4

"Where have I been?" asked Erica, eyeing Stiles' body. "Obviously not in the right places, I'll tell you that much."

Stiles frowned. "Very funny. Look, I…'

"Who's your friend?" started Erica, looking at Stiles with her best innocent expression.

"That's…well why do you want to know?" asked Stiles.

"Oh suddenly you're concerned that I'm not on the up and up?" asked Erica. "I thought we were friends."

Stiles frowned. "You disappear for weeks. The alpha pack is in town and coming on STRONG. Yeah Erica, I'm just slightly suspicious."

She scoffed. "You think I'm somehow involved with an alpha pack?"

He gripped the towel at his waist and stepped forward. "Yeah. I do."

She stepped forward and locked gaze with him. "I would NEVER be involved with those douche bags. Do you hear me?"

"Hmmm," he said shaking his head. "No. I don't think I do."

She gaped. "Are you usually this mistrusting?"

"As a rule, yes," he said. "Since, oh I don't know, fall of last year."

Erica sighed. "I'm not involved with the alpha pack."

"How do I know that?" asked Stiles.

"You don't," said Erica. "But-can't you just trust me?"

"No," said Stiles, going to his bureau, eyeing Andy the entire time. He extracted a pair of boxer briefs and went behind his bathroom door to slide them on. Even though she couldn't see him, he felt Erica's eyes on him the entire time. When he emerged from his room, she was sitting on his computer chair, legs crossed and wrapped in the most seductive lace pantyhose she could scrounge up. He shivered, pulling on a pair of black jeans.

She eyed him, still bare-chested, as he looked through his bureau for a suitable t-shirt. "You've put on weight," she commented. "Not that it's a bad thing. You could always use a few pounds."

He reddened, hastily pulling on a purple t-shirt emblazoned with the words "My idea of a balanced diet is a beer in each hand." "Thanks," he said. "I think." He watched her, sitting there. God, she was beautiful. He absolutely hated himself for thinking that, as he and Erica had a questionable past. She was moody and unpredictable. He was frightened and OCD. Not exactly a match made in heaven. "Why are you here?" he asked.

"Well aren't you the go-to guy?" she asked.

"Getting kind of sick of that title," he stated.

"Oh come on Stiles," she said. "It must be nice to be needed. Wish I knew how that felt."

He stiffened. "Maybe you want to call Derek for this sort of stuff, Erica," he suggested. "He's your so-called alpha after all."

She stood up abruptly. "Fine," she said, with gritted teeth. "I'll go drown my sorrows in Derek. Oh and by the way…fuck you Stiles. Thanks for caring," she said, going to his window. She threw one leg over the sill before he grabbed her arm.

She turned, looking at him with hope in her eyes. "Erica?" he started.

"Yeah?"

"Tell Derek I said hi," said Stiles, releasing her arm.

She snarled. "I'll be sure to." She exited through his window, scowling at him as she hit the driveway.

Andy sighed from the bed. "Why were you such a jerk to her?"

Stiles turned, surprised that Andrea was awake. "Somewhere around the time she threw me in a dumpster," said Stiles.

"Ouch," said Andy. "She's…really pretty, though."

"Yeah well that's how she gets by," said Stiles.

"How can someone get by just by being pretty?" asked Andrea.

"You'd be surprised," said Stiles. He softened. "What would you like for breakfast?" he asked.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

"Good," said Derek, as he watched Andrea successfully block all of Isaac's punches. "Very good." The alpha stepped forward, carefully regarding the little girl.

She couldn't hold in the questions any longer. "So did Erica come see you yet?" she asked Derek.

"Erica?" asked Derek, looking at Stiles, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"She was in Stiles' bedroom this morning," offered Andrea. "She liked Stiles' body," she said, giggling.

"Andrew," warned Stiles.

"Well she did," argued Andrea.

"You spoke with her this morning?" asked Derek, coming towards Stiles. "She's okay? What—what about Boyd?"

"Stiles didn't ask how she was or about Boyd, whoever he is," said Andrea. "Then she said 'fuck you.'"

"Andrea!" said Stiles, eyes wide. "Don't say things like that."

"How is she?" asked Derek.

"How should I know?" asked Stiles, shrugging.

Derek narrowed his eyes. "You mean to tell me that you had Erica in your bedroom this morning and you didn't even bother asking how she was?"

"Why should I?" asked Stiles. "She's been nothing but a huge pain in the ass since you turned her."

"She's lost and lonely," said Isaac. "And she came to you for help."

"Only to get turned away," said Derek. "Nice going, Stiles."

"Oh, I'm sorry," started Stiles sarcastically. "Suddenly I'm Doctor Phil? Who died and made me everyone's therapist?"

Isaac sighed. "Stiles, people just come to you because you always help. It's…it's just how you are. Everyone can count on that."

Stiles folded his arms. "Oh!" he said slapping his forehead. "THAT must be why I'm everyone's favorite punching bag! The things you learn I'll tell you."

Andrea went to him and got into his lap. She sighed. "Stiles. You rock, but today I have to say…you're being kind of a butthead. That girl really needs you. Just like I need you. You should call her."

Stiles softened and stifled a giggle. "You're right, as per usual, Ms. Falk." He pulled out his phone and issued a quick text to Erica that stated, "I'm sorry I was a huge douche this morning. Come by my house tonight. We can talk."

It was forty-five minutes before he got a response. "Thanks. I'll be there at 7."

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Stiles had to catch his breath when Erica slipped through his window. She was dressed down (for her) in a soft royal blue sweater and dark jeans and boots. Her hair was in a ponytail, admittedly his favorite style, and her makeup was sparse, which he also liked, as she was one of those rare girls who was actually prettier without makeup. "Hey," he said, softly.

"Hey," she said. She turned to his bathroom. The shower was running. "Your little friend?" she asked.

"Yeah," said Stiles. "My dad's not home until midnight, so you can relax while you're here," he said. "Are you hungry at all?" She must have been. Stiles figured she'd put off ten pounds since he saw her last.

"Starving," she admitted.

He smiled. "Good. I made my specialty. "Andy and I were going to sit down and eat right after her shower."

"Andy is her name?' asked Erica. "Short for Andrea?"

"Yeah," said Stiles, cautiously. "Erica, I…"

"Stiles," she said, going to him. She placed her hands on his chest. "I swear I just came to you because I…need someone. Not because I'm working with that alpha pack. I promise you. I wish you could listen to my heart to know, but I…"

"She's telling the truth," said Andrea, coming out of the bathroom with one of Stiles' t-shirts on and a towel wrapped on her head. She smiled. "Hi Erica."

"Hey Andy. Is it okay if I call you that?" asked Erica.

"Sure," said Andy cheerfully. The pretty blonde intrigued her. She could sense how much Erica liked and cared for Stiles, and noted that he seemed to feel the same way, despite his resistance. "Come downstairs and eat with us. Stiles made pork chops!"

Erica's mouth watered. "You did?"

"Yeah, I baked them," said Stiles. "I made mac and cheese too."

Erica nervously placed her hands in her pockets. "That sounds great. You sure you have enough for one more?"

Stiles nodded. "Of course."

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

"No, I've got them, don't worry," said Stiles, as Erica tried to help with the dishes. He winked at her. "I think Andy would like to spend some time with you." Andrea hadn't hidden the fact that she was quite enamored with Erica. Dinner was spent asking her numerous questions and requests to play or watch TV together.

Erica smiled. "Okay. Thanks Stiles. Dinner was really good." She touched his forearm and he bit down on his lower lip nervously. He simply nodded and smiled in response.

%%%%%%%%%%%

The two girls sat in front of the television together and enjoyed The Voice, despite Stiles' complaints that X-Factor was so much better. "Stop your complaining and do them dishes, boy!" said Erica. Andrea giggled. The two girls proceeded to regale each other on all of their recent misadventures.

"Wait, you got all the way to Los Angeles?" Andrea asked, eyes wide.

"Yep," said Erica. "Boyd and I got split up after the alpha pack came upon us in the woods and I decided on a solo career."

"What did you do there?" Andrea asked.

At that point, Stiles joined them in the living room. Erica looked over at Stiles devilishly. "Um…hooked up with a cute drummer…or, ahem, two and decided that I missed Beacon Hills too much to stay in the city."

"Because you missed Stiles," said Andrea, matter-of-factly. She looked between the two of them. "Right?"

"Wow," said Stiles, putting his head down, cheeks scarlet red. "Awkward," he said under his breath.

Erica giggled. "Yeah, I may have missed him." She made a gesture with her thumb and forefinger. "Just a little bit."

"Why aren't you boyfriend and girlfriend?" Andrea asked, not understanding.

Erica laughed while Stiles, turned off the TV. "Okay kiddo," he said, lifting Andrea into his arms. "On that note it's time for B-E-D."

"Can Erica come up with me?" Andrea asked. She looked at Erica. "Maybe you could read me a story?"

Erica smiled. "Sure."

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Erica lay next to Stiles on his makeshift bed on the floor. She watched Andrea sleep. "She's really sweet."

Stiles smiled. "Yeah. She's got a rough road ahead of her, though."

"What do you mean?" Erica asked.

"The alpha pack. They want her," said Stiles.

Erica sat up. "She mentioned alphas pursuing her in the past. Is she in immediate danger?"

"I don't know," said Stiles. He turned on his side. "Hey, you mentioned you and Boyd meeting the alpha pack in the woods. What are they like?"

Erica laid back down and faced him. "You wouldn't want to meet them," she stated.

"There was one chasing Andy the night I found her. A blonde guy," said Stiles.

"That's Nicholas," said Erica, shuddering.

"I take it he's not a cuddly little kitten," said Stiles.

Erica hesitated. "He'd probably skin said cuddly little kitten alive."

Stiles sighed. "Great. Well I don't know how much longer I can keep her here. It'll only be a matter of time before the alphas find her." He looked back at Andy before turning to Erica. "I won't be able to protect her like Derek could."

Erica touched his face. "You're taking really good care of her. And I could stay here at night," she offered. "You know, to protect you guys."

Stiles smiled. "You'd really do that?"

"Of course," she said. Then she grinned. "I mean what else have I got to do?" she teased.

"Certainly not the dishes," joked Stiles.

She whacked him. "Hey, I offered." She giggled.

"Erica?"

"Yeah?"

"Why'd you really come back to Beacon Hills?" he asked.

She was quiet for a long moment. Truth be told, she had, in fact, missed Stiles. L.A. was full of jerks and losers, which only reminded her every day of how great Stiles was. Of course such things could not be revealed to him. Not just then, anyway. "I heard you make a mean pork chop. Had to see it for myself."

He giggled. "Good night."

"'Night," she said, pulling the blankets over her. It felt so nice being next to him and she loved his scent on her pillow. She fought her urge to snuggle into him, and hoped that it wouldn't take too many sleepovers to make him desire the same need for closeness. Finally, she settled into a deep sleep for the first time in weeks.

As they both dozed, Andrea opened her eyes, having been awake for Stiles and Erica's entire conversation. She spied them on the floor together and smiled broadly. However, her happiness soon faded as she thought about the alpha pack. Stiles had been right. They would eventually find her and would most likely hurt Stiles to get at her. The though of him even having a paper cut tied her stomach in knots.

She'd have to think of something…anything to get rid of the alpha pack. Unfortunately her only idea was to join up with Derek, a wolf she wasn't entirely sure about. However, Stiles had vouched for him and his word meant everything to her.

Insistent on getting a full night's sleep, she turned over in the bed and forced herself to stop thinking about alphas. Little did she know that a set of red eyes was watching her right outside.