Summary: Zoe knew she had to make some changes and fast. After some bad things happen in her life she knew it was time for a change. Time to feel safe again. Time to heal. She knew it was going to be hard but she had her childhood best friend and his friends to help her out. And maybe, just maybe Zoe will be ok. Derek/OC Completely AU. No wolfy stuff.

A/N: So this is my third time at publishing a story. I just haven't been happy with the others. Please be patient and kind with me as this is kind of hard for me to do. I hope you enjoy the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my OC

Chapter 1

I sat staring out of the window of the plane as it glided effortlessly through the air towards Los Angeles, California. This place is my new home. Well my new old home. I used to live here when I was younger but moved when my dad got a job at some fancy law firm in Massachusetts. Leaving all my friends and family behind would be tough, leaving the shattered pieces of my life not so much. I needed to do this. For my safety, for my sanity. To prove to myself that I would be ok.

I watch the clouds float by the window with my headphones in successfully tuning out the world. Eventually I fall into a dreamless sleep only to be shaken awake by the flight attendant telling me we were about to start our decent into the airport. I sit up wincing at the pain the many bruises covering my body bring me. The only thing I was thankful for was the fact the bruises on my face had healed.

Once landed I make my way into the maze that is Los Angeles International Airport. Wandering around for a few minutes I finally find baggage claim just in time to see my luggage make its way down the ramp and towards me. Gingerly grabbing my luggage I made my way through the crowds looking for the exit and that one familiar face that was waiting for me.

"You look lost." I hear a voice call from behind me.

"Well I wouldn't be if my asshole best friend was here to pick me up on time." I reply a grin spreading across my face as I turn to look at the person. Leaving my luggage on ground next to me I half-walk, half-run to my best friend and jump into his arms. "I've missed you Scott McCall"

"I've missed you too Zoe Monroe." He said stumbling but managing to keep us both upright. I wince, temporarily forgetting about the bruises.

"You ok?" Scott Asks concerned.

"Yeah, just sore from the flight and all." I say shaking it off.

"Shall we head out? Some of my friends are waiting at my house to meet you. Not so patiently I might add." Scott says as he sets me down and we walk over to my abandoned luggage picking it up off the floor.

"Lead the way. I would hate to keep your friends waiting any longer than necessary." I said reaching to help him with my many bags.

Walking outside I stop for a second to take in the smells of the city mixed with the warm summer air. Putting on my sunglasses I turn and follow Scott to his car. We didn't have to walk far to the car as he only parked a few feet from the entrance.

Once all my stuff was in the car and we were situated we took off towards Scotts' house. The car ride was mostly silent except for the radio and the wind from the window I rolled down to stick my feet out. After a while I see Scott turn the radio down and grab my hand to get my attention.

"Zo, I know you may not want to talk about it but I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am that I wasn't there to keep you safe like I should've been. I hate that I couldn't protect you when it happened and that I wasn't there to help you afterward." He says with sadness and regret in his eyes.

"Don't worry about it." I said turning back to the window.

"Zoe, you're my best friend it's my job to protect and worry about you. It kills me that I wasn't able to do that." He says squeezing my hand.

"Scott. I am ok and I am here now. Please don't worry so much, you're getting wrinkles." I say semi-pleading with him to change the subject.

"I am not!" He says poking me in the ribs making me squeal. The rest of the ride was spent in a comfortable silence.

About twenty minutes later we pull up to Scotts' house. A modest two-story home with a decent size yard. Hearing us pull into the driveway three guys and two girls come outside to meet us at the car. The guys walk past me to help Scott with my stuff and the girls approach me with big smiles. One girl has long red hair and big blue eyes introduces herself as Lydia and gives me a bone crushing hug saying something about finally meeting Scotts' best friend. The other girl, a pretty brunette, just shakes my hand and says her name is Allison. Lydia grabs my hand right after and drags me inside talking a mile a minute.

Once inside and sitting at the kitchen counter listening to Lydia and Allison chat about how much I am going to love it here and all the cute boys there are to flirt with the boys come downstairs from bring my bags to my room.

"I see you're getting along with the girls." Scott smiles.

"Zoe you remember the guys: Stiles, Jackson and Derek." He says pointing to each as he goes.

"Of course I do! I'm blonde not stupid." I say rolling my eyes and moving to hug each one. I didn't miss how both pairs of female eyes followed me around and narrowed just a bit when I hugged Scott and Jackson.

After a few minutes of catching up and joking around I return to my seat at the counter and watch my friends interact with each other. Everyone has grown up so much since I was six. Scott is very handsome. Tall, with dark brown hair and eyes to match. Jackson looks like a model. Very muscular with dirty blonde hair. I can see why Lydia is catious with other females. Stiles really grew into his looks. He must get all the ladies with his baby blue eyes and boyish grin.

The one that both surprised me and didn't at the same time was Derek. I was not surprised at how handsome he is now with his dark, almost black hair and hazel eyes. I can tell by his devilish smile that he has made many females swoon at his feet. What did surprise me though was the insane amount of butterflies I get in my stomach just from looking at him or hearing him talk.

"Zo! You still with us?!" I jump, startled realizing I had been staring.

"Yeah, just wondering what is in the water around here. Everyone looks like fucking Abercrombie models!" I sputter flailing my arms. "Well, except Stiles."

"HEY!" Stiles shouts in protest.

"Zoe Ann Monroe!"

Everyone immediately stops laughing and turns towards the voice that has slipped into the room unnoticed. Melissa McCall was beautiful but not in a "I'm pretty and I know it" kind of way. She has this graceful elegance about her that no matter how hard I tried I could never quite do myself. Melissa loves her family fiercely and if she claims you as one of her kids you better believe she treats you as if she gave birth to you herself.

"Five dollars in the swear jar and dish duty tonight." Melissa declares with a smile on her face as she comes to stand in front of me.

"Awww! I hate dish duty!" I whine stomping my feet slightly earning a snicker from everyone in the room.

"You want to make it two nights young lady?" She challenges raising a perfectly manicured eyebrow and crossing her arms.

"No ma'am." I sigh in defeat.

"I didn't think so. Now give me a hug. I've missed you so much!" She exclaims enveloping me in a warm hug.

"I've missed you too mom." I whisper returning the hug.

"Scott, why don't you show Zoe to her room so she can settle in for a bit before dinner." Melissa says while gently pushing me towards Scott.

"Sure. Right this way." Scott says gesturing for me to follow him.

...

"Well here it is. I'll come get you when it's time for dinner. I'm really glad you're here Zo." Scott says hugging me one last time before heading back downstairs.

I look around the room and was really surprised at how big the room is. It has a gorgeous bay window with a seat under it. A huge, comfy looking queen sized bed and a dresser with a couple of night stands. I have a walk in closet. I've never had a walk in closet. Finally I notice another door and when I open it I find I have my own bathroom.

After looking around some more I decide to take a shower. Grabbing some clothes and some bathroom essentials I head to the bathroom and turn the water on. Removing my clothes I look at my reflection in the mirror. I sigh looking at the bruises that cover my torso. Blinking back tears I turn away from the mirror and step into the shower. After the most relaxing shower in my life I dress and return to my room. Sitting on the bed I pull out the photo album I found on one of the shelves when I was looking around. Looking at all the pictures of Scott and even myself when I was younger brought a smile to my face. I must've been exhausted because the next thing I knew I was asleep.

A/N: Well here's the first chapter. I have about seven chapters roughly written right now. I'm not sure how often I will update. Constructive criticism is always welcome. -Britt