Master Plan

While Sheriff Stilinski organized a search party to find Stiles and put out an APB, Melissa called an ambulance for Jackson's body and went with the EMTs when they arrived. Sheriff Stilinski was worried sick about Stiles and he wasn't the only one.

As soon as Artemis and the pack were alone in the locker room, they got to work. Erica and Boyd came back, having been trying to pick up a trail that would lead them to Stiles.

"Did you find anything?" asked Isaac.

They shook their heads.

"No. Stiles' jeep is still in the parking lot, but Gerard's car isn't. We tried following the scent of the car, but he must've sprayed it with something to throw us off because we lost it," said Erica. "My guess, Gerard took him to get back at you."

"Then we'll have to remedy that and track Stiles by his own scent." Artemis knew Stiles' locker combination, so she was able to get his locker open with ease. Once it was opened, she took out Stiles' clothes and tossed them to each of her pack members. "This is my fault and I'm not going to let Stiles because of me. We're going to find him. Smell his clothes and start using it to pick up a scent."

Everyone quickly inhaled a long whiff of Stiles' scent, but before they could start tracking him, Derek appeared. He cleared his throat to get their attention. "Guys, we need to talk."

Peter then appeared from behind Derek and smiled. "Hello, Artemis. Long time no see."

Artemis's nostrils flared in anger. How dare Peter show his face? More importantly, why the heck was he there with them and not locked up? "Derek, would you mind explaining to me why in the heck are you going to him for help? He can't be trusted!" said Artemis, angrily.

"I know that. I don't trust him anymore than you trust Gerard and you still talked to him," said Derek, sternly.

"You were talking to Gerard?" said Isaac, looking appalled and outraged. "Why?"

Artemis glared at Isaac. "Don't start with me. He had me a knifepoint, threatened to kill my mother and I had to get close to him. What was I supposed to do?"

"She's got a point. Have you seen Artemis's mother? Melissa's gorgeous," said Peter.

"SHUT UP!" yelled Artemis and Derek, in unison as they glared at him.

Boyd tried to defuse the situation. "Calm down. Derek wouldn't be letting Peter be here if it wasn't important. So, why don't we hear him out?"

Knowing Boyd raised a good point, Artemis sighed in anger, but nodded. "Fine," she said. "But Peter, if you put so much as a toe out of line or if I even think you're up to something, I'm handing you over to the Argents."

Artemis wasn't joking. She wasn't in a good mood after what had just happened and after all Peter had done, turning him over to Gerard would be a very mild punishment.

Peter held up his hands. "Relax. We're on the same side here. For once. Besides, we've got bigger issues at hands than my questionable loyalties. You need me. I know how to stop Jackson and maybe how to save him."

Artemis sighed. It was typical of Peter to do this. "Well, it's a bit late for that. Jackson's dead by his own hand."

Derek and Peter didn't look at all happy to hear this.

"When did it happen?" asked Derek.

"Five minutes after the game ended," said Erica. "And Stiles is missing. We think that Gerard took him."

"Okay, guys, what's with the looks?" asked Isaac, noticing the worried glances Peter and Derek shared. "Why're you guys worried?"

Peter sighed. "Because if Jackson really is dead, then it didn't just happen. Gerard wanted it to happen."

Derek frowned. "Why?"

"Well, that's exactly what we need to figure out," said Peter. "And something tells that the window of opportunity is closing fast."

No one disagreed with him.

XXX

Meanwhile, Sheriff Stilinski was in Stiles' room frantically searching for his son or any clue that might lead him to Stiles' location. He was making a lot of phones and he was about to go out and look himself when Stiles appeared in the doorway.

"Dad?" said Stiles.

Sheriff Stilinski looked up and hung up the phone. "Stiles!" He ran over to his son, but he frowned when he saw the state of Stiles' face. Stiles' left cheek had a few scratches and bruises and his bottom lip was split, but thankfully those were his only injuries. "Who did this?"

"It's okay, Dad," said Stiles, softly. "It was just a couple of kids from the other team. They were mad about losing and I was mouthing off to them. The next thing I know…" It was a lie. Gerard had kidnapped him when the lights went out at the game and wounded him a bit to send a message to Artemis. Stiles didn't like it, but he didn't care either. His friends and family were safe and he was okay. That was all that mattered.

Sheriff Stilinski fumed. No one messed with the sheriff's kid and got away with it. "Give me their names and I'll put their pathetic butts in jail for the rest of their lives!"

"Dad, no. It's okay. I didn't really see them. It was dark and they still had their gear on," lied Stiles. "Dad, please. Can you just…?" Stiles was freaked out and upset and all he wanted was his dad. He just wanted his dad.

Sheriff Stilinski understood and his anger faded a little as he tightly embraced Stiles. Being held in his dad's arms made Stiles feel safe again, which was what he so desperately needed. They remained like that for what felt like an eternity until they finally pulled apart.

"Do me a favor, okay? Call Artemis. She's been worried sick about you and practically going out of her mind looking for you," said Sheriff Stilinski. "I'm going to make a few calls, but I'll be downstairs if you need me. Okay?"

Stiles nodded. "Okay." When his dad left the room, Stiles called Artemis. She immediately picked up. "Artemis?"

"Stiles!" Artemis sounded greatly relieved. "Thank goodness. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, Arty, I'm fine. I got a few scrapes and bruises, but I'll live," said Stiles. "Gerard didn't really hurt me and he let me go. I'm okay."

"I'm going to kill him," said Artemis. "But not right this minute. Stiles, I am so, so sorry. What happened to you was my fault."

Stiles sighed. "You can't blame yourself for this. You didn't tell Gerard to kidnap me. It's not your fault the geezer's a complete nutcase."

"I know, but…" Artemis sighed. "Stiles, you can't scare me like this. I thought that you might've died and it would've been all because of me. Do you remember how broken I was when I thought Derek was dead? Losing you would hurt me just as bad. Do you know why? It's because you're more than just my sidekick or my best friend. You're my brother, Stiles. 'Family don't end in blood,' remember?"

Stiles couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, I remember." How could he forget? It was their favorite T.V. quote. They used to encourage each other more times than he could count.

"And Stiles, what you were saying earlier about being useless because you don't have powers, and how you don't think you're helpful, it couldn't be further from the truth," said Artemis. "You've been incredibly helpful with your research, your persistence and your bravery. And the fact that you've stood by me and helped me in more ways than one throughout this whole insane adventure when anyone else would've run in the other direction, shows real character and means more to me than you'll ever know. No matter what anyone else says or thinks, regardless of whether or not you have powers, you're a hero, Stiles. In fact, you're as good a hero as Batman."

Hearing Artemis say that made Stiles feel infinitely better. "Thanks, Arty. That means a lot. I needed to hear that."

"Well, I'll say it as often as I need to. Because it's true," said Artemis. "And I won't let you forget it. So, promise me you won't ever let yourself believe otherwise."

"I promise," said Stiles. There was a knock at the door. "I've got to go. Someone's here. Call me if you need me."

"I will. Be safe. Bye."

And with that, Stiles hung up, put down the phone and answered his door. Much to his surprise, Lydia was there and she was carrying a fresh-baked pie along with some paper plates and plastic cutlery.

"Lydia, hi," said Stiles, surprised. "What're you doing here?"

"I…uh…was hoping that offer to talk was still open," said Lydia, hesitantly. She held up the delicious smelling pie. "I baked this and hoped we could split it. Apple pie's your favorite, isn't it?"

"Uh…yeah. How'd you know?" asked Stiles. Granted he knew practically everything about Lydia, but he was surprised she knew about his favorite dessert.

"Artemis told me last time we talked," said Lydia. "Stiles…can I come in?"

Stiles immediately nodded and let her in. He wasn't going to pass up an evening with the girl of his dreams. "How're you doing?" He didn't think she was okay. She looked like she was about to cry and needed someone to talk to. But he had to ask.

Tears pooled in Lydia's eyes. "They won't let me see him," she said. "I'm supposed to give him something. He kept asking for it back."

Stiles frowned in confusion. "Asking for what?"

Lydia held up Jackson's spare house key and then over the course of half the pie and several tears, she told him everything. Everything.

XXX

While Derek and Peter were at the old Hale house looking over the Hale family's own bestiary, which was on a special laptop Peter had hidden, Artemis got a call from her mother to come to the hospital at once. Something was happening to Jackson.

When Artemis and the other Betas arrived, they found Melissa in the room where Jackson's body was being held and she looked incredibly freaked out.

"Mom, what's happened?" asked Artemis.

"Take a look," said Melissa. She unzipped the body bag and revealed a terrifying sight.

Jackson was still dead, but his fingers were intertwined across his chest and his paralytic toxin was coming out of them and forming a cocoon around his entire body.

"What in the holy heck—?" murmured Erica.

"I'm calling Derek," said Artemis. She called Derek and thankfully he picked up on the first ring. "Derek, I'm going to put you on speakerphone and I want you to do the same. Something's happening to Jackson. I'm going to send you a photo." She quickly snapped a shot with her phone's camera and sent to Derek.

"What in the name of all that's holy is going on?" muttered Derek, sounding baffled.

"Yeah, that's pretty much how we reacted too," said Melissa.

Everyone then yelped and stepped back when Jackson moved and let out a hiss.

"Uh, Derek, he just moved and hissed," said Artemis, worried. "I don't know what the heck's happening, but I think he's really dead." And she was getting seriously freaked out.

"You and me both," said Derek.

Boyd quickly zipped the body bag back up before Jackson woke up and tried to go after them.

"Well, as officially terrifying as this all is, I think I've found out what's happening," said Peter. "Looks like what you're seeing from Jackson is just the kanima's beta shape."

"Meaning what, he's going to turn into something bigger?" asked Isaac.

"Bigger and badder," said Peter. He actually sounded worried, which was not a good thing. "Take a look at this picture, Derek."

"He's turning into that?" said Derek, sounding shocked and worried. "That has wings."

"Wings?" repeated Artemis. "Oh, swell. Derek, it's getting worse. He's zipped up, but he's squirming like crazy."

"Can you get him to us?" asked Derek.

"Don't think there's time for that," said Erica, scared.

"Hang on a sec. There's an animation of what Jackson's turning into. Maybe it won't be so bad," said Peter, with false optimism. There was a screeching sound on the phone and then the sound of Peter closing the laptop. "Yeah, no such luck."

"Huntress, get him out of there, now. You're going to have to meet us halfway. Get Jackson to the Steel Depot as soon as you can," said Derek.

"Okay, on it," said Artemis.

She hung up her phone and then she left with the pack. Boyd, being the strongest, carried Jackson out into the parking lot once they snuck out of the hospital. They were almost to Artemis's car when Chris pulled into the parking lot in a black SUV.

Chris and Alison then emerged from the car, armed to the teeth.

"Artemis," said Chris.

"Chris," said Artemis. Normally, she trusted Chris and Alison, but right now they were on the verge of something bigger than the war between werewolves and hunters and for all she knew, Gerard was waiting in the wings. "Is it just you two here?"

"Yes," said Alison.

"Gerard's not with you?" said Erica, surprised.

Both Argents shook their heads.

"What do you want?" asked Isaac.

"We want to help," said Chris. "Neither of us agrees with what Gerard's doing. We never wanted this to happen and we should've made a stand sooner. It was our mistake. Now, we're here to make amends and help save Jackson."

"How?" asked Boyd.

"For starters, we can you a lift to wherever it is that you're going. My car's faster than yours. Get in," said Chris.

The three young Betas glanced at Artemis, as if they were asking permission, when she nodded they obeyed. They put Jackson in the back of the car before they all piled inside and Chris drove them to their intended destination.

XXX

After getting a call from Artemis saying that Chris and Alison were going to help them, Derek called Stiles to tell him what was happening and to get Lydia, began heading out to meet up with her and the others.

"Derek, wait," said Peter, stopping him. "We need Lydia."

"Stiles is going to have to handle that. There's no time for us to get her," said Derek. As much as he wanted to save Jackson, he wanted to protect Artemis and his pack more. "We need to go and we need to go, now!"

Peter looked exasperated. "Why do you never have any patience? Don't you understand? We're rushing. We're moving too fast. And while everybody knows that moving target is harder to hit, we are racing right into Gerard's crosshairs."

Derek knew Peter was probably right, but he didn't care.

"Don't you get it? Artemis is in the middle of all of this and she could get killed! I can't lose her!" yelled Derek. His voice cracked and his fear and pain began to show. "I love her. She's my mate! If I lose Huntress, I lose everything. If Jackson and Gerard take her from me, I'm going to make them wish they were never born."

Without waiting for a reply, Derek left the house and ran off to the Steel Depot. He arrived just as Artemis and the others did. He made an entrance by running in on all fours, fully wolfed out before doing a leap in the air and landing on his feet.

"Derek, has anyone ever told you that you have a taste for theatric entrances?" said Chris.

"Nice to see you too, Argent," said Derek. "Where's Jackson?"

"Right here," said Boyd, as he carried Jackson out of the car. "Should I get him inside?"

Derek nodded and after they got Jackson inside, Derek unzipped the body bag. Jackson was no longer moving, but he was already in mid-transformation.

"Wait, stop!" said Artemis. She was realizing something. "Something doesn't add up. You said Gerard wanted Jackson to stab himself to trigger the transformation, right? So he could become bigger and more powerful. But why would Gerard do that?"

"He wouldn't," said Chris, in horrified realization. "If Jackson's a dog, then he's becoming rabid and my father wouldn't let a rabid dog live."

"Of course not!"

Everyone turned to see Gerard standing before them, looking cold and ruthless. Despite the fact that he'd followed them, they'd all fallen into his trap.

"Anything that dangerous, that out of control is better off dead," said Gerard.

Suddenly, Chris drew his gun, the werewolves wolfed out and Jackson woke up. Jackson then grabbed Derek and threw him across the room.

"Well done to the last, Artemis," said Gerard, pleased. "Like the good-hearted girl that you are, you brought Jackson to Derek to save him. You just didn't realize you were also bringing your mate and pack to me." He nodded at Jackson. "Get them."

And with that, a battle went underway.

Chris fired his gun at Jackson, but Jackson just went into his kanima form and fully healed before yanking Chris's gun away with his tail. Artemis, Derek and the rest of the pack then fought Jackson together. They did everything possible. They came at him from all angles, clawed him, punched and kicked. But Jackson's strength had increased exponentially and he managed to defeat them all.

Alison then tried to help by shooting Jackson with arrows before unsheathing her daggers, but to no avail. Jackson just healed quickly and then disarmed Alison before grabbing her by the throat, forcing the battle to end.

"Hold it," said Gerard.

"What're you doing?" demanded Chris.

"He's doing what he came here to do," said Artemis. "He's here to become an Alpha. It's the only way he can have the power he wants and be cured."

Gerard didn't look the least bit surprised that Artemis knew this. "So, you knew. Let me guess, you realized it the night I threatened you at the hospital. I knew I saw something in your eyes. You could smell it, couldn't you?"

Artemis nodded. "My mom works for the hospital and I tend to pick up on things while I'm there, and I have enhanced senses. It was easy to deduce that you have cancer."

Isaac's eyes widened. "His cancer's terminal, isn't it? He's dying."

Gerard nodded. "Of course I'm dying. I have been for a while now. Unfortunately, science doesn't have a cure for terminal cancer. But the supernatural does."

Alison let out a gasp of horror while Chris looked furious.

"You sick, twisted monster," growled Chris; as a tear escaped his eye.

Gerard smirked. "Not yet."

"Gerard, what're you doing?" cried Alison. She was cut off when Jackson tightened his grip on her throat.

"You'd kill her too, your own granddaughter?" yelled Chris. Chris knew that Gerard was a lot of things and willing to cross certain lines. But this? Going completely against everything they stood for and willing to sacrifice his own kin? This was too much.

Gerard nodded and gave Chris a cold look. "When it comes to survival, I'd kill my own son."

Artemis let out a growl of anger. Gerard was really making her mad. This scumbag was worse than Peter and Kate combined.

"Enough of this," said Gerard. "Artemis, give me what I want. Make Derek give me the bite."

"I don't need to," said Artemis. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a syringe of blood. "This is Derek's blood. An Alpha's blood has werewolf venom, which has the same power as a bite. I can inject this into your system and it'll work quicker too. Would you prefer this or the bite?"

Gerard looked startled but then immensely pleased. "Inject me."

Derek let out a whimper of pain as he forced himself to sit up and give Artemis a pleading look. "Huntress, don't."

"Sorry, Derek. But I have to protect my mom," said Artemis. She walked over to Gerard and injected the syringe into Gerard's extended arm, plunging the needle right into a blood vein before stepping back when the process was complete.

Gerard looked sickeningly happy, but then his moment of triumphant was ruined when black ooze began pouring out of the injection spot and he began puking it up like Jackson had. Everyone except for Artemis and Derek looked shocked.

"What is this?" demanded Gerard. "What did you do?"

"Everyone said you always had a plan. So, Derek and I came up with one of our own with the help of a friend," said Artemis. When Gerard had blackmailed Artemis that night outside the hospital, she hadn't kept it secret. She'd gone straight to Derek and they went to Dr. Deaton. Together, the three of them had come up with a plan to ensure that Gerard's system would be full of mountain ash when he thought he'd be transformed into a werewolf. "Did you really think that I'd turn against my own mate and pack and give an insane scumbag like you power? I faked giving into your blackmail so I could get close to you and stop you."

Gerard looked furious as he fell to his knees. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?" he yelled.

"Simple, really. The night at the station when you dropped your pill container, I swapped it with a duplicate full of fake pills containing mountain ash and made sure the syringe of Derek's blood was filled with it, just to be on the safe side," said Artemis, smugly.

"Why didn't you tell us?" asked Erica.

"We couldn't risk it. The more people knew, the greater chance there was of Gerard discovering the ruse," said Derek. He was standing up now and had a protective arm around Artemis. He glared at Gerard. "You made the same mistake Kate did, Gerard. When you threatened Artemis and her family, you failed to realize you were also threatening mine. No one threatens my family!"

Gerard didn't reply. He just coughed up more black ooze before collapsing and closing his eyes. He was still alive, but he was no longer a threat. Just before he succumbed to unconsciousness, he yelled out to Jackson, "KILL THEM ALL!"

Jackson then released Alison's throat, allowing her to whack him in the face with her elbow and then the cavalry arrived.

Stiles had ended up telling Lydia everything after she confessed to him about her hallucinations and what Peter had told her, and she persuaded him to help her save Jackson. They then did a crazy stunt that normally only worked in the movies. Stiles drove his jeep straight through the flimsy wall and hit Jackson, causing him to go flying into the air as he hit the car.

But then Jackson quickly healed and leapt onto the front of the car, causing Stiles to scream like a girl as Lydia ran out of the car and then Stiles followed her.

"Jackson!" cried Lydia. "Jackson!" She held up his spare house key as he prepared to strike her, but then he stopped and looked at her and the key with such a look in his eyes such as they'd never seen on him before. It was like he was remembering when he gave Lydia the key, which was meant to be a symbol of the love they had for each other.

It did the trick. Jackson was already reverting back to his human form, and he held the key in between his scaly fingers for a moment before dropping it and backing away. It was time for the final phase of the plan.

Peter came out from wherever he'd been hiding and then he and Derek plunged their claws into Jackson before quickly pulling back. The result was instantaneous. Jackson healed and then his kanima scales vanished as his eyes glowed bright blue and he let out a werewolf howl before he collapsed in Lydia's arms.

"Do you…?" whispered Jackson. "Do you still love me?"

Lydia nodded. "I do," she said, tearfully. "I love you. I do, I still love you."

Tears streamed down Jackson's face. "I love you, so much." He kissed her passionately before holding her tight in his arms. He was saved. He was free of the kanima and everything was going to be okay now.

Artemis then noticed Stiles crying a little. Artemis knew that Stiles was happy for Lydia and glad that everything had turned out okay, but unrequited love hurt like a stinker sometimes. Artemis knew what Stiles needed. Not a word needed to be spoken. She just held him in a tight hug and Stiles didn't hesitate to return it. He buried his face in Artemis's shoulder and everyone relished in the fact that they'd survived.

It was over.

XXX

Over the next few days, much followed.

Gerard had disappeared the night Jackson had been saved. No one quite knew how he'd done or where he'd gone, but sooner or later he'd be found. He was no longer a threat to any of them. Jackson agreed to join Derek's pack for the time being so that he could learn how to control his inner wolf. He didn't protest at all, as all the unintentional trouble he'd caused had changed him quite a bit. Lydia, of course, helped Jackson in every way that she could. Despite how afraid she'd been before, she'd become rather accepting of the supernatural world.

Alison was free to be friends with Artemis in public again. Chris decided to retire from hunting as it had taken too much from him and he wanted Alison to have as much of a normal life as possible. However, Chris swore to Artemis that he'd be there if she or the pack ever needed his help and so did Alison. They decided to take a vacation to Europe for a few months and though Artemis was reluctant to part with Chris and Alison, but knew it was for the best.

Peter was also joining Derek's pack, and while no one liked this, they all agreed it was better to have Peter as a Beta that Derek could control with his influence as an Alpha, rather than having him on the loose and getting up to his neck in heaven alone knew what.

Derek and Artemis decided that with the war between werewolves and hunters now over, it was safe to go public with their relationship. They were tired of hiding and no longer wished to do so anymore. As one might've expected, there were quite a few whistles, stares and astonished looks when Derek dropped Artemis off at school in his car one morning and they kissed before parting ways for the day.

However, despite all the good things, there was still one little problem left. After school one day, the pack found a mark on Derek's front door. Erica, Isaac and Boyd were surprised about it, but Peter, Derek and Artemis weren't.

"You haven't told them everything yet, have you Derek?" asked Peter.

"Told us about what?" asked Erica.

Peter sighed as he leaned against a tree. "You three didn't ask why Derek was in such a hurry to build up his pack or why he was so eager to strength his power and number, did you? And you, Artemis, knew a little but didn't press for details, did you?"

They shook their heads.

"When there's a new Alpha, people take notice," said Artemis. She glanced at Derek. "You said attention would be drawn."

"Yes, that's true. But Derek thought that meant other wolves would be coming. He didn't know it's actually a pack of Alphas," said Peter.

"Wait, so this symbol is theirs?" said Boyd, looking scared.

"Yes," said Derek, sadly.

"And they're not coming. They're already here," said Peter. "And what Derek also didn't know was that they're going to take a keen interest in you, Artemis."

Artemis stared in disbelief. "Me? Why?" She couldn't understand why the Alpha pack would be interested in her of all werewolves. She wasn't that special.

"Because you've proven yourself to be an incredible werewolf," said Peter. "Not a lot of us maintain our humanity and compassion. You have. You're also an Alpha's mate, which happens very rarely, and the bond that you and Derek share is stronger than any other bond I've ever seen in werewolves with mates. Not to mention, you defied me—your own sire. And very few Betas can actually do that. You also took me down, helped develop your own pack, you have a great deal of control, there's the whole business with Gerard and the kanima, and then of course, there's your troublesome destiny."

Derek's brow wrinkled as he frowned and stared at Peter. "What destiny?"

"It seems I bit off more than I could chew when I turned your little girlfriend, Derek," said Peter. "Recently, I did a little research and found out something interesting. When Artemis joined your pack and became your mate, she asserted herself as your equal and her own authority in the pack. Something no normal Beta could do. What she's destined to become is quite rare, only happening once every hundred years or so. But nevertheless, she is one."

Derek paled as he looked shocked while the others looked confused.

"Derek, what's he talking about?" asked Artemis, growing worried and scared. "What am I or what is it that I'm going to become?"

"He's saying that you can become a True Alpha, Huntress," said Derek. "You'll become an Alpha by your strength of character rather than conquest or murder. It means you'll be seen as either a threat or someone invaluable to them."

Artemis's hand flew to her mouth in shock. She could become an Alpha! She'd never once expected this. How could she have had untapped Alpha potential the entire time and yet not known it herself? Yet even as she thought about it, she realized it made perfect sense and explained a great deal. Nevertheless, it made her afraid of the future.

"So, what do we do about the Alphas?" asked Isaac, looking worried.

"The only thing we can do," said Derek. "We stay strong and united as a pack. It's the only way for us to get through this."

Needless to say, they all agreed.

The future before them lay uncertain. But one thing was for sure: they had to stay strong and united together. It was the only way.