Married to Darkness

I don't own Teen Wolf

Several months after the Anuk-Ite

Theo slowly stepped away from the warehouse, a black duffel over his shoulder, his dry black T-shirt quickly moistened from the sweat of the last shift as his black sweat pants began to stick to his legs. The rims of his sneakers lit up blue with each step as he slowly made his way to his truck, which was parked underneath a street light on the vacant street. He sighed as he opened the passenger side door and tossed the duffel inside before making his way to the driver's side door. His mind wandered to the events of months ago, when he last worked with the McCall pack. He turned on the radio as he drove and inhaled deeply. He almost gagged on his work fragrance, sweat, money, other people's sweat from being proverbially locked into a tiny space around each other. He lowered the window and continued to let his mind wander as he drove back to the place that became his home.

The air cracked with finality in Beacon Hills Hospital. The fight against the hunters and the Anuk-Ite raged but the part devoted to the hospital was reaching its conclusion. Gabe laid against the glass doors of the secured medical cabinets, the last flicker of light faded from his eyes. Theo slowly pulled his hand back, the sear of the taken pain slowly dulled as he stood. A lone tear formed in his eye and traced down his face as he stared at the body of the young man in front of him. Theo reflected on why this felt so different from the times before when he took pain, before he was banished to his personal hell. The realization struck, this was the first time he took someone's pain that didn't result in him taking their life. This was done out of mercy, not survival. He also realized that Gabe and he weren't all that different. The boy acted out of sheer survival in the madness that was Beacon Hills and the supernatural world. He chose to take power to live and that very choice is what led to the end of his life. He took a few deep breaths before he turned to face McCall's pack. Corey and Mason joined Liam and Melissa as they witnessed the sliver of an expression of humanity from Theo.

Theo walked over to the pack, a look of confusion held as he touched his face and wiped away the lone tear.

Mason gasped, "You took his pain?"

Liam glanced over to Mason, a slight smile of approval and softly spoke, "Yeah, he did."

Theo smirked, "I am standing right in front of you."

Theo shook his head out of the reverie when he realized he was still stopped at a red light that just turned green. He glanced over at the clock on the radio and saw that it was shortly after 3 AM.

He enjoyed the cool air as he passed by the outskirts of the preserve on his way. Theo mumbled to himself, "I wonder what trouble they are in now?"

As soon as the words exited his mouth a scent caught his nose. Anger, followed by pain. The unmistakable scent of a werewolf: Liam. Internally he rolled his eyes and drove toward the scent.

He reached an entrance to the preserve easily and noticed two black trucks parked on the side of the road. He pulled up and parked behind them. The smell of munitions hit him as he parked and he reached into his center console and fished out one of many flip phones that filled it. As he slid out the truck, turning on the phone he glanced to his feet and noticed the soles of his shoes light up blue. He groaned as he removed them and his socks and tossed them into the truck. He listened for heartbeats and heard none close as he sauntered over to the rear truck. He tossed the flip phone into the back as he extended his claws. After slashing the rear tires of both trucks he picked up Liam's scent again. While the smells merged, he picked up six distinct scents, Liam was by himself being pursued by 5 hunters. Theo rolled his eyes and muttered, "Great" before he bounded into the tree line towards the beta.

Liam cursed himself under his breath as he darted through the forest. He knew that he should've waited for Corey and Mason. He knew he should've let Nolan come with him. He knew he should've said something or left behind a note before he drove his mother's car to the preserve chasing a rumor. He couldn't help it though. Monroe's hunters were in town, not just any hunter but hunters who personally answer to Monroe.

As he weaved through the forest, the smells of guns and oil grew stronger. He skidded to a halt at the base of a large tree. His breath fogged up the crisp night air. He took a moment to calm his nerves as the gunshot graze to his left shoulder continued to knit and close up. "These hunters are different, better than the ones we've dealt with recently ", the young wolf thought to himself.

He heard movement several hundred yards off to his right and darted in the opposite direction. He caught the scent of freedom as he pushed himself with every ounce of fury that pumped through his veins. His stride grew as he sprinted further away from the men in pursuit. He saw the edge of the preserve and road and felt his chance to get free from them was only several hundred feet away. That's when it hit him.

An immense, powerful force knocked the young wolf to the forest floor, blue electricity and shockwaves rippled in the air. He mumbled, "Mountain Ash?" He heard a pair of heartbeats as a man in black fatigues stepped out of the shadows towards the prone wolf.

The man said, "Thought it might be a good idea to set up a fence. Can't outrun a wall." A malicious grin formed on the man's face as he extended his shock baton. Liam scrambled to get to his feet but the slick, mud floor of the forest fought against him. He instinctively flinched as the raised baton swung down towards him. But the blow never came. As he slowly opened his eyes, he heard the body fall and another figure stood in its place.

"Theo?"

Theo smirked and said, "Good thing you remember, so can we leave? I am not dying for you tonight."

Liam quickly got to his feet and said, "But the Mountain Ash..." but was quickly cut off, "Is broken. Let's go, my truck isn't far."

The wolf and chimera ran into the underbrush by the road and made their way back to the trucks. When they reached them Liam looked to Theo, "You parked behind them?"

Theo glared at Liam, "Yeah. Now do you mind doing the honors and setting off their security systems?"

Liam snorted, "What?"

Theo rolled his eyes and slammed his fist into the lead truck's front quarter panel which set off the strobing of its lights and the honking of its horn. As they passed the second truck, Liam followed suit. Theo opened his truck and Liam quickly hopped into the passenger side as Theo started the truck. As they drove away they caught a glimpse of the hunters leaving the woods and getting into their trucks. Theo slowed his movement to a crawl and Liam glared at him, "What are you doing?"

Theo continued looking in the rearview and said, "Waiting to see if it worked." Both trucks started up but quickly became bogged in the mud as the deflated tires dug into the mud. Theo began laughing as they drove into the town.

The anger bled from Liam as he glared at Theo, "You did that just to see them get stuck?"

Theo shot a smirk to Liam, "I did that so I can make sure we aren't being followed."

Liam shook his head and said, "It's good to see you."

Theo coldly asked, "Why were you out there, alone? Where is your pack?"

Liam sighed and said, "I heard that Monroe's hunters…"

Theo raised his right hand and said, "Stop right there. Yeah, I heard the same rumor. It reeked of a trap."

Liam retorted, "Yeah but it was a chance to find out where she is."

Theo glanced over, "And your pack agreed to this?"

Liam looked to the floorboard and said, "Well, no, but…"

Liam's head shot up, "My mom's car. It's at the park entrance. We have to go get it."

Theo let out a long sigh, "Not a chance. Tell her to report it stolen and let the sheriff deal with it. I wouldn't be surprised if the hunters trapped it or just used the license to track down where you live."

Reality set in and Liam muttered, "Oh shit."

Theo rolled his eyes and said, "Alright, looks like you are staying with me for the evening." He took an abrupt turn and headed towards the school."

Liam said, "I thought you were living out of your truck?" As soon as the words left his mouth, the young wolf instantly regretted it.

Theo coldly replied, "No, I found a place, for the moment."

Liam said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean…"

Once again Theo interrupted, "I know what you meant."

They rode in silence and Theo pulled his truck past the lacrosse field and parked it next to the maintenance shack behind the school. He turned the truck off and slide on his shoes as he grabbed the duffel from the back seat. Liam slowly slid out of the truck and followed Theo to the shack's entrance.

Liam whispered, "You live in the maintenance shack?"

Theo smirked, "No. Step inside." Theo opened the door and the smells of gasoline and stale cut grass hit them. Theo walked over to the far corner of the small building and reached down. He pulled open a secret door and began to descend the ladder into the tunnel. When he reached the bottom, he looked up to see Liam staring at him.

"Are you coming down or did you decide you wanted to sleep next to John Deere?"

Liam quickly descended the ladder and closed the secret door behind himself. The tunnel was dark and smelled of mildew and rodents. Liam flashed his eyes and caught up to Theo, the blue flashes of his sneakers giving away his position easily. They navigated several hundred feet of winding tunnels before they reached a large metal door. Theo set his claws into an indentation for a clawed hand and turned the metal slab. As the door slid open, light spilled into the tunnel. Theo stepped inside and tossed his duffel next to a cot with linens on it.

Liam looked around and marveled at the mixture of stone and metal walls. The cot was placed along the left wall, tidy with two large black gorilla chests underneath. Next to it was a large metal desk with push pin walls, clearly acquired from the administration section of the school. A single laptop sat in the center, surrounded by a mixture of ancient tomes and modern high school and college textbooks. Various papers hung from push pins on the walls that flanked the desk. A space heater sat tucked against the desk. A large black curtain hung from string and hooks from the ceiling which separated the room from the other half. On the right side there was a mini fridge which had a bowl of mixed fresh fruits on top. Next to it, lining the right wall was a bench press and several loose weights. Strings of extension cords and lights hung from loops in the ceiling to the various electrical appliances.

Theo opened one of the top drawers on the desk and tossed a thick wad of cash in it before stepping behind the curtain. He said, "Don't just stand there admiring my home, step in and close the door."

Liam stepped inside and pushed the door closed. When he did he noticed a faint blue glow. Theo said, "The structure is lined with mountain ash. Only those allowed in can open it. Never can be too careful."

A loud rumbling came from behind the curtain as Theo stepped back into the living area with a cot and more blankets in hand.

Liam asked, "How are you living here?"

Theo began to set up the cot in the open area in the center of the room. He smirked and said, "Rent free."

Liam shook his head, "I thought this was the vault for the Hales."

Theo nodded, "It is. Vault's in the other half of the structure."

Liam nodded, "Then how are you here?"

Theo grinned, "Let's just say Peter and I have an understanding."

A few months earlier

Theo parked his truck in the parking lot of Beacon High. He realized it would be easy to sneak in during school hours and take a shower and get cleaned up. As he walked to the rear entrance of the gym the faint smell of mildew caught his nose. He followed it to the maintenance shack, which was mostly unused during the colder months of the year. After breaking the exterior lock, he snuck inside. The smell of mildew continued to grow stronger as he searched the small shack. While the exterior looked new with a fresh coat of red paint, the floorboards looked considerably older. He stepped lightly on the wood until he reached a section near the far back corner that sounded different. He brushed aside the scraps of old grass and moved a couple of bags of fertilizer until he noticed the faint lines of a pull hook for an entrance. When he pulled it open, the smell of mildew grew stronger.

He slowly lowered himself into the tunnels and walked, faded familiar scents caught him. He recognized the scent of Malia and followed it. After several winding tunnels he reached the frame of a door, blown off its hinge from a concussive blast. He slowly pushed it open and stepped inside a large room. The walls, where they weren't fractured and beginning to cave in from the outside earth, were scorched. He walked into the room and found the source of Malia's scent, a torn piece of a flannel shirt.

Theo admired the room and walked to the furthest point in. To his right stood another broken door, a rolling entrance to an empty vault. He grinned and contemplated how he could utilize the structure. He heard the sounds of classes overhead which distracted him from the footsteps at the entrance.

Peter said, "Well, if it isn't the fake wolf."

Theo quickly turned around and flashed his eyes. Peter followed suit. The older werewolf commented, "Wow, if lost and found didn't become a person. Do you own a mirror? You should invest in one."

Theo realized he looked terrible, and didn't smell much better. His face was dirty and patchy with facial hair. His usual coif was greasy and ruffled. His mixture of dark flannel, t shirt and jeans that missed the laundry for over a week didn't help matters. He glared at the well cleaned and manicured wolf and said, "What do you want?"

"I want you to leave so I can get this place repaired and move some things into my vault."

Theo smirked, "And what if I don't want to leave?"

Peter casually shrugged before he wolfed out and charged Theo. Peter reached back and overhand slashed at Theo. While Peter was strong, Theo was hungry. The chimera stepped into the bringing his clawed hand underneath which caught his target in the gut. Theo spun out of the way of the falling limb and thrust back his elbow into the back of Peter's neck and sent the elder wolf into the wall. Theo turned around to continue but Peter held out his hand and said, "Enough. You tore my new shirt."

Theo snarled at the comment and Peter calmly reverted. "How about a deal then? I want this fixed and you want a place to call your den. I am going to have this fixed and you can supervise the work and help move some things into the vault when it's finished."

Theo rolled his eyes as he reverted, "You just don't want to be down here while it's being fixed. Don't think for a second that I am going to accept your charity."

Peter smiled, "Exactly. First, I don't deal with child support. I also need a guard dog for when it's finished. You can be like Cerberus, but less cool."

Theo shook his head, "Whatever."

Peter extended his hand to shake Theo's, "Glad we could come to an understanding."

When Theo finished setting up the cot with linens, Liam sat down. He glared at Theo, "You know Scott is mad at you."

Theo sat on his cot and rolled his eyes, "When is your alpha not mad at me?"

Liam's anger rose, "He said you agreed to look out for us."

Theo nodded, "Exactly, that's what I've been doing."

Liam leaned back in surprise, "What?"

Theo smirked, "What? You think hunters just show up zip tied, bound and gagged at the Sheriff's station by accident?"

Liam mumbled, "We thought that was someone else."

Theo shook his head, "Nope. I have tried to head off these problems before you and the remainder of the pack living in Beacon Hills has to. I know everything that has happened. It's easy to keep an eye on you when I live under the school."

Liam smiled slightly, "I didn't know that you cared."

Theo smirked, "I don't. You four just have big targets on your backs and it's easier for me to deal with them before they realize I am even here. If you didn't notice, I am just the drifter that most people don't even know exists."

Liam asked, "Then why don't you join the pack? I convinced them before, I know they would let you now. You don't need to keep proving yourself. I know you've changed."

Theo looked to the floor and said, "My argument isn't any different from the night you approached me at that last pack meeting. People don't change."

The pack meeting that followed defeating the Anuk-Ite

The pack, with all current and scattered members stood in the now cramped living room of the McCall residence. Refreshments overflowed as the joy of defeating the hunters and the Anuk-Ite were celebrated.

The circle of smiling faces filled the room while Theo stood on the outside near the door.

Scott cleared his throat and addressed the audience. "We survived another attack on our home and on our families and we celebrate that tonight." Cheers erupted.

Scott cleared his throat once again as the cheers died down, "But my beta, Liam" Scott looked over to Liam and nodded, "Has brought it to my attention that we should approach the issue of Theo's status within the pack."

Mixed murmurs between people began as Scott continued, "I know not everyone here is a member of the pack but you are all reasons that we stand here today so I want to know everyone's opinion on the issue. Should Theo be allowed to join the pack?"

Stiles quickly interjected, "Whoa, whoa. I am going to start by saying no. Theo may be good to have in a fight but to be pack, you have to be trustworthy. At least some of the time."

Lydia looked to Stiles, "That's true but you can't tell if you never give someone the chance to see if they actually changed. He is one of the reasons you were saved from the Ghost Hunt. I say yes."

Malia growled, eyes flashing blue, "Not a chance. Theo isn't pack."

Corey chimed in, "Theo, the Theo here tonight, the Theo that we pulled back from hell isn't the same Theo that killed my old pack. He's different, in a good way. I say yes."

Mason looked to Theo, who stared at the floor as everyone was talking about him, "Theo. You know how I feel about what you did. But, you proved something not that many hours ago. Because of that, I say yes."

Melissa and Noah looked to each other with worried glances before she began, "He killed my son. I can help him, I can look out for him, but I can't forgive him. No."

The Sheriff nodded, "I wish I could see things from a different perspective but I can't. Theo took pleasure in torturing my family. No"

Derek looked to Scott, "No"

Nolan looked around as eyes settled on him, he nervously said, "I don't think I should have an opinion here. I am guilty of some of the things that happened."

Scott looked to Nolan and said, "Speak up Nolan. You wouldn't be here if we didn't care what you had to say."

Nolan took a deep breath and looked at Liam as he said, "Theo is one of the reasons I am alive today. Yes"

Parrish glared at Nolan and said, "No. He manipulates people just to get what he wants."

Stiles interrupts, "The same could be said about Peter."

Peter glared at Stiles, "I guess it's a good thing we aren't talking about me."

Noshiko looked to Scott and then Liam as she said, "When Liam asked for the sword to release Theo, I warned him against it. He acted, like the impetuousness of youth, and released Theo. However, I think I may have learned the lesson from the young beta. On behalf of Kira, I say yes."

Chris glared at Theo before looking to Scott, "Nous chassons ceux qui nous chassent. No"

Peter glanced over to Stiles and then to Malia, "Theo is a survivor, willing to do whatever is necessary to live. He also manages to do that for members of the pack already. It's a good trait to have. Yes."

Jackson glanced at Ethan before looking to Scott, "We've all done things in our past. I'm not innocent. At least I got a second chance. So I say yes."

Ethan looked to Jackson, "I disagree. It's one thing to make mistakes, it's another to recklessly enjoy torturing people and not showing an ounce of remorse. No."

Deaton chimed in, "This is a tough one. On one hand you can judge the young man for decisions made in the past and condemn him due to situations that we know nothing of the extent. On the other hand, he is a chimera, born of science and not the supernatural so it is questionable if he would even know or feel the connection of being in a pack. I will take my position as an emissary and decline to vote."

Scott looked to Liam, "You are up."

Liam stepped forward, his eyes firmly on Theo. He saw Theo shaking ever so slightly. He couldn't tell if it was anger, shame, fear, or anxiety that tore at the chimera. He said, "If you would've asked this before the Ghost Hunt, I probably would've hit you. If you would've asked this after, I would've begrudgingly said no. While Theo did save my life, several times then, he did everything out of self-preservation and fear. Now, Theo has helped me steer the narrow path of mercy. He stopped me from becoming one of the monsters that we fight. Without Theo, I don't know if I would still be here, like I am today. So, I say yes."

Scott took a deep breath and sighed, "Well we have a tie. I guess this falls on me to decide but before I do, Theo, do you want to say something?"

Theo was noticeably shaking at this point. As he walked by the group he accidentally bumped into Noshiko and quickly apologized. He made his way to the center and looked to Scott. He nodded as he turned around to face the crowd. His meek, reserved expression quickly shifted to the same cocky smirk that he wore.

"Are you kidding me? Seriously?" His eyes travelled from Stiles to Mason, Over Melissa and Noah, past Parrish and finally turning to land on Liam.

"Let me start by saying, People don't change. I have done everything in my life for the same reason, to live, to survive. My sister's heart beats in my chest for that reason. I desired the power of an alpha, a true alpha to break free from the dread doctors who were planning on killing me anyway. I killed my own pack to that end. Hell, I helped you kill the dread doctors, who were the closest thing I had to parental figures for most of my life. Let's not forget that I was perfectly fine with the beast taking over Mason and erasing him from existence just for the chance to take its power too. I have betrayed just about everyone in this room."

Theo sighed and said, "I am good at two things, surviving and killing."

He turned to face Scott. Their eyes met and Theo started to chuckle, "Scott, really? You are still leaning towards accepting me?" Theo shook his head, "I killed you. Don't forget that. You can't save everyone." Theo shrugged his shoulders and raised his arms in confusion as he faced the audience again, "If you are willing to accept me into your pack, well you are bigger idiots than I thought."

Theo pushed past the pack and stopped at the door, "When you are ready to send me back to hell, I will be waiting in my truck." Before anyone could say anything, Theo opened the door and slammed it shut as he left."

Liam sighed and said, "I know why you made that scene."

Theo raised his head, smiled and looked into Liam's eyes, "Alright Liam, I'll bite. Why did I do it?"

Liam calmly said, "Because you don't trust yourself. You don't think you can change or deserve to have the chance to be accepted."

Theo sighed and said, "Is that so? Do you trust me?"

Liam slowly nodded, "Yeah, I think I do."

Theo stood up and walked to the desk, he began, "Noshiko found the sword that night correct?"

Liam shook his head, "Well, yeah but I don't see what that has to do with anything,"

Theo reached into the top drawer and pulled out a piece of metal and tossed it to Liam. It was a piece of Kira's sword.

Liam stared at it for a moment as Theo walked back to his cot and sat down. He calmly asked again, "Liam, do you still trust me?"

Theo took off his shirt and glistened in the dimly lit room. He said, "The water should be warm enough to use now. You can borrow one of my outfits for tomorrow." Theo slid one of the chests out from under his bed and began to search through it.

Liam continued to stare at the section of Kira's sword. He slowly set it down on the cot and stared at Theo.

Theo smirked when he caught Liam staring at him. Without shifting his attention he said, "What's the matter?"

Liam slowly shook his head. The young wolf was torn between anger and confronting Theo and confusion that Theo, the master manipulator, would admit his crime to the man who took responsibility for his actions. Theo handed a pair of basketball shorts and a t shirt to Liam. "Bathroom is just on the other side of the curtain. Don't use up the hot water."

Liam took the clothes and walked behind the curtain. He noticed that the large room continued to a corridor. To his right were a small metal door, partially open with a light bulb hanging from a wire and a large metal door with another claw imprint lock. He opened the small metal door and saw a harsh metal bathroom. The sink and polished metal mirror were to his right, a small plastic crate containing cleaning supplies sat underneath, a steel toilet sat in the center and a cramped, curtain less shower stood off to the left. There was a metal wheel placed under the shower head. He noticed that the shower had a drain but so did the bathroom itself. Between the toilet and the sink stood a large, noisy, hot water heater. He noticed a leather tote with Theo's toiletries.

He shed his clothes and turned on the shower. The hot water blasted him initially but he turned the dial back and enjoyed the heat as he snagged and used Theo's body wash. His mind kept wandering back to the piece of the sword. Had Theo really manipulated them again? He rubbed his shoulder where the bullet had grazed him and reflected on Theo's habit of showing up at just the right time to help him. It just didn't make sense. As he shook his head from water and his thoughts he heard, "Hey. Don't use up all the hot water!"

Liam quickly turned off the shower and stepped out. He looked around for a towel and saw Theo's arm extended with a towel in the door. He grabbed it and quickly toweled himself off and put on the clothes. They hung loose on him but felt clean and comfortable. He scooped up his clothes and opened the door.

Theo stood before Liam wearing only a reflective, blue and green sequin jockstrap. Instantly embarrassed, Liam turned around and said, "Dude, why are you wearing a colorful thong?"

Theo grunted, "Because I was coming home from work when I saved your ass. Now move, I need to take my shower."

Liam shuffled out of Theo's way, his face red from embarrassment but noticed the glimmer on Theo's chest. As the metal door closed in front of him he asked, "Are you wearing body glitter?"

The water came on and Theo responded, "No, I got into a fight with an arts and crafts store before I found you at the preserve." Liam slowly walked back into the main room, making sure to set his dirty clothes down near his cot and asked, "So what do you do for work?"

Liam could hear the audible groan from the shower before Theo said, "Do you really want to know that badly?"

Liam responded, "Yeah." He heard an audible sigh through the jet of water from the shower.

"Fine. When I finish in here." Theo finished showering and cleaning up. He turned off the loud hot water heater. He set a spare toothbrush on the sink and walked back into the main area, his black underarmour shorts and shirt clinging to his body. When he stepped through the curtain he noticed Liam reading the papers pinned to the walls at his desk. He smirked, "Really Liam? That nosy?"

Liam pointed at the paper in the center and looked to Theo with a smile on his face, "You earned your GED? Since Monroe left?"

Theo rolled his eyes, "Yeah. It's not like I could get hired much of anywhere without it. I didn't exactly get the chance to graduate."

Liam nodded and smiled mischievously, "So where do you work?"

Theo padded over to his cot and lay down. He said, "I dance on weekends at Sinema. On most weekdays I work at Jungle. I do everything from working the doors to bar backing and sometimes even bartend."

Liam walked over to his cot and plopped down, "Well that explains things. Seems like a lot of work. Why don't you talk to the Sheriff and become a deputy."

Theo laughed, "That's a good joke Liam. That man wants to see me behind bars, not putting others behind them. Plus the tips are better and no one asks questions, or at least meaningful ones, to the go-go boy or cute bouncer."

Liam responded, "Yeah but the hours sound terrible and I don't see you enjoying the work."

Theo shrugged, "Gotta find a way to survive. That and it beats living in my truck." After a few moments Theo stated, "I put out a spare toothbrush for you."

Liam rolled and faced Theo, "Thanks." He asked, "You seem to be prepared for people to stay down here, do you get many visitors?"

Theo rolled away to face the wall, "Since I moved in, only you. I am kind of a loner these days."

Liam responded, "You know lone omegas don't last long."

Theo huffed, "Good thing I am not a wolf then."

Liam got up and went to the bathroom to brush his teeth. When he finished he could already hear Theo's breathing had changed and he was fast asleep. Liam stepped out of the bathroom lightly and found the switches for the lights and turned them off one by one. The last lamp lit up the cots and it was that moment that he finally got a good look at Theo.

Liam noticed that Theo's hair was longer and looked like it was beginning to curl in the back. His face, while peacefully sleeping had more pronounced lines and his eyes seemed a bit darker than before. Liam could've sworn Theo had put on more muscle since a few months ago, his clothes barely seemed to contain him.

Most of all, Liam noticed that Theo clearly trusted him. Liam doubted that Theo was so exhausted that he passed out while someone else was unattended in his home. Theo effortlessly opened up about his life and didn't hold back from ripping that band aid off with Liam. Liam picked up the piece of Kira's sword and put it back into the top drawer of Theo's desk. As he closed the drawer, the laptop came out of sleep mode and he noticed there were several tabs open. He flipped through them to see one was open to an online college course on biology. Another tab showed research for a psychology paper. The last screen was on a gps tracker. He noticed the signal travel from roughly where the hunter's trucks were to a building in the warehouse district. Liam smiled. Before he turned off the last light he whispered, "Yeah, I still trust you."