I've Been Burned Before: Chapter #8

                                    

                                          
AFG AU Bingo: Amnesiac Lydia Martin
Steter - Stackson Bingo: It's Not You It's Me
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The trip back to Beacon Hills has the two of them on edge, their hands clasped tightly on the center console and their fingers intertwined. Stiles notices magic wards that are surrounding the area as they hit what used to be the town line, but they are easily able to pass through them. He recognizes them as what he calls 'These are not the droids you're looking for' wards. They make anyone that comes near them turn away. The wards are commonly referred to as notice me not. However, Peter and Stiles are granted access and are especially welcomed. 
Amber eyes widen at the sight of flat grasslands as far as the eye can see as well as trees galore. There are no buildings, no cars, and no people. There are no signs at all to indicate that there had ever been anything or anyone here before.
They park at what used to be the entrance to the preserve, both apprehensive as they step through the trees and into the forest. The birds greet them with a song. Several deer stop and look at them with wide eyes. Chipmunks and squirrels chitter at the sight of them. Rabbits wiggle their noses and tails as the two mates pass by. 
It's halfway to the Nemeton's clearing that they pause. In the middle of the path in front of them is an ink black fox with orange splotches that remind Stiles of fire. 
"Uh...Hi?" Stiles says.
Peter snorts. "It's a fox, Gen. What's it going to do? Say hi back?"
The fox scoffs, affronted. "Hi back."
This startles both mates who look at the fox with wide eyes. The fox smirks at the two mates and nods for them to follow. 
"Who are you?" the spark asks, his tone underlined with power.
"I am Cień. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Guardian Gajos. We have been waiting anxiously for your arrival."
Peter and Stiles exchange looks of bemusement before following the polychromatic fox. Stiles stretches out his magic and gasps when the fox's own magic responds in kind. It feels familiar and that's when it clicks. "You're mine."
The fox shoots the spark a grin, all teeth, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Indeed."
They reach the clearing quicker than expected and Stiles gapes at the now several stories high Nemeton. "Holy shittake mushrooms. She's beautiful."
A twinkling laugh echoes and a vine reaches down to caress the spark's cheek. "You are too kind, little spark. Thank you. I am glad you have come home."
Stiles freezes and takes a step back. "I'm not staying. This isn't my home." His voice is shaky.
"I see," the Nemeton says. "Are you sure?"
"Yes? No? I don't know. I wouldn't call it home anymore."
"What is home to you, Guardian Gajos?" the fox asks.
Stiles stills and looks at Peter. "Wherever my wolf is."
Peter smiles softly at his mate. "Well, my home is with you." He then looks up at the tree. "Yet, this territory was founded by the Hale Dynasty and was once overflowing with generations of Hales. We were known as the Mighty Hale Pack. Hale was once synonymous with power, strength and authority."
"Hale is still synonymous with all three of those," Stiles says and wraps his arms around his mate's waist, resting his chin on the wolf's shoulder. He places kisses on Peter's claiming bite to soothe him.