Chapter 1. Welcome To Beacon Hills


"You're going to love Beacon Hills." The cheery real-estate agent said, leading the Argent family into their new home in Beacon Hills, California. Olivia Argent – the youngest daughter of Christopher Argent – rolled her eyes, mumbling, "I loved San Francisco."

"Olivia." Christopher Argent warned, not bothering to turn around knowing Olivia understood his warning.

Because even though Olivia was angry about moving, she wasn't angry – or stupid – enough to argue with her father in front of the realtor. "Fine."

Allison rested a hand on her sister's shoulder, silently hoping Olivia would find the gesture comforting instead of annoying; Olivia was unpredictable about that kind of thing. Thankfully, Olivia didn't flinch or shrug her off, instead leaning – very slightly – into her sister, who smiled brightly.

Suddenly, Olivia found herself with an urgent desire to go outside and interrupted the conversation, "Dad." He immediately saw the panic in his daughter's eyes and turned to the confused real-estate agent – and his equally confused wife – "I'm sorry," before following Olivia outside.

He closed the door behind them and thought about his options; Olivia was either going to have a 'panic attack' and hurt herself or 'panic and attack' and hurt someone else – probably him – and neither would be good. "I can't control it Dad." Olivia groaned, digging her long fingernails into her palms while breathing deeply and unevenly. "I'm-"

Her heart was beating out of her chest; eyes squeezed shut. Her veins struggling to pump blood through every vesicle to each artery; lungs rubbing together like sandpaper. And fire. So much fire…

"Olivia." He watched in awe as Olivia's body slowly relaxed and hands unclenched, "Livy." He gently took her hands into his own, expecting to find traces of blood and scratch marks from her fingernails penetrating the sensitive skin of her palms; but saw nothing but her baby-soft prefect skin.

She owlishly blinked her eyes open, revealing her glassy azure irises and long swept lashes, "Dad?" She continued to blink, trying to remember…

He exhaled, pulling his youngest daughter into a tight hug. "What happened?"

Truthfully, Olivia didn't know, but her father worried too much already. "I- I think it's because I spent a lot of the day in the car or because I was so mad about moving, or…" She wasn't completely lying, but was still embarrassed nonetheless.

"You're-" The door opened abruptly, "Call if you have any questions." The realtor instructed, leading the oldest two female Argent's outside.

Victoria Argent smiled politely. "Of course. Thank you." She waited until the agent's car drove off before turning to her husband and youngest daughter. "I presume Olivia's indiscretions have been handled?"

Olivia scoffed. "I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

"Olivia." Christopher Argent warned, squeezing her shoulder gently. "Would you give Allison a proper tour of the house, Vic? I'll finish talking to Liv." Victoria sighed, nodded, and led Allison inside.

He waited for his oldest daughter to close the door and sat down on the steps. "Sit." Olivia looked annoyed, but sat down next to him on the second step. "Dad I'm really tired; I should go to bed. Or I'll help Ally unpack."

"You're not in trouble Livy." Olivia's eyes narrowed. "Then why'd Ally have to go inside?"

"Olivia, I want you to promise me that Beacon Hills won't turn into San Francisco. I need you to promise me." He explained.

"I promise. Can I go inside now?"

"Do you understand?"

Olivia shot up, and exclaimed, "I understand Dad. I understand, I do! You are the one who needs to understand; understand that I can't change who I am, I can't change what I am."

"That's not what I meant Olivia."

"Sure it is Dad!" She climbed down the steps. "I don't understand why I am not enough?"

He called after her again and got nothing in response. "Liv!" He tried one last time, resigned to the fact that Olivia wasn't going to answer or come back. "Damn it." He scrubbed a hand down his face, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths in and out. "Damn it, Olivia."


Olivia tried to ignore how much bigger the new house appeared, how much nicer the neighborhood seemed, and most of all; how much safer she felt – safe enough to be outside alone after dark – in Beacon Hills. Not that it mattered, she still didn't want to move and she definitely knew the difference between feeling safe and being safe and she wasn't taking any chances this time.

She followed the road until it met at an intersection, and was about to turn back and go home, but stopped at the sight of a Jeep racing down the oncoming street. Interest piqued, she followed the Jeep all the way to a clearing – officially a closed entrance to a preserve – where it parked and two boys climbed out of either side. They were bickering – Olivia figured they were brothers – and didn't notice her presence until she could no longer suppress her laughter. Cover blown, she took a small step closer to the two boys, smiling shyly. "Hi, I'm Olivia. I moved in earlier and I was walking around and I saw your Jeep and…"

They looked at each other before the taller one cleared his throat, "I- I'm Stiles. This is Scott. Welcome to Beacon Hills." The other boy didn't say anything, but raised a hand in a waving gesture. They both came off as very socially awkward and Olivia found herself liking them already.

"Thanks, I didn't actually- I mean, I should go. It was nice meeting you both. Sorry for interrupting whatever it was you were doing." She stammered.

"Yeah, uh…" Scott started, and Stile interrupted. "Or you could help us look for the body."

Olivia's brows knitted together, eyeing Stiles curiously. "I probably shouldn't… but you seem nice, so… I'd love too."

"What? Oh. Alright, come on!" The one called Stiles exclaimed. "This way."

She followed them further into the woods – against, what should've been her better judgement – and listened to them talk about school and sports, laughing every time Stiles made a sarcastic comment. "Everyone should have a dream. Even one as pathetically unrealistic as that."

Scott was lagging behind as they trudged uphill. "Maybe the severe asthmatic should be the one holding the flashlight." He suggested, stopping to use his inhaler.

Not thinking, Olivia mentioned, "I used to have asthma," earning herself a curious glance from Stiles – who turned around specifically to ask – and a confused look from Scott. "You used to have asthma?"

Thankfully – for Olivia – before she could stumble out an explanation, Stiles reached the top of the ridge and after seeing the line of officers and their K-9 companions, took off running. Effectively abandoning Olivia- and Scott; who stopped to use his inhaler again, far behind and panicking. He tried to stay out of the searcher's view, but accidently ran straight into one and crashed to the ground; dogs barking and deputies shouting, "Stay where you are!"

Olivia became more confused – and panicked – every passing moment; even more when Scott grabbed her waist and pulled her directly against him, covering her mouth with his hand. Scott was pressed against a tree – shielding them from prying eyes – and Olivia was pressed flush against Scott. She could feel her heartbeat quickening, and prayed not to have an anxiety attack in front of Scott.

"Scott! You out there? Scott?" The Sherriff asked, shining his flashlight in their – Olivia and Scott's – direction.

He turned to Stiles, "Well Stiles," leading him away from the area – effectively leaving Scott and Olivia stranded – and towards his Jeep. "You and I are going to have a long talk about something called invasion of privacy…"

Olivia quickly untangled herself from Scott. "It's not you, I just- sometimes I don't like being touched." She spoke with a certain level of ambiguity, leaving Scott confused and desperate to know more.

"Why?"

Before Olivia could answer, Scott tumbled down a hilltop, flipping three times to ultimately land at the bottom. She was trying to slide down the hilltop herself, stopping abruptly when a stampede of deer came barreling through trampling Scott. Taking a deep breath, Olivia flung herself downwards landing safely on the damp, leaf covered ground; she started towards Scott, but was catapulted back by a large black animal and unable to do anything as the beast bit Scott. "Scott? You okay?" Olivia asked, glancing him over for injuries; satisfied by not finding any open wounds.

"Yeah," Scott groaned, taking Olivia's proffered hand. "Let's get out of here."

Olivia nodded, "Yeah. Sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Olivia." He reassured. "Where do you live? I should probably walk you home."

"Thanks." She stifled a laugh. "But I'm in enough trouble; I'll see you tomorrow. Keep me posted on that body… and yours."

Olivia smiled the entire walk home, finding herself thinking she might like Beacon Hills after all.


To be continued...