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The animals were starting to act crazy. The wind changed. The air was electrically charged. The Darach was making her move and she was doing it soon.

There had been no missing persons reports. That led us to believe that Jennifer was sacrificing people in another region. The element of surprise was the only thing she had going for her. The others in the pack had faced her before. They knew that we could take her. Our powers had matured and they have something that they didn't have before – me and the nogistune. Not to mention Lydia's honed powers.

I knew that we were ready, but that didn't stop me from dreading the inevitable showdown. I was nervous. I didn't want any potential casualties. I feared for my friends and any innocents that could get caught in the crossfire. And I wondered how all the chaos and bloodshed would affect Void Stiles. There is still so much we don't know about the nogistune.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Void Stiles inquired. I bit my lip and looked up at him.

"We need to trust you not to throw any curveballs at us, with the Darach. Do whatever you need to do to help get rid of her, but you need to protect the pack." I said. He gave me a smirk.

"As long as you're a part of the pack, I'll defend it. What you want is in my best interest. You're in my best interest. You can trust that. Whether you believe it or not, I love you, or whatever comes close to love. I won't stand for you getting hurt. We'll do the hurting." He swore.

I wasn't prepared for how his words affected me. Warmth spread throughout my body. Stiles had told me that it was true, but hearing it from the trickster, himself, made me feel like I had been run over by a freight train. It made it real. And I couldn't deny that I loved him back. He was mine and I was his. And sometimes, it scared me.

"And I love you. And honestly, it scares me. I – I do trust that you'll do that. I know that we can beat her. I just… I'm scared." I whispered.

The nogistune sauntered over to me and placed his hands on my hips. I leaned into his touch. We were connected. Our bond wasn't something that would ever change. If anything, it just grows stronger.

"I'll be with you. I have your back. We, our pack, are stronger than she is. Let her come. Our victory will be that much sweeter." He decided. I nodded.

"Is there any way we can take the fight to her, before she's ready?" I wondered.

"You're the witch. You tell me."

"We can try."