This took longer than expected since I hated this chapter (and kept getting distracted), but I fixed it, so we're good. Enjoy!
Today couldn't get any worse. Allison really didn't want to come to school today. I should be out with my dad looking for Derek. She sat down next to Stiles and started eating, so used to Stiles' silence that she didn't see anything strange about it. Stile didn't look up from his tray as he quietly picked at his food from time to time. He wasn't really hungry or in the mood for anything after his morning talk with Scott and grateful that Allison didn't try to start a conversation with him, but the silence didn't last long. Allison was surprised when Lydia sat down between her and Stiles. Stiles was shocked that Lydia would come this close to him without a teacher's prompting. Lydia ignored both their stares as she quietly ate her food, eyes focused on something across the room. Stiles and Allison shared a look, trying to figure out what was happening without actually asking, but to no avail.
Stiles went for it "Lydia-" she shushed him and continued eating.
He stared at her in quiet disbelief before looking to his partner for assistance. Allison shrugged, and flashed him a small smile, but he pressed his point, glaring pointedly from her to the red head between them.
She relented a minute later "So, Lydia" she paused, waiting for the girl to turn her down, but she didn't and Allison took that as her cue to continued "Feel like a change of seat today?"
"No" she finally looked up from her food, but not at them "This seat has the best view" Allison shared a confused look with Stiles before they following her friend's line of site.
Standing by the cafeteria line with a tray of food was Jackson. Allison glanced down at Lydia in question, but the girl never looked away from her target. Jackson quietly surveyed the room, ignoring his friends waving him over to their table in favor of a table at the edge of the lunch room; Scott's table. Stiles openly gawked as the arrogant teen made his way over to the wolves and sat down at the far end, nodding to the four in greeting before eating his food. Allison held her breath, waiting for a repeat of the locker room and sighed in relief when they resumed their meals.
"What is wrong with this school?" Lydia questioned, gaining the pairs attention. "Scott has never been worth a second glance and last time I checked, Jackson hated him. When did that change?"
Stiles shrugged and looked back at Scott's table un-amused "Scott's the ultimate power and Jackson has devoted himself to serving that power" Lydia gave him a heated look, but he ignored it in favor of his food.
She stole his fork, effectively gaining his attention "No, I would be the first to know if that happened"
Stiles glowered at her, wanting his fork back "What, the ultimate power?" he reached for his drink.
Lydia huffed "No, Jackson being gay" Stiles promptly spit out his drink and choked on whatever managed to go down the wrong pipe while Allison looked away trying to hide her laughter. Lydia ignored both of them, placing Stiles fork on his tray "If anything, I'm the ultimate power who he has devoted himself to serving"´ that said, she grabbed her tray and left before Stile could respond.
"W-What…when….how?!"Stiles questioned, gawking at the retreating red head before turning to the girl next to him. Allison tried to calm down to answer him, but couldn't stop laughing and put her head back on the table. He glared at her, picking up his fork to eat and glare over at the wolf table only to find Scott in similar hysterics. He's listening to us?! He glared at the wolf for a bit before continuing his meal.
Allison finally stopped laughing and continued her meal with a smile. She needed that after everything that's been happening. It's only going to get worse. Her smile fell at that thought. Scott still wouldn't talk to her or Stiles, possibly building a pack to come after her family, Derek-their leverage-was missing and they still haven't given her aunt a proper funeral. What are we going to do when he gets here?
"What, not funny anymore?"
She looked over at Stiles, but he just continued eating "What are we going to do Stiles? We still don't know what Scott's up to and Derek's probably long gone"
Stiles hummed thoughtfully before taking another bite of his food "No, he's at my house" he was about to take another bite when his fork was snatched away.
Allison glared at him, unbelieving of his nonchalant attitude "Your house?"
"Yes, my house" he glared back and reached for his fork.
Allison kept it out of his reach "And when were you planning on telling me this? My dad staiye out all night looking for him" her eyes narrowed further "Was he there when I called you?"
Stiles glare softened with guilt, but he held his stare "…yeah-"
"So you lied to me too!" Allison couldn't believe this. She grabbed her tray and prepared to stand and go sit with Lydia when he grabbed her arm.
Stiles sighed, but didn't look the slightest bit repentant "Look, I'm sorry. I knew where he was, so it wasn't in my immediate problems list"
"And what was on that list?"
Stiles took a moment to steal his fork back "Hmm, Scott knowing that Derek's at my place" he took a quick bite, ignoring her shocked expression "Scott threatening to rip my throat out this mourning and Jackass over there trying to get himself killed" He tapped his fork thoughtfully then shrugged and took another bite of food "I'm sure there's more, but I can't remember right no-"
"Stiles!" She interrupted his rambling "Why do you wait so long to tell me these things?!" she pulled out her phone and searched through her contacts until she found who she wanted.
Stiles watched her curiously, "Well, it was this morning. I'm past the shock…mostly. What are you doing?"
"Texting my dad. We need to move Derek before Scott can get to him" she didn't look up from the essay she was writing.
Stiles hummed to himself as he took another bite. He glanced at the werewolves as he listened and saw Scott tense. Shit! He's STILL listening! "Yeah, you handle Derek, I'll handle jackass"
Allison smiled at the nickname "And how are you going to do that?" there was no respond. She glanced over, expecting Stiles to be engrossed in his meal, but he wasn't there. Please don't do anything stupid. She stood up a bit and scanned the lunch room until she found him. Oh crap.
Stiles plopped down across from Jackson and continued eating. Jackson jumped a bit in surprise and stared at him in shock. "What are you doing?!" he said as calmly as he could, trying not to irritate the wolves he was sitting with.
Stiles looked at him like he was an idiot "Eating my lunch. What are you doing?" he ignored the stares from the beta wolves as he waited for an answer. Stay focused, stay calm.
Jackson glanced at Scott nervously, but the alpha had already gone back to eating his meal. "You know exactly what I'm doing"
Stiles scoffed "Right, you're waiting for them to grow bored and kill you" that earned him a glare, but he shrugged it off "You know he's not going to turn you"
Jackson glanced over at the wolves again before returning his attention to his tray "Baby steps"
Stiles didn't hear the last comment and went back to his meal, glancing around the table every few moments to see what the wolves were doing, but they continued to eat quietly. Probably talking telepathically. Wait, can they do that?! That would be so cool….and really bad. Damn wolves. He was so lost in thought that he barely noticed the bell ring and automatically rose to leave. Even if the Argents get Derek back, how are they going to catch and hold Scott? He didn't get to finish that thought when Allison ran up and clipped him on the back of the head.
"Next time, come up with a smart idea" he glared, but didn't say anything.
Jackson quietly watched the interaction, glaring at the back of Stiles head. I will get what I want. They continued straight while he turned heading towards his next class when a hand grabbed his shoulder.
"Hey Jackson" that voice sent chills up his spine, but he didn't move.
Scott walked around to stand in front of him with an unnaturally sharp smile and sparkling black eyes "I have a preposition for you" Jackson perked up, but didn't say anything to avoid agitating the wolf and ruining his chance. "Since you're so adamant on getting what you want, I'll make you my omega" he chuckled at the glare he received "Don't look so upset. If you want me to turn you, then you're going to have to prove your pack material. Can you do that?"
Jackson kept glaring; he wanted to be a wolf, not in a pack and certainly not at the bottom. Baby steps Jackson. You can do this. He nodded in agreement.
Scott's smile widened even more and his teeth sharpened "Good" he closed his eyes and sighed, his features returning to their natural state "And I know just how to start"
Chris cautiously jogged back the way he'd come. He needed to get to Stiles' house as soon as possible, but it wouldn't help his cause if he sprained his ankle on a hidden root. His irritation rose at the thought that this could've all been avoided if Derek had stayed put in the basement. Maybe I should put bars on the windows, but that would look suspicious. He let his thoughts drift from one subject to another to pass the time. He had gone a good three miles into the woods and it was going to take a bit of time to get back to his truck. That gives me….30 minutes to move Derek before Scott comes to get him. Good thing he's so focused on school. His thoughts came to a stop when a soft noise drifted to him, like someone was crying. He turned in all directions, looking for the source, but couldn't see anything. I don't have time for this. Even so, his curiosity wouldn't let him leave. He heard it again and began jogging in that direction, continuing to look around for the source. The sound grew louder accompanied by a strong copper smell that he was far too familiar with. Blood. He drew his side arm and slowed his pace. The noise was clearer now and so was the smell. He found the source and if it wasn't for his training, he wouldn't have been able to handle it. There was a pool of blood in the center of the clearing with pieces of a body and clothing soaking in it. More blood decorated the surrounding trees and limbs hung from tree branches. No human could've done this. Scott-he shut down, stopping his thoughts from wandering to things he couldn't prove. I need to stay calm. I need to think. He heard the crying again and turned. A woman was curled against a tree tinged with blood, but from what he could see, unharmed. He looked around again to make sure the area was clear before putting his gun away and approaching the girl. She didn't even notice him as he checked her over for injuries. Nothing. She's lucky, unlike her friend. They didn't speak as he pulled out his phone and dialed 911. He looked around again out of habit while he waited and his eyes came to rest on a particular tree.
"911, what's your emergency?" The lady said calmly, but Chris didn't respond right away, too focused on his findings. He ignored the blood and ran his hand along the deep jagged cuts in the tree before they ran off to the side. A human wouldn't be able to mimic this and they're too long to be a bear. He responded to the operator without a doubt in his mind of what did this, but it wouldn't make his life any easier.
Derek couldn't remember sleeping so well and he wasn't even on a bed. He snuggled into the pillow, unwilling to wake up and move from the cushion underneath him. Cushion? He reluctantly opened his eyes to look around. He wasn't in his old house or the Argent's basement. A quick sniff brought Stiles to mind and yesterday came flooding back to his mind. I need to leave. He sat up, ignoring the light headed feeling while he looked for his things. He found his jacket buried in Stiles closet and couldn't stop the growl as he fished it out. I'm going to reek of him for days. He kept digging, looking for his shirt, but there was no sign of it. He gave up after a few more minutes and fished through Stiles clothes until he found one that fit. Freaking scrawny kid. Why does he even own a striped collared shirt, he only wears t-shirts.
He had just put his jacket on when he heard someone coming up the stairs and heading this way. The Sheriff! Derek barely held back his growl as he went for the window, but he didn't have time when the door swung open. He quickly flung himself into the closet and partly closed the door behind him before burying himself in the pile of clothes.
The Sheriff hesitated at the door as he looked into the empty room. What am I doing? Stiles left this morning with Scott. I watched him leave. Despite those facts, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was here. He walked in and began a methodical search to eases his nerves. See, nothing. He turned to leave when he noticed the closet. There was nothing really suspicious about it, but he hadn't looked there yet and it was a prime spot for someone to hide.
Derek waited patiently amongst the clothes, waiting for the man to finish whatever he was doing and leave. He wasn't sure how long he could stay like this. Even if the clothes were clean, it was just too much Stiles for him to handle. He listened as the Sheriff moved about the room and bit his tongue to stop a growl when the man moved towards the closet.
Without a second though, the Sheriff swung the door open and surveyed the room. The whole space was lined with clothes and he groaned at the large pile on the floor. Nobody would hide in here. They might suffocate. He laughed at his paranoia and closed the door, quickly making his way out of the room and to his car.
Derek waited until the man was all the way down the stairs and not a second more. He shot up out of the pile and raced to the window, sticking his head out to breath in clean Stiles free air. The wind blew towards him, replacing Stiles scent with something he hated more. Wolves. Two of them stood on the sidewalk just staring at him, one blankly and the other with silent amusement. Derek tensed, pushing himself up to defend and smacking the back of his head into the window. He could hear them laughing as he fell back into the room holding his head.
"That looked painful" someone laughed from above him. Derek rolled over onto his back and looked up at the boy leaning against the bed. Another one?
Isaac was trying his best not to laugh at the older wolf as he shuffled back to his feet. Mr. Stilinski let him in so that he could grab the notes Stiles was supposed to give him. He didn't think the man would appreciate him tearing the room apart in an animalistic brawl. He was also curious about this wolf's relationship with Scott and didn't think he'd get any answers if he pissed him off.
"You're Derek, right?" no response and Isaac used the moment to look him over "I'm Isaac. You don't look as badly hurt as Scott said you'd be" that earned him a growl and he smiled "But I guess you're still not up for a fight, right?"
Derek glared at the teen, his growls growing louder the longer wolf spoke, but he was right. Even though his wounds were mostly closed, he still wasn't ready to take on the three betas. But I will fight if I have to. The young wolf seemed pretty calm if not bored of this interaction. Maybe he didn't see Derek as a threat. Good.
Isaac took deep breath, trying to remain calm and unthreatening to the older wolf, but he wasn't sure if it was working considering the other was getting more agitated by the second. Not a good start Isaac. He looked away, hoping that would ease the tension a bit, but it backfired.
Derek leapt the second he looked away, grabbing the teen by his collar and throwing him out of the room. He turned for the window, hearing Isaac collide with the wall just as he dove out the opening, flipping around to land perfectly on his feet. He felt the wound on his side tear open and the others stretched uncomfortably, but he didn't stop and charged at the other two betas. They froze, unprepared for his sudden assault and were easily flung aside as Derek sprinted for the woods. The more he moved the faster the blood poured from his side, but he didn't stop. His chest lit up in pain as the slashes across his chest tore open and blood seeped through his shirt, but he kept going, his chest flaring in pain with every breath. He had to get away, needed to lose the betas before he could rest, but he could hear them following and even if they lost him, he was leaving blood behind with every step. It was only a matter of time before they caught him and then he would fight.
Come on Stiles, just one more hour. Scratch that, hour and a half. Stiles mumbled angrily as he made his way to Mr. Harris's classroom for detention. The rest of his classes after lunch were actually normal and uneventful, but he still managed to earn a detention from his favorite teacher. That guy really needs a hobby.
"Stilinski!"
And the joy keeps on coming. He turned to face his other favorite teacher "Hey coach. What's up?"
Finstock ignored the greeting and wrapped his arm around the teen's shoulders, continuing down the hall "I've got this great idea, but don't get too excited yet. We'll see how it works out tonight and go from there"
Stiles looked at the man questioningly, slightly worried for his wellbeing "If what works out?"
"You're playing tonight" his coach said off handedly as he continued to walk.
Stiles gawked at him in shock "Are you serious?" he didn't wait for a reply before breaking free from the man's hold and bouncing around the hallway in his excitement. I'm gonna play. I get to play!
Finstock actually waited a minute before stopping him "Shut up Stilinski" he was always amazed how a few little words could work on the hyperactive teen "Don't make me regret this" Stiles saluted him before walking away, barely stopping the bounce in his step. Yup, I'm going to regret this.
Allison met up with her dad outside of Stiles house. I could've been here sooner if someone had called or texted me! "What happened?"
"He's gone" Chris glanced over at her before returning to his search.
How is he gone?! I gave you plenty of notice! Allison didn't question him and began looking as well. The house looked completely normal and Stiles could've just left the window open. With an injured werewolf in his house so his scent could waft out and attract unwanted attention, nope. She gave up on the house and looked around the ground "Where do you think he went?"
"He ran" she turned to face her father again, but he was looking at an unnaturally dark piece of sidewalk. Chris didn't touch it; he didn't need to "From the looks of this, someone's chasing him"
And you figured that out how? Allison walked over to him, confirming the spot to be blood. Chris didn't wait for her to put the pieces together as he checked over his equipment and picked out what he would need.
Allison walked over to him, grabbing her crossbow and following him into the woods while listening to her phone ring. Come on Stiles, pick up! It went to voicemail and she hung up and jogged after her dad. This can't get any worse.
Derek couldn't run anymore. He rested against a tree trying to catch his breath, blood still pouring from his wounds. He was doing a good job of ignoring it until night fell and the moon rose. Why would they wait for the full moon?! The betas chasing him lost control instantly and began attacking him, adding more cuts to his collection. He couldn't afford to lose any more blood and was already having trouble staying in control. At this rate-
He roared when claws sliced into his back, his eyes flashing blue from rage. He turned to face his attacker-the female wolf- and dodged her next strike, kicking her away. The others didn't like that and circled him, growling at him and each other. Derek didn't move, trying to stop his transformation to no avail. Isaac lunged first, going for the head, but Derek grabbed his arm. He pulled trying to get his hand free while swiping with his other, leaving more cuts on the older wolf. Derek hissed at the pain before lifting the wolf and throwing him into the big guy trying to creep up on him. Hands locked around his neck and he instinctively reached back, grabbing a handful of long hair to keep the girl from biting his neck. She snapped her teeth, grazing the side of his face before he yanked her over his shoulder. Her neck snapped, echoing loudly in his ears, followed by angry growls. He dropped her and roared at the other two, eyes blazing and ready to fight. They roared back, but a louder roar drowned them out, scaring the betas into submission and putting Derek on edge.
Scott walked past the two in his normal form and stopped in front of them. He looked down at Erica, a growl building in his throat as he studied the unnatural angle of her neck before focusing on Derek, eyes blazing red. Derek braced himself, claws ready and teeth bared for whatever Scott would do. Scott's growl grew in volume as he walked towards the beta, fangs slowly growing in his mouth, but Derek only growled back. His instincts screamed at him to submit, but he ignored them. He wasn't going to submit and with the full moon over his head, he was craving a fight. Scott was two feet away when Derek lunged, one hand going for the stomach and the other his throat. Neither hit their mark and he was flung away.
Scott roared at the beta and leapt, swiping at his face with lengthening claws. Derek ducked and tackled the alpha, swiping with his own claws. His hands were easily caught and pinned behind him as Scott rolled them over and roared in his face, teeth inches from his neck. Fear shot through Derek and he slumped in the alpha's hold. No, not now! He growled at himself and jerked upwards, head-butting Scott in the mouth. Scott's head jerked back at the force, but nothing else. His hands tightened around Derek's wrists, claws digging in as he glared down into defiant blue eyes.
Scott shifted enough to pull the beta from beneath him and flung him into a tree.
Derek hit face first and dug his claws into the tree to avoid crumpling to the ground. His vision swam as he fought to remain standing, he pushed off the tree but was pushed back into it hard and he groaned as bark scraped against his wounds.
"Stop fighting me Derek!" Scott yelled in his ear, a sound bordering on demonic entwined with his voice. Derek's responded with a growl before Scott bit into the back of his neck. Pain raced up and down his spine as the alpha's teeth grazed against his vertebrae and rage along with it. He thrashed against the tree, causing more harm to himself in a desperate attempt to get away, but Scott didn't budge. The alpha's eyes flared in anger as he let go of the beta's neck. His body began to shift as he pushed Derek-who was still struggling-further into the tree. He waited for his snout to set in before taking all of the beta's neck in his mouth, fangs sinking in on either side and growling as he pushed him flat against the tree.
Derek froze, his mind going blank as his instincts took hold. His body went limp as exhaustion finally set in. Scott waited a moment longer before removing his fangs, gently licking the bite as he turned the other around and watched the blue of his eyes fade. Derek didn't fight as he was pulled into soft fur or when his head was pushed aside so the wolf could continue his licking. He couldn't move anymore and was too tired to try as his conscious faded.
Scott purred as he continued licking the beta's neck, helping the older wolf ease into sleep as he carefully lifted him off his feet. Joy bubbled in his chest and he threw his head back and howled, his two betas joining him. They didn't hold back and the sound echoed through the woods, reaching the Argent's ears and destroying whatever hope they had left.
Stiles screamed for all his worth as the buzzer went off, signaling their victory. Sure, he hadn't managed to score a single point, but he did a good job of passing it to the ones that did. The whole team circled around Jackson in a crushing group hug while Stiles hopped around them until he noticed their couch and bounded over to him. "Couch!" he yelled as he wrapped the man in a quick hug.
Finstock went stiff in his hold, but forced himself to relax as the teen pulled away "Stilinski, good job out there" he praised and watched the boys eyes light up. He clapped him on the shoulder "We'll work on your aim next practice and who knows, you might actually score in the next game"
Next game?! Stiles' mind couldn't process that "N-Next game? I'm in the next game?!"His answer was a quick nod and he wrapped the couch in another hug, blurting out thank you's in between his overzealous screams.
Ok, that's enough for one night. "Go thank Whittemore. It was his idea to put you in"
Stiles paused mid-sentence "….wha?"
Finstock merely nodded "Yeah, said you could have hidden potential like McCall"
Scott. Stiles' paled, remembering everything that happened today. Everything that's been happening. Jackson! He took off into the crowd without another word, pushing and shoving until he was in the center. Jackson was holding his hand up in triumph, thoroughly enjoying the attention when someone smashed into him. He stepped back to keep his balance and shoved at the familiar uniform, but the person didn't move.
"Jackson!" Stiles pressed a little closer, panic beginning to take hold. "Why'd you tell coach to let me play?!"
Jackson snorted and gave him a bored look "What, don't act like you didn't want to-"
"Jackson!" Stiles didn't have the patients for his arrogance right now, he just needed an answer.
Jackson relented and glared at the skittish teen "McCall ask me to. Probably felt bad that he wasn't there to help you keep the bench warm and besides…" he leaned forward to make sure Stiles heard the next part "He's not here tonight" he shoved again, this time succeeding in separating them before returning to his adoring public.
Stiles didn't try to stop him. His whole body shook as his panic and fear overwhelmed him and only then did he hear the faint howling. Derek.
