Teen Wolf: Dragon Among Wolves

Chapter 104: Chapter 104: The Winter Formal

The Bentley glided to a smooth stop in front of Beacon Hills High School. Jacob stepped out, offering a hand to help each of his ladies from the car. The main building was transformed, bathed in swirling blue and silver light, with the deep thump of bass music echoing from within. Malia, in her sharp suit; Lydia, in her elegant blue dress; and Allison, in her stunning red gown, made a breathtaking trio that immediately turned heads as they appeared.

They were met on the steps by Stiles, looking uncharacteristically polished in his new suit, with Erica beside him. Erica wore a simple but elegant green dress, a shy smile on her face as she clung to Stiles’s arm. A few feet away, Scott stood with his date—a pretty, brown-haired girl from their chemistry class whose name Jacob couldn’t immediately recall.

Lydia gave Scott and Stiles an approving once-over. ”You guys clean up nice! Now it won’t be too embarrassing being seen with you.”

Stiles wasn’t offended. He grinned. ”If you want us to always look like this, you should ask your stupidly rich boyfriend to sponsor us. He’s the one who gave us the money for these suits.”

Jacob smiled and slung an arm around Stiles’s shoulders. ”I don’t know about sponsoring you, since you’re not a beautiful girl.” He teased, then lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper meant for Stiles. ”But... maybe I can sponsor Scott in the future if everything goes well with Melissa.”

Stiles chuckled, whispering back. ”You know he can hear you even if you whisper, right? Look at him. If it weren’t for Erica and his date, he’d be growling right now.”

Allison tactfully moved the conversation along, taking Erica’s hand warmly. ”Look at you! You look stunning.”

”You look beautiful, Erica.” Lydia added sincerely.

Erica’s smile widened, her earlier anxiety melting under their genuine praise. ”Thanks.” She murmured. ”You all look... really beautiful, too.”

Lydia, ever the perfectionist, produced a small makeup kit from her handbag. ”But your makeup could use a few finishing touches. Let me help with that.”

Malia rolled her eyes. ”You’re sick.”

Lydia just smiled, unbothered. ”Not everyone hates makeup like you, Malia.” She then began deftly touching up Erica’s look.

Malia ignored her and turned her sharp gaze to Scott, who was still glaring at the laughing Stiles and Jacob. ”Hey, dumbass!”

Scott flinched and looked at her nervously. ”W-what do you want? If it’s about what happened in the cafeteria, I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was you.”

”No,” Malia said, her tone flat. ”It’s about your bitch friend. She’s been ogling Jay since he got out of the car.”

Scott’s date immediately looked away from Jacob, her face flushing with awkward embarrassment.

Allison shot Malia a gently chiding look. ”Malia, be nice.”

Scott coughed awkwardly and made a quick introduction. ”Guys, this is Maya. Maya, this is Jacob, Allison, Lydia, and the, uh... the rude one is Malia.”

The girl, Maya, gave a small, polite wave, carefully avoiding eye contact with Malia.

Introductions were cut short as a particularly loud beat pulsed from the gym doors. ”Shall we?” Jacob asked, offering his arms to Allison and Malia. The three of them walked ahead, leading the way inside.

”Lydia, hurry up! Erica already looks perfect.” Stiles said.

”Just a moment!” Lydia replied, putting the final touches on Erica’s lip gloss.

Scott offered his hand to his flustered date, and they went inside. A few moments later, Stiles, Erica, and Lydia joined the bustling crowd.

The gym was a sea of swirling lights and moving bodies, transformed into a glittering dance floor.

Jacob danced with Allison first, her red dress spinning like a flame as he twirled her, her laughter ringing clear and bright above the music. When a slower song came on, he found Lydia, who melted into the rhythm with a graceful elegance. Malia watched from the side, a small, contented smile on her face. When Jacob approached her, she didn’t hesitate, placing her hands on his shoulders. Her dancing was less practiced but more instinctual.

And just like that, Jacob and his girls lost themselves in the formal. When he danced with Allison, Malia would grab Lydia’s hand and pull her into their own duo, the banshee and the coyote moving together in surprisingly good sync. When he danced with Lydia, Malia danced with Allison.

Jacob, currently swaying with Allison, watched the wild, energetic way Malia was now dancing with Lydia and smiled. ”Malia seems to be enjoying herself.”

Allison smiled, following his gaze. ”Yeah, maybe a little too much.” She then glanced around the crowded room, her smile turning wry. ”Everyone seems to be looking at the four of us, though. I even heard some girls calling Lydia, Malia, and me bitches.”

Jacob pulled her a little closer. ”Do you care what others say about you?”

Allison answered by kissing him—a deep, slow kiss that spoke volumes. She pulled back just enough to murmur against his lips. ”Not at all. They’re just jealous. I’m certain if you asked any of them out, they’d say yes in a heartbeat.”

Jacob smiled, his eyes soft. ”Too bad for them. That will never happen. I’m only interested in special, gorgeous girls like you, Lydia, and Malia.” Then, he gave her another kiss.

Lydia and Malia, dancing nearby, overheard him. They shared a knowing, happy smile with each other before being swept back into the music.

Stiles danced with Erica for several songs, his usual chaotic energy tempered into something sweet and attentive to ensure she felt comfortable. Erica was radiantly happy, her head resting on his shoulder during a slow song—a picture of quiet contentment.

On the other hand, Scott danced with his date awkwardly, their movements stiff and out of sync.

After a while, Jacob and his friends had had their fill of dancing and were standing at the side of the gym, each holding a drink.

Stiles glanced around. ”Where’s your date, Scott?”

Scott shrugged. ”She’s over there with her friends. We only promised each other to come to the formal together and dance for a few songs, then go our separate ways.”

Jacob patted Scott’s shoulder in mock consolation, though his struggle to hold back laughter was obvious. ”Hang in there, champ. You’ll find a girlfriend one day.”

Stiles patted Scott’s other shoulder, also fighting a grin. ”Hang in there, tiger. Or should I say... wolf.”

”Screw you both.” Scott snorted, pushing them away. ”I’d believe your deep concern for me if you two idiots weren’t laughing.”

Everyone laughed at Scott’s misery—even Scott himself shook his head and smiled.

When the laughter died down, Stiles turned to Erica, gave her a soft kiss, and asked. ”Did you have fun tonight?”

”Yes,” Erica said, her voice full of emotion. ”It was the best time of my life. Second only to the day you asked me to be your girlfriend.” She took a shaky breath, her nerves rising to the surface. ”I... I l-love you.” The moment the words were out, she became visibly anxious, and one of her hands began to tremble slightly.

Stiles was stunned for a second. But he felt her hand trembling and immediately recognized the signs of her growing anxiety—a sign of a potential seizure. He didn’t hesitate. ”I love you, too.” He said firmly, then pulled her into a deep, slow, reassuring kiss. He held her close until he felt the tension leave her body and the trembling stop.

He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. ”Are you okay?”

”I’m sorry.” Erica whispered. ”I almost ruined our...”

”Don’t say you’re sorry.” Stiles cut her off gently. ”I was at fault for not saying I love you back right away. In my defense, I was just too shocked that a gorgeous girl like you is in love with a nerd like me.” He then hugged her tightly, burying his face in her hair.

Lydia watched the exchange with a soft smile. ”That was nice. Stiles isn’t an unredeemable idiot after all.”

Jacob clapped Scott hard on the back, making him spit out his drink. ”You should take notes if you ever want to find love.”

Scott turned on him, sputtering. ”Damn it, give me a break, would you?”

Jacob held up his hands innocently. ”Calm down, I was just giving you advice.”

Stiles gave Erica another quick kiss, then smirked. ”Alright, babe, to celebrate our love, let me show you some of Stiles Stilinski’s signature moves.” He glanced at Jacob and Scott. ”Don’t you guys dare steal my cool moves.”

”You don’t need to worry about that. Ever.” Scott said, grinning. ”And I wouldn’t do those weird dance moves if I were you. You might make Erica regret being with you and lose your love before it even starts.”

Jacob nodded in agreement, smiling. ”Yeah, I’m with Scott. Don’t show her how weird you are just yet. Wait a few more years—if you’re lucky enough to keep her and have a bunch of kids with her, so she’s tied to you and won’t leave for the sake of the children. Then you can show her.”

Stiles waved them off. ”Oh, please. You guys are just jealous of my awesome moves.”

With that, he walked to the center of the dance floor. What followed was less a dance and more a full-body spasm set to music—a bizarre, flailing concoction that involved the Shopping Cart, the Sprinkler, the Robot, something that looked like a hyperactive version of The Migraine Skank, and several other moves that seemed to be of his own insane invention. His limbs moved in directions anatomy shouldn’t allow, all while he pulled a series of wild, manic facial expressions.

The entire gym froze for a second in collective shock, then erupted. Laughter and cheers exploded as students pointed and howled with amusement.

Jacob, Scott, and Lydia immediately burst out laughing, pulling out their phones to film the spectacle. Allison buried her face in Jacob’s shoulder, her body shaking with laughter. Malia stared, her head tilted in utter confusion, before a loud, snorting laugh burst out of her.

Erica raised an eyebrow, watching her boyfriend’s performance. ”Are those his great dance moves?”

Scott, who was laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes, managed to say. ”Yeah... you should’ve stopped him before he went out there to embarrass you and himself.”

Erica just smiled, her eyes soft and happy. ”I don’t mind. He looks like he’s having so much fun.”

Stiles’s little show became the most gloriously ridiculous moment of the night. Some brave—or equally silly—students even joined him, adding their own weird dance moves to the chaos.

Allison, still leaning on Jacob’s shoulder, smiled. ”At least the formal feels like a real party now.”

Jacob and the rest of their group nodded in agreement, smiling as they watched the gloriously crazy show unfolding before them.

Jacob thought. ’System, sign in.’

[Location sign-in successful. Rewards obtained:

1. Cinderella’s Glass Shoes Variant: These shoes are comfortable, indestructible, and, unlike the original, can fit any woman. However, once put on, they cannot be removed by the wearer until she has declared her love for you, the Host, and kissed you in front of at least three people.

2. Concealment Charm Bracelets x15: A bracelet that hides the wearer’s supernatural side. While worn, a supernatural creature will appear to be a normal human to other creatures. Their true nature and energy signature are completely masked. This effect only breaks if they voluntarily shift forms or actively use their powers.

3. James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5: While it does not have gadgets (machine guns, ejector seat, revolving plates, etc.), the vehicle itself is indestructible.]

Jacob read the first reward and smirked. ’Should I give the Shoes to Melissa?’ He quickly dismissed the idea. ’No, that would just make her furious and probably make her hate me. But I bet the girls will like them, especially Lydia.’

His eyes scanned the second and third rewards. ’The bracelets are incredibly useful for the girls. And a normal Aston Martin DB5 would be amazing enough, let alone an indestructible one. These two rewards are great. Even if I’d only gotten the Concealment Bracelets, I wouldn’t complain.’

The night wound down with more laughter and a few final group photos under the glittering disco ball—Jacob with his arms around all three of his girls, Stiles making a peace sign behind a beaming Erica. When it was Scott’s turn for a photo, Jacob and the others mischievously stepped away, snapping a picture of him standing alone. Scott glared, but they quickly gathered around him for a proper group shot.

Afterward, they got out of the school, standing on the steps in the cool night air. Jacob sighed, the weight of the evening’s fun settling. The reminder from the system was a ticking clock in the back of his mind. He had two hours left until the clash between the Argents and the Hales.

He looked at Allison, who was linking arms with Lydia and Malia, still giggling about Stiles’s dance. His smile softened, then turned resolute. The fun was over. It was time to talk.

”Alright.” Jacob said, his voice cutting through the post-dance chatter with a new, serious tone. ”The fun part’s done. We need to go home. There’s something important we need to discuss.”

The seriousness in his voice made the laughter die on their lips. Lydia and Malia exchanged a quick, questioning glance. Allison’s smile faded, replaced by a look of intuitive concern. She could read him too well.

”What’s wrong?” Allison asked, her voice tight.

”I’ll explain everything at home.” Jacob said. ”But first...” He turned to Stiles. ”Stiles, I think it’s time to tell Erica the truth.”

Erica looked between them, confusion and nervousness flashing in her eyes. ”What truth?”

Allison squeezed her hand reassuringly. ”Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad. Actually, it’s something that might make you very happy.”

Stiles ran a hand through his hair, anxious. ”Do we have to tell her tonight?”

”Yes,” Jacob said firmly. ”I was going to ask how you truly felt about her, but there’s no need now since you two already confessed. It’s better to tell her sooner rather than later and give her the right to choose. You know how dangerous our world is. If you really want this relationship to continue, she has to know.”

Stiles sighed. ”Fine. I guess you’re right. I’m just... scared she’ll choose to leave.”

”You should trust her a little more.” Jacob said.

Erica’s anxiety spiked. ”What is going on, Stiles? You guys are scaring me.”

”Do you trust me?” Stiles asked, meeting her eyes.

Erica hesitated for only a second before nodding. ”I do.”

”Then don’t be scared.” Stiles said, his voice softening. He looked at Scott. ”Scott. Show her your eyes.”

”Are you sure?” Scott asked, glancing around.

”Yes. Do it.”

Scott made sure no other students were looking their way, then turned to Erica. To her shock, his eyes glowed a bright yellow.

Erica gasped, taking a step back. ”How did you do that?”

”He’s a werewolf.” Stiles said quietly, stepping closer to her. ”But don’t worry. He doesn’t lose control.”

Erica stammered. ”A w-werewolf?”

”Yes,” Stiles confirmed. ”He’s a werewolf. The supernatural creatures from mythology are real. Magic is real.”

”Are you serious?” Erica whispered, her eyes wide.

Allison’s own eyes glowed with a soft, emerald green light. ”Yes, Erica. He’s telling the truth.”

Erica stared at her. ”You... you’re a werewolf, too?”

”No,” Allison shook her head. ”I’m something else.”

”Alright.” Jacob said. ”Stiles, you can explain the rest on the way. Let’s go.”

Without another word, Jacob headed for the waiting Bentley, with Allison, Lydia, and Malia following closely. Stiles took Erica’s trembling hand and led her to his Jeep, while Scott got into his own car. Moments later, the three vehicles drove toward Jacob’s mansion.

The night of laughter and music was over.

The night of revelations and choices had just begun.

To be continued... 😊