This is my first fan fiction that I have posted. I normally write for myself but I think I should start getting the opinions of others. Constructive criticism would be lovely.
Summary: Veda's parents are hiding something; she is sure of that. After dragging her all over the country, like their on the run, they settle down in Beacon Hills where apparently everyone has a secret. She is tired of the lies and excuses and is determined to find the truth. As always, it is easier said than done. IsaacXOC
Teen Wolf – Reinventing Your Exit
Chapter 1:: A Better Place, A Better Time
A girl stared out the SUV's back passenger window - a small frown upon her face as she saw the 'Welcome to Beacon Hills' sign. In the front seats her father and mother joked about something that she didn't care to overhear. She ran her fingers through her strawberry brunette, hip-length hair, undoing the braid she put in it yet again, and decided to focus on the dribbles of rain that ran across her window instead of the leaves on the trees that were starting to turn beautiful shades of reds and oranges - promises that fall was on its way. Her unorganized thoughts were suddenly disturbed as her father slammed on the breaks, tires screeching on the wet pavement.
"Is everyone okay?" The adult male asked, his hand instinctively reached over his wife's body. "Yes." The girl breathed out from the back seat - her lungs let out a breath of relief. A Columbian black -tailed deer stared at them, the car only inches away, it blinked twice as if it wasn't just in the danger of being hit. After the brief moment it continued on its merry way into the woods. The car sat motionless for another moment as if waiting for a second deer to join the first - then it slowly proceeded further into town.
Dr. Deaton leaned over a female German shepherd as he carefully rewrapped her leg; she had been a stray that had been found with a badly broken leg in the woods. Soon she would be up on the adoption list and hopefully it wouldn't be long after until she went home. A small flash of lighting came through the window, as the storm started picking up. He thought momentarily if Scott was going to make it in time for his shift.
The dog whined on the table and shortly after the front door bell jingling caught the doctor's attention. "Be right there!" He called out as he lifted the canine off the table and walked, as she slowly limped, to her kennel.
In the front office was a couple probably in their late 30s to early 40s. The two were shaking the rain water off their jackets; the woman reached up with her sleeve and wiped a rain drop of her partner's nose. The man had a medium build, a tough look about his features but his brown eyes were kind. The woman next to him smiled as Deaton made his presence known. She seemed to be the complete opposite from her husband, light and bubbly. "What can I help you with?" The veterinarian asked them with a smile of his own.
"We have just moved to town yesterday and we were looking around when we came upon your facility. Out front it says that you have some animals that are up for adoption and we were wondering how to go about adopting one? You see our daughter - she's in the car ... well this move hasn't been the easiest thing for her. We wanted to get her a friend, she's been so lonely." The woman stated.
Dr. Deaton smiled at them. "I normally don't have animals up for adoption here, but I have had some strays that were brought here for medical attention and have never seemed to make their way to the county animal shelter. Were you interested in a canine companion or a feline?"
"Canine." "Feline." The husband and wife looked at each other and laughed.
"I would like a feline." The wife smiled at her husband.
"I would like a canine." He smiled back.
Deaton looked at the two of them - neither wanting to change their decision. "You just stated that this would be a friend for your daughter. Why not have her come in and choose? There is application process - no fee required though."
"Oh, I'll go get her." The woman stated leaving the husband in the office.
"So, where did you move from if you don't mind me asking?" Deaton asked as he made a note on the German shepherd's file.
The man looked at him and sighed. "We have moved several times over the past seven years. It's like everywhere we go disaster just follows. We just recently moved from Utah, but we were only there for four months." He paused for a moment. "The name is Tug by the way. Tug Sennett." He held out his hand.
"Alan Deaton," He put his pen down and shook the awaiting hand. "nice to meet you Mr. Sennett."
"It will only take a moment, I promise." A voice broke into the office as Mrs. Sennett came back in, re-shaking the rain water off her figure.
"I really don't see the point - we are just going to move again. I don't like putting that stress on an animal." A girl stated her arms down at her sides as her mother ushered her into the office.
"It will work out this time." The woman replied back as she guided her daughter over to the desk her father and the veterinarian were standing at. "Veda, this is..." The woman stopped as she realized she didn't know the veterinarian's name.
"Dr. Deaton." The man finished for the woman. "Nice to meet you."
The girl nodded her head, her gray eyes never meeting his though.
"Did you want to look at the animals?" He asked.
The girl shrugged her shoulders. "Sure."
The front door bell jingled again, signaling a new arrival. "Ah Scott, just in time." Dr. Deaton looked at the boy who just entered the room. His hoodie was soaked as he pushed it back from his head. "Sorry - Stiles jeep wasn't working - I had to bike it here." He stated.
The doctor looked at the clock. "You're still five minutes early." He chuckled. "When you get settled can you show Veda here around? Her family was considering adopting one of the animals." He smiled. "I'll go over the adoption procedure with you while she looks around." He stated to the Sennetts.
"Uh, sure." Scott took the hoodie off and ran it to the back to place it on coat rack. He quickly made his way over to the family - he knew adoptions were important to Alan and wanted to make sure that they were going to end up with an animal that wouldn't be returned because it wasn't the right pet for them. "Hi, I'm Scott." He greeted them with a smile.
"Hello there young man. I'm Tug, this is my wife Julie and this is our daughter, Veda." The man pointed out his family members and then shook Scott's hand. Scott then looked at the girl and almost frowned. She didn't look too excited to be here. "So did you want to see the cats or dogs?" He asked her.
She finally looked him in the eyes. "Can I see both?" She asked.
"Sure, just follow me. I'll show you the cats first." He walked over to the hallway with her following and held open the door. "After you." He stated acting as gentlemanly as possible. She didn't look at him as she passed, but he did notice a familiar yet different smell around her, he couldn't figure it out though. He shrugged it off as maybe the perfume she was wearing.
The cats meowed loudly as they entered the room, as least this time they weren't freaking out too much. Veda raised a brow at their behavior. "They must be hungry - they know I feed them." He stated and she seemed to accept the excuse. She took her time looking at each cat and kitten - he noticed that she didn't look at the kittens very long but has looked at the adults longer.
"Do you have a favorite?" She asked suddenly causing him to flinch in surprise.
"I like Cole; he's three years old now so he might not be what you're looking for. I don't have a favorite kitten because they usually get adopted faster and I never really get to know them."
She nodded her head as she skimmed the cats for Cole. Once she found him she looked at him more closely as leaned in. The black cat stared back at her with his golden/orange eyes. A loud single meow erupted from his mouth and she cracked a tiny quick smile. If Scott blinked he would have missed it. "I prefer older animals. Everyone wants to save the kittens and puppies but not everyone thinks about the adults. The adults were babies too at one point." She stood back up straight and looked at Scott. "Can I see the dogs now?"
He was momentarily surprised at her response; he was used to people coming in to see kittens. "Uh, yeah."
Veda blinked twice at him. "Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, you just kinda took me by surprise. Not a lot of people prefer the cats over kittens. I assumed you to be the same, sorry about that." She just nodded her head. "It's fine - society is like that. They collect ideas about people and what they're like upon meeting them. It's only when we get to know them that opinions change."
He smiled at her and led her out of the room and toward the dogs. "So, are you new to town or are you from the next town over? I just don't think I have ever seen you at school."
She frowned for a moment. "Yes, I am new to town. My parents just finished moving in today. I'm from Utah but I'm originally from Maine." She stated before he could ask. "I'll be attending Beacon Hills High School starting on Monday." She added on as they entered the kennels.
"How old are you?" He asked. "These guys aren't up for adoption - they were just fixed." He stated quickly.
"I'm seventeen."
"Cool. Maybe we will have a few classes together. I'm seventeen as well." He paused as he watched her looking a West Highland Terrier. "What made you move to Beacon Hills?"
"My parents." She stated.
"Oh, well... yeah. I mean-"
Veda cut him off with a small laugh. "I was kidding. We moved because Utah sucked, even though it was a safe enough place they just wanted to make sure I was super safe and moved my ass here. It seems nice here though. Actually I shouldn't really say that yet - this is the first place I've been. I thought the same about Utah but I got bored fast." She turned to look at him, and that's when he noticed her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Parents are so pushy - don't you think so too? I mean they want me to pick out a friend to adopt when they will just be moving me again in three to six months." She sighed. "Sorry - I didn't mean to lay that all on you. As you can probably tell I don't normally have someone to talk to - why make friends when they won't last long?" Her face went back to the emotionless facade she wore when they first exchanged names.
"No, it's alright." He stated as he felt bad for her. He was sure there was more to the story like why her parents wanted her to be safe but it wasn't any of his business. After all, he was already surprised that she talked as much as she did. He figured this was going to be a very quiet tour of the animals with maybe a question here or there. This girl seemed to be just full of ways to destroy his assumptions.
In the front office Dr. Deaton had gone over the adoption policy with the Sennetts and was just having a casual conversation as Mrs. Sennett filled out the adoption application. "So you have moved around at lot." He stated as he just learned they were originally from Maine.
"It has been a long and winding road. I feel positive about Beacon Hills - we are hoping that life will start anew with greater possibilities. I really wish that Veda could see this. It's part of the reason we want to get her a pet - we hope it will symbolize the realm of possibilities that are here." Mrs. Sennett stated as she handed over the completed paperwork.
Alan started looking it over right away. So far he had come to like the new family in his office and by the looks of the replies to the application questions he liked them even more.
"Are you hiring?" Tug blurted out suddenly surprising both Julie and Alan. "Sorry - that was a little sudden. This is all just very sudden - but you seem like such a nice guy and your facility looks great." He paused for a moment and looked at his wife sitting on the bench. "It's just we have dragged Veda all over the country and she never really got to make friends. She's been so distant, and I know she's lonely. We want what is best for our daughter but ever since her brother has died we don't know what to do. The only thing that we know brings the light back to her eyes are animals. I can feel change happening right now for our daughter but I don't want it to end with just adopting an animal. I want to see that light all the time."
Alan looked at the parents again - they both looked so defeated, how could this be the same couple that was giggling over the fact they wanted a different species of animal for a pet. "I am sorry for your losses. Emotional pain is not something that can be taken away easily from someone's heart. The road you all have travelled seems as rocky as a ship in a storm. I can offer the position of desk help to your daughter but it will only be up to her if she wants to take it. I do need a little more help around here though."
The couple smiled weakly at him in thanks. "You have no idea how grateful we are to hear that. Thank you." Julie stated.
Veda came into the room suddenly, Scott right behind her while a small smile on his face. "I'm sorry to interrupt - but that German shepherd is for adoption?" She asked her eyes wide with surprise.
Deaton smiled. "Not quite yet - she still needs time to heal. She's a great dog though. Were you interest in her?" He asked.
"Yes." She stated.
"Are you sure?" He asked.
"Yes, I have never been so sure on something like this in my life. I just know she's the perfect dog. Mom, Dad - you need to come see her. She's adorable." She looked over at her parents and there it was, plain as day for the two clinic workers to notice - the light in her eyes and the smile on her face. Veda was glowing - this was a complete 180 of the girl who walked in the door.
Julie smiled at her daughter. "If she's who you want to adopt and you are that certain then there is no need to even think about it. When will she be ready for adoption?"
Alan loved the change in the young girl in the office and thought about the question the mother had just asked him. "I truly can't say for sure - she has been healing nicely, there was just some muscle damage that I am slightly concerned about. When she came to us her leg was broken in two different places." He paused as he prepared his question for the slightly disappointed girl. "I have a great idea though. I could use some help in the office here, keeping track of appointments and answering phones. You can assist in helping me take care of her leg and you'll be able to visit her and make a bond while she is still in the healing process." He paused for a moment as the shocked look came upon the girl's features. "I'll pay you $9 an hour and work around your schedule."
Veda was still shocked. "Are you joking?"
"No - actually I am very serious. I enjoyed talking to your parents - you all seem to be a nice family. Plus you'll be able to see your new dog."
Veda smiled and lightly bounced on her heels twice. "Thank you so much. I would love that. When would you like me to start?"
Deaton laughed a little. "How about you get settled in your new house and give me a call when you're done. We can make arrangements over the phone and figure out your schedule." He passed her a business card with his information on it.
"Thank you so much." The girl stated again causing the vet to laugh again "It's not a big deal - now go home and get settled. I'll be awaiting your call."
Her father shook Alan's and Scott's hand again, while Julie hugged her daughter and placed a kiss on her head. "Thank you." The woman mouthed to the doctor, who nodded slightly. "We will see you soon." Tug stated as his family walked to the door.
"See ya soon Veda." Scott called out. She paused for a moment and smiled again. "Thanks for showing me around, Scott. See you later." The door closed behind the three as they moved quickly to their vehicle to stay somewhat dry.
Scott stood next to his boss and sighed. "She smelled different." He stated. "Not human like her parents but then again, not werewolf either. Just ... different." He looked over to the older man to see what his reaction to this news would be.
Alan just smiled. "It's fine - we will keep an eye on her. I don't think she's a danger - just lost." He turned around and headed for the back. "Help me clean the surgery packs, I've had them soaking in the solutions." Scott took one more glance out the front door, the SUV pulling out of the lot and back onto the road; a look of determination came upon him before he followed the man to the back room.
The next day the front door jingled as Veda walked in. She had called the veterinarian the night before - too excited to wait any days before starting to work - and was prepared for work. "Good morning Dr. Deaton." She greeted him as he stood at the front desk. He looked behind him at the clock. 10:34. "You're here early. I did say 11 correct?" He asked.
She paused in her steps over to him. "I'm sorry - I just figured I come early to fill out employment paperwork and then check up on the shepherd. I hope this wasn't a problem." She knew she shouldn't have let her excitement get the best of her. "Oh, no it's fine. I'm just used to Scott just making it in time or being a little late nowadays." His response allowed her to breathe lightly.
Veda sat at the bench filling out the employee paperwork while Alan really looked at her. She wore her long hair in a braid that fell over the left shoulder in front of her body. Her nails were not long nor painted - actually she didn't even have make up on - well mascara but that was all. Her clothes were simple jeans, sneakers and a plain red t-shirt. She had two earrings in each ear and a necklace that had a wolf for the pendant.
"You must like wolves?" Alan asked out loud causing her to look up at him with a confused look. "Your necklace is a wolf pendant - is it not?" Her hand absent mindedly reached up for the choker. "Oh yes, I love wolves. My brother gave this to me for my 10th birthday." She smiled at him before going back to the paperwork. He frowned remembering that her mother had told him that her brother had passed away. He shook his head and looked her over again in hopes to see something that he might have missed, but she seemed pretty human - nothing really stated otherwise. That meant if she's not human and she's not a werewolf, then she was possibly 100 other things.
Veda handed over the paperwork once she was finished and looked at the clock - she still had 10 minutes until 11. "Can I go see the dog now?" She asked. He nodded his head as he looked over her paperwork to make sure she filled out all the required fields. An odd thing struck him and as he went to ask her about it he realized she was already out of the office. He shook his head, amused.
The girl was found sitting in the kennel with her new dog, the canine's head rested on the female's lap as she whispered bitter sweet things that one could say to a dog. "Good girl." The tail was thumping wildly against the kennel wall. "Veda," Alan spoke grabbing her attention from the other side of the kennel door. "I thought your family was the Sennett's?" He questioned.
She frowned as she nodded her head. "That is true." Deaton was confused as he looked down at the paperwork. "You put your name down as Veda Devoto." Was she part of witness protection program and forgot the new name they gave her? It would make sense as to why her family has moved around so much. "I'm adopted." She broke his thoughts. He looked up at her, slightly shocked. He was not expecting that. "My parents died in a freak accident. Their car was rear ended by a Mac truck - except the truck followed after them and they were crushed in-between the truck and forest trees."
Alan frowned at the girl. "I'm sorry for -"
She cut him off sharply. "Don't." She blinked twice. "It's a waste of breath. It happened when I was five so I don't really remember them much. It seems death follows me around - so I'm quite used to it." She went back to petting her dog's head.
"Yes, you're mother told me your brother had passed away."
She visibly flinched. "Brothers." She corrected him. "I'm sorry - what was that?" He asked. She looked back at him. "Brothers. Both of my brothers have died." He frowned. "I'm sor-" He stopped himself. "Sorry - reaction is always to apologize." She forced a smile. "It's okay. It's funny really, in some sort of sick way. My entire real family is dead - either murdered or died in some accident. My adopted parents thought that by moving around that I could get away from that dark history. I think Beacon Hills is their hope that the dark hour is over and that the dawn will rise above us."
"I didn't mean to upset you."
"You didn't - this is just something that I haven't talked about in a while. I'm used to it all. It's not a big deal. I mean it was when it happened - but now it's just something that happened and it's not going to change."
Alan felt sorry for the girl but at the same time he didn't know what to say to make things better. "Don't worry I gave you the short version of the story. I try not to think about it. After all, what will thinking do?" She looked at her watch and noticed it was 11. "So - what should I do first boss?"
What did you think?
