THE NEXT ALPHA

2-The World

Stiles was still staring at the mirror in front of him, as everyone else waited in silence. Eventually, Isaac decided to speak.

"Yeah, champ, you cost us a leader. So are you just going to sit there sulking, or what?" He spoke without hesitation. Stiles, however, was lost for words. Isaac was right. Scott had been an amazing Alpha, yet he had given up that power without a second thought.

"Scott should explain this. I told you no... I said it wouldn’t work; let me die! Deaton asked you. Why would you give up your hard-earned power and leadership... for someone like me?" Stiles's voice broke as his eyes welled up. He had stolen this from his best friend, against his will. Scott then spoke up.

"Isaac! Don’t be ridiculous. I made that choice. Stiles didn’t want it. And I’d do it again. While you were gone... Stiles taught me control. Who gave us advice in every critical moment? Sorry, but I wouldn’t give up my best friend just to be some leader. I didn’t exactly enjoy giving up being an Alpha, but I don’t regret it," he said, and even those who had doubted him nodded in agreement. Everyone except Stiles.

"But still, it's a huge sacrifice for someone like me..."

"Stiles, if you keep talking nonsense, I swear I'll smack you. If it were the other way around, and you had to give up everything to save me, you'd do it. Stiles, when I was ready to burn myself out, you told me to take you with me. I just gave up a bit of power."

"Good point, bad argument. You’re worth saving, Scott. But me?... I still remember plunging that sword into you...."

"That wasn’t you..."

"Maybe not, but that side of me is still there. Buried deep, and I can always feel that ominius energy, whispering, ‘Let me in.’ What if it happens again..." Stiles's voice trailed off, but Scott grabbed his shoulders.

"It won’t! Just like you taught me once, I’ll teach you. Actually, if you're up for it, get up now, and we’ll start." The group looked at Scott, slightly puzzled, but Lydia knew he was only saying this to distract Stiles from his negative thoughts.

"Alright, if we're done here, I have a psychiatrist appointment," Lydia said, glancing at Stiles.

"I think we're done? At least you guys are. Thanks for waiting and being here. And Lydia, feel free to hold my hand whenever you like; I could drop dead at any moment," Stiles teased, earning a playful smack on the shoulder.

"You're not dying," she whispered close to his ear. "You’re not leaving me." That made Stiles blush, his heart race, and his eyes sparkle, while Lydia walked out without another word. Isaac and Kira left next, but Derek decided to stay, sensing Stiles might need him for training. Scott pulled Stiles to his feet, and he and Derek began planning the training. Meanwhile, Deaton pulled Stiles aside.

"Stiles, I have a few warnings for you. First, I’m glad you’re back with us." Stiles nodded.

"I need to warn you about the Nogitsune. It still lives inside you, conscious but weak. Becoming an Alpha might benefit it, too, making it strong enough to take over again." Stiles's worst fear returned, another fight he thought he was done with.

"Doc, I’ve been aware of this for a long time. Don’t worry, I’ll be careful, but I need to ask you something... If it does take over, kill us both. Don’t listen to anyone." With a heavy heart, Deaton agreed. Scott then called out to his friend.

"Come on! The full moon’s out; let’s go before the wolf’s bane wears off."

"Yeah, I know!" Stiles replied. His heartbeat quickened, hastening his transformation. Pain radiated from his bones, and he winced. He needed to remember what he taught Scott—clear his mind, slow his pulse. Thanks to the wolf’s bane, he managed to halt his transformation.