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Chapter Text

Stiles POV

Friday
February 25th, 2011
Tunnels under Hale House

Kate and all the hunters are dead. She failed in her attempt to kill the Hale werewolves.

The others stand in shock that Allison stabbed Kate in the back to save everyone, and Scott destroyed the cure for lycanthropy because he doesn't want his asthma back.

Drip ... drip ... drip ...

Allison stands over Kate's dead body with its sightless eyes staring up ... accusingly.

The others stand around in shock at how everything played.

On some level, no one can believe the bitch is dead or that she died so easily, so quickly ... and definitely not by Allison's hand.

That's the last person that anyone would believe was capable of killing the Aunt she loved like a sister ... until she learned that Kate had a black heart of stone. 

Drip ... drip ... drip ...

Allison vaguely looks around for what's dripping ... she doesn't understand what's making that noise.

Allison is in shock and not aware of her surroundings. She confusedly asks, "What is that dripping noise?" She's not aware of the others ... so she's talking to herself.

Drip ... drip ... drip ...

Blood drips from the ring daggers in Allison's bloody hands. She finally realizes that's what's dripping.

She nearly hyperventilates as she slowly opens her hands and lets the daggers fall to the ground to stop that awful dripping sound.

She raises her hands and mutely stares at her blood-slicked hands.

She rubs at them to get rid of the blood, Kate's blood, as it hits her. She killed Kate.

She begins sobbing as she roughly rubs her hands in a vain attempt to remove the blood from her hands.

Chris calls Allison's name.

The others nervously stand around ... not knowing how to help Allison.

Allison doesn't respond.

Victoria calls her name.

No response from Allison.

All of Allison's awareness is focused on her hands ... her blood-red hands.

Tears drip from her eyes as she hysterically cries over everything she lost. 

Innocence, trust, family, purity. "Oh, God!" She just killed her Aunt in cold blood. It doesn't matter that killing Kate ... her Aunt ... she loved that woman like her sister ... yes, killing Kate saved the life of the man she loved ... but, he's a werewolf ... and she's a hunter. 

What does that mean for them in the future? Do they even have a future?

Around and round, her thoughts circle through light and darkness ... good or evil ... sinner or saint ...

Around and round, they spin until Allison doesn't know if she's joined the damned or stopped them. She doesn't know which way is up or down.

She's not aware of what's happening around her, and she sure doesn't hear her parents calling her name. Allison thinks she may be in shock because she doesn't feel anything ... just ... she's cold to the bone.

I hold up my hands to Scott. "Don't touch her yet, or she'll shatter beyond repair. Wait a moment."

Allison's world starts to dim as it spins. She gives up trying to make sense of everything and shuts down. The ground rises to meet her as her knees give out, and she twists to the ground in a faint.

Scott rushes with his faster speed and catches Allison, keeping her from hitting the ground.

Chris reaches Scott, takes Allison into his arms, and walks out the door. He heads to his SUV as Victoria follows them with, "If you'll excuse us?"

Once encased in the car, Victoria takes the necklace with the family seal from Allison's neck.

Victoria hands it to Chris and gestures back at the house as they see the others walk out.

Chris nods in understanding.

Scott refused the cure because he needs his wolf to have the strength and courage to go after the girl and keep her. He also didn't want to be a severe asthmatic again, on the verge of getting COPD.

He can't believe he turned away from being human again, but he does not accept his wolf with open arms, and he sure as hell isn't accepting Peter and his pack into his life ... ever!

Peter looks at me. "Soo? The bite improved Scott, but he still can't forgive me for biting him when I couldn't think or act rationally?"

I lean my head on Peter's shoulder. "So it would seem. Can we get out of here now?"

He nods and leads the way out the door.

We all walk out of the tunnels through the house's front door.

Chris watches us leave, and then he silently slinks back inside and picks up Kate's body. He carries her up to the main floor and lays her in the living room on the floor.

He pulls out his phone and calls for his men to meet him at the Hale house.

He then puts the necklace around Kate's cold neck, stands, and walks back to the car. 

Their men arrive, park, exit their SUV, and walk to the Argent vehicle.

Victoria tells them to go into the tunnels and clean up the mess, take the bodies of Kate's killers, and hide their deaths.

The three Argents leave in their SUV as the hunters go inside to do their job.

Scott watches them drive away, his eyes filled with longing and trepidation that he may have saved Allison but lost her just the same.

When he can't see them anymore, he turns and walks through the trees toward his home.

Peter and Derek look at John, Jax, Lydia, and me.

I hand John my keys. "Take Peter and Derek to Peter's place. The three of us don't need wheels to get home." 

I turn, look at Jax, nod, and jump into the air as I take flight to my house.

Lydia hops on Jax' back.

Jax nods to John and leaps into the air as he takes flight.

To mortals, it looks like two swarms of bats circle each other and twist around in the joy of flight as they fly away.

John leads the way to Roscoe, and they pile inside.

Peter grabs John's hand before he can turn the key. "What's going on? Why did they go their separate way ... without us?"

John looks at him. "Our alliance was until Kate died. Kate's dead. Stiles ... My Wilka ... believes you were only interested in him until we stopped her. He's giving you the chance to walk away."

Peter thinks. "I don't intend to leave him." He cocks his head to the side. "But? What would have happened if I did?"

John gives a crooked smile. "I would adjust your memories, so you didn't remember we aren't human, or that we were ever part of your pack."

Derek looks at Peter. "I don't want to forget Stiles or the others. They are the only friends I've had since before the fire. I ... I don't want to lose that."

Peter nods. "I agree. I don't want to leave Stiles. Besides. Kate was following orders. Gerard Argent will use her funeral as his excuse to come here and continue their plan to wipe us out."

John narrows his eyes at Peter. "So you want to continue our alliance to stop Gerard or ... something more permanent?"

Peter nods. "Definitely ... more permanent. I need to talk to Stiles. Can you bring us to your house ... by way of my apartment. I have something I need to get ... for Stiles."

 

an hour later
Stilinski Home

Lydia and Jax are hanging out with me in the living room as we discuss the events of the night and what Kate Argent's death might mean to us now.

Kate was following orders.

Obviously, Gerard's.

He'll come to clean up her mess.

Jax and I drink vampire-friendly red wine (meaning it has a little blood in it) while Lydia drinks her salty white wine (siren friendly).

John pulls up in my jeep, parks in front of the house, and I hear three heartbeats instead of one.

I stare at the door in confusion.

Did I miss something?

The terms of the temporary alliance between us and the werewolves were met.

There is no reason for the werewolves to be here.

They should have gone their own way and forgotten we were ever in their pack.

Why are they here?

A minute later

John leads the Hales into our house and gets them a beer from the fridge.

John, Peter, and Derek join us in the living room.

Peter sits in the chair next to me as he sips his beer and looks at my glass. "I take it your red wine has a little blood in it?"

Jax flashes red eyes and a hint of fang as he smirks. "That's a given."

Peter looks into my eyes and says, "I think I'm jealous of your wine."

I stop mid-sip and look at him. "Don't be. Bottled blood isn't as good as yours."

He smiles. "That's a given."

My lips quirk into a slight smile at his arrogance. This werewolf amuses me.

I take a deep breath as I shake my head. "I ... I don't get it. Why are you here? You now have an Alliance with Chris Argent and you're linked up with the Dryad that lives in the Nemeton."

I lean forward as I say, "The Alliance between us was temporary. I expected you to walk away after tonight. All you wanted from us was assistance killing Kate or letting Derek kill her. You no longer need us for anything. You don't have to feed me anymore. I mean, the sex was great, but ... I can't think you would want to continue feeding me with your blood."

Lydia bites her lip and leans into Jax. "I told you he didn't believe this was a temp gig."

Peter takes my hand and looks into my eyes. "I never had to feed you. I chose ... choose to feed you, and I want to continue. I enjoy providing for you in every way. I ... I never used the word temporary. I want you permanently in my pack. As my Alpha Mate. I want you as my mate."

My jaw drops open. "But ... mate? ... it's more permanent with my kind than it is for you. Forever is a long time. You'll grow bored with me."

Peter strokes a finger along my cheek. "Never. I don't want you to leave me, ever. I find you desirable, intelligent, sexy as hell, and very enticing. Besides, a wolf pack has to have at least three werewolves and at least one non-werewolf as the anchor for the pack. No one ever said the anchor has to be human or mortal."

Peter reaches into his pocket and pulls out a large black velvet bag.

He opens the bag and pulls out a case.

He faces the case towards me and slowly opens it. He presents what's inside it to me with a hopeful look in his eyes. 

My eyes flash red with confusion and emotional instability. 

What is he saying here?

What does he want from me?

John gasps when he sees the power nestled in the ancient two-headed wolf bracelet in that box.

Peter purrs, "It's what a werewolf gives to someone they want to woo. Someone they pledge fidelity and devotion to."

Derek intently watches to see if I will accept this promissory gift. "That has been in our family for a hundred generations. It's sacred among us, Hales."

Jackson sips his wine to hide the smile on his lips.

Lydia purrs, "The wolf wants to make it official. He wants to court you. Take the gift, Old One ... I want to see how werewolves court."

I bare my long fangs (they're much longer when fighting or intimidating than when feeding) at Lydia with a cat-like growl, and she laughs hysterically.

I look back at Peter and the bracelet ... it's a double wolf joined at the teeth by a chain. Is it supposed to be a werewolf version of the Mobius strip?

I ask, " What does it represent?"

Peter smiles. "Union. Not allowing anyone or anything to come between the linked pair. Unity. Devotion. Love."

Peter then pulls two smaller boxes out of the bag. One has a ring that matches the bracelet. The other has a matching set of wedding rings that are obviously Hale-centric. 

He takes the ring and puts it on. He takes the bracelet and my hand as he eyes my wrist. "May I? I hope to earn the chance to use these wedding rings at our wedding. That's my end goal. I want you, and I'm extremely jealous of anyone, not our pack, being around you. I know you can protect yourself, but I still feel very protective of you. I don't ever want to see you hurt."

I sigh as I study him. He'll woo me whether or not I take the bracelet. I might as well accept it. That way, I know where I stand with him.

I nod and twist my wrist to accept him putting the bracelet on me. "... I'll accept your offer of ... wooing, but I have to warn you ... I'm not ready to trust anyone enough to mate or marry. My one attempt at that didn't go very well. It soured me for believing anyone would want me for long."

Peter smiles at me. "Give me a chance to prove myself to you and some time. I'll never leave or betray you. You're too important to me."

He looks at the others. "Now. The other matter. I never said our alliance was temporary. I always intended on our joint pack being a permanent thing. I want you all in my pack, and together we'll be strong enough to face anything that comes at us ... including Gerard and his hunters."

Lydia smiles. "I like our pack. Our family. Our fighting unit can't be beaten, and we can keep our pack bonds strong enough to survive any storm that comes at us." 

Derek smiles. "I don't want to lose my only friends."

Jax smiles at Derek. "We don't want to lose your friendship either, big guy."

John sips his beer. "Good. It's decided. We remain one pack."

Monday
February 28th, 2011

Chris isn't happy about the morning paper. 

The reporter links Kate to the animal attacks and the Hale Arson case because all the deaths are related to that damned fire. If he says anything different, it draws attention to them, and he would rather Gerard is implicated.

Victoria shakes her head. "They're going to ostracize Allison and us because we're related to Kate, and we did live here then. We should have noticed something odd about her behavior or her sudden departure from Beacon Hills."

Chris nods. "I should have. The council was investigating Gerard at the time ... only ... he joined with the Calaveras and the Greystones, and they're still fighting for control of the council."

Victoria nods. "If any one of the three heads disappears or dies ... their power-base will crumble, and then the council can punish and remove the others from any position that could lead to the council or power again. We have to walk a very straight line with this. We can't actively disobey or obey Gerard's orders."

She looks at Chris as she gets an idea. "If Alpha Peter or ... Stiles ... gathers or hears any private information from this house against Gerard ... I think Gerard will get himself killed by them ... if they have enough information on what the bastard is planning."

Chris smiles evilly. "Stiles is Scott's friend, for now. Scott is reckless and oblivious. He needs an adult figure he must listen to guide him and his friends down the right path. We can adjust our stance on his lycanthropy to where we accept Scott."

Allison walks into the kitchen with a glum face. "What does that mean for us ... for me?"

Victoria says, "Gerard will come here for Kate's funeral. He'll know immediately Scott's a werewolf, and he'll trick Scott into telling him the who and where of the Alpha. If Scott has a strong foundation with you, Stiles, and us ... we can keep him stable, and Stiles can pass information to Peter and Derek. You should consider that if Scott's your boyfriend, that's one less thing Gerard can use against him, and your father can be the father figure Scott needs to be a better person."

Allison nods. "Okay. Scott lied to me because he was afraid we would turn on him. We'll show Scott we trust him, and his lycanthropy doesn't bother us."

Allison notices the newspaper. "What about this. Now Beacon Hills knows Kate was a sadistic pedophile that killed the Hale family. Normal people will shun us. What about the other hunters out there? Kate blatantly broke the code."

Chris looks intently at Allison as he says, "We made a permanent alliance with Peter Hale and his pack to save you from Kate."

Alley cocks her head. "So the pack will protect me. Who is in Peter's pack besides Derek?"

Victoria shrugs. "Derek, Stiles, Jackson, and Lydia."

Chris nods. "And John. The Sheriff."

Allison nods as she mentally adds Stiles to her new list of friends.

Chris straightens as he gets his keys. 

Victoria kisses Allison's forehead. "As Argent hunters, we can't have anything to do with the hunters until the internal power struggle in the council is over and the dust settles."

Allison looks nervous at this revelation.

Victoria hands Allison a glass of juice and a plate. "If anyone asks you about Kate ... tell them that was six years ago, and we didn't know Kate was a killer. She was psychotic enough that she was able to hide her evil streak like Ted Bundy did."

Allison nods. "Stiles says most elite teens at school follow the popular crowd. Lydia and Jax. They're my friends and will support me. I shouldn't have too many problems with the other kids. Stiles did say that teens are blood-thirsty monsters in high school and to keep my back to the wall."

Chris chuckles. "That's more true than you know. We may have to underhandedly deal with Gerard when he comes for Kate's funeral. We won't let him stay here. It was bad enough when Kate stayed with us. We're keeping our distance by not acknowledging family bonds with him. We refer to him as Gerard."

Chapter Text

Monday
February 28th, 2011
school

Allison walks into her high school, Beacon Hills High, with her head held high. She has nothing to be ashamed of.

She struts to her locker and looks around as she collects her books.

She notices the other kids keep their distance and sneer at her.

She overhears one girl across the hall saying something about her psychotic aunt. She bites her lower lip to keep from crying.

Jax, Lydia, and I walk in and go to our lockers to get our books for the first period.

Our lockers aren't far from Allison's.

Lydia leaves us, walks to Allison, wraps an arm around her shoulder, leans in, and says, "don't let those prissy princesses get to you. None of them ever had to choose to kill an evil, psychotic, bitch Aunt to save innocent people. You have the guts to do that. It wasn't easy."

Danny joins Jax and me as we join Lydia's discussion with Allison.

Danny says, "The four of us are here for you, Alley Cat. Ignore them. They don't count."

I nod. "Yeah. We got you, girl. You're in our pack now. Don't worry about them."

Allison smiles at Stiles as she happily mouths, "pack."

We all nod in agreement, even Danny.

Danny rushes off for his music class because they lock the door before the first bell rings.

Jax wraps his arm around Lydia's waist as Lydia gives Allison a determined look. "We are the elite of this high school, and we say you are one of us. We'll show them all how proud and strong you are. Their little snit will be over in a day, maybe two. Less, once they see, we still accept you."

Allison smiles and then leans into me as she whispers. "Dad says Gerard's coming here for Kate's funeral, and he's the one that pulled Kate's strings. He won't stay with us. Dad says if Scott doesn't have his anchor, Gerard will know immediately about Scott's monthly furry issues."

I nod. "You're his anchor. Will your parents let you keep Scott grounded?"

Allison nods. "Dad says If I don't stay with Scott, Gerard will use me and the idea of me to pressure Scott to betray your connection to Peter and Derek."

Jax nods. "We need to keep Scott grounded and strong, so Gerard can't manipulate him like a puppet. The ass ... kid ... doesn't have much of a backbone."

I nod as I gesture around us, "Now. This is our mundane school. Let's not discuss anything supernatural here again. We have a normal-ish life to lead."

We laugh and head to our classes.

15 minutes later

Scott rushes into school a minute before the late bell. He runs to his class and barely drops into his desk before the bell rings. 

Scott looks around and spots Jax and me watching him.

Scott cocks his head as he realizes that Jackson's in every class with me ... and so are Danny and Lydia. Why didn't he notice that before?

He looks at me and whispers. "Sorry I'm late! I overslept. I forgot to set my alarm last night."

I give him the universal, 'why not, dude?' gesture.

Scott shrugs. "I haven't heard from Allison since Friday night ... when her ... when Kate went off the rails. I don't know if we're still together or if she dumped me because I didn't tell her I really need to shave every full moon. If you know what I mean?"

Jax rolls his eyes at the analogy. "You're more of a Nair wolf than a hair wolf."

Scott balks. "Isn't Nair for women to shave? Mom uses it on her legs."

I chuckle. "No, you idiot! It's a hair removal product for both genders."

Jax leans forward. "They launched a men's line of hair removal products in 2001. I use it for my scruffy chin. Lydia prefers smooth-shaven to scruff."

Scott balks. "What kind of 'roids are you on if you shave?"

Jax chuckles. "Dude! By any chance, do you remember I'm turning eighteen soon?"

I frown at Jax and lean forward. "Scott? Forget about who shaves and who doesn't. You do know the moon phase doesn't limit you, and there's a lot less extra hair than what the movies portray? That's why he," I thumb at Jax, who nods, "says you're a Nair wolf. Aside from a few lamb chop sideburns and a widow's peak ... you don't have any additional hair."

Jax cackles. "Werewolves have lamb chops  and widow's peaks ... how apt is that?"

I glare at him. "I'm glad you find this amusing!" I turn back to Scott as the idiot shrugs and misses the whole damned point! Why did I think being friends with him was a good idea?

Scott ducks his head and shrugs. "Maybe. Not for me. I don't have a lot of control."

I glare at him with narrowed eyes and chin down as I fight to control my frustration and anger at the pup. "Do you remember the entire conversation we had about Allison and anchors? Use your head, man! Use her to anchor your control."

Scott looks around as the teacher finally walks into the classroom with ... gulp ... freshly copied quizzes to hand out. 

Scott side-whispers to me, "If we aren't together ... how is Allison supposed to anchor me?"

I rake a hand over my face. "Allison doesn't have to be your girlfriend to anchor you! You can remember the good times with her and hold onto that feeling. That's what anchors your humanity ... your human feelings for another."

The teacher says from the front of the room, "I'm the teacher, and I do the talking—time for class. Put away your books and notes. This is a pop quiz to see who paid attention to my Friday lecture. Scott! That means, get your number 2 pencil out." He shakes his head at that boy. Scott never pays attention or takes the next step.

a couple of hours later

Scott and I walk to our third-period class when I smile as I smell Allison approaching.

Her heart rate's elevated, and she smells nervous.

She doesn't notice our presence.

I ignore her approach, and Scott doesn't pay attention to his wolf senses, so it surprises him when she nearly slams into him.

He grabs her, so she doesn't fall from the impact with his chest. Then he realizes it's Allison. "Allison?"

He looks like he forgot what she looked like in the last few days.

Allison nervously pushes her hair back, straightens her jacket, and notices his rapt look. "Do I have something on my face?"

Scott realizes he's making her nervous and straightens up. "Umm? No! I was just gazing at your beauty. I didn't think I was allowed to get close to you ... because." He looks around and loudly whispers, "I didn't tell you my secret."

He grimaces as he adds, "the one that puts a bullseye on everyone around me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you! I thought I was protecting you."

He dejectedly looks down. "I'm sorry. I understand if you never forgive me. Stiles told me that I was lying by omitting the truth. I'm sorry."

I sigh. How many times can you say I'm sorry in a sentence?

He takes a step back to bolt, but she grabs his arm. "I forgive you. My parents forgive you. They understand you were afraid they'd kill you if they found out. I'm sorry that you were afraid to tell me."

I gesture over my shoulder, "... you know ... I have a thing I have to do ... over there ... I have to go."

I push them closer together. "You kids catch up. I gotta ... go." Kids? Shit! I have to watch my words!

At human speed, I rush to the other end of the hall and pretend I forgot something in my locker.

I listen to their conversation. Self-preservation gives me an excellent reason to eavesdrop.

I see Jax lean against the wall next to Lydia's locker as she gets a few books, and I can tell from their posture that they're also listening.

Scott nervously asks Allison, "I haven't heard from you since the ... showdown ... on Friday night. Are you okay? Are we okay? I really don't know where we stand right now, and I have to tell you ... it feels like I'm in the middle of an earthquake ... only I'm the only one that's stumbling."

Allison looks intently at him as she tucks her hair behind her ear. She fidgets as she shrugs. "I ... we ..." she sighs deeply and then takes a deep breath. "I understand why you didn't tell me. I know Stiles warned you my parents are hunters. I appreciate that you were too afraid of my parents to say anything. I also appreciate that you tried soo hard to keep us together ... even with Kate, dad's job, the Alpha, and ... everything!"

Scott looks at her askance. "So ... you aren't in a rush to kill me?"

She grimaces.

He continues. "Are we still dating ... or even friends? I don't want to lose you!"

She bites her lip as she cautiously chooses her words. "So, the thing is, ... my parents respect you and Stiles ... and know you protect innocent people. I want to continue dating you. I want to be your girlfriend ... but ..."

He nervously asks, "but? Please don't toss me out! I'll do anything to keep you in my life, Allison!"

She smiles nervously at him. "My parents agree that you're boyfriend material. You just need ... a little more ... guidance. Dad says he wants to get to know you better and be a dad figure for you. He thinks if you have a good dad figure that you trust, you wouldn't have been hurt so badly."

He grabs her hand. "I wasn't hurt badly."

She nods, "emotionally. You were hurt badly ... emotionally. Dad wants ... they want ... to tutor you ... to help you catch up with school work you missed ... You're behind ... because of me ... because of them."

He slowly nods. "Yeah? I can use help catching up. But ... Your dad terrifies me ... but I could use the help."

She smiles and then frowns. "There's one other ... little ... thing. Gerard's coming for the funeral. He gave Kate her orders. Gerard's evil and breaks the code. There is a power struggle in the Hunter Council for control ... and he's involved. We can't openly follow or disobey anything he orders. Dad says Gerard will immediately know you're ... you know ... because you fight the other nature ... but if we're together, and you're close to my family... then Gerard can't do anything to you. We hope. He's going to do things ... bad things ... to find the Alpha to avenge Kate's death, and I don't want him hurting you. Understand?"

He nods. "Yeah. I get it. Stay close to you and your parents and avoid Gerard like the plague."

She nods. "Good." She spots a teacher down the hall that she has to talk to and rushes off.

Lydia goes to the restroom.

I grab Jax, and we both become invisible to the awareness of everyone around us. 

Jax asks, "Gerard is a threat to the pack. What's your take on that?" He points to Scott walking away and Allison disappearing into a classroom.

I look at Scott. "They're trying to stabilize Scott, so Gerard can't use him. That might be safest for him."

I see Boyd eyeing the pale girl that has seizures. What was her name? Erin ... Erica?

Jax sees me looking at them. "What is it?"

I look back at him. "A pack needs to have at least three wolves for stability. Scott, an Omega, and not part of the pack. That leaves werewolf Derek and Peter. We need at least one more wolf, if not two, to strengthen the pack before Gerard arrives. Boyd is strong and desperate to belong to something ... but doesn't trust people. He likes that girl. If we get Peter to turn Erica ... to heal her epilepsy ... then she'd be the perfect levera... incentive ... to lure Boyd into our pack."

Jax nods. "Got it, boss. We should get to class before we're missed."

We head to French class and sit down.

I text Peter a condensed version of the Gerard threat and then send him my idea about adding two more teen werewolves to his pack.  Two teens with a solid motivation to follow him and want to join his crew ... unlike Scott, who is fighting it every step of the way.

Scott sits next to me, and Jax sits across the room ... next to Lydia.  I don't know why Lyds, Danny, and I are taking French since we know the language  very  well. Notice the inflection on very?

I look across the room at Danny and scoff at myself because French is his native language, so he speaks it better than the teacher.

I freeze when I smell the Ghost Myst perfume that precedes Allison into the class.

She walks over to the empty seat in front of Scott and nervously asks, "is anyone ... sitting here?"

His jaw drops, and he gives her his puppy eyes. 

She nervously waits for his answer.

I sigh, lean forward, and slap Scott upside the back of his head.

That gets his attention, and he looks at me.

I huff. "Ask the lady to sit down before she goes somewhere else. Now!"

Scott cocks his head and then realizes Allison's waiting on an answer. "Shit!" He turns back and leaps up to gesture for her to sit down. "It's open! You can sit there! I'd like it if you sat there!" He gives her a big goofy smile.

She blushes as she sits down, and I thump my head on my desk a couple of times in frustration. Real subtle!

Jax whispers under his breath to Lydia, "how the fuck did that dumb ass hook up with her in the first place? Stiles has to hold Scott's hand just to get thru the meet-and-greet, practically. Without a roadmap from her, I doubt he'll get to first base."

Lydia thumps him on the back of the head. "I'm pretty sure he's got to home plate from a couple of the talks I've had with Allison. They were both virgins. Leave the children alone. They'll figure out how relationships work ... eventually."

They don't notice Stiles looks at Danny when Danny gives a small scoffing snort, and sub-vocally says, "mortals."

Stiles rolls his eyes in indifference.

Danny chuckles and nods.

After school 

Derek is in the parking lot in his Camaro, waiting by the front steps.

Derek is anxious for me to get in his car so he can leave. 

I shrug, gesture for Jax to follow, and hop in.

Derek drives us to Peter's apartment.

Peter's living there for another six months because he's remodeling the vast estate he recently purchased.

Jax and Lydia follow behind us in Jax' Porsche.

Peter's apartment

Once everyone's comfortable, I explain Gerard's coming to town, his power struggle within the hunter council, and what I think the Argents are trying to accomplish with Scott before Gerard gets here.

Peter and Derek look at each other as Peter says, "well, that sounds ominous."

Lydia nods. "Gerard's been breaking the code and killing supernaturals since before Kate was ten, and he could get her following his orders for mass murder."

Derek looks at her oddly.

Jax asks, "let me guess. You were off the coast of France and saw him kill a few supernaturals?"

She nods. "Yeah. I also saw Gerard from the coast of Britannia and while I swam in the preserve's lake. The bastard!"

Peter catches onto her use of the ancient name for England. Lydia is older than she looks.

She looks at me. "Stiles? How about you? You get around."

I shrug. "I haven't encountered Gerard in my travels, but I stick to humans generally. Everything I know about pedophile Kate and psycho Gerard comes from my research on Gerard at the foundry when he killed his hunters, blamed Deucalion for it, blinded the werewolf, and tried starting a war between hunters and werewolves. Talia stopped that war, and that's why Gerard targeted her."

I snarl, "Deaton was too anxious to persuade Deucalion's second to kill him instead of using him as an example of defying Gerard, and that's when Deuc learned when an Alpha kills their pack, they absorb part of them into themselves. That gift is for keeping the pack strong and the elder's knowledge in the pack when they pass of old age, not what he bastardized it into."

I realize that I went off on a tangent from the looks on the others' faces. 

I look at Derek with his mouth hanging open and Peter with a calculating look. "Yes. Peter. Born werewolves are the result of my kind mating with humans. They then tended to mate with other born werewolves or bitten werewolves to keep the race going. My kind wasn't aware we can reproduce because we literally die when we become immortal."

I look at Derek. "I know you're more intelligent than anyone gives you credit. In case you haven't figured it out ... I'm a vampire, and Jax is my fledgling. Lydia is a siren."

Derek tilts his head. "I knew you weren't human from the stopping your heartbeat thing. I didn't know what race, though ... just not ... a werewolf."

I look at Peter and say, "on to the next thing I wanted to broach."

I tell them my theory of luring Erica into the pack, which will bring us Boyd. If it's done right ... both will be devoted to Peter. By the time I finish explaining, Peter is all smiles and nodding. 

Peter looks at Derek. "You seem to have no problem getting into the high school without anyone noticing you're not a student. You and Stiles have a little heart-to-heart with Erica and explain we have the cure for her condition." He spots Lydia's frown and adds, "I think the prospect of a makeover with Lydia might help as well as being friends with the three of you apparent teens."

Lydia bounces up and down. "ooh! A makeover! I love makeovers!"

We discuss what bringing in Erica and Boyd will mean to the pack and what remaining friends with Allison and even Scott means, even though Peter doesn't like the way Scott treats me. 

Keeping Scott close will make it easier to glean more information on Gerard's plans from the Argent house.

Chapter Text

Monday
February 28th, 2011
that night

Lydia decides to make a pit stop to kill two birds with one stone on her way to her boathouse for a late-night swim. She goes to Erica's house 'to put a bug in her ear.'

Erica is a little startled that the queen of the popular crowd is at her door. Sure they both have money, but Erica's not popular or healthy.

Erica takes a deep breath and thinks it over as Lydia knocks again. She doesn't have anything to lose, so she opens the door and invites Lydia inside for coffee. Her parents are out ... as always ... because they don't want reminders their kid is defective.

Lydia looks around the room, accepts the coffee, and follows Erica into the living room, where they get comfortable. Lydia is more comfortable sitting on the stairs than on the overstuffed furniture that looks like it needs an act of god to get out of it. 

Erica's epilepsy prevented her from any influence on her peers in the old money sect.

Lydia sips her coffee, sets the mug next to her on the steps, and looks at the mousy, disheveled Erica. "So ... Erica? Stiles tells me you're brilliant, observant, and someone I'd want as my friend."

Erica blushes and pulls more into herself. "I'm defective. I have seizures. I'll have them for the rest of my life because there's no cure. I can't have a normal life or good friends." She looks like she's about to cry at that.

Lydia shakes her head. "That's where you're wrong. There is a cure for epilepsy. Stiles' friend, Peter, has it, and they want to share it with you. There is a price for it. The cure makes you more than human, so you'll be limited in choosing friends. Only our pack can be fully trusted with such secrets. Stiles, Me, Jax, Derek, Peter, Allison ... sort of Scott. He isn't in our pack, but we associate with him because of Allison."

Erica looks up with hopeful eyes. "There's a cure!!"

Lydia nods. "Yes. There is a cost for the cure. Like everything, you must decide if the price is worth it."

Erica bounces in her chair. "I'll pay any cost to be free of this. My parents, family, and everyone shun me. I can't live my life because I might have a seizure. I can't even get a driver's license. Hell! At this point, I would sell my soul to have an actual life. What do I have to do to get the cure?"

Lydia smiles and gives her a card with Peter's number. "I want you to think about it tonight and for as long as possible. When you're ready to change your life, pick up your phone and give him a call. I suggest you add this number into your phone and burn the card."

Erica nods and does just that.

They girl talk for a while after that, and Lydia promises to give her a makeover once Erica accepts.

Lydia hugs Erica and leaves.

Tuesday
March 1st, 2011
at school

Lydia tells Jax and me she visited Erica last night, and the girl looks interested.

Erica watches us all day ... until gym.

That's when the last straw breaks the camel's back.

gym

It's raining outside, and we have to do indoor things, so Coach Finstock decides it's time all his students do the wall climbing test.

Coach is a brat and tells me to go first ... with Danny.

Vampires love to climb.

No big surprise there.

And no, we don't climb like lizards.

We climb more like spiders using angles, strength, and pressure.

Coach Finstock balks when we climb it with no problems whatsoever.

I guess he was expecting me to have issues with it.

I shrug and move to the side so the next pair can climb.

Coach sends up Scott with Allison.

They flirt with each other the entire way up and down.

Coach Finstock then picks Erica, but no one will go up with her because of her condition.

I whisper to Coach Finstock that she's never climbed the wall before. Maybe she should wear a harness and have me  or someone else anchor the rope.

She looks terrified to try the wall alone.

The coach yells at her for a couple of minutes before she can start climbing the wall.

Halfway up ... Erica gets scared and stuck. 

She's too afraid to climb up or down and freezes as she shivers in fear.  She hyperventilates as she panics.

Scott rushes up the rock wall to help her down while I hold her anchor harness, so she doesn't fall.

No sooner than her feet touch the ground, then she drops onto her knees and falls flat as a seizure hits her. 

I move everyone back, roll her onto her side and hold her, so she doesn't hit her head during her seizure as I snarl, "Alley! Get the nurse! Scotty, keep everyone back! Lyds, keep those assholes from recording this! If one version of this winds up on Facebook, I swear to God I'll have dad to join Mr. Whittemore in suing all their fucking asses!"

Between that threat and Lydia in overprotective mamma bear ... mamma fish? ... mode ... we keep them from filming Erica's seizure while helping her through the episode.

The nurse arrives a few minutes later with Allison, and I tell them how long Erica seized as I rub her back to calm her. The longer the seizure ... the more damage it can do to her.

The nurse looks at me, holding Erica after her seizure, up at the wall Erica nearly from, and then turns to the Coach. She yells, "what were you thinking by putting an epileptic girl up there??!! You would kiss your career goodbye if she fell from a seizure and died."

He points to me, "he anchored her harness so she couldn't fall, and I didn't know she has seizures! It's not my fault!"

The angry nurse gets in his face with her pointing finger, tapping hard enough on his chest to leave bruises. "You imbecile! Don't you read your student files?" She looks up at the twenty-foot wall and then at him. "If she had a seizure while suspended in a harness, she could break her neck, her spine, get a concussion, or hit her head hard enough to kill her. The fall might not kill her, but the seizure up there, where no one could help or prevent her from getting hurt, would!"

She straightens her dress. "Now. I must examine Erica in my office while I await the ambulance to take her to the hospital."

Coach Bobby Finstock looks at her, "Ambulance? Hospital? She looks fine." He knows that if Erica goes to the hospital, the safety committee will make an official report against him, lowering his evaluation and chances of getting a raise. Again.

The nurse takes a deep breath. "Any time someone seizes for over three minutes, they need to be medically checked out to ensure there isn't any internal damage." She looks at the gathered students. "Can someone help me with her, please? She will be too weak to walk after a prolonged seizure."

Jax is passing the doorway when he hears the yelling and comes in to see what the commotion is about.

He smirks at the nurse tearing apart Finstock.

He's wanted to see something like that for years.

When the nurse asks for assistance, Jax steps forward, scoops Erica into his arms like a rag doll, and carries her toward the nurse's office.

The nurse has to rush after him with a threat called over her shoulder at Coach, "you will be hearing about this from Principal Thomas!"

Coach Finstock rakes a hand over his face as he sighs in disgust. 

He looks around at the others gathered. "What are you all still doing here. Get ready for your next class!"

I look at my watch. "Umm? Coach? Next period is in like forty minutes." Only three sets climbed the wall if you count Erica as a set.

Coach paces and says, "Well then, once you change for your next class, you have free time. Get out of my face!"

Everyone rushes for the showers and the door.

School hallway

Jackson has Erica curled against his chest as he carries her to the nurse's office at a steady clip.

He wants to get her there before anyone pokes their head out of any classrooms he passes.

Erica leans closer to Jax' ear and whispers, "My phone is in my locker. Can you call Peter and tell him I'm ready to pay whatever price, any price, for the cure to this damnable disease."

He nods. "No problem. You won't regret it."

later at the hospital

Erica is awakened from a short, troubled nap by a handsome, scruffy man sneaking into her room.

She sits up and nearly comes nose-to-nose with him, which startles her.

She eeps.

He quietly says, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you."

She pants as she catches her breath after her fright. "Are ... are you ... Peter?"

He slowly shakes his head. "No. I'm his nephew. Derek. He sent me to collect you and take you to his apartment to discuss the cure. The others are probably there already." He hands Erica her clothes and turns his back so she can dress with a bit of privacy.

Then they go by the front desk, where she signs the discharge papers and leaves with Derek out the side door before a doctor can show up to persuade her to stay.

Peter's Apartment

Half an hour later, they arrive at Peter's apartment, where she finds Lydia, Jax, and me sitting and talking with Peter.

I'm guessing that it's her epilepsy that lets me read her thoughts so easily.

She sees Peter as a very handsome and distinguished gentleman that sits comfortably on a couch like some large panther. She thinks he moves like a great cat when he gets up and offers her a chair and a glass of water. 

Erica looks around at the room's richness and realizes this man has more money than her dad.

She looks Peter over again. Money and power. He is a force to be reckoned with.

I chuckle.

Peter looks at me, "Stiles?"

I stop laughing and hide my mouth with my hand as I say, "she sees you as a big cat. I can see the agility and power in your movements ... I'm sorry. I just find it amusing that the first thing that came to her mind was a feline when you are more canine than feline."

He generously smiles as he looks at her. "Ah. I see."

Erica looks surprised. "How did you ...?" She shakes her head. Afraid to ask or more afraid to know the answer.

She nervously clears her throat and turns her gaze back to Peter as she asks, "what kind of price are we talking about here? I don't have much money of my own to offer. I could probably get a good amount from my dad, but it looks like you already have more money than my dad."

He laughs and points around. "True enough. I have more than enough money and don't need more. No. Money isn't involved in the price. I suppose you could say the price of this cure is your humanity."

Erica nervously squirms. "My ... humanity? Not my soul?"

Jax leans back on the loveseat he shares with Lydia. "You need your soul. What our Alpha means, is that right now, you are the only human in here. It's your humanity that has the disease. He wants to make you more than human, and in the process ... destroy your disease."

Everyone allows their eyes to glow. 

Erica pales as she sees this. "Umm?" She takes a deep breath. "I don't think I'll miss it. My humanity, I mean. Sure. I gladly accept that price."

Peter then explains to her about werewolf packs, family, pack bonds, and loyalty. 

She nods at everything and then gets an odd thought. "Do I have to sleep with you for this?"

Peter shakes his head and drapes his arm around my neck. "No. I'm exclusive with Stiles."

Erica looks at me funny. 

I smile at her thoughts on our relationship. "I'm neither a child nor underage. I've been around since before the Egyptians built the pyramids. I'm the one robbing the cradle, not Peter. By they way ... my kind doesn't let anyone know what we are. We worked hard to ensure everyone thinks we are myths and either never existed or have died out."

She nods. "I'm not exactly sure what you are. All I know for sure is Derek and Peter are werewolves, and you're offering me the chance to be a werewolf that doesn't have seizures."

She looks at Peter. "What do you get out of turning me?"

He smiles. "I get another werewolf to my pack. That makes my pack stronger. The more werewolves that actively share a pack bond ... the stronger the pack and each of its members. Power and strength are the rewards for loyalty to the pack. I also intend to add Boyd to our pack, and he seems to like you. Two birds with one stone." He smiles at her in a fatherly manner as she blushes. She likes Boyd.

She shrugs. "Beggars can't be choosers. I accept your terms and restrictions."

Peter smiles in triumph.

He leads her into the other room for privacy and then bites her flank.

He bandages her up and then shows her back into the big room. 

All of us move into the dining room and sit around the table and the meal Peter provided. 

Jax and I don't eat, of course. We talk as the others eat.

Martin House

Lydia takes Erica and Derek to her house for a makeover while Derek explains the changes Erica's about to go through and how to gain control over her other nature.

Derek thoroughly explains anchors and things.

Lydia explains a few things here and there that need a female's viewpoint.

After they leave for Lydia's, Peter and I go to his room for a little F&F, as we vampires tend to rudely put it. At least Peter likes to cuddle afterward.

Next day
Wednesday
Match 2nd, 2011
school

Erica struts in with Lydia like a couple of queens, and she looks hot.

Scott steps in front of me, blocking my view of Erica, and asks me, "where were you last night?"

I'm a little annoyed that now Scott decided to call me ... after weeks of ignoring me. Sarcasm wins out. I tell him I was doing homework.

.

Lydia struts past us with Erica and Jax on either side of her.

She introduces Erica to all the interested guys as her cousin.

No one recognizes Erica as the epileptic girl who had a seizure yesterday.

I turn back to Scott and pay attention to what he's saying.

Scott toes the ground as he hedges, "So, umm? Stiles? Mr. Argent wants to tutor me on all the school work I missed while running for our lives ... after school. Could you ... come with me?"

I sigh as I realize that we (meaning Peter's pack) need an in into the Argent home to keep tabs on Gerard, and that's the best way ... since Allison isn't really part of anyone's pack. She's friends with Lydia and Jax, but not a firm member ... yet. I nod. "Okay."

I narrow my eyes as I stare at him. "Are you only asking me because you need a ride?"

He scoffs. "Wellll ... that's not the only reason. Like you always say, two birds." He gives my shoulder a half-hearted punch and wanders off.

I frown. "That's Peter that says two birds."

Jax leans against his locker as he watches the whole thing. "I see why you refer to him as the Boy Blunder. He really doesn't have a clue! Does he?"

I shake my head. "Nope."

We grab our books and head to class.

lunch

It's Allison who finally notices Erica is different. "Erica?"

She smiles and gives a few poses. "Do you like my new look? Lydia gave me a makeover."

Scott's jaw drops open, and then he looks at me. "That's where you were last night. Peter was giving Erica a makeover of his own."

I lean forward and say, "keep your voice down. I'm not a werewolf, and you're an Omega that refuses pack bonds. It takes three or more wolves to make a wolf pack. Peter needs two young fledglings to make a strong pack before Gerard arrives. Loyal pack ... that don't fight what they are."

Scott leans towards Erica. "How could you let them take your humanity away like that?"

She scoffs. "It's a very acceptable price for a disease-free life. No more always worrying when the next seizure will hit me. I can live now. I can wear something besides black sweats to hide if I lose control of my body functions during a seizure. Don't judge me, McCall! I like this me better than the old me you saw yesterday. So get off your high horse and go fuck yourself!"

Lydia grabs Erica's arm and leads her out of the cafeteria.

I stand between Scott and the direction Lydia and Erica left with my hands up to stop him.

Allison jumps up, grabs Scott's arm, and stops him from running after them.

He turns back to face Allison with a questioning look on his face.

Allison hisses, "Don't judge her! Living her life as a person with epilepsy is worse than living your life as a severe asthmatic. To her, this is a better life than she could have ever led as a human. She's happy and has a strong group of friends who will protect and watch her back. I don't see any disadvantages to what she has now. Besides hunters, I mean."

Scott knows he needs to calm down before putting his foot in his mouth with Allison, so he grabs his jacket and goes to the locker room to work out for the rest of the lunch period.

I run my hand through my hand and breathe a sigh of relief. "I wish Scott would get over his black-and-white view of life. The world is full of grey. That single-mindedness and judgemental attitude is going to get him killed."

I walk to the library.

Allison chews her lower lip and stretches her ankle as she plots to solve this difference of opinion.

Chapter Text

March 2nd, 2011
after school

School's over for the day.

I walk to my jeep climb in ... when Scott rushes over at werewolf speed and climbs in before I can drive away.

I glare at him. "What the actual fuck are you doing?"

Scott shrugs. "You said you'll go to the Argent's with me for tutoring." He points to the road. "Drive."

I growl and clench my jaw to keep my outburst in. Instant fury. I mumble, "Not the thing to say when I'm already furious."

He doesn't apologize.

I start the jeep but refuse to look at Scott or talk to him.

I drive Scott to the Argent's in uncomfortable silence. 

I'm vaguely put at ease by the fact the pack is currently on a field trip to the high school ice rink to talk to Boyd about an exclusive membership to the Peter Hale Werewolf pack.

I look at Scott in my peripheral vision and bite my cheek so I don't laugh at the reaction this Kronk will have at yet another convert to the joys of werewolf-hood.

Scott didn't react too well about Erica, so I'm pretty sure he's going to spontaneously combust when he learns about Boyd. Would it be wrong of me to say ... I can't wait?

Argent House

I'm turning off the key when Scott says, "I can't believe you are okay with insane Alpha Peter forcing himself on anyone else ... like poor defenseless Erica." He turns to exit my jeep without looking at me after that bomb.

I grab his arm and yank him back into the jeep. "You self-righteous son of a bitch! He's not insane, and he didn't force himself on her!"

Scott says, "She was human, and I guarantee there's no way she could make an informed decision on the bite since I'm sure she didn't know everything about it. Peter's not going to tell the bad along with the good, if there is any."

I snarl at him, "Peter explained all the pros and cons of accepting the bite! She chose it of her own free will. She chose to accept it, and she's happy with the new her, so why don't you get off your high horse and go fuck yourself! Get over yourself! Peter's better now, and he offered to teach you! You turned him down! You chose to be an Omega! Stop preaching at everyone because ... I hate to break this to you, buddy ... but you are not better than everyone else!"

I get out of the jeep, march to the front door, and knock.

Scott is on my heels ... stuttering to stop me and tell me how wrong I am.

I stomp over to the door and knock.

Scott follows over and wines, "come on, Stiles! Don't tell me you trust and believe Peter? He's the bad guy! I am the only one trying to do the right thing! He is a killer! A serial Killer!!"

I knocked a little harder than I intended because of my anger.

The door opens.

Victoria and Chris are standing a few feet behind her, descending the stairs.

Allison sees my angry face and Scott's preacher's face. "Scott! You have got to stop judging everyone!"

Chris steps forward and asks, "what's going on, boys?"

Scott steps forward and angrily points at me as he looks at Chris. "Can you tell Stiles that Peter's only adding an epileptic girl to his pack to make her think she's getting a good deal because it may cure epilepsy, but it makes her a monster and puts her on the top of the most wanted list?"

I glare at Scott. "That was her decision, not yours, and I personally think some of the biggest monsters ever to live are and were humans. Look at Hitler, Stalin, Elizabeth Bathory, and Kate Argent. All human! All killers that enjoy killing people they believe aren't as good as they believe themselves to be, are racist and elitist. You think you're better than everyone because you didn't choose to be a werewolf, but you are one. Good thing he didn't ask you, isn't it!"

Victoria nods. "Ah. I see." She lowers her head as she readies to grab the bull by the horns.

She smiles as she turns a motherly look on Scott. "Scott? Did you talk to this girl about it?"

Scott emphatically nods.

Chris asks, "did she say she wanted to be part of the pack or was forced into it."

Scott looks down as he rakes his hand through his hair. "She said she wanted it ... " then he angrily looks at them, "but now she's not human! Now she's a monster! Like Peter!" He whispers under his breath, "like me."

I hear it, but they don't. So Scott's basing everything on Peter's insane action of biting him. Why can't he let it go?

I sigh. "Soo, Scott? You had the chance to return to being asthmatic and living a human life, but you turned it down. What makes you so sure she doesn't want to live without the threat of seizures from the epilepsy disease hanging over her head?"

Scott's jaw drops as it starts to dawn on him. "Umm ... well? But that makes her a monster!" That is his reason for everything.

Allison asks, "Scott? Does that mean you think you are a monster because you are a werewolf?"

He nods.

What an asshole! There's the problem! His problem in his black-and-white world. Human good. Werewolf bad.

I say, "Werewolves are still human ... they just have the wolf on top of it." I look at Victoria. "Erica doesn't see herself as a monster. She sees herself as a human ... a healthy human ... with a little more. Scott has always been judging everyone as being less than him."

Scott stomps his foot. "Peter must have tricked her into giving up her humanity. What could possibly ever be worth that?"

I look at him in absolute disbelief. "There are many things worth that price of admission, Kronk!. People with epilepsy can't live alone, and they can't drive, almost impossible to get a job, they have to avoid eating certain foods to help limit seizures, have to avoid video games or flashing lights (including fire alarms), take meds the size of horse-pills every day, avoid stress, and wear dark clothes for when they lose control of their bladders during a seizure, so it's not as obvious."

I step closer as I say, "Can you imagine how humiliating it is if you piss yourself or might piss yourself every time you have an asthma attack? She had to worry about that every time she had a seizure. Do you understand yet how she had no life with her disease? You had more freedom with severe asthma than she did with epilepsy. You could drive and get a job. Two things an epileptic can never do."

Allison  sighs, "I would hate to exist like that because that isn't living."

Chris and Victoria nod in understanding.

Scott shakes his head. "It can't be that bad. I mean, she goes to school."

I glare at him. "Erica misses half the year. She's repeating this grade because she missed soo many days last year due to her seizures. She's already eighteen." I look at Allison. "I'm sure you can relate to that."

Alley nods.

Victoria says, "I have training in the medical field, Scott. It is that bad and worse. I can see that Erica would feel very grateful to leave that behind ... even if it's to live as a werewolf. I'm sure Peter and his pack will take care of her and teach her control."

Scott's jaw drops. "Umm? Okay. Fine. It makes her life better most days, but she could still hurt someone."

I sigh so heavily that my shoulders move up and down. "Scott. Peter was insane when he bit you. Was. I helped you learn control. I taught you to use Allison as your anchor to maintain your control. I told you not to let your heart rate rise. I taught you to control your senses. Peter's better now, and she has Derek, Peter, and me to teach her."

Victoria says, "It sounds like she's happy to be free of the seizure and have the chance to actually live her life. Maybe you could be happy for her and offer her support instead of criticism?"

Scott steps back in defeat. He mutters, "fine."

Victoria nods decisively. "Now that that's settled ... shall we get to homework?" She leads Scott over to the table where Allison set up their books.

Chris grabs me and brings me to his office ... where he picks up a folder from the desk and looks at it. He takes a picture from the folder and shows me. He says in hushed tones. "I ran a facial recognition program on you, and I found a few ... only ...  they weren't recent.  Can you explain this?"

I scoff. "Jesus! That looks like the fancy duds they wore in that movie Titanic. That makes that ... what ... 1920's?"

He smiles. "1919, to be exact. New York."

I shrug. "Maybe that's an ancestor or a distant relative?"

Chris pulls out another one from the 1950s.

I laugh. "Umm? That looks like one of the outfits from that crime show about Al Capone. Would that be ... what ... 1950's Chicago?"

He smiles like a shark. "1953 in Chicago. Good guess. Only, it's not a guess, is it?"

I smile at him and mentally push him to believe it is distant relatives. "I mean, I'm a teenager. That couldn't possibly be me. I don't think I could grow a beard that nice." Not anymore. It's been too long.

He laughs. "Care to tell me what you are?"

I gawk at him and then smile. "You and Victoria are our allies. You and Victoria, come over to the loft tonight, and we'll explain everything. I think we need to work together on the Gerard threat."

Chris nods. "We'll be there. As soon as Allison leaves to bring Scott home."

I nod, turn around, and walk back into the kitchen.

meanwhile
the school ice rink

Peter leads Derek, Jackson, Lydia, and Erica to where Boyd drives his Zamboni. 

Boyd turns with the machine as he watches the ice intently to ensure he's not scuffing the ice on his turn.

He looks up and slams on his brakes. Where did they come from?

Peter stands in front of him in his leather trench coat.

Jackson stands to his right with his arm around Lydia's shoulders.

To his left is Erica.

He turns back to face the front again and falls off the Zamboni in shock because Derek sits on the hood ... not even a foot from Boyd's face.

Boyd wonders, "How the bloody hell did he get up there without making a sound or me noticing him?"

Erica helps Boyd up from the cold ice.

Jackson chuckles and says, "seriously, Derek? Stiles said Boyd will make a great addition to Peter's pack. If you give the guy a heart attack, he can't join."

Boyd smiles. "Stiles wants to add me to your group? I like Stiles. He's the only one that really notices me."

Erica purrs. "Yes. Stiles is great like that. Joining our pack has benefits and privileges you can't even imagine. It cured my epilepsy. Want to be my boyfriend? Stiles says you like me as much as I like you."

Boyd nods dumbly as a smile slowly creeps across his face.

Derek hops lightly down to the ice without making a sound. He smiles at Boyd and says, "we need to explain everything to you first. What do you know about the supernatural in Beacon Hills?"

Boyd thinks Stiles is a witch, and he knew Talia and Peter aren't possibly human because he believes they are too perfect. Or were, considering Talia's dead.

Peter explains everything about the werewolves and hunters and everything that's happened, starting with the Hale fire six years ago. They explicitly explain their weakness to wolfsbane, the hunters hunting them, and that joining a wolf pack means you need to have strong bonds and connections to everyone in the pack. Loyalty to the pack and their pack friendships and family come first.

Boyd likes the idea that he'll now have not only one friend, but seven. One will be his girlfriend. He hasn't had seven friends in his entire life.

Boyd thinks all of two seconds and jumps at the chance to join their pack.

Peter bites him, and they bring him to the loft for training, bonding, and a huge pack meal.

meanwhile
Argent kitchen

I sit down across from Allison, sitting next to Scott. 

They work on ancient history, political science, economics, and French.

I work on essays for my clients.

Victoria looks over my shoulder at one and smiles. "Advanced Macrobiotics. I'm impressed. Interesting theory you're working with there."

I bring up a word document. "Actually, I have my clients answer questions about their theories and ideas on the assignment and use them as my work scaffolding."

She nods. "Impressive. How much do you make for these essays?"

I show her my price list and the SOPs I follow for writing the essays.

She arches her brow, showing she's impressed. "You do papers for people working on their masters?"

I nod. "Yeah. I love researching and keeping updated on all the newest technologies and practices. For instance, the doctor that worked on Lincoln after he was shot contributed to the cause of death because he stuck a small rod in the bullet hole to determine trajectory, causing more damage. That procedure was stopped a few years after he retired. If he kept up on changes, he would have known that."

Chris smiles. "I remember reading about that. The doctor had retired 20 years before and didn't know that was more harmful than helpful."

I smile. "I like you."

Victoria brings over three muffins, garlic muffins, and sits them down next to me. "Stiles? Where were you born? I couldn't find a birth certificate for a Stiles Stilinski."

I scoff. "Well. Stiles isn't my name. It's my nickname. I wasn't born in the United States. My dad was stationed overseas then, so I was born on an American base. Naval Support Activity or NSA Souda Bay. It's off of Crete."

Scott looks a little surprised. "Isn't that where Lydia was born?"

I shrug. "Yeah." I'm surprised he knows that.

Scott looks at me weirdly. "Soo ... you speak both Greek and ... Polish?"

I nod and look at him funny as I slowly respond, "yeah. Why?" 

Scott looks at me oddly. "I knew Lydia was born at NSA Souda Bay because her dad was in the military. I didn't know you were. Remember the other day when I said it sounded like you two were speaking Greek to me ... you literally were speaking Greek?"

I nod and smile at him. "You're more observant than I thought. Yes. We were speaking Greek.  In other countries, Service members and their families must know the local language before leaving the base. We liked exploring ... so we learned the local language."

Victoria looks at Chris and then looks at me with a smile. "Where did you like to explore?"

I smile. "Chania. The Island's Capital."

Chris and Victoria nod at each other. I think they already discovered our story that we were born in Greece, and the fire at the base hospital obliterated most birth certificates from the 1990s. That would include hers and mine, if they existed in the first place, which they didn't.

Allison takes a muffin and bites into it. She coughs behind her hand. "These are good, but a little heavy on the garlic." She hands one to Scott and offers me one.

I refuse. "No thanks. I have to make supper for dad soon, and I don't want to ruin my appetite. Thank you, though. Besides ... I suspect I have a little Crones disease even though I was never diagnosed. I avoid breads just to be safe."  I look at my watch and stand as I pack my books away. "I need to go. Thanks for the help."

Allison says, "I'll bring Scott home in a little bit. His mom doesn't get off for another couple of hours." 

I give her and then her parents an appraising glance. Why do they know Melissa's schedule? Her schedule changes daily. I doubt they talked to Mel today, so they must keep tabs on her. I hope it's to stay between her and Gerard.

I nod at Allison and walk out the door.

I leave Scott with the Argents at their house, climb into my jeep, and drive down the road.

I'm disappointed at how well I deflected questions about my background, history, and race.

A couple of blocks away, I call Peter as I continue to drive home. "Chris and Victoria suspect I'm immortal and possibly even a vampire. They tried serving me garlic muffins. Who the heck serves garlic muffins? "

I sigh. "Peter? Since they're our allies, I told them to come over tonight after Allison leaves to bring Scott home, and we'll explain the pack."

Peter hmms. "Yes. They are our allies. It will increase their trust in us if we show we trust them enough to come clean about us. You were right about Boyd. He's magnificent."

He purrs in his dark, delicious voice, "come to the loft. Boyd just finished mastering his control, and I want you to see how fantastic he and Erica are at lycanthropy. The pack's all here, except for you."

I smile at that and head over to the loft.

Chapter Text

Wednesday night
March 2nd, 2011
Derek's Loft

I walk into the loft and smile at Boyd and Erica standing tall and proud next to Derek resting his upper body on his arms atop the large planning table in the middle of the room. That's probably the most relaxed I've ever seen Derek.

Lydia and Jax relax on the loveseat. If you didn't know better, you'd think there's more between them than sex and friendship. The others probably haven't noticed you never smell arousal or jealousy from Jax or Lydia when someone flirts with the other. I flirt with Lydia because I know it's safe and not going anywhere. She's like a little sister to me.

Boyd looks at me and says, "Thanks, Stiles. Being part of this pack means the world to me."

I smile, nod, and look down at Erica's hand in his. "You both wear it well."

Erica traces where my gaze fell and smiles as she looks at me. "Yep. Peter says the smells and feelings we get and feel for each other show we're fated to be mates. We've coupled up; only it's permanent. We'll never be alone again."

Peter steps behind me and wraps his arms around my waist as he nuzzles into my neck.

I lean into Peter's embrace and take a deep calming breath as he wraps his other hand around my wrist and lifts it to admire the wolf head bracelet he gave me, resting there. I smell his contentment.

Peter huskily whispers next to my ear, "They both took to it like a fish to water. I take it your kind can see those that will make a good werewolf?"

I nod. "Something like that." Werewolves are descended from vampire and human parents so ... I can see the humans that will take to the supernatural ... light or dark tells if they live or die. The strength of the light and its color tell me how well their body accepts it.

I look at Derek and then at Lydia. "Chris Argent ran facial recognition software on my face and turned up a picture of me from 1950s Chicago and another from 1919 New York. They aren't sure what I am. I told Chris they're our allies and to come over tonight ... without Alley ... and we'll explain the pack.

Erica chuckles. "First werewolves, sirens, and now vampires. Don't tell me zombies are real!"

Peter shakes his head. "No. They're not."

I smile and say, "Not anymore. We hunted Zombies and Ghouls into extinction, about four millennia ago. That was one of John's pet projects."

They look at me in shock. 

I chuckle. "I'm kidding." 

They hear my heart skip, so they know I'm not kidding. 

They look at each other.

I say, "I guess if I ever want to lie to a werewolf, I need to stop my heartbeat, so you don't hear the skip. Good to know. We vampires can't hear lies, we feel and smell when someone lies to us."

Peter nuzzles at my collarbone, "you don't ever need to lie to us."

I can't help but smile at his public display of affection (PDA). I reply, "Our pack? No. But there are other packs out there. Who's to say if a strange werewolf ever passes through."

I blur across the room and sit down on the couch before they can see me move.

Boyd and Erica gasp in shock as Peter rolls his eyes.

Jax and Lydia bite their lips to stop their laughter. Such theatrics are typical for us when around other supernaturals. We enjoy not having to play human all the time.

Derek didn't show any reaction that my movement wasn't normal.

I shrug. "There are a lot of species that live a long, long time. Werewolves can live two to three hundred years ... if you don't get killed by hunters. Sirens, like Lydia, live a couple thousand years. The Argents currently have no clue what I am... " I stop and think. "Victoria may suspect it because she tried to get me to eat a garlic muffin."

Lydia looks intently at me. "Did anything about you come up that they didn't, or did, know?"

I nod. "Scott filled in a few gaps for them ... like, you and I speak Greek because he believes we were both born on NSA off of Crete, and you must know the local language before you can leave the base to go exploring."

She gets an Oh no look on her face. "Where did you tell them we explored? ... I'm sure Victoria would ask something that basic."

I shrug. "The Island Capital. Chania."

She lowers her gaze as she drops her shaking head into her hands and mutters, "oh no." She sighs as she rubs her face before looking at me. "Wilka! The capital was moved from Chania to Heraklion in 1971. I think you just busted yourself ... which means you busted me too. Damn it!"

I frown. "Why move the capital? I mean, Chania is ... ahhh, crap! Damn it! John always told me not to say anything about anything and never to volunteer anything. Damn it!" I think for a minute. "I don't think Allison will ever notice that little fact. She doesn't seem like the type to research anything, let alone any little tidbits I may have said about my supposed past."

Erica asks, "You're both from Greece?"

Lydia shrugs. "Sort of. I'm from the ocean in the Strait of Messina, between Italy and Sicily."

I nod. "I was born in a village near Lacedaemon. I was a Lyconian."

Boyd smiles. "You were a Spartan before they were Spartans!"

I nod as I smile proudly at him. "Yeah. Ancient history. I'm surprised you know that."

Peter cocks his head. "That's why the Dryad thought you were Lykan. She got the names mixed up. Lykan is similar to Lyconian, but the meaning is vastly different." He then smiles ruefully. "Isn't the sunken city of Lacedaemon commonly mistaken for the Lost City of Atlantis?"

I turn and stare at him. "How? ... Yes. It's also called Atlantis. But how would you know about the Dryad? " It only takes a second to realize how. "You! ... You watched us when we restored the Nemeton. I knew I felt someone watching us. I just didn't detect an animosity, so when I didn't see anyone, I ... ignored it."

Peter just gives me a knowing smile. "I would never hurt you, and I would never do anything to get you hurt. I want you as my mate."

I ignore the mate comment and cock my head. "Why didn't I see you?"

Peter smiles. "I was in the top of a tree."

I snort. "Tell me you weren't laughing your ass off at me and the six foot bunny?"

He cocks a brow with a smug smile and I chuckle.

Jax laughs, and I pout as he crows, "Someone was actually able to spy on the Ancient. That was so improbable as to be impossible!"

Derek quietly chuckles, and Erica covertly covers her mouth as she giggles.

I rove my scathing glare across them all. I think they're laughing at the bunny.

Peter sits next to me and drapes his arm over my shoulder. "We have a strong pack now, and only my pack knows where I live. We just need to find out Gerard's intentions when he arrives."

I smile. "I know when Gerard's scheduled to fly into Beacon Hills."

Boyd sits down next to Erica on one of the couches. "How do you know that?"

I look away as I nervously rub the back of my neck, "Chris brought me into his office to show me the old pictures, and I glimpsed a notebook on his desk. The top page had been ripped off, but I could read the indents left behind about Gerard's flight plans. Chris also had Priceline.com on his monitor for a hotel and car rental. Gerard is due to arrive tomorrow, Thursday, around noon. The funeral is Sunday afternoon."

I frown as I get a terrible thought. "What if Chris Argent used the picture as a ruse to get me into the office so I could see the information on Gerard's visit. They couldn't be that far ahead of the game ... could they?"

Peter shrugs.

We talk about our pack and Beacon Hills for another ten minutes when I raise my fingers to the throbbing pain in my head.

I wince and rub my temples.

Jax blurs to my side and sits next to me. "Who's trying to call you? I thought we don't call you unless something serious happened?"

I look at him. "The others know better than to call me without reason." I close my eyes and search for the signature of the call. "A Coterie in Houston, Texas. None of the ones calling me has the gift of Telepathy, so they're using a bloodline spell. I better deal with this. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Jax intently looks at me. "Should I come with you? I can fly also. I got that gift and a few others because you were old when you turned me. I can come with you."

I stand. "No. I'm fine. Just cover for me with the Argents if they get here before I get back." I look at the balcony door.

Jax blurs to it and opens it for me.

I fly out the door. I'm sure everyone but Jax sees me shift into a swarm of bats and fly out the door." We don't become bats, that's merely a camouflaging magic that comes with being vampires.

Jax explains Coteries, or vampire packs, and that usually, vampires get a gift every 150-200 years ... If they live that long. Seventy-five percent die before they reach a century.

The first gift is always flight, the others are random and variable.

Jackson received three gifts when I turned him. Flight. Telepathy. Cryo. ... and the wolf.

three hours later 
the loft

The Argents arrive at about the same time that John does.

Derek hands the three of them beers.

Victoria looks around as Chris turns a couple of high-backed bar stools around for them to sit on. "Sheriff? You're the advisor?"

He smiles as he sips his beer and nods. "I'm also the Emissary."

Chris arches a brow at that. "That's how you matched the big cat's claws with the wounds on the animal kill victims?"

Peter sips his beer. "Please? Let's call it what it was. My insane revenge on the arsonist who broke the code and killed my family. My human family. I'm sane now that I have a pack to ground me ... and a mate that I'm in the process of wooing."

Victoria hmms. "Stiles?"

Peter nods.

She smiles demurely. "Where is the young man? Or should I say the old man?"

John looks at Jax. "Where is he? I don't sense him in Beacon Hills."

Jax rubs the back of his neck as he nervously says, "The Houston Coterie called him to solve a problem a few hours ago. He's probably on his way back now."

Victoria looks at Chris, then turns her gaze to John and Jax. "How could he get to Houston, Texas, and back in less than three hours, let alone solve some problem?"

Jax ducks his head. "He flew."

Chris cocks his head. "How did he get plane tickets, which still doesn't solve the timeline?"

John smiles. "His kind doesn't need airplanes to fly." He turns to Jax. "Get the balcony door. He's coming in for a landing now."

Jax blurs to the balcony door and opens it.

A second later, a swarm of bats flies in the door, merging into a pissed-off me. 
 

I snarl in Greek, Apovrasmata pou roufoun tous Aztekous! Pos tolmouse na me apsifisei I na prospathisei na me piesei tin prosochi tou! Tha eprepe na eicha kanei kati pio monimo apo to na tou xeskíso tin kardia! Uug! Afto to katharma me kanei toso Thee mou, kataramena thymomeno!!"

Translation "Scum-sucking Aztec! How dare he defy me or try to force his attentions on me! I should have done something more permanent than ripping out his heart! Ugg! That bastard makes me so God damned angry!!"

I don't even notice anything around me besides my anger. The room temperature drops a good twenty degrees from the force of my anger.

Lydia snarks, "damned vampire emotions!! The damned energy output from such strong emotions affects the environment. I don't like the cold when I'm in human form." She does a half shift. They use their beautiful form human-ish to lure lovers, with their webbed fingers and scaled chest. The changes are under her clothes so can't be seen.

John and Jax blur to my side. Both have their hands up to calm me down and get my attention.

I vaguely hear."The Aztec deserves a lot more than you ripping out his heart. Too bad that won't kill him. The bastard!"

Victoria and Chris look at each other with surprise in their eyes as their breath now causes plums of ice crystals.

Erica asks, "Ripping out the heart of one of your kind doesn't kill you?"

I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. "No. It doesn't kill us. It hurts like hell and takes time to heal. It's forbidden for vampires to be around humans until we're able to pass ourselves off as human."

I close my eyes and focus on the temperature, raising it back to normal levels. "Sorry, Lydia. I know how much you hate the cold."

She sighs and nods as she reverts to her Lydia guise.

I look at the others. "I can regenerate my heart in seconds. That bastard was turned in 1520 by a two-thousand-year-old Egyptian. I estimate it will take a day or two for him to regenerate his heart enough for it to beat again. I bet it's at least another decade before he defies me again or tries to lay his hand or lips on me again. Fucking bastard!"

Peter growls in jealousy and anger. "Someone tried to kiss you?! Without consent! Where is he?"

Boyd rolls his eyes as he sighs, "And there goes his insane jealousy over Stiles."

Peter narrows his eyes as he glares at Boyd, "at least my only insanity nowadays is my jealousy over my mate. You should have seen me before I was able to provide for him. It wasn't pretty."

I try to force myself to remain calm. I spot the Argents by the counter with their beers. "Chris? Victoria? I normally have more control over my emotions than this."

I sigh. "I should explain. I was called to Houston by a pack of my kind. A vampire pack is called a Coterie. A young vampire attacked and turned someone who didn't know about vampires. He left the fledgling alone ... without any idea what happened to him or that he was no longer human. Therefore, he didn't feed after awakening. He didn't know what to eat or how to get what he needed. He didn't get enough blood for the physical changes. He went feral and killed three humans in a very gruesome way. The city vampire elders saw evidence of vampires, feral vampires, and hunted him down. They locked him up for me to deal with since he couldn't communicate. He was little more than a self-aware revenant."

John asks, "So they covered up the deaths as something ...."

I nod. "Gas leak leading to a large explosion. That explained why the bodies were in pieces, and the building was engulfed in flames."

I grab some red wine from the wine rack next to the fridge with a red x on it ... meaning vampire friendly. I pour a glass for myself. 

Peter takes the glass from my hand before I can drink it and hands it to Jax. He then pours a glass of his expensive red wine, cuts his hand, and puts a little blood in it before giving it to me."

I bite my lip. "I take it you don't want me to drink any blood but yours?"

He smiles. "Of course. I explained I'm a very jealous man. I prefer that I'm the only one providing what you require or want."

I smile as I say, "I see that." I taste the wine and smile happily. The temperature of the room is finally comfortable for Lydia and the Argents. "Mmm, that's good." Drinking blood makes my eyes glow red. Jax' eyes also glow from the blood wine he's drinking.

I lean against the counter as I continue. "I'm the vampire progenitor. That gives me a lot of ... influence over those who descend from me. I went into his mind and saw who turned him. The vampire that owned that territory hunted down and brought Lucas to me."

I take another sip. "He didn't know he turned the man. A car hit Lucas, and by the time he healed enough to awaken, the kid, a good Samaritan, was performing CPR on him. I'm guessing ... Lucas coughed and expelled some of the blood pooled in his lungs into the man's mouth, and he swallowed. The vampire killed the kid with a broken neck so fast that the vamp blood in his system didn't have time to erode, devolve, or absorb into the kid's body. The sudden death and shock were close enough conditions to what we do when we turn someone that it was enough to bring him over. It had to be the bare minimum of blood needed. It wasn't enough blood to give him the knowledge or memories of his sire or even allow him to develop fangs, claws, or an ability like immunity to sunlight. Vampire law is very specific. Secrecy. Only turn someone after they're fully aware of us and the supernatural. Guide, help, and teach your young until they can survive independently. Do not kill innocent humans. Ever. Killers are fair game."

I sip my wine. "Penalty for breaking the fledgling law is death to the fledgling and the sire. The penalty for killing innocent humans and breaking the secrecy of our kind to humans at large is death."

I sigh and look at my hand. "I killed them and scattered their ashes so they can't return. When I turned to leave, the Aztec asked yet again if I would ... marry him. Yet again, I told him no."

I look at Victoria. "I know the only reason he's interested in me is power and prestige."

I look at John. "He decided he needed to kiss me to show me what he thinks I'm missing. That ... enraged me. When I'm enraged ... I can be very dangerous."

I sigh and take a sip of my wine. I allow my entire eye to shine red and then drop back to just the red iris. "I ripped out his heart and left him thrashing on the ground with the warning that I'll kill him if he tries anything like that again. That was my only warning. I then flew off so fast I broke the sound barrier."

I tilt my head back against the wall. "I wonder what Tex will say to hide the unexplained sonic boom."

Victoria says, "Well, that certainly explains a lot about vampires in general." She looks at Lydia sitting next to Jackson. "What are you? You're not a vampire or werewolf. Temperature affects you more than it affects humans."

Lydia smiles sweetly and bares her teeth, revealing fanged fish-like teeth. She shifts her hands into webbed fingers, claws, and fish scales at vital points.

She smiles with her dainty human teeth. "I'm a siren. A warm water siren."

Chapter Text

Wednesday night
March 2nd, 2011
Derek's Loft

Victoria says, "well, that certainly explains a lot about vampires in general." She looks at Lydia sitting next to Jackson. "What are you? You're not a vampire or werewolf."

She smiles with her dainty human teeth. "I'm a siren. A warm water siren."

She leans into Jax. "You could say I'm a cross between a mermaid and a succubus. I'm like a  ... dolphin (mammalian fish) with a magical voice that feeds on sexual energy. Kind of like Stiles. Right Wilka?" She looks at me with an arched brow. She shows off her fanged teeth.

I chuckle. "Hardly. Before Peter volunteered as my blood donor, I went a thousand years without sex. I can go six to eight months between feedings ... of course, If I go that long without feeding, I'll need to kill whomever I feed on, but there are tons of killers out there stupid enough to attack me and volunteer to be my next meal."

They look at me funny. "That's sarcasm."

Lydia gives a trilling laugh. "Silly, Wilka. I meant I feed during sex, and you prefer to feed during sex with your hunky male over there."

I smile as I fondly look at Peter proudly puff up like a peacock. "That's true."

Peter smiles proudly as he drapes his arm around my shoulders.

Jax smiles. "During the showdown with Kate, Lydia and I entered the Hale tunnels through the aqueducts. She breathes underwater, and I don't need to breathe. Easy-peasy."

I nod. "Vampires can turn off human bodily functions, like heartbeat and respiration. They aren't necessary. We classify them as part of our human disguise."

Chris sips his beer as he thinks about how to word his questions. 

He's intrigued by sirens and vampires. He always believed both were myths.

Erica holds up her hand. "Stiles? Wilka? Why haven't we seen vampires before?"

I frown. "Seventy-five percent of fledglings die before they reach a hundred. Less than one percent live more than two thousand years. We are ... created with death magic. If the person we choose to turn, wants to die, they won't survive the transition. If a vampire decides they want to die, they literally find a grave, empty or occupied, lie down, and cease to exist. They literally will themselves to die." I don't mention she's been going to school with a vampire for a while now.

Boyd looks at John. "So ... you're not a vampire?"

John smiles and shakes his head. "No. I was Wilka's last living descendant. Due to the way his two sons were conceived, they were the first Magi, and each descendant from them inherited that gift. I'm a Magi. A Battle Mage. I've been his traveling companion for the last five millennia. Between my magic and his blood, I don't keep my age. You see how young he looks. I've posed as his dad for a very long time."

Derek's lip twerks as he tries to decide if he wants to ask a few basic lore questions.

Chris sips his beer. "Vampires. Sunlight and garlic don't ..."

Derek slumps, "Thank God! I didn't want to sound like an idiot for asking."

I smile at him. "Sunlight. Yes and no." I look at Jax. "Right?"

Jax blushes, "It was my first day! I goofed." He looks at Derek. "Sunlight only affects us if we feed during the daylight or just before. Other than that, no. It doesn't bother us."

Lydia holds up her finger. "Vampires have immunity to sunlight if they got enough blood from their sire during the change."

I look at Chris. "We don't eat solid food. Well, we can eat if a little blood is added to the food like they do in the vamp-friendly restaurants in big cities. As far as that garlicky smell, we can smell it coming a long way off, like any animal. We can use that smell to avoid you or to hunt you. Kate loved garlic toast in the mornings, so I always knew where she was when you dropped off Allison for school."

Derek asks, "Crosses and churches? Mountain ash and wolfsbane affect us, so do crosses affect you?"

I shake my head. "No. Some of us sleep under churches or in crypts. A few of us have killed in churches. I turned a priest inside a French church during the 1700s, the day after he beheaded me. He came here to the new world with me. Beacon Hills was his territory until I moved here, and he gave it to me. He decided he wanted to be a teenager again. He's tired of being responsible."

They shudder at the beheading comment.

Jax looks confused. "There are other vampires in Beacon Hills?"

I nod. "There's a few. They aren't interested in vampire politics and just want to be left alone, so I leave them be. They do tell me if any threats to me or mine arise."

John smiles. "They always want to be on their King's good side."

Erica holds up her hand. "Umm? Question? If you don't mind? If this priest cut off your head ... why did you turn him?"

I smile. "That's complicated."

She frowns. "I didn't mean to pry."

I smile at her. "It's not prying. That's ancient history. I just need to think how to explain it to people that don't know vampire history or genetics." I think a minute on how to explain it. "Okay. He was my friend and didn't know what I was. Hunters convinced him I was either a demon or possessed, and the only way to save my soul was to behead me. His Abbott locked his little sister in a cell under the church ... to save her soul and protect her from me. She was a frail, little thing. She was sick and dying from their treatment of her. Soo..."

Victoria grits her teeth. "His spiritual boss kidnapped his baby sister, imprisoned her, and wouldn't let her get medical help unless he killed the demon. That's awful. How old was the girl?"

I nod. "Six. I let the Priest use a blessed sword on me where his Abbott would see it. I let the Abbott examine my body afterward to see no heartbeat. As soon as he allowed the Priest to retrieve the little girl, I reattached my head, and fed on the Abbott. I made it look like the man killed himself."

John chips in, "I saw all of that from the rafters. I didn't die, so I knew Stiles still lived. I followed the Priest and his sister to the doctor."

He sips his beer. "The doctor told him it was too late for her. I kicked in the door and sent the frightened doctor away. I explained the supernatural to the Priest and used my magic to heal the little girl. The Priest fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness. I explained Stiles isn't evil. He kills killers to protect the innocent. The Priest gave his sister to the nuns to care for and followed me to where Stiles was arranging the Abbott's dead body to look like a natural death."

I nod. "The French Revolution was gearing up, or so we thought. It was actually another 30 years before that happened, but we chartered a boat to come here in 1752. The Priest swore his eternal devotion to me and a few other things if I helped him atone for all the vile things the Abbot made him do in the church's name. So ..." I shrug. "I turned him."

Derek's brows are in his hairline. "Who's this other vampire? This Priest?"

I shrug. "He wants to stay on the sidelines for now. He'll let himself be known when he's ready." I can sense Peter's jealousy growing. I grab his hand. "I've never been intimate with him. He sees me more as his parent than anything else. There is nothing to be jealous about."

Peter sips his beer. "I'll reserve my judgment ... for now."

We do a questioning and answering to learn more about each other's backgrounds and what we've done in our past.

I have no problem discussing what I've done as a vampire, but I refuse to discuss my mortal history.

I'm not telling anyone how old I am, and I want to leave it that way. I leave it at "... John and I saw the Jewish slaves of the Egyptians build the pyramids. The oldest Egyptian pyramid is four and a half millennia old. The ones on the Ocean floor near Japan are almost ten thousand years old. I watched those built before the great flood."

Derek stands up. "There are no such things. Underwater pyramids in Japan? As if? You're pulling our leg."

Chris looks uses Google on his phone. "Actually. The pyramids on the ocean floor near Japan were discovered in 1986 and certified as real in 1995. They are estimated to be about ten thousand years old." He shows them a picture of it. "It's thirty meters down, making excavation nearly impossible."

Victoria discusses a possible plan for Gerard with Chris with a few suggestions from us.

Chris and Victoria think Allison can play double agent. Nothing dangerous. She'll pretend she hasn't learned about werewolves, and she doesn't know about Scott. Allison can let Gerard think he's manipulating her, and she can spy on him for them.

They don't mention it depends on Scott is his typical bumbling, lying self, and remain egotistical as hell.

Yeah. That should work.

I hold up my hand. "Jax and I can spy on Gerard without endangering Alley. We can make ourselves invisible to mundanes." I throw up my white sound and stand in front of Chris. "As long as I don't make an attack, I can remain hidden indefinitely."  They can hear but not see me.

Victoria shakes her head as I drop my shield. "Gerard has several relics on him, and inside of him, that prevent such things from working on him. That's one of the reasons he's such a good hunter and still alive to do it."

I sigh and look at Peter. "Umm. I'm kind of hungry. It uses ... my energy reserves to fly cross country like that and back." I look at the others. "Do you guys mind if Peter and I take off?"

Peter's immediately by my side, gesturing for the door. He looks at the Argents. "This is Derek's house and our den. If you ever want us, someone is normally around. I need to provide for my mate." He gestures for me to head for the door.

I smile at him. "You move almost as fast as my kind."

He smiles. "Depends on the reason ... as to how fast I move."

Peter's apartment

We go to Peter's apartment for great sex and a little feeding.

I tuck myself into his chest and purr, "You're the best bed and breakfast a vampire could ever want."

He laughs as he tightens his arms around me and moves us so he's spooning me. "I aim to please."

I'm fully sated and feel so safe wrapped in his arms that I'm asleep in seconds.

Thursday
March 3rd, 2011
noon-ish

Chris picks up Gerard from the airport.

He then takes Gerard to Hertz Rent-A-Car to pick up his rental car (SUV) and leads Gerard to the hotel he booked for Gerard's stay while in town.

Chris sits in his SUV and watches through the hotel's glass front door as Gerard collects his key from the front desk and climbs into the elevator.

Gerard knows Chris is watching him enter the elevator, so he goes straight to his room. He stealthily checks out the window and watches as Chris drives away.

Gerard surmises that Chris should be heading home to check on Allison and confer with Victoria about his next set of orders. He smiles and calls his men, who are already in the local area that's positioned in nearby towns.

His men come from a few towns to the west and the east. He's smart enough to have two units rotating out to serve him at all times.

Tomorrow he'll use the units stationed to the south and north with him.

Always plan ahead and get others to do your dirty work for you.

at the School

Chris parks under the trees on the far side of the parking lot in a spot where he can see them, but the view of his SUV is obstructed by the sign and dumpster.

He wants to be in position before Gerard, and his men begin following his daughter.

He's positioned so he can see Stiles' Jeep, Jax' Porsche, Lydia's car, Scott's bike, and Allison's car from where he's parked.

He suspects Gerard knows these vehicles from Kate's reports to him.

an hour later

An unknown SUV pulls into the parking lot and parks in the middle of the lot, where it can watch the school's front door. There are three men inside—Gerard and two hunters that Chris doesn't recognize.

Victoria is correct in believing Gerard has his own men nearby.

The fact that it took ... he looks at his watch and calculates ... forty-three minutes means that these hunters were within thirty minutes away when Chris dropped off Gerard. They are from a town 30 minutes away, or they were already driving here when Gerard arrived, or they were already waiting here for Gerard's arrival and waited for him to settle into his hotel room before they came here to check out the school.

The question is ... are they spying on Allison or trying to find the Alpha?

Twenty minutes later  

Another SUV arrives and parks next to Gerard, facing the other way so they can talk through the passenger's window. They can go in opposite directions when the time comes since they're facing opposite directions.

The bell rings, and a few students exit the front doors. It must be all the ones with a free period during their last class.

Stiles POV

I'm among the students leaving because my last period is a free period ... meaning I don't have to be here for it.

I notice the dark, menacing SUVs tactically parked in the middle of the parking lot with the stench of wolfsbane emanating from it, and ... I recognize Gerard's face from the pictures I've gathered during my research.

Gerard sees from my body language that I know who he is and he wants to know why.

I climb into my jeep and spot Chris in his SUV on the far side of the lot under the trees.

Our eyes meet, so he knows I see him. The man is watching everything. Smart move!

Gerard and a couple of his men follow me in one of the SUVs as I leave  .... while the other stays and watches for ... Allison? Scott? Lydia?

I quickly spot their SUV in my rear-view mirror.

I want John to see these guys, so I need a reason to stop by the station. I drive through a Church's Chicken drive-through and get two bags of baked chicken with mashed potatoes with gravy, mac n cheese, and biscuits. I then drive to the police station and hand one bag to Tara and one to Dad.

John looks through the front door, spots the SUV as it passes by the station, too slowly to be innocent. John sees the two hunters in the vehicle as they study the station door.

The hunters unobtrusively park at the corner where they can watch the front door while pretending to read the daily newspaper. I guess they don't realize that if they can see me then I can more than likely see them. Idiots!

I visit with dad for about fifteen minutes, and then I exit the building, climb into my jeep, and drive home to work on my homework. Supposedly. I finished those assignments last week.

meanwhile
at school

The last bell rings and all the rest of the students leave the school.

Allison walks out ... surrounded by Jackson, Lydia, and Scott.

Scott's finally gotten over Erica's race change. The main reason he's allowing himself to get over it is ... mostly ... so he can stay on Allison's good side because she has no problem with Peter adding willing kids to his wolf pack. Wait until he learns Boyd joined Peter's pack.

Erica and Boyd walk out of the front doors about five minutes later.

Allison and Scott leave in her car (leaving his bicycle padlocked to the bike rack) and they don't see the second SUV following them. 

Scott plans on collecting his bike from the school tomorrow because he has a study date with Allison tonight at her house and Stiles already left.

Erica and Boyd spot the SUV with men in camouflage.

Erica gets a good whiff of wolfsbane from it because the windows are down and there is a slight breeze.

Erica turns and acts like she's taking a selfie ... only ... she's taking a picture of the SUV, its occupants, and the license plate. She texts those pictures to all of the pack, including Allison.

Allison chokes on her spit and forwards the pictures to her dad.

Scott asks if she's okay.

She nods and chokes out, "Nothing's wrong." She doesn't want to worry him.

John receives the pictures and while he may not be able to see the plates on the SUV following Stiles ... he can see this one, so he immediately runs the plates.

Tara tells him those plates belong to a blue KIA Forte that was stolen in San Xavier County. Not a black SUV. That means the plates are borrowed from the stolen car. They don't think the hunters realize they stole the plates from a stolen car.

He sends two human officers to pull them over, impound the SUV, charge the driver with a misdemeanor, and slap him, if not both men, in jail.

John's deputy brings in the two hunters. They fingerprint them and toss them into the holding tank while they track down the owner of those plates.

John then sends the prints to Agent Rafe McCall (in the FBI) in Florida.

Rafe calls him within five minutes. "HOLD THOSE MEN! Those prints match a couple of mass murderers in Oregon. They killed a couple of cops who attempted to arrest them on escaped felon charges. I'm flying up on the next available flight with three other agents to extradite them."

John smiles and nods. "They're all yours, Rafe."

Gerard is soo pissed at losing two of his best men that he's spitting nails. Figuratively, not literally!

Chapter Text

Thursday
March 3rd, 2011

Chris follows the SUV following his little girl from a safe distance.

He laughs when two deputies pull over Gerard's hunter and search the vehicle.

The cops notice their stolen plates. That's a misdemeanor that gets your car impounded and your license suspended.

Now the cops arrest the two hunters because they kept saying our truck. That means the two own it jointly. It doesn't help that their driver's licenses are fake. There are no holograms printed on them to show authenticity.

The deputies find illegal assault weapons under a fake bottom in the trunk. They impound the vehicle and call in another two units. One escorts them back. The other follows, ensuring no problems with these possible terrorists.

Chris laughs on his way home. He can't wait to tell Victoria that two of Gerard's men were arrested. 

Chris nods as he pulls out his phone. "Consider it done."

5:30-ish pm

Scott only has an hour doing homework with Allison before gathering his bike and going to work at the clinic.

He barely outlined his book report for his English class. He doesn't see how Stiles keeps caught up on his homework.

Scott rides his bike to Deaton's clinic.

He spends the entire ride mentally cursing Stiles for not listening to him about Peter and the pack. He knows he can't be wrong about anything with werewolves and the supernatural. He knows he's right about Peter, and Stiles is too human to see it clearly. His instincts can't be near as sharp as werewolf Scott's.

He angrily stomps his foot as he engages his kickstand.

Stiles makes him soo damned angry!

Scott got over werewolf Erica to make Allison happy ... but he's reluctant to see it does make Erica's life better. He understands her life's terrible since she'd never get to drive with epilepsy. Scott doesn't know how he'd feel if he could never drive. He likes the freedom driving gives him. Maybe ... Stiles is ... no ... that would make Scott wrong, and Scott McCall is never wrong!

Deaton!

They must be here to attack Deaton! He has to ensure his boss is okay.

Scott tiptoes to the back window and listens, verifying they aren't hurting Deaton.

He learned from Stiles not to look at the hunters because they'll sense they're being watched. He stands next to the window, and his eyes are glued to his feet.

Scott hears Deaton talking to the hunters for a few more minutes and claps his hand over his mouth.

Son of a f**king bitch! Stiles was right! Deaton is working with them, and he's Gerard Argent's best friend! How could he be that wrong about everything?

Wait. If Deaton's a hunter ... then Stiles is right about everything! How is this his life?

He realizes he didn't hear the last minute or so ... he tunes into everything happening in the clinic.

Scott bites his tongue as Gerard curses his men's arrest for having stolen plates. John ran their prints with the FBI and identified them as mass murderers in another state.

Gerard's spy in the police department told him FBI agents are coming to take his men into custody. He blames Stiles. He knows the kid recognized him.

Gerard says, "My men only kill werewolves, witches, and the humans that hide them. They don't qualify as human. We protect humans from werewolf contamination, even if it means killing them to save them! We did them a favor! Can't they see that!"

When Gerard calms down, he talks about his cancer and the cure.

Gerard wants Deaton to take him to the Nemeton to tap into it to give him more time to get the bite, saving him from his cancer.

Deaton snarls, "I was soo close to controlling that accursed tree. I engineered a feral Alpha forcing the bite on a weak-willed boy and influencing that boy to fight his wolf. He's got the kid wrongly believing no one would ever want to willingly become a werewolf. I made him into an Omega, so he's even weaker and easier to control. I was soo close to making him the weakest Alpha to walk Beacon Hills ... submissive and obedient to me! That damned Stiles ruined everything! Everything!"

Gerard asks, "Stiles? Sheriff Stilinski's boy?"

Deaton nods. "Who else?"

Gerard nods. "He recognized me at the school. That means he knows who and what I am. Who's your puppet werewolf?"

Deaton shakes his head in disbelief. "Scott McCall! I can still use him, so do not kill him! I'm driving a wedge between Scott and Stiles. I magically enforced a black-and-white life view on the idiotic pup! I'm using that and Scott's relationship with your granddaughter to do it."

Gerard smiles. "I need an Alpha's bite to destroy my cancer so I can survive. Scott is a werewolf and can get me this new Alpha. I won't kill Scott, but I will use him."

Deaton slams a book down. "I suspect Peter's Emissary is Stiles, but Stiles is too young for such power."

Gerard asks, "Why do you suspect it's Stiles?"

Deaton leans against the table. "As soon as Stiles met Derek Hale, everything went south. He convinced them to think logically and question the instinctive impulses I was throwing at them to see if they were real or magically projected. I think he's hiding Peter, and that's why we can't find that damned werewolf."

Scott can't understand why Deaton keeps referring to the Alpha as it instead of he.

He recalls—something about it, and he's. Wait ... what did Stiles say when they went over their history homework about Hitler?

He snaps his fingers. "To turn public opinion against the Jews ... Hitler referred to them as sub-humans, so the Aryans believed them monsters. So they cheered when Hitler began to exterminate the Jews. You start with a racist belief, lead public opinion to an elitist view, and then move to a racial purge. The Romans did the same thing with the Christians when they threw them to the lions."

Scott realizes he needs to develop the most fantastic apology to Stiles the world has ever seen.

He takes a deep breath and turns from the window as he retraces his steps to his bike.

Scott sneaks away undetected and goes to Stiles' house.

Stiles' House

Scott is half a block away from Stiles' house when he spots an SUV parked a few houses down with the smell of wolfsbane.

The only reason he spotted it was the smell.

He ducks behind Mr. Hainey's house, hides his bike under the bushes, and climbs onto the roof to view Stiles' place.

Stiles' jeep is parked in the drive, but ... the house seems deserted.

Stiles' bedroom window is open, but Stiles isn't home. Maybe he snuck out after he noticed the SUV following him. 

Only Stiles would notice someone following him. That boy's paranoid as hell.

He wonders why Stiles didn't ditch the guy somewhere first.

Scott grabs his cell and calls Stiles. "Stiles? Where are you? I ... I need to apologize ... in person."

I sigh. "I'm at Danny's house, working on our econ assignment." It is half true. He's at Danny's, but he's spending time with his fledgling and not studying.

Scott says, "There's a strange SUV, smelling of wolfsbane, watching your house. Why didn't you ditch him when you noticed him following you?"

I chuckle. "They'd look for me and call reinforcements that I wouldn't recognize. This way, I know exactly where one car is instead of three I don't."

Scott chuckles at the logic that he never would have thought about. "I need to see you, in person. To apologize. This is too big to do over the phone."

I take a minute as I look at Danny stretched out on his bed with a Latin history tome on several Roman Popes after his time.

Something happened, and now Scott wants to apologize. Mr.-I-am-never-wrong is admitting he's wrong. Deaton or Gerard? Possibly Gerard, or he would have already apologized before now.

I say, "I'll meet you at Derek's loft in about ten to twenty minutes." That's a twenty-minute drive. Scott doesn't stop to think about how I'm going to get there, let alone how I'll get there that fast. On foot.

I call Chris and ask him to meet us at the loft in about thirty minutes. All three Argents agree. 

I text the pack that Scott is coming to the loft to apologize to me, and that doesn't ever happen.

They are already at Peter's, except for Boyd and Erica.

They are on a lunch date.

Scott pockets his phone and lopes along to Derek's loft on all fours, ensuring he's not followed or seen by hunters.

He loves traveling like this.

It's so freeing, almost like flying.

Derek's loft

Scott walks in and spots Lydia and me deep in conversation ... in Greek.

We look at him as he enters, but we continue our discussion. Argument?

10 minutes later

Scott walks to Derek and covertly points to me and Lydia's discussion ... argument, shielding his hand from our view with his body, so we don't see him pointing. "What's up with them?"

I can tell he's pointing at us from his stance and movements.

Derek shrugs as if it's evident to Scott. "I don't speak Greek."

Peter does a masterful eye roll that rolls his entire body.

Scott barely hears Jax snorts and mutter, "That sounds funny coming from me. She's figuratively, and he's literally, how damned ironic."

That doesn't make sense, so he thinks he misheard it and promptly forgets it.

Scott's jaw drops. He points at our argument. "You speak ... that language? Greek?" He doesn't think Jax is smart enough to be bilingual.

Derek cocks his head. "I'm surprised you'd prove your point with history."

Jax shrugs. "I love history. It's the one subject I was good at before Stiles ... took me under his wing. I'm even better at it now." He gives them his golden boy smile.

Peter huffs and fondly shakes his head.

Lydia stomps her foot in anger and frustration.

She bares a mouth full of fanged teeth for a second and then hides them when she remembers Scott's here. She crosses her arms across her chest and glares at me.

Scott didn't notice the flash of sharp pointy teeth.

I cock my head and get an idea. I lean towards Lydia as I lower my voice and say in Greek, "Ean symfoneite na tous afisete na mas epitethoun prota ... boreite na kanete tin proti dolofonia. Tha sas paradoso prosopika tin kardia enos apo tous kynigous." (translated, If you agree to let them attack us first ... you can have the first kill. I will personally hand you the heart of one of the hunters.)

Lydia smiles, flips her hair behind her shoulder, and turns on her heel. She looks at me over her shoulder as she says, "Deal!" 

She walks to Jax and slides into his arms, leaning against his chest. She looks at Scott as she ponders why he's here. He doesn't like Peter or the pack. "Scott? What's up?"

Scott looks back and forth from Lydia to me as I sit in my chair. Closest to the spiral stairs. I like to sit close to Peter's vantage point.

I cock my head and look at Scott. "What did you say about apologizing? I didn't think that was in your vocabulary."

Scott slaps a palm on his forehead. "I nearly forgot. I ..."

Boyd and Erica walk into the loft and promptly flank me, with glowing eyes.

Scott's jaw opens. "Boyd? You too?"

Boyd smiles and nods. "I'm not alone anymore, and I have a mate." He smiles at Erica.

She smiles sweetly back at Boyd.

I look at Scott. "We trust and protect each other. They watch my back, not stab it." 

I scoff as I look at his confused face. "You said something about an apology."

Scott rakes his hand through his hair. "Yeah. I overheard ..."

John appears with a flash of ozone and shimmering air as he teleports here. "You heard ... what?" He cocks his head as he studies Scott.

Our Argent Allies walk in the door without knocking. Each of them carries a pizza box and a large box of wings. Each has a stack of paper plates and napkins.

They put the food on the table Derek leans against, and then they stand in the room's center.

Scott rakes his hand through his hair. "Jeez! This is like Grand Central Station!"

John asks again, "You heard ... what? SCOTT!"

Scott scrunched his nose at the ozone smell as John grabbed a beer. "I overheard Deaton is Gerard's best friend. Gerard's here to get the bite to cure his cancer."

Peter growls as he moves to stand behind me.

Chris says, "That bastard would need to be King. Alpha. He could never tolerate being a lowly Beta. That means he'll kill the Alpha that bites him, so he can be Alpha."

Victoria says, "We can't let that happen."

Peter looks at her. "There's no way in hell I would ever consider biting him. Unless it's to rip out his throat."

I snicker.

Jax mutters, "Not if I get him first." Vampires bite throats, while werewolves use their claws.

Scott doesn't understand his meaning, so he promptly forgets it.

Scott nods. "Gerard wants Deaton to take him to a magic tree to get more time for the bite. Only. The tree bonded with the Alpha and moved, so they can't find it. They want to find Peter, get the bite, kill Peter, and take the tree." He shuffles his feet. "What I don't understand is ... Deaton said he arranged for insane Peter to bite me because he's arranging for me to be the weakest Alpha ever, that he controlled. He also magically altered my view of life, so it's black-and-white. He also arranged for me to fight my wolf so I'd be an Omega. They both think your Peter's Emissary. Whatever that is."

John snorts. "I'm the Emissary. Not Stiles."

Stiles smiles. "That smell of ozone from when dad teleported here is what magic smells like."

Scott mutters. "Good to know."

Stiles looks at John and then Chris. "That means Deaton plans on killing Allison. She's Scott's anchor to his humanity."

John nods. "Yeah. I never liked that Darach."

Scott asks, "What's a Darach?"

I answer, "A black magic druid. They pretend to keep the balance, but they're evil and make everything chaotic or negative. They want all the power and don't like anyone having more power than them."

Scott fish faces. "Oh." He looks at me. "I'm so sorry. You were right about everything. Deaton's evil, trying to separate us, manipulate me, and destroy my humanity. You're right about everything. That ... asshat ... want's me to be an Omega, so I'm weaker and easier to manipulate. He pushed me to fight my wolf and convinced me no one ever wants to be a werewolf when ... according to Deaton ... most people do want it."

I look at John and then at Scott. "I accept your apology." I turn to John. "Can you use your magic to remove Scott's black-and-white view of reality?"

Scott gulps. "Do you have magic?"

I shake my head. "I can't use magic. I can sense, feel, and detect magic. I'm sensitive to it. I'm more of a detector."

John's eyes glow as he looks at Scott.

He looks at me. "It's hard-wired into his Omega status. However, that Omega mindset should weaken and erode if he allies with our pack since it's against Omega nature to join a pack. Baby steps to joining."

Scott looks at him. "Your pack? You're part of his pack?"

John smiles. "As stated a moment ago. I'm his magic user. Stiles is his advisor and ensures Peter doesn't do anything to get us hurt."

Peter sips his beer. "That's a comforting way to put it."

Chris smiles as Derek offers him a beer and opens the food boxes for us. "We permanently Allied ourselves with the pack to rescue Allison from Kate."

Scott balks and looks at Victoria.

Allison walks over and grabs Scott's hand. "We know you stand out as non-human. We're afraid Gerard will get to you if you're alone, so we agreed to stabilize you by keeping you close."

Scott sighs. "Thanks. But Deaton just told Gerard I'm his puppet werewolf and he thinks Peter Hale is the Alpha. Gerard said he won't kill me, but he'll use me to get to Peter." He gets a frightening thought. "What about my mom? How do we protect her? I can't tell her I'm a furry freak!"

Allison frowns. "You're not a freak!"

I lean back. "I can help with her protection. One of the hospital nurses is a ... relative of mine. She can keep an eye on your mom without attracting attention. She's a black-belt."

Victoria snarks, "Does she happen to work in the blood bank?"

I smile sweetly. "She might. When she's not working the trauma cases in the ER. She's versatile," in a quieter voice, I add, "and very persuasive." She has the gift of compulsion.

Peter chuckles at my sass.

Jax nods in understanding. "Ah. One of those."

Chapter Text

two days later
Saturday
March 5th, 2011
evening at the loft

The pack is there, waiting.

Derek sits on the edge of the table in the middle of the room. That table seems to be his favorite spot. Less touching that way.

Boyd leans against a nearby, thick, supporting brick post.

Erica walks in and leans into Boyd's chest as she pulls his arms around her torso in a comforting embrace.

Peter sits on the circular stairs. His favorite spot. Well. It is! When he's not cuddling with Stiles in the oversized stuffed chair that is a glorified loveseat.

Jax paces back and forth in the middle of the room. He's agitated and doesn't know why.

Lydia sits on a nearby couch, asking an agitated Jackson questions to figure out what's bothering him.

Chris and Victoria sit on the corner couch.

Allison is out spending time with Scott. McDonald's. That's about all he can afford since Stiles cut the purse strings.

John has his arms crossed across his chest as he leans his hip against the table where Derek is sitting. 

John grimaces, saying, "You need to calm down, Jax."

Jax says in a strained voice, "The funeral is tomorrow. Tomorrow! Gerard has gotten better at following us. We don't even see them following us anymore."

Derek shakes his head. "That shouldn't be possible."

Lydia says, "Stiles is working on that problem right now. Relax. I know he's figured something out and checking his facts."

Jax looks at her in surprise. "You are aware that Stiles believes in setting off traps from inside the trap, right?"

She shrugs. "It works for him."

Chris looks around at John. "Where is Stiles? Wilka?"

John sighs. "He said he had some things to check out with other supernaturals in the area. No. I don't know what. He likes to get his information confirmed before he lets others know."

He sips his beer. "He always has. He doesn't like to get people's hopes up without reason. Not since his vampire son's favorite son was butchered."

Jax looks up and cocks his head. "Athanasios?" He looks at John. "All I know of Athan is he was a werewolf. What happened?"

John shrugs. "That's something he doesn't talk about. I did hear from a Wraith that Athanasios was the first born werewolf, and vampires killed him. Stiles killed all of the vampires involved and went back to Greece to watch his descendants. I wasn't born for another few generations, so I don't know. I do know that one of the kids at your school looks a lot like Athan. He mentioned it once. I don't which one, though."

There is a loud sub-vocal screech.

Humans don't hear it, but they feel pressure behind their eyes for a second.

The werewolves grab their ears in pain.

Lydia stands up and looks towards the preserve. "Stiles?" She moves too fast for them to see her run out the door. Then she's gone.

Jax stands ramrod straight and stomps his foot. "Damn it! Wilka told me to stay here until he arrives."

John's eyes glow as he says, "I don't have to wait around. I'm going to see what's happening." He's encircled by lightning as he flashes out of sight.

Peter stands and turns to Jax. "What was that ... screech?"

Jax says, "Vampire data screech. It tells all the facts of a problem."

They look at Jax like he has three heads.

Jax sighs. "Stiles called for help fighting a large coven of witches on the southern border. I can't go because he already told me to stay here until he gets here. I can't go. Sounds like at least ... " he listens. "Two vampires, Lydia, and John are going to help. I'm kind of sure that's enough to help him. Maybe." He frowns. "A black magic coven of witches, though?"  He looks at Peter. "Could you help?"

Peter growls, "I have every intention of helping him. Pack protects pack!"

Victoria says, "A large coven of witches has more than thirteen members. Chris! Go help them."

Peter heads for the door. "Derek, come with me. Boyd! You and Erica remain here for when Allison and Scott arrive."

Boyd nods, and Erica says, "Okay, boss."

Victoria looks at Boyd, Erica, and Jax after the others leave. What is going on, and where did these witches come from?

She frowns as it clicks. "Gerard! It has to be Gerard!"

Once outside, Chris climbs onto Peter's back, and they run off at impossibly fast speeds.

Chris smiles at the pure exhilaration he feels as he watches the trees flit past them. It looks like something from Tron or Star Wars. 

He kind of envies the werewolves being able to travel like this whenever they wish.

the loft

Victoria looks at Boyd. "Why did Peter tell you to stay? Besides waiting for Scott?"

Boyd doesn't like to talk much. He rubs his shaved head as he tries to find the words to explain it.

Jax takes pity on the guy and says, "Boyd is Peter's second. The second always prepares as a second wave if the need arises. Peter said Scott and Allison meaning he may need the four of them to help. I know how Stiles fights. He won't need a second wave. However. The fact that Stiles called for help is terrifying."

Earlier
at the Southern border 

I follow the feeling of evil deep into the dark forest of the preserve.

I spot witches. Evil witches. Lots of them. How many ... 22, ... 23, ... 24, ... 25? Dark witches are preparing for a human sacrifice before leaving Beacon Hills. Half of them are naked, and half are wearing black robes with demonic symbols embroidered on them.

Their victim is bound and has a hood over his head, so he can't see where they're taking him. The kid's terrified, and he's shaking like a leaf.

The poor guy's naked, allowing me to see they beat him. I can also see scars from previous abuse, and he smells of the grave ... grave? Graveyard? Oh, hell! Athanasios ... NO! That's Isaac? Focus. Athanasios died millennia ago!. He just looks like Athan.

They must have grabbed Isaac from the cemetery while he dug Kate's grave for the funeral tomorrow. Mother fu**er!!! Gerard! This has to have something to do with Gerard!

I move closer, and the soft breeze brings an underlying scent from him. He smells of toxic plants. Did they poison him beforehand? They must ensure his death to pay some unholy price? ... and that's the insurance?  That's one way to ensure he dies tonight.

Why are they here, and what are they doing? They're magically hiding their path, and one of them carries a silver pentacle with an engraved Fleur-de-lis. They're here to do something for Gerard.

It's not a good idea to attempt to take on that many evil witches in a secluded woody area. Alone. At night. I can't afford to take on damage or have them realize what I am.

I use my vampire's screech for help and follow the witches with their dying prisoner.

Their human sacrifice.

I wonder if they grabbed Isaac because he was convenient or because he's a virgin.

I follow the witches as they push the naked and beaten Isaac onto his knees in the circle's center. The priest removes the hood from Isaac's head with a flourish.  

They want to terrify him. 

They need fear and submission in the blood. 

I stay hidden within my vampire shadow as I walk around the Symbols drawn around the outer circle where the priest and Isaac are waiting. I silently translate the intricate symbols written around the edges.

Good thing I read Enochian. I verify the translation in my head and smile. It's an anti-life orb. Nothing living can enter the circle once it's completed, and only one of the two living creatures inside the orb can exit it once the circle is completed. The dark magic aimed at the circle is supposed to consume the victim entirely, leaving only a small pool of blood to taint the earth in that vicinity when the sacrifice is completed.

I see a tall man in a dark hooded robe covering his head and hiding his face. I notice the medallion he wears of the horned devil. This must be the High Priest of this coven.

The high priest walks into the center, pushes back his cowl, opens his robes, and drops them in a fabric pool at his feet. The others wearing robes, drop their robes as well.

The naked coffee-skinned female witch standing next to the Priest hands him one of the two matching daggers. She clutches the other tightly in her hand as she leaves the circle.

She then closes the circle with black chalk. She slices her hand with the dagger and adds her blood to the chalk, sealing the circle and completing the spell for the anti-Life Orb.

She cackles as she says to the other witches, "we must collect the price for the spell the Darach and Argent Hunter paid for with this human sacrifice to the demons of destruction."

I step out of my vampire shadows and slowly take visible shape and form as I grab her wrist and the dagger she used to slice her hand. "I don't think so, witch!" My eyes are glowing red in anger.

She screeches in fear and surprise.

I place her hand against the tree next to us and drive the dagger entirely through her hand and deep into the tree trunk. "Don't go anywhere, hag. I have to end your coven now." I pat her head like a little child as she screams and thrashes before falling to her knees as she sobs in pain, weakly pulling on the dagger but unable to free her hand.

Danny and Rainelle step into the light next to me with red eyes glowing. Both are holding short swords. "You called?"

John appears a few feet away. "If we stop the sacrifice, they can't pay the Price to complete the spell they gave Deaton. If the Price isn't paid, the spell backfires and punishes them ... them being Deaton and hopefully Gerard ... for not keeping their agreement."

I nod. "That's what I was hoping to hear."

John snaps the neck of a witch near him and takes her dagger. He throws the dagger directly into the man's heart across the circle carrying the black candle used to focus the spell.

The dead witch falls, dropping the candle in wet moss, and it snuffs out with a silent hiss.

No, focus. Yah! Destroy the tools and the spell's regents while casting, and the magic attacks the caster.

Danny and Rainelle move at vampire speed as they cut and hack through the witches, leaving dead and dying witches everywhere.

Peter arrives with Chris on his back.

Derek arrives and stands next to him as they look around at what we're fighting. 

Peter and Derek attack the witches with their claws while Chris shoots a few of them with his guns.

Lydia kisses a witch and drowns him with the water she pulls from the air and stores in her lungs. She then introduces a few male witches' nuts with her knee.

Lydia then uses her voice aimed at male magic users to make two others kill each other.

After a few minutes, it's just the High priest standing in the circle with a bound Isaac on his knees next to him and the woman with her hand pinned to the tree.

The man laughs. "You can't enter here. The sacrifice will be made by my hand, sealing the payment." He rears back his arm to kill Isaac, but I hold up my hand and lock his muscles with my will.

I walk into the circle. "I think not ... human!"

The man pales. "Nothing living can enter this circle. How could you ..."

I step up to him. "Simple. I'm not living!" I extend the long death-energy talons that reside in my forearms. Glowing claws resembling wolverines, but magic flows around them with a pale blue light. The ones I use to kill immortals. Talons that drain life energy and youth ... and magic. I'll give the magic to the tree later.

His eyes grow wide. "Death Walker! Wolf Moon! No! Please? Don't? I beg you!"

I lean over. "Isaac begged you to spare him, and you laughed." I stab my claws deep into his heart and take his life force, magic, and youth. Youth that he has maintained by killing humans for the last two centuries.

His body ages and erodes into fiery ash and pale dust that blows away in the wind. 

Isaac is shaking, and his heartbeat is unsteady and starting to slow.

The poison!

Isaac hasn't got long left.

Tears silently slide down his cheeks. "Please don't let me die! Not like this! I thought my dad would be the one to kill me ... I don't want to die! I'm not ready to die! I'm only sixteen. Please?!"

I lean down to be on his level. "Shhh! Calm yourself. Fear and anxiety speed the poison. I'll do what I can to save you. Let's get you out of this." I pick him up in my arms, unsteadily because he's soo much larger than I. 

I walk out of the circle and hand him to Chris and John. 

They unbind the teen and examine his wounds.

John says, "he's lost a lot of blood, and they've given him some lethal poison that will kill him soon if we don't do something."

John walks over and roughly grabs the neck of the woman I pinned to the tree. "What has your coven done, and what price does your attempted human sacrifice pay?" His eyes glow as his magic forces her to tell the truth.

She pants, "The Darach wanted magic to make him invulnerable so he can wreak vengeance on Beacon Hills and the local werewolves for the Argent hunter."

I look at Peter. "To stop that spell, we can't let Isaac die. Can you turn him? Save his life?"

Peter takes a deep breath. "Only if he's willing. I won't force him." He steps up to the pale, gasping teen who can barely breathe due to the toxins.

Peter squats and looks into Isaac's eyes. "Isaac?" His eyes glow red, and he looks at Derek in his Beta form and then back at the human boy. "I can save your life. But to do that, I would have to turn you into a werewolf, like Derek and me. We have a pack, and we'll accept you into it with open arms. As part of our pack, we'll protect you from any threat. The choice is yours."

Isaac gasps as he takes my hand and pulls me closer to him. "If I say no, does that mean Gerard and Deaton win? They might hurt your friends and destroy Beacon Hills?"

I nod. "Yes. They'll hurt a lot of people before I can figure out how to stop them. Innocent people."

John snaps the witch's neck and lets her body fall to the ground in a heap of limbs.

Isaac nods and looks at Peter. "Can you protect me from my father? Can you stop him from abusing me?"

Peter nods. "Yes. I will."

Isaac nods. "Do it. Turn me. Make me like you. I don't want to be weak and alone anymore."

Peter shifts so he can do it, and I move to look into Isaac's eyes. "Isaac! You won't feel pain from this."

Isaac falls into a trance as Peter bites his flank.

I send Danny off while this is going on, so no one sees his face.

Peter steps back, and Isaac relaxes as I release his trance.

I look around. "Blood Rain!"

She steps forward. "Sire?"

I nod. "You brought our vehicle?"

She gives a little half-bow, "Yes, My Lord."

I shake my head. "I really hate all the Sire and M'Lord crap." There's no heat in it because I know when her adrenaline pumps, she forgets what century she's in, and there is comfort for her in the rituals and customs.

She smiles and hides her laugh.

I sigh. "I need you to drive Isaac, Derek, Chris, and Peter to the loft while John and I clean up and dispose of the bodies."

Peter says, "oh, no! I'm not leaving you here in case there's something, or someone, still out there." He looks at Derek as he takes off his trench coat and wraps it around Isaac's nude body. "Derek, take Isaac to the loft and take care of him. He needs to clean up and eat. Then the pack needs to teach him how to control his wolf, anchor his humanity, and develop pack bonds. I will be there soon."

Derek nods to Peter and takes Isaac's hand.

Isaac's body is healing the wounds from the beating and the poison, so he's a little shaky on his feet.

Chris picks Isaac up, bridal style, and follows Derek, Lydia, and Rain as they ensure there are no threats on the way to the car.

John, Peter, and I gather all the bodies and take them to the Nemeton.

I give John the magic I took from the Priest now that my body has purged and purified the evil from that magic.

We talk about the result of the price not being paid. We know we can't be fortunate enough for them to die because of this. That would be too easy.

We aren't sure what the end result is, but at least we know Deaton won't be indestructible.

What could Gerard be planning? How did Deaton contact these witches without attracting our attention?

Deaton's isolated villa

On the other side of Beacon Hills, the unpaid Price results are keenly felt.

Deaton and Gerard are trying out the spell.

Deaton resembles a sizeable ghost-like warrior that stands nearly eight feet tall. He's holding a large magical Claymore sword in his hands, which feels as light as a feather, thanks to the magic.

Well ... it did.

It suddenly becomes heavy.

Too heavy to hold.

Deaton drops his sword and falls to his knees as he screams in pain and agony. His bones shrink and bend to where he can't stand upright anymore.

His magical form morphs from a dominant and mighty warrior who knows what he wants to do to a submissive reptilian mammal who doesn't know who he is or what he wants.  He only knows that he needs a master. He looks at Gerard and bonds to him as the servant of revenge.

Gerard steps back in confusion and surprise. He feels the bond with Deaton. "I don't understand. What's happened?"

The shadows around him writhe and take on a vaguely demonic shape, though it remains a mere shadow.

It angrily hisses, "You sought a form to show your power and dominance over your enemy. You wanted to destroy the innocent, but you didn't pay my price! The result of you being a deceitful snake is that you are now a snake—a Kanima. Instead of dominating, you are now submissive. Instead of killing the innocent, you can only kill the killers. You wanted everyone to see your power, but your power is trapped in darkness and unseen. You can not shift into Kanima by the light of day. He who only seeks Vengeance will be your master, and you won't remember who and what you are in this form. This is the price I'm taking from you for your vengeance spell."

Gerard falls into his chair. "So close. So damned close. Those damned werewolves have taken my victory away from me! Again! They will pay for this! That I swear!"

He tries to find some way to turn this around in his favor. He repeats the main points repeatedly to figure out how to make this a weapon and not a hindrance. "Can't kill the innocent, only the killers. How is that going to help me gain revenge? I need to kill innocents to get my revenge."

He looks at Deaton's Kanima form looking up at him. Expectantly. "You won't remember anything you do while in this state, and now, thanks to this screw-up, you're my slave during the night. Damn it! Nothing is going to plan."

The Kanima rubs its head against Gerard's hand to calm him.

Gerard pets his head for a second and stands. "Stay in here every night until I tell you it's okay to go out. I have to find a way this can help us defeat the werewolves."

The Kanima makes a little submissive trilling noise and curls up under the bed.

Chapter Text

Saturday
March 5th, 2011
Derek's loft
between 9 and 10 pm

John, Peter, and I finish feeding the bodies to the Nemeton and head to the loft.

We arrived about an hour after the others did.

Still no Scott and Allison. I would guess that means they are getting intimate.

I no sooner walk into the main room than an overly enthusiastic Isaac greets me.

He's like a big happy puppy that's never had a chance to get held, that knows you're about to cuddle him. 

Isaac scoops me into his arms with a big grin and a mighty bear hug.

If I were human, my back would have cracked from its force... if not broken in two.

Isaac gushes, "Thank you, thank you, thank you ... for ... saving me! I really didn't want to die like that. I mean, I know no one wants to die like that, especially me. I'm very, very grateful you saved my life. You and Alpha Peter."

Peter watches Isaac hold me from behind me, with narrowed eyes and barely contained jealousy.

He relaxes a tiny bit when Isaac calls him Alpha Peter. He thinks, "good. The boy knows his place and is loyal to the pack and me. He's not a threat. He's not a threat. He's! Not! A! Threat!"

Derek has his arms crossed over his chest as he glares at Peter, hoping Peter won't do anything slightly insane or  jealous of his pack member.

Boyd stands close by so he can step in if Peter moves on Isaac. He knows he can't stop Peter, but he can try to insert the voice of reason.

Lydia quietly says, "Peter! Don't lose control. We're all part of your pack."

Chris accepts a beer from Erica and stands close to Victoria, observing Peter for signs of insanity. He's seeing a whole lot of jealousy right now and needs to see how much control the man has.

John lays a hand on Peter's shoulder and whispers, "There's no reason to be jealous of your pack members. Our pack members. You know your pack sees Stiles like a brother ... except Jax. Jax sees Stiles as his dad. Calm down. We all know Stiles is yours, and no one has romantic feelings towards him."

Derek leans towards Peter and adds, "We're pack. We protect and look out for each other, in a brotherly way. Stiles won't date anyone else. Trust him and us."

Peter sighs and smiles as he drops his arms. "I do trust our pack. I'm okay. Now, if Isaac were some outsider, I would physically remove him from Stiles' presence. In pieces.  I'm okay."

I smile at Isaac. I look over his shoulder at Peter and smile at him to calm him down.

I pat Isaac's head. "I couldn't let someone like you die. Not to mention, I can't stand human sacrifices. They should be outlawed."

John huffs. "They are outlawed." He pulls out his little notebook for police interviews. "Now! Isaac. You said your father's abusing you. I need the information to take you away from him. I think I can arrange for Peter to be a distant relative so he can take custody, so you either live here with Derek or with Peter. Maybe even at my place. I have a spare room."

Peter flashes red eyes. "He can stay here with Derek."

Derek nods. "I have plenty of rooms for Isaac to pick what he wants."

Isaac nervously smiles. "I would love to live here."

Chris sits next to Victoria and says, "I can arrange the background you need to prove Peter's his uncle when you prove Coach Lahey is unfit."

Jax holds up a hand like you do to get called on in class. "Isaac lives across the street from me. I've seen Coach Lahey beat the shit out of Isaac. I'm sure my dad has witnessed it also, and we can be witnesses for proof of abuse."

John nods. "Yes. I'll need witnesses. I'll stop by and see your dad." A little magic might help David talk bout Coach abusing Isaac.

Isaac puts me down and walks upstairs with John and Chris to go over the abuse and make a plan to get Isaac out of that situation ... legally.

I look around at the others and smile at Rain. "Thanks for the assist."

She bows her head and says, "Of course. I need to go now." She bows at me and leaves.

I pour Jax a glass of the vamp-friendly wine and hand it to him while the werewolves get cold water from the fridge. I then mix up a siren-friendly white wine for Lydia. 

I look at the teens. "Has everyone finished their homework?"

Erica holds up her hand. "I still have an essay on vacations and holidays, and I'm having a problem writing it because ... I've never been on vacation. I was always left home with a babysitter because I might have a seizure."

Boyd hugs her, and Jax says, "What kind of asshole parents go on vacation without their kids?"

I take her arm and lead her over to the table and grab my backpack on the way. "I'll help you. We're just going to make it a dream vacation. We will write about where you would like to go on a vacation ... with us."

She nervously asks, "I can do that? It doesn't have to be something I've already done? It could be something I want to do?"

I nod. "Yes. Nowhere does it say that it has to be Non-fiction. Come on. Let's get this thing written."

We sit down and go over an outline of her going to see a tree called General Sherman.

I pull out my laptop, and we find a few good pictures and background information on this vast tree. Then I encourage her to look around that area with Google and determine if she will rent a jeep to go off-roading. I ask where she will stay, will she stay at a campground or a hotel, if there are other attractions or unique restaurants in the area, and what she will do on different days of that vacation because most vacations are about a week long.

While we're working, I hear Victoria talking with Jax and Lydia about vampires and sirens.

They know I'll stop them if they say anything I don't want the Argents to know, but they are our allies, so I have no problem with them learning about us.

Rain grabs her jacket to get ready to go and stops as she's putting it when she finds a piece of paper in her coat. She looks at it and then comes over and shows me the reservation request.

I scoff and then curse. I look at Rain. "No. I'm not going to any Supernatural Ball hosted by The Aztec. I've already refused by certified mail to ensure he gets the hint that I'm not interested. The fact that he's asking you to get me to go infuriates me."

She nods. "I see. I'll be sending my refusal as well, then. I've heard through the Darknet that some other ancients have also sent refusals because he's hosting, and they know you won't attend if The Aztec hosts it. They say you've refused to host it for the last four centuries because you can't host it and refuse to invite him, so, therefore, you don't host it."

I smile and nod at her. "Yeah. Basically. I've gotten five invitations from other ancients to have our own little gathering instead. I've agreed to that at my estate in Germany. John will send out invitations to all my fledglings next month."

John nods. "Yep. Since you're his oldest surviving fledgling, you're on the top of the list."

She smiles, bows, and leaves.

Peter frowns. "Is that the famed Monster Ball that all known supernaturals are invited to once every decade?"

I nod. "Yep. That's all I'm saying on it."

Chris taps his lower lip in deep thought. "I've heard of those. Only supernaturals and their allies are invited to the Ball. It's a word-of-mouth thing. Once you've been invited once, you're on the invite list the rest of your life, unless you start killing supernaturals."

I snort. "If you start killing supernaturals, then that is the end of your life. Nice to know that even hunters know about the Ball."

Victoria says, "Gerard tries to spot movements of known supernaturals going to it so he can track them and kill them. He never finds anything; of course, he thought it was last year."

I smile.

John says, "To confuse hunters, it's not on the 0 years. It's on the 1 years."

Erica laughs. "Tricky. Not in 2010, but in 2011. Is it on Halloween?"

Chris nods.

Stiles laughs. "God, no! It's on the Winter Solstice. The longest night of the year. I really don't know how hunters found out about it or got the assumption it was on Halloween. We never corrected them."

Victoria's jaw drops. She collects herself and looks at her husband with an arched brow.

He shrugs.

I think they may want to go.

Derek nods at Erica. "Mom got invites every decade. She went twice, maybe three times?"

Peter nods. "She met her husband at one of those balls. He was a witch."

Derek looks surprised. He didn't know that.

Peter gets a thought and sits beside me with his arm around my shoulders and noses behind my ear. "This Aztec that's hosting it this year? Is that the same Aztec that you ripped his heart out for forcefully kissing you without permission?"

I sneer. "That would be the one. I refuse to go to his house or his gathering. Most other ancients from various races know this, so they suggest we meet elsewhere. I agreed to host a gathering of those that already refused the Monster Ball. Ziger says he'll give me a list of all the refusals so I can invite them. It's against the rules to rival the Monster Ball."

Peter asks, "Ziger?"

I smile. "Ziger's a ... hmm ... a shadow demon. Humans used to call them gremlins or imps. He lives in shadows, and The Aztec doesn't know how to detect him or his kind, so Ziger can easily look at the list whenever he wishes."

John smiles. "We could always invite the Spaniard that Sinja turned when she turned the Aztec."

I snort. "Sinja and her damned games. That sounds good."

Chris cocks his head. "Games?"

I nod but don't say anything.

John sighs. "Sinja likes games. She haunts battlefields. She always finds two opposing warriors, dying, basically killing each other. She turns them and tells them they're now brothers. She explains the basics of vampires, only ... she tells them the myths are true. Garlic, holy water, and the works. Then she goes out in the sunlight and fakes her death. She watches them for a while, and generally, she kills both of them when she bores with them. Sometimes she gets distracted and forgets about them."

Victoria nods. "Ah? How long did it take the Aztec to figure out the myths don't work?"

John sips a beer he collected from the kitchen. "Four hundred years. The idiot!"

Jax raises his hand with a question. "Um? Boss? If we get our sire's memories when we turn, why did they believe the myths are true?"

John looks at me. "You want to explain that one, Grandpa?"

I grimace and look at Jax with a sigh. "When we turn a fledgling ... we use our blood. The bare minimum to turn someone is three drops. The more blood used, the stronger and the more of your sire's memories you see. Many vampires refuse to allow their fledglings to see their memories or take the chance their fledglings might become stronger than them, so they limit how much blood they use during the change. I'm the progenitor of our race, and I want strong offspring.I want fledglings that can take on any idiot that might challenge them. I use the maximum amount to turn so you're not hungry when you awaken. I don't want my ... kids ... to accidentally kill on their first attempt at feeding."

Jax' jaw drops. "Oh. Jealousy, greed, pride, and fear cause most vamps to limit what they give their fledglings. I take it most newborns aren't capable of flight?"

I smile. "Most vampires don't acquire flight until they hit the century mark. They do acquire shifting to wolf at two decades. They acquire an additional gift every hundred and fifty years, and they're ... random. We don't know what triggers what gift for whom. All we know is the first two gifts are always the same. Flight and wolf."

Jax frowns. "But I have three gifts. Flight, wolf, and cryo."

I nod. "You're equal to any four-hundred-year-old vampire."

Isaac asks, "What's cryo?"

Jax gives a flourish as he raises his palm, and then a blue flame rises from his palm. He then blows a long breath through the blue flame and leaves a snow spray.

Isaac blushes. "Oh. Cold."

I nod. "It's okay, Isaac. Not everyone is going to know what Cryo means. Rain is a Telepath. Secretly, I call her Blood Rain because she obtained the gift of Sanguin. She's my only fledgling to have that gift. It's very rare."

Victoria says. "That's Latin for blood. She manipulates blood?"

I nod. "yeah. That's the reason Rain works in the blood bank. She likes being around blood because she can control it as a weapon if the need arises. I don't tell her that's the reason I call her Blood Rain."

Jax nods. "Maybe she thinks it's because she was a witch who practiced blood magic in life."

I shrug. "Possible."

Derek takes Isaac to pick a room and gives him clean clothes to wear after he showers. 

Derek returns to his favorite leaning place to survey the room. The central table.

Scott and Allison finally arrive after their dinner date. It smells like they had sex—a couple of times. 

A few of the werewolves mention the smell.

I whisper to Scott, "You know ... it's not a good idea to go around werewolves after you have sex. I recommend you both shower after, and I recommend you start using a condom. They can smell if you use a condom or not."

Scott turns red as he whispers, "they can smell that? I didn't know. I'm sorry?" He looks around. "Umm ... Stiles? I'm only 16. I won't turn 17 until August. I'm not old enough to buy ... those."

Derek walks up behind Scott and lays a hand on the back of his neck to pull Scott's ear close to Derek's lips. "I'm old enough, and I can supply you. We don't need an oops! Baby."

Scott fish faces and then looks at me.

I sigh. "What will your mom say if you make her a grandma before you're 18?"

Scott balks. "Oh, shit!" He looks at Derek and frantically nods.

Erica puts up her homework and hugs me with a kiss on my cheek. "Thanks for helping with my homework. I appreciate it."

I smile at her. "No problem Catwoman."

Isaac finishes his shower and descends the stairs. 

His reappearance reminds John about wanting to talk to David Whittemore.

John looks at Jax. "Tell your dad I'll call him tomorrow morning about interviewing him as a witness to the abuse."

Jax nods. "Of course, Sheriff. Not a problem. I'm sure he wants to help." 

Isaac sits in a chair beside me and flashes gold eyes at Scott with a frown. 

He's not impressed with Scott's friendship skills.

Scott steps back in shock. "What the hell!"

Scott jumps up and grabs Chris' arm. "Another one! Psycho Peter turned another teenager. You can't let him keep turning people like this!"

Chris removes his hand from Scott's grasp. 

Peter snarls, "I'm not psycho, and you really need to stop with the judgments. Glass houses, kid. Glass houses!"

Victoria nods. "Yes, Scott. You need to ask questions before making assumptions that have no basis in facts or reality."

Scott points to Isaac. "But ..."

Isaac says, "Peter saved my life. I begged him to turn me."

Chris says, "I was there, Scott. A black magic witch coven associated with Deaton and Gerard was trying to sacrifice Isaac. Isaac was dying when we got to him. Saving his life threw a Goliath monkey wrench in Gerard's plans and saved an innocent kid's life. I agreed with Stiles and Peter. Turning Isaac was the best choice for all of us."

Allison meekly says, "Scott? It would be best if you made a concerted effort to ask questions before you start throwing around accusations like that. Those statements anger people, and you're going to wind up pissing off the wrong person and getting either yourself, or an innocent person hurt."

She gets near me, and I move away as I cover my nose. "Ugg! What's that smell?"

Lydia and Jax come over and sniff.

The werewolves scent the air and shrug. 

Derek says, "I only smell hand sanitizer."

Allison looks confused. "I don't have ... hand sanitizer."

Lydia comes and sniffs around Allison and her stuff. She finds the scent on Allison's purse. "Her purse smells of ... is that ammonia and sulfur?"

I take it and sniff. "That's ... hydroquinone." I look at her. "Where did you come in contact with hydroquinone?"

She shakes her head. "I don't smell anything."

Scott sniffs and about yaks. "God, that reeks!" He rubs his nose. "Why didn't I notice that earlier?"

I look at him. "Yeah. I could ask you that also, but I know you always turn off your wolf nose. That means I'm not really surprised."

Chris takes the purse and sniffs. "That's ... developer. It's used to develop film in a dark room."

I look at Jax and then at her as things click in my head. I lean forward. "Allison? Did you leave your purse in your locker at school?"

She nods. "Yeah. But I locked it."

Lydia huffs. "The locks are your birthday. If anyone knows your birthday, they know your lock. That's not as safe as you think." She looks at me. "Stiles? What are you thinking?"

I look at her. "Matt's locker is next to hers. He's a photography major. He does his own darkroom. He could have those chemicals in his locker."

Lydia cocks her head. In Greek, she says, "having them in his locker will not get it all over her purse. He'd have to hold her purse to get the scent on it that strongly. He has no reason to do that."

John asks in Greek, "enas katadioktis? Nomizeis?"   translation is .... a stalker? Do you think?"

I look at him and say in Greek. "Nai. Dechomai. Nomizo oti prepei na parakolouthísoume afto to paidi." translation is ...  Yeah. I do. I think we need to watch this kid."

Jax stands up. In Greek, he says, "Menei liga spitia pio kato apo mena. Boro na ton parakoloutho choris na travixei tin prosochi me tis proigmenes aisthiseis mou."    translations is ... He lives a few houses down from me. I can keep an eye on him without it attracting attention with my advanced senses."

Scott raises a hand. "Excuse me? Can someone tell us what's going on ... in English?"

Lydia hands the purse back to Allison. "Sure, kiddo. Matt could only get the chemical on her purse to that extent if he held it. He has no reason to hold it."

She looks at Victoria and then Allison, and back to Scott. "Matt's locker is next to hers, and it wouldn't be hard for him to get her number by watching her open her locker. We think he rifled through her locker." She looks at Allison. "Are you missing anything from your locker, like ... a ribbon, necklace, bracelet, bow, book, picture ... something like that?"

Chris and Victoria stand up and are agitated, though hiding it well. They know what Stalkers steal to stay connected without getting caught.

Allison thinks. "I am missing a picture of Kate and me, but I think I took it out when I found out she likes kids. I'm also missing a ribbon and a cheap necklace with a broken clasp. I figured I dropped them somewhere."

Lydia looks at Jax and me with a smile. "Can I eat him if he's a plisiazon?"

Scott repeats ... or tries to, but he mangles it. "Pleasazon?"

I bite my lip. "Stalker ... she said stalker in Greek."

Allison laughs in disbelief. "I take it that means you want to hurt him if he is one?"

I bite my lip as I give Lydia an imperceptible nod.

Victoria and Lydia see, and they both give predatory grins.

I look at my watch. "Scott. You need to get home before your mom does. She'll be pissed if she finds you're out this late at night."

He looks at his watch and panics. He grabs his stuff and rushes out the door.

When we're sure he's far enough away that he can't hear us, Chris asks Lydia, "You're a Siren, and sirens sometimes eat people. I take it you'll eat him if he's a stalker."

She nods. "oh, yes. You'll be lucky to find any bones left when I finish with him."

Victoria grabs her purse as she says, "I'll look the other way if that happens."

Allison asks, "Why didn't the werewolves pick up that scent?"

Peter says, "It blends in with the human scent. We wouldn't notice it unless we got close to it or were actively hunting for it. Vampires process scent differently. They discern the difference between synthetic and natural, and synthetic attracts their attention. Werewolves assume musky ammonia is humans using hand sanitizer or cosmetics and dismiss it."

Isaac mouths, "Oh."

John stands and says, "Everyone should head home and get some sleep since the funeral is tomorrow."

Derek gestures for the three werewolf teens to head upstairs to their rooms while Peter escorts me out so we can get some cuddling and ... other things.

Chapter Text

Sunday
March 6th, 2011
the funeral

Chris and Victoria take Allison to the funeral, where they await Gerard's arrival. 

Gerard has arrived, but he's sitting in his SUV, watching the area to see what rats crawl out of the woodwork.

He knows killers like to watch their victims' funerals to see if anyone understands their work or hates them for killing.

He's hoping that Kate's killer is watching the funeral to gloat over the kill.

Coach Lahey double-checks the mechanism that lowers the coffin into the grave, and a certain rookie photographer sees him.

Matt has a look of pure hatred on his face while he takes a couple of pictures of the ex-Coach to add to his wall of people he wants to die a horrible death. His avenging wall of killers that killed him.

Gerard leans forward as he studies Matt's look of hate and smiles as he thinks he may have found a way to use Kanima Deaton. He continues watching the teen as he returns his camera's focus to the Argents.

Hmm? Matt's not filming the Argents. He's filming Allison. He's got a slightly psychotic gleam in his eye as he watches her. It looks like he may be a stalker.

This is perfect!

Gerard rubs his hands together in anticipation. It's about time something went right in this damned town.

Matt slips unseen under the rope to get better pictures of Allison.

Gerard smiles as he exits his SUV and silently beelines it to where the photographer is crouched as he snaps picture after picture.

Everyone is so busy watching the Argents by the graveside that no one sees Gerard walk up behind Matt with two hunters protectively on his heels.

All eyes are on the three Argents sitting next to the grave when Gerard puts his hand over the lens of that expensive camera and plucks it out of the crouching kid's hands.

The news reports and photographers see Gerard with the kid's camera in his hand, muttering among themselves, watching to see what he'll do to the kid and his camera. If he breaks it, they will vilify him. They will see him as cunning and dominant if he returns it, minus the memory card. Either way, this is newsworthy.

Gerard examines the camera, and the kid tells him it costs over nine hundred dollars.

He ensures the kid sees him remove the memory card and put it in his pocket.

Gerard hands the camera back to the unknown photographer, gestures to the cops to escort him out of the area, and walks over to his family for the funeral of his best hunter. His ... daughter ... Kate.

Scott's hiding behind a mausoleum and some trees, across the graveyard from where Kate's casket is so that he can watch Allison ... for support.

He inhales deeply when he sees the frightening man take the memory card and greet the other Argents.

He's heard the others talking about the deadly psycho Gerard, but he hadn't had a face to match to the name. If he stops to think about it ... he's seen that man across the McDonald's restaurant Scott visited with Allison, and he may have seen the man watching Stiles from the school parking lot. He doesn't know what to do with that information.

Allison sees Scott hiding there as he nods at her with a smile.

They don't stop to think that if she can see Scott, then so can Gerard.

John also sees Scott hiding behind the mausoleum, so he circles around and grabs Scott from behind. 

Scott's so intent on watching Allison that he doesn't detect John's approach.

Scott nearly has a heart attack when John grabs and pulls him back where Gerard can't see them.

John snarls, "what the bloody hell are you doing here? The idea is not to attract werewolf hunter attention to you when you happen to be a werewolf!" He then drags Scott away by the collar and takes him home.

Melissa is surprised to see Scott escorted home by the cops.

John explains where he found Scott and then hands the kid to Melissa.

Melissa scolds him for about half an hour, and then she goes to work.

Village Inn
a few hours later

Matt follows Gerard's SUV with his car because he wants, no ... needs his memory card back.

That had about a couple of hundred pictures of Allison and his previous "girlfriends" on it.

Gerard has one of the hunters drive him to the Village Inn restaurant while using his tablet to peruse the pictures on the memory card. He looks up and says, "The kid's a stalker, and he's stalking Allison. Allison and her werewolf friends haven't noticed this boy's stalking her either. This kid has given us a unique opportunity to get closer eyes on Allison and find the Alpha. I want a full background on this kid of the illegal kind."

The hunter next to him takes out his phone and makes a few calls to start the background check.

When they get to the restaurant, Gerard says, "Gentlemen. Sit a couple of tables away, so this kid will approach me."

They nod and precede him inside so they can watch Gerard meet the kid.

Gerard sits in the middle of the restaurant where he can watch the front, bathroom, and back doors.

The waitress brings him coffee and a glass of iced water.

Gerard's mental alarm goes off as Matt walks inside, stands at the door, and looks around. Something is wrong with that boy.

Gerard pulls out his pill holder, dumps the pills into his hand, and swallows them all in one go. Dry. 

He gets a text with the name Matt Daehler. 18. and his address.

Matt spots Gerard, walks over, and sits across from the man as the waitress hands Gerard a menu. 

Gerard gestures for her to give Matt a menu as well.

He looks at the teen and smiles grandfatherly. "So, how may I help you, Matt?" He picks up his coffee and takes a sip as Matt makes a confused face.

The old guy's from out of town, and they met for the first time at the funeral. Matt doesn't understand how this man knows his name. He looks at the menu in his hand. "Are you paying?"

Gerard nods and smiles. He looks at the waitress. "Sirloin steak, medium well, mashed potatoes, corn, a biscuit with extra butter, and Chocolate Cream Pie for dessert."

Matt smiles and looks at the woman with a shrug. "Meatloaf dinner with the Lemon Meringue pie."

She writes it down, takes the menus, and leaves.

Matt looks at the man. "You have me at a disadvantage. You know my name, but I don't know yours."

Gerard smiles. "Gerard Argent."

Matt plays with his silverware as he says, "I'd like my memory card back. I won't publish any photos of your family. I just want my data back."

Gerard sits back. "How long did it take you to take all those photos of my granddaughter?"

Matt pales. The old man already looked at his photos? He stammers, "it's not how it looks. I can explain! It's part of a photography assignment for taking candid, un-posed photos compared to most people's fake posed photos."

Gerard shakes his head. "No, Matt. You're stalking my granddaughter. I have no problem with that. I'll even help you win her, but I need you to give me information about a few of her friends."

Matt squirms. "Her ... friends?"

Gerard nods. "Yes. My daughter Kate told me there's something odd or off about some of her friends ... like Stiles, for instance. And Scott McCall. And Derek Hale."

Matt cocks his head. "The scruffy older guy in the Camaro?"

Gerard nods with a smile. He looks up as the waitress brings out their starters to work on while their food cooks.

Matt tells him everything he knows about Stiles Stilinski, Scott McCall, and Derek Hale over their salads entrees.

They discuss odd things Matt's seen that he couldn't understand about Scott over their meal, and Gerard tells him what information he wants Matt to gather by asking the other kids and watching Allison's friends interact with her.

Gerard slips some Devil's Breath into Matt's drink when the kid goes to the bathroom. Homemade truth serum ... with a few side effects ... like not remembering being questioned.

Matt returns and drinks his drugged Coke.

Within fifteen minutes, Gerard gets Matt talking about Coach Lahey and the swim team drowning Matt at a party. The Coach blamed Matt for drowning.

As if it's Matt's fault he died! They tossed him in and let him drown. No one noticed he sank to the bottom of the pool. They were too busy getting drunk and laid.

Matt's dreams of killing all of the Swim Team and the Coach.

Gerard smiles. He and his pet Kanima can't kill innocent ... but they can killers. They killed Matt, so they're killers.

Matt blames them for his death. That makes them killers.

Gerard has to wait for his homemade truth serum to wear off before he can make a deal with Matt because it makes you forget what happens while you're under its effect.

Gerard waves over the waitress, pays his check, and leaves. 

He rubs his hands together with glee when he's in the car. 

He'll have Kanima Deaton kill Matt's murderers in exchange for help finding the Alpha. 

Things are looking up.

Derek's Loft
Stiles POV

When I get a call from Scott, I'm teaching Isaac and the rest of the bitten werewolves in the pack the proper stance and techniques for basic hand-to-hand. 

I frown and ask Lydia to take my place in showing the Horse Stance and crouching to lower their center of gravity while I take the call.

I go upstairs, where the training sounds won't carry over the phone. "Yeah?"

Scott's voice comes over the line. "Stiles? Your dad caught me at the funeral, and he dragged me away. That old man is frightening ... and I think I've seen him following Allison and me on our dates  ... and watching you."

I frown and whisper yell into the phone, "Are you insane? Why would you go to a hunter's funeral with their hunter family there! Psycho grandpa was there?! Dude! If he sees you're not human ... do you have any idea what that bastard will do to kill off the werewolves he feels is responsible for what he terms murdering his innocent daughter! You fall in the category, by the way!"

Scott sputters, "I was hiding behind a mausoleum. They didn't see me. Well, Allison did, but they didn't!"

I take a deep breath. "You idiot! If my dad saw you, then his hunters saw you. If Allison saw you, then Gerard saw you! Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Scott sputters again, "they didn't see me! And innocent? Kate wasn't innocent! She was trying to murder us! Did you hear the part where I said I saw him watching you last week?"

I frown as I turn around in anger and see Peter leaning against the wall, watching me with his head cocked to the side as he listens in on both sides of this conversation, and he's not happy. 

Shit! 

I don't allow myself to stomp my foot, but I do sigh deeply. "Scott! I'm well aware Gerard's been following me since day one. He knows I know who and what he is and is trying to figure out if I'm different or just that I know things. Both options make me a threat to him. I ditch him at least twice a day. He's starting to get pissed about it."

Peter's eyes flash red at that.

Scott asks, "How do you ... ditch him?"

I drop my head back and sigh. "Scott? Do you remember the rumors that this town was a Pirate town?"

He nods rapidly and then remembers I can't see him. "Yeah? Why?"

I huff. "Those pirates built tunnels everywhere, allowing them to escape from the Crown and guards to avoid capture on dry land with their loot and women?"

Scott slowly says, "Yeah. Everyone's heard those rumors. They're rumors!"

I sigh. "They're not rumors. Every town mayor since then maintained the tunnels and the secret entrances ... until the 1980s. There's even a model of the city tunnels and doorways in the archive room, in the historical vault, under our town's city hall. I ... have a duplicate of that model, and I know most of the tunnels by heart. Give me any two points, and I can get there through the tunnels."

Peter perks up at that. He wasn't aware of that. 

He looks out the window as he figures out how he can get a look at the city's model. 

I grab his arm before he can take a running leap out the window to get into that vault. I pull the phone away from my mouth as I hear Scott ramble on about how cool that is and put my mouth next to Peter's ear. I whisper sub-vocally so only Peter can hear, "you can look at my updated model. I don't want you getting caught in the vault." 

Peter looks at me with an arched brow.

I nod and whisper again. "My model is in a secret room behind the full-length painting of Queen Elizabeth's coronation. I'm sure you can figure out how to open the door."

Peter smiles and then runs out the door and down the stairs at werewolf speed.

I finish my call with Scott.

Stilinski Home

That night John tells me about Matt following Gerard to get his memory card back for his camera.

I frown. "Gerard noticed Matt's following Allison and plans on using him to get to us? Great! Just great!"

I get an alert chime from my phone. I pull it out and look at it. "Peter wants to meet me at our other house." 

John huffs. "I think he likes giving you blood just as much as he likes having sex with you."

I smile. "Maybe more. I'll tell the other high schoolers to watch Matt tomorrow. See you later, dad."

I then shift to vapor and meld out the back door and over to the roof of a house halfway down the block before taking on solid form again. I'm blending in with the shadows as I look around and spot Gerard sitting in his SUV parked in the widow Johnson's driveway as he watches my house. Figures. 

I then blur to our other house and meet Peter ... sitting in my secret room ... reading one of my journals.

I see from the cover it's from Rome, AD 69. The year there were four Caesars to rule Rome. "A little light reading?"

Peter closes the journal and sets it aside. "It's ... informative ... to see what life was like back then." He looks at the door. "Hiding the switch in the Queen's royal ring was rather clever."

I smile as I lean against his chest, encircle my arms behind his neck, and look up at him. "As I said, you shouldn't have any problems figuring out how to open the door."

Monday
March 7th, 2011
school

I'm walking to English class with Isaac and Jax when ... Heather calls my name. 

She seems insistent, so I see what she wants. "Yes?"

She fidgets as she asks, "Want to go on a date with me? There's this new Italian restaurant downtown that has the best pasta."

I frown. "Umm? No. I don't. I'm seeing someone, and I have allergies to gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts. I must be careful what I eat, so I don't eat out. Sorry."

I look across the hall and see Matt flirting with Allison.

Scott shows up and steps between them so he can offer to carry Allison's books for her.

Heather rushes back over and asks, "How about coffee?"

I frown. "Umm? No. I have ADHD, and coffee makes it worse. Didn't I mention I'm already seeing someone?"

She nods. "But, I'm a better option. I'm always a better option."

I step back and reiterate. "No, thank you. I'm not interested." I turn and walk away with Isaac towards English class.

Isaac leans towards me, "What made the stalker girl suddenly interested in you?"

I spot Matt smirking and gesture toward him with my chin. "Possibly him?"

practice

I do an essay while sitting on the bench, and the others play.

I hear my name as they discuss me, and stealthily look up. 

Matt is talking with Danny and Jax about me.

He wants to know if I seem a little weird and how.

I snort. Matt would pick two of my fledglings to ask about me.

Both tell Matt they don't know what he's referring to and walk over to the shooting drill line with the Coach.

study hall in the library

Matt gets Danny alone and offers to help him with chemistry or math if Danny gives him the scoop on me. He says it's for a research project on exciting classmates.

Danny looks at him in annoyance. "Look, Matt. Stiles is my chemistry lab partner, and he tutors me in math. I don't have any scoops to give you."

He starts to get up but sits back down. "Matt. Word of warning. His dad is the Sheriff and taught him how to fight. You don't want to threaten him because if he doesn't kick your ass, his dad will bring legal repercussions down on you." He then gets up and disappears into the stacks to get another book.

Matt follows him as he looks around. "Where is Stiles? I haven't seen him lately."

Danny narrows his eyes at him in annoyance. "Stiles has a free period for the last period. He left after our last class. He can afford to do that because he and Lydia have the highest GPAs in the school. Now, if you don't mind, I have to research Rochus Misch for an essay."

Matt walks away, and Danny texts Stiles about Matt's questions.

I reply to Danny that I think Gerard is using Matt to find out about the pack and me so he can hunt the Alpha.

Danny replies, "Got it. I'll keep an eye on the kid for you."

I send him a thumbs-up emoji.

after school
the Public library

I'm researching possible ways to legally take Isaac away from his abusive father.

I find some excellent legal books that may help, and check them out. Erica is with me as I research.

She picks a few books to help with her book reports, and we go to my Jeep, so I can drive us to the Argent house.

Erica looks in the right-side view mirror. "You have a tail."

I nod. "Yep. Not for long."

We get to a four-way intersection, and I open my senses. "No one's coming from the right. Hold on." I take the right turn so sharp that I drive over the curb.

Gerard's driver isn't able to make the turn, and they frantically try to make the next turn. 

I smile to myself. "Their next right turn is a dead-end cul-de-sac." I take two right turns and a left and then cut through an alley to get me going more or less north so I can get to the Argents.

Erica shouts, "Whoo, yeah!" She looks back and doesn't see Gerard or his men.

I breathe a sigh of relief. "That man's really starting to annoy me."

Chapter Text

Monday
March 7th, 2011
Argent house

Erica and I arrive at the Argent house and go inside for our group study session.

Scott arrives a minute later.

The four of us sit at the table to do homework.

My phone rings.

I pull it out and glance at the caller ID. I don't recognize the number.

I answer it anyway. "Hello?" 

Heather's voice comes across the line. "Stiles? I was wondering if you changed your mind about our date?"

I incredulously look at my phone. Is this some kind of joke? I put it back to my ear and answers, "Heather? My number's unlisted number. How did you ... "

She laughs, "Scott gave me your number."

I glare at him. "Scott? No. Heather. Like I told you the ten times you asked me at school, I'm seeing someone, and I'm not interested. Lose my number."

I hang up and lean forward. "Scott?! What is it with you and betraying people's confidences and throwing them under the bus?"

Scott looks confused. "How did I ever betray anyone's confidence or throw them under the bus?"

I cock my head as I look at Alley. "Allison? Didn't Scott throw Derek under the bus at the school that night?"

She nods. "Yes. Scott said Derek was the killer that killed the animal attack victims. I asked you if that was true, and you said no, Derek wouldn't hurt a fly. He just growls at people."

Scott's mouth drops. "I thought he was dead and I needed you to cooperate with my plan."

I frown. "The plan for you to look for a non-existent janitor while we stayed trapped ... sorry, locked in the chem lab?"

He frowns and talks with his hands as he says, "I didn't know who the killer was. It could've been him."

I lean forward. "Dude! No! It couldn't have! You just saw something stab Derek in the back and leave him for dead. The possible killer, because who else would stab Derek in the back. Derek obviously wasn't the killer because he was with you on several of those nights."

Scott balks. "Okay. That may be true."

I snarl, "may be true ..."

My phone rings again. "Hello?"

Heather asks, "Stiles? How about lasagna? I'll cook it for you."

I sigh. "I'm allergic to gluten, eggs, dairy, and nuts. Lasagna has three of those. I'm not interested. The answer will always be no. I'm seeing someone, and I don't cheat. Please, leave me alone!" I hang up. "Scott. Whythe bloody hell did you give her my unlisted number without asking me?"

Scott blushes. "It's not like she's a stalker."

I get fifteen more phone calls from Heather that I say no to, and then I block her number. I glare at Scott. "Not a stalker, huh?"

Erica looks at Scott. "I bet the nutty girl already picked out names for her kids with Stiles."

Scott looks at her. "She's not nutty. She's ... determined."

Victoria leans forward. "Scott. Did you know Stiles' number is unlisted?" She sits down next to Scott as she speaks.

Scott nods his head. "He's paranoid about stalkers."

He pales when I cross my arms and gesture at the phone with my chin. "Like that, Scott! I go out of my way not to encourage anyone because I don't want to go through another experience with a stalker. Thanks, Scott. I guess I'll have to make another appointment with my therapist. With friends like you, I don't need enemies."

Scott continues, "What's that mean?"

Chris snorts.

Scott looks at Chris and turns to face Allison as he tries to justify himself. "But ... Stiles always smells like Peter and the other werewolves ... I was trying to find someone that'll keep him away from Peter. Peter always has a weird smell when he's around Stiles."

Erica bites her lip and asks, "like vanilla and honey and cinnamon?"

Scott nods. 

She shakes her head. "That's not Peter. That's Stiles' scent. It means Stiles feels comfortable enough around us not to hide his scent. Do you smell any scent from him right now?"

Scott looks at me and sniffs. "No. I never smell his scent."

I catch what he said about wanting to get me away from the pack. I bite my lip and then spit out."You're the one that told Heather to ask me out? Are you jealous I smell like Peter's pack? I am part of Peter's pack."

Scott nods while he ducks his head in embarrassment.

Allison frowns. "Scott. How would you feel if Stiles did that to you because he didn't want you to hang out with me? Werewolf hunters and werewolves shouldn't mix and all that?"

Scott frowns. "He'd never do that. Besides, Heather's a nice girl. She has to be better than Peter! Anything is better than Peter!"

My phone beeps.

I pick it up and frown. "Heather left me ... twenty ... voicemails. Now my voicemail is full."

I listen to the voice mails and make a disgusted face.

Scott's jaw drops, and he gasps. "Jesus! That's disgusting."

Eric covers her mouth as she laughs at this. "Yep. That nutty bitch named three imaginary kids with Stiles. She even gave detailed voice mails explaining the sexual acts required to conceive them. Scott! You better hope Peter doesn't find out you're responsible for a nutty floozy throwing herself at Stiles. Or Isaac. Isaac feels really protective of Stiles."

I say, "this has to stop." I call dad. "Dad? I have a little stalker problem. I'm sending you a few relevant voice mails she left me after I blocked her number. Can you talk to her parents? If they can't reign her in, I want a restraining order. I'm changing my number, and I'll text you the new unlisted number."

John asks. "Your number is unlisted. How did she get the number?"

I glare at Scott. "You can thank Scott for that."

I call the phone company and tell them someone gave out my unlisted number to a stalker." I forwarded one of her disgusting voice mail as proof. They gave me a new number, and I texted it to everyone except Scott.

Erica, Allison, Chris, and Victoria's phones chirp with the text.

Scott has the nerve to ask, "aren't you going to give me your new number?"

I sit forward and have to restrain myself from hitting Scott. "No. Scott. I'm not. I don't trust you with that information ... for some odd reason." I stand up and pack up my books. "Sorry to cut and run, Chris ... but ... I have to leave before I hurt him." 

Erica stands, quickly packs up her stuff, and follows me out the door.

Scott tries to follow, but Chris steps in front of him. "You've done enough damage for today. Haven't you, Scott?"

He looks after me, hangs his head, and sits back at the table.

Whittemore House

Jax stands beside his car with the keys in hand when he sees Gerard arrive at Matt's house.

Gerard gets out of his car, meets with Matt, and then drives away in Matt's car ... with Matt. They seem to be heading downtown.

Jax gets in his car and drives to pick up Lydia to go to Derek's Loft.

Derek's Loft

Stiles teaches Derek, Isaac, Boyd, and Erica how to fight with the Systema style he learned in Russia.

Gerard's men track down Coach Lahey to a business deal he makes downtown every two weeks for the steroids he uses to keep in his tip-top shape.

So what if Lahey has bouts of 'Roid Rage or he's always angry.

That's Isaac's fault, not his! Isaac lived, and his Camden died.

He's stuck with the weak idiot.

He has to toughen up this kid to be half as strong as Camden.

Gerard uses his GPS to find the address of the back alley dealer, and they park further down the road, under the bridge, so he can still see the alleyway entrance.

Gerard explains to Matt that he'll make a deal with this kid. He'll have his ... pet ... kill Matt's list of victims in exchange for Matt finding out who the Alpha is and the location of his den.

Gerard says he wants to kill the pack for killing his Kate. He believes Allison will live up to her mother's standards. Kate had such high standards.

At least Kate's first pregnancy was with a hunter. Ingesting mountain ash made the baby stronger, not ending the gestation of werewolf-tainted DNA. Good thing Chris and Kate agreed with his plan to raise her since Chris was kicked in the nads one too many times to conceive an heir to the Argent line. Gerard intends for his granddaughter to take her place in the werewolf eradication business.

Matt doesn't believe Gerard about the supernatural.

Gerard summons his pet. Kanima Deaton.

Matt's terrified by the beast.

Matt shows the picture he took of Coach Lahey to the Kanima with his underlying need for revenge or vengeance and the man's death. 

The beast hisses and then slinks down the alley towards the Dealer's door, half-hidden in the darkness.

It climbs onto the dumpster and lays flat to blend in with the shadows.

All you can see of him is his glowing eyes and the occasional flick of a serpentine tail.

Three sets of eyes intently watch the door for almost an hour.

The softly falling rain doesn't even distract them.

Suddenly, the door opens, and Lahey emerges from the dank building and slowly walks towards the car he left parked at the end of the alleyway.

Lahey hears a slithering noise, like something heavy sliding over concrete.

He turns so quickly that he trips, falls, and loses his glasses.

He pats around in the puddles near him and finds his wet and broken glasses.

He stands and raises his glasses to his eyes as he peers toward the sound and sees the monster glaring at him with murder in its eyes.

Lahey turns and runs to his car as fast as he can.

He gets in his car but can not shut the door because the beast has it in its claws.

Lahey screams and tugs on the door as he panics.

He's too afraid to let go of the door to attempt starting the car because he needs all his strength to keep the door closed as much as it is to keep the beast out.

The beast gets annoyed, rips the door off its hinges, and throws it down the alley.

It reaches inside the car and snaps off the man's hand before tearing out his throat.

He bellows a victorious roar at the death and then jumps to the wall of a nearby building, climbs it, and disappears over the top.

The rain washes away any trace of its venom, constantly oozing from its claws and tail.

Gerard turns to Matt. "Do we have a deal? My little pet kills your victims, and you help me find the Alpha werewolf that killed my daughter. I know he's connected to Derek. I believe Stiles knows where he is because he knows everything."

Matt looks at Gerard with a delighted smile. "Yes. We have a deal. I'll get you a current picture of one of the others to kill next."

meanwhile

Stiles helps Boyd understand a few things in math while Erica informs Derek, Isaac, Jax, and Lydia what Scott did to Stiles and why Stiles had to change his number.

Derek breathes out in anger. "Damned, narcissistic brat!"

Isaac grits his teeth. "Scott's going to pay for that!"

Erica looks around. "Where's Peter?"

Derek smiles. "Remember Stiles mentioned in passing that there are vampire-friendly restaurants, and Stiles can eat there?"

Erica nods. "Yyeeaahh?"

Isaac smiles as he says, "Peter went to talk to Rain about their locations so he can take Stiles on a real date. A surprise date."

Lydia and Jax arrive.

Jax walks in and yells, "Stiles!"

There's a gust of air as I move faster than light to stand next to him. "Yes, Jax?"

Jax looks upstairs and back at me with a confused face. 

I smile. "I move faster than any vampire. Now, what is it?"

Jax gets control of himself. "Gerard got in Matt's car with him, and they drove off. Gerard was driving. I didn't see where they went because I was going to Lydia's, but now we know Matt is working with Gerard. That explains why Matt spent half the day asking about you and Scott McCall."

We discuss using Matt to keep track of Gerard since Gerard's trying to use the kid to find us.

Matt's House

Gerard drops Matt at home.

Matt goes up to his room and hears something outside his window. 

He looks outside and sees the beast.

It's trying to ... communicate with him ... bond ... with him.

Matt lays his hand on the window as he focuses on the snakelike creature.

To his amazement, the creature lays his hand on the glass opposite his, and he feels some sort of connection in his chest.

He doesn't know how Kanimas work.

He doesn't know they can't kill innocents.

He does sense that he can send it the picture of the face and location of his victim. His Killers.

He may not need the old man, but he doesn't want to tip his hand to the guy yet.

He'll play along, just in case.

He'll research Stiles and Scott and track down his killers.

Beacon Hills Hospital

Scott drives Melissa's car to the hospital to pick her up after her late shift ends.

He doesn't see Gerard parked across the lot, watching the driveway and the front entrance.

Gerard starts his car and follows Scott to the back parking lot and parks. He silently walks up to Scott as he takes out his silver-plated knife.

Scott doesn't see or sense Gerard until he turns around and comes face to face with Gerard.

Gerard stabs his dagger deep into Scott's abdomen.

Scott grabs the man's wrist that's holding him upright. He wheezes because he suddenly can't take a deep enough breath to let out anything more than a whisper. 

He looks at Gerard in confusion. How does attacking Scott get Gerard the Alpha?

Gerard smiles. "Quiet, boy! We wouldn't want to attract attention. You wouldn't want me to kill some innocent human you attracted over here to their death, now would you?"

Scott shakes his head because he can't talk.

Gerard smiles. "I knew you weren't as stupid as you act. Now. I need to find the Alpha werewolf to get justice for my daughter's murder. You're going to help me do that. You're going to tell me what their plans are and help me stalk them."

Scott shakes his head and wheezes, "They're innocent. She tried. ... to kill us, ... including Allison."

Gerard scoffs. "Kate wouldn't kill her own daughter. She was going to baptize Allison in hunting with her first mutt kill."

Scott's eyes bug out at that information.

Gerard snorts. "Focus, Scott. You're going to help me, or I'll tell your mother what a despicable, diseased, cursed beast you have become. Then I'll kill her. She'll thank me for killing her and taking her away from your vileness."

The fear in Scott's eye makes Gerard chuckle.

The back door opens, and Melissa walks out with her new best friend, Rainelle.

Melissa says, "don't worry about it, Raina. It's not the first time my son forgot to pick me up, and it won't be the last. I'll find my way home. I always do."

Raina smiles at her. "Kids. Not always dependable. It's not a problem. I'm going that way anyway, and I don't have a problem dropping you off. It's late." She scents blood. Werewolf blood.  

Rain grabs Melissa and stops her. She looks around and spots Gerard with a knife in Scott's stomach. "Melissa, go inside. Get Security."

Melissa spots Scott, and from the face he's making, that man's hurting him. She runs inside, yelling, "Security! Security!"

Rain yells, "Hey! Leave him alone!" She runs at human speed to Scott. Can't give away that she's not human.

Gerard withdraws the knife and runs away.

Scott drops to the ground and curls into a ball to protect his hurt torso.

Rain touches his shoulder. "Scott? Are you okay?"

He nods. "Yeah. I'm okay. MOM! Is mom okay?"

Rain nods. "Yeah, she's fine."

Melissa and two security guards run up and help Scott to his feet.

Scott says, "I'm ... okay. I told the guy I didn't have any money to take." His hands curled around his stomach. 

Melissa thanks the guards as they help him to Rain's car because it's the closest.

The security guards document it as an attempted mugging in the parking lot.

Rain hands Melissa the keys and says, "I'll drive yours to your house, then we'll switch keys, and I'll go home."

At Melissa's house, they switch keys, and Rain tells Scott he needs to go to the Loft and tell them about Gerard as soon as possible, so they aren't surprised.

Melissa invites Rain inside for coffee while Scott goes upstairs to shower and go to bed.

Rain uses her telepathy to convince Melissa that Rain's drinking coffee when in reality, she's holding the cup. She also convinces Melissa that since it's so dangerous in the parking lot, she and Rain should carpool, so they're both safe.

Scott takes a shower, covers a few pillows in the bed to look like him, and sneaks out the window.

He crosses the road and looks around from the shadows to ensure no one is watching him or his house and then lopes west for a quarter-mile before circling south to Derek's Loft.

Derek's Loft

Stiles is in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a colossal lasagna meal for the pack. All those lasagna suggestions from Heather left him wanting to make one even though he can't eat it.

Derek is sitting at the counter nearby, reading his book.

Jax and Lydia are talking about going into the sea for some alone time.

Erica and Boyd are cuddling on the loveseat.

Isaac is curled up in Stiles' seat, reading one of Stiles' books. He likes curling up in Stiles' scent. It makes him happy that they let him sit in Stiles' chair. He knows that no one else is allowed. Not even Jax.

Derek looks to the door and growls as he puts down his book and marches closer to the door.

The others stand and get in defensive postures behind him while Stiles turns off the timer and puts on oven mitts.

Scott charges into the room. "Stiles! Gerard ... he ... "

SMACK

Scott gets knocked two feet back from the force of the blow.

Isaac stands rubbing his knuckles. "How dare you betray Stiles like that!"

Stiles closes the oven, turns it off, and walks into the living room .... "What's going on?"

Chapter Text

Monday
March 7th, 2011
Derek's Loft

Scott charges into the room. "Stiles! Stiles! Gerard ... he ... "

SMACK

Scott gets knocked two feet back from the force of the blow, and he falls onto his ass on the ground from losing his balance with the back peddling.

Isaac stands rubbing his knuckles. "How dare you betray Stiles like that!"

I close the oven, turn it off, and walk into the living room .... "What's going on?"

Scott rubs his jaw. "What was that for?"

Isaac snarls, "you betrayed Stiles and gave his unlisted number to a stalker!"

Scott's jaw drops. "Oh. That? Look. I made a big mistake. I didn't know she was a stalker. I thought she could be his girlfriend. I saw how he looked at her, and she was too scared to get his ..."

I hold up my hand. "Werewolves can hear you lie. You might want to be truthful in your excuses. I never looked at Heather because I'm gay. I prefer men, not girls."

I ignore Scott as he stutters indignantly, gets off the floor, and looks at Isaac. "You hit Scott?"

Isaac nods.

I can see he's nervous about my reaction and a little afraid. I smile at him. "Thank you. I wanted to hit him myself, but I was afraid I might kill him if I did."

Isaac smiles proudly.

Scott frowns in confusion as he looks at me. "How could a human hurt me?"

I frown and look at Scott. "I'm teaching them the Systema system of fighting. It's a ...dangerous ... form of martial arts taught to the elite soldiers in the Russian/Polish army. Do you want to see how dangerous it is? Try me. I'll show you how dangerous it is for me to lose my temper and hit someone."

Scott frowns but puts up his fist.

Lydia holds up a fifty-dollar bill. "I say Scott's pinned in less than 3 seconds."

Jax crosses his arms. "No one will take that bet because we all know how true that statement is."

Scott huffs in anger and swings at me.

I easily step outside his swinging arm, grab his wrist, strike his throat and chest, and pull his head back to slam him to the ground with a loud thump. 

I press my fingers into his neck, making it hard for him to breathe, and shove my knee into his ribs to limit the air he can take in. 

Scott lies there gasping as he tries to move my hand or knee, and he can't. 

I smile as I say, "Like I said, Scott. I have too much training to allow me to simply hit someone and not hurt them. Every break ... breaks a bone. Every punch disables or maims. You're the weakest werewolf ever, and I might kill you if I haul off and punch you as I want."

Derek huffs. "That's because Scott's an Omega. He has no pack to give him strength."

I rise to my feet, move over to Isaac, and pat his shoulder. "Thanks again, buddy."

I look back at a gasping Scott slowly rolling into a sitting position on the floor.

I sigh and say, "Scott. I'm still miffed you betrayed me to a stalker simply because you're jealous I spend time with Peter and the pack. I'm part of Peter's pack. Packs spend time together. We smell like each other. It's comforting to werewolves to have their pack-mates scent on them."

Isaac's still nervous about the others touching him. He knows the others expect him to touch them at some point, and he's disappointed he can't yet, so he moves behind me and rubs his head on my shoulder with a little whine.

I scratch my fingers through his curls and whisper,  "it's okay, buddy.  No one's rushing you. You have all the time you need. We understand your dad hurt you, and you're nervous about touch."

Isaac gives me a tight, bone-crushing hug, and steps behind me again.

Scott pales and then blushes. "You're right, Stiles. I made a lot of excuses for my behavior. Including that night at the school."

Derek growls out, "and in the tunnels when you told Kate that Stiles knows the who and where of the Alpha and she should ask Stiles. That's betraying him."

Scott pales.

I glare at him. "You told Kate to attack me because I know what she wanted to know? You suck!"

Scott slowly nods. "Yeah. I'm sorry. She was going to torture us to find it. She already tortured Derek."

Jax steps forward and crosses his arms over his chest. "Dude! What possible excuse could you have for throwing your best friend under the bus?"

Lydia frowns. "Stiles was only Scott's friend until he started having sex, and then he didn't need Stiles. Stiles was in his way, so he ignores Stiles unless he wants something."

Scott scoffs. "No! That's not true! I ... he is the third wheel, but he's still my friend. I'm working on my relationship with Allison. I need alone time with my girlfriend. You understand, don't you!"

He realizes what he's saying. "Okay, it's a little true. I don't like Peter and was using any excuse to keep you, Stiles, away from him. That was wrong, and I did betray your trust in me. A few times. But I didn't realize I was doing it!" 

Scott takes a deep breath as he realizes the scope of what he did. "I'm so sorry, Stiles. You had an unlisted number because you were paranoid about stalkers, and I gave it to a stalker without asking or warning you. I'm very, very sorry. I know I won't be able to make it up to you, but I want to try."

I sigh. "Scott? Why are you here? It sounds like you weren't going to apologize until they pointed out your folly."

He takes a deep breath. "Rain said to talk to you about Gerard's attack on me at the hospital."

I narrow my eyes. "Fine. Come eat lasagna with our pack and tell us about it."

Scott holds out his hand to me. "I'm sorry. I really am."

I nod and reach to take his hand ... but I smell something on his hand. I grab his hand and smell it. "Jax! Do you smell what I smell?"

Jax sniffs and frowns. "Death. Whatever he held is dying."

Scott looks confused and sniffs his hand. "Something does smell ... bad. That's death?"

I look at him. "Disease. End-stage cancer? Come on, Scott. You've been around the hospital to notice your scent changes when you're dying. It's even obvious to humans." I look at Derek. "That's why Gerard wants the Alpha so badly. He's dying. He wants to be an Alpha to live and rule."

Derek nods. "Sounds like an Argent plan."

I turn and lead the way to the table.

I dish out lasagna for everyone but Lydia, Jax, and me.

John arrives. "Isaac's been here all day?"

Boyd nods. "Yes. He's never been alone. Why?"

John frowns and says, "I have news for Isaac. Could be good or bad. Depends on how he takes it. I'll go over it after I hear about Gerard's attack." He pulls out his phone and texts Tara that Isaac was with Stiles, so has an alibi.

I make a plate of lasagna and hand it to John.

We eat while Scott tells us everything starting with Kate is/was Allison's mother to Gerard's threat about Melissa. 

Scott asks, "What do I do?"

I sigh. "The threat of telling your mother won't have power if you tell Melissa yourself. She'll take it better coming from you than a stranger. It's easier to protect her if she knows she's in danger."

John nods. "Rafe will be here tomorrow, and he already knows about the Hale pack and werewolves. We'll let him know hunters are after Scott and other teenagers and let him help protect Melissa."

Scott looks at Stiles with pleading eyes. "Stiles? Can you and Derek help me tell mom about werewolves in the morning?"

Isaac growls.

I look at him. "You can come with me, Isaac."

He smiles and leans against my side.

Scott looks confused. "How come he's your new shadow?"

Isaac snarls at him, "Stiles saved my life. Twice in one night! If you saw how he fights ... I know no one can hurt me when he's around. I punched you because you hurt him. He's done everything to protect you and your secret, yet you betrayed him. That means he can't trust you with simple secrets, so he definitely can't trust you with life-changing secrets. You made me angry ... by hurting him. No one hurts him while I'm around!"

The pack members proudly smile at him.

John says, "Now. Isaac. My news. I ... you're dad's dead. Something supernatural murdered him. You were with the pack, so you have an alibi, and no one can accuse you."

Isaac looks stunned."He's dead? I don't have to be afraid anymore? No more ... trips to the basement when I'm not good enough?"

John frowns. "I found the deep freezer in the basement."

Isaac looks down and fights tears.

Scott asks, "like you keep frozen food in?"

John shakes his head. "It was never plugged in, and it's locked with a padlock."

Isaac turns to the side and buries his head on my shoulder.

I wrap my arm around him as he struggles not to cry.

John continues, "We broke the lock and opened it. There are bloody scratches where Lahey locked Isaac inside that freezer."

I crush the empty stoneware mug I was idly spinning. "Son of  ... " I look at John. "I think he got exactly what he deserved then."

John asks, "Isaac? IS that what he did after beating you?"

Isaac sits up and struggles to look at John as he runs his hand through his hair in an agitated state.

Isaac nods. "It was my fault. I ... supper wasn't good enough, my grades weren't good enough, I didn't score well enough on the field. I'm not as good at everything as Cam was. I'm a disappointment."

I look directly at Isaac and say in a stern voice. "Bull shit! None of that's your fault. It's his fault for scaring you so badly that you made mistakes. No one has the right to lock anyone in anything. Period."

Erica leans closer. "Isaac? Did he ever help you study, or did he bully you for not scoring high enough?"

Isaac shakes his head. "No. It's my job to study and figure stuff out. He didn't have time to nursemaid me."

John frowns. "I can tell those are his words and not yours. A parent's job is to help their child succeed by helping and giving them resources."

Jax snarls. "He set you up to fail and then punished you for failing. The asshole met Karma. You, Isaac, are better than that bastard! You don't deserve that shit! Parents should help their kids, not hurt them!"

Lydia nods. "Yeah, Isaac. You're not a disappointment to anyone. We'll help you with anything you need. We'll help you succeed. Don't believe any of the shit he told you!"

I look at John. "Why was Lahey like that? I know you got an autopsy."

John crosses his arms over his chest. "He was addicted to steroids. He was living in a permanent state of 'Roid Rage. It started with Camden's death and has gotten worse every year. It was only a matter of time until he killed Isaac in one of his rages."

I nod. "thank God we got Isaac away from him before that happened."

That's when Peter walks in and narrows his eyes at Scott. "Scott."

Scott rakes his hand through his hair. "I told them Gerard attacked me at the hospital. He wants me to spy on your pack. He said he'll tell mom if I don't, and then kill her."

I get Peter a plate of lasagna and sit next to Isaac again. 

Peter sits next to me, at the head of the table.

I say, "Gerard smells of death. He's dying and wants to be an Alpha werewolf to beat his cancer. I told Scott to tell Melissa he's a werewolf, so Gerard can't use that as leverage. Scott wants Derek and I to tell her tomorrow." I look at Peter intently, "Isaac's coming with me."

Peter smiles at Isaac as he fondly squeezes his shoulder. "Good. Isaac's a good judge of character and can watch your back."

Isaac relaxes with a sigh of relief.

John says, "also. Isaac's father was killed by a supernatural."

Peter frowns and looks at Isaac. "Isaac? I know that bastard made your life hell, but he was your father, and all boys tend to love their fathers, no matter how badly they're treated. I'm sorry for your loss and I know it hurts you that he's gone."

Isaac nods and moves closer to me. He's worried Peter might pull him away from me and wants to be close to me while he can.

I hug him and whisper, "Peter understands you need comfort and stability. He's not going to separate you from me. It's okay."

Peter nods at Isaac with a fond smile.

Scott looks at Peter. "Where were you when Lahey was murdered?"

Peter shrugs. "I was locating the closest restaurant in a restaurant chain that serves food Stiles can eat. He doesn't get to eat out like other people, and I want to take him and the pack there for his birthday. Do you have a problem with that?"

I turn and look at him with a smile. "You could have asked dad or me. There's one between here and San Francisco."

Peter smiles and looks at Stiles. "It just so happens that there is one here in Beacon Hills."

I frown. "Here?! I didn't know that."

John looks at me. "There are a number of people around here with your inability to eat at most restaurants. Makes sense there is one here."

Jax smiles as he looks at me. "I can't wait to check it out."

John stands up and looks at his watch. "It's late. Scott? I'll take you home." 

I listen as they go downstairs, get in the car, and then smile when I hear John say, "Scott. If you ever betray Stiles again, I'll let Peter at you. Do I make myself clear!"

Scott gulps loudly. "Crystal."

Scott gets home and researches Systema is shocked at how lethal it is. 

Melissa checks in on him and sees what he's watching on YouTube. "Systema? You should ask Stiles or John about that. Both have extensive training in that style."

Scott looks at her. "Both?"

She nods. "John was special forces. In Russia. They immigrated here when Stiles was a baby. Don't you remember?"

Scott shakes his head. "Umm? No. My memories of Stiles before this year are a little fuzzy. I can't remember specifics about him. Maybe I have ADD or something."

Melissa laughs. "It's more likely lack of sleep. It's late. Gets some sleep."

Tuesday
March 8th, 2011
2 am

Peter and I are cuddled in my bed in our other house when I hear the window at the top of the stairs slide open.

Peter's still sleeping heavily as he always does after a night of lovemaking and feeding.

I scent the air and identify Isaac. 

He smells of fear.

I whisper, "Isaac?"

He follows my voice into the bedroom, and I see a disheveled Isaac with his hair standing up at odd angles in sleep pants and nothing else. He's even barefoot.

He sees Peter sleeping next to me and wavers in uncertainty.

I whisper, "Nightmares?"

He nods.

I point to the cedar chest at the end of the bed. "Grab a blanket from that and come lay down atop the covers."

Peter opens one eye. "Yes. On top is good. We're both naked, and I'd rather only Stiles under the covers with me when I'm naked."

Isaac doesn't move. 

I smile and hold out my hand, "come on, cub. Cuddle with us. We'll keep your nightmares away."

Isaac smiles, grabs a blanket from the chest, settles down between, but on top of the covers, and covers himself with the blanket.

I soon feel Isaac's hand wrap around my arm and his nose nudge at my chest.

Peter rolls an arm over Isaac's shoulders and is soon back asleep.

I lay a hand on Isaac's head and knead his curls with my fingers, and he's soon asleep.

5 am

My phone rings, and I answer it before the first ring finishes. "Yes?" Good thing I only need an hour of sleep.

It's Boyd. "Isaac's not in his room, and we can't find him. We're worried that something may have happened to him."

I smile at the pack's need to ensure Isaac's safe. "It's okay. He's with me. He had a nightmare. I'll bring him to school with me after I stop by the McCall house for a werewolf show and tell."

Boyd breathes a sigh of relief. "Thank God. Okay. See you at school."

6:30 am

I park my jeep in front of Scott's house as Derek parks his Camaro.

Isaac and I climb out of the jeep and meet Derek at the front door.

I knock on the door.

Scott lets us in as he wrinkles his nose at how much Isaac and I smell like Peter.

Isaac smiles at me that it bothers Scott that much.

Melissa comes down the stairs and sees she has guests. "Scott? You didn't say we have guests ... this early in the morning."

Scott nervously shuffles his feet as he says, "Mom? Can you sit down? I have something I need to confess to you and they're here for moral support."

It takes almost an hour to go over everything supernatural-related. The three werewolves shift to Beta for Melissa before she believes everything going on.

She looks askance at me and I hold up my hands. "I'm not a werewolf. I am a member of a werewolf pack, though."

Chapter Text

Tuesday
March 8th, 2011
McCall House

Derek drives away in his car.

Scott peddles off on his bike.

Melissa grabs my arm before I can turn to leave and motions for me to stay a minute.

Isaac and I wait until the others are too far away to hear and turn to Melissa.

I ask, "What is it?"

She frets with her lower lip. "You're like Rainelle. What are you, if not a werewolf?"

I smile at her. "You're very perceptive. Scott tends to throw people under the bus, and Gerard just included you in his threats against Scott. I want you safe. You need to know the dangers facing you to protect yourself. At the same time. I'm not a threat to you or Scott."

Isaac looks at Melissa. "Does it matter what he is? He's still Stiles. He's always been this way."

She smiles. "No. It doesn't matter. I would like to know for my peace of mind. If Stiles doesn't trust me with that knowledge, I understand. I can tell Scott doesn't know, and I understand."

I smile. "I don't trust Scott. I do trust you. The pack knows because I'm part of the pack. Scott isn't! He's an Omega. A lone wolf."

She smiles. "Can I be part of the pack? I understand his need to stand alone. However, I know I can protect my son better if I'm part of the pack."

I smile. "Yes, you can be ... a pack Ally ... like Chris and Victoria. Scott might notice you smell like us if you were a full pack member."

She nods with a smile. "Scent marking. Now I understand why Rafe wanted me to study wolf pack habits."

I nod and let my eyes bleed to red. "I'm a vampire. My kind has secrecy laws to protect our race."

She cocks her head. "That does explain a few things. Thank you for trusting me."

She looks at the door. "I wouldn't want you to be late for school."

Isaac and I leave the house.

I start the jeep and begin driving as I ask, "Isaac? How did you find us at my other house last night?"

He shrugs. "I followed your scent."

I look at him. "My scent? It was raining when I left ... hours before you followed me."

He nervously runs his fingers through his hair. "Your scent glows, though."

I pull over and look at him. "It glows? You see my scent?"

He nods. 

I ask, "What does it look like?"

He ducks his head and quietly asks, "Am I in trouble?"

I shake my head. "No. Not at all. It's impressive and unique that you see my scent. All supernatural scents or just mine?"

He thinks. "All supernatural ones."

I ask, "What do they look like to you?"

Isaac thinks a minute as he rakes his hand through his curly locks. "Peter's is bright red. Derek's is dark red. Erica's is dark ocean blue. Boyd's is ocean teal. Lydia's is a light ocean blue. Yours is a bright honey brown or amber. When your scent mixes with Peter's, it's a pretty tiger orange."

I smile. "You paint."

He nods. "How ... ?"

I smile. "I paint as well. I have a studio and supplies at that house that you can use anytime you want." I smile as I look out the front window. "Only an artist would say tiger orange. Maybe that's why you can see my scent." I look at Isaac. "You just became our best tracker."

He smiles as I edge the jeep back on the road.

police station

Rafe arrives with two other agents. 

His men start the paperwork to bring back the hunters while he makes the arrangements for him to stay here for a while.

John brings Rafe into his office, discussing Gerard, hunters, werewolves, and Beacon Hills. 

Rafe gets pissed that Gerard is targeting Scott and Melissa. 

He closes his eyes as he takes in a deep breath.

He'll be damned if he lets that man threaten his ex and their child. She may be his ex, but she's still his friend. He respects and admires that she protected their son when he was too drunk to realize he was the threat to them. Or, he should say that his drinking was the threat. She protected Scott's innocence, trust, and belief in his father by quietly kicking Rafe out and telling him to get his act together. Everything he did after that is on him. His inattention to Scott, while going to AA, and climbing the FBI ranks while focusing on his career instead of his family, that's on him.

By God, he's going to protect them!

He makes a mental note to see what Melissa knows about the supernatural and the situation at hand.

Rafe leans forward, pulls his laptop out of his bag, and boots it up. He searches his hard drive for the files he wants and opens them. He then turns the computer around and pushes it closer to John.

John pulls the laptop closer and reads through the files. He jots notes as he goes.

They discuss gathering more info on Gerard and his Cronies. 

The FBI is more open to planting GPS trackers in cars and bugging hotel rooms. While John gets Danny to go through city cameras, Rafe will deal with that. 

the hospital an hour later

Rafe walks through the hospital, looking for Melissa. He spots her in the ER, cleaning and sanitizing some gurneys.

She spots him and stands. "Rafe? Are you here because of the Hunter stalking Scott and maybe me, or the werewolf hunter problem?"

He stutters, "werewolves? Hunters?" Oh, God! She knows! He looks around to ensure no one's watching as he grabs her elbow and directs her into an empty patient room to talk.

Rainelle sees them go into the room, and she loiters within sight of that room in case Melissa needs help. Gerard has a long reach, and she doesn't know who this man is or if he can be trusted. All she knows is he's wearing an FBI badge.

Rafe sighs profoundly and asks, "How much of this supernatural mess do you know?"

Melissa gestures for him to sit in the chair while she sits on the bed and tells him everything she learned this morning (minus vampires).

She explains insane Peter turning Scott, the deaths of the arsonists, the Hale fire, the Argent hunters, Kate's death, Gerard's wanting to avenge Kate's death, and Gerard's threats.

Rafe gets enraged when he learns Gerard stabbed Scott and threatened Melissa.

Melissa explains Stiles told Scott that if Scott tells her, then Gerard loses the power of that threat, and now she knows there's danger and can protect herself. "Stiles put extra protection on me as well. I just don't know what."

He balks. "How can you have protection and not know what it is?"

KNOCK ... KNOCK ... KNOCK

"Melissa? Are you alright? Do I need to call security?"

Melissa opens the door and gestures for Rainelle to join them inside.

Rain enters, and Rafe sees that she's too perfect. Too ... other. "Oh. That's how. You're not human, are you?"

She scoffs. "Yes ... and no."

Melissa cocks her head as she asks, "Stiles asked you to protect me? I take it you know that Systema like Stiles and John?"

Rain nods. "Yes. Stiles asked our community if anyone would bodyguard you. I owe him soo much that I jumped at the chance to return a favor."

Rafe asks, "You're not ... a werewolf? ... I don't think. What are you?"

Rain smiles. "I can't tell you that. My kind has secrecy laws. The pack and their allies know because of Stiles." She turns to Mel. "I believe he offered you Ally status this morning."

Melissa nods, and her eyebrows rise as she realizes Rain is a vampire, like Stiles.

Rafe says, "I asked John to introduce me to Peter so I can join the ranks of the Pack's Allies."

Rain smiles as she looks at Melissa. "Then why don't you both come? Stiles always makes a large meal for an Alliance meeting. He's the best cook." She mutters, "as far as I can remember."

Melissa gets off at nine.  

Rafe will meet them here then and drive them both to the loft after their shift.

Sunset 5:49

Isaac and I arrive at the Auto shop to change my oil and rotate the tires.

We wait in the little office until I see Brandon taking apart my transmission. "What the hell!"

I storm out and ask what the hell he's doing. I see he's trying to bump up my repairs to $1,500.

I snarl and grab the guy by the neck. I flash my red eyes as I use his sudden fear and physical contact to persuade him to put it all back and return to completing my oil change and tire rotation.

He nods and begins putting things back. 

I return to the office and ... put my hand in something wet on the handle, figuring it's a hand-cleaning gel, and wipe it off on my hoodie.

Isaac points at the picture of the mechanic in a Beacon Hills lacrosse uniform.

I hmph and pull out my phone to text Peter that we're running late when I realize my hands are stiff, and I can't move them as I want. What the hell? "Something's wrong!"

I fall to the floor and hear a hiss as something slithers in the back room. Half-paralyzed, I fall to the ground as a creature scratches Isaac's neck and he falls paralyzed beside me. 

The creature goes after Brandon. Stealthily.

It scratches Brandon's neck, and he falls to the floor, paralyzed. 

It moves under the jeep and cuts the hydraulic lines on the lift as I painfully dial 911.

The lift slowly lowers as the hydraulics bleed out and crushes the mechanic.

The creature then crawls over to us on all fours and roars.

The 911 operator heard that roar through my phone.

She's about to hang up, believing it's a hoax, when John walks by and recognizes my new number.

He gets the location of the call, rushes to his car, and teleports himself and his vehicle to the obstructed corner of the back lot so he's not seen.

The creature roars because it hears her voice, stomps on my phone, and rushes out the door. 

I say, "fuck!" Luckily the case and the tempered glass screen protector saved my phone from imminent destruction.

A second later, it clicks. "Wait! It hunts humans. That's a Kanima." I turn off my body functions, and the paralysis stops.

I sit up and look at Isaac, "Wolf out. The more wolf you are, the faster your body will fight the paralysis."

He shifts to Beta and sits up, taking a deep breath as his wolf destroys the paralysis. 

I grab a small jar of screws, dump out the screws, and collect the paralytic venom from the handle into the tiny pot.

John uses magic to get to me. 

He walks in as I put the lid on the jar.

He spots the dead mechanic. "What happened?"

I hold up the jar. "Kanima. The killer's a Kanima. We have to figure out who's controlling it."

Isaac points to the picture on the wall. "The mechanic was on my dad's swim team."

John looks at me. "The victims are connected." He looks around. "You weren't here. You dropped off your jeep and left. Get out of here, and I'll give you an update at the meeting tonight."

He calls a code 287 over his radio and waits for his backup and the forensic team. (287 is a murder)

Down the block, Matt smiles at his streaming feed from the hidden camera he planted by the lift when he got his oil changed a couple of hours ago. 

He loved watching that guy's death. 

Matt records it so he can watch it again later.

The camera is a write-off since he can't reclaim it now that a cop is at the scene.

He cuts his connection to the camera so it can't link them to him.

Then he drives to where Gerard's meeting him because Gerard knows Hunter Akeem works for Chris Argent, and they'll watch Akeem's death together ... at about midnight tonight.

Chris plans on beginning Allison's training tonight, so they already know where to find Akeem.

Gerard doesn't know Matt's controlling the Kanima now, or that Matt just proved he controls the Kanima by killing Brandon.

Derek's Loft

I fly in through the patio door, with Isaac on my back.

Isaac wobbles and takes in a deep gasping breath and wobbles.

I catch him and lean him against the couch.

Isaac pants out, "While that is amazing, you might want to warn us to hold our breath when you do that because there's no air when you move that fast."

Jax asks, "Boss, your heart's not beating." He stands as he worriedly asks, "What happened?"

Lydia says in near panic, "Where's your jeep?"

I nod at Jax as I reactivate my heart and lungs.

I take a breath and say, "It's in pieces and part of a murder scene that we witnessed. I'm without transportation for a day or so. Hence, the flying."

I look at Isaac. "I'm sorry, Isaac. I forgot. Lydia always keeps an hour's worth of air in her lungs, and I guess dad knows and hasn't mentioned he holds his breath. It's been a few eons since I carried anyone else. It never occurred to me there's no air and you need to hold your breath."

Isaac stands up now that he's caught his breath back. "No problem. Just an observation."

I look around the room of gathered pack members and say, "Okay, listen up, everyone. Isaac and I were ... attacked by the creature. Immobilized by its paralytic venom while it killed Brandon, the mechanic working on my jeep."

Isaac says, "Actually, the bastard wasn't working on your jeep. He took apart your transmission to squeeze more money out of you for the repairs." 

Peter instantly has his arms around me as he scents me to ensure I'm okay.

Isaac's hands are shaking, and he's a little pale.

I look at Isaac as it hits me. "Oh, shit!" I pull him into my arms as I say, "I didn't equate us being immobilized and unable to move with what you must have suffered while locked in that freezer. I'm so sorry, Isaac."

He clings to me while Peter makes a few more sniffles at my neck to ensure we're both okay, and then he acts like the tough Alpha that's never phased by anything.

Jax asks, "That means you saw this thing and know what it is?"

I nod as I continue. "It's a Kanima. Kanimas hunt humans. I figured that if I turn off my human bodily functions, it overrides the paralysis. Isaac switched to Beta, and his wolf healed the paralysis. Their venom is designed for humans and not supernaturals."

Derek nods. "Good to know. Our wolves combat Kanima venom. How do we stop it now that we know what it is?"

Peter paces a minute as he thinks. "Kanimas don't know they're Kanimas. They're a weapon controlled by someone that needs vengeance to a high degree."

I sigh. "Gerard fits the bill. Only ... ? Gerard has no connection to Coach Lahey or Brandon, the Mechanic."

Isaac says, "They're connected to each other because Brandon was on Dad's swim team when he coached Swim at Beacon Hills High. Dad retired four years ago."

Lydia says, "So the killer had some sort of interaction with them over four years ago. It's not much, but it's something."

an hour later

I'm teaching Lydia a counter-strike combo for someone trying to stab her with a knife when Scott arrives.

Scott watches Derek attack Lydia and she counters, takes the knife, and strikes three times before Derek hits the ground and lies there for a minute to catch his breath.

Derek sits up and rubs his chest. "You didn't have to hit that hard."

She says, "Sorry big guy. I forgot that the movements amplify the amount of force we use in the strike."

I see an open-mouthed Scott. "Scott? You want to learn a few things?"

He nods his head. If he could have done that, Gerard wouldn't have hurt him or threatened him as he did.

I nod at Isaac. "Isaac! You're the newest at this and are less likely to hurt Scott if you spar with him. Want to show Scott the proper stance and how to adjust your balance to defend yourself?"

Isaac nods.

Isaac walks over, grabs Scott's arm, and drags him into the center of the room.

He shows Scott to lower his body a little, sinking his weight into his thighs. He then shows him how to make small movements in his stance to adjust his position to avoid attacks. 

Scott does pretty well, and after about half an hour, he can stay on his feet when he's attacked and push the attack off or around him, so he's not hurt. Scott's happy with his progress.

Isaac's happy that he's helping someone.

John arrives and spots Scott. "Scott?"

Scott sees John arrive, and then he looks at his watch.

He rushes to his bag, "Shit! I have to do my homework so I can see Allison tonight. I have to go!"

He grabs his jacket and rushes out the door.

When John is sure Scott's far enough away he turns to Stiles. "I found a miniature camera pointed at the lift used to kill Brandon. I got your fledgling to electronically track it, but it was for one-time use. He did say that the battery power shows it was put there within two hours of the murder. That means whoever sent the Kanima was there today. I requested a warrant of the auto shop records, but I won't get it until tomorrow."

He stares at me as he crosses his arms over his chest. "Your fledgling says you think Gerard's using city and ATM cameras to track our movements and you told your fledgling to track Gerard's base of operations because he's not using the hotel. You believe that's a body double at the hotel so we don't look for Gerard elsewhere in the city."

I shrug. "Suspicions I haven't proven yet."

Chapter Text

Tuesday
March 8th, 2011
Derek's loft

When John is sure Scott's far enough away he turns to Stiles. "I found a miniature camera pointed at the lift used to kill Brandon. I got your fledgling to electronically track it, but it was for one-time use. He did say that the battery power shows it was put there within two hours of the murder. That means whoever sent the Kanima was there today. I requested a warrant of the auto shop records, but I won't get it until tomorrow."

He stares at me as he crosses his arms over his chest. "Your fledgling says you think Gerard's using city and ATM cameras to track our movements and you told your fledgling to track Gerard's base of operations because he's not using the hotel. You believe that's a body double in that room, so we don't look for Gerard elsewhere in the city."

I shrug. "Suspicions I haven't proven yet."

Rafe walks in when John asks about my fledgling and Gerard hacking into the camera network and looks at me with a cocked brow. "Your fledgling? Yours? You're an Alpha or something?"

Melissa and Rainelle walk up and stand close behind him. Protectively.

Chris, Victoria, and Allison walk in the door and watch Rafe ask what I am.

I laugh. "Or something." I sigh. "Nice to see you, Rafe. I heard you moved into supernatural investigations in the FBI."

Rafe nods in acknowledgment. "Can we talk to this ... fledgling ... of yours, that's so apt with electronics?"

I sigh and look at Rainelle. "You're my telepath. Call Dannemoine and tell him to bring the information he's gathered on Gerard and his covert stalking of the pack to the loft."

Victoria asks, "How many Fledglings do you have?"

Chris adds, "Yes, how many do you have?"

I look at my watch and think of what to cook in whatever amount of time before Danny arrives. Something fast.

I look up at them and answer, "In Beacon Hills? I have three. In the world? I have twenty-five currently living. The others have died."

Victoria nods.

Allison cocks her head. "I thought vampires don't die."

Peter smiles at her. "You must have missed the discussion about vampires can't turn someone who wants to die because death magic is involved. Meaning, if a vampire decides they don't want to exist anymore, they merely will themselves to die, and they die."

She whispers, "Oh."

Rafe's mouth drops open. "Vampires? Actual to God, vampires?"

The question is rhetorical ... so I don't answer. I merely turn and walk toward the kitchen area.

Rain opens her eyes and looks at me as she says, "He says he'll be here in fifteen minutes."

Fifteen minutes. I know the perfect meal.

I begin gathering ingredients from the fridge and pantry. "I'm going to cook dinner. Melissa? Erica? Can you help me with the preparations?"

I look at Isaac. "I need a taste tester since I can't eat normal food."

When I say, "I need a taste tester," all of the pack eagerly gather around the island in the dining room-sized kitchen to help, led by Peter.

I begin pulling out the cookware for a large pot of spaghetti and meatballs, garlic bread, and a large spinach salad with homemade dressing when I notice that I suddenly have a bunch of volunteers.

I bite my lip to hide my smile. "Okay. If everyone wants to help taste test, you can help prepare. Peter makes the sauce, Victoria makes the Garlic bread, Derek cuts the vegetables, Allison and Boyd set the table, and Erica help me wash as I go. Isaac, help me keep an eye on the various timers for each ingredient while I work."

They all nod and start working.

This meal takes ten to fifteen minutes, at most, to cook since Derek's stove top brings my pasta pot to boil quickly.

I season the meat for the meatballs and make the garlic butter spread for the toast.

They watch me randomly toss seasoning in with the meat as I cook it.

Allison asks, "... how? If you can't taste it, how do you know what to put in it?"

I smile at her. "Smell. That and one of my kids was a chef in Italia, and he taught me how spices work and what they do. I learned the science of spices."

Chris smirks. "Italia? The ancient Greek name for Italy."

Rafe looks at him. "Ancient? Greek?"

Erica asks, "you turned a chef into a vampire?"

I shake my head. "No. I fathered two sons before I died. I stayed near them and their children as time moved on. John was the last of my descendants, and I couldn't stand the thought of my bloodline dying out."

John says, "I didn't want to become a vampire, so we compromised."

I add, "Between his magic and my ... abilities ... he stays about the same age as he was when I offered him immortality."

I start the noodles as I say, "I have taken in orphans over time and raised them until they had their own families. I stayed connected to their families as well. The last child I took in was a little Irish immigrant orphaned when the mob killed her parents to claim her family's restaurant. John found her shivering in the back alley beside her mother's body. She didn't understand that she was dead and wouldn't wake up."

John smiles. "Esmeralda Collins. She was barely three years old at the time."

Chris looks up from tossing the salad. "Collins? Wasn't that the name of the original owners of The Rosebud? The Mob restaurant that Sinatra visited a lot. The Collins couple died in a mugging in the mid-1940s. I didn't realize they had a child."

I look at John. "Good. No one remembers her connection to them. Magic can alter a given fact and adjust people's memories around that."

I let them all taste the food, but Isaac gets to taste it first because I like to see his happy smile.

I see that Victoria has the most discernible taste buds, so accept her comments to adjust the seasonings.

I smile. "Yes." I look at the balcony door. "Erica, can you get the door, please?"

She nods and opens it.

A flock of bats flies into the room and coalesces into Danny.

Jax and the teens all gasp in shock. "Danny! You're a vampire? Wait! That makes us brothers."

Rainelle smiles. "Yep."

Danny looks around in confusion. "Umm, Sire?" He looks at me. "Did you tell them I was the Priest that beheaded you in the 1700s? Or that we came here together in 1752 and fought in the French and Indian War? Or that this was my territory, and I gave it to you when you came here because I want to play a harmless teenager again?"

I shrug. "I mentioned those things, but I never said your name. John wants you to show everyone what you've found on Gerard's hacking, so far."

He smiles sweetly with a differential head bow. "Of course, Sire."

I frown. "I really hate the court formalities outside of court."

He smiles sweetly. "I know. It's harder for me to go with casual greetings. I mean, I was a Roman Catholic Priest in Paris most of my mortal life."

Danny hands a flash drive to John.

While John puts it in Rafe's computer, Erica asks, "Danny? How did you wind up a Priest at your apparent age?"

Danny bites his lower lip. "The church hung my mother as a witch because she refused to let the Abbot have sex with her and widows have to obey the Priests in everything. I was six, and my little sister was barely six months old. We were too young to be tainted by witchcraft, so they didn't kill us. But ... they didn't have orphanages. The church forced me into the seminary for priest training as penance for the sins of my mother."

Allison frowns. "That's awful."

Danny shrugs. "It was the 1700s. Things changed ... a little."

I look at the Argents. "Gerard told Scott that Kate was Allison's mother? Is there any truth to that?"

Allison puts a hand over her mouth. "What?!"

Victoria nods. "Kate was a virtual slut. She got pregnant with Allison when she was fifteen. Gerard never learned which hunter the father was. The next four pregnancies, including the one from Derek, were stopped by her ingesting mountain ash, so we know they were werewolf induced. Chris is sterile, and Gerard needs an heir to carry on the Argent line. He gave us Allison to carry the Argent name since we can't have a child of our own."

Derek's mouth drops open, "oh, God! I don't know which is worse. Knowing there was a chance of a child or the fact that she so callously stopped it."

Allison pales and sits down next to Melissa on the loveseat. "Can we please never mention that the bitch was anything other than my Aunt? Better yet. Let's don't even admit that." 

She looks a little green around the gills. "I think I'm going to be sick."

Victoria and Chris nod their heads.

The rest of the pack all agree and make little affirmatives.

Melissa pats Allison's hand. "We can't always choose our family, but we can choose those we call our family."

Isaac nods. "The pack is the family I always wanted, but I still miss Camden."

Boyd nods, "The same with my baby sister and me."

John turns the computer around and shows us Gerard's using a scrambler that scrambles his location.

I nod. "Danny has been trying to triangulate Gerard's location by what's outside the circle of the supposed sites.

Danny says, "All I can discern is that Gerard and his IT guy are based somewhere ... here ... on the south side. That's a thirty-mile radius. That's still a large area."

Rafe asks, "What do we know about this creature that killed the Coach and the mechanic?"

I say, "I saw it kill the mechanic. It's a Kanima. Kanima's are controlled by people who need vengeance by killing what they consider killers or traitors."

John says, "They only become the Kanima at night."

Peter says, "They don't know they're a Kanima."

Isaac says, "they have a paralyzing venom in their claws and tail barb." He looks at me as he realizes something. "I saw its scent trail. It's bright purple. I can track it."

Derek looks at him in confusion. "What do you mean you saw his scent?"

I say, "he's a sentient tracker."

Peter's jaw drops in shock. "Less than one in every thousand werewolves has that ability." He looks at me with pride. "One of my Betas is a sentient tracker."

I snort. "Try not to get a swelled head there, big guy."

I look at Isaac. "Good idea on tracking it, but not yet, Isaac. We don't want to corner it until we know how to stop it. It's said they can't be stopped. You have to stop their master to stop the Kanima."

Isaac nods. "We don't know who's its master."

John helpfully adds, "yet. We should get closer to a suspect when that warrant comes through tomorrow. We know he was at the auto shop earlier in the day since he planted a camera two hours before the murder. He wanted to watch it."

Peter snorts. "Stiles and I can go through the books tomorrow and see what we can find."

I look at Lydia. "Both victims are connected to the school's swim team. Pop into the school library and see if you can't find the yearbooks with Brandon on the swim team with Coach Lahey. That will give us a timeline. We know Coach Lahey retired four years ago."

She nods. "Right. You can count on me, boss."

I finish preparing the meal, reach into a camouflaged tiny fridge that most of the others didn't know was there, and pull out a bag of blood.

I pour a little into four shot glasses and set them on the counter.

Peter puts away the fourth with a frown. "I prefer if you only take my blood."

I nod as I put the three shot glasses of blood into the microwave to warm the blood to body temperature.

John helpfully says to the humans, "Peter's possessive of Stiles and insistent on being the only one to provide all of Stiles' needs."

I pour each warmed blood shot onto the three small plates of spaghetti and meatballs and hand them to Rain, Danny, and Jax.

Peter cuts his hand and puts his blood into a plate of spaghetti and meatballs that he hands to me. His hand heals a second later.

I take my plate and sit down at the table next to Peter.

The others all make themselves a plate, and we eat as we talk.

Derek asks, "Stiles? How long has Peter been your blood donor?"

I say, "Since the night Chris killed the big cat at the school."

Chris asks, "Peter, how did you learn Stiles is a vampire?"

Peter smiles at me. "I began to suspect it the day Kate shot Derek with blue wolfsbane. Scott was with Allison at your place, trying to get one of Kate's bullets for the antidote, and Stiles was trying to keep Derek alive at the clinic. After Derek's cure, Stiles had a vamp out behind the clinic because he was starving after not feeding for seven months, and being that close to werewolf blood, even if it's poisoned, was fraying his control. That's when I knew neither Stilinski was human. I wasn't sure what he was until after Stiles killed the video store clerk and made it look like I did that."

They all look at me in surprise. 

I sigh. "About that. I was starving. I was too weak to fly out to hunt. I knew that guy would die and figured if I killed him first, it would be an easier death than Peter planned, and I needed enough blood to kill, so I killed a killer who would die anyway. Five seconds before Peter walked in to kill him."

Peter nods. "Five seconds before Jackson walked in to rent a movie." He looks at me. "How did you get out without me seeing you?"

I smile and flash red eyes. "Like this." I shift to black mist, rise to the ceiling, and out a tiny hole in the skylight. I enter the same way I left and meld back into human form in the chair next to Peter."

Derek dryly says, "That would do it."

John chuckles.

Rainelle says, "Vampires get that ability at five hundred. Normal vampires. Those of us turned by Stiles are about four hundred years ahead of the others from day one."

Danny says, "Yeah. I developed it at about a hundred."

Jax smiles. "Cool. That means I should be able to do that in about a century. That looks awesome."

We talk some more, and then Jax says, "I wonder how long Scott's going to be able to keep his mouth closed about werewolves and pack? That marshmallow head can't keep secrets to save his life."

I shrug. "Now that Scott's told Melissa about werewolves, I bet he starts telling her all his secrets."

Lydia scoffs. "No. I bet the boy goes out of his way to get you back as a friend so he can go back to telling you everything that crosses that little mind of his."

Allison gets annoyed. "Scott doesn't tell everything he knows."

I frown as I look at Lydia. "Oh, God. I hope not. I don't want to go back to him telling me, in detail, everything he does with Allison."

Allison scoffs. "As if!"

I look at Allison. "Alley cat? I like you and all, but I know way too many intimate details about you that I can never unlearn."

Allison frowns. "Prove it. Give me an example."

I look at Chris and then lean back. "Besides Scott telling me all the things he's done sexually with you, all the things he thinks you like him doing ... I know ... you have a heart-shaped mole about two inches from your lips, in your hair."

Allison turns crimson and chokes on her spit. She reaches for her dad's wine and belts it down.

She wheezes at the slight burn. "I'm going to kill him!"

Jax looks at her and says, "I don't see a mole?"

I bite my lip. "Other lips."

Victoria chokes, and Chris pats her back so she can catch her breath.

Jax' jaw drops open, "... holy ... you don't spill that kind of information to anyone ... not even during locker room talk ... how could he tell you that?"

He thinks. "Never mind. It's Scott. Stupid question."

Rafe holds up a finger. "Um. I have a suggestion. If Scott told Stiles everything before they parted ways, why don't Stiles fix that friendship now, so we can keep eyes on him and know what his and Gerard's plans are."

I scoff. "That won't work. Human Scott was more submissive. Werewolf Scott doesn't want anyone telling him what to do and can't stand hanging out with anyone stronger or more powerful than himself. He's ... " I look at Isaac and then smile. "Isaac? How did you and Scott get along when you showed him proper stance?"

Isaac shrugs. "Okay. He was kind of friendly and acted more like a big brother ... I think he thought he was trying to protect me from you and the pack."

I look at John and smile. "I think Isaac would have a far better chance of being friends with Scott than me." I look back at Isaac. "Is that okay with you, Isaac?"

Isaac looks confused. "Wait. You're saying I can be like ... best friends with Scott and protect him from Gerard while he thinks he's keeping me safe from you and the pack?"

Allison smiles. "That's perfect. Scott doesn't know I'm involved in the pack. Between Isaac and me, we can keep a close watch on Scott for more Gerard and Deaton treachery."

Isaac emphatically nods his head. "I can do that. I can watch him at school and spend time with him after since he's not working for Deaton anymore."

I look intently at Isaac. "Do not take chances or do anything dangerous. Keep in contact with us while you're hanging out with him. Be careful."

Isaac nods. "I will."

Allison says, "I can have Isaac and Scott over to my house more. There's nothing saying I can't be friends with you also. I mean, I love your curls."

Isaac beams happily.

Chris says, "I'll keep a close eye on Isaac as well since he'll be visiting my house. "

Chapter Text

Tuesday
March 8th, 2011
Derek's loft

Danny sips his blood wine and looks at Allison with a smirk. "Allison? Ask Stiles about his Relationship Partner Categories. I've followed it for choosing partners for the last two hundred and fifty years. It explains everything about your choice in a partner."

Rain leans forward. "I've followed it for the last two thousand years."

John smiles as he sips his beer. "I've followed it for the last five thousand years."

I blush and finish my last bite of spaghetti on my plate before looking up at anyone. "It's just common sense and deduction.

Allison looks at me. "Stiles? How do you describe partners in a relationship?"

Lydia smiles. "I've heard a few supernatural creatures quoting pieces of it here and there, but I've never heard the full explanation. It sounds very ... astute."

Rafe cocks his head. "How old are you, Stiles?"

I frown at Rafe. "I don't tell my exact age or admit to how ancient I am, but I was in Nippon when they built the pyramids that are now in the ocean."

John corrects him, "Japan. The current name for that country is Japan."

I give a sheepish smile at him. I was distracted and forgot.

Chris sips his beer. "Egypt's pyramids are about four to five thousand years old. Those pyramids are even older. Scientists believe them to be over seven thousand years old."

I shrug. "Something like that." I look at Allison. "My descriptions aren't meant to be flattering. They are ... I think the word's altruistic."

Victoria finishes her meal and puts down her silverware. "I'd like to hear it."

Melissa nods. "I'd like to hear it also."

I finish my wine and sit back, idly twirling my wine glass by the stem between my fingers.

Peter takes my glass from me, refills it with wine and a little of his blood, and returns it to me. "Enlighten us, Stiles. I want to learn how you see relationships."

I take a sip of my wine and say, "There are four types of partners out there. Omega, Beta, Asshole, and Alpha." My lips quirk into a sardonic grimace.

Derek cocks a head, "like werewolves?"

I shake my head. "I came up with this when I was human, before one of my kind mated with a human and gave birth to the first werewolf. So no, not quite."

I lean back into Peter's side, draping his arm around my chair. "Omegas. Submissive to the core. They can't handle any kind of conflict. They cave in defeat and do anything and everything their partner wants because they think they don't deserve to say no. Not even if what their partner wants will hurt them. It doesn't matter if they know it's wrong, against their morals, hurts them, or even gets them killed. They can't say or do anything that'll upset their partner, so they keep quiet and do what's asked of them. If they're afraid of their partner, they'll even let their partners kill them because it makes their partner happy."

Allison says, "Omegas are the spineless ones that can't say no. Got it. I've seen a couple of people like that. I thought it was from fear. I never thought it was because they want to please their mates."

Derek nods. "I felt like that with Kate. I had no self-esteem."

I nod at Derek and continue. "Betas are a step up from the Omega. I'm an Alpha in everyday life, but I'm a Beta in a relationship. Betas choose their battles. They have morals, and they follow them. They'll say no to their partner and argue about the logistics of their decisions. A persuasive Beta can convince an Alpha that whatever the Alpha wants isn't a good idea, and can persuade them to a different course of action, and even get them to think it was their idea."

Boyd scoffs. "I've seen you do that!"

Peter glares at him.

I continue. "Betas want to please their partners and stick to their conscience. Now. Unlike an Omega, if a Beta believes their partner doesn't appreciate them or what they do for them, the Beta will leave. They figure it doesn't matter to their partner if they're there or not, so they cut their losses and move on. Sometimes they go so far as to move far away. Sometimes they're gone for hours, days, weeks, months before their partner realizes they moved on and away."

John sips his beer. "I saw you do that with that last guy you dated. You left the country for two weeks before he realized you were gone. He only noticed then because he ran out of food in the house, his clothes weren't washed, nor were his bills paid on time. I enjoyed watching him scramble to keep his house after he realized he had to pay his bills on his own."

I smile. "Anyway. The next one's the Asshole. They're dominant and self-centered, possessive and obsessive. They don't keep their partner because of love, but because of possession and superiority. They keep them so no one else can have them. They have to be in control. They act like they care about their partner, but constantly make cutting remarks they pass off as accidents or slips they claim they didn't mean, at least not like you think. The truth is, they need to feel superior to their mates, which means lowering their mates value and self-worth by damaging their self-esteem. They want to change their partners from Betas to Omegas by wearing away their self-esteem until they're so broken, isolated, and depressed they'll do anything their partner asks just to get a kind word from them. These Assholes collect partners by imitating Alphas, but their true nature always comes out. Their favorite quips are, Why can't you be like so and so? Why can't you do what I asked? Why can't you dress nicely for me? Why can't you cook better? Little things add up over time."

Jax frowns. "Oh, God! I was an Asshole when I was human." He looks at Lydia. "I'm soo sorry, Lydia. I did not mean to act that way. I would never want to hurt you ... I can see that I said awful things because I felt inferior, and I wanted to make myself feel superior by making you feel bad about yourself. I'm sorry."

Lydia blows it off. "We are not about love, Jax. I'm a siren. Sirens are a cross between a succubus and a mermaid. I just need sex regularly. I didn't care what you said, and I knew you didn't mean it. It's forgotten. Don't worry about it. You can learn from it, though. That would make me happy."

Erica leans forward. "What about the Alpha? Tell me how you describe the Alpha."

I smile at her and point at Boyd. "You're an Alpha, and he's a Beta." I point at Peter. "He's an Alpha."

I sip my wine. "Alphas are protective, Dominant. Possessive, in a good way. They'll do anything to protect their partner, both physically and emotionally. They can be insanely jealous. Each Alpha hides that jealousy at different levels. Some can't stand rivals looking at what's theirs, while others are okay as long as rivals don't touch their mates. They don't want to take the chance that someone may try to seduce their mate. Now, this isn't because they don't trust their partners. The truth is they don't want to lose control and hurt whatever idiot got too close to their partner. They need to be in control so they can do everything in their power to protect their partners. That doesn't mean they won't compromise with their partners if the need arises."

I continue, "It's also to ensure their partners have the things that make them happy. They pay attention to the little things their partners like and supply them with it. The Alpha often believes this behavior shows their mate how much they love them and forget to say it because they believe their actions show they love their partners. They forget it's important for their mate's self-esteem to hear a little praise, thank yous, please, and I love you. It's up to the Beta to tell the Alpha those things, and then the Alpha generally reciprocates by telling their mates those things in return. All partnerships should be a give-and-take. Never take the other person for granted, or they'll leave you."

Chris sips his beer. "Those are very apt. I have seen those examples in many relationships I've observed, even my own."

Allison looks at her watch. "Shoot! I have to go. I'm meeting Scott at the arcade for our date." She gathers her purse and jacket, and runs out the door.

Lydia watches her go and then asks, "Think she'll punch Scott for spilling her secrets?"

I shake my head. "Nope. According to Scott, the most she's done to him when she gets mad is knee him in the groin and then not let him have sex for a day or two before Allison forgets she's mad at him. She's weak against the puppy dog eyes."

11:30 pm

Allison drops Scott off at home and then goes to get gas.

She ignores how isolated the station is and makes the mistake of leaving her keys in the ignition. 

I guess she thought that would make it easier to flee if needed.

What she didn't think about is ... if she doesn't have her keys in her hand, then she doesn't control them and her egress.

Akeem is hiding on the far side of the gas pump. He knows parking his bike in the middle of the second row prevents her from parking on that row.

She parks on the first row because it isn't safe to drive to the back row, with the building blocking her view of the only entrance into the parking lot. She doesn't want to block off her escape if she needs to flee.

When she's behind the car preparing to pump her gas, Akeem stays low as he slinks around the front of the gas pumps and the vehicle to the passenger side door.

When Allison checks the progress of the gas pumping into her car, Akeem slowly eases open the passenger door, reaches in, steals her keys, backs out, quietly closes the door, and slinks back around to his bike. He climbs onto his motorcycle and smiles at her when she notices him sitting there.

She doesn't notice that he didn't come out of the building.

He smiles as he shakes his head at her apparent lack of survival instincts and drives away as a distraction for his partner hiding inside the building. 

His partner turns off the power to the external lights and silently slips out the building's back door.

Allison freaks and jumps into her car. She realizes her keys are gone when she tries to start the car.

All of her focus is now on the keys instead of watching for an attacker.

Akeem's partner puts a sack over her head and ties her up before she realizes she's a target.

He dumps her in her trunk and drives her to the Hale house.

Hale house

Gerard and Matt are in the woods, watching the activity in the Hale house because Gerard heard Akeem will be her tonight.

They see the two hunters drag a hooded teen girl out of the trunk and inside the house.

They hear a loud, modulated voice inside, but can't make out the words. They pick up on the menace, but not the words.

Inside. They pull the hood off Allison's head, and she sees her dad tied to a chair as she hears the modulated, disguised voice.

Allison really freaks out as Chris breaks free from his chair and shows Allison that he set all of this up to show her that she needs to learn to protect herself. He's starting her training, hunting killer supernaturals, not werewolves, because of the Kanima. She needs to be aware, and he could have easily lost his little girl if he was a villain ... or Gerard.

She nods and understands.

She is looking forward to learning how to fight, track, and perceive threats. She doesn't like how easily they caught her.

Chris says, "our family has always been very progressive. The men are the soldiers while the women make the decisions and give the orders." He hands her an arrow and leaves.

two hours later

Matt whispers, "What are we waiting for?"

Gerard points to the car and says, "Allison is inside. I don't want her to interfere while the Kanima kills because he might turn on her. I don't know about you, but I don't want her hurt. I intend to turn her to my side. I like a female Argent making decisions, and with the gulf between Victoria and me ... I need Victoria out of the way and Allison in the seat, but on my side."

ten minutes later

Allison finally walks out, rubbing her wrists.

Akeem tells her she did well. She was twenty minutes faster than him. It took him two and a half hours when he started training.

She smiles as she gets in her car and drives away.

When the tail lights of her car are no longer visible, Akeem turns towards his bike but something curls around his foot.

He looks down and sees a bony, reptilian tail.

The reptilian tail grips his leg and throws him across the yard.

He gets up and looks around in a panic ... but doesn't see anything. What the hell?

The Kanima scratches the back of his neck without him knowing it is even there.

It waits as its venom takes effect and paralyzes Akeem.

Akeem loses control of his legs as the paralysis hits, but twists so he falls onto his back so he can watch for the threat. It's not like he can fight the threat, but at least he can see it coming.

The Kanima stalks to Akeem's prone form on all fours and roars its anger and hatred into Akeem's face.

It digs its claws deep into Akeem's torso and drags its claws down his chest to ensure the paralytic venom reaches the human's heart.

It watches as the paralysis hits the man's heart, and he has an apparent heart attack.

The Kanima looks over at Matt and Gerard, roars triumphantly, and then retreats to the animal clinic to await the dawn.

Wednesday
March 9th, 2011
Hale house

Chris and two of his hunters return to the Hale house to check on Akeem since he never reported in last night.

They find his body in the front yard.

Chris calls Victoria and asks about their next move.

She thinks and then smiles. "Before the incident of Scott overhearing Gerard and Deaton talking, we would take the body to Deaton. Deaton doesn't know we're aware of his loyalty to Gerard or that we know he's a villain. We reveal our hand if we don't take the body to him. He's expecting it."

He smiles as he gets the meaning. Play Deaton. Don't let him know they suspect him.

She continues. "Take the body to Deaton to examine. We need to see how duplicitous he is. Also. Look around the clinic and the Hale House and see if there is any Kanima venom we can collect as a possible resource for us." A paralytic weapon.

Chris curtly says, "Of course."

He and his hunters pack up the body and drive it over to the clinic.

school a few hours later

In History class, Scott arrives early and manages to sit next to Isaac.

Isaac cocks his head in confusion as Scott smiles innocently at him. 

Isaac nervously returns the smile.

Allison walks in and sees Scott trying to get close to Isaac. She sits in the seat behind Scott.

Scott looks around. "Where's Boyd?"

Isaac frowns. "Recertification of his license for driving the Zamboni."

Scott asks, "Erica?"

Isaac shrugs. "Doctor's appointment. She has a checkup once a month for her epilepsy."

Scott asks, "Jax and Lydia?"

Isaac frowns and sits back. "This is Jax' best subject, so he has an A+. The teacher agreed for Jax to take this period for tutoring in Math, his worst subject, with Lydia in the library. He needs good grades to play on the team."

Scott looks around and asks, "What about Stiles? It's not like them to leave you alone. You're the weakest and newest to the pack."

Isaac frowns. "The Sheriff and Stiles have to testify on a case they closed together last year. He couldn't get out of it because he's the one that figured out there was an ATM camera they could use for proof of the killer." He then looks at Scott. "I came to class alone before I joined them and was a weak ..." he whispers, "... human. Going to class in a normal school isn't a big deal."

Scott smiles at him with his puppy dog eyes because he knows no one can resist them, not even his dad. Well, rarely resist them. "Want to hang out with Allison and me? We can look out for you."

Isaac smiles. "Okay."

Danny smiles behind his book from the far side of the room. He texts the entire pack except for Isaac, "Part 1 of 'Isaac the Buddy' plan is successful."

Allison looks, smiles, and deletes the text.

Isaac, Scott, and Allison meld together into a nice friendship throughout the day. They plan to go to the Argent house for cookies and study after school.

across town
Animal Clinic

Deaton finds the body on his examination table when he arrives to open the clinic.

Chris tells Deaton he needs the body examined to learn what killed him. He'll be back in an hour or so.

It wasn't human or werewolf.

An hour later

Chris returns to get Deaton's verdict on the body.

Deaton shows Chris the scratch on the back of the neck with traces of paralytic venom.

Deaton says, "The creature paralyzed its victim so it couldn't defend itself or run away. It then drew its claws down the torso. I believe this was to inject that paralytic venom deep into the chest cavity to stop the heart. Slow and painful. It didn't bite its victim or remove pieces of his body for food. This kill was for the sole purpose of killing. It wanted this man to feel helpless and vulnerable, unable to defend himself as he saw his own death. Werewolves don't have venom. I don't know what killed him. I do know this man was targeted by how he was killed."

Chris walks up, takes a picture of Akeem's face, and texts it to Stiles with the caption, "victim number three?"

lunch

Scott is talking with Isaac and Allison over lunch when I walk up and show Isaac the picture of Akeem's face on my phone. "Was he on your dad's swim team?"

Isaac looks at it. "Yes. Akeem. He's the one that got them the championship."

I look around for Jax and Lydia. "I'm going to the Library. I need to see if Lydia found anything." I walk away as I text a yes to Chris.

Allison grabs her stuff. "I need to talk to a teacher about extra credit. I'll catch up to you later."

She follows me to the library, where I meet up with Jax and Lydia.

Lydia shows us the championship swim team's picture from 2004.

She says, "This was the only year that Brandon swam on the team."

I nod. "Fifteen students. Brandon and Akeem are in the first row. Maybe someone's going after them by row?"

Jax says, "But she's between them."

Lydia looks at it. "She's the DJ at that illegal Rave club in the warehouse district. Maybe she's next."

I sigh. "we still have no clue why anyone would want to kill them."

Chapter Text

Wednesday
March 9th, 2011
school library

Allison stands in the library doorway as she reads and deletes her texts on the Isaac plan working while Lydia, Jax, and I study the school yearbook at a table across the room.

Matt spots Allison watching us from the doorway and approaches her. "Allison? Are you alone? Did Scott forget about you now that he has a new friend? He seems capable of only one friendship at a time."

She stammers a non-answer.

Matt looks at me. "That does make Stiles the odd man out, doesn't it." He whispers without realizing that he does, "alone, on the edge of all the groups, an easy target." He gives a happy huff and turns a shark-ish smile on me. He looks at something we are studying before turning a predatory smile on Allison.

Matt's not happy they are looking at yearbooks, but they couldn't know the victims are on the swim team.

That makes Allison nervous and a little fearful of him. 

The three of us pick up the scent of fear, turn, and see Matt looking at Allison like she's a slice of pie he wants to devour.

We keep an eye on Matt as we finish discussing the swim team and the next target.

Jax elbows me. "Camden was on the swim team. The Lahey house is across the street, and Matt's house is down the block from me. Matt and Isaac used to swap comic books until ... around 2003 or 2004. That's when Matt started therapy for aquaphobia and avoided Isaac's house and pool like it was the plague. That's when they stopped being friends."

I look at Matt and then at Lydia. "Aquaphobia? Don't you get that when you survive drowning?" I look at Jax. "He avoids the Lahey's house. Coach Lahey's team won the championship in 2004. Maybe Lahey threw a wild ... party to celebrate. Maybe drunk swim team members threw him in the pool, and he drowned ... or nearly did."

Lydia nods. "That would do it."

Jax slowly nods. "He normally threw a party after every victory they had. The bigger the victory, the bigger the party."

I take a picture of the Swim team roster and send it to John.

Lydia looks at Jax and then at me. "The school wants me to see the school therapist because they're afraid I'm under too much pressure to succeed and make perfect grades. What if I go see her and peek at Matt's records while I'm there."

I look at her. "Um? She's a female. That means you can't use your voice on her." I smile at Jax. "You may be able to trance her, so she's unaware you're going through her records."

Jax nods. "It's settled then. I'll bring Lydia to her therapy session and trance Morrell."

I stop and look at him with narrowed eyes. "Marin Morrell?"

Jax nods. "Yes. Why?"

I sigh in aggravation. "Deaton changed his name in 1985 from Morrell to Deaton. His sister is Marin Morrell. If he's a Druidic magic-user ... then so is she. Damn it!"

Lydia asks, "so what do we do?"

I rub the bridge of my nose as I think it over. "I have a better idea! The three of us wait until Morrell leaves her office to teach Latin during the last period, and we sneak in to check her records. I don't want to take the chance that we set off her supernatural suspicion that we aren't human by you going to see her." 

They nod in agreement with our plan.

I text all pack members and our Allies the swim team picture. It never occurs to me that I didn't tell the Allies that we suspect Deaton is the Kanima or Matt is controlling it.

I send a second text to all the pack members with a close-up of the first row of Swim Team members saying, "The girl between victims two and three is the promoter at an illegal Rave club in the warehouse district ... not far from the loft. I suggest we teens go tonight and try and prevent her death." 

I forget to add the Allies to the second text, so they are out of the loop without me realizing it. 

I call John. "By any chance, can you see if there was a 'Disturbing The Peace' call to the Lahey house in 2004 for a pool party?"

John types a few things into his computer and waits for the results, "yes, there was. Lahey was ticketed for underage drinking, disturbing the peace, and ... hmm? There are a couple of pictures of teenagers in swimsuits, and one shows a little neighbor boy in wet clothes walking out the back gate. It looks like he's holding wet Batman comics."

I ask, "What if ... Matt's the Kanima master?"

Jax thinks. "Matt did get in Gerard's car the other day. What if that's how Gerard's paying Matt for watching us and snooping around for information on the pack."

I balk. "Maybe ... maybe Deaton became the Kanima as punishment for not paying the human sacrificial price for the spell. Isaac's death."

I look at Matt cornering Allison in the corner by the door.

I point Lydia to get between them and return to my call with John. "That and Allison. This boy's fixated on her. Lydia's putting some distance between Allison and Matt right now."

John thinks. "I'll start attempting to link anything concrete to Matt."

Lydia walks back to our table with Allison on her heels after Matt flees out the door.

I wonder what Lydia did to frighten the dear boy like that?

Allison sits next to me as I pack away my pencils and books. "Stiles? Dad started my training last night. He's training me to fight and be aware and spot supernaturals and ... and things."

I smile at her. "That's good. You need that experience and knowledge right now."

She frowns and plays with a curl of her hair as she says, "I thought dad made the decisions. He doesn't. He says the females make the decisions in our family, and the males are the soldiers."

I freeze and look up at her. "What?" I look at Lydia and then squeeze my eyes shut as I realize what that means. "Oh, God! That means Gerard didn't give Kate the kill order. Victoria did. Shit!"

Allison balks. "No! That can't be possible. She wouldn't do that!"

Jax snarls, "She might, if she was tricked."

I call Victoria. "Yes, Stiles?"

I take a deep breath. "Victoria? Allison says female Argents make the decisions while the males are the soldiers."

She says, "Yes, Stiles. We do. Why is that important?"

I continue. "We assumed Gerard gave the Hale kill order to Kate. Now ... it looks like you did. Can you clarify this for me?"

She sighs, and there are a few minutes of silence on the phone, telling me I'm right in my assumption. 

I prod her to answer. "Victoria?"

She takes in a deep, cleansing breath. "I gave the order ... based on Gerard's Intel. In my defense, Gerard's information was altered to make it appear the Hales were killers because Talia prevented Deucalion from starting a werewolf and hunter war that would give Gerard a reason to wipe out all werewolves. I never told Kate to seduce anyone, especially not a young boy. Her orders were to kill Talia. That's it. Everything else she came up with on her own to impress Gerard. I am sorry for my part and am doing everything possible to rectify that."

I nod. "That's why you paid Peter's hospital stay and kept a hunter on the hospital staff."

She agrees. "I wasn't aware Gerard gave Jennifer additional orders to lure out the Hales for Kate to kill them. I swear by all that is holy! I did not know or participate in anything with that."

I sigh. "Okay. I believe you. I'm trying to keep us working as a unit, and I don't need Gerard causing animosity between us. I do think it would be beneficial for our Alliance if you go to the loft and explain this to Derek before Gerard uses it to drive a wedge between us. It would be better to come from you than an outside source."

I see the shock and surprise on Allison's face at learning this truth about her mother, as she covers her mouth in shock.

Victoria nods and says, "Agreed. Consider it done." A second later, she says, "Stiles? I arranged to join the City Council so I could access the archive's vault under City Hall. Chris and I made a 3D copy of the model of the tunnels under Beacon Hills. We used a 3d printer to duplicate the model."

Stiles nods. "You have your own 3D map of the tunnels."

Victoria's phone voice says, "I've used this map to send several groups of hunters searching the tunnels on the south side, in a grid, to find any trace of Gerard down there."

I nod. "Good idea," even as I mentally go over my version of the map (that is more up-to-date than that one) and map around where they are if I want to continue to use the tunnels.

Victoria says, "I suppose I need to go if I'm going to have my little talk with Derek and Peter." She hangs up.

I look at Allison. "Victoria gave the order to kill Talia, not the Hale family, based on Gerard's information. It sounds like he manipulated your mother. It's still Gerard's fault, Allison."

Allison swallows and nods.

1 pm school

Matt approaches Allison at their lockers between classes. He doesn't see her friends around, so he makes it quick. "Allison?"

She looks at him, startled. "Matt? What's up?"

He gives his golden boy smile and says, "There's this new club downtown, and I happen to have an extra ticket. Would you like to come with me tonight?"

She thinks for a minute. Maybe she can get Matt to admit to stalking, or she can get information about Gerard. She smiles at him and cocks her head to the side as she says, "Why not? Sure. It sounds like fun. I haven't been to a club since before I moved here."

Matt spots Scott and Jackson walking their way, so he grabs his books and rushes to his next class.

3 pm
Derek's loft

Victoria arrives at the loft. "Knock, knock."

Peter's sitting on Stiles' loveseat to be near Stiles' scent. He's deeply engrossed in mentally translating a ... bestiary while researching Kanimas.

Derek is studying a map of Beacon Hills with red pins marking the Kanima kills to see if he can figure out where the Kanima is hiding. He looks up at her and nods. "Victoria? We weren't expecting you this early in the day."

Victoria straightens her back and stands tall as she says. "Stiles told me I need to tell you everything and that it would be better if you learn the truth from me than from an outside source. So ... I'm so sorry! I should have double-checked the Intel Gerard gave me ... especially on such an important decision. I shouldn't have assumed he was telling me all of the truth. Life and death decisions should have more research. I failed in that regard."

Peter looks at her with an open mouth.

Derek asks, "What are you trying to say?"

She takes a deep breath. "Gerard gave me Intel, pointing to Talia gathering Alphas to attack hunter homes to kill our children. Based on that information, I ordered Kate to kill Talia. I never checked to see how Kate went about it, or if she broke the code. I'm sorry I'm responsible for you losing nearly all of your family."

Peter marks his place with a bookmark, closes the book, sets it next to him on the loveseat, stands, and walks over to Derek, resting his hand on the younger man's shoulder in silent comfort.

Derek takes a deep breath with stooped shoulders and a bowed head as he looks down at the table, thinking over everything ... like Stiles has been teaching them to do.

He looks up at Victoria and swallows, so his voice is steady. "So, it sounds like ... Gerard tricked you into giving the order. It's still Gerard's fault. He played you just as much as he did Kate. I don't blame you. I blame the two of them. I appreciate you for telling me, and you have earned my respect. It can't have been hard to tell us that, alone."

3 pm
school

John sends a mass text to the pack and their Allies that Matt was at the auto shop ... two hours before the murder ... for an oil change. He's now the pack's number one suspect for the Kanima killings and its master.

I turn off my phone after receiving the text so it won't give me away and then move to where I can watch Morrell's office.

Jax, Lydia, and I watched Morrell leave for her classroom to teach Latin.

I shift to black mist, slip under Morrell's office door, and let Jax and Lydia in.

Jax smiles. "That is soo cool. I can't wait until I develop that ability."

I nod. "It should be soon ... by vampire standards. A hundred years or so. Two hundred at the most, and time flies when you're having fun ... or running for your life."

The three of us search Morrell's files for any mention of Matt.

Nothing in the file cabinet. 

We turn to her desk. There's a locked file drawer in it.

That looks promising!

I unbend a paperclip and use it to pick the lock in her drawer.

We then search through the files and find Matt's file. 

Jax has a better camera phone than I do, so he takes pictures of the file and sends them to my email, John's email, Chris' email, and our phones. 

We look up as we hear footsteps in the hall and two voices: Morrell's and a ... male with a British accent.

I point to the high window and give Jax a leg up so he can climb through the window.

Lydia rushes to the bathroom, shifts into water as she jumps into the toilet, and escapes through the water pipes.

I shift to black mist and flit out the window behind Jax.

Once outside, I shift to human and throw up a wall of white noise around Jax and me to hide as we swiftly run to the water fountains near the gym.

The water pipes connect to it, so Lydia will meet us there.

Jax cranks on the closest fountain valve as high as it will go. A thick plum of water flows out, bends to bypass the drain, and shifts into Lydia standing next to us.

She breathes a sigh of relief. "That was close."

I nod. "Let's get to the loft and go over these files."

We nod, casually walk to our cars so as not to attract attention, and drive away.

3:30 pm
Derek's loft

Jax, Lydia, and I walk into the loft.

Lydia says, "The others should be here in a few minutes."

Jax huffs in irritation as he whines, "Why didn't anyone tell us Deaton's sister was our guidance counselor?"

I log into my computer and sync it to the printer Derek bought.

Peter sits up straight. "What! We didn't know she is!"

I print off the pictures I took of Matt's file, lay them across the table, and text John about an ETA to the loft.

He replies, "At 11 pm. Late shift."

The rest of the pack walks in as I'm reading the file.

I sigh and then read through the pages. "Okay. Matt says he survived a drowning attempt. He had already passed out before he was fished out of the water. The adult who pulled him out and blamed him for it because he didn't know how to swim. The man then threatened Matt not to tell anyone."

Lydia says, "Okay. That matches up with Stiles' theory."

Peter says, "Stiles? Can you go over your full theory for all of us?"

I nod and look at Isaac. "Matt went over to Isaac's house to swap comics. Camden and the team won the national championships, so Lahey had a huge party with the swim team. Brandon was the second kill after the coach, so I think Brandon threw Matt into the pool, and the teens were too drunk to notice Matt screaming and drowning. Coach Lahey pulls him out and then yells at Matt that it was Matt's fault and not to tell anyone. Matt then developed aquaphobia soo badly that he needed treatment and medication."

Isaac nods. "He was supposed to come over that night, but I didn't see him."

Jax looks at me and then at Isaac. "John said there was a photo of a wet neighbor kid leaving through the back gate with wet comics. Isaac? Is that how Matt always came to see you? Through the back gate? By the pool?"

Isaac nods. "Yeah. Dad thought reading comics was a waste of time and didn't like Matt coming over. Therefore, Matt always snuck in through the pool gate."

Derek stands up. "Okay. That means that the kid in the photo is Matt after Lahey fished him out of the pool. Lahey needed him to be quiet about the underage alcohol consumption."

Isaac looks down as he nods. "He always blames everyone else for anything he did wrong. Normally, that would be me."

I lay a hand on Isaac's shoulder. "You don't have to go with us to that Rave to see if Matt has something to do with the Kanima. You can go ... to the Argent house if you want. You can keep an eye on Scott and Allison for me."

He looks relieved and nods.

I text Victoria and ask if Isaac can come over.

She replies, "Of course."

Lydia grabs her keys. "I'm not going to the club, so I can drop you off on the way home. I'm supposed to be studying for the exit exam." 

She takes Isaac with her as she leaves.

The rest of the pack decides to split up. Peter, Boyd, and Derek will go to Deaton's house and the clinic to see if they can connect Deaton to the Kanima. They will also see if Deaton has anything on Kanimas while they're at it.

Rave

Gerard and some of his men are already inside. He sees Matt walk in with Allison and smiles.

Everything is going according to plan.

Allison spots Harris and a young girl watching the DJ and drinking beer.

Matt sees her nervousness at getting too close to Harris and drags her to the dance floor, where they dance with many other teens. He covertly looks around for Gerard, spots a balding head near the side door, and smiles. He doesn't see his next victim Kristie, the promoter. Wait. She calls herself Kara now. She must not have arrived yet.

Matt's eyes follow his bond to the serpentine beast and locates it in the rafters far above the dance floor.

It is watching and waiting.

Matt smiles. Good. Everything is going according to his plans.

Danny spots Allison with Matt, then Gerard and his hunters trying to blend in by the side door.

He texts Stiles, all of the pack, and their Allies that there is a problem.

Chapter Text

Wednesday
March 9th, 2011
Argent House

Lydia drops Isaac off at the Argent House at the same time that Scott rides up on his bike.

The two boys walk inside together. 

Isaac looks around, confused because he doesn't see or smell Allison in the house.

Isaac cocks his head to the side and asks, "Where's Allison?"

Scott only notices her absence after Isaac says something about it. He looks at Isaac in confusion that she's not there. "I thought she would be here?"

Victoria looks up from setting out a plate of healthy vegetables and dip for them to snack on, saying, "she had a date."

Chris says, "I wouldn't call it a date. Recon, maybe. She's seeing if she can get any information from Matt about Gerard. She's also seeing if she can prove he's stalking her."

Isaac shouts, "What? Are you people insane? Please tell me they didn't go to the Rave?"

Victoria puts down the kitchen towel she's folding. "Isaac? What's the matter?"

Chris nods as he replies, "I believe that's where she said they're going. It's not far from Derek's, so she can get help if needed."

Scott says, "While I may not like that she's with another guy, I think she can handle Matt."

Isaac pulls out his phone, and he's so flustered that it takes him three tries to open his contacts and dial the number and accidentally puts it on speaker phone, "Peter! Thank God you answered!"

Peter's smooth, calm voice replies, "Yes. It's all quiet here, but Derek and Boyd found enough evidence at the clinic to add what I found at Deaton's home to prove Deaton's the Kanima and Matt's the one ordering him to kill the swim team. Why are you so upset? You know Stiles won't let that thing hurt him at the Rave when he prevents it from killing its next victim. If Stiles is correct, we know the promoter at the Rave is its target."

Boyd says, "I've never seen Stiles be wrong." you can hear the smile in his voice when he says, "We found a book at Deaton's about Kanimas. It may help us stop this thing if it gets past us."

Isaac says, "That's good, but we have a huge problem! Allison is with Matt at the Rave! Right now! Are we positive Matt's the one controlling Kanima Deaton?"

Derek says, "positive. Everything Stiles found points to the next victim being Kristie or Kara. Matt bought two tickets around noon today for tonight's Rave. We know he's here to direct the Kanima, and since Gerard is always on hand ... he's also around here."

Chris pulls out his gun and checks his ammo. He pulls open a hidden drawer and gets a matching Desert Eagle pistol that he tucks in the back of his pants. 

Victoria puts a tiny colt in her purse and throws a fancy shawl over her dress.

Scott is bug-eyed as he says, "wait! Is Stiles at the Rave to prove Matt is killing those people with that ... beast?" He missed the reference to Deaton being the beast.

Derek scoffs, "Try to keep up, cub. Stiles, Erica, and Jax are at the club to save the girl and prove Matt's controlling the Kanima."

Scott nearly screams, "Allison is with Matt! We have to get to that club!"

The four of them quickly jog out to Chris' SUV while Isaac asks into the phone, "can we contact Stiles?"

Boyd says, "Not Stiles, no. He's being stealthy, and that always disrupts electronics on him. He left his phone at the Loft because of that. We can contact Erica, though. She's with him."

Peter says, "Call Erica. We're going to run at werewolf speed cross country to the club. Meet you there."

They hang up.

The Rave

Erica's phone rings, but it's soo loud in the club that the ring blends in with the blaring music. It rings five times before Erica notices the buzzing in her pocket and answers it.

She nastily whispers, "We're a little busy. What do you want?"

Her phone crackles as I step closer.

I hiss, "Don't talk to Isaac like that. It has to be important if he's calling us."

She hisses, "You're standing too close. You're weird field is messing with the phone."

I sheepishly say, "Sorry," and step back.

The phone stops crackling. 

Isaac quickly says, "Allison is there with Matt! The Argents, Scott, and I should be there in ten minutes or less." They hang up.

Erica curses under her breath.

Jax hisses, "More problems we don't need!"

There's a thump as I shove Jax and Erica behind a post and hiss, "damn it! Gerard and four of his goons are by the side exit."

I look at Erica. "Stick close to me because we may have to exit through the tunnels."

Underground on this side of town is close quarters.

Erica doesn't like that idea. She's a little claustrophobic after years of being terrified she'd hit her head and die during a seizure if things were too close.

Three minutes later

Isaac's phone chimes with an alert.

He pulls it out and reads the text. "Fuck! Danny says Matt is there with Allison, and so are Gerard and his hunters. Matt thinks Gerard's planning on taking one of us if we attempt to interfere in the Kanima's kill. Gerard still wants the Alpha."

Chris looks back, swallows, and then stomps on the gas with a squeal of burning rubber. Allison is the one that's not protected right now.

Scott and Isaac hold on for dear life as Chris drives like a madman to get them to the club in record time.

Scott looks at Isaac. "Danny knows about the pack?"

Isaac looks at Scott funny. "Dude. I thought you knew he was one of our pack Allies."

Scott shakes his head and grunts as Chris takes a sharp left turn. "Who are the pack Allies?"

Issac thinks. "Umm. The Argents, your parents, Danny, the hospital nurse, and ... one of the cops at the station. I think it's the woman dispatcher. She's more in the know than actually fighting with us against Gerard and his minions. Agent McCall and your mom."

Scott's jaw drops. "My parents are fighting Gerard?!"

Isaac nods. "Yeah. When Melissa told Agent McCall she knows about the supernatural and more about what's going on here than he does, they joined in our Allies. Melissa was more concerned about joining so she could protect your sorry ass since you want to be an Omega. Allies have rights and privileges with the pack that Omegas don't."

Scott frowns as he sits back in dejection. One more thing is his fault for not trusting people.

Victoria looks back at Scott while holding onto the 'oh shit' bar. "Rafe is in an FBI secret undercover unit investigating supernatural deaths because he's always known about supernaturals thanks to growing up here. He's determined to protect you and your mother from Gerard's very long reach."

Scott leans forward, "how far into the pack is Stiles, really? Did Peter make him join the pack?"

Chris looks in the rear-view mirror. "You really hate Peter, don't you?"

Scott frowns. "He made me like this. Yes. I hate him. I don't understand why no one else sees how evil and unstable he is?"

Isaac flashes yellow eyes at Scott with a bit of fang peeking out of his mouth.

He forcefully says, "Yes. Peter bit you. Yes, he was insane when he bit you. You need to stop and realize he spent six years in a coma, unable to move, in constant pain, as his mind was trapped, reliving his family burning to death, that includes children ... little children, trapped in a mountain ash circle, breathing wolfsbane fumes, unable to escape. Imagine feeling your body heal cell by cell for years, Scott! Imagine being left alone, helpless, and defenseless while your two remaining pack members run far away so you can't feel or sense them."

He's breathing hard from the stress and anger, so he takes a deep breath and continues in a slightly calmer voice. "A werewolf must feel and smell their pack to stay sane, feel human, and stay grounded. You don't fare well if you can't see, smell, or touch Allison in a couple of days. Imagine going without that for five years. Get off your damned high horse, try putting yourself in Peter's shoes, and see what you would've done to dig yourself out of your own personal hell to find sanity again. He needed a pack to regain his humanity. His wolf instincts were in control, and he bit a lone, weak human and hoped you'd need a pack as much as he did and join him. He was a little stuck on revenge thanks to that nurse Gerard ordered to inject him with shit to wake up his wolf side while his human side remained trapped in his head."

Scott looks at him in disappointment. "I see you and Stiles believe Peter's lies. Isaac, those are just lies."

Victoria turns and looks back. "Scott!!I don't want to hear you say that again! I've studied werewolves for decades, and Isaac is right. Peter had no control or rational thoughts when he bit you. He now has a pack and is very sane. Thanks to Stiles. I gather from John ... Stiles convinced Peter to leave you alone in exchange for him and John joining Peter's pack. Three makes a more stable pack than an Alpha and self-professed Omega any day. It cemented his sanity when Derek joined right after Stiles did because they respect Stiles' knowledge and judgment."

Chris looks at Scott in the rear-view mirror. "Scott! I know you aren't going to say anything about the improbable possibility that Peter deceived us."

Scott wisely keeps his mouth shut. He's furious at Stiles for thinking he was weak and needed Stiles to make a deal with Peter to save him. As if a having human Stiles is better than having Scott.

The Rave

Stiles tells Jax and Erica to keep an eye on Allison while he uses his vampiric hiding ability to stand unseen next to Kristie/Kara so he can protect her when the Kanima attacks. He turns off his bodily functions so the venom won't affect him and waits.

The Argents arrive and buy four tickets.

Once inside, Scott spots Allison with Matt and heads toward them. He hides behind a post after he waves her over to him.

Allison spots Scott and tells Matt to give her a second.

She walks over to Scott, and he pulls her further into the shadow.

Scott asks, "What are you doing with Matt?"

She balks, "I'm trying to find out if he's stalking me and hope to get some information on Gerard."

Scott looks around and points at Erica and Jax dancing together as they watch her. "They're here to prove Matt is controlling that serpentine creature that's killing people. Isaac found out you're here, and he lost it. Peter, Derek, and Boyd are on their way here from trying to figure out who that creature is when it's human."

She cocks her head as she studies him. "What else is bothering you?"

He lays a hand on her cheek. "I'm a little upset Stiles made a deal with Peter to protect me from Peter because Stiles thinks I'm too weak to protect myself."

Allison bites her lip and then smacks his face hard enough to turn his head. 

He steps back in shock as he rubs his sore cheek.

She steps forward and quietly but angrily says, "you need to stop assuming! That's not what happened. Get off your damned high horse and ask questions instead of assuming you know everything and are better than everyone! Peter got into Stiles' house and waited for him there the night Dad shot the cat. Peter made a deal with him to stop killing and agreed to their blaming the cat for his kills so there wouldn't be a werewolf and hunter war that would affect your family and mine. On behalf of Stiles ... Fuck you!" She turns and walks back to Matt.

Scott fish faces as he catches his breath.

Isaac leans down and whispers, "It looks like to me that you act more insane over the thought Peter was insane than he did over Kate killing his family and leaving him for dead.

Scott looks at him and realizes he is acting unstable and insane. He can't act like this. Not without proof. He needs proof first.

Matt and Allison sit down to rest from dancing and just people-watch for a few minutes.

They talk, and he attempts to kiss her.

She turns away from the attempt with a cringe.

She apologizes and says she's not ready for that yet.

He nods and goes to bat to get them a drink.

He looks up and sees his weapon, silently waiting.

He slips a roofie into her drink. He always comes prepared.

She takes a deep breath and surveys the dance floor.

She spots Danny nibbling at a guy's neck while they're dancing. She bites her lip and blushes as she realizes he's probably getting a bite to drink, and no one has a clue.  

DJ Station

Kara stand next to the barrier and looks out at the crowd. 

Matt sees her, and a flash of anger and hatred burns through him.

The Kanima feels that anger and spots the girl.

It remains unseen by those below it.

It climbs down the wall amidst smoke pots and flashing lights and crawls across the dance floor, leaving a trail of fallen, paralyzed dancers lying on the floor.

One of the first to fall is Scott, and the last is Danny. It continues on, unhindered, as it slips past the barrier and into the back, where the girl goes to make a phone call.

Danny turns off his bodily functions to override the venom.

He stands and looks at the fallen.

He curses as he sees Scott and Isaac among those on the ground.

He rushes over, grabs Scott and Isaac, and drags them to the side of the room, where he sees Chris standing with his gun at the ready as he looks for the beast.

Victoria is in the private back areas, looking for the creature, and ... where did Allison go?

Employee area of the Rave

Kara is in the back to make a phone call.

She freezes in fear when she sees the creature move from all fours to standing on two legs to study her face ... to verify it's his victim.

She's changed in the last six years with the help of plastic surgery.

I step out of shadow, trance the girl, pull her back and shove her behind a sturdy desk, deep into the shadow there, and use my vampiric powers to camouflage her so it can't see her.

I turn back to the confused Kanima and stab a knife into its head.

It falls down but immediately sits up like Undertaker does after being slammed into the ground after shaking off a stunner. It pulls the knife out of its head, roars at me, and runs out the side door.

I check on the girl and snap her out of it.

She's shaken but okay.

She won't say anything about the creature because no one will believe her.

dance floor of the RAVE

Chris stands with his gun looking for a sign of Matt or the beast while protecting paralyzed Isaac and Scott. He's also hoping to see a sign of Allison.

Isaac wolfs out and shifts to Beta. He stands up from the floor and stretches before looking down at paralyzed Scott, still lying on the floor. "Dude! Didn't Stiles tell you Kanima hunt humans? Their venom only affects humans. Shift to Beta, so you're more wolf than human, and your wolf will neutralize the venom." He changes back to human.

Scott sighs. "No. He didn't, but I haven't been training with the pack because I don't trust Peter." He wolfs out, shifts to Beta, and then stands as the paralysis is forced out of his body. He breathes a sigh of relief and shifts back.

in the back hallway

Victoria stands between the Kanima and the exit.

She tries mountain ash on the thing.

The Kanima takes offense at that and bites her shoulder.

Allison follows it out the side door but can't see where it went. 

Chris finds Victoria clutching her shoulder and is worried.

"Kanima bite, not a werewolf. Not an Alpha. I'll ask Melissa to patch me up, and I'll be fine."

He looks around. "Where's Allison?"

out back

Allison loses the Kanima and realizes how dangerous it is to be alone with that creature lurking in the shadows, unseen. She turns towards the door and looks around for the beast, but before she can reach the club's back door safety, Gerard steps between her and the door, blocking the way.

He grabs her arm and drags her over to his waiting SUV.

She panics and struggles, but his grip tightens on her arms, hurting her.

She tries the things she learned from her dad, but Gerard taught him so easily sidesteps her attempts to protect herself. Damn it! What would Stiles do in a situation like this?

Then it hits her. Stiles said that sometimes screaming could be the best thing you can do to save yourself because it lets everyone know where you are. It draws attention. Kidnappers and evil villains don't want to be seen taking someone. That's why werewolves roar. Echolocation to call the pack for help.

She screams as loud as she can.

Everyone inside the club hears her scream from out back.

Echolocation. They now know where Allison is, and she needs help!

All of the pack and their participating allies converge in the back alleyway.

They see Allison in the back of Gerard's SUV. Banging on the windows with her fists. Screaming for help.

They run after the SUV ... before they can give up because the SUV is leaving them behind ... three giant werewolves (Derek, Boyd, and Peter) step into the road ... in the path of the oncoming SUV ... and brace themselves for impact.

C R A S H !!!!

There is the loud sound of buckling metal and smashing glass as the SUV hits three massive werewolves braced for impact. 

The two Betas get thrown back a couple of feet onto their backs, but the Alpha fights that car like a matador fights a bull ... and he wins.

The SUV's wheels whir uselessly as he separates the front of the car from the ground so it can't get any traction.

Isaac and Scott make it to either side of the SUV, and they each rip off a back door and fling it into a nearby wall with a loud metallic crunch.

Scott reaches in and scoops up Allison like a rag doll and pulls her free of the offending SUV.

Gerard forces the driver's side door open, dives out of the vehicle, and runs for cover as fast as his geriatric legs will move.

Peter turns the head of the SUV that's still trying to move forward so that it faces a brick support post for the road over them and releases it.

The tires catch on the pavement, leaving a trail of burning rubber as the vehicle smashes into the post with a satisfying crunch as a plume of dust and antifreeze shoots up from the crumpled hood.

The Argents gather around a very upset and rattled Allison as Danny and I walk up to them.

I point back at the club. "Dad and Rafe are getting statements about some odd paralyzing drug distributed to the teens in that illegal club. He's also arresting Kara and her DJ because they knew this was an illegal club, and they're partly responsible for ten paralyzed teenagers lying on the floor. Kara's so terrified of that creature that she's letting them lock her up where she'll be safe from it."

Allison is breathing hard as she calms down from the near abduction ... by her grandfather.

She throws herself at me in a massive hug, nearly knocking me off my feet. "Thank you, Stiles!"

I look at her. "I didn't ... I stabbed that thing in the head, and it just looked at me. Like it was unconcerned. I didn't do anything besides keep Kara from becoming roadkill."

Allison squeezes my neck and lets me go. "I ... thank you for telling me that if you're ever alone and surrounded or facing certain harm, scream. Scream as loud as you can to call for help. That's all the werewolf roars are ... a scream for help. Echolocation to call the pack. I did. I screamed as loud as possible, so everyone knew I was alone, and in danger."

Scott nods. "That's how we knew where to find you. You have an amazing set of lungs on you."

She smiles at the compliment.

Peter nods. "Yes. I think we heard your scream half a mile away."

Victoria nods. "Yes. There's no shame in screaming for help if it keeps you alive."

I catch the scent of blood and follow it to ... I pointedly look at Victoria. "You're bleeding. Are you okay?"

She bites her lip because she knows why I can smell that. "The Kanima bit me. Luckily. They aren't contagious or Alphas, so they can't turn anyone."

She turns to Scott. "Scott. We'll drive you home. If you could call ahead and ask Melissa if she can patch me up when we get there?"

He nods rapidly. "Of course. Right away."

Chris says, "We should meet at the McCall house to go over where we are on this Kanima problem because somehow we got out of the loop on your suspicion of Matt as the Kanima."

I frown as I check my sent messages and slap my palm to my forehead. "A couple of my messages didn't get the Allies added to them, and a couple didn't get the pack. I need to make a text group with the pack and the Allies, so I don't have to remember to send it to both groups."

Peter frowns.

I shrug. "We were running from a B&E where we nearly got caught. I didn't have time to ..." I nod at the Argents. "We'll meet you there."

I hear Scott asking what's a B&E?"

Victoria says, "Breaking and entering."

We hear a couple of protesting noises as they stuff him into their car.

Chapter Text

Wedsday
March 9th, 2011
Behind The Rave

Jax and Erica exit the Rave and join us in the alley.

Erica looks around for other vehicles. She doesn't see any and raises her hand to ask a question. "We came in Derek's car. It only seats two comfortably. I swear that back seat is only for insurance purposes."

I scoff. "Hmm. Peter, Derek, me, Jax, Danny, Isaac, Boyd, Erica. That's eight. Three ... us ... my kind, and Five werewolves. One car." I smile at Erica. We three can fly back with one of you on each of our backs. That leaves two werewolves in the car."

Isaac holds up his finger. "Um. How about Derek and I take the car, and you guys fly? I've had my chance to fly, and I'd rather ride in that." He points to the car.

Derek frowns. "That better not be an insult to my car."

Erica bounces up and down. "I can't wait!"

Isaac smiles at her and turns to Derek. "No insult. I'd rather not fly again. Ever!"

Derek looks at Boyd. "You up for a little flight with them?"

Boyd looks at how excited Erica is and is determined to join her ... even if he has a small ... tiny ... little issue with heights.

Maybe this will help him get over it.

He hides his nervousness and nods at Derek.

Isaac's walking to Derek's car, but he turns and looks over his shoulder as he says, "Remember to hold your breath."

I blush. "Uh. Oh, yeah. Hold your breath before we take off."

Isaac climbs into the passenger seat and waits for Derek to drive them to the McCall home.

Boyd nods and grabs onto Jax.

Erica climbs onto Danny.

Peter grabs onto me.

Three bat swarms fly into the air and off to the McCall house. At least ... that's what our vampire magic makes it look like to anyone that sees us ... except another vampire.

Vampires see a person carrying another person at fast speeds.

We pass over the Argent SUV and hear Scott commenting on the swarms of bats in the air.

I hear Allison's soft chuckle, and Victoria's hmm.

Erica loves flying with us!

Boyd finds it thrilling ... and yes ... it helps him get over heights now that he has an objective perspective of the average height of being on a building. 

Peter's happy to be with his mate and see things the way his Stiles does when he flies.

McCall House

We, vampires, land in the backyard's shadow from the big tree.

I use my key to let the six of us into the house. "Mom?"

Melissa answers from the kitchen, "in here, honey. I'm getting the stuff together to patch up Victoria, and making snacks for talking." She pulls a small blood bag from the vegetable crisper drawer and says, "Thanks to my new friend at the hospital, I even have the special additive to make your hot soups edible."

I smile. "I love you."

Peter growls.

I whisper to him, "Not in that way. That love is only for you."

He smiles at me ... possessively.

We walk into the kitchen, where she has enough coffee ready to please a small army and a large pot of hot chocolate.

Melissa opens the fridge, pulls out three blood vials, and hands them to us. "Add it to whatever drink or soup you want before Scott shows up."

Peter takes mine from my hand and hands it back to her. "I provide for his needs, but thank you. The gesture is much appreciated."

She smiles as she puts it back, "I heard you're very protective and possessive of Stiles and your need to provide for your mate. I can see some of that in Scott's behavior with Allison." She sighs sadly. She doesn't want to see her baby growing up."

Danny, Jax, and I smile as we all grab a hot chocolate. 

Melissa bites her lip to hide her chuckle as she heats some cinnamon rolls and makes some popcorn.

I kiss Peter on the cheek, "I appreciate that you're so attentive, but I don't appreciate you taking something out of my hand like that. Use some manners. Ask, or present your hand, and I'll give it to you."

He nods. "Understood, love. I'll correct my actions. Sorry." He has the gall to kiss me on the forehead like a child.

I frown and sigh. Peter's the child in this relationship, not me.

We look towards the front as we hear two vehicles park. "They're here."

Melissa and the six of us spread out in the kitchen and wait for the others.

Scott leads Allison inside with the Argents on his heels. Derek and Isaac take up the rear.

Scott stops when he sees us already here. "How? ... We left before you did! How did you beat us here?"

Peter shrugs and says, "Three of us carried the other three on our backs, cross-country. No big deal."

Scott rubs the back of his neck. "Oh. That makes sense. Supernatural speed and all. I'm not very good at that."

John and Rafe pull up in their cars and come inside.

John looks at me, "How did it go?"

I frown. "I buried that knife a good four inches into the Kanima's skull. He healed and got up in less than a second. We can't kill it. We must stop its master and hope no one else becomes its master."

Peter pulls a small book out of his jacket pocket. "I found this in Deaton's house as well as enough venom trails to prove Deaton is the Kanima."

Boyd nods. "We collected a supply of the venom to add to our arsenal. Non-lethal paralysis is always a good thing to use on our attackers."

John takes the book, opens it, and looks at the writing. "Enochian." He hands it to me. "How rusty is your Enochian."

I scoff. "Rusty? I keep all of my languages sharp. I'm not rusty."

Scott chins at the book and looks at me. "You speak that?"

Rafe looks at him and snorts. "I see you still aren't very observant or pay much attention to what people tell you." He looks at me. "How many languages do you speak?"

I shrug. "I quit counting after two dozen."

Rafe pulls out his notebook and a pen and sits at the table. "Okay. From the top. Explain everything we're dealing with concerning the murders and the Kanima."

We start our explanation with Gerard arriving in Beacon Hills.

Everyone adds the things they learned, or that happened to them.

Isaac explains the black magic coven kidnapping him from the cemetery and poisoning him. They beat him and tortured him on the way to the sacrifice sight.

Scott's sitting open-mouthed as Isaac explains everything they did to him and how Stiles and the pack showed up out of nowhere and saved him.

Peter saved his life by turning him, which is what cursed Deaton as the Kanima because Isaac survived!

Isaac understands his survival was more to disrupt Deaton's magical bartering for spell work than to admit Isaac to the pack.

I say, "Because Isaac didn't die, the price for the spell they used to make Deaton invincible and a powerful supernatural twisted so he's not all-powerful. He's now the slave. My research shows that a Kanima isn't aware they are a Kanima. After full dark, they shift into the beast and kill killers for their master."

John pulls out the swim team picture and the list of names. "Kanimas only kill killers. The supernatural rules don't allow them to kill innocent people. Matt drowned in Lahey's pool after the swim team won the nationals. I believe they threw him in. Lahey fished him out and used CPR on him to bring him back. The entire swim team members are viewed as killers to Matt because they killed him."

Peter says, "Gerard is paying Matt for trying to find me and my den by killing the swim team for Matt."

Erica crosses her arms. "And Allison. Allison is part of the price because that boy is obsessed with her. We could smell the foul smell of obsession coming from him."

Victoria puts down her coffee. "Oh. I almost forgot. Melissa? The Kanima bit me. Can you ... " she opens her sweater and shows the bite.

Melissa hops up. "That looks painful. Yes. Of course."

I say, "That means the Kanima's venom is in its claws and tail, not in its teeth. It also means that Gerard has limited control of the beast."

Isaac nods. "Kind of like when a couple shares a pet. Both control the pet until something comes up, showing which one has more control or influence over them."

Erica cocks her head. "Like when two people sit on different sides of the yard, and both call the pet. Whoever the pet goes to is who owns it?"

Peter nods. "Just like that."

I look up from the book. I look intently at Scott. "Sorry, Scott. I have to do this." My entire eye glows red, and I compel Scott. "Sleep."

He falls asleep so hard that he collapses onto the table.

Melissa looks askance at me. "Umm?"

I look at Danny. "Danny. Fix that for her, would you?"

He nods. "No problem, boss."

Danny holds his hand a few inches from the wounds, and his hand glows green.

The wound heals to where there's not even a scratch left. 

He looks at it critically and then nods before turning to finish his hot chocolate. "I need to go. I'll see you at school tomorrow, guys." He waves to the teenagers and walks out the front door.

Melissa looks at the area and prods it. "No scarring. No tenderness. Not even a bruise. That's remarkable!"

Victoria rotates her shoulder and smiles. "It feels good as new. Better than new. I had a little stiffness in that shoulder after I dislocated it when that building fell on me in Toronto."

I smile. "Danny's my best healer."

I stand. "Now. Vampire business. I think I found something in this book that will help with the Kanima problem."

I pace as I say. "Gerard isn't aware the Kanima has bonded to Matt. Gerard thinks he's controlling Kanima Deaton. The night the Kanima killed two people, Matt proved to himself he controls the Kanima when he killed Brandon without Gerard's knowledge. That explains the hidden camera."

Victoria nods. "Gerard would never allow a video camera at the scene of his kill."

Chris nods. "That makes sense." He smiles evilly. "If Gerard learns Matt gained control of his weapon, he'll kill Matt. I'm sure he believes Peter, Derek, and possibly the entire pack are killers because he believes they killed Kate. It's not who the Kanima believes is a killer. It's who its master believes is a killer."

I add. "Gerard doesn't want to kill Derek and Peter because he needs the Alpha's bite to survive cancer. At least. Not until he gets the bite."

Allison holds up her hand. "Gerard tried to kidnap me from the Rave. He wants me for something."

Erica leans back. "Like I said. Matt's obsessed with you."

I frown. "That removes Allison as the bait because he actively involves her. Was he planning on brainwashing her like he did Kate? He needs a female figurehead ... that would mean he needs Victoria out of the way."

Victoria says, "You're right. Gerard needs a female Argent he controls to give the orders he wants. He intends for Allison to be his puppet. That explains why the Kanima bit me. Hunters kill themselves if bitten by a supernatural that could turn them.  He's unaware we know this is a Kanima, and they can't turn anyone. Kanimas are the direct result of a curse."

Chris agrees. "He assumed we would believe that to be an Alpha werewolf bite because he's not aware we are allied with the pack. He thinks we're babysitting Puppy Scott."

Peter nods. "It looks like the bite came from behind, so you couldn't have gotten a good look at it, but the indents of the fangs are different than werewolf Alphas."

John looks at me. "You were saying about the Kanima."

I hold the book to him and turn the page.

He freezes. "I only know a few words of this language, but that picture shows the Kanima reverting to human. What does it say?"

I look at the others gathered around. "There may be a way to cure a Kanima. A Kanima is only a Kanima as long as they aren't aware they are a Kanima."

Rafe asks, "So what does that mean?"

Chris sips his coffee and smiles as he deciphers the meaning. "That means, once they are aware they're human and have an identity, they cease to be a Kanima!"

Allison asks, "How do we make him aware of who he is?"

Derek slaps the table as he remembers a myth his mother told him as a child. "Calling their Christian name! My mother told me a story as a child that if you call someone by their Christian name ... when they're unaware ... it awakens them to themselves."

Chris nods. "That ties in with the myths of supernatural hyena-based predators in Africa that call the Christian name of their prey to force the prey to come to them."

Peter nods. "Most supernatural myths say if you call an all-powerful entity by their true name ... it gives you power over them ... or it protects you from their powers and attacks."

Boyd smiles. "Soo ... if our Siren uses her voice to call Deaton's name while he's a Kanima, it'll wake him up, and cure him!"

I hold up my finger. "Wait. Deaton's not his Christian name."

Rafe looks intently at me. "What?"

Jax leans forward. "Stiles learned Deaton changed his name in the 90s? Or thereabouts? Our guidance counselor at school is his sister. His name was Allen Morrell."

Erica crosses her arms, "at least he's not a female, or our siren's voice wouldn't work."

Rafe looks at me. "you didn't mention that you have a siren, and their powers are limited to males."

I look around. "Sorry. I forgot. We did mention it to the pack after we broke into Morrell's office and searched it for Matt's psych files."

John stands. "Soo? Deaton? How will we go about curing the man?"

Derek says, "he's human by day. Kidnap him during the day?"

Boyd says, "But we'll need to put him in a cell or cage strong enough to hold the Kanima after he changes at nightfall."

I look at him. "Cell?" I smile and look at John. "There are cells in the tunnels. The stronghold where the Pirate Prince held his less-than-human pets. We just have to get him there."

Melissa says, "I can provide some Ketamine to knock him out."

Peter says, "We have Kanima venom to keep him paralyzed while he's human, when he awakens, until he shifts to the beast at nightfall."

Victoria says, "We still need to kidnap him." She turns to Chris. "Deaton won't find it odd if you go to see him since you used to pay him visits before Gerard arrived. You can keep Deaton's attention, and Stiles can shadow walk behind him to inject him with the Ketamine."

John shakes his head. "No. I'll inject him. The station's K-9 was brought there for his shots, to get his stitches removed, and for a general check-up. I'll pick him up tomorrow while Chris is there. I can get Deaton from behind while he's talking to Chris. Stiles can lead us through the tunnel from there to the cells."

I hold up my hand to get their attention as I stare intently at Isaac. "Things to consider. I will go through the tunnels from the gas station a block from Lydia's house with the equipment I may need to reinforce or repair any damage to the cells. They haven't been used in a century and a half."

I look at Peter. "You know how to get to the cells from my copy of the tunnel maps. You lead the pack there because I want to limit my scent down there for Isaac, so he has only one possible path to follow."

Isaac looks confused. "For me to follow. I  ... don't ... understand?"

I look at him. "I'll need you to use your talent with scent tracking to lead Lydia from that entrance to the cells so she can call Deaton's name after he switches to Kanima."

He nods. "I can do that."

Rafe nods. "Okay. That's staging the prison to take Deaton, kidnapping him, and curing him."

Peter says, "Now, we need to come up with contingencies and a distraction, so Gerard doesn't know we're removing his weapon from the playing field."

He looks at Derek. "If you don't mind letting the man see you with Scott and then keeping Gerard busy following the two of you for a few hours?"

Derek looks at the sleeping Scott and frowns. He looks at Chris and then smiles at Peter. "No problem."

We discuss it for another hour.

We all start to leave, but I go to pick up Scott, and Rafe stops me.

Rafe asks, "How long before that wears off?"

I frown. "Dawn. I was going to put him in bed. As far as he believes, he fell asleep and had the best sleep of his life. He won't remember the last two minutes before he fell asleep either."

Rafe picks up Scott, effortlessly. "I'm his father, so I'll take care of him. It's about time I did something a good dad should."

He carries Scott upstairs, and we leave.

John helps transport them to the Loft.

Thursday
next day
March 10th, 2011

John spends the morning going over resumes for two new deputies.

He calls in fifteen possible candidates.

He spends several hours with the interviews and hires two.

He has one more guy he didn't interview, and John won't say sorry over the phone without at least looking at him to see if he's a runner-up or a hard no for next time. The way things are going ... that could be next week.

When the man arrives, John walks out to meet the man and stops in his tracks. "Oh, fuck me!" 

He sees the similarity between the man to Stiles' new shadow (Isaac), and ... this man screams Hell Hound.

Hell Hounds are reanimated dead men who died, saving the lives of others.

He puts the picture of the two men next to each other.

He walks back to his desk, pulls out the Swim Team picture, and looks at the picture of Camden in the middle of the front row. And ... that looks just like this man!

There is a positive way to prove this. Finger Prints!

He calls Rafe and asks him to run the man's prints from his application against special forces fingerprints.

John tells him to focus on Camden Lahey's unit. Camden was in the special forces meaning you nearly need an act of god to get access to his records.

Five seconds later, he gets a call. "That's Camden Lahey. I'm checking, and they never found the body. They say the explosion was soo powerful they assumed the body incinerated. How did he survive?"

John looks at the man walking in the front door through the closed office door. Jordan Parrish.

The river Jordan was the river into the Holy land that Moses could not cross, and he Parished. Jordan Parrish is a good name for the walking dead. 

John answers, "He didn't. A Hell Hound symbiote reanimated him by entering his body. I don't know if he remembers who he was. He returned to Beacon Hills, so it's possible. I don't know enough about them. I'll have to ask Stiles. He's been around longer and has seen several of them over his lifetime. I have to go. I'll bring this man to the Loft tonight to meet Isaac and see what develops. I'll keep you posted."

Jordan reaches the front desk and introduces himself to Tara. "Hello. I'm Jordan Parrish. I'm here for my interview for the Deputy job."

She starts to say, "That job's ..."

John interrupts her. "Oh, good. You're here. You're right on time. I was considering hiring you from your resume alone, but my son says I need to meet you to see if you have the people skills needed for dealing with the public, and I won't see that from words written on a piece of paper."

He sticks his hand out and shakes Jordan's hand. "I'm John Stilinski. My son will be here in about five minutes. If he likes you, you'll be my third hiree for the job. We're woefully understaffed." He gestures to his office and says, "have a seat. I'll be there in a minute."

Jordan smiles and walks into the office.

John turns to Tara and hisses. "Call Stiles and tell him to get his ass here in less than five minutes because I have a situation in my office."

John smiles, walks into his office, and closes the door behind him.

Tara nods, calls Stiles, and conveys the message.

lunch period at school

I get the call from Tara and worry about Gerard attacking John.

I turn to leave through the front door, but Harris is standing there. 

I'm vaguely aware Morrell is walking down the hall from my left.

Maybe she's too far to notice. Maybe?

Harris says, "Going somewhere? You're not allowed to leave during school hours."

I turn my entire eye red and compel him to forget he saw me and won't see me for the rest of the day because I have a doctor's appointment and left before lunch.

I then rush out the door at human speed.

I go to the woods past the parking lot, text Danny to take my Jeep home later, and blur to the station.

Chapter Text

Thursday
March 10th, 2011
the station

I walk into the station, and Tara greets me.

I stop and ask, "What's going on, Tara?"

She points to the office and says, "I was going to tell that guy the Sheriff already hired two deputies, but John took one look at him and stopped me. He told that man you wanted to meet him in about five minutes to see if he had people skills before John hired him. John then hissed at me to get you in here because he has a situation in his office."

I cock my head, look at the office, and study the man with my unique vision. "Ohhh ... shit! That's not a human." My phone chirps with an alert. I check it and read Rafe's text. "John says he has a Hell Hound symbiote in his office with Camden Lahey's fingerprints. Can you explain what that is?" 

I drop my head in defeat and text ... "give me a sec to figure out what's going on. I will text you after I meet with it."

I look at Tara. "Hell hound. That's Camden Lahey. I'm guessing Dad wants me to see if the Hound remembers who he was before he died. Wish me luck."

She nods. "Good luck."

When I reach the door, I hear her mutter, "You're going to need it."

John's office

I knock on the door, and John gestures me inside.

I open the door, walk inside, and close the door behind me. "Dad?"

John gestures to the man. "Jordan Parrish's applying for the Deputy position. Since you're in the same ... death sphere ... that he is, maybe you can see if ... Camden is still in there." He looks at Jordan and asks, "What made you apply here?"

Jordan cocks his head as that name jars a memory of the desert. 

He blinks his eyes to focus on where he is now.  He doesn't need any more hallucinations.

Jordan says, "I was drawn here and knew you had openings."

I smile and will a little death and life energy mix into twilight in my hand and then shake Jordan's hand with it as I say, "I'm Stiles."

There is a spark and a flash as we shake hands.

Jordan's awareness is no longer in this office.

He freezes and looks around.

He looks down, and his face drains of color. "Oh, God! They switched the wire colors! It's a trap! Abort! Abort! Run! Evac Now! It's going to blow in less than three seconds! MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!"

I nod. "Yeah. Camden's still in there."

John breathes the mist of life into Jordan's face, and the man/Hell Hound coughs as his face regains its color. 

Jordan looks around. "Where? Where am I?"

I grip his arm and help him back into his chair. "What's the last thing you remember?"

Jordan thinks. "The ... explosion ... no ... wait .... cold ... darkness ... heat ... red eyes ... it called me a hero. It said my brother and Beacon Hills need me, and it can't let me stay dead."

He shivers as his eyes flash red, and he looks at me. "You're dead like me, yet ... we're both alive. Help me remember my life. Who am I?"

John says, "we don't know what exactly happened to you except you died disarming a bomb in Afghanistan about three years ago. My buddy in the FBI says your body disappeared from the explosion site, and they figured it incinerated in the blast. He can bury the records of your death and disappearance so you can return to being Camden. He'll get with us tonight to go over your options. In the meantime, I'm hiring you as my new Deputy."

I look at John. "A Hound's primary function is to hide the supernatural. They're cleaners. Without a ... someone holding their leash, they clean people as well as crime scenes. They need a handler to retain some humanity and compassion."

John smiles at me. "That's why I'm hiring him."

Parrish snaps his awareness back to the Sheriff, "Why should I return to being Camden?"

I look at him. "Isaac needs you."

Jordan shakes his head. "No. He has our dad."

I shake my head. "No. Coach Lahey became abusive to Isaac after your death. He was beating the poor kid and locking him in a deep freezer in the basement."

Camden pales. "No! Not possible. He couldn't! He wouldn't ... do that!"

John says, "Lahey was disappointed that Isaac wasn't as good as you at everything, not to mention that Isaac refused to join the swim team as you did."

I add, "That doesn't matter, considering Lahey was murdered a few nights ago." 

John nods. "My son has been caring for Isaac because he was alone. He needs you."

Camden looks at John. "How did you know who I am?"

John reaches into his desk and pulls out a file on the Kanima murders.

Camden sees the picture of Lahey's body as John flips through the pages. "Jesus!"

John shows him the swim team picture and points to Camden in the front row. "Someone's killing off the members of the Swim Team. You're in this picture of them, so I recognized your face."

John looks at me. "I'll explain everything about the supernatural and what's happened in the last few months to Camden/Jordon. Get the rest of the pack and Allies to the Loft around 7 pm since you guys have that issue to deal with at three. It'll help if you explain Hell Hounds to them before we get there."

I nod and blur back to the Loft, so Cam sees me leave. He needs to know that he's not the only supernatural.

I get to the Loft and text Rafe. "We need a meeting after school to explain Hell Hounds and introduce his new Deputy Hell Hound. Also. He's Isaac's big brother. If there is a way for Camden to regain his identity without having to take up where he left off in the military, that would be great."

Rafe replies, "Roger that. I'll have something by the meeting tonight."

I text Jax to pick up Melissa from the hospital at 6 pm for an emergency meeting at the Loft around seven.

He replies, 👌. 

As I climb the stairs, I roll my eyes at the emoji and put away my phone.

3 pm
tunnels

I get the herbs and tools I'll need to fix the cells and head to Lydia's neighborhood.

I open the secret door in the abandoned gas station's basement, take a picture, and send it to Lydia and Isaac, so they know where to find it.

I then proceed through the tunnels to the Pirate's Brig.

Lydia and Isaac enter through that tunnel about an hour later.

Isaac quickly follows my trail.

John and Chris capture Deaton and Peter leads them through the tunnels from the bookstore in the next building over from the clinic.

John doesn't like being underground.

Not after we escaped Rome by going through the catacombs there. We had never been down there, so it took a few days to trek through them and escape.

Chris holds his lantern up to examine the door Peter leads them to and asks, "is this it?"

Peter smiles and opens the door to reveal Isaac, Lydia, and I sitting around an old iron table as we discuss Hell Hounds.

Various candles and lit lanterns around the room provide enough light for the humans involved.

John and Chris dump Deaton in the cell with seconds to spare as he shifts into the Kanima.

It tries the door and can't open it. 

It then tries to bend the bars and can't do it. 

It roars in anger.

Peter wraps his arms around me and kisses my forehead. "Ready, love?" 

I nod.

Peter then looks at Lydia. "Are you ready to try this?"

She smiles arrogantly at him. "I was hatched ready."

Isaac balks. "Hatched?"

I smirk. "Lydia's joking. She was born, like all mammals."

He studies her arrogant and coy expression and nods.

I move to the side of the cell and get the Kanima's attention. "Deaton? Allen? Morrell?" I look over at Lydia. "Allen. There is a ... vibration when I call him Allen. He never changed his first name so call him Allen."

Isaac pulls out his phone and aims it at the cell and Deaton. He then pushes the record button and films the Kanima.

Lydia nods and stands at the front of the cage.

She takes a deep breath and then screams ... "AAALLLLLLLEEEENNNNN!"

Her scream echoes around the room, and the creature grabs its head and closes its eyes in pain.

We're unsure if it's pain from the noise or forcibly being awoken inside that snake-like body.

It shivers and roars as the scales recede into a very naked and confused Deaton.

Deaton turns around and looks at us. "Where am I? What happened?"

(only shirtless picture I could find was from OZ, sorry)

John crosses his arms and looks at Chris. "Chris? You want to explain to Mr. Deaton the people he killed in the last few days?"

Deaton pales, "killed? I haven't killed anyone. How did I get here? I was ... working ... at the clinic."

Isaac steps forward and says, "Remember me?"

Deaton turns ashen as he sees Isaac's face.

He knows Isaac should be dead! If Isaac is still alive ... then ... the magic he received was altered to take the payment from him.

Oh, God! What has he done?

I step forward and nod. "That's right. Isaac's the kid you kidnapped for the human sacrifice to pay the blood price for the spell you wanted that coven to cast." I smile at him. "The coven is dead, and Isaac is alive. That means you didn't pay the blood price, so whatever you were bargaining with cursed you as a Kanima. Gerard used you to kill half the swim team as payment for Matt, so Matt would help him figure out where the pack den is and who our Alpha is."

Isaac shows Deaton the video of Deaton changing back from the Kanima.

Peter pulls me back and behind him as his eyes glow red. "I was hoping all this unpleasantness ended when I killed Kate. You and Gerard just have to keep things going, don't you?"

Deaton grabs the bars and screams. "Sheriff? Argent? Don't let him kill me!"

John asks, "Why should I protect you? You are responsible for a lot of deaths. Innocent deaths."

Deaton presses against the bars in his need to impress John. "Because! I don't trust Gerard! I sabotaged him. I switched his medication! He's been taking mountain ash capsules since he moved into the tunnels. If he does get the bite, it'll kill him from bite rejection."

Derek and Peter smile at each other.

John calls us back to the table.

We talk about what to do with Deaton.

It's too dangerous to let him go free.

We turn that decision over to our Alpha since he protects the pack.

Peter tells John and Chris to leave Deaton in the cell.

Peter will deal with him.

There are enough places in the tunnels to dispose of the body, so no one ever finds it.

John and Chris will have deniability if they don't know any details.

I stay with Peter because I want to ensure he stays safe.

Isaac leads the others through the tunnels, backtracking their path to get there from the bookstore.

John goes to collect Jordan for the meeting while Chris takes the others to the Loft.

I stay with Peter to ensure magic-user Deaton doesn't escape or hurt Peter while he does whatever he's going to do with the man.

Peter dumps Deaton in a well made of unique quartz that stops magic. "Druids have curses tattooed into their skin that allow them to haunt their killers until they go insane and kill themselves. This way, I'm not killing him. The well will kill him by lack of food and water, leaving me innocent of his death."

around 6 pm
at the Hospital

Sean Long was killed by a robber outside his camper sometime after 2 am this morning or, more likely, late last night.

His wife said something in the tree with a snake-like tail, grabbed him by the neck, pulled him up towards the tree, snapped his neck, and dropped him over twenty feet to the ground below.

It broke into her trailer and was about to kill her when it noticed she was very pregnant. It rubbed her tummy and then ran away.

Unborn children aren't killers. They're innocents.

Kanimas can't kill innocent children.

Sean Long and Brenda were on the swim team.

His wife, Brenda, was brought into the hospital because she was in hysterics and due to give birth any day.

They're trying to calm her for the safety of the baby.

It rained this morning, and there's a lot of mud around the hospital.

Melissa stops a man in a hoodie, tells him he's tracking mud in the halls, and asks if he would please wipe his feet on the rug by the door.

He nods and wipes his feet as she watches.

He keeps his back to the cameras.

Melissa returns to her desk, and he continues down the hall and to Brenda Long's room.

The man sneaks in, grabs the pillow, and smothers the woman. 

He then heads for the door.

Jax is at the reception desk talking to Melissa about the meeting.

She sees the man sneaking past.

She stands and loudly says, "Next time you come in here when it's rainy, and you have muddy shoes, wipe your feet!"

The man turns back, and Jackson sees his face. "Matt? What are you ... ? Shit! Security!"

Matt pulls out a gun and fires at them.

Jax shoves Melissa behind the desk and takes the bullet to the chest. "Good shot." He then growls and is about to pursue Matt, but Melissa grabs his arm.

She hisses, "Don't attract attention!"

Melissa sees the police officer run in, responding to the Security call. "Officer! That man is a suspect in several killings. I think Sheriff Stilinski is calling it the Swim Team Murder Case. Hold on."

She calls John, "John. Matt was just at the hospital. He shot at us when Jax recognized him on the way out. Were there any survivors of this guy's attacks? Any reason he would come into the hospital patient wing?"

John looks at the reports and spots the one from Brenda Long. "Yes. Brenda Long saw a man in a hoodie whose partner killed her husband last night. The partner didn't kill her because she's pregnant."

Melissa looks at the patient roster for Long. "Officer. Come with me to check on the woman, please?"

He nods.

The three go to the room while Melissa keeps John on the phone. 

They open the door and find the woman dead, with the pillow still over her face. "John? Matt killed  the man's wife. He smothered her with a pillow."

John curses, "Damn it! Wait! This means we can positively identify him at the scene of one of his murders. Now I can put out an APB on him. Jax! Get Melissa to Derek's place. I'll send in forensics."

John continues, "Mel hands the phone to the officer, and I'll explain what's going on ... in layman's terms."

She hands the phone to the officer.

John talks to him, and the Deputy hangs up the phone and returns it to her.

Melissa explains to the officer, "I stopped him earlier because he was tracking mud through the halls. You can get his footprint."

She leads him down the hall and points out one of the footprints to the officer, who guards it until the forensic team arrives.

Jax leaves with Melissa before anyone realizes he was just shot in the chest. 

7 pm
the Loft

I'm explaining Hell Hounds to the pack, Melissa, Rafe, Danny, Rain, and the Argents, as Derek and Boyd help me set up a make-your-own nachos bar on the table.

John is carrying two sets of paperwork. One says Jordan Parrish, and the other reads Camden Lahey because they aren't sure what name to use. He walks into the Loft with Camden/Jordan on his heels and tries to stall about meeting his brother. "Come on, Sheriff. I'm dead and haven't seen or heard from him since months before I died. In an explosion. I don't think he will take this very well!"

Isaac looks up at Camden and freezes. "Cam?"

Then he sags and goes limp as he passes out from the shock.

I blur over and catch him before he can hit the floor.

I lower him down because he's soo much larger than me that it's awkward trying to hold an unconscious Isaac up.

Camden, Allison, John, and Rafe rush to Isaac's side.

Rafe looks up at me. "What do we do? I don't know werewolves."

I shake my head at that statement and look at him. "Martial arts. There's a pressure point under the nose. Gently rub it with your knuckle, and it'll force him to awaken."

Camden does, and Isaac sucks in a deep breath as he awakens and sees Camden kneeling over him.

Isaac looks at me. "He's the Hell Hound you were discussing? The dead man that the Hell Hound symbiote entered and reanimated? He brought back Camden?"

I give the 'sort of' shrug. "It's not that simple. Hell Hounds reanimate someone that died protecting others, someone with a strong sense of justice and duty. When they reanimate, they bring the dead's soul back, but it takes years for the original personality to become aware of who they were. He died three years ago, and the Hell Hound Jordan Parrish has been driving the body. When Camden began to awaken, he didn't know who he was, only that Beacon Hills needs him. He didn't know he's Camden. Not until my death magic interacted with his."

Camden looks at Isaac. "I'd never leave you willingly."

They all stand, and Cam asks, "Is it true what Stiles said about Coach? Did he abuse you? Something about a deep freezer?" 

Isaac slowly nods his head. "It's worse than Stiles knows."

Camden's eyes glow, and it gets hot in the room as he grows furious at his father for doing that to an innocent child. His sweet and innocent brother!

I quickly move over and touch his chest. My hand glows blue as his chest glows red, but the blue diffuses the red, and his eyes return to normal. "I can't have you burning down Derek's home. Anger and the need to protect activate the Hell Hound's fire. You have to keep that need under control."

Chapter Text

Thursday
March 10th, 2011
the Loft

Isaac's still processing that his brother's back from the dead. He hasn't seen Camden in five years, and the man's ... different. 

Camden nervously smiles at Isaac. "It's been years since we saw each other, and we've both changed. I'm not ready to be your guardian. I didn't even know who I was before this morning. I want to get to know you again. We're family, but we're not. Can we start a ... a ... friendship so we can get to know the men we've become? I want to have you in my life. I just can't be the responsible adult right now."

Peter wraps an arm around Isaac's shoulders and leans in to speak near his ear, in a comforting way, "I'm the responsible adult, and we have our pack to care for everyone. My mate ... " 

Peter looks at me with a slight smirk on his lips. "My acting Alpha mate, whom I love and am awkwardly wooing, does an excellent job as my pack's Alpha Mate will take care of you."

Derek snorts, "you don't do anything awkwardly."

Peter proudly smiles at Derek and then looks at Danny with a mischievous gleam in his eye. "Actually. Since Danny and Jax were ... given their un-life by my Stiles ... that makes him their mom, and I'm his ... partner, making him the pack mom of my happy little pack."

Jax smiles happily as he practically bounces in his chair and says, "That makes you our Dad?" 

He and Danny hop up and run to Peter, hugging him as they happily coo, "Daddy!"

Peter stiffens and then laughs because even if he's the dad, now he can tease me as the pack mom.

Erica and Allison lightly cover their mouths, blushing and laughing.

I blush crimson and hide my face in my hand. How is this my life? "Oh, God! I'm the mom!"

Danny and Jax laugh and yell. "Yeah! We're vamp brothers, and Stiles is our mom!" They bat their lashes with big puppy eyes and the little pout that I can't resist.

I sigh heavily and look at the ceiling as if looking for strength before giving them a 'fake' annoyed huff and a put-upon sigh before I break and smirk as I join in the laughter. "Fine," I say between giggles. "I'm the pack mom. Happy?"

All the werewolves and vamps nod while Melissa and Victoria exchange an amused glance as they vainly try to hide their smiles by biting their cheek or tongue.

We, vampires, watch everyone else eat their first and second plates of nachos.

Chris sips some of his beer and holds up a finger to ask a question. He swallows his mouth of food and asks, "What exactly is a Hell Hound's purpose? I remember reading Gerard's bestiary, saying that the Wild Hunt once sent a Hell Hound to exterminate an entire small town that killed three supernatural families because they weren't human. That was the only mention of them, though."

Allison asks, "The Wild Hunt? As in mythology?"

Victory says, "Myths are based on truth, dear."

Rafe puts down his glass of water (he's still in AA and won't touch alcohol) and looks earnestly at me as he says, "I would also like to know the answer to that."

I take a deep breath. "Hell Hounds are supernatural ... cleaners. They protect the supernatural secrecy and are extreme about that job if no one holds their leash. If a Hell Hound has a ... handler ... they take on the ... values of that person. If he were here before Kate died, he'd have killed all the werewolves and hunters involved to ensure the supernatural secret was safe. They kill by burning and incinerating. Covering up without killing innocent humans. Destroying evidence and supernatural bodies or bringing the bodies to the closest magical site or entity, like our Nemeton."

John nods. "I became his handler by hiring him into my service as my Deputy. My priority is protecting innocents and stopping evil ... killers. He won't kill without my permission unless it's to protect me and one of our pack and Allies by extension."

Camden looks at Rafe. "What are my options for my identity? What happens if I return to being Camden Lahey again?"

Rafe says, "Camden was in our government's special forces or black ops, and disappeared while on assignment three years ago. That makes him AWOL and a dangerous liability to the government. The government would send a Kill Team to terminate him, and they don't care about collateral damage. I've already used my influence to alter their record of Camden's fingerprints and dental records to match a John Doe found a mile from the blast. His body was burned beyond recognition, so it couldn't be identified at the time. I didn't think you'd chance Isaac's life or innocent civilians getting caught in the crossfire when they came to kill you."

Rafe rubs his lower lip. "Jordan Parrish has a clean background ... if a little spotty. An amnesiac man who doesn't remember who he was when he awoke from a coma a month after the blast. In Germany and not Afghanistan. The distance and time frame makes it impossible to link the two names together. Jordan Parrish graduated from the Police Academy with flying colors. You need to remain Jordan for all our safety."

John holds up the paperwork with Camden's name, and it disappears in a blue flame.

Jax holds up his finger to ask a question. "Since Jordan's now one of our Allies, a Deputy, and part of our pack, I have a question about Matt?"

I look at him. "Matt? He has an APB on him right about now."

Jax says, "see. Here's the thing. You said Kanima's have a rigorous set of rules they must follow. That's why he didn't kill the wife. Matt killed her after the Kanima refused to do it. If the Kanima refused, doesn't that mean that if the Kanima master killing her broke the rules? What rule was broken, and what are the consequences?"

Boyd looks at me. "I see what he's asking. Example. We saved Isaac from human sacrifice, and Deaton became the Kanima as punishment for not paying the blood price with Isaac's death."

Chris looks at Victoria. "He does have a point."

Erica holds Boyd's hand and says, "Everything has a price when dealing with magic and supernatural things. What price is Matt paying for this."

I look at John. "You're the Magi. What do you think happened, and what are the results?"

John points to the open books. 

I show him the sections on Kanima and my notes.

He reads them and looks up. "The woman was pregnant with an innocent human child. Killing her kills an innocent. The rules say the Master uses the Kanima to kill, so he's not a killer. There are two possibilities I can see. If the Kanima Master kills, he's a killer. The Kanima kills him and finds a new master, or the Master becomes a Kanima as punishment."

John continues, "We cured the Kanima pushing the option more towards Matt's becoming one. Matt was working for Gerard. I think Matt's now a Kanima that will serve Gerard."

Derek says, "Gerard believes we're killers that killed Kate. Does that mean he'll send the Kanima after us?"

I shake my head. "No. He knows we aren't killers, or he would have sent the Kanima after us. Instead, he went roundabout killing Matt's believed killers."

Chris nods. "Self-delusion is not one of his traits. I agree with Stiles on that."

Danny frowns. "Besides. Vampires are safe from it, and werewolves can fight off the effects of its venom by wolfing out, and Stiles is teaching you how to fight. Matt can't fight, but Gerard does know how to fight and fights dirty. That leaves our human allies and friends vulnerable. The Argents and the McCalls."

Chris smiles. "Maybe not. Victoria and I can meet Gerard and accuse him of using a supernatural to kill. We'll mention supernatural venom at the crime scenes. He doesn't know Matt controlled the Kanima, so he won't know how many victims. Yet."

Victoria gives a smile.

She preens. "Knowing Gerard as we do, he'll feel Matt betrayed him by taking control of his precious little toy. He'll kill Matt for betraying him. Gerard can't possibly know Kanima Deaton's cured or Matt's about to be the new Kanima. He'll kill Matt while he's human, so .... no more Kanima. That'll leave Gerard and his human hunters as the only threat. The devil you know is better than the one you don't."

She frowns at Chris and looks at Allison. "Honey? I'm hoping you'll stay with the pack until Gerard dies. He tried to abduct you from the Rave, meaning he has something planned, and you must stay safe. He may use you to control us."

Allison smiles as she sits next to Lydia and Erica. "A girl's night sounds like fun."

next day, Friday
March 11th, 2011
10 am

Chris calls Gerard to meet Victoria and him at the dinner downtown for lunch.

They need to talk.

Gerard agrees.

He hopes Chris has come to his senses and will return to hunting the mutts and let him move in so he can influence Allison.

at school

I'm in class when the Principal pages me to the office over the intercom.

I frown but gather my things and go because it gets me out of Harris' classroom.

I find Morrell waiting in the office with the Principal to see me. 

I frown and sit in the offered chair. "What's going on, Mr. Thomas?"

Principal Thomas gestures to Morrell. "I'm told you're under great stress, and it's highly recommended that you visit Ms. Morrell to discuss it."

I glare at her. "Umm? No. I'm not. What stress could I possibly have that requires seeing her?"

Morrell thinks she gives a parental smile, but it's more condescending. "You never discuss your mother, and I'm sure you need to get that off your chest."

I give her a twisted smile. "Well, gee. She died over six years ago. I was a child and don't remember much about her because she was always in intensive care, locked away in her room, or at special clinics for treatment. She even spent an entire year overseas for experimental drug therapy. I barely saw my mother and barely remember her, so I don't have a problem with her death. All I remember is she was looking forward to dying."

I glare at Morrell. "You must really be reaching if you're going that route. You just can't take no for an answer, can you? Do you always harass kids like this?"

She sees she's losing control of this meeting and starting to sweat.

I lean forward and ask, "What's that matter, Dr. Quinn? You don't have enough defenseless kids who want to see you, so you're trying to come up with some idiotic reasons to force someone to see you! By they way, I have my rights! You can't force kids to see a therapist. Only a judge can force felons for some psychological problems."

She blanches. "Morrell. My name is Dr. Morrell. Not Quinn."

Principal Thomas says, "I think he's referring to Dr. Harley Quinn, the deranged therapist in DC who became Harlequin. Joker's girlfriend or henchmen. Whatever."

I look at Thomas. "I knew I liked you." I frown as I look at Morrell. "You'll be hearing from my Father and our attorney."

I stand and look at the Principal. "Good day, Mr. Thomas."

I leave as I text for Jax to call his dad about Morrell and the principal pressuring me to see her as my psychiatrist and dragging my fictional dead mother into it. Well ... they don't. She's not my mother.

I then text John what Morrell just did.

He responds that he'll institute a restraining order for stalking a minor. He will also alert the medical board about her behavior and see how long she keeps her license.

Harris' classroom

Jax reads his incoming text, snorts, and raises his hand. "Mr. Harris. Can I be excused? I've got a minor emergency and needed to call my dad. David Whittemore, Esquire."

Harris straightens his tie and nods. "Of course, Jackson."

Jax grabs his stuff and walks into the hall, where he texts me that he's calling his dad from the hallway. Now.

That means all the supernaturals in the school will know what's going on.

I blur to where he is and listen to the conversation with a smile on my face.

We then cloak ourselves in white noise and head to the office to hear the call between ADA Whittemore and Morrell and their conversation.

Principal Thomas reprimands Morrell about that meeting with me when the intercom buzzes. "Yes? What is it?"

"Sir? I have the assistant DA on the phone, and he sounds pissed. A Mr. Whittemore, Esquire, whatever that means."

Esquire means lawyer.

Thomas rolls his neck. "Ah, shit! The Assistant DA? Yeah. Put the call through."

Morrell cringes at the nasty look Thomas gives her. 

He says, "You're going to be in hot water, not me. You're the reason this fiasco happened."

She sputters, "But, sir! I was only trying to help a student!"

Thomas accepts the call. "Mr. Whittemore? How may I help you?"

Whittemore immediately jumps in on him. "I want to know why you're pressuring the Sheriff's son into therapy for something from six years ago? Is your counselor that desperate for work? Is she trying to pressure a 5150 hold? What evidence does she have that Stiles is a threat to himself or others? He's helping Isaac deal with his father's murder, helping Scott deal with emotional pain from his relationship with a girl, and a few others he's helping. I'd say that shows how stable he is."

Thomas narrows his eyes as he looks at Morrell as she tries to make herself smaller. "Umm? No! Sir! I had no idea, Sir! Ms. Morrell said Stiles hasn't gotten over his mother's death and needs to see a professional."

Whittemore presses his attack. "So. She's violating the Freedom of Information Act, HIPPA laws, and his privacy by looking at his and his mother's medical records without a valid reason or consent from Sheriff Stilinski. I see! I'll talk to the Medical Board about her behavior. You'll want to find another counselor because when I'm through with her, she won't be able to counsel a puppy. I'm filing the lawsuit that Sheriff Stilinski suggested, and you. You must watch for the court officer to deliver the paperwork to the school. Do I need to add you to the lawsuit?"

Thomas adamantly shakes his head as he stutters, "No ... Sir! Not all, Sir! This was all sprung on me this morning, Sir. I wasn't appraised of broken laws to harass Mr. Stilinski."

"Good. That'll be all, Principal Thomas. If she did this to my son over him learning he was adopted, I'd sue both of you. Next time, you may want to check your facts first." He hangs up without a goodbye.

The intercom buzzes.

Thomas answers, "Yes?"

"There's a Deputy here with a restraining order against Miss Morrell. Shall I send him in?"

Thomas drops his head. "Yes."

A minute later, Deputy Tara enters, hands the paperwork to Morrell, and leaves.

A court official passes Tara in the doorway, and they nod in passing.

The man hands the lawsuit paperwork to Morrell and leaves.

Thomas looks at her. "I think it's best if you took an unpaid leave of absence. Don't you?"

She nods and leaves.

He closes the door after her.

Morrell turns and says, "That did not go according to plan. Damn it to hell!"

Jackson and I cover our mouths until we get to the bathroom, and then we laugh our buts off. He says, "You don't have to worry about her."

I sober up. "I'm sure Morrell will try something else to investigate me. Eventually."

Noon
the cafe

Chris and Victoria sit in the back, watching the emergency exit and front door while they wait.

Gerard and two goons walk in the front door and join them. "I can't tell you how happy I was to get your invitation."

Victoria purrs, "we need to talk!" She hands him a list of names.

Gerard recognizes Lahey and Akeem. "What is this?"

Chris coldly says, "This is a list of victims killed by a supernatural creature leaving a trail of venom that appears to be paralytic."

Gerard frowns as he looks at all the names. He didn't order all these deaths. He thinks and then realizes all of them are on Matt's list of 'Killers.'

Chris lays the Swim team picture on the table next to Gerard. "This is a duplicate of what I found in Sheriff Stilinski's house when he invited me over to watch the game last night. If you notice, all these names are in this picture. You wouldn't happen to know anything about this, would you? Gerard?"

Gerard looks at the picture and realizes all the victims are in that picture.

He thinks, "Son of a bitch! The kid bonded with Deaton's Kanima side. Matt's sending the Kanima to kill without my knowledge." 

Gerard grits his teeth and occupies himself with drinking his water to buy himself time. "I can't say I know anything about this. You can rest assured that I will look into it."

He looks at his watch and stands. "I just realized I have a prior engagement. It was nice to see you again. Give my regards to Sheriff Stilinski."

He leans down and says, "That son of his should keep his back to the wall. He's too close to the Alpha and his mutts to survive."

He stands tall and casually walks out with his goons.

One of them opens the door of Gerard's double-parked SUV. 

Gerard climbs in the back.

The driver looks back at him. "Destination?"

Gerard says, "The park on Southern Avenue."

He texts Matt to meet him there.

He then closes his eyes and attempts to sense his Kanima connection and ...  feels nothing.

He angrily growls to himself. He should've checked his connection days ago. It never occurred to him that it would bond to Matt.

Lacrosse practice

I see Matt studying the mirror, so I move enough to see what he's examining. 

Scales? Jesus!

He's changing. By nightfall, he'll be Kanima.

Jax and I hear Matt's phone vibrate with an incoming text.

Matt looks at his phone, puts his uniform back in his locker, closes it, and slips out the back door. 

I look at Danny with a raised brow.

He nods. "I saw it."

3 pm

School lets out, and we head to our cars.

John mass texts the pack and our Allies. They found Matt's body in the park lake on Southern Avenue. He's terrified of water, yet he drowned.

I snort. "That was fast. Lydia, can you check the local news with your phone?" We all know she has the most expensive phone that can get the local news on it.

She shows us the broadcast. "In earlier news today. The Swim Team Killer was found dead at the park. Police got a warrant for his address and locker at school. Everything at his home shows he resented the Swim Team for nearly drowning him in Coach Lahey's pool in 2006. Everything in his school locker shows he was fixated on a schoolgirl and hooked up with an elderly gentleman to get her in exchange for helping him kill off the Swim Team. No word yet on the identity of the elderly gentleman."

Another reporter rushes in and hands a paper to her. "This just in. The schoolgirl he obsessed over is Allison Argent, and the man is Gerard Argent. Gerard wants revenge for the arsonist, Kate Argent's death, and the leak on her arson involving the Hale family's deaths. Research shows Gerard Argent is also a pyromaniac and a pedophile. He properly trained Kate to commit arson and cover it up as a child. The two have been bribing or killing fire inspectors for over two decades."

I look at Allison and the others. "Shit! Scott! Isaac! Get Alley home before those vultures descend on her for a scoop!"

They barely get her out of the parking lot, and the back gate before the news vans arrive at the front entrance.
 

Chapter Text

Friday
March 11th, 2011
4:30 pm

Gerard kills Matt to regain control of Kanima Deaton, and now he has to collect his pet so he can send it to either kill Derek or kidnap Stiles.

He goes to Deaton's animal clinic, but it's closed, and it doesn't look like he's been here recently.

A note is taped to the front door's glass window stating, "Dr. Deaton is out of town to take care of a pregnant thoroughbred horse and will be gone for at least two weeks."

Gerard frowns.

That's going to be problematic at best.

If Deaton's out of town, Gerard won't be able to connect with Deaton's Kanima side to hunt the mutts.

Wait! Deaton becomes a Kanima at nightfall. What if ... wherever Deaton is ... someone needs justice and death and bonds with Deaton?

That means Gerard still won't be able to take control of Deaton.

He growls and stomps back to his car.

Gerard calls one of his best trackers to track down Deaton. He can't have Deaton away from him any longer than necessary. He needs to keep that druid close from now on.

Skip arrives a few minutes later, and the two of them look around for the spare key to the clinic.

It takes half an hour, but Skip finds the false brick on the Eastern corner and collects the key.

The two go inside and search through the papers on Deaton's desk. 

They don't find anything to tell them where Deaton went.

Skip picks up the phone and dials *69, and waits.

The last number Dr. Deaton called calls back.

A woman's voice says, "Beacon Hills Police Station. For emergencies hang up and dial 911. If this is not an emergency, how may I help you?"

They quickly hang up the phone and look at each other.

police station

Deputy Tara Graeme traces where that call was and discovers it's Beacon Hills Animal Clinic.

She looks up. "Sheriff? That was the animal clinic. No one spoke, and when I identified us as the police department, they quickly hung up. Our records show that Dr. Deaton is out of town until further notice. If he's out of town ... who called us from his phone?"

John narrows his eyes at that information. Gerard's looking for Deaton?

He huffs ... because Peter said that when he made Deaton jump into the well, he tried to be tricky about it and hit his head on the side and landed badly at the bottom of the hundred-foot dry well. Peter didn't hear a heartbeat at the bottom, so the man is dead. 

Good thing for them.

The bad thing is this means Gerard will make a move on them very, very soon.

Jordan looks up from his desk. "We have a request on file from Dr. Deaton to keep an eye on his clinic while he's out of town. Since he's out of town, that means he didn't call us. Do you want me to take a quick patrol over to ensure no one's broken in?"

John cocks his head. "We do need to make a run-by, but I have someone else in mind." He raises his voice, "Deputy Taylor! Deputy Johnson!"

Both deputies rush up to the front desk. 

John unlocks a locked keyboard and pulls off the clinic's key. "Check out Beacon Hills Animal Clinic. Doctor Deaton's out of town, and yet someone just called us from there."

They nod respectfully, take the key, and turn toward the door as they say, "On it, boss."

vet's office

A mobile phone rings. The two goons by the door check their phones.

Hunter Smyth's phone.

He answers the call and talks for a minute before hanging up.

Smyth looks at Gerard. "That was Deputy Tarkin warning us that a patrol's on its way to check on the place since the vet's asked the station to keep an eye on the place while he's gone."

Skip and Gerard frown at each other as they look around at the mess they made of the office while searching for Deacon's whereabouts. They look at George and chin at the door. "Let's go."

The four of them get in their SUV and drive down the road to the car wash.

They go inside and watch the clinic through the front window while the SUV is inside the car wash.

The patrol pulls up and looks around the clinic.

Deputy Johnson points out the opened fake brick in the corner. "Those normally hide a spare key. I think it's safe to assume someone has the door key."

They take a picture of it and then call the Police locksmith to change the locks.

They draw their weapons and enter the clinic.

They search the entire clinic and find the mess in the office.

Johnson jogs outside to the patrol car and grabs a collection kit from the trunk.

They check the phone and file cabinet for fingerprints and find a good set. 

Taylor uses the clinic's fax machine to fax them to the station where Tara runs them.

It's not a surprise that one of the prints is Gerard Argent. The other is Lieutenant Skipper Jansen, a missing POW from Desert Storm.

They wait for the locksmith to arrive and change the locks.

Then they lock up and leave to give the Sheriff their report.

Car wash

Gerard's deciding what to do next when his phone rings with a song by Papa Roach. Be Free. He sighs and answers it. "Yes, Stanley?" His body double.

Stanley says, "Sir! The hotel was swarmed by reporters trying to get an interview from you on the death of Matt Daehler."

Gerard balks. "Why would they want to ask me about some kid?" So soon? How did they link Matt to him?

Stanley says, "It's all over the news, Sir. The police proved Matt was the Swim Team Killer, and they got a warrant for his house and school locker after his death. They found enough evidence in his locker to suspect you of helping him kill the swimmers in exchange for getting close to Allison Argent. There are also allegations that you're the pedophile and arsonist that trained Kate Argent. The police are connecting you to some of Kate's arsons."

Gerard looks at the TV in the corner of the car wash waiting room.

He walks over and turns it from Spanish soap operas to the news and adjusts the volume so he can hear it. 

He thinks. They found Matt's body very fast.

He's going to have to move on the pack sooner than anticipated. He needs to plan.

He needs Stiles as leverage on the Alpha.

The blonde mutt seems to be the best leverage on Stiles. Or the female and the black kid.

He needs Allison to leverage against Chris and Victoria.

That pitiful puppy Scott's the perfect leverage against her.

He smiles. Kate said Scott throws everyone under the bus to save himself. The brat may have information against the Alpha and Stiles. When and where should he make his move?

He thinks. Wait! That Lacrosse game is tomorrow night. Stiles will be alone on the bench. The blonde and Boyd will be alone on their way to the field. Perfect!

Gerard frowns at the Matt mess and then huffs in amusement.

Victoria and Chris set him up to betray himself by killing Matt.

That makes him wonder if they planted evidence in Matt's locker or did Matt suspect him and left proof as a fuck you to Gerard if anything happened to Matt.

He rakes his hand over his face in annoyance and says into the phone, "Hole up in your room, and don't talk to anyone!"

Stanley nods, "Yeah, boss. Sure thing. I won't say anything. I know better than that."

McCall house

John, Peter, Derek, and I meet with the McCalls and Isaac.

We tell Melissa that the psycho Argents always go after Allison and Scott.

Rafe asks, "Why Scott?"

I frown. "Scott has a habit of always throwing everyone under the bus to protect himself."

Scott objects. "I do not!"

Derek looks at him. "You told Kate to go after Stiles because he knows everyone's secrets, including where Alpha Peter was living."

Scott takes a few deep breaths. "She tortured you and was going to torture me. Peter's my enemy. I was protecting myself."

Melissa shakes her head. "By throwing your best friend under the bus so she'd kidnap and torture Stiles instead of you."

I then mention we saw Deaton pose as the Alpha, and attack Derek at the school, leaving him for dead.

When Deaton cornered us in the chem lab, Scott told Allison Derek was the killer."

Scott stutters, "I thought he was dead, so it didn't matter if I lied or not because I needed her to trust me so I could go after the key from the dead janitor."

I look at him. "What dead janitor? The school doesn't have a janitor, Scott. They never have."

Scott fish faces as he remembers that. But what about the dead janitor he saw in the locker room. That only he saw. That they couldn't find. Shit!

Rafe shakes his head. "Yeah. Throwing people under the bus does seem to be Scott's MO."

Melissa says, "he's a little spoiled. He only focuses on saving himself."

I look at Scott. "That's what we're banking on. Gerard got the memo from Kate that Scott's self-serving, so Gerard will go after Scott. Also, Scott's Allison's weakness.

John nods. "Scott will be the leverage Gerard will use to force Allison to obey."

I look at Scott. "Scott! I don't care how many times you've betrayed us to save yourself. What I care about is we need you to follow that pattern. We want you to tell Gerard that Peter's staying in Derek's Loft. The thing is, we need you to tell him the building across from Derek's. We'll set the trap there. Can you do that? Instead of 1234, we need you to say 1237 Oak."

Scott bites his tongue. "Yes. I can do that."

I look at him. "Good. Just. For once. Think about your friends instead of yourself. I'll do anything to protect my friends and pack members, even if it means I get hurt."

I look intently at Scott. "I'm not asking you to get hurt. I'm asking you to feed that address to Gerard. So no one else gets hurt by him."

Scott's chest rises and falls as he realizes how much he despises his past behavior. "I hate that I betrayed you, Stiles. I didn't think about the fact I was keeping them from hurting me by telling them to hurt you. I was a self-serving ass, and I deserve any hatred you have of me."

I look at Isaac as he anxiously rubs his hand through his hair. He likes Scott.

I give Scott a small smile. "I don't hate you. That reaction's normal when a person's terrified of receiving pain."

Isaac nods. "Yeah. I was terrified of Coach Lahey hurting me, even though I already knew what pain felt like. I'd have told him anything so he wouldn't hurt me. I didn't have friends I was afraid of betraying. I don't think I'd want them to feel pain. I don't think I'd have betrayed anyone because I know what pain feels like, and I won't die from the pain."

Scott's jaw drops as that sinks in.

He takes a few deep breaths and hugs Isaac. "You're my best friend, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep you and Allison safe."

Saturday
March 12th, 2011
Lacrosse game at school

As usual, I'm sitting on the bench next to Greenberge as I watch Jax, Scott, Danny, and Isaac play.

Melissa's in the stands with John.

On the other side of the bleachers, Chris, Victoria, and Allison sit next to Lydia as they watch the game.

Boyd and Erica are running late. They should be here already, and I'm worried.

Coach Finstock sits next to me and hands me a note.

I open it and read it. My blood runs cold at what it says.

I turn and remove my cleats and put on my tennis shoes.

Coach asks, "Stiles? Is something wrong?"

I look at him as I debate what to say. Then I see Gerard on the far side of the field next to the trees, watching me.

I stand and turn to put my cleats in my bag to ensure my body blocks Gerard's view of my face.

I hand the note back to Finstock as I say. "No. My friends were abducted, and if I don't walk where they can grab me, my friends die."

I look at Finstock. "In ten minutes, I want you to give this note to my dad, so he knows my friends and I are in trouble. Be casual, because if you look at the far side of the field next to the trees, you'll see Gerard Argent. He's a psychotic bastard. He's watching to ensure I do what he said."

Coach nods and walks to the first level of seats so that he's about fifty feet from John.

I walk over to the area I was told to go and almost get to the car when I hear a quiet snick as the bear trap I stepped in clamps into my leg.

Gerard's Plan

As three hunters jump out of a nearby van, I drop my bag and grunt. 

One yanks on the bear traps chain, pulling me towards the van by my bleeding leg.

One of the others grabs my mouth while the other injects some mixture of sedatives and wolfsbane into my shoulder.

They aren't sure if I'm a werewolf and are checking while knocking me out.

My world goes fuzzy and then black as I pass out from the potent mixture of drugs.

I wake about ten minutes later and hear Gerard talking to his men.

He's pissed that Boyd and Erica wouldn't tell him anything about their Alpha.

He takes a picture of us and walks out the door while telling his men to threaten and torture me before killing me and tossing me on McCall's front porch.

I take in a deep breath and sit up, grabbing my leg that's still in the bear trap.

I see Erica and Boyd hanging from the ceiling with constant electrical pulses to keep them from shifting.

They smell of wolfsbane and pain.

Both have a broken leg and cracked ribs that aren't healing due to the wolfsbane.

I growl and look at the two men locking us in here. "You hurt my friends!"

One of them holds an empty syringe. "We injected the mutts with wolfsbane. If you want the antidote, you must tell us where the Alpha is."

I look at the hunters. "I don't need to have werewolf hearing to know you're lying."

One of them punches me in the face, and the other cranks the electricity on the werewolves.

They writhe at the electrical shock.

I snarl and tear open the bear trap. "Now, you die!"

The men approach me with raised crowbars.

I let my eyes burn red and use my speed to get to the generator and slice it in half with my claws. 

No more shocks to my friends. It looks like they have fifteen to thirty minutes before the wolfsbane kills them.

I shift to a six-foot-tall brown wolf and tear the hunters to shreds.

I then shift to human and use my talons to slice the cables holding my friends and gently lay them on the ground as I study their wounds. "Erica, Boyd? I can save you. I can give you three drops of my blood. It'll heal your injuries and burn the wolfsbane from your body. Warning. Don't die in the next six months unless you want to become vampires. It erodes in humans in hours. Werewolves are too racially similar and it takes six months. You decide. We can search for an antidote, but I don't see that happening."

Erica gasps, "I'll take the chance with your blood."

Boyd gasps, "I'll do what she does. I can't be without my mate."

I use the claws on three fingers to poke their opposite fingers and then let a drop from the tree pricks drip on each of their tongues.

It takes a couple of minutes for the bones to mend and the wolfsbane to burn off. It leaves them sweaty and panting, but healed.

They gingerly sit up. "You may want to hide that your healing will be a little faster for the next six months."

Chapter Text

FLASHBACK
earlier Friday night
March 11th, 2011

Allison is secluded in the Argent house to hide from the press.

Isaac is there to watch her, so she's not alone.

Scott is at the McCall house with Melissa and Rafe.

Melissa is comforting Scott after he broke down from his talk with Stiles about his betrayals and how he could not see that he was betraying everyone.

It's still going through his mind. Bits and pieces of it.

Derek looks at Scott. "You told Kate to go after Stiles because he knows everyone's secrets, including where Alpha Peter was living."

Scott takes a few deep breaths. "She tortured you and was going to torture me. Peter's my enemy. I was protecting myself!"

Stiles says, "Scott. You're the weak link. You're the one Gerard will go after. If he got the information from Kate as we believe, then they know you turn on anyone to save yourself."

Scott sounds indignant, "That's not fair! I ... need to be able to look after Mom."

John frowns. "When have you ever done anything for your mother?"

Scott holds up his finger to protest and realizes he can't think of one single time he did. "Damn it! You're right. I've done whatever it took to protect myself. I'm a selfish, self-centered brat."