Chapter 31

There is a mix of reactions at Stiles' pronouncement. Many of the wolves seem eager for a fight, even the ones who are still recovering from the previous one. The Dwarves, Gnomes, and Centaurs all appear equally ready for 'Round Two'. Both of the dragons seem disinterested, as do Dave and the other Sasquatch. Everyone else just looks tired.

"Stiles" Lydia says speaking carefully "I think we should thoroughly examine everything before we take any actions."

Peter looks at her in shock, but Stiles just stares. "We can't let this insult stand!" Peter roars.

But Lydia doesn't flinch. "I'm not saying it should. But we have just been through hell. We were attacked, kidnapped, thought Stiles and his dad were dead, thought Boyd's family was dead, thought we were all going to die, and then fought a battle against several teams of hunters and some kind of mercenaries with military hardware" she said going over each point. "I am saying that we should proceed, but carefully to make sure we don't miss anything or get it wrong."

"Get what wrong?" Derek asks looking at the redhead.

Lydia looks at Derek with a sign of appreciation that he at least sounds reasonable. "Fact one: Gerard and Kate. The Argents had not only disowned them but put a price on their heads. Cut off funds and given both resources and support to us through Chris and Allison." She looks over at the two hunters "Do you have any reason to doubt the Grand Matriarch's sincerity?"

Both of them look at each other for a few seconds before Allison replies. "I don't. I am not as certain as the rest of the family, but Clarissant always seemed honorable. If Gerard and Kate were getting help from the family, I think that she didn't know."

"And when she hears about this, she is going to find out if anyone did" Chris adds. "I spoke to her when I delivered your ultimatum Stiles and she was furious, but not at you. We spoke this summer and she seemed to really believe that things needed to change. That the family needed to focus on real monsters, not just non-humans. And she considered Gerard a monster."

Lydia nods in thanks and looks back at Derek. "The Council issued their Interdiction. Sent word out around the world. That step alone was unprecedented, but as a ruse? It doesn't fit their MO." She looks over and sees Alpha Ito. "Alpha, do you believe the Council would act in such a way?"

Satomi looks thoughtful as she considers Lydia's question. Finally, she looks up at Derek. "The Council's actions already have many wondering if the Council is weaker or perhaps that they have finally met their match. Either way, it is not a position of strength which has ever been their way of acting. To surrender your territory to you, that did not show their authority, it recognized your own. From what I know, the Council would not have chosen to look weak to others in some attempt at deception."

Derek looks thoughtful and glances at Stiles who seems to be tense with anticipation or fury, he really can't tell at the moment. But he is still and quiet and that makes Derek nervous. "Assuming that you are correct Lydia, she is only the head of one family. What about the others?"

Lydia nods with a smile. "And that's my point. We need to know the truth about the others. They could have acted without her knowledge or provided her with deniability. But if she, and several others, are actually innocent, then making the wrong move could cost us more than it gains."

"Gathering evidence isn't a bad plan" Noah says gently to his son.

Stiles looks at his dad for a moment before nodding. "Besides" Lydia says with a grin thrown at Peter, "if they are involved, how are they going to respond when no one let's them know what happened here?"

"That may not be easy to hide Ms. Martin" Noah says shaking his head. "I have an entire force of deputies who know about Stiles now, not to mention the smoking crater where the station was. It is probably all over the news by now not to mention the internet."

"Wait, so everyone survived?" Isaac asks surprised. "Where are they?"

"Restoring order" Noah says simply. "Right now the story is that we were called away and a gas main accidently blew up. Tara and Jordan are managing things. They are setting up at City Hall where I need to get to" he says looking at Stiles.

The teen nods and quickly opens a portal and Noah steps through. Everyone sees Tara greet the Sheriff before it closes.

"Uh…I don't want to miss anything, but I really want to check on my family" Boyd asks looking at Stiles.

The teen seems to relax at that and moves his hands and opens up another portal.

"Dear Lord! What on earth is that thing?" they all hear a voice scream out when the portal opens.

Erica laughs and looks at the twins. "They didn't see us actually arrive that way" Ethan explains.

"It's me Nana" Boyd says moving towards the fiery ring.

"Vernon? Are you trying to burn my house down, boy?"

Several of the wolves are laughing but Boyd just jumps through, Erica right behind him, before Stiles closes the portal.

"Arcanist?" Dave says respectfully stepping forward.

Stiles looks at the elder Sasquatch. "Dave. I think I haven't said thank you yet for your clans help." Stiles looks around the battlefield. "Actually, thank you to a lot of people."

Dave nods. "We honor our treaties with the High Alphas. But can I assume you are going to wait a bit to face our possible foes?"

Stiles nods. "For a little bit. Maybe give everyone some time to sleep and heal." He pauses and then seems to make up his mind before looking at Derek. "I think we should meet tomorrow at noon at the stones. All of us can talk and make some plans" he says and smiles when Derek nods in agreement.

"We can use some time tonight to take care of our wounded" Derek says looking around before frowning. He turns to Yvette "And to those we lost" he says with a questioning look.

Yvette steps forward. "High Alpha. I would be honored to give rest to the spirits of those that fought her today. On both sides" she adds.

Several of the wolves seem angry at that. "Thank you" Stiles says loudly cutting that off. "Let the dead rest quietly. We want no anger or lingering hate in our home."

Yvette bows and steps away. Cora follows, as do several other wolves who are curious about the young Necromancer.

"Stiles" Chris says stepping forward. "My men have been watching town. I don't know how they missed this."

"That would be Gerard" Raphael McCall says coming back after hanging up his phone. "Gerard knew you would have hunters on standby, as well as the wolves. He also figured the vet would use magic. So instead he sent his Hydra buddies."

"Dad! I thought you had sided with Gerard" Scott asks looking completely lost.

"Sorry about that son. It was necessary. I was recruited by S.H.I.E.L.D a few years ago. There were some concerns about possible leaks in their organization so Coulson was looking for someone outside the Agency who would not be on anyone's list of possible agents. As I was coming out of my own issues, I could be easily portrayed as someone with not a lot of career options. Once Hydra was revealed, we realized that I was perfectly situated. Angry, passed over, bitter…it was the perfect profile for them to target to infiltrate the Bureau. And they did. I was recruited, very expertly I will admit, I probably wouldn't have realized what they were doing until it was too late. Well, that is if I didn't already know what was going on. So I 'joined' Hydra and waited. Phil would keep me updated in ways they couldn't track."

"But how did you get here?" Allison asks coming up beside Scott during Raphael's explanation to take his hand. "I mean weren't you in Washington, D.C.?"

Rafe nods. "I was, but when Gerard figured out that there was a Hydra agent from here, he got interested. Once he realized who I was, he was even more determined. I got sent here and played my part of the bitter, angry father. He gave me everything. I learned all of his plans and during a visit to the Sheriff's station, I was able to slip Phil a USB drive with Gerard's plans encoded on it. So when Gerard sent his forces to attack the weapons depot tonight to coincide with his attacks here, Phil had a heavily armed team waiting for them. They were defeated rather easily, and they even managed to capture quite a few of them to interrogate."

"So you were a double agent?" Scott demands. He looks over at Stiles who is listening but totally unsurprised. "You knew?"

"Hey!" Stiles protested. "I only found out today. Right before the station blew up actually. He totally fooled me. I'm just glad dad talked me out of dropping him into a volcano."

Rafe looks at the teen in horror. "I was kidding" Stiles says carelessly.

Derek replies with his eyebrows. Lydia snorts.

"STILES!" Scott yells.

"Oh, I wouldn't have really done it Scott. I mean you would have cried, and I wouldn't have wanted to do that."

Rafe looks pale. "Lucky your son still loves you, otherwise…" Peter makes the sound of something dropping and poofing.

"Peter" Derek growls.

"Not to interrupt, but what are we going to do now?" Alpha Marshall asks looking at the tired and weary group.

Stiles smiles. "Okay, everyone who wants a ride home, line up and I will open a portal for you. If you want to stay, we will order in pizza from a great place I know in New York. But I want everyone back here tomorrow so if you are leaving, plan your return first."

Both dragons take off, apparently pizza is not their thing. Most of the dwarves, centaurs, and goblins do as well, but more than a few stay for the party. However, tables, chairs, utensils, pillows, blankets, and other things for a party start appearing as the brownies begin planning for a party.

Alphas Delgado and Ferris both request a ride home and promise to return by 11 with their full packs. The other alphas all decide to spend the night. They ask for permission to call in the rest of their packs and Stiles and Master Lyra happily assist. It takes a good hour to get everyone situated and by then, Lydia, Isaac, and Jackson return with the largest mass of pizzas that Stiles has ever seen. Even with those it probably wouldn't be enough, but Alpha Marshall's mate arrived and sent out several of the betas and before the pizza had even arrived, they had already caught, cleaned, prepped, and started a deer on a spit roast. Many of the other pack members wanted to expand the options so between them, the sorcerers were portaling werewolves all over to get supplies, use kitchens, and get what is quickly turning into the largest werewolf gathering in centuries.

By the time Erica and Boyd return, Melissa has joined them along with Eddie and his friend Billy. The town is doing well, but Noah is having to deal with everyone freaking out about the explosion, so he sends his regards. Jordan does stop by to grab some food and take some back to the other deputies. It seems that more than a few had figured out that something weird was going on, even if they didn't know what it was. Now however, they were really curious.

Melissa had sat with Rafe, Chris, Allison, Eddie, and Billy and were all actually getting along. Chris and Rafe were talking shop and Eddie and Billy were making fun of Scott and Allison being all gooey with each other. Melissa just looked happy.

The rest of the pack was scattered around with alphas and betas all mixed up and seeming to be having a good time. Even Mr. Yukimura arrived to join his wife and Satomi though Kira was hanging out with Isaac and several younger betas from the other packs.

While everyone was gathered in their little groups, Erica finally couldn't contain it any longer. "Stiles, how the hell did you pull all this off?" There was a sudden quiet over the entire field, all the wolves heard that question and went silent. The non-wolves all got word and everyone started scooting forward to hear his answer.

Stiles sighed and stood up. "You want the whole story huh?" he says and with a gesture his eyes light up. "Okay. Let me show you."

Everyone is sitting there when suddenly they are seeing what looks a movie. They are inside the Sheriff's Station and watch Raphael McCall walk into the station, a briefcase in his grip as he appears to scan the room for who is all present at the station. They see him frown but it quickly disappears.

"Agent McCall" the Sheriff says stepping out of his office, Stiles standing right beside him looking less than pleased to see the man. "I hear you have some news for us" he says and points to the conference room. McCall nods, setting the briefcase down on a desk before following the Sheriff and Deputy Graeme. Stiles isn't following them, he is just standing by the office door.

They watch Scott's father walk over to the room and step in with the Sheriff before stopping and shutting the door on Tara. Stiles glances over at Jordan who looks equally shocked. His father is talking with McCall in the room but no one can hear anything but they do see Tara, and she looks pissed off. She actually reaches for the door, but Sheriff Stilinski looks over and holds up his hand and waves her off.

Tara stands at the door, watching through the glass for a moment before she moves over to Stiles and Jordan as they all look into the conference room, the other deputies are all gathered around trying to look inconspicuous and failing.

"Is he giving the Sheriff an advance briefing?" Jordan asks confused.

"I don't know" Tara says very slowly and deliberately, and Stiles decides 'screw this' and he moves his fingers and draws a rune in the air, apparently invisible to almost everyone at the station but they can all see it in the vision.

"What the hell is that?" Jordan asks in a shocked voice.

Stiles looks over and sees the deputy staring at the rune while Tara is looking around trying to figure out what he's talking about.

"You can see it?" Stiles whispers looking around the station.

"It is glowing!" Jordan whisper yells as his eyes bug out.

"Magic. Now be quiet and let me listen" Stiles hushes the man. He will figure out how he can see it later, he wants to eavesdrop.

"You are working for Coulson?" Noah says looking at the agent in disbelief.

"I was assigned to watch for possible spies in S.H.I.E.L.D and Argent is in bed with the worst possible, Hydra. He recruited me because they all though I was bitter and angry" McCall replies.

"But you're not" the Sheriff says looking doubtful.

"Remember our fight in your office?" Noah nods. "I passed on Gerard's plans to Phil during the fight. The important thing is that Gerard is making his move against Hale tonight."

"Why Hale?" Noah says skeptically.

"Because the kids a werewolf. Like Scott."

Noah looks shocked.

"No fucking way" Stiles whispers.

"What's going on?" Tara hisses.

"McCall is working for S.H.I.E.L.D.!" Stiles sputters. "And he knows about the pack."

"What!?" Tara exclaims. "Are you serious. That guy?"

Just then the Sheriff and McCall come out and he calls everyone together. "Listen up!" Sheriff Stilinski yells. "We have a serious situation. A paramilitary group is about to attack us."

The deputies all look confused, even the ones in the know, but Stiles seems to be antsier than normal. Standing there he feels his skin burning and suddenly his shirt bulges.

"Stiles!" Jordan yells and moves away. Everyone turns to look at the teen and just then his shirt rips and smoke flows out and coalesces into the shape of a large, black wolf.

"What the hell is that?!' one of the deputies not in the know yells.

Stiles is about to reply, though what he can say he doesn't know, when the wolf turns to him with red eyes >>DANGER! THERE ARE BOMBS HERE! << the wolf's voice is in his head and is female!

"Bombs? Where?" Stiles says looking confused.

McCall steps up. "No, I switched the bomb out. The briefcase is fine."

>>THE TRAITOR PLANTED THEM…YOU ONLY HAVE SECONDS<<

Stiles isn't sure why but he trusts the wolf almost instinctively. He moves his hands and opens a portal directly under his father, McCall, Tara, and Stevens. They drop through with a yell and then he closes it. Opening another one to the side of the deputies, the deputies all look freaked out but Stiles doesn't give them time to reach and with a gesture, the portal moves over them, transporting them away except for Stiles, Jordan, and Adams, who were all standing away from the others.

"Last one" Stiles says and opens a third portal next to Adams. "Get through" he orders and the man freezes but Jordan steps forward when the air shifts and the front desk explodes in a fireball. Stiles tenses and drops Adams through the portal but that is all he can do before the fire hits Jordan and engulfs the deputy. "Jordan!" Stiles yells but then they all watch in the vision as the fireball shrinks down and suddenly Deputy Parrish is standing there, smoking and covered in soot, his uniform completely burned away.

"I'm alive?" Jordan asks looking confused.

>>THERE ARE MORE<< the wolf warns and Stiles decides he isn't waiting. Opening a portal under Jordan the man drops down and Stiles jumps over to it and just as he does, another explosion, in the Sheriff's office goes off but Stiles drops to the floor of his living room and with a twist the portal closes and he looks up at the full complement of the department all in his house looking confused.

"Did I get everyone?" Stiles says standing up and noting he didn't escape unharmed as his clothes were burned in places but his magic mostly protected him.

"Where's Sandy?" one of the deputies demanded.

"Didn't she go to get donuts?" Stevens asks looking at Ryan who nods remembering her walking out right after McCall came in.

"So she is the only one to get out of the station before bombs went off" Noah says carefully and they all watch the faces of the deputies as they realize what that means.

"She was the inside agent" Rafe says shaking his head. "I knew he had someone else, but she was buried deep. Gerard never said but I was positive he had someone. It also seems that he wanted to clean up his loose ends."

"You mean you" Tara says looking at the man with barely concealed anger.

"Exactly. I don't know if I blew my cover or if I was just disposable" he pulls out his phone. "But I can put out word at the airports to see if we can pick her up" he offers and looks at Noah who nods in agreement.

"You said they were attacking the pack?" Stiles interrupts the agent suddenly looking worried.

"Mister Stiles!" a high-pitched voice yells and everyone spins around and many of the deputies all stare and the miniature man looking agitated in the kitchen.

"Usilis. What's wrong?" Stiles says moving over to the Brownie.

"Tipsk says bad men came to his home, hurt Missus Boyd and the girls. They attacked Mr. Boyd and Ms. Erica."

"Mister Stiles!" another pop and a second Brownie is there.

"Skiep?" Stiles recognizes the house spirit who lives with Peter and Cora.

"BAD, BAD, Lady came. She took High Alpha and Mr. Peter. She was shifter but wrong. Brought hunters into home."

"Some crazy woman has Derek?" Stiles says looking furious.

>>KATE<<

Stiles spins and stares at the wolf in shocked disbelief. "I must have heard that wrong."

>>IT IS KATE ARGENT. YOUR PACK IS UNDER SEIGE. WHERE ARE YOUR ALLIES?<<

Stiles stares for another second at the wolf and then he closes his eyes and taps into the ley line under the house. Everyone finally gets to see things like Stiles does as they watch him reach out to all of the pack and sees them captured and being moved. Except Eddie, Melissa, and the twins. With a gesture, Stiles opens a portal and the twins actually fall through, landing on their feet looking confused and angry, but Stiles isn't paying them attention and instead he opens another portal and the two teen boys drop through.

"They've been shot!" Tara yells moving towards Eddie and Billy, several other officers start to move to help her.

Stiles opens his eyes and looks at the two and with a gesture there is the sound of breaking glass and their wounds all disappear. "What the hell?" Tara says just as both boys' eyes open, Eddie's glowing golden.

She jumps back just as the teen sits up and looks around in confusion. "What happened?"

"Later" Stiles cuts him off. "Ethan, Aiden, get ready. Hunters have attacked the Boyds. Go help" he orders and opens a portal and both Alphas are through seconds later.

"Can someone tell me what's going on?" one of the deputies asks desperately.

"Tara, fill him in. Jordan, get some clothes on. We have some in the laundry" Noah says decisively. "Stiles, did they blow up the station?"

"Yeah. It's gone dad. They have the pack too, looks like they are heading to old Hale house."

Noah nods and looks around. "We need help" he says looking at his son.

Stiles looks lost for a second but then he suddenly looks pissed off. Gerard attacked them, Kate is back, and someone just tried to kill his dad. He turns to Usilis. "Usilis, send word to everyone we know, all the packs that members of your clan are living with. I am calling for war. I will be opening portals and they are to be ready. Send word to the dwarves, gnomes, centaurs, dragons, and the sisters. We've been attacked and we are striking back!"

"Tara" Noah interrupts her explaining. "Stiles will send you all to City Hall. Make up an excuse why we were out. Say it was a gas leak or something. Cover for me as much as you can." He turns to McCall who nods before looking back at Stiles. "We're coming with you."

"Us too" Eddie says and Billy nods. Stiles isn't sure but he doesn't have time for this. He opens a portal and Tara and the newly clothed Jordan both lead the rest of the deputies through it before Stiles closes it and opens another to his stone circle. Stepping through he breathes deeply and feels something pulling on him and he follows the thought and feels Ethan. Opening a portal the twins step through, Aiden dragging a body behind him.

"Boyd's grandmother is scary!' he says with sincerity.

"What happened?" Noah asks looking only briefly at the dead hunter.

"After they took Boyd and Erica, they were going to burn the house down with his family tied up inside. Tipsk knocked him out and was trying to free them when the hunter woke up. He was about to try again when we arrived and heard the yelling, so we ran in" Ethan explains. Then he turns and looks at his brother and snickers "Boyd's grandmother didn't appreciate all the blood" he adds.

Aiden rolls his eyes before looking back at Stiles. "So, what's next?"

Stiles opens a portal to a rather surprised looking individual sitting in a garden. "Stiles?"

"Master Lyra, I need your help, please!" Stiles called through the portal. The sorceress nodded and quickly stood and stepped through.

"What is it my young friend?" she asks as Stiles closes the circle.

"My family has been attacked. Hunters have taken my pack!"

Lyra frowns but her expression remains mostly serene. "Stiles, you know that we don't get involved in the conflicts of others. Hunters and wolves have been fighting for centuries."

Stiles looks furious. "The planted bombs at my dad's office and set them off when all of the deputies and him were there."

That rattles her and she looks around but then she spots Noah. "But he is safe" she points out looking at the Sheriff.

"I was there and managed to portal them all out in time, but it was a coordinated attack by Gerard Argent" Stiles says and notices that the normally unflappable Master reacts to that. "You've heard of him" he says without doubt. Lyra looks around at the small group but nods. "I have. Wong was investigating them after he spoke with you."

"I tried to reach Wong but he isn't answering. Neither is Doc Strange."

She nods. "I feel a danger is approaching. But I am not as skilled as they are so I believe they are dealing with it."

"They used Hydra to attack us?" Stiles asks.

Lyra looks confused. "Hyrdra? The Nazi group from WWII? They tried to attack Kamar-Taj during the war. Their leader was fascinated by the mystic arts."

"What happened?" Stiles can't help asking in spite of himself.

"The Ancient One did not approve of his presence. He didn't return. But they were destroyed almost 80 years ago."

"No they weren't" Rafe interrupts the conversation. "They went underground and infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. and multiple government agencies and bodies. They attacked recently and were revealed and Gerard Argent is allied with them. Their agents attacked the pack."

Lyra looks worried. That organization was dangerous and the Ancient One had not underestimated their leader. She had almost intervened before he managed to defeat himself with the aid of Captain America, who was also back apparently. She sighs. "What do you need?"

"Transport help. Can you help me bring in my allies?" he asks and she nods.

Stiles tells the others to wait and gather everyone who comes. Then he links to the ley lines and brings Master Lyra with him. Seconds later he locates Alpha Ito and opens a portal to her. The old Alpha isn't shocked, the twins had left abruptly. Ethan called to her and she crossed along with three of her betas. Stiles had barely shut her portal when he was opening another. Master Lyra then opened hers. Over the next 10 minutes, Alphas Marshall, Ferris, Flores, Roberts, Perkins, Reynolds, Bouvier, and Delgado had all arrived with nearly forty betas between them.

Stiles closes the portal behind the Los Angeles Alpha just as Master Lyra welcomes Kira and her mother before the Alpha turns towards him. "Why have you called us here?" Javier Delgado asks surprised at the number of alphas all gathered in one place. He personally hadn't been in the presence of this many alphas in his life and he is fairly sure none of the rest of them, save possibly Alpha Ito, had either.

"I would imagine for the same reason he called us" Dave's soft voice says as he steps out of the trees behind Javier causing the Alpha and more than a few betas to jump in surprise and then look at the sasquatch and his three companions in absolute shock.

"It is Dave. I sent the Brownies to everyone" Stiles tells them just as Yndriesdi and Frommenth fly in and land just outside the stone circle.

"Holy Shit!" Alpha Perkins squeaks at the sight of the two "Are those really dragons!?!"

"Would you like to test our teeth puppy?" Yndriesdi asks with a laugh as she shows off her set of rather impressively sharp fangs.

"Or maybe our fire?" Frommenth suggests with a small fireball puff.

"No!" Jessica Perkins manages to get out, staring at the two dragons in near awe.

Just then Vorgin and Beverly ride in with Kreyna right behind. "Centaurs?" Alpha Roberts says with a respectful voice. "I didn't know there were Centaurs in Beacon Hills."

"The Arcanist and High Alpha have given us refuge" Vorgin says looking over at Stiles in expectation just a blast of noise signals the arrival of the dwarven brothers Merek and Thalin along with Whulibela and four of the Gnome leaders though Stiles was still having trouble telling them apart.

"Mighty one" Skeip says as he appears next to Stiles. "The Ladies Arwen and Celeste said to tell you they are calling for help as they are not skilled in battle. They know of the attack and are calling for aid from their kin."

Stiles nods and is about to start when there is a low rumble and Keneun flies in and lands, his lightning almost unnoticeable. Alpha Delgado stares in shock recognizing the Thunderbird but certain they were no more. The mighty elemental had only arrived when Iskender walked out of the woods with the Dryad Eriphse and a half dozen Pixies flying around him. "I hope we are not late" Eriphse says happily.

Stiles looks surprised at them. "I didn't think that Usilis would be able to find you" he admitted but also feeling some relief.

"The trees also listen Arcanist" Iskender says gently. "Though our kind are not warriors like these others, there are other ways we can assist in this fight."

Stiles nods and looks around at everyone. But then he turns back to Eriphse. "Princess. Can you ask the Pixies to scout the old Hale House? Tell us who and what we are facing?"

She nods and the Pixies giggle and dart off. "Uh, won't the hunters notice a dozen balls of light?" Alpha Roberts asks still staring in shock at Iskender and the Dryad Princess.

"Pixies can be invisible to humans when they wish Alpha" Iskender says gently. "They will not be seen by our foes."

"Can someone tell us who these foes are? And why we are here?" Alpha Marshall asks looking irritated.

Stiles explains. He shares the attack by the hunters on the pack and the Sheriff's station. Tells them about Gerard and Kate, and about Hydra. By the time he finishes the Pixies return and update everything. They are still gathering as they haven't gotten everyone there, but they are close.

"Argent, Calaveras, Davies, and Parker. That is a coordinated effort by the Hunters" Alpha Ito says with concern. "This could ignite a war."

Stiles' eyes glow. "War is already here. They invaded my territory and violated their own Interdict!"

"Wait! What did you say?" Alpha Bouvier interrupts. "Did you say Interdict?"

Stiles looks at the man but nods. "The Council laid all of California under Interdict."

The Alpha looks stunned. He turns to his fellow Alphas, but they don't seem to see the relevance. "An Interdict means no hunter may go there. No action there is approved without a unanimous decree of the Council, and any hunter who goes there is not only disavowed, but unavenged!"

Eyes widen in shock at that. "Wait, are you saying that if these hunters are killed…" Alpha Flores asks him.

"Then no vengeance, no retaliation, not even an acknowledgment that it happened. If we attack them, there are no consequences. By their own law!"

Stiles sees the looks of determination from most of the Alphas, and a lot of the betas at that. Only Alphas Ito and Delgado look worried.

"Not to interrupt all this, whatever this is" Merek says with an expression of annoyance. "But this doesn't involve my people."

The wolves all look pissed as do several of the others. Thalin nods in agreement but Wulibela looks outraged. "What do you mean it doesn't involve us?" she demands.

Thalin snorts. "This is between the wolves and the human hunters. Not us." The dwarven priest looks stunned at the stance of the brothers.

"When you came to us, we agreed to let you live here if you agreed to common protection" Stiles says to the brothers in a deceptively chilly voice that neither of the brothers notice.

"We are not threatened. You can fight them. If we are threatened, then we will fight" Merek says smugly.

"I see" Stiles says and then he steps forward. "Then I am afraid I am no longer willing to tolerate the presence of your clan in my territory. You have 24 hours to leave my lands" he says simply and calmly.

Both dwarves look at him in a mix of shock and disbelief. Merek puffs up. "Boy, you don't tell us what to do! We do not answer to…" Whatever he was going to say goes unsaid as he smashed into the ground unconscious as a result of the rather spectacular hammer blow to the back of his head by Wulibela. Thalin turns on her in shock just as her hammer smashes his nose, breaking it, and sending him into unconsciousness next to his brother.

"My apologies Arcanist" Wulibela says to Stiles who is looking at her in shock while more than a few betas are trying not to laugh. "There has been some tension in my clan. These two have felt that their arrival here first gave them privileges that they did not earn. May I request a portal to our clan to speak with my clan them about this…" she looks down at the two brothers "dishonorable action."

Stiles nods and looks at Lyra who opens a portal without smiling under the two dwarves while the she-dwarf jumps in after. Then it closes.

"Sorceress" Kreyna says to Lyra "can you open one to our herd? We need to summon our fighters and gather our weapons." Lyra does the same for the Centaurs and then everyone turns to Stiles.

"Okay. Dave. Can you sneak a force through the tunnels and under the pack? Bring them down to safety when we attack?"

>>KATE IS MINE<< the wolf says.

Stiles looks at his former tattoo and knows he needs some answers. He asks Alpha Marshall to take the lead on strategizing with the others and steps off to the side, the wolf following alongside.

Stepping away from the others, Stiles looks down at the black wolf. "Okay, I think an explanation is in order. Like, how can you be here, how can you talk, how do you know all this, and why do you think I am going to let you be the one to deal with Kate instead of Derek or Peter?"

The wolf just sits on her haunches and stares at him and Stiles is fairly certain she is laughing at him. >>AWFULLY UNGRATEFUL FOR ME SAVING YOUR LIFE AND YOUR FATHER'S<<

Stile snorts. "My magic would have protected me, and I have enough wards and protections on my dad that those bombs wouldn't have messed up his uniform."

>>HAVING HIS DEPUTIES SPLATTERED ALL OVER HIM MIGHT HAVE MESSED IT UP<<

Stiles frowns. "Okay, you got that one. You did save all the rest, even Scott's dad. But how did you know?"

>>I'VE BEEN WATCHING FOR THIS CHANCE. ONCE KATE RETURNED, I HAD TO WAIT FOR HER TO COME CLOSE ENOUGH FOR ME TO END HER. I RISKED EVERYTHING TO TAKE MY REVENGE. IF SHE DIES BY ANY OTHER HAND THAN MINE, I WILL NEVER BE RELEASED<<

"But you are a tattoo. I dreamed you up and Kelsey drew you" Stiles says in frustration.

The wolf's tongue rolls out and he is sure she is definitely laughing at him. >>I CAME TO YOU IN YOUR DREAMS. AND I WAS NEVER A TATTOO<<

Stiles glares. He can't argue with that. "So if you are not my spirit animal, what are you?"

>>I'M DISAPPOINTED YOU HAVEN'T FIGURED IT OUT YET LITTLE MAGE. PETER WOULD HAVE BY NOW, BUT THEN UNCLE PETER WAS ALWAYS CLEVER<<

Stiles throws up his hands. That's no answer! How would Peter have figured it out…wait, did she say 'Uncle Peter'? Stiles stares at the wolf and she flashes those alpha red eyes and he gets it. The spirit who didn't come when he called the others, the one that Talia said had another task. "Laura?" he whispers.

>>I KNEW YOU WOULD GET IT EVENTUALLY BAMBI. I DIED AT PETER'S HANDS BUT IT WAS ALWAYS THE HUNTERS, AND KATE MOST OF ALL, WHO CAUSED ALL OF THIS. YOU CAN HAVE GERARD, BUT KATE IS MINE!<< her mental voice snarls fury, anger, and a demand for vengeance.

"But Peter killed you" Stiles mumbles.

>>I WAS THERE STILES. WE FORGAVE HIM FOR HIS MADNESS. I WAS MAD BUT DEATH HAS FOCUSED MY RAGE. PETER WAS A VICTIM AS MUCH AS WE WERE. KATE IS MY PREY. WILL YOU DENY ME?<<

Stiles gets it. He knows that a spirit of vengeance is a powerful burden to bear. If she fails in her mission, she is denied the afterlife forever. Never to be reunited with her family's spirits. He nods. "I will make sure she is yours to take" he promises.

"Well as that is settled, it would seem to be our turn" a musical voice says and both Stiles and the wolf spin around in surprise as neither of them heard anyone approach. Laura snarls and Stiles lowers his mystic discs that he has summoned.

But then, the Fae Queens have their own magic. "Mab" Stiles says politely to the Winter Queen who is standing there next to an equally beautiful woman with golden hair and the presence of life and warmth and everything Mab is not. "Queen Titianna I presume?" he asks.

The Summer Queen smiles, and it truly does light up the place. "He is all you have said sister" she says to the Winter Queen. The two Queens share a look and Stiles feels a shift he knows he won't like.

"Why do I have the feeling you are not here to help in our fight?"

"That depends on how you consider our offer youngling" Mab says with a wicked smile. "One you face has drawn our attention and our wrath. We have made the connections and now see the culprit revealed. There is one due to face our justice. We want him."

Stiles crosses his arms and remembers Mab's words from earlier. "Here, Justice is by my hand and word" he replies repeating her advice from earlier.

Mab laughs at her sister's surprised reaction. "Oh, I do so enjoy having you in this world boy."

Stiles doesn't react to being called a boy. Mab is centuries old and he can't legally drink so it's not really an insult.

"You are correct" Titianna acknowledges. "Justice, is yours to administer. But crimes against the Fae are serious and this one has done much against our kind. He has hidden his crimes well behind others, but we have finally unraveled his maneuvering."

Stiles stares at her for only a second before he figures it out. A master manipulator, evil, and crazy. "Gerard" he spits.

Titianna nods regally while Mab watches him.

"No."

Mab smirks but the Summer Queen is stunned. Stiles doesn't argue, doesn't debate, doesn't even engage. Just "No."

"Gerard Argent has committed crimes against our kind. We will have Justice!" Titianna demands.

Stiles steps forward till he is right next to the Queens, Laura at his side, her eyes burning crimson. "Did Gerard Argent attempt murder of either of your families?" he challenges.

Titianna jerks back as if slapped. "No" she admits unwillingly.

"Does he have, or have ever had, your Mate as prisoner?"

She swallows her retort. "No" she says suddenly less imperious.

"Did he invade your land? Capture your subjects? Threaten your loved ones?"

"No. But he has killed our kind."

Stiles looks down at Laura. "He killed Laura Hale's entire family. Has any of his crimes been as great as his ones against me and mine?" he demands, his eyes burning white.

"Your claim is the superior one" Mab says firmly and ignores the look of betrayal from her sister. His crimes against you are greater. Nonetheless, we wish you to give up your rights and acknowledge our own." Titianna seems to relax a bit at her sister's words and nods in agreement.

Stiles stares at the Winter Queen in shock. He really can't believe her words but they both are standing her like they have the right to do so. "Why would I do so?" he finally asks.

"For our friendship" Mab suggests with a smirk.

Stiles stares at her. "We're not that close."

Mab laughs. Her sister frowns but more at her sister than at Stiles. "Oh, boy, we will have such fun together." She looks at him with a fierce expression and then tilts up her chin in challenge. "Name your price."

Stiles looks confused but the Summer Queen only pauses for a second before nodding and looking at him and waiting for his answer.

"What price? Price for what?" he asks ignoring the sudden sounds from the group that have gotten very loud.

"We want Gerard. You have the right to pay him back for his crimes against you. What do you ask of us to give up your claim and give him to us?" Titianna says simply.

Stiles opens and closes his mouth several times, but he can't find the words. He wants to make Gerard pay but he also isn't completely stupid. He can refuse them, but he isn't entirely sure it would be worth it. He really wants the man to pay for what he's done. "What will you do with him?" he questions them as a stall.

Mab laughs wickedly and coldly. "He is a hunter. We will let him be hunted."

Stiles' eyes widen. The Wild Hunt! Those warriors who deal the justice of the Fae. Gerard would suffer a horrible death. He can live with that. But then he hears Lydia's voice in his head. He smiles thinking of the Banshee. "I want a favor. No limits. No conditions. A pure favor."

Both Queens look concerned at that. Mab frowns looking at him but he can tell she is thinking about it. "A favor from a Queen? You name a high price" Titianna says looking at her sister. "Not impossible though" she adds thoughtfully.

"And will you pay this price sister?" Mab demands and the Summer Queen looks offended.

"He is your pet mage sister. You should be happy to continue to deal with him."

Mab snarls, well Stiles figures that is would a snarl in Fae terms, they don't give even that much emotional reaction, but he can tell she is pissed off.

"I pay the price while you and our sisters do what? Laugh and dance? No sister, perhaps you should take this. It was your call for the human to answer to us after all" Mab suggests gracefully.

Titianna and Mab continue to go back and forth on who should have the honor of paying Stiles off, but they are not making any progress. Stiles should be glad the other two aren't here or it would be a bloodbath. Finally, he can tell they aren't getting anywhere.

"Excuse me!" he interrupts and they both look at him, furious for the interruption. "Based on what you have said, it seems that all four of you want to make Gerard pay for his crimes, yes?" They both nod, "Then all four of you can pay."

Mab snorts. "Boy, you a favor cannot be divided four ways."

"No, it can't" he agrees and sees Mab smirk. "But you can each pay one favor."

Titianna looks confused for only a second before she looks scandalized. "You want four favors?!" she demands incredulously.

"I demand a favor from each of you seeking my right to Justice. Orliath will buy my claim over Gerard for his crimes against my mate, new in our relationship. You Titianna will buy my claim for his crimes against my lands that Gerard has committed. Arethusa will buy my claim for the crimes against my father and his warriors. And you Mab, will buy my claim for his crimes against me. No one favor would be enough to give over Gerard. You demand much for a prize I never asked to sell. You told me to name my price. I have named it."

Titianna looks almost offended but then Mab laughs loudly. "Done!" she calls out and her sister turns to her in shock.

"Mab!" Titianna says in disbelief.

"He's right. His claims are great and none of us will take on this burden while the other three bear no cost to themselves. We are too jealous of each other and our courts. To be burdened with a debt to a human alone, no matter how powerful or friendly, is too steep a price. But if we each have to pay that price, then it is at least fair" she tells her sister.

The Summer Queen looks thoughtful. She wants this human to pay the highest price, but her sister is right. She would not be burdened by such a demand if the others were free of it and no matter the nature of it, only one would ultimately be bound by such an agreement. But if all four were bound…"

"Oh, and the favor is from each Court. Not whoever is Queen and if I do not use it, then my heirs may" Stiles adds as they have both been quite for too long. Laura chuffles at that clause and Stiles smiles back at her.

Both Queens look a bit irritated by that, but then Mab spins into existence a single white diamond. Perfect and flawless, about the size of a grape. She plucks it from the air. "This is a favor from the Winter Court Arcanist. When you wish to call it in, hold it and speak what you wish. No restrictions and no limits. "

"And no tricks?"

She smiles and then nods. "A true favor, for a friend."

He nods and looks at the other Queen. Titianna sighs and then spins a deep green emerald the same size at Mab's diamond. "A favor from the Summer Court."

"So now we just need to find out if your sisters agree" Stiles says but there is a sudden light and a blood-red ruby appears followed by a sapphire, both of similar size to the other stones. "Well, that was convenient." He looks at the Queens "You must really want him."

Mab laughs. "You have made a bargain Arcanist" Titianna says slowly as if concerned he is backing out.

"And I will honor it. But I have one final condition."

Both Queens look very dangerous but Stiles stays firm. "Which is?" Titianna says with a clear threat in her voice. They have paid a greater price than has ever been paid before.

"He suffers before the end. You make sure he pays for every life he's taken, every family he's destroyed, every cruelty he has inflicted. Make his punishment one to birth nightmares for generations to come."

Mab face explodes in joy and she laughs. "That one my boy, is free. When the time is right, call for Eithlyndar. He is the Huntmaster. He will come when your battle is done."

"You have made a powerful bargain with all of the Fae young Arcanist. Gerard Argent will survive this fight or you shall answer for breaking this agreement. You have bargained well but many of those who serve you wish his blood, but it belongs to us now" the Summer Queen tells him.

"He will have most of it, your Majesty. I will not promise no injury, but he will be able to run. I want Justice and yours is the more fitting. He will be alive and well at the end of our fight, I promise you this" Stiles says firmly.

Both Titianna and Mab smile at him and in a heartbeat are gone, no trace of their presence except the four magical stones in his hands. >>I'M ACTUALLY IMPRESSED<< Laura snarks and Stiles glares at her.

"You get Kate, they get Gerard. What do I get?" he says as they start walking back.

>>DEREK?<< she replies and then he hears laughter when he trips and almost faceplants into the dirt.

Coming from the trees Stiles stares in surprise at the scene before him. The Centaurs, nearly a dozen, are in full armor, swords and bows in hands. The Pixies have returned and are darting around everyone. Alpha Marshall has the other Alphas, including the twins, around what appears to be a map of the clearing. The biggest surprise is the nearly twenty fully armed and armored dwarves that are here. Stiles spots Whulibela right after she spots him and is suddenly dragging a rather fierce looking dwarf towards him.

"Arcanist. This is Gorval. He is our clan leader" she introduced the grizzled dwarf.

"My apologies for my idiot nephews Arcanist. I'd have killed them myself but my sister would never let me hear the end of it. I have come to protect our new home as promised and brought my fighters, minus two" he says looking very uncomfortable.

"I thought Merek and Thalin were in charge" Stiles says looking at the two dwarves.

"HA!" Gorval laughs. "I only arrived two days ago and I planned to come to speak with you and the High Alpha soon, but I was trying to get the rest of my people settled. My nephews apparently felt that scout equaled 'prince' and once Whulibela informed me of their actions, they have been made to understand the truth and they will be punished appropriately."

Stiles nods and offers his thanks but the old dwarf brushes it off and brings them back to the planning table. "High Alpha" David Marshall says looking up with an expression of excitement. "I think we have a plan that will work."

"Good. Tell me quickly and we will go. But first, let everyone know. Gerard and Kate are mine. No one," he looks around the table at everyone "absolutely no one, is to kill either one of them. They will answer to my justice alone."

The others look surprised but the nod quickly and then David starts explaining.

Everyone watches as Stiles and Lyra portal people around, Dave and dwarves go into the tunnels and Keneun and the dragons take to the air for their part and then they see the battle begin. Stiles stops his spell and the clearing goes quiet.

"Wow!" Erica whispers into the silence.

"So how did the Pixies know to bring us our weapons? I thought they couldn't touch iron?" Allison asks.

"They didn't" Chris responds absently. "Gerard used plastic zip ties on us and our weapons were in plastic cases. The Pixies didn't have to touch anything metal."

Stiles nods. "It was Kira's idea that one."

Both Argents look at the kitsune with gratitude.

"Gerard was an idiot" Rafe says shaking his head. Several people turn to look at the man. "He was obsessed with Hale and Scott. Laser focused on them. Everyone else was simply collateral so he could get them. He wanted Derek to suffer so he wanted to kill all of you, make you watch, but he didn't care about you individually. He didn't even consider Stiles as any kind of threat and he had no clue about all of the rest of your friends."

Derek looks at Stiles proudly. "I don't think anyone has truly understood what an Arcanist is. Not really. But that will change." He looks at his mate with affection and more than a little awe. "We have to deal with the Council. If we don't, this will keep happening."

Stiles nods. "But Lydia is right too. We don't want to turn into them. Attack innocents because of who they associate with." He looks at the Banshee who nods in agreement. He gets and idea and goes over to Chris. "Can I see your phone?" he asks and the hunter nods and hands it over.

Stiles stands there holding the phone and then reaches down with his magic and feels the ley line below him, thrumming with power. He creates a link between the phone and the magic of this place and he feels the phone resonate. Good news for Chris, it won't ever need to be recharged now. He hands it back. "Can you call Clarissant?" he asks.

Chris looks confused but nods. He pulls up her number and dials. Stiles watches for a second before closing his eyes and following the blip in the ley line. He feels the phone connect and hears a faint voice with a French accent answer. Part of him hears Chris talking to her but he tunes it out and instead extends his magic down into the line and then he sends it out to follow the phone's connection. It only takes a few seconds but suddenly Stiles knows exactly where the other end of the call is. It isn't in his territory but the ley lines are all connected. Opening his eyes he gestures and a portal opens.

"Oh mon Dieu!" he hears the woman's startled shout before the portal slides over her and suddenly Clarissant Argent, Grand Matriarch of the Argent Clan, Holder of the First Seat on the Hunters' Council, is suddenly standing in Beacon Hills, holding a phone, and looking shocked.

"Grand Matriarch" Stiles says, flashing his eyes at the elderly woman. Many of the other wolves have all jumped up at her name and are staring at her. Chris and Allison are also staring at her and Stiles, both of them slack-jawed.

He has to give her credit, she adapts fast. Straightening up, she looks around before looking back at Stiles. "The Arcanist and High Alpha I presume?" she says with a slight bow of her head. "Am I to assume I have your permission to be in your territory?"

"We require answers Matriarch. It seems that your Council has declared war on my pack."

Clarissant looks honestly confused. "You have been misinformed High Alpha. The Council issued a formal Interdict on your territory. No hunter may enter and remain in our good graces." She suddenly looks furious, "Gerard!" she hisses.

"And Kate. But both of them have been dealt with. Permanently. But we also know that they were exiled from your family. The problem is that they were not alone in their attack" Derek replies looking equally determined.

"When more than one group of hunters act together, it is most likely the hand of the Council behind it" Peter adds staring at the woman.

"What hunters?" she says slowly.

They lead her over to Yvette who is still working on the burial rites and she stops in shock at the numbers there, but she moves carefully and slowly down the rows becoming more and more furious until she stops near the end and gasps in shock. "Araya, qu'avez-vous fait ?"

"Arcanist, this was not the work of the Council. Severo Calavera, Randolph Davies, William Parker, and these others did not have our blessing or even permission to be here."

"I am sure you can understand our doubts as to your protestations" Lydia says stepping forward. "The son of a Council member, two hunters who's families report to different Council members, that is three families implicated Grand Matriarch. Would it have been impossible for them, with or without other members, to attack us without your knowledge?"

Clarissant looks at the redhead with serious consideration. Despite what Chris and Allison may believe, she has her own sources and she has amassed a rather extensive amount of information on all of the Hale Pack, including their formidable Emissary, which was one of the reasons she pushed so hard for the Interdiction. "It is possible. But to do so would be to declare war. To act without accord, is to court destruction. If what you say did happen, which I do not believe, it would be the end of the Council. Davies was a wild beast, he answered to no one. Parker was a hot head who chaffed at being under a woman's command, no matter how much she looked the other way. And Araya, I do not believe she would have sent her son if she wished this. She would have sent in men that she could denounce or who could not be traced to her, she has more than enough connections with crime families to manage that." She looks at Derek and Stiles. "I know you can hear my heartbeat, you know I speak the truth."

"Hunters have learned to hide their lies" Peter says quietly, but loud enough for the Matriarch to here.

She looks at Peter and nods. "We have. But I speak truth and I believe your Alphas know this. You brought me here. Can you bring others?" she asks.

Stiles nods slowly not sure where she is going with this.

"Then bring the others. I cannot order such a thing, but a majority can. If you bring the right ones, we can summon the rest without breaking the Council's rules."

"Who cares about the rules?" one of the betas calls out.

Clarissant smiles. "Politics boy" she answers without looking for the owner of the voice. "If you wish answers, then this is the way."

"We have agreed not to take steps tonight without the others" Alpha Flores says respectfully to remind them of the others who left.

"Then just three of them. I think that I can show you that this was not with the Council's knowledge or consent" she offers.

Stiles and Derek look at each other and then Lydia and Peter and they all are in agreement. Over the next few minutes, Clarissant gives Chris numbers, he calls, and Stiles opens portals and suddenly there are three women standing next to Clarissant speaking quietly and angrily with Chris and Allison in the middle of them.

"So, who are they?" Scott asks stepping up to Stiles, Derek, and Lydia.

"The Matriarchs from Japan, Brazil, and Louisiana. They are all close to the Argents and apparently were the quickest to agree when Chris sent Stiles' ultimatum" Lydia says studying the four powerful women. Suddenly Chris and Allison come back over.

"They want me to call two more. England and India" Chris tells Stiles. "That will be a majority and they can summon the other four." Chris tells them.

Stiles shakes his head. They didn't agree to this all happening. Didn't he agree to let people rest before the next fight?

"Arcanist" a rather smooth voice interrupts and Stiles looks up at the Matriarch from Louisiana.

"Matriarch Boutin" Stiles says carefully.

"I know you wish to wait, but we must not. None of us knew anything of this action, I assure you. If there was action done without our knowledge by the others…this could break the Council. Alpha Delgado shared with us Severo's declaration that his mother was unaware of his actions."

Derek nods. "Our betas heard that as well. But he also knew he was about to die."

She nods. "Not an easy time to control your heartbeat and to be honest, outside of Araya, I do not believe any of her hunters learned ever that level of control. I met the man and I could see him choosing to act with the belief it is what she wanted despite her orders. But if Penelope and Aadesh are also unaware of this, then that would mean a majority was unaware. I believe there are those who might choose to allow their hunters to act without restraint, but if they knew, then they condoned it. We must find out the truth before the Council is torn apart!"

"You say that like it's a bad thing" Stiles says, his voice thick with sarcasm.

"It would be, there are greater dangers than simple werewolves. Have you encountered the Rougarou?"

"Isn't that just French for Werewolf?" Stiles says looking at the woman.

"No. Some think so, but the Rougarou is as different from the true werewolf as a coyote from a beagle. Wolves like your pack, they have control, awareness, intelligence, will. They are dangerous if they lose their pack or their anchor, but with both, they can be safe, despite what many believe. The Rougarou is cursed with not just the form of a beast, but its mind as well. They have no human thought, ever, when transformed and they cannot control it. I read Clarissant's report on Peter Hale when he first awoke. He was insane, yes?"

"Pretty much" Stiles confirms ignoring Peter's protests.

"Even then he was still closer to being human than a Rougarou ever is. My clan have dealt with a dozen Rougarou since I became Matriarch and many other beings that you cannot permit under any circumstances to live."

"Gerard said that about werewolves. I am not sure your perspective can be trusted" Lydia informs the woman.

"Fair. But have you heard of the Manananggal? It is a vampire like creature that has a taste for fetus hearts and preys on sleeping pregnant women? Do you think you can negotiate with that?"

Lydia blanches as the woman describes in detail how the creature hunts and kills its prey. "Okay. Maybe there are some things that are not redeemable."

"And that is where the Council comes in. We hunt those that prey on the weak. Many families favor fighting only one kind of foe like the Argents and Calaveras, but even they deal with others when they find them. Aadesh's clan rarely deals with wolves at all and Penelope is almost too civilized and deals with other kinds of problems. They might look the other way if an action was done, but if pressed, I think they would admit it. So, if they don't know, then this was not something that would divide us. As bad as Gerard and Kate were, without us, things would be much worse."

They argue for a bit but finally Stiles agrees and a few minutes later the two other Council members have arrived, neither particularly happy to be there.

Matriarch Campbell was very disturbed by the intrusion especially as she was dealing with other matters while Aadesh was apparently on vacation. Regardless, the Brazilian Matriarch came over and collected them and then the five were all huddled together, this time without Chris and Allison.

"Thoughts?" Derek asks looking at the two.

"If they are lying, they are really good at it. Marie-Amable was furious. She knew about the witches you defeated Stiles and she is in good with several necromancers and witches and she doesn't want to piss you off. And Matriarch Campbell is terrified of you. They are still dealing with the last Arcanist's aftereffects. Hearing that there was a new Arcanist made her determined to keep an ocean separating you from her hunters. Matriarch Quintara seems much more practical. They felt that the Japanese and Indian hunters weren't really interested in you based on the last meeting. It is all coming down to the Calaveras, Parsons, and Silberers who they feel might be involved" Allison tells them. "I hate to say it, but it is sounding more and more like these were rouge hunters, not authorized."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Scott asks.

"That depends. Someone gave them money, support, and cover. Even if they are right and this was unsanctioned by the Council, we cannot allow this to stand" Lydia says looking determined.

"What do you mean?" Derek asks looking at his Emissary with pride.

"We need to make an example of this. If Hunters affiliated with the Council, act alone or by order, the Council will have to answer for it" she explains.

"Your suggestion?" Stiles asks.

She smiles. "I find money is a painful thing for people to part with. That and property." Peter laughs wickedly and nods rubbing his hands together. If he won't get to kill them, and if he is being honest, he doesn't particularly feel the need to personally make that happen, no, he much prefers some more civilized entertainment and wringing concessions from the Council might be even better!

"Arcanist" Clarissant says walking over to Stiles' group. The five Hunters had been arguing for over an hour, with Chris and Allison being called over several times, Lydia was asked to clarify some points as well, but she wasn't allowed to stay.

"How's it going?" Stiles asks, ready for all of this to be over.

She sighs but sits down. "There is dissent. With only six of us here, we need four to act and we are split on whether to bring this to the Council. Penelope is furious at the mere suggestion that anyone would violate our rules and to suggest it goes beyond any protocol. Kaneshiro and Aadesh both seem to agree with her that making such accusations with no proof is untenable. I am not sure what else we will accomplish this night."

Everyone is quiet for a few moments after that. "Then the Council will take no action?" Lydia asks carefully.

"Oh, I am sure they will act. There will be discussions and concerns, but they will argue that the hunters who died paid the price for attacking your pack. The Council's action protects your pack from reprisal, so they feel that they have done enough" she says looking annoyed.

"You are telling us that they think that the Council is blameless?" Stiles asks.

"There is no proof of a violation. In fact, there is proof of the opposite. Severo's words exonerates his mother and the Calaveras of any responsibility."

"Unless he was lying" Derek reminds her, and she nods.

"Have you any proof of that?" she queries and shakes her head at his lack of response. "You were wronged young Alpha, that is undeniable. But those responsible are dead. What else is there?"

"And the next time?" Lydia asks with a defiant expression. "You know that this will only infuriate many hunters. That we dared to defy them and killed hunters who were protecting regular humans or some garbage."

Clarissant stares at the Banshee but acknowledges the point. She looks at Derek and Stiles. "You are High Alphas. Can you assure the Council that no wolf in your territory will ever go feral? Will ever hurt someone in a fit of rage or loss of control? No. You can only set rules and enforce them and so it is with us. You have declared yourself master of this land and we have accepted that."

"And when the Calaveras want revenge?" Lydia asks.

"Then I imagine they will share Gerard's fate. If they attack you, kill them all" she says without hesitation. The Council will not support her in any action against you."

The Grand Matriarch gets up and walks back to the others, looking tired. "Well, so much for expecting anything" Derek mutters.

"She does have a point" Lydia concedes grudgingly. "All the evidence we have says they were not involved. We have a truce with them. Do you want to go to war with all of them?"

"No" Stiles finally says. "Not now. We have fought hard and deserve a break, but you were right earlier, there is still a price to be paid and I think I know what it is." He gets up and walks towards the Council members, Lydia and Derek jumping up to follow after a moment of shock. Stiles sees Peter moving to join them and sees Allison spot him coming when he is about half-way there.

The Council members turn to watch him approach. "Arcanist" the Indian Patriarch nods respectfully "I know that our decision may not be the one you hoped, but we are firm in it."

Stiles stopes and looks at the man. "I realize that. But hunters, affiliated with your Council invaded my territory, attacked my mate, my father, and my pack. This will not go unanswered. I accept that the Council was uninvolved and so I will not hold them responsible."

Lydia notes the surprise and relief on the faces of several of them at that. She can tell they were preparing for arguments.

"So instead, I will deal with the families directly. The Campbells, Davies, and Calaveras will all be destroyed for the crimes of their members."

There is a moment of shock then suddenly they start yelling at Stiles. Lydia and Derek are surprised but you wouldn't know it by the looks of determination on their faces.

"Arcanist, you cannot know if anyone else in those families were even aware of their actions" Juliana Quintara says, her voice thick with emotion. "Blaming others for their crimes is…" she stammers for a word.

"What Hunters do?" Stiles suggests and the Braziliam Matriarch looks like she was slapped. "How many packs have been wiped out because of the alleged deeds of a single member? Because they wouldn't let hunters kill someone, that they protected a family member from hunter 'justice'? Seems like you all have a clear system going and I am just going to apply it to you."

"High Alpha, the Calaveras are a member of the Council. If you attack them, the other families will expect retribution" Matriarch Amaya advises him.

Stiles looks at the Japanese Matriarch. "You can't have it both ways Matriarch. Either the Council is responsible for these acts or the family that perpetrated them are. You have set the precedent. All are guilty if one is. Araya Calavera is the Matriarch of her family. Her eldest son participated in this attack. She will have to pay the price. How many hunters gave them" he points over at the bodies "money? Weapons? Information? Safe Houses? How many facilitated their attack in some way? You won't investigate to my satisfaction so I must assume you are covering for the dirty secret ways you all operate. Matriarch Boutin says there are bad things out there that you fight. Fair enough. But that doesn't give you free reign to kill anything and then apologize when you get it wrong with a 'oops' and all is forgiven. Hunters did this. Hunters have to answer for it" Stiles says with finality.

They all stare in disbelief at the teen but it is Clarissant who's eyes narrow as she stares at him. "High Alpha Stilinski, let us say for a moment you are correct. That you have cause to make all those connected to these men answer for their actions. But knowing that we would have to respond to such a decision on your part, it seems that another form of compensation could be in order." The other Council members look at the Argent Grand Matriarch in surprise, but Lydia sees several who get it and nod in support. "What would be needed to let this end here?"

Stiles looks at Derek for a moment, but the man is just staring back in support. He looks at Lydia who is smiling as is Peter. Chris and Allison both look worried.

Stiles moves his hand and a map of North America appears, made of light floating in the air. California, Oregon, and Nevada are all glowing blue, filled in. "This is the territory covered by the Council's edict, correct?"

They nod. "It is" Clarissant agrees.

Stiles smiles and gestures. They all watch as the blue expands North to Washington through Canada and to Alaska. And then East, filling in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona before stopping. The Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavot all glowing blue as well.

"You want all that as your territory?!" Penelope yells in disbelief.

"I want a buffer. The Interdiction will cover all of this land. No hunters allowed. And I want a seat on the Council" he adds.

That almost causes heart attacks. "You want to sit on the Council? You are no Hunter! Never" Matriarch Quintara yells.

"Not for me personally, I don't want to sit on the Council" Stiles says and looks over at Allison. "She will. She is a Hunter and will represent our territory and interests and keep the rest of you honest."

"You demand much young man" Clarissant says looking unhappy. "You have more than any other. This demand is too much."

Stiles nods. "That's fair. I felt it was the best way to avoid a war, but if it is not acceptable to you, I will accept that. We all have to make our own decisions."

"You cannot go to war with all of us boy" Aadesh says furiously.

"I can't? Why not? If I give the word, the six of you will die here, tonight. Then I will call every wolf pack on the planet together and portal them into your homes. Probably take 80-90% of you in one night. What do you think Lydia?" he asks casually.

She looks at him speculatively. "Closer to 75 would be my guess. There are teams out working. But taking out every seat of power would be effective. We would also be able to seize their resources and records. I estimate no more than 30 days to eliminate everyone."

"Don't forget our allies" Peter adds with a wicked smile.

Lydia blushes. "I can't believe I forget them." She looks back at the Councilors "Nine days."

"You…you…you can't do that!" Penelope stammers. "We came here under guarantees."

"Not from me. I didn't make any promises to you" Stiles says easily. "And I believe that any hunter in my territory without my permission is not protected by the Council. I withdraw my permission, and you are in violation of your own laws."

"You play a dangerous game child" Matriarch Amaya warns him. Stiles looks and her but doesn't blink. "But you play it well" she acknowledges. She turns to the others. "America is not my concern. Let him have his territory."

"And a seat on the Council?" Penelope challenges her sister Matriarch.

"It makes sense. The Argent girl is a hunter, one of us. She sits at his side and if we are honorable, it matters not what he knows. You know as well as I do that Araya will not disavow her son. Not truly. She will say the words, but will seek vengeance. This is a good counter to that."

Aamash Chakrabar considers her words and finds himself nodding. They are often alone in their thoughts from their western counterparts. He too doesn't particularly care about this land. "I agree. It is a fair price to end this conflict."

Penelope looks flabbergasted and looks at the other matriarchs but they all have thoughtful expressions. "You can't be thinking to agree to this!" she demands of Marie-Amable. "This is your land!"

"Actually my hunters rarely go there" she admits. "It is usually Amelia or Araya whose hunters who go that part of the country or one of the European families" she shrugs. "I think this is an acceptable compromise" she turns to Stiles "assuming that this zeros out all claims from any action that has occurred to date. You and all who answer to you will accept this. Including all past deeds, known or unknown."

Stiles looks at Derek and Peter who both don't like it but they finally nod so he turns back. "Agreed."

"Then I agree" Matriarch Boutin replies.

"As do I" Juliana adds with a nod. "I don't like this, but the Argent girl is an acceptable ambassador. The others will not like it, but you have also given up any claims against hunters who have acted wrongly in the past. It is fair."

"As long as they are not found in my territory" Stiles amends and the Brazilian Matriarch nods at the point.

"Clarissant?" Penelope demands.

The oldest Matriarch looks at her sister councilor. "Penelope. Can we win a war against this boy? Your home still bears the mark of the last Arcanist. And Merlin was not mated to a High Alpha. Tell me we can win, fully and without massive casualties, and I will stand with you. But if not, is this not a better choice?"

Penelope Campbell stares at the French Matriarch for a few moments before she finally nods. "Very well. But your representative will have no vote. A member yes, she can speak and listen, not decide."

Stiles looks at Allison who barely nods but he gets it. "Fair."

The next few minutes has Lydia, advised by Peter and Allison hammering out the details and then they request portals to the final three members to get their agreement. Stiles sends Clarissant and Kaneshiro to the Calaveras, Penelope and Aadash to the German Patriarch, and Marie-Amable and Juliana to Massachusetts.

Once the final portal closes there is a huge cheer from all the wolves around them. "I can't believe that worked!" Alpha Marshall howls in victory, answered by dozens of howls from all of the packs.

"Is this real? No hunters allowed in almost half the continent?" Alpha Reynolds asks in disbelief.

"We always planned to push the envelope, but that was beautiful" Lydia compliments Stiles.

"Arcanist" Alpha Bouvier says stepping up to the teen. "I believe a celebration is in order. Can you bring the rest of my pack here?" she asks and he nods. He takes out his phone and makes a call and several minutes later he comes back and Stiles opens a portal and over two dozen people come through loaded down. "We make a great beer that affects wolves" he says with a smile. "Thought we could start the party right!"

Stiles and Master Lyra open several more portals, including ones that bring back Alpha Delgado who requests they bring six other packs called from Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, to let them know the news. By midnight there are over 500 pack members, human and wolf, and dozens of others celebrating in the Preserve.

Derek smiles as he pulls Stiles into his arms. "You did this. You made this happen."

"We did this" Stiles corrects. "All of us" he says staring at his friends, packmates, and family. They are all finally safe.