kind of hub and from today you all will be subject to S&G rules and regulations. Over the next six weeks the main buildings will be adapted. In the meantime temporary S&G acceptable buildings will be delivered to site. But here’s the thing kiddies it’s not just the buildings that will have to adapt”
Then she grinned unrepentantly as she gazed directly at the unimpressed frowning redhead.

 “Let’s be clear. You are all going to face some big changes. But change is a good thing guys. Everything you need to know is in the S &G pack you will receive on the way out so you can share it with your families, hopefully before they come to the Parents conference tonight, but let’s give you the cheat sheet version.” The bouncy Sentinel wiggled her eyebrows at her audience and then pointed to the screen behind her where a checklist was displayed.

“Yes. A uniform. Non- negotiable because it’s a health requirement. Supplied free of charge. Everyone will wear it, including staff. And it doesn’t even have stripes!

Yes. Extra courses on S&G studies offering extra credits. Specialist tutors will be available.

Yes. Sentinel friendly free of charge food offered in the cafeteria.

Yes. Sports will still be allowed, actively encouraged and funded.

Yes. Transfers into and out of the school are permitted. Subject to certain rules and regs.

No stinky perfumes or strong aromas.

No loud music or voices.

No bloody bullying. “

She leant forward slightly and her grin got bigger “And the icing on the cake my lovelies, well if you have the guts to last that long here and if we haven’t chucked you out for not following the easy peasy rules then all graduating students will receive priority treatment from any University of their choice. Any university, because this school is now part of the S&G community and our beloved Alpha Guide Prime Dr Blair Sandburg is very keen on educational opportunities”

 Jim snorted in the background and Guide Plummer hid a smile.  The female Sentinel winked at Jim shamelessly and then continued in that insanely cheerful voice.

“Read the pack people and tell your families, carers, significant others, invisible friends and teddy bears that the S&G school will be open every evening this week to answer questions and deal with issues. Now scoot off to your classes and learn, learn, learn my beauties” She made a shooing motion at the wide eyed teenagers who after a beat of silence almost turned and ran for the exits.

Stiles saw the swift assessing glance from the irate redhead as she, Jackson and Alison Argent came to a halt beside him. “Stiles what the hell is going on? What have you done? You have some explaining to do” she demanded angrily but the ice cold voice of the Alpha Prime Sentinel of the United States interrupted her rant “No he doesn’t little girl. He doesn’t answer to you. He is a Sentinel in my pride.”
The snarl of a very possessive panther was in the big guy’s voice and Stiles blinked up at him in surprise, totally distracted from Lydia’s attempts at manipulation.
“Now you have been told to get to your classes, move your butt before detention is the least of your worries.”

Lydia paled, but rallied as she tossed her hair back “I don’t do detention” she started to object. Then the darkening expression on the enormous Sentinel’s face made her decide discretion was the better part of valour. Jackson must have had the same instinct because he pulled her away before she could get herself in more trouble.  Ellison noticed that the dark haired Argent girl silently followed them but she was focusing all her attention on Stiles until she saw the way Ellison was staring at her, she tried to lift her chin in defiance but flinched when Ellison flared his nostrils and moved rapidly after her friends. He took in the scent of all three of them. It definitely corroborated Stiles’ supernatural story time. Not that he didn’t believe the kid, he knew he wasn’t lying but gathering evidence was second nature to him.

Stiles watched open mouthed, then turned his head to stare up at the big guy. Cold hard realisation hit him straight between the eyes and for a second he almost couldn’t breathe. Shit he couldn’t afford to have a panic attack right now, in the middle of school. He was going to be blamed for all of this anyway. He couldn’t let them see him weakened by an attack, and it would only make the bullying worse. Suddenly he felt one large warm hand hold the back of his neck again, soothing the tense muscles, calm words uttered too quietly for anyone not a Sentinel to hear. “It’s all good baby sentinel, you’re safe. You are safe. No-one can harm you.”
To his surprise, Stiles felt fur beneath his clenched hand and allowed his fingers to spread and sink into it, the low rumbles of reassurance from Ellison’s spirit guide thrumming through his fingertips.
 
Suddenly a stronger feeling off calm dropped over him like a snuggly blanket which blunted the effect of the rising panic. A no nonsense female voice hit his ears though his senses could tell she was still on the stage. “It’s called an empathic buffer little Sentinel. Your panic attack was stressing out your senses and you aren’t hitting a zone out on my watch. The effects will last for an hour and will negate any overwhelming emotion to allow you to deal with whatever set this off more calmly and rationally. I haven’t taken your emotions away, just given you a breathing space. I will monitor you for the rest of the school day so I can step in if you need it. You are safe Stiles.”

Stiles missed the nod of thanks Ellison offered Caroline Plummer. The guide’s help allowed him to focus on the cause of his melt down. He drew a deep breath, and turned his head carefully so he didn’t dislodge his Alpha Prime’s hand on his neck.

“Dude, you just can’t turn Beacon Hills High School into an S&G Centre.” Stiles spluttered up at Jim. Those expressive eyes were wide with disbelief. Ellison couldn’t believe that he wanted to pinch those adorable flushed cheeks. He blamed Blair. It was all his fault.

Ellison widened his own piercing blue eyes as he teased “I can’t? Oops. Oh dear, so sad, too bad” The kid’s face was a picture. Not even his Blair would have been able to resist that response.

“You can’t do this just for me.” the kid almost wailed. “Well of course I can but really it’s not just for you, although you are the catalyst. Blair and I having been discussing this for years. Regional S&G schooling that allowed young emerging Sentinels and Guides to stay in the homes and with their mundane friends if possible. The main centres will be for special or difficult emerging cases. Your situation just gave us the kick up the ass to deal with it. Consider it a pilot. The High School will take any emerging Sentinels and Guides from the surrounding School district. Friends and family will be allowed to attend as well if appropriate.”

Stiles blinked at him, silenced by the response. That was surprisingly logical. It actually made sense.  He felt a bit of a brat for making a fuss about it now. Ellison smiled down at him as if he knew what Stiles was thinking and feeling, and to be honest Stiles wouldn’t put it passed him.

“Suppose I best get to my classes now” Stiles offered weakly as his swift glance around told him the hall was empty except for the Sentinels and Guides. But the big guy shook his head and his grin widened though it was the female Sentinel who cheerfully answered him.

“You get a pass today Sentinel Stiles. Official S&G business. We have to deal with all the staff who are now on temporary contracts subject to S&G regulations.”

Stiles stared at the beaming woman.  Confusion seemed to be his BFF today. What the hell did that have to do with him?

Her guide rolled her eyes and Ellison snorted. “Megan he doesn’t know what you are talking about”
The Aussie Sentinel actually laughed. “Come on kid, don’t you want to be in the staff room when we tell everyone from the janitor up that they have to undergo psych evaluation and a full empathic scan before their positions are confirmed as permanent?”

 Only one part of that explanation made an impression. “The Council’s going to keep Gerard Argent as Principal?” the betrayed horror in the kid’s voice made all the Sentinels in the room flinch and take a threatening step towards the group. Caroline Plummer gently touched Stiles’ shoulder, and the blanket of calm snuggled him even tighter for a few moments.

“Stiles, I believe the phrase “a snowball’s chance in hell” is an accurate reflection of the reality of the post of School Principal remaining with the incumbent”.
 
Caro smiled down at the slowly receding fear in the boy’s face. Jim would have to get in line for the delivery of any ass kicking because she could see the young Sentinel’s emotional profile and she was righteously pissed off. What the actual hell had been done to the kid? Ellison would need to give them an in depth debrief because she was personally going to target all the bastards who had hurt Stiles, then sic her darling vicious Sentinel on them. Blair and Jim could have the remains to play with.  But from Stiles’ reaction, the down fall of this bastard Argent was top priority.

She continued speaking, her smile wide, bright and predatory

“But unfortunately for him Stiles, he is not going to find that out until he has undergone the psych evaluation and full empathic scan.”

Notes:

This one has been fighting me I'm afraid but hope you enjoy it.
Thank you for all the lovely comments and Kudos. I really appreciate them.

Chapter 8

Summary:

Pepper and Rhodey stage an intervention. The Sheriff is miffed.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The Sheriff meandered slowly into the glossy gleaming kitchen of the penthouse suite, gently flexing muscles including a satisfying roll of his neck on his shoulders, and blinked sleepily at the stunning view from the clear bay windows of soft early morning sunlight kissing the calm sea far below them. He stopped and stared, waiting for his brain to come back to life after the intense but incredibly satisfying empathic and physical bonding that had taken place over the last few days.

His sentinel had woken up a couple of hours earlier, the mad energetic bastard, and made his way to his workshop for the first time in days with the smuggest smirk that John had ever seen on another person in his life. After he had kissed his guide almost senseless…again.
 
John wasn’t even sure he could twitch his own eyebrows he was so exhausted, and it was the first time that he had allowed his bonded sentinel out of his sight. For a few seconds his inner guide had nearly made him get up, but he had turned over with a groan and buried his face in his sentinel’s pillow instead.  John might not have his sentinel’s enhanced senses but damn that man smelt delicious, and then proceeded to ignore the gentle hand which lovingly stroked through his hair until he fell asleep again.  

He had slept for another couple of hours and then his work body clock had kicked in, as had hunger, and he forced himself up to take a shower. He had left the bedroom with bare feet, a clean pair of jeans and a Nirvana band t-shirt that both fit perfectly. He had rolled his eyes at the tee, but grinned as he thanked the AI. Tony’s kid was as much a little shit as his own kid, just more subtle about it.
 
The Sheriff didn’t realise he was humming to himself as he was just putting the finishing touches to his signature (and totally non-Stiles-approved) breakfast.

Freshly made pancakes, lashings of maple syrup, beautifully crunchy bacon and juicy fat blueberries specifically chosen to entice Tony’s appetite because they were a particular favourite. John had noticed that his sentinel seemed to actually eat the berries almost without realising it, Tony always had a selection either on his person or with reach to snack on. 
 
John was going to get that stubborn ass sentinel to eat more if it killed him, and he wasn’t honestly sure which “him” he meant.
Tony might be a Stark but he was now part of the Stilinski family so he was going to get a crash course in the true meaning of stubborn. John’s eyes widened and then he grinned down at the plate when he realised he had created a happy face out of the breakfast. It was something he always did for Stiles despite his son’s groans about being too old for it anymore. The kid didn’t protest too much, he was a hollow legged teenager and meals didn’t last long on his plate, no matter what they looked like. 

Stiles. For a second guilt flooded his mind. He hadn’t spoken to his kid for nearly five days. He couldn’t help but trust his Alpha Prime bonded pair on an instinctive level but as soon as he had met Blair in person and reconnected with Jim his old Ranger buddy, they had both bypassed his protective detached professional persona and lodged themselves like sticky burrs in the empathetic part of him that recognised them as family. He knew Stiles was safe with the pair of them. And that had allowed the Guide in him to focus on his Sentinel.
 
Blair had been regularly in contact with a reassuring cheerful vagueness John hadn’t questioned whilst he and Tony were working out their initial issues through the bonding period. What had Stiles called them? “Grumpy old men bookends”?
Stiles perspicacious insight didn’t surprise him anymore. But damn he missed his boy.

He needed to check up on him and hear his voice if he couldn’t see his face. He had no doubt that his kid had tried to give the Primes the run around but he also had no doubt that Blair and Jim could handle his not so little “Mischief”.
Blair and Jim were great but Stiles was Stiles. It wouldn’t do any harm for the kid to know his Dad was checking up on him. Guilt hit his gut again, he hadn’t been looking out for his kid properly for a while and when he got back to Beacon Hills, he and Stiles were overdue a long talk. But this was a new start for the pair of them.

Blair had mainly been the one texting him to make sure he knew the kid was okay. He’d received one thumbs up emoji from the Alpha Sentinel Prime which had made him laugh because Jim had always been happier using hand signals on missions than he was barking orders.

He was about to ask Jarvis to put him through to his kid but his thoughts were interrupted when he first felt the wave of genuine worry and anger that flooded his empathy. What the hell? It definitely wasn’t his sentinel. He could feel Tony’s contentment and single minded focus away from the bonding suite. Who else was in the building with them?

Then as if in answer to his question he heard the aggressive tap of high heels heading towards the kitchen. Man those heels were in a ferocious mood.
The thud of heavy boots were an echo, a microsecond later, just slightly out of sync. So two pissed off visitors. Sometimes he amazed himself with his own powers of deduction!

Any other place and time and he would have been worried but there was no way Jarvis would allow an enemy infiltration into their bonding suite without the blaring of alarms and cold efficient threats of retribution. Though he was surprised that the AI had actually let someone in at all because technically they were still within their nesting period.

Ergo the owners of those disparate heels were obviously important to his Sentinel, and the Guide in him had to work hard to quash the streak of possessive jealousy at that thought. He would just have to make it clear to whoever these interlopers were, that Tony was his. John didn’t even realise just how cold the smile on his face had become.

Quick irritated words followed the quick irritated footsteps.  

“Tony, what’s going on? Where have you been? I hope you are okay.  I had to use my override to get through Jarvis’s security lock-down. You better be okay because I need to kill you right now. I really can’t believe you blew off another board meeting. You promised me you would attend this one. The situation is dire. Obadiah Stane is missing. No-one seems to know where he is. That SHIELD agent Coulson is trying to get access to Stane’s office. I don’t know how much longer I can put him off. And the vultures are circling just waiting for any reason to get you removed from the board and even the company because they still want to make weapons…”

The harried voice broke off in surprise and was replaced by the deep authoritative bark of a military officer who was used to being obeyed without question. “Just who the hell are you and where is Tony Stark?” 

It was not Tony’s relaxed guide but the Sheriff who carefully watched as the exceedingly pretty redhead had stormed into the enormous kitchen ranting with the Air force Colonel in full uniform right beside her.  

He saw the way the pair of them stiffened warily, and two sets of sharp intelligent eyes took in everything about him as he lent against the kitchen counter sipping his coffee from the largest mug he could find. Once again John blessed the amazingly efficient, proactive AI who ran Tony Stark’s house. He wondered idly what the alternate to a gift basket was for an AI. A new set of speakers?

JARVIS had arranged for the spare clothes because the Sheriff had literally arrived in his uniform. He hadn’t expected to stay. He hadn’t expected anything except to retrieve his son and take him home. The presence of the two Alpha Primes, Jim and Blair had all been for Stiles sake. To make sure his on-lining as a sentinel was proceeding normally (ha normally, when did his son ever do anything normally) and to have a full and frank discussion about what would happen to the kid without scaring him witless.

Instead of which he had found his Sentinel being threatened by that bloody black suit Agency after being assaulted by the former CEO of his company. An assault his boy had foiled. His kid had saved Tony Stark’s life. Every time he thought about it, it made his heart ache. He could have lost the pair of them that night. He could have lost both Stiles and Tony at the same time. It made him homicidal just thinking about it.

The grief after losing Claudia had been nearly too much for him to handle but the thought that he could lose his child and his sentinel in one fell swoop made something dark and deadly swirl around his blood stream.

John knew he should have put a bullet in that bastard Stane. Should have made sure that the treacherous murdering scumbag wouldn’t come after his Tony again.

As a Guide in the throes of a pre-bonding, he wouldn’t even have been arrested for it. Jim and Blair would have laughed in any LEO’s face if they even tried. Guides protecting their Sentinels had the same rights as a Sentinel protecting their Guide. The more he thought about it, the more he regretted letting Stane leave Tony’s house alive. Especially since he didn’t know how the Chief asshole of the secret assholes society aka SHIELD was going to use that treacherous bastard.

Sure as shit that manipulative leather clad son of a bitch was going to use Stane to his advantage against Tony. John  would just have to ensure that the pirate understood exactly how much of a bad idea that would be.   

He would have to talk to Tony and Jarvis about security around this place. Or just drag his Sentinel back to Beacon Hills. John could at least protect him from damn animal attacks. It was humans that were the most dangerous predators.

The aggressive clearing of a throat drew his attention back to the Air force Colonel and the woman beside him. They were staring suspiciously at John, whilst shooting each other concerned glances at the prolonged silence.

John put down his cup and glared at the pair of them. He watched the Colonel’s fist clench and the woman frown. He raised one eyebrow and growled with menace. “You silenced Jarvis. Who the hell do you think you are that you gagged Tony’s child?”

He watched the woman’s head rear back in shock and the way the Colonel took a looming step closer. He ignored the pair of them, he had something more important to deal with.

“Jarvis, override all previous instructions authorisation code Sierra Juliet Sierra I shot the Sheriff and check yourself to make sure you are alright.” 

“Thank you Sheriff, I apologise for not being able to notify you of intruders to your bonding suite” The AI’s voice was cold.

“Intruders, Bonding Suite. What the hell are you on about Jarvis?” the Colonel spluttered in anger. But there was no response, Jarvis utterly ignored the question and the man.

Fury flooded the Colonel’s face but it was the desperate fear leaking through the guys’ pores and the growled out “what the fuck have you done to Tony and his AI” which allowed John to regain his equilibrium.

So that when the Air force guy took the obligatory swing at John, it was the Sheriff who side stepped it, put the guy in to the normal suspect restraint position and held him still.

The Colonel’s growl of impotent fury was interrupted by a familiar snarky voice.
 
“What the hell is going on here? John why have you got Rhodey in an arm lock?” “He’s damn lucky he’s not getting his ass arrested” The Sheriff growled right back at him as he tightened his grip just a fraction. “He just tried to attack a county Sheriff.”

“Wow, wow what’s going on?” Tony’s face was a picture of stunned disbelief. His head was swinging between the flushed face of the woman to the way John had the Colonel pressed almost face first into the breakfast bar counter.

John snarled in a real temper “They gagged Jarvis, Tony, they gagged him to make sure you wouldn’t be warned they were coming so they could damn well ambush you and guilt you into doing what they want. They fucking gagged him”

There was a stunned pause as Tony stared at him strangely for a second ignoring Pepper’s spluttering protests. His badass guide was completely pissed off about the way they had treated Jarvis. No one else had ever understood how much Jarvis meant to him, but more importantly, John was treating Jarvis like his human child.

Tony pulled his scattered thoughts together, ignoring the warm feeling in his gut when he looked at his guide and then focused his attention on his incapacitated idiot best friend.

“You know I love you Honey-bear, you are my brother and best friend but don’t threaten my guide, ever, because you won’t like my reaction.” Tony’s smooth but sinister words put a stop to Rhodes’ struggling.

He turned his head to stare awkwardly up at Tony. “Your guide?” he echoed faintly, the puzzlement on his face clear.
“Well why the fuck didn’t you tell us Tones?”

“Because we are still in the nesting phase dumbass, and we shouldn’t be interrupted” the Sheriff snorted with baleful amusement, but he still refused to release his professional hold on the Colonel. The Sheriff was miffed.

“Tony” Pepper began, then stopped herself and focused on the stranger. “Sheriff” she murmured as they could almost see the connections racing through her brain.

“You, you’re the one who found Tony. You are the one who made them listen to you when you told them where he was” she uttered with calm certainly. Then a fierce gleam lit her eyes, and she stalked her way towards John.

She grabbed his face in both her hands and started kissing his cheeks repeatedly
“You wonderful man, you found him” She ignored the way the Sheriff stared at her first in shock and then with amusement.

She waved away Tony’s involuntary threatening growl at the sight of someone else daring to touch his guide but finally stopped when Rhodey groaned pathetically “Aw come on Pepper, he’s breaking my arm!”

Notes:

So I had a plan. It was a good one even wrote it down so I could follow it. Diary scheduled entries and everything! Nanowrimo would be my chance to catch up on chapters for all my WIPS and even start a sequel to Second Chances. So 10000 words of a totally new story later (not related to anything else and still not ready) and only one attempt at an update.... best laid etc of men and mice and mischievous muses.

Seasons Greetings to you and yours. Cyrfarchion yr tymor from the land of the dragon. xx

Chapter 9

Summary:

Pancakes and a sneaky smug JARVIS.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“We don’t get the happy faces huh?” Rhodes mock grumbled at Tony’s guide in an attempt to lighten the atmosphere as they all sat around the breakfast bar.  The hastily prepared extra food had been plated and unceremoniously dumped in front of the uninvited guests.

The Sheriff raised an unimpressed eyebrow but made no response. It was Tony who answered as he plunged the fork into his smiley syrup smothered pancake. “You are only being fed right now because my sneaky guide wants me to eat, more than he wants to remove you with prejudice from the premises.”

He smirked at the pair of them though irritation was clear in his amber eyes. It wasn’t an expression that was normally directed at either Pepper or Rhodey. Pepper looked taken aback and then slightly affronted whilst Rhodey winced but nodded his head in acceptance. Satisfied with the reaction Tony turned his attention back to his delicious but oddly anthropomorphised breakfast and snagged one of the blueberry eyes. 

Pepper couldn’t quite conceal the exasperated sigh but before she could say anything, the Sheriff uttered disapprovingly “Do you always treat your boss like a tiresome toddler Miss Potts?”
Both Pepper and Tony stared at him in surprise. She flushed but stuck her chin out stubbornly.

“Tony, we can explain…” she began but again the Sheriff interrupted. His blunt words were addressed to his sentinel but his eyes never left their two unexpected guests.
“Tony eat the damn pancakes, you can still listen. It’s not hard to do both you know. Though seems like actually listening and not just hearing what’s said is a skill in short supply around here at the moment”

Rhodey winced again and Pepper’s ears turned red. There was an uncomfortable few minutes as Tony watched in fascination, his gaze sliding from his unimpressed guide to his unannounced guests and back again. He cut into the pancakes, straight through its syrupy nose, and began eating again when John directed that raised eyebrow of doom at him too. He was delighted to discover that he could feel exactly how pissed his guide was. For a moment his brain raced with enticing thoughts of how he could quantify the side effects of the bonding. He should get rid of Pepper and Rhodey to see if his guide was up for some sexy “science” but before he could open his mouth to try to smooth things over, he noticed that eyebrow was still elevated, those blue eyes were stern and there was an unhappy twist to those firm lips.
 
Oops maybe his guide was getting feedback from Tony too. So he opened his eyes wider, offered an innocent smile and took an executive decision.  Something that he had been doing since he took over SI from his father even if most people tended to forget it and concentrate on all the negative press. Tony was going to let this play out between the three of them without interference. Well not much interference. Okay he could try to keep quiet. No promises though. Eating more of the pancakes would help keep his mouth occupied.

The main reason that Tony managed to keep his mouth shut was that much of John’s anger felt like parental outrage. For his JARVIS.  That was an automatic pass as far as Tony was concerned.
 
If that anger had only been focused on protecting Tony then he would have put his foot down. Pepper and Rhodey were his two closest friends and he trusted them.   They belonged to him. His territorial possessive instincts were ramping up since he came online.
Although maybe territorial was the wrong word. It usually wasn’t a place or location (except for his personal labs but that was nothing new. He had actually bitten Stane at the tender age of 7 years old when the man had the temerity to enter his playroom without permission and fiddle with the circuit boards he was making. Howard had not been pleased to say the least.)
He had even allowed Pepper to have twelve percent of the new SI tower under construction hadn’t he?

He was more possessive of his people. Pepper and Rhodey were part of him, but even after all these years they still didn’t seem to understand just how important JARVIS was to Tony.
John had immediately and instinctively accepted the bond between his Sentinel and his AI. Maybe it was because John was actually a parent. As far as he was concerned JARVIS was Tony’s kid.

Of course it was Pepper that took the bull by the horns and interrupted both Tony’s rambling thoughts and his eating. She focused on John and raised her chin.

“Look I’m sorry. But we didn’t know what was happening.  Obadiah Stane is missing and we couldn’t get hold of Tony. JARVIS just wasn’t responding to my requests” she gestured between herself and Rhodes, “rather, our requests to speak to him. We had to know if Tony was okay.”

“So silencing his protection was the way to find out?” The tone of voice was calm but the disbelief on the Sheriff’s face made her flinch.

“That’s enough” Rhodey barked impatiently “Pepper found evidence of missing weapons shipments and a recording of Stane talking to terrorists. We are sure that he’s the one that set Tony up to be kidnapped if not killed by the Ten Rings. She called me and we had to make sure Tony was safe from him. Stane has a higher security clearance than Pepper on certain things and we couldn’t be sure that he hadn’t compromised JARVIS and taken Tony again because no-one was telling us anything.”

The crack of his coffee cup hitting the counter top acted like the full stop to Rhodey’s words.
Tony was very used to that growl in his old friend’s voice so his eyes flickered to his guide involuntarily. Old familiar guilt began creeping through his veins. He could have prevented this if only… But before he could open his mouth, John threw him a sharp reproving glance. “Oh no you don’t Sentinel” he spat, “you had more than enough to deal with”

“That, that right there, what did he have to deal with and why didn’t anyone tell us” The Colonel’s scowl was nearly as impressive as the Sheriff’s as they glared at each other.

Tony rolled his eyes at the silent stand-off. Then proceeded to succinctly summarise everything from Stane’s attempt to take the arc reactor and Stiles’ kick ass rescue to SHIELD’s humiliation at the hands of his guide and the intervention of the North American Alpha Prime Sentinel and Guide.
He also inadvertently dropped in the fact that SHIELD had tried to inject him with something to slow down the palladium poisoning, the chemical that he had successfully used after JARVIS’s tests so that he now had more time to work on a more permanent solution that SHIELD seemed to think Howard had already discovered.

Pepper dropped her fork. She stared wide-eyed with horror at Tony and then the Colonel who sat there frozen with an expression of panic.
“Dear God Tony you never told us you were dying” the whispered grief stricken words made the Sentinel flinch and his anxiety started to ramp up until he felt his guide’s empathic presence muting his discomfort. He hastily tried to distract them by explaining that the new element would almost certainly allow Stark Industries to revolutionise green energy.

Tony was surprised when that piece of news didn’t have the desired effect. Pepper just closed her eyes and Rhodey buried his head in his hands. He instinctively looked towards his guide. John smiled at him. “Tony they are more worried about you than future SI profits” and for the first time his tone was approving. Tony could feel the muscles in his shoulders start to relax, he really hated the idea that his guide and his best friends were at odds.

Something niggled at Tony. He drew a deep breath “JARVIS why didn’t you notify Pep and Rhodey that I was nesting with my guide?” 

The Sheriff rolled his eyes “What, it isn’t obvious?” he muttered under his breath, then repressed his amusement at the thought he was channelling his son. At least he hadn’t bellowed it aloud like Stiles would have. Tony definitely heard though and raised an eyebrow right back at him.

But all attention was directed towards the AI as he intoned blandly. “Section 23 paragraph 12 of the Stark Industries security policy states “No contact or correspondence shall be entered into with employees under suspicion of illegal activities including but not limited to theft, fraud, embezzlement, corporate espionage and corporate manslaughter.”

“What the hell J?” “Are you accusing Pepper and me of doing something illegal?” Both Tony and Rhodey erupted in startled anger at the words.

JARVIS continued smoothly “There is a different reason for the lack of contact with Miss Potts Sir, unfortunately both her personal and company cell phones have been compromised by SHIELD, undoubtedly the work of Agent Romanoff, aka Miss Natalie Rushman. I knew Miss Potts would arrive here at some point and I intended to inform her of your change in circumstances then. Unhappily I was silenced before that could occur”

There was a caustic bite to that last sentence that was unmistakable.

Before either the Colonel or Tony could react, Pepper cut across them both. “Thank you for the explanation JARVIS but I don’t understand how your first justification is applicable to Colonel Rhodes as he is not an employee of Stark Industries, even if he had misappropriated something which I sincerely doubt". 

JARVIS’ response was cold enough to make Tony give an involuntary shiver. “I beg to differ Miss Potts, Lt Colonel James Rhodes is the military liaison to Stark Industries and as such his behaviour falls within the Security policy requirements.”

“What the hell Tony” Rhodey protested angrily. Tony patted his hand in a clear sign for him to shut up, as most of Tony’s frowning attention was devoted to his AI.

“J, my honey bear hasn’t breached the security protocols, you know that” he began to protest but to his surprise the chill in Jarvis’s voice actually intensified as he responded.

“The fact that I have video evidence of his assault on your person and the unauthorised removal which is therefore theft, of a patented Iron Man suit during your ill advised birthday party ensured that I followed the protocol even though you refused permission to contact law enforcement Sir.”

"Assault?" both John and Pepper echoed as they glared jointly at Rhodey. 

For a second Tony wasn’t sure if his AI was more pissed off at him than Rhodey, but he continued doggedly “JARVIS you know damn well that the War Machine suit was designed specifically for Rhodey” They both ignored the startled “What?” from the Colonel.

Again that cold voice interrupted him before he could finish. “Indeed Sir, however the suit was taken violently from you and you were left physically damaged in your then weakened and terminal condition.”

"What the actual fuck Rhodes?" the Sheriff rose menacingly from his seat, his hand not so subtly going for the non existent holster on his hip and not taking his eyes from the stunned Colonel whilst the Colonel stared at Tony white faced.  "It wasn't like that John, I had too much to drink and I provoked him. It's done. We're good. Water under the bridge"
Tony could feel the moment when John's anger with Rhodey turned to utter exasperation with his Sentinel. 

“Christ on a bike Tones, I didn’t realise, I am so sorry, it was so stupid. We haven’t fought like that since MIT, I was angry and not thinking straight” Rhodes almost stuttered the words, ignoring the way Tony's guide was glaring at the pair of them. The frown on Pepper's face was almost worse.  

Tony nudged Rhodey’s shoulder but spoke firmly to his angry AI. He had just about hit his limit with emotional outbursts including the one from the self-aware coding he called JARVIS. Because damn that last response was the equivalent of a toddler throwing his teddy out of the cot in AI terms.
 
He needed to focus on the practical whilst all that feelings crap percolated in the background. He just knew that John would insist on a better explanation and a session of meditation later. He would try his hardest to sweet talk the stubborn bastard into a bout of vigorous sex instead. 

“JARVIS, you will rescind that protocol and acknowledge the suit is lawfully within the Colonel’s possession, but only the Colonel’s possession. Reinstate him immediately to his normal authorisation levels” Tony demanded.

“You might want to restrict override access to JARVIS at the same time” John’s low voiced snarky comment was only clearly heard by Tony and JARVIS. Tony flashed an aggrieved look at his meddlesome guide but the eyebrow of doom was back.

“Indeed Sir, now the Colonel has apologised for his actions I will most certainly reset the applicable security protocols.”

How they couldn’t hear the underlying satisfied smugness in JARVIS’s tone John would never know. The AI was pissed, he must have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to embarrass the hell out of the Colonel with the additional benefit of scolding his creator.  
Tony might have forgiven his best friend by whatever complex guilt and PTSD driven justification that haunted his sentinel at that point in time but his son certainly hadn’t.  

“I thought you were more than just a clever computer programme JARVIS, I thought you had made the leap to sentience and could make reasoned judgements so I don't understand why you thought this was reasonable because apparently Tony doesn't have a problem with Rhodey.” Pepper queried with confusion.

John couldn’t help it, he began to laugh, amusement wiping out the last of his ire. JARVIS had kicked ass better than he could. He didn’t think either of them would forget this lesson in a hurry.
“You guys definitely don’t have much to do with kids do you?” He grinned openly at the redhead. “That’s not an obedient piece of software getting stuck in the rule book, that’s Tony’s son getting his own back for Rhodes screwing over his father. He’s just being logical and using the rules to do it, he's such a little shit just like my own…”

He suddenly stopped laughing and the other three people in the room turned to stare at him. They watched as he paled slightly and his eyes widened in horror.  

“Oh dear God help us all, you’ve already met Stiles haven’t you JARVIS?”

Notes:

Well this breakfast has been a long time coming. Finally finished this chapter!
I hadn't realised just how angry I was when Tony's best friend beat him up for a suit. That scene still makes me scowl even though I really like Rhodey. So this chapter became my own little "avenging" scene. ;)
Hope you enjoy. Keep safe.

Chapter 10

Summary:

An interlude full of fluff. JARVIS and the Sheriff talk.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“Sheriff Stilinski”. John looked up from his newspaper in surprise at the interruption. JARVIS has sounded almost hesitant.Tony had gone to his workshop muttering about some sentinel improvements for his suit after dropping an absentminded kiss to his head and mocking John’s need for dead plant based news information when JARVIS could access the entire world wide official and unofficial news network for him without straining a processor.

John had just smiled indulgently at him because despite all his sentinel’s teasing Tony had arranged for daily deliveries of every newspaper. Literally every daily newspaper. Not that he needed or had a chance to read them all but he could safely say that he had enjoyed the article about mentoring Beekeepers in the Fiji Sun.

Of course Stiles had been nagging him for years about the same thing, not that he knew JARVIS was in existence, but he still believed in online news. “Think of the trees Dad, think of the trees.”

John had taken the opportunity to have a lazy morning. Not something that happened to him often. The pair were nearly ready to resume their “normal” lives with the bond becoming more stable by the day. John was looking forward to getting back to Beacon Hills and introducing his sentinel to the life of a single father and County Sheriff. They had been discussing their life together, but John refused to make any decisions without Stiles input.

John had felt his sentinel’s hurt and uncertainty, even though he tried to hide it. He stamped on that shit right away. No way was he having the man think he wasn’t good enough to keep his own Guide. John explained more than once that they needed to understand their options. He wouldn’t try to interfere with Tony’s need to be Iron Man, to protect those that couldn't protect themselves and to track down all the illegal SI weapons that pond scum Stane had sold off.

John didn't even include that insanity inducing, flying, death trap, that the his genius sentinel was “improving” in his workshop. God help them both. But Tony had to return the favor and understand the John had been protecting and serving his town and County for a long time and looking after his kid.

So they had agreed that Tony would come back to Beacon Hills to experience what John was talking about, to understand what being a parent meant, particularly to and for Stiles, and deal with family life on a basic level. 

John knew Tony was nervous, how could he not, he was the guy’s guide, but he also knew there was some anticipation and hidden hope added to the mix. John had made as many concessions as he could to make his sentinel comfortable, including the installation of JARVIS. John wasn’t a cop for nothing. Tony’s vague hand-wavy reluctance to finish the sentence and say where he was installing JARVIS, meant that John knew he was going to walk into his station one day and JARVIS would be greeting him the same way as he did in the house in Malibu.

Tony did not understand the concept of privacy, at least when it wasn’t his, so he would have a long chat with JARVIS himself to set some boundaries. At least the AI would listen to him. Maybe not do as he asked but he would pay him the courtesy of listening.

His sentinel had shown him the amazing infinity pool on the deck and they had agreed to spend the afternoon together there but for now, John was catching up on his reading, enjoying a coffee in the calm serenity of the beautifully appointed living room and just relaxing.

He intended to ring Stiles after school was out. It was his first day back today after the trauma of coming online and saving Tony's life, and the resultant bonding between his Dad and Tony Stark. Any of which was a legitimate reason for Stiles to run away screaming and join an animal free circus. He knew how wound up his kid could get.

John had rung him that morning when Stiles was just waking up, to make sure his kid got up in plenty of time for the Primes to get him to school. Not that Jim or Blair needed the help but he always made a point of being there in the morning the first day of school. This felt the same. That was his excuse and he was sticking to it.  The bald fact was that he just wanted to hear his kid's voice. He missed him.

He didn’t think Stiles would be back at Lacrosse practice just yet. Stiles wasn’t ready emotionally or physically.
 
Blair had said they were keeping Stiles occupied with sentinel sense training for the present. There was something else Blair  was keeping back from him, that niggled at both his parental and cop instincts but he trusted Blair and Jim both. Christ he wouldn’t have let his kid go off with them if he hadn’t.

Plus he still hadn’t found out what the hell was going on with Stiles and Scott. Well the stubborn little shits wouldn’t be able to keep it from him now. Maybe that was it, maybe Blair and Jim had found out what was going on but decided to let Stiles fess up instead of telling John themselves to avoid raising his blood pressure whilst he was bonding with his sentinel.

Knowing Jim the taskmaster, he probably had Stiles running with him in the preserve so he could teach him sentinel "stuff". Then Jim would dump his sweaty irate kid on Blair with no compunction so that he could deal with that spiritual "stuff",  John thought with a grin.

But sadly he was well acquainted with the kind of trouble Stiles could cause even when he was tuckered out. At least it should tire the kid out. He must ask Blair what the implications were for Stiles’s ADHD now he was online.

Blair had mentioned they had plans for the high school. Jim had just grunted as usual. John wasn’t sure what those plans could entail but he was pretty damn sure that Stiles was going to be safer at school than he had ever been before. .

John was shaken out of his reverie as he heard his name called again. “My apologies Jarvis I was wool gathering” he offered with a sheepish smile. “How can I help you?”

“I have a question Sheriff.” Oddly for once the AI paused as if not quite sure how to continue, then to John’s amusement he took a leaf out of Stiles’s playbook and just blurted it out

“You keep on referring to me as Sir’s son.” John raised his eyebrows as he tried to figure out what Jarvis needed.

“Well that sounded more like a statement Jarvis, rather than a question” John drawled slowly trying to work through the permutations, a faint smile on his lips. “Are you asking me why I refer to you as Tony’s son?” he asked gently.

“I believe that is the purpose of my query Sheriff” Jarvis’s voice was rather stilted as if he didn’t quite know how to have this conversation and wasn’t sure if it was a good idea anyway.

Jesus wept, it was like trying to talk to Stiles when he wanted something, but he didn’t want to let you know he wanted it, in case you said no, but he was going there anyway.  A rush of affection for Jarvis flooded his senses. He couldn’t help the wicked grin but he quickly tried to suppress it. Obviously he wasn’t quick enough to fool Jarvis. “I call you his son because that’s what you are” the Sheriff offered with a twinkle in his eye.

JARVIS’s voice was suddenly cold and empty. “I apologize for bothering you with something frivolous Sheriff Stilinski. I will leave you to your relaxation.”

John interrupted, the surprise on his face giving way to understanding “Oh no, you stay right where you are young man. Don’t you get in a huff because I was teasing you.” John ignored the stunned silence and carried on with determination.

“I'm sorry if my teasing hurt your feelings, but you remind me so much of Stiles, I tend to treat you like him. So kiddo, I believe you are Tony’s child because he loves you like one, because he’s as proud as any parent would be about you, and he would kill to protect you.  I can see it clearly but even if he hid it, and let me tell you he doesn’t hide his love for you from the people he cares about. Some of them might be daft enough not see it, but he doesn't hide it."
He muttered in an aside, then continued with absolute certainty in his voice. 

"He might hide your amazing abilities and even your existence to ensure your safety but I am his Guide Jarvis. His Guide. I am damn sure you have downloaded and absorbed every bit of information you could find relating to Sentinels and Guides in an effort to keep your Dad safe and happy. So I repeat I am his Guide, I feel his emotions as if they are my own and I will never lie to you regarding him or this family. He can’t hide from me. He loves you.  Does that answer your question?”

He quirked one fair eyebrow as he waited for a response. 

“Sir” Jarvis stressed the word “I believe you are confusing me with a real boy. I do not have the feelings and therefore cannot have a huff” his voice was as petulant as any teenager.

John wondered where Jarvis could have possibly learnt to deflect and redirect an overwhelming and surprising emotional response. He coughed to hide his laugh and the pleased flush on his cheeks. Ridiculously he felt the lump his throat and the way his eyes were prickling. He knew what it meant when Jarvis called Tony “Sir”, it was his own version of Dad. Damn he was getting soft in his old age.  

“Do you need some water Sheriff?” Jarvis asked suspiciously. “I can always make cold, very cold water available for you at any time if I think it’s needed.” He offered with charming menace. 

John couldn’t help himself he roared with laughter. When he calmed down, he rubbed his face. “I am surrounded by brats. My kids and my sentinel god help me. I have told you before Jarvis, you can call me John”

Then he raised a finger and pointed it sternly. He knew better than to point it at the ceiling! “Jarvis, you might not have a corporeal body, but you damn well have a soul. You love your dad and your siblings. One day I fully intend to be on that list of your favorite people, not just accepted because your Dad says so. So why don’t you devote some of that immense processing power to reflecting on what I have said. With one last parameter to consider. You are already on my list of favorite people.”

The smile on the Sheriff's face was wide and happy and the image would be stored in Jarvis' memory forever. 

Then to Jarvis’ horror both the Sheriff and Sir collapsed into unconsciousness at the exact same moment. The Sheriff in his chair in the lounge and Sir for once also thankfully ensconced on the sofa whilst working on his holographic plans for the updates to his Iron Man suit.  

JARVIS immediately placed an emergency call to the Primes at the same time as initiating the emergency lock down protocol and ensuring that the threat level was set at maximum. He would destroy anyone who tried to enter the premises whilst they were incapacitated. 

Notes:

I'm doing Nano at the moment and using it to write some of the WIPs I have outstanding. Also a brand new story for a challenge that won't be uploaded til Jan. But I am really excited about.
So I came up with this. It's not beta'd, it's self indulgent, tooth rotting, fluff because its' Jarvis and the Sheriff and I love them both. Also there's a teeny tiny cliff hanger because it leads into the rest of the story (or I am just a meanie!).
But fear not, I have got most of two other chapters written that actually advance the story and there maybe another one before the end of November. Fair warning though the rest of the chapters won't be up til Dec because I really need to edit them properly.
Just a quick note in case you think I have lost the plot about the convention around spelling JARVIS's name. In this chapter, his name will not be in capitals when John is talking directly to him because John sees him as a person not an AI. A deliberate stylistic choice, honest! Not me being lazy .😉 Hope you like it.

Chapter 11

Summary:

Blair and Incacha deal with Deaton

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

From the end of Chapter 6:

For the first time Incacha allowed his amusement to show, then the deadly smile was directed to the stunned prone Druid.“This is the psionic plane you fool. The protected domain of Sentinel and Guides. You are subject to our gifts here. I know not what has enslaved you and taints the boy, but it matters not as it has no power here. Do not worry. One way or another we will release your soul from this corruption. Save your strength to ensure you do not die in the attempt”. 


Incacha then raised his spear and with an eerie undulating cry, slammed it back into the ground.

For a second nothing happened, and that familiar smirk began to steal over the creepy vet’s face just like the shadows were slithering forward in Scott’s direction once again. Blair so wanted to punch that man in the face again, and again and again. Instead, Blair focused on ridding himself of his own angry negativity and trying to finding his own balance. He might despise the man, but he didn’t want him dead. Much. Yet. Death was a serious possibility with what was going to happen next.

Not that Blair knew exactly what was going to happen next but Incacha’s confidence was reassuring. That felt a bit too much like clutching at straws, but they had to deal with this evil here and now before they allowed the Druid and Scott back on the physical plane.

He knew Incacha would have no hesitation in destroying the Druid if it proved necessary, but Blair had too many questions that needed answers and Scott would not react well to the man’s death.  Despite Stiles’s best efforts, Blair had to struggle to be non-judgmental with the kid. Stiles had become a firm favorite in a short time and neither Blair nor Jim had been happy with everything he had gone through.

But after meeting Scott it was easy to see how traumatized the teenager was. Lashing out at the familiar and grasping at anything new to ease that trauma. The kid should have been in therapy as soon after that terrifying attack as possible. Instead, both he and Stiles had decided to hide the supernatural shit from anyone, or more accurately any adult, who could have helped them. Insular, hormonal, know-it all teenagers. Blair almost rolled his eyes in disbelief at the idiocy

All they needed to do was speak to a Sentinel and Guide pair. They would have known straight away that Scott and Stiles were speaking the truth. And the Guide could have started some emergency emotional trauma treatment for Scott. Instead, they had isolated themselves and nearly destroyed their relationship whilst getting involved with vicious self-serving sociopathic bastards.

He included both the Argents and the Druid in that description. 

Well, the Druid would get dealt with one way or another now, and the soul draining shadow slithering its way over to Scott would be removed. After that, he was signing this kid up for therapy faster than the boy would be able to say his own name.  

Then the Argents would be getting a visit from the Alpha Primes of North America. Depending on how angry they made him, he might let his Sentinel do the punching for that visit. Jim deserved a reward for his patience. Then again, they were devoted partners, they shared everything, so Jim should be amenable to sharing the fisticuffs and the Argents were way overdue Karma. Each and every freaking one of them.   

Like a jolt of fierce pure lightning, the first one to appear in answer to the call was Incacha’s own magnificent Condor, swooping through the air above them with its insanely large wingspan. The bird flew low over them making that strange grunting wheezing noise that reflected its physical counterpart. It had surprised Blair to learn that actual condors did not have voice boxes. Blair was always in awe of any spirit guide he met, but the magnificent Condor always took his breath away.  Incacha merely smiled at the sight.

Next, a wave of love and frustration announced the arrival of Blair’s grey wolf, snarling and stiff legged as he stared unnervingly at the prone man.

Jim’s panther appeared, black, glossy, with that stalking glide that telegraphed it had sighted its prey. He rubbed himself against Blair’s leg in greeting like an enormous, domesticated house cat but his attention was fixated on the Druid, those beautiful green eyes unblinking and intent.

Then both the Sheriff’s German shepherd and Stark’s coyote appeared out of thin air. Their oddly harmonious growling vicious enough to raise the short hairs on the back of Blair’s neck.

Lastly Stiles’s little red fox kit presented itself with a distressed yip and scampered to curl lovingly around the peacefully sleeping Scott’s head.

Damn it, Blair hadn’t expected that. He hadn’t expected them all to show up. Then his eyes opened wide as he winced in realization. He hadn’t warned anyone of them that this might happen. To be fair he wasn’t exactly sure what this was, but their spirit animals popping up all together in the spirit plane with such an intense focus must have had a physical effect on each of them.

Crap. He hoped all the guys were okay. The wrench on their psyches must have been painful. He would have some apologizing to do later. Luckily, any damage would be short lived and not serious. But they were not going to be happy. He just knew he was going to get an Ellison special scolding.

Deaton tried to inch backwards as the adult spirit guides stalked over to where he lay. Malignant power thundered through his voice as he shouted in denial, but they surrounded him. High above and on the ground next to him.

Blair and Incacha remained still. Somehow Blair knew that they had no place in what would happen next. Incacha’s face looked like it had been carved from rock.

The silence was absolute until the Condor grunted once and then dove straight down at those dangerous roots creeping their way up the body of the Druid. The magnificent black and white bird began to rend them with its claws and beak. The other spirit animals watched for a few seconds then the wolf howled in challenge and charged, prompting the rest of them to join in and neither Incacha nor Blair were able to see the Druid under the writhing snarling mass of Spirit Guides.

“Whatever the hell that is, they really don’t like it” Blair muttered softly and then flinched as he heard Deaton begin to scream. Incacha moved closer and tapped his shoulder gently.

“Whatever is possessing the Druid is suffering, not the man. There will not be a scratch upon him when you return to the physical world” Incacha reminded him in soothing tones.

“But he can feel it here” Blair frowned. “Of course, but as you say my Blair, it is karma for those he has betrayed to gain this unnatural power.” There was absolutely no hesitation in Incacha’s voice or face.

“It was deliberate then” Not that Blair himself had any doubt after seeing the way those bonds had been ripped from the guy’s soul.  If Blair were back on the physical plane, he would have wanted to wretch with disgust. How could anyone do this to themselves, let alone the awful repercussions for all the Druid’s victims.

Incacha distracted him, he had seen the younger Shaman’s shudder of revulsion.

“You have yet to answer my question my Blair.” He reminded him with slight but fond exasperation. Blair raised his eyebrows, and the older Shaman sighed as he repeated himself “How did you bring them here Blair? Neither are of the gifted.”

Blair threw him a sheepish look that meant he had once again managed to do something no other Shaman had considered. “I banked on the connection to the Wolf, Incacha. I am the Wolf Shaman, the boy is a werewolf, and Deaton was the emissary of a wolf pack. I just believed that it would be enough to bring them. And it worked.”

He shrugged as if that was answer enough and gave the other Shaman a sunny smile. Incacha fought the surprising urge to laugh. Of course, for Blair it would be enough. The boy did not understand the word impossible. If he believed something would happen then it happened.

“I don’t know what to do for the kid though” Blair murmured as they both turned to stare at the sleeping youth. Incacha laid a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“The boy is fighting his second nature; he hasn’t bonded with it properly. He fears and hates it, yet the souls yearn to be together. He needs to understand who he is now, not look to the past for his future.”

“Is there any way we can reverse what happened to him.” Blair asked softly, “Stiles seemed to think that’s what he really wants.” Even though Stiles had unwittingly described someone who actually seemed to enjoy the benefits of being a werewolf, but without seeming to want to deal with the actual responsibilities.

Incacha looked at Blair with surprise. “My Blair he was always destined to be this. Can you not see how his wolf is part of his soul? It cannot be reversed but he can be gifted with acceptance. Once he has balance, he will be able to deal with his pain and look to his own future, not that manipulated by this dark one.”

They stared at the writhing pile of spirits animals and the involuntary jerking of the human’s legs which was all they could see of the actual Druid.

“What will you do with the man?” Incacha asked calmly. “I think a little recuperation at a S&G centre will be in order. I want him to be assessed by some of our stronger healers, and if he is surrounded by Sentinels and Guides it will be easier to monitor any untoward supernatural happening.”
“And if he does not agree to this… recuperation?” Incacha tilted his head with curiosity.

The smile was wiped off Blair’s face and he projected grim determination.
“I saw him psionically abuse a young person; I have no knowledge of how many more he may be also treating in the same way. I have all the justification I need to ensure that there is also an investigation into this mess and to keep him in custody while it happens.”

Scott opened his eyes slowly. He felt strange. He felt peaceful. He didn’t have that itch under his skin that made itself felt every time he woke up, every time he got excited or scared or sad. The anger that had been living in his veins was absent. What the hell? He hadn’t felt this good since before the attack. And that was strange, he could think about the attack, about that horrible Alpha hunting him and biting him without the instant rage and resentment that usually occurred.

Startled he blinked up at the ceiling. He was still in the Clinic. His arm dropped and swung in empty air. Not on the floor then, must be on one of the examination tables. What was he doing lying on that? And why did he think this all should be highlighted in a blue glow? It wasn’t blue anymore. What?

A firm hand gripped his shoulder and his claws popped out, as instinctive as the low growl from his throat. A gentle chuckle calmed him down immediately. Before he could even turn his head, the voice soothed “It’s okay Scott. Everything is okay. You don’t have to be scared. Everything is going to be okay now.”

That kind voice made him think of his Abuela’s hot chocolate. Home and comfort and safety. He relaxed under that hand. Then tensed up again just as quickly. What the hell? He needed to be more aware of what was going on. Why did he trust that voice so much? Then it dawned on him. Scott had heard that voice before, his memories came flooding back and he sat up with a gasp. He stared straight into kind blue eyes. “Dr Sandburg?” He queried hesitantly.

“Hey kid, how are you feeling?” the guy was smiling goofily at him. Scott widened his eyes and then turned his head to scan the clinic. He saw the big Sentinel in the corner. He growled at him and flashed his gold eyes at the intruder on his territory and the big man growled right back at him which shocked Scott so much he pulled his claws back. He opened his eyes wide and blinked at him.  Privately Blair thought he looked like a startled puppy who just had his nose thwacked with a rolled-up newspaper, but he refused to laugh.

Scott heard Dr Sandburg snort, then scold the big Sentinel. “Rafe stop teasing the kid”
The smirk the Sentinel sent Scott’s way was not exactly unkind, but it seemed to warn of a lack of patience. Scott didn’t know whether to be aggrieved or offended. But that was one big Sentinel Dude so he erred on the side of caution and turned to look up at Sandburg instead.

“I don’t like to boast Scott, or drop titles but really, I am the Alpha Prime Guide of Northern America. Do you seriously think my Sentinel allows me to go anywhere without security? In case you haven’t noticed there are two others in the parking lot, a bonded pair, the Sentinel is patrolling the perimeter and the Guide is my tactical driver.”
Scott stared at him open mouthed, then muttered weakly “Okay”. He ignored the sniggering Sentinel in the corner. Suddenly he realized that someone was missing.“Where’s Doctor Deaton?” he asked in a panic.

“He has been taken to the S&G center in San Francisco for recuperation and healing. Now don’t you worry about the good Doctor, his issues being dealt with. Instead, you and I are going to have a little chat young man. We need to get some things clear. For a start you are not going to be involved in any attempted murder of your school Principal. I will personally take care of that man.”

Scott began to protest but he was confused about why. Dr Sandburg was right, he didn’t actually want to murder anyone, “You are not invincible Scott, just because you are a werewolf doesn’t mean that other people can’t do something better than you” that scolding hit a bit close to home, as he remembered both Stiles and Derek Hales trying to tell him the same thing.

Scott flushed bright red. He ducked his head “He threatened my mom”. Scott whined in a half-hearted protest. “Then you should have gone to the Police” Blair’s voice was uncompromising. Scott got angry again.

“Ha easy enough to say but Werewolf dude?” He waved his hands up and down in what Blair assumed was an all body encompassing gesture. Blair narrowed those intense blue eyes at him

“I am not sure what exactly it is you are trying to say Scott.  Do you mean that you didn’t want to out yourself to the Police, or that they wouldn’t believe you if you reported someone threatening your mother? Seriously if you went to the Police and reported him why would they even think werewolf? And why would you think that they would even believe Argent if he mentioned Werewolves. He would more than likely be taken in for psychological assessment than the Police would assume he was telling the truth. And if he tried to pull the respectable Principal card? Your best friend’s Dad is the actual Sheriff, why the hell wouldn’t he believe you unless you go around making baseless wild accusations about everyone who makes you angry?”

Scott’s face was an actual picture. He looked as stunned as if he hadn’t even considered the most sensible course of action would be to report this to an adult.

Blair resisted the urge to roll his eyes. God save him from dramatic teenage boys with no common sense. Then Blair pulled himself up short. Because the kid had reported it to an adult, and that corrupt Druid had tried to get him to see that murder was a better option than going to the authorities to deal with it.

Blair considered the boy and took in his riotous emotional landscape. It was time to remind the kid that he didn’t have to rely on dodgy homicidal Druids. So, he made his voice much sterner, time to reinforce the lesson.

“Do you seriously think a werewolf pup would be better at dealing with a group of dangerous psychopaths than the Police department? Now you also have the Alpha Prime bonded Sentinel and Guide pair for North America in your corner Scott. Are you that arrogant? I don’t know what all this shit is about a becoming a true Alpha but I very much doubt a calculating murderer will ever be one.”

Scott’s eyes widened with shock as he flushed an unbecoming red and dipped his head. “I don’t want Allison to be hurt” he muttered sullenly. Blair wondered when this kid would stop taking his breath away with the sheer level of stupidity he was exhibiting.

”Seriously Scott, have a think about Allison. What has she done? Do you think she is in a good place now or does she need help too? And how wouldn’t Allison be hurt if you murdered her grandfather?”

The sheer incredulity in the Alpha Guide’s voice made Scott drop his head like a scolded little boy. Blair risked a glance at the big Sentinel, who had uttered a choked sound and was shaking his head.

On the bright side, Scott did seem to be listening to him. But he wasn’t going to be left to his own devices from now on so hopefully they could stop any more idiotic actions before they were even thought of. Plus the kid was so starting his tailored therapy within the next twenty four hours after Blair had spoken to Scott’s Mom.

Blair took a look at his watch, good grief it felt like he had been at this damn clinic and on the spirit plane for hours, but they could take Scott to school. Then Blair could see how Jim and Stiles were getting on with the changes that had been arranged. If that appalling man Argent was there, then so much the better because Blair was going to deal with that waste of DNA sooner rather than later.

Notes:

So I promised the next chapter in December and this is cutting it fine but it is still December with me! Hope you enjoy this, and it resolves the minor cliff hanger of the previous chapter!😉

Next chapter will be back with Stiles and Jim and then I think it will be time for the Stark / Stilinski show to make its debut in Beacon Hills.

I wish you all the very best for 2021. Take happiness where you can find it, stay healthy in all the ways that matter, and please be safe.

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda i chi gyd. 🤗

Chapter 12

Summary:

Victoria Argent huffed with annoyance as she looked at her watch. She sent a glare towards her oblivious father-in-law who was in the study as he continued a conversation on his cell. She had trained herself out of any obvious emotional "tells" years ago but the temptation to run her fingers through her short hair in frustration was always harder to resist when she had to deal with Gerard. 

Or the chapter where the Argents meet the SGC....

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Victoria Argent huffed with annoyance as she looked at her watch. She sent a glare towards her oblivious father-in-law who was in the study as he continued a conversation on his cell. She had trained herself out of any obvious emotional "tells" years ago but the temptation to run her fingers through her short hair in frustration was always harder to resist when she had to deal with Gerard. 

Victoria hated tardiness with a passion. At least Allison knew better than to be late and she had already left for the High school with that Martin girl in that ridiculous Porsche, driven by the son of the DA. At least she was staying away from that McCall creature for now. Gerard seemed to have talked some sense into her since she wasn’t listening to her parents.
What was keeping Gerard? She moved forward towards the open door of the study and caught the tail end of his conversation “Thank you Carl. I appreciate the heads up about this matter. I won’t forget it and I am sure you and your wife will enjoy the two weeks at the Argent townhouse in Paris. I am surprised that the School Board did not see fit to inform me directly as the Principal of the school but we all know that the S&G Council are rather circumspect with information. It will be interesting to see how they think this rather strange initiative will work. I do hope it’s in the best interests of the children.”

Gerard’s smoothly closed the conversation with mild pleasantries in direct contrast to the cold calculation on his face. That was the expression of an experienced hunter working through unexpected variations to his plans. Victoria’s annoyance was temporarily shelved by her curiosity. “Carl Brewer from the County School Board?”  She queried.
Gerard nodded absently “He has proved useful in the past and luckily for us his wife does so adore shopping in Paris” he responded dryly.

“And?” Victoria prompted impatiently once again looking at her watch. She had class first thing this morning and she was going to be late, even if she was travelling with the Principal.

“And my dear Vicky, he had very interesting news that may serve to assist us in our endeavours” he smirked. “An impressive distraction which will allow us to work with more freedom and speed up our efforts to rid this poor town of its supernatural curse.”

His smirk grew even larger at the frustration on his daughter-in-law’s face. “The Sentinel and Guide Council are doing some outreach work at the High School apparently. A surprise visitation is planned today. I am sure we can spin this development to our advantage and even make use of those pathetic so called gifted pairs.” There was a satisfied gleam in his cold eyes as he uttered the words.

“Gerard, you know its Hunter Council policy to avoid the SGC” Victoria cautioned with a concerned frown but Gerard merely shrugged in response. “That’s only to keep our hunter sentinels off their radar with their ridiculous mollycoddling and attempts to pair them with guides!  As if we would allow our sentinels to have such divided loyalties. In any case we currently don’t have any sentinels on duty with us so it won’t affect us.” He scoffed.

Suddenly Victoria smirked right back at him. She knew exactly how to get her own retribution for being kept waiting. “In that case my dear Gerard you can inform Araya Calaveras as Head of the Hunter Council of this potential encroachment of the SGC into Hunter business. I am sure she will be delighted to hear from you as always.”  
Victoria swung away to head towards the front door, knowing Gerard had no choice but to obey his family Matriarch and knowing how much it irked the arrogant old bastard.  “Coming Principal Argent, we don’t want to be late with such important guests for the school, do we?”

Jim relaxed against the uninspiringly beige wall with his arms folded, blending in easily with the rest of his sentinels scattered throughout the rather cramped staff conference room. It always surprised mundanes that such a big guy could be so unobtrusive as to be disregarded. Especially when they finally found out who he was. But he had learnt the skill first in the military as a Ranger and then refined it as a cop. It could be very useful to be overlooked until he decided otherwise. His darling Guide called it “the Ellison Grand Entrance” technique. Blair could look like innocence personified when he felt like it but he was such a sarcastic little shit. God he loved him.  

He could hear the rabbit fast beat of the kid’s heartbeat. Stiles was standing a couple of feet away from him and didn’t seem to know what to do with his arms until he thrust his hands in his pockets. The kid stared around the room in horrified fascination, but Stiles was unnaturally quiet as he watched what was happening.
He was monitoring the kid’s vitals. He didn’t want him to have another meltdown because of that scumbag Argent. But Stiles needed to see that he wasn’t going to have to deal with this shit by himself any more. If the kid had felt any real anxiety Jim would have got him out of there faster than anyone could say overprotective sentinel but he was just nervous and excited after Carolyn's earlier pep talk.

Jim’s gaze swung idly over the congregated confused teachers as they listened with growing disbelief to Megan’s more adult version of the message already delivered to the students. He had always appreciated Megan’s  bluntness. When she had a message to deliver, no-one misunderstood it.
Sometimes diplomacy was overrated Blair. Especially when dealing with assholes.
He anticipated the coming uproar with amusement, but he was focused on one specific issue.  Argent. Gerard Argent. The Principal who wasn’t there. Despite a call from the County Board to demand the mandatory all staff meeting this morning, the guy hadn’t graced them with his presence so far.

It was just as well that he had already tasked Maya and Hector Carasco with surveillance on the Argent property and Miki Kamerci, the most joyfully vicious Guide he had ever met, bless the little darling, had the joy of tailing the old bastard himself.

Henri Brown’s quiet comment that Maya had reported back to say Argent was just leaving his son’s place with his daughter- in-law Victoria and that oops she had bugged all their vehicles, was heard by only the sentinels in the room.  Stiles snorted with unwilling amusement and Jim caught Megan smirking with delight which seemed to set the antsy teachers off again until she mentioned the pay rise for any teacher who was retained by the SGC. Though no-one seemed to notice that she didn’t guarantee any jobs would be retained. Then the grumbles subsided until the evaluations were mentioned.
Stiles shoved his fingers in his ears at the noise which erupted. The other sentinels barely winced because they were enjoying themselves too much. Blair would lament humorously that all the sentinels who worked closely with them took their  badassery cue from Jim.  And Jim had no problem with that at all.

Before Jim could make his “Ellison Entrance” and reinforce Megan’s message he felt his panther make the leap to that damn blue jungle. It normally wasn’t a big deal. There was always a tingle of awareness, a subconscious acknowledgement that his spirit animal had left.
Not that he would ever use the word tingle within Blair’s hearing! Good God no. He was not going to spend minutes, hours even days of his life defining the feeling behind the damn word for his insatiably curious Guide. His Guide who still hadn’t grown out of his compulsion to record everything related to his Sentinel, even after all the years they had been bonded.
That damn blue jungle was home to all the spirit animals, well unless the animal owned Tony Stark and chose to live in a blue desert. Of course, the guy had to be different and drag John Stilinski into it as well. Jim knew he was lucky that Stiles and his situation had distracted Blair from that little mystery. The research binge would have been legendary and as North America Prime Sentinel, he would have suffered the whining complaints from all  his Sentinels. Hopefully dealing with Stiles and this Hellmouth supernatural shite storm would keep Blair distracted for the foreseeable future.

Now though the utter rage that flooded through his connection with the panther from the spirit plain made his knees weak. For one horrified second, he wondered if he was going to pass out, but he stiffened his resolve. He had dealt with this spiritual mumbo jumbo before, he wouldn’t be affected like a baby sentinel who had just come online.
 
Panic flooded his system. God damn it.  Stiles. He swung round just in time to see Megan catch the kid before he fell to the ground, unconscious. Caroline already had her hand on Stiles’s forehead, but she stared straight at her Alpha. “He’s okay Jim, he just had the same jolt you did from your spirit animals, it overwhelmed him. He’ll be fine. He just needs to be quiet in a safe place.” 
Jim’s heartrate started to calm down. Between the kid and his guide, it was a damn miracle that he didn’t have hypertension. Pair of troublemakers. And no Blair, it wasn’t because of all the damn rabbit food.
Sentinel Kavan Smith had already reached Megan and picked the teenager up easily. “Quinn and I will take care of him” he murmured quietly as he and his guide left the room.

Jim nodded abruptly in relief then turned to glare at the snigger he heard from one of the teachers. He zeroed in on the guy at the back “Stilinski in the middle of a drama once again, what a surprise” the cruel words were muttered under his breath. But Jim caught them as did the rest of the Sentinels who focused on the thin faced bespectacled guy in the dark grey suit and grey striped shirt whose overwhelming odour was of chemicals, bunsen burners and bitterness. Stiles’ infamous chemistry teacher then.

“Harris right” Jim stated rather than asked. “I think you just made it to the head of line for evaluation Teach, let’s see what kind of marks you get on this pop quiz” and the smile he gave the guy was as cold as a dip into liquid nitrogen. Harris went pale and that odd economics teacher, the Coach, Finstock, gave a roar of laughter. The guy was openly amused at Harris’s plight. In fact, he seemed to relish it.

Ellison hadn’t missed the swift assessing glance the Coach had given Stiles when he collapsed. Only the fact that he was being looked after by a bonded pair seemed to be stopping the guy from pushing his way to the front of the room to deal with the kid.

The glares that the rest of his sentinels directed towards the chemistry teacher were not comforting.  Harris was getting paler by the second, but it was his lucky day or at least lucky hour. It wasn’t as though any of the sentinels were going to forget what he said just because they could all hear the arrival of Principal Argent and the English Teacher Victoria Argent. Justice was delayed rather than abandoned.

The all pervading stench of gun oil and the dark wet scent of a damp forest that seemed strangely familiar to Jim preceded them before the older man swept into the conference room as if he owned it. It was obvious that the guy had already been informed about the SGC visit despite the requested confidentiality.  But it appeared that he didn’t know everything because Argent could barely refrain from rubbing his hands with glee. It was obvious that he seemed to think SGC involvement was going to benefit him.

Henri’s bonded guide Joel Taggert moved imperceptibly closer to Ellison as he murmured softly, “Jesus Jim, that guy reeks of malevolence. He should not be near adults let alone kids and she has an iceberg instead of a heart. They are both fucking dangerous.”

Jim could see the wheels turning in the asshole’s head. He already knew the guy was a real piece of work from Stiles’s information. This just confirmed it as well as emphasising Argent’s arrogant belief in himself.

Victoria Argent however was unobtrusively scanning the room and her mouth tightened as she saw the number of strangers next to all the exits. Her movements were slow and designed to be unnoticed  as she checked her concealed weapons.  
 
Ellison had never regretted coming online as a Sentinel, especially when Blair landed in his life, but sometimes the political bullshit he had to deal with as Alpha Prime of the whole USA made him utterly weary.
Then there were days like today. When his Sentinel core was hunting his prey. When his soul sang to his senses, when his blood pounded, when his focus was complete, and he knew that he was going to win. They were  both going down. His Guide was so getting lucky later. He’d have to remember to switch on the white noise generator so that they didn’t traumatise their baby sentinel.

The Argents would not know what hit them.  

He leant back once more and watched as Carolyn took over from her Sentinel, giving a brief rundown on what had happened so far. Jim could see the flicker of anger in the eyes of both Argents before it was smoothed out with professional swiftness. Oh, they were good. Just not good enough. The smile on Argent’s lips was not reflected in his cold eyes as he responded smoothly “Of course I and my staff will work closely with the Sentinel and Guide centre to develop a school we can all be proud of”.

Jim’s intention to step in was derailed again as he finally recognised that foresty smell. It was aconite, commonly known as wolfsbane. Rangers were taught to recognise any flora that could prove of use to them, including those that could be used as weapons. Aconite was poisonous to humans if prepared correctly. As a Sentinel Ranger he was also given the additional scent training. That’s why it was familiar. The scumbags were almost drenched in the stuff.

Before he could utter a word, Carolyn turned to look at the man. She was so professional even the expression in her eyes was bland and non-confrontational. But the whole room felt her utter disdain projected through her aura.  
Jim heard the shocked indrawn breaths and the discomforted twitching from the rest of the mundanes, well all except from the Coach. His smirk seemed to get bigger, and he relaxed back into his chair. Interesting. Finstock had just moved to the top of his list of people to speak to.  He had already been on the list because Stiles liked the guy and Blair thought he would have a different perspective on what was happening at the school.

Carolyn’s cool precise voice broke though Jim’s musings.

“I’m sorry but there seems to be some sort of misunderstanding. This school now belongs to the SGC. The district school authority no longer has any say in what happens here. We simply cannot allow anyone other than a Sentinel and or Guide to run the school. In this case, it will be an experienced bonded pair. There are many issues to resolve. All staff and admin will undergo mandatory empathic evaluation. Even if you have no intention of staying to work for us.  We need to understand your... educational legacy”

The way she smiled made Argent stiffen but it was Victoria who barked out angrily “What the hell is an empathic evaluation?”

“Not had much to do with guides then Mrs Argent”, Megan commented with a wide smile. “Bit surprising you being an educator and all.” Sentinel Connors cheerful voice was in direct contrast to her Guide’s stern solemnity. “Gotta protect the tribe mate or in this case the tribes’ sprogs from all possible threat”

Coach Finstock snorted loudly. “That’ll be a first for this school.” He seemed oblivious to the deadly glares most of his co-workers were sending his way. Sentinel Connors blinked at him once and then carried on.

“It’s an unfortunate fact that Schools in this Country aren’t safe from violent attacks, got to be sure no-one is coming back with any grudges or weapons. For example, a newly online young sentinel was recently kidnapped from this very school and attacked. Now that sort of thing just pisses the SGC off mightily and will result in sentinel justice, you know like a sanctioned sentinel hunt. So, everyone gets the evaluation.”  The entire room was stunned into silence.

The sentinel’s previous cheerful nonchalance disappeared, the tension in the room increased as her relaxed loose-limbed posture morphed into the stance of an intent predator. The low growl in her voice as she finished her comment had the rest of the sentinels in the room standing to attention with eager anticipation.
She stalked into Argent’s personal space, dark eyes intent and unblinking, as she repeated “everyone, especially those who stink of gun oil.”

Then she drew his scent into her nostrils in an overtly obvious manner and sheer rage flashed across her countenance. “Why the hell can I smell the blood of a sentinel on you you old sod?” she hissed the furious accusing words into his stunned face.

Notes:

Hello my lovelies, well its been a while hasn't it? My muse did a runner with only one paragraph of this written and I couldn't find a way or the will to go forward until she came back with a bad attitude and kicked the door in!
Just a gentle reminder that this is not canon, and I know Victoria Argent was already dead by the time the old git kidnapped Stiles but I don't care. Haven't decided if Derek bit her yet but if he did it wasn't with intent to "gift" so doesn't count! Next chapter is nearly finished so will be up by the end of the week. Then it will be the big reveal to John and Tony ( well hopefully as long as the muse agrees). Thank you all for your patience. This story will be finished ❤️

Chapter 13

Summary:

“That’s because he beat the shit out of me in the basement of his son’s house Sentinel Connors."
Stiles gets to see the start of Sentinel Justice. Strangely enough so do the Hunters Council.

Note: Warnings for hunter typical prejudice for anyone not considered human. Tip: they don't consider Sentinel and Guides human!

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

A hush hung over the conference room as if everyone was unable to comprehend what the sentinel had just roared into the Principal’s face. It seemed like the mundane staff almost stopped breathing in stunned disbelief whilst every member of the SGC stiffened with outrage.

That interminable silence was unexpectedly broken by a voice from the door.

“That’s because he beat the shit out of me in the basement of his son’s house Sentinel Connors.”

All the mundanes jumped at the words. Shocked, horrified exclamations almost distracted from Stiles entrance to the room escorted by the Sentinel and Guide pair who had helped him recover. Stiles’ voice had wavered slightly but firmed as he walked towards the centre of the room where the Argents were surrounded. His protective escorts followed him.  

Jim had his hand wrapped around Victoria Argent’s wrist before she could withdraw her own hand from her jacket pocket.  She hadn’t even seen him move and her eyes widened, taken aback. Jim was pretty sure not much took this woman unawares. She moved like a predator herself. He shook his head at her with mocking disapproval, surprisingly not having far to look down at her face. She was a tall woman.

“I wouldn’t do that Mrs Argent, drawing a weapon on a sentinel on SGC premises in front of other sentinels will just get your neck snapped like a twig.” He offered the alarming words cheerfully, fully conveying they were meant as fact rather than threat, and his fingers tightening until he could feel her thin bones. Not enough to cause pain yet but completely underlying his willingness to do so.

He would never underestimate a woman again. Mundane or Gifted. Alex Barnes had murdered Blair in front of him in that damn fountain. Victoria Argent reminded him too much of Barnes for him to give her the benefit of the doubt. This woman would salt the damn earth if she thought it was necessary.

She blanked the murderous rage in her eyes and raised her chin in defiance. “How dare you lay a hand on me you freak?  Who do you think you are? I have no idea what you are talking about. Release me at once before I call the authorities and have you arrested.” She ordered calmly as if she expected to be obeyed.

“I know exactly who I am Mrs Argent.  When it comes to Sentinel and Guide matters, I am the authorities Lady, my name is James Ellison, Alpha Prime Sentinel of North America. Don’t you know you can’t lie to a Sentinel? “

Jim’s voice was cold enough to drop the temperature in the entire room. His eyes swiftly swept over their appalled, fascinated audience but then fixated on the way young Stiles was watching everything with his mouth open, fear on his face and painful hope in his eyes. “I want my Dad” Jim didn’t think Stiles even realised that he had whispered the plea.  

Jim’s resolve hardened. That was it. The last nail in the coffin for any so-called calm and considered approach. His inner sentinel was going to put them down hard. These bastards had hurt the kid, one of his baby sentinels, who had instinctively been trying to protect his own pride.
Ellison didn’t care if the Supernaturals were calling it a pack, for Stiles and his sentinel nature it was a pride and the actions of this group of psychopaths had and still were endangering that pride.

The Sentinel in him purred with predatory approval as Jim spoke. He leant closer and murmured just low enough for her and Stiles to hear “just like werewolves”
Victoria Argent went as white as her blouse.  Ellison smirked with vicious satisfaction and then winked at the disbelieving kid.

Megan Connors had her own smaller hand wrapped round the throat of the ex-principal as soon as Stiles had finished speaking. She had raised her left arm until he was on his toes, his face reddening with fury and lack of oxygen. She pulled her right arm back to punch the old wanker in the face, repeatedly, except her guide had gripped it and held firm.  “Caro” Megan protested fiercely but she wouldn’t struggle and hurt her guide.
“He needs to answer questions Meg so you can’t cave his face in.” she offered with reluctant rationality.

Connors was just about to reluctantly agree with her guide and partially release the old git when Argent opened his trap and sneered breathlessly  “Best listen to your pathetic guide you weak willed aberration. We all know you filthy mutants can’t survive without each other.”

Megan’s arm was abruptly free, and Carolyn shrugged at her enquiring look. “Just make sure he can use a pen to write his responses”.  

Stiles had never realised how satisfying the sound of a nose breaking could be.

 

Blair considered the young werewolf as they sat in the back of the SUV. The kid still seemed quite dazed as he stared out of the window. Blair came to a decision.

“Rafe, we are going to drop Scott here at his home and you will stay with him until Jim and I can come to speak to both he and his Mom later.”
Scott swung his head round, already opening his mouth to protest, when Blair held his hand up. “Nope, not happening kid, it won’t do you any harm to miss one day of school and this morning has been hard enough on you. There is no need to add anything else to the mix today”

“What does that even mean?“ Scott glared at him angrily, “I need to go to school so I can be with A.. um my friends” The clumsy attempt at dissembling nearly made Blair smile. Christ had he ever been this young. “And besides which I am not a Sentinel or Guide so you can’t tell me what to do. I’m going to school” and the kid stuck his jaw out with all the attitude of a stubborn toddler just about to have a throwdown tantrum.

Before Blair could do more than raise one of his eyebrows the guide driver snorted with amusement and the unflappable Rafe actually laughed.

“As if your status is going to stop the Prime. Just settle down and enjoy the day off kid, Rafe is usually unbeatable at video games the asshole, but you might have a chance with your enhanced senses.”

Scott’s mouth dropped open as his gaze flickered between a smug faced Blair, the smirking sentinel, and the back of the driver’s head.

Rafe pulled out his cell and pressed a button “we are going to the McCall place, I’m staying with the kid. You need to meet us there so you can travel with the Prime” he didn’t bother with any pleasantries just cut the call.

“I am so reminding the Alpha Prime Sentinel that politeness costs nothing and actually makes life more pleasant for everyone. You have picked up his bad habits Rafe” Blair uttered with exasperation. Rafe turned that infuriating smirk on the Guide Prime but didn’t try to deny the accusation. He just shrugged “You need back up Blair”
“I didn’t say anything about that but…” Blair tailed off as the infuriating sentinel’s smile grew wider.  He rolled his eyes but turned his attention back to the young man watching the exchange wide eyed and fascinated as if he was at a sporting event. “Sentinels” he shook his head with mock exasperation, gratified when the kid offered him a small but genuine smile.

Miki Kamerci and Maya Carrasco slid into the SUV when Rafe and Scott had gone into the kid’s house. Maya, the always elegant, always calm sentinel looked distraught and there was ice in her normally warm brown eyes. Miki, the chaotic intense unbonded guide looked murderous, her hands were shaking, the rage needed to find an outlet. The guide made no attempt to subdue her tumultuous aura.

“What the hell Miki?” Blair looked at the pair of them in concern, but it was Maya who responded and despite her attempt at a calm façade she couldn’t keep the horror out of her voice.

“Blair” she drew a deep breath and tried again, “Blair, those hunters, the hunter council, they forbid their sentinels from…” she stopped again as if she couldn’t even say the words. Miki hissed the words “their sentinels are not allowed to bond or work with guides Alpha Prime. Not allowed”

“They fucking what?” the driver erupted as he swung round to stare at Miki. Blair didn’t even notice the interruption as his wolf manifested in the car beside him howling with heartbroken fury.

Blair’s voice was utterly calm, but his eyes were suddenly the intense blue of the spirit plain and they were all aware how far away he was “oh they are so done. I vow as Shaman It will be my personal mission to make sure of that.” He blinked and suddenly his eyes were focused again as he directed softly “Joel, take us to the school. Jim has Gerard Argent there. I will speak with him, after I’ve checked on Stiles”

Tension seeped from the sentinel’s shoulders until Maya once more portrayed her unperturbable calm, the younger guide merely sat back and smiled with venomous satisfaction.

“Got to stop at the gas station first Sandy. Not like that perp will get away from Jim so you will have plenty of time to interrogate the old bastard" Joel commented cheerfully as he pulled away. 

 

“Matriarch”. The head of the Calaveras’ family and current Leader of the Hunter Council heard her eldest son came into her study, but she was still reading Council reports. He could wait. Then she remembered and frowned. He was supposed to be on his way with his team to the latest werewolf omega problem in some little town near the border.

“Severo, why are you still here?” she queried impatiently her eyes still on the paperwork in front of her. When there was no response, she raised her head and saw the expression on his face.

She slowly rose from her desk, her hand instinctively reaching for the weapon that never left her person even in the security of her own compound.

He came to an immediate stop. He knew better than to get any closer. But the look he threw her way was not his usual impassive deference. In fact, she could almost believe he was irritated with her. “Dios Mamma, every damn time?” he spat at her. Of course, his senses had picked up her instinctive movement towards her weapon.

He hadn’t called her Mamma since she had left him at the Council’s hunter sentinel training camp when he was 12.  When he was returned to the family at 17, he had addressed her as Matriarch. And it had never changed. Even when the immediate family came together and the usual professional boundaries were relaxed, when his brothers and sisters addressed her as Madre, Severo did not.   

There was real anger in his normally impassive tone. Her gaze startled momentarily and then focused on him with that considering expression she used at the start of a hunt.  His frown deepened as he continued “We hunt monsters. Sentinels are not monsters and how long will it take you to get it through your head that Sentinels do not turn on their trusted pride.”

He picked up the fleeting moue of distaste at the word “pride” but Araya Calaveras refused to acknowledge Severo’s jibe. Or even recognise the irony with which he had used the word “trusted pride”. He had never trusted his mother to be anything other than a hunter first, head of the Council next and then family matriarch. The role of Mother had never even entered that hierarchy.

Active Sentinels were rare in Hunter families. The Council had always scoffed at the so called protect the tribe imperative of Sentinels. If that were true, then all their hunters would have been born sentinels. Instead, the sentinel trait could now only be found in the oldest hunter families. Those that could survive the taint to their name.    

It had been many years since Hunter Sentinels were allowed to find their guides as it would necessitate leaving the Community because SGC guides did not understand the hunter way of life. The Council had decreed that they would train their sentinels and used all their knowledge, arcane and scientific, to ensure that those sentinels did not need a guide and were blocked from the attention of outsiders.  

They trained their sentinels the way they trained their blood hounds, but they were never given a position of true authority, and they damn well never registered them with that interfering SG Council.  No one else needed to know who their sentinels were. And a hunter never allowed a weapon to be taken away from them. Not while they still lived.  Sentinels were merely weapons to the hunters. Their gifts were too uncomfortably close to the supernatural for true hunters to swallow.  Araya Calaveras considered herself a true hunter. She had never forgiven her eldest son for being a sentinel.  

Hunter born guides were even rarer. They were either dormant or when they came online, their gifts became so tainted that they couldn’t form a bond with a hunter sentinel.
In Araya’s experience, that made the sadistic bastards even better hunters. The Argent hereditary line was a perfect example of the power of a dormant guide. Kate Argent being the latest and her hunting skills were legendary.

Severo never took his eyes of the Matriarch as she in turn studied him. All hunters knew not to remove their gaze from a threat. Severo himself was nearly dormant now, he knew he wouldn’t last much longer, and he had been considering his options.

He had his hija to protect, he knew she was gifted, had known since her birth, but she was not going to suffer what his own Madre had done to him. It was ironic that the Matriarch had not been as successful as she thought training her special weapon because he would destroy her and anyone else who tried that shit on with his precious Noa.  Noa's mother was long gone.

It had been a political match for a newer family to gain some of the prestige of being linked to an original hunter bloodline. The only way a marriage to a sentinel ever occurred. Casual sex was never a problem because of a sentinel’s reputation. But no one wanted the taint of being permanently linked to a sentinel unless there was some overt benefit to it. Children of such a match were incredibly rare.
The shame of bearing a child with a sentinel had made her reckless in the hunt. Or his Matriarch had her disposed of to ensure there were no more.  He didn’t much care. When he had found Noa, left abandoned in their quarters still in a diaper that was days old, weak and listless, he had determined that he was a widower that day because the next time he saw her the bitch she would die.  
He never saw her again and the rest of his family got the message about any harm coming to his child when he put his mouthy cousin in hospital for nine months after breaking every bone in his legs. No even his Matriarch had protested too much.

He delivered the message with a straight face and the Matriarch would never know how much it amused him. Araya Calaveras stared at her son in disbelief. “Repeat that” she growled.

Severo quirked an eyebrow at her, but his face remained passive. “The Sentinel and Guide Council have called me in for latency testing. They have summoned all the adult sentinels in the hunter families in North America.”  The words were uttered with no inflection but there was a disconcerting gleam in his brown eyes that she did not like one little bit.

“How the fuck did they find out about you and the others?” She snarled with menace. “We have made many enemies Matriarch. Surely even you expected this to happen at some point”.

Araya narrowed her eyes at her son.  “Watch your tone boy, remember who you are talking to” Again, his attitude was disconcerting. It would bear thinking about. Perhaps she should increase the surveillance on him as a pre-emptive measure.

“You will obviously not be going.” She shrugged as if that was the end of the matter.

Sentinels were not allowed to train at the S&G centre. The Hunters had a long-established process for obscuring any online sentinels. The Council had never allowed a hunter sentinel to bond with a weak SGC trained Guide. The fact that their sentinels rarely lasted into their forties because of the lack of compatible guide was taken for granted. Other hunters rarely had a long life expectancy so why should the sentinels be any different.

Severo was not impressed. “Have you thought this through Matriarch? They have found us once; they can find us again. Do you want to trigger a formal Sentinel hunt?”

 And then the damned boy had the temerity to smirk at her. “I know the Council think the SGC is weak but even you should know that their bonded Sentinels are better than hunter sentinels when they get riled up enough.”

He threw a piece of paper onto her desk. “That is the number of the Alpha Prime Sentinel of North America. I believe he wants to talk to the current head of the Hunters Council.”

Araya stared at her son in silent fury, until he turned and left the room. The smirk on his face and the cold expression in his eyes made something clench in her stomach for a moment. Then she dismissed it. Severo was loyal to the family. The customary surveillance for a hunter sentinel had never shown anything else.  

She stared at the paper as if it was a hissing viper ready to strike. “Alpha Sentinel indeed. I know how to deal with Alphas and Sentinels, I know how to deal with them very well. The S&G Council have no right to interfere with hunter business. They will regret it if they do. I will make sure of that personally.”

Severo walked far enough away that he was no longer in the line of sight for the security cameras. But near enough that he could still hear every word uttered. She hadn’t heard her son stop outside the door and unashamedly listen to her vicious muttering. He was also going to find out what the Alpha Sentinel Prime wanted with his family. He squashed the tiny hope that there might be a way out of this nightmare for him.  But not for any reasons that his mother would understand.

Her desk phone rang and Severo focused his hearing. Gerard Argent, that old smarmy bastard complained to his mother with no greeting “The SGC have just come to the main high school in Beacon Hills Calavera. You need to convene the Council and warn them we may be coming to the attention of the SGC. The Council needs to prepare.”

His mother snarled right back at him “Once again a day late and a dollar short Gerard. The Argents are responsible for Beacon Hills. Are you the reason the Alpha Prime Sentinel is trying to contact me? Because if by the actions of your family you have brought the SGC down on us, there will be repercussions that you won’t have a chance to live to regret.” She said no more as she cut him off. 

Then she picked up the note and dialled the number she’d been given.

“Ellison this is Araya Calaveras. What do you want?”

“Your head on a pike would do nicely Calaveras, but as I can’t have that yet, tell your Council to expect a meeting with the SGC very soon.”

Araya Calaveras listened to the dead tone in shock as Ellison ended the call.  

Notes:

Thank you all for your lovely comments on the last chapter. So pleased you enjoyed it.
Hope you all like this one. Not beta read so apologies if I missed anything.
Edited 3rd May because I found two little errors!

Chapter 14

Summary:

Christopher Argent tries to intimidate Derek Hale.
Blair hates bullies.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Derek Hale pulled up at the quiet gas station in his Camaro, the car was nearly empty of fuel. These days he tried to avoid running errands anywhere and anytime that was too popular with the nosey residents of Beacon Hills. Seemed like he had timed it perfectly for once, no-one around to mutter underneath their breaths about his sister’s murder or the damn fire. Sometimes the assholes didn’t even bother to keep it quiet. They all just wanted a reaction. Worse than ghouls
.
He had just started to fill the car tank at the pump, when a red SUV pulled into the pump right beside him. Derek began to stiffen and quickly checked the display to see how much longer he would be. He turned slightly so he was facing away from the damn vehicle when he saw a Silver SUV pull up and park perpendicularly to his car, Bastards had boxed him in. Had to be fucking hunters, Derek turned his head slightly and watched with a frown as Argent got out of the red SUV.  He didn’t need to hear the other doors opening from the Silver SUV to know they had surrounded him.

The only saving grace was that they couldn’t gun him down at the gas station as there were cameras everywhere and he knew the panic button behind the counter went straight to the Police station.

Didn’t mean to say they couldn’t try to take him in one of the damn vehicles to get rid of him elsewhere. He could feel his wolf really near the surface, he wanted to tear their god damn arrogant murdering faces off, but he couldn’t give into it.

He had to be smart this time, wait for them to play their games but it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared. Something they wouldn’t see coming from a werewolf.  He stopped the flow of gas into the car but kept the pump in the Camaro’s tank. He leant into the car from the window and whilst grabbing a cleaning cloth, also pulled out a lighter, one of Laura’s emergency stashes in event of wolfbane poisoning. He hid the lighter in the palm of his hand whilst using the cloth ostensibly to clean the side mirror. That the mirror moved enough to allow Derek to see exactly what was happening with the red SUV whilst he kept most of his focus on the silver vehicle was a happy coincidence. He tightened his other hand on the gas pump still in position in the car’s tank. The first sign those bastards were going too far, and he would use that pump like a god damn fire hose. He ducked his head slightly so they wouldn’t see the way his eyes flashed blue as his wolf reacted to the thought of taking them down.
Thanks to his Uncle Peter’s condition, he knew werewolves could survive serious burns if they could get away from the source. Humans now, that was a different matter, and seeing Argent and his men going up in flames would be God damn worth dealing with his own burns. At least then the Argents would know what his family had felt.  

“Nice ride” Argent drawled as he trailed his fingertips across the hood of Derek’s car. “Black cars, though...” he continued as he rubbed a non-existent smudge off the hood with his thumb, clearly trying to intimidate the silent Werewolf. But it was Argent who took an involuntary step backwards and paused for a few seconds as he saw the dark smirk on Derek’s face. He seemed to remember his courage when Derek’s face went blank and though he eyed the young wolf more warily he carried on speaking as if there had been no interruption and Derek hadn’t scared the shit out of him in front of his own men.

“Very hard to keep clean. I would definitely suggest a little more maintenance. If you have something this nice, you want to take care of it, right?” as Argent moves toward the car’s windscreen and began to clean it. Derek’s determined silence seemed to spur the man on.
His tone of voice mockingly light-hearted but unmistakably full of threat.
Derek didn’t allow his breathing to alter, he refused to tense or move into a stance that would allow the fuckers to call him threatening but he didn’t take his eyes off Argent, and he was also perfectly aware of the position of every other hunter surrounding him. Rage slid through his veins like a slow but inevitable melting glacier, but he wouldn’t give these bastards the satisfaction of knowing that.

That hated voice grated on his nerve endings as he listened “Personally... I'm very protective of the things I love. But that's something I learned from my family.... And you don't have much of that these days... Do you?”

Argent finished with the windscreen and looked at Derek with a pointed, barely concealed smug expression.
For a second Derek's hand, the one holding the lighter and the cloth, clenched into a white knuckled fist under the long sleeve of his black leather jacket. A fact which didn’t escape Argent's notice.

The Hunter studied Derek’s reaction with glittering expectant eyes, but Derek refused to give him the satisfaction. He wasn’t going to be the one to escalate this encounter to a fight, but he would be the one to finish it if the Hunters started one. His tightened grip on the lighter reminded him of his plan to deal with them all if things went shit shaped. His fingernails remained in human form.
 
Argent nodded at him with satisfaction, he was pleased that the conversation didn't escalate, that the mutt knew his place. He gestured at the windscreen “There we go. You can actually look through your windshield now. See how that makes everything so much clearer?” 
The last words were delivered with a threatening sneer as Argent finally lost the fake genial smile. He obviously thought his unsubtle message had been delivered loud and clear.

Derek watched him stroll away, watched him head towards the red SUV without a fucking care in the world, watched the way his men swaggered towards their vehicles with overt malicious satisfaction. His mind cautioned it was only a few more moments before they were gone, and he could himself leave safely. Be safe at least until their next encounter. But the rage roiling in his gut wouldn’t let him keep silent any longer.
Fuck it, the asshole had to mention his family, didn’t he? Derek couldn’t stop the words that dripped off his tongue with venomous sarcasm. “You forgot to check the oil.”

Derek breathed in slowly and carefully, his wolf howling in his mind, as Argent stopped walking. He stood there the arrogant bastard, then shrugged his shoulders, stretched his neck and rocked on the balls of his feet as in preparation for a bout. Argent smiled, pleased that he had finally drawn a reaction from the wolf, he swung round and openly smirked at him whilst nodding to one of his companions. It seemed he had to reinforce the message with Hale.  

“Check the man's oil.”

The chosen Hunter walked over to the Camaro. Derek kept his attention split between him and Argent. Derek silently cursing himself for not keeping quiet for just a while longer. What the hell were the assholes going to do now?
Instead of walking around the front of the car to pop the hood, the Hunter stopped at the driver's side door and took out the semi-automatic weapon he had concealed in the side of his jacket. He smashed the butt of the gun into the driver’s side window before he looked over at Argent.
“Looks good to me.” He intoned impassively.

Agent raised his eyebrows and smiled mockingly at Derek once again as he offered “Drive safely.”

“Oh Man Karma is having a field day with you Argents today. You are just too stupid to quit” The words were uttered in cold disdain at complete odds with the bright sing song voice. Derek and all the Hunters swung round in shock.

Derek could have kicked himself for delaying Argent and his cronies. He didn’t want any innocent bystanders to get caught up in this mess. Then the guy’s words repeated in his head. Christ this guy knew Argent. Was it more trouble for him?

Unease threaded its way through the group of Hunters when they realised that not one of them had noticed the guy’s sudden appearance.
A stranger stood there glaring at them.  Argent took in the long loose curly dark hair and shorter stature of the older man and relaxed slightly. There was something familiar about him, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. If he wasn’t a Beacon Hills nosey interfering civilian then he must be from the damn Council, probably one of those pathetic druids always bleating on about that “keeping the balance” bullshit.

Argent was opting for the later because the guy was staring at them like they were disappointing children. Those focused blue eyes were way too intense for a normal human.  He felt his annoyance notch up a level. Interfering self-important busybody. But he would remind that useless magic user of the power of the Hunters Code if the guy didn’t back off after a polite warning. Well as polite as he could manage.

To Argent’s amusement one of his men pre-empted him. The hunter had obviously decided to issue his own disgruntled warning, “Who the fuck do you think you are?” Hewlett growled; he had been the one who had smashed the mutt’s car window.

Hewlett was never particularly patient on his best days, he didn’t wait long for a response to his words, and he began to raise his weapon again. He was stopped in his tracks by a furious diminutive woman suddenly standing right in front of him. She gripped on to his hand so tightly that Argent saw his man wince in pain. 
“No, no, no, dick head, you don’t ever raise a gun to my Alpha”.  She snarled the words into  Hewlett's disconcerted face.
 
The word Alpha and the strength of the woman made Argent realise that his initial assumptions were crap. More damned mutts to deal with and put in their place.

His men came to the same realisation seconds behind him, as the rest of them also reached for their weapons.

“I’ve already called the Cops” chimed in a third very deep voice “but carry on raising those weapons, I fucking dare you, it will make a great finale to the live stream video”.
Another man appeared beside the curly haired guy. He towered over him, whilst the cell pointed at Argent’s men looked tiny in the guy’s huge fist. Stranger number 2 smirked viciously as he continued “Say cheese boys, stars of your very own social media film.”

The curly haired man ignored the startled Hunters as he turned to focus on the guy standing next to the damaged Camaro. The change in his voice as he addressed Derek was startling, as warm and comforting as a hot chocolate drink on a snowy day.

“You must be Derek Hale, it’s a pleasure to meet you Dude, even under these less than pleasant circumstances.”

Derek Hale stared at the shorter man with open bemusement on his handsome stubbled face for a few seconds before his face fell into what seemed to be his usual resting bitch face.

“Don’t call me Dude” he grunted automatically, while his eyes darted between Argent and the stranger in wary worried confusion. The shorter guy laughed outright, “Stiles was right, it is fun to tease you” he winked at him as he murmured the words under his breath just loud enough for the werewolf to hear and laughed again when those expressive eyebrows rose.

His blessed protector had competition in the eyebrow of doom arena. Blair couldn’t wait to tell him!

Blair swung round towards Christopher Argent who had walked forward to face him after a hand signal to his hunters that lowered their weapons. Blair could almost see the guy assessing and discarding his options after the one dark glare at Joel and his phone. His expression smoothed out into the façade of a concerned citizen.

Blair narrowed his eyes; they might have lowered the guns, but they were still a perfectly visible threat. He had also seen and felt the way young Hale was hanging onto that pump still in the Camaro as if it was a weapon in its own right. He directed some emotional calm towards the kid. He didn’t want anyone to get caught up in a gas station inferno and the way the kid was staring at Argent and his bozos pressed all his “Danger Will Robinson” buttons that Jim insisted he didn’t have. He only released Hale from his focus when he saw the kid’s shoulders begin to loosen.


Argent was still a concern even though the guy didn’t know yet who he was dealing with.  Blair drew a deep irritated breath. He hated bullies. Suddenly Derek Hale’s widening eyes were focusing more on Blair than on the thugs who had accosted him as if he knew who was the more dangerous. Interesting, Blair wondered if Hale would be amenable to a little research project to see how a werewolf’s senses compared to a Sentinels. It would make a fascinating paper, even if he couldn’t publish it.  

“Now look we don’t want any trouble. Nothing here to concern you… people, unless you don’t follow the code.”  Argent’s voice was calm and factual, despite the scorn layered over the word people, though Blair could feel the frustration and threat emanating from the guy and saw the way his hand hovered near to his holstered weapon.

Blair had to hand it to him, Argent was smooth in a no-nonsense kind of way. Even kind of hot for a muscled murderous xenophobic sociopath. Shame Karma was coming for him like a runaway freight train. Not.

Blair smiled widely, deliberately showing all his teeth, but the smile didn’t reach his hard eyes. He allowed his guide aura to flare a little with his disgust at the situation and watched with delighted spite when it hit all the hunters.  His lips curved just a little more when he saw Argent himself give an involuntary shudder. Good. He layered that distaste into his voice as he almost sang the words mockingly at the man. “Well, that’s a shame Christopher because you have got trouble.” He smirked as he watched the man stiffen in outrage and continued with wicked delight.

“My name is Blair Sandburg and you just tried to threaten the Alpha Prime Guide of North America. That live video stream is going straight to the S&G Security Council and will be shared with the Local LEOs. And by the way, my Sentinel can’t wait to meet you since dear Vicky and Papa Argent are already having a nice chat with him.”

That seemed to be the last straw for Argent and his Hunters. Blair saw them all start to reach for their weapons and finally he had enough of their shit. He’d already mapped the relevant brain pathways for each Hunter whilst he and Argent were talking. Multi-tasking had always been his thing. Blair struck and every hunter dropped to the ground unconscious.  
Blair walked over to where Christopher Argent lay unmoving. He bent slightly towards him, absolute fury in his face.  “Fuck your code Argent and fuck you.”

Notes:

Hello. Well its been a while. May 2022 since I've written anything at all actually.
So a tad out of practice but hopefully not too may glaring errors. This chapter was supposed to be the Stark-Stilinski arrival in Beacon Hill. Hmmm. Nope. This very long same day action had to see the inclusion of Chris Argent.
I know Chris sort of redeemed himself later but the scene at the gas station always bugged me. Rubbing in the loss of Derek's family.. so bloody cruel. Anyway the dialogue is taken straight from the show for the first part between Argent and Hale because I didn't want there to be any doubt what an arse Christopher was at that point in the show. I also know that the encounter was at night but that didn't fit in with my story ! I have started the next chapter and even started writing the next chapter of Sleep Little Sun. All of which is a massive step forward for me right now. No infringement intended. Hope you enjoy the latest update and a very belated Happy New Year.

Chapter 15

Summary:

Tony and John are on their way.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Tony came to with a start. Heat and cold flashed through his body as if it were resetting its own temperature. He gave a soft groan as he rolled to his feet. Thank Thor that he had been on the sofa when “it” happened and therefore hadn’t hit the steel table or any of his tools when he lost consciousness. And what the hell was “it”? What had happened? He wasn’t some heroine from a Victorian gothic novel swooning out of the blue!
Oh for the love of red and gold shiny things. The Blue, the damn Blue. It was something to do with that spiritual shit, wasn’t it?  It just had to be.

It was telling that there was no sign of Perro, and the mutt was usually lurking around the place these days as his spirit animal was utterly enamoured with his guide John, even if the oversensitive prissy incorporeal canine was still pissed off at Tony because he had basically ignored him for years. That coyote could hold a grudge like a damn boss or like his sentinel.

To be fair Tony wasn’t letting go of his grudges against Obie, Justin Hammer, SHIELD or his damn father anytime soon so he could understand where his spirit guide was coming from, especially since they were both besotted with his actual guide.
He scowled as fear began to knot in his gut. John, his guide, was John alright?

Tony hadn’t even had a chance to open his mouth to give voice to the thought, when JARVIS offered calmly, “Your guide is also just regaining consciousness Sir, he …“but before JARVIS could utter another syllable, Tony took off like a bat out of hell and he was sprinting towards the living area where he had left his guide reading and leisurely sipping his coffee earlier that morning. He barely heard JARVIS’s attempt to calm him down, focusing his hearing on the beat of his guide’s heart.

John opened his eyes wide and then sat up abruptly from the slumped position on the chair. His mug slipped to the floor with a crash when he managed to elbow it from its precarious position on the arm of said chair. The noise startled him even further, but he dismissed the puddle of shattered fine China and cold coffee spreading across the expensive white rug out of mind because he could only think of his sentinel.
“Jarvis, is Tony okay?” he queried urgently as he thrust himself out of that damn enveloping seat
Then he heard the pounding feet coming towards him.

“Never mind kid” he muttered just before his Sentinel rounded the door and practically skidded his way across the rug dotted marble tiled floor to crash into his guide’s arms and take them both down into the extra wide seat John had only just risen from.

“Oof Tony, calm down, we are good, we are okay” John reassured in a breathless voice as he tried to right himself and his armful of  worried Sentinel before the pair of them slid of the chair like jelly off a plate.

“I have taken the liberty of cancelling the emergency lock down protocol Sirs, and you have a voice message from Alpha Prime Guide Dr Blair Sandburg” Jarvis delivered in a carefully neutral voice.

“Come on Tony, we’re okay, you can quit with the sniffing and tasting and touching” John refused to let his amusement at his Sentinel’s handsy behaviour out in his voice. He also wouldn’t reveal how touched he was by the guy’s concern. It had been a while since anyone but Stiles truly worried about him to such a degree.

Tony took one more deep breath to inhale John’s amazing scent from the crook of his neck and then raised his head to stare into those fascinating blue eyes. Such beautiful blue eyes, windows to the soul, yada yada, Iris full of amazing rods and cones. If he stared hard enough, he could probably work out the melanin ratio in his Guide’s eyes which gave him such a spectacular colour. He just had to stare harder, look deeper, focus...

“Tony, Tony, I need you to come back to me now, come on babe, no zoning right now, listen to my voice, feel my hands on your face and close your eyes for me love. That’s it close those gorgeous eyes just for a couple of minutes til we get you sorted.”

Tony shuddered as John’s calm even voice  and the gentle fingers stroking his face brought him back to himself.  He took a deep breath, inhaling John’s scent sprinkled with cold coffee and newspaper, then lifted his head to stare into concerned blue eyes.
“What the hell John?” he murmured as he focused on balancing his senses. “I don’t know Sweetheart but we’ll find out and then we are spending the afternoon meditating and resting”
Tony began to grumble his disagreement but stopped when John raised that damn eyebrow “its for the two of us Tony, not just you. We just got whammied by the spirit plane out of the blue, pun intended” John gave him a quick unrepentant grin and continued “we need to make sure there are no lurking surprises or aftereffects so you’ll just have to deal with it sentinel”

Tony handed John a fresh cup of coffee and took a sip of his own before asking JARVIS to play Blair’s message.

“Hey guys. Woops, owe you an apology for not warning you but to be fair, I didn’t know that was going to happen until it did, so I guess I couldn’t really warn you. But hey, everyone’s fine. Stiles is fine. Will tell you guys all about it when you get to Beacon Hills. Woops, Jim wanted Stiles to contact you, let the cat out of the bag there, but hey no panic, everything is cool. Stiles just needs his dad so maybe you could pretend to be surprised when he rings you? He’s fine, Scouts honour, well I’ve never been in the Scouts but as an anthropologist I totally understand the tribal culture and mores involved so if I had ever been in the Scouts, I would totally use that oath. Speak soon” And the call cut off.

John and Tony stared at each other in stunned silence then before either could say a word, Blair’s voice  was back sounding even more sheepish “ Woops again. Sorry guys, I didn’t tell you what happened did I? Okay, had a bit of unpleasantness to deal with on the spirit plane and your spirit animals turned up to help unexpectedly. Oh boy did they help! Anyway, obviously there’s a bit more of a story behind this so best to speak in person when you get to Beacon Hills. But I swear to you Stiles is fine and safe so don’t panic. Gah, forget I said that, I always panic when someone tells me not to panic so I don’t know why I say it. Just ignore that. But really don’t panic and we’ll see you soon. Bye guys” and the call cut off again.

Before either of them could say a word, Blair’s voice sounded out for the third time. “Hi guys, swear to the goddess I will forget my own head sometimes, anyway if you need me please ring me, but you should be okay after a period of guided meditation. I’ll be leading that for Jim, Stiles, and the others with us this afternoon so John if you want to link in the blue to help settle the pair of you, that’s fine. Tony, listen to your guide, you will need to meditate and rebalance after this little episode. Please don’t ignore your needs. I know you won’t ignore your guide’s”

Blair’s voice had dropped into Alpha guide territory, no distraction, no waffling. It was obvious that it was not a request. He clearly expected the pair of them to do as he said. But the last remarks were  full of rueful amusement as he signed off for the final time.

Tony had watched his guide as his face had changed from a wry paternal amusement because Blair had sounded so much like Stiles with his waffling wordy explanation to pale faced worry the more Blair said don’t panic. The man’s heartbeat had racked up speed on a par with Tony’s Hennessey Venom GT supercar.
 “I need to speak to Stiles” John shook his head “No I need to see him”.
 
Before he could say anything else Tony interrupted “ J,  have my plane ready to go within the hour. Get a flight plan logged for Beacon Hills. John doesn’t need to pack, except his unform, and we can do the damned meditation in the air.”

“If I may Sir, I already took the liberty of having the Sheriff’s uniform dry cleaned and sent back to his house. Your usual emergency “go” baggage have been refreshed and updated as of yesterday and are already on the aircraft awaiting you. Do you wish to take one of the suits?”

The tension had eased out of John as he listened to Tony and Jarvis make preparations, but the last question made him chuckle. “Tony, its Beacon Hills, a small town in Northern Cali, don’t you think taking one of your Iron Man suits is a bit over the top”

Tony grinned wickedly at his guide and raised an eyebrow as he spread his arms wide and twirled “ Over the top? Darling you do know who I am don’t you? “

As John moved towards the kitchen laughing at Tony’s antics, Tony muttered sotto voice “Make sure one of the suits is in the hold J, I want you active and available through the suit and the usual equipment.”

Stiles stared at the cell the big guy handed him in response to his excuse. Admittedly not one of his best… well okay, the utterly pathetic attempt to get out of ringing his dad by claiming his own cell needed charging excuse.
Technically it wasn’t a lie, all cells needed to be charged or they couldn’t work, but Uncle Jim had just raised one of the eyebrows of doom and handed him his own phone. (Stiles hadn’t yet decided whose eyebrows were doomier, was that a word? It should be a word. But whose were doomier? Grumpy Alpha Furball or Grumpy Alpha Prime Sentinel. He needed an adjudicator; Blair would do it in a heartbeat if Stiles mentioned the magic word research.)

He really wished he had kept his big mouth shut when Uncle Jim had been dealing with the “Educational” half of the Argent mob even if he really meant it at the time. He still wanted his dad; he just didn’t want to talk to him. The thought of trying to tell his dad, of admitting he had lied to him for months, about the danger, his shameful behaviour over Derek Hale, was just exhausting.

He was also afraid of his dad’s reaction. He knew he had disappointed him so much; he couldn’t bear it if this was the last straw.

Ellison sighed with fond exasperation “Kid, John loves you; he might be mad for a while but he loves you. Don’t stress yourself out about this.”  His deep voice was oddly soothing because Stiles’ senses could tell that he really meant it.  

Stiles looked down again at the cell in his hand, Uncle Jim had helpfully pulled up his dad’s number, so he didn’t have to scroll through. Stiles rolled his eyes before remembering that Jim was watching him, he winced as he raised his eyes and saw the amused smirk on the big guy’s face.

The sound of a cell ringing startled Stiles enough that he nearly dropped the silent phone in his hand. He knew that ring tone, he slid his other hand into his pants pocket and pulled out his own cell. Then he watched both eyebrows of doom raise on Uncle Jim’s face. Well crap.

“Must have had more charge in the battery than I thought” he offered weakly at the unimpressed Sentinel, a flush seeping up from his neck until his cheeks were apple red.

Jim had learnt a long time ago to hide his amusement, just because his Blair accused him of being a troll, it didn’t mean he wasn’t one. Blair hated when he used double negatives, which made it even funnier.  

The cell continued to ring as Stiles tried to juggle both in his hands. Jim wondered how long Stiles was going to take to work out a solution but he finally lost patience and he gently plucked his own cell out of the equation.
Stiles offered him a nod of embarrassed acknowledgement as he quickly pressed answer “Hi Dad” he chirped suddenly desperate to hear his father’s voice.

Ellison’s fake scowl eased as he saw the kid begin to relax properly for the first time that day and the way his face lit up with relief when his father told him he was on his way home.

It was only after the call ended that Stiles seemed to remember that he had a confession to make to his father. “Oh crap” he groaned but Jim could tell relief was still greater than apprehension. He slung his arm consolingly around the kid’s shoulder and pulled him into a one-sided hug.

“It’s a shame they won’t be here before Blair makes us meditate because of that spirit plane shit, er nonsense” Jim complained manfully, and was happy to see the kid distracted enough to laugh.  

Notes:

So John and Tony are finally on their way to Beacon Hills. Hope you enjoy this although it feels a bit like a filler to me. Not really advancing the action lol. But Blair wanted to be heard and I still think he's so like an Adult version of Stiles, which is why Jim has such a soft spot for Stiles.

Chapter 16

Summary:

The Sheriff and Ironman arrive in Beacon Hills. Stiles is stressed, Ellison is enigmatic, Blair is Blair. The Sheriff is stubborn and Stark is distracted. What the hell is that smell?

Notes:

Two years! Hmm. Time flies when you are procrastinating ( ill, stressed, anxious, or words to that effect). The last year especially. So my lovelies, if you still are interested, here's the next chapter. Thank you for your patience.

Chapter Text

“When did he get so tall?” There was a wistful edge to his guide’s low-voiced mutter as they disembarked the Stark jet. Then John shook his head “Good God, I’ve only been away a week and I sound just like Great Aunt Elżbieta. Maybe I should pinch his cheeks as well” he muttered with laughing derision.

Tony stared at John for a second, taking in the way the man’s body was instinctively relaxing as he stared out of the open plane door. Tony swung his gaze from his infinitely fascinating guide to the welcome committee waiting on the tarmac of the runway.  He didn’t have to be a genius to know that John wasn’t talking about Ellison or Sandburg. He saw the two other sentinels tilt their heads in that classic listening pose, and even though he knew the baby sentinel would not have the same sensory range yet as Ellison, they both smiled at his Guide’s words.
 
Tony couldn’t resist “Tall? Who Sandburg? Has he had a growth spurt?”
He heard Ellison’s snort and fake cough as the guy turned to look at his guide. Stiles opened his eyes wide and flailed his arms as he objected loudly “hey”.  The kid looked like a pouting Bambi. It was hilarious.
John swung his head to stare unimpressed at his Sentinel, but Tony could see the amusement in his eyes. Blair just rolled his eyes in exasperation, he might not have heard what Tony said but he had enough experience with snarky smirking sentinels to guess the context. He clapped his hands and called out. “Come on guys lets get this show on the road”

Stiles seemed to be on a roll on the ride back home, the kid didn’t stop talking. Tony was impressed by how much the kid didn’t actually say while he chattered away.  But Tony could feel the frustrated worry and determination building up in waves from his guide who hadn’t taken his eyes off his son, except to flick assessing and ever more irritated glances at Blair when they both felt the soothing calm he was projecting at the kid. Blair just smiled serenely back at him. Tony wasn't sure whether to laugh or move away from the pair of them.
Just as he was about to demand an answer to the question of the nervous tension in the car, Ellison shook his head and calmly ordered. “We will talk about it when we get to the house”

That one sentence managed to turn off Stile’s tongue and the silence became more oppressive.  Blair sighed and stared straight at the kid with exasperated fondness until they reached the house.

Tony stared at the place with fascination. This was his guide’s home. Where he had loved and lost his Claudia, where he was raising his son . Jarvis had already given him the relevant details on the private residence at 129 Woodbine Lane, Beacon Hills CA. Tony didn’t see a problem with that since his guide knew where he lived. However his guide might have a problem with the fact that the mortgage and all outstanding medical bills for the family had been paid. John would just have to deal with the fact that there other benefits to having Antony Stark as his partner for life. It was pocket change to his Sentinel and hit all of Tony’s blessed protector instincts.

He might have been a paranoid suspicious cynical bastard when they first started to bond and had nearly driven his guide away but he knew damn well John only wanted him as his bonded Sentinel, not for any of his material wealth. He had learnt that the hard way. 
He locked away the twinge of guilt that he hadn’t mentioned it to John just as both John and Blair were raising their eyebrows at him. Nosy damn Guides. He refused to give in to them and instead focused on the house in front of him.

The front yard was mainly parking but the grass had been kept tidily mowed. He imagined it was probably punishment detail for the youngest Stilinski and a surprising warmth hit him near the arc reactor at the normal domesticity of it all unlike his usual panicked retreat from anything of the sort. According to Jarvis, the exterior needed a new paint job, the roof needed replaced within the next 18 months, and the Wi-Fi infrastructure had to be upgraded to ensure Jarvis could be incorporated there.

Jarvis had ignored the interior décor as he had declared that a personal choice with no doubt emotional overtones but indicated that the kitchen, and the ensuite and family bathrooms, could do with an upgrade.
Jarvis already had a work plan for the exterior requirements, and it only required John’s sign off to commence. Tony refused to say it out loud because he knew he was privileged and often accused of not living in the real world but in the depths of his mind, he did wonder how John and the kid managed to live in something so small. He would definitely be sleeping on the couch if he uttered that thought to his guide.

The kid bounded up to the front door in front of them and then flung it open with a flourish.

“Welcome to Casa Stilinski Step Sentinel Stark” Stiles chirped breezily, waving his arms in what appeared to be an attempt to encompass the whole of the house. Tony raised an eyebrow behind his trademark sunglasses and smirked, Jim snorted as he led the way to the old but comfortable sofa and Blair gave an exasperated sigh but patted his shoulder fondly as he walked by Stiles to join his Sentinel on the sofa.

Stiles offered them all an impish grin, that tried very hard to mask his anxiety but it was obvious he was avoiding looking at this father.

John had focused on his kid like one of the old Stark Industries heat seeking missiles and the baby sentinel knew it. Tony was a master at distraction techniques, it had been a life saver more than once, but John saw straight through any of his attempts with disconcerting clarity, so he knew the kid didn’t stand a chance but it looked like that Stilinski stubbornness was out in force with the pair of them.

Tony was about to open his mouth and deliberately put his foot in it to break the deadlock between father and son when he caught the minuscule shake of the head from Ellison. Authority figures usually did not impress Tony, and he went out of his way to make sure they knew it but Ellison and Sandburg were different. As individuals and a bonded pair, they generated an instinctive loyalty and comfort that slid into an easy acceptance of their authority. There was no deep seated need to be contrary with them and Tony wasn’t sure he actually liked it, but he didn’t feel strongly enough to do anything about it.    
He drew in a slightly deeper breath than normal to avoid grinding his excellent teeth, and then got distracted by a strange scent. A scent that was waking up his sentinel "danger Will Robinson" reactions. He stared once again at Ellison who’s expression was still bland and calm. What the hell?  

John catalogued the obvious signs of his son’s distress; this wasn’t Stiles smart ass behaviour as a result of his brain redefining one of his school assignments (case in point his radical deep dive change of Coach’s economics assignment to an exposition on circumcision. Admittedly an excellent piece of work but not what the guy had wanted) This was Stiles upset about something, and more upset about how it was going to affect his father.

John’s voice was calm despite the worry churning in his gut. “Come on Kiddo, sit your backside down and then its time to fess up. What’s going on Stiles?” His kid finally looked at him, and the anxiety in those amber eyes felt like a punch to his gut.

Out of the corner of his eye, John saw Blair start to speak but Jim’s hand clamped onto his guide’s arm, and with a shake of his head murmured “It’s the kid’s story to tell Chief” Blair nodded in reluctant agreement, but he still sent a mock frown towards Tony and mimed zipping his lips.

Tony offered Blair a quick smirk, but he was too interested in that damn scent to really pay attention to Stiles and John. He was still listening, and they would handle whatever was upsetting the kid. If it was drugs or gang related, then Stepdad Sentinel would have the kid in rehab or a safe house whilst Ironman dealt with the idiots faster than either of them could say their own surname.

But that damn scent was triggering all his internal warning systems. He didn’t know why Ellison was either impervious to it or ignoring the damn thing but by the time the scent was joined by a heartbeat, and the sound of breathing from the back yard of the property he’d had enough. His Sentinel senses were flaring in warning and he heard Perro growl in his ear.  

“Jarvis, deploy the Mark II now” he ordered. That was no sentinel or guide from Ellison’s pride outside. He didn’t know who it was, but no-one was fucking with his family, or prying into something that wasn't their business. 

All the other occupants of the room turned to stare at him in surprised shock, well except for Ellison who was still smirking the bastard.  John pushed his kid behind him and demanded in his Sheriff’s voice “Sit rep Sentinel”.
Blair leapt to his feet, “Tony its not what you think…” but he was speaking to himself because the Mark II Ironman suit burst through the patio doors and Tony was in it and back out of those now destroyed doors before Blair could draw another breath.

Ellison beat Stiles out the door by inches and came to a sudden stop, Blair and John right behind him as they took in the scene in front of them.

Ironman was holding his ominously glowing gauntlet under the chin of a young man in a leather jacket whose eyes glowed a strange blue, with flexing claws at the end of his fingertips. Sub-vocal growling was matched by the whirr of the primed gauntlet.  It was clear that neither of these odd figures were ready to back down. 

“Derek” Stiles groaned with exasperation.  John did a double take as he looked from Tony to his son and back again. “Stiles” he ground out with almost the same intonation as his son.

Tony rolled his eyes within the helmet,  what the hell was going on and what the hell was he pointing his gauntlet at. The thought instantly turned to speech, and even through the neutral speaker of his helmet, his irritation and anger were very clear. “What the hell are you?”

The words seemed to rile the younger man up even further as his growling became louder and he grew mutton chops whilst losing his goddamn eyebrows.  What. The. Fuck.

Stiles pushed past his father and placed himself directly in front of Ironman’s gauntlet, “Werewolf, he’s a werewolf. Don’t hurt him” he yelled, red faced with fear and fury.
“Stiles” both John and the mutton chopped furry shouted their protest at the kid.  

For a moment there was silence as it seemed the tableau came to a sudden pause as if no-one quite knew what to do next.
The silence was broken by a snort, then sniggering until a roar of laughter had all the participants turning around. Blair Sandburg was staring open-mouthed at his Sentinel, his impassive big bad grumpy Blessed Protector who was bent double holding on to his knees because he couldn’t hold on to his laughter.

Tony retracted his helmet and lowered the gauntlet. Stiles slapped mutton chops’ chest and managed to gasp “Bring back your eyebrows and get rid of the claws Sour Wolf” before he started to giggle too as irrational relief that the werewolf silence bubble had burst but without him trying to find the words raced through his mind as fast as Scott chased after Alison.

“I take it this is what you wanted to tell me Stiles” his father offered dryly. "It's like the start of a joke, Ironman and Werewolf walk into the Sheriff's garden. God knows what the punchline is going to be?". And that was when the Alpha Prime Guide also succumbed to hysterical laughter.

Former murder suspect Derek Hale turned to face the sheriff of Beacon Hill and uttered incredulously “Seriously Sheriff, Iron Man?”

Tony Stark, snarky troll, Sentinel and Superhero turned to face his guide and uttered with mocking disbelief “Seriously Sheriff, Werewolf?”

Staring at the two ridiculously pouting aggrieved faces in front of him, John just gave up. He gave up, gave in, went with the flow and just surrendered. He followed his son and his Primes and started to snigger helplessly.

Notes:

Sorry, not sorry about the Title. John is all about Duty and Stiles+Tony=video games… well duh?
And it’s a war game (I think? Don't judge, I'm not into shoot em ups)

This story starts directly after the end of The Walls of Jericho. So if you haven’t read that it might not make much sense at first.

It deals with developing relationships, deteriorating relationships and just deserts. Definitely not canon or timeline compliant.

Of course I would start a new story before finishing anything else but the Battle of New York is being a bit of a bugger, the next chapter is fighting me so have this instead.

More tags will be added as the story develops but let me just say that the Adults are taking charge and sorting sh... so there. My version of a fix it but with Sentinel and Guides and common sense spiced with a dash of humour. No infringements intended . Enjoy

Series this work belongs to: