Tuesday wasn't any better than Monday but Stiles was looking forward to lunch, he was thinking of ways to catch Derek and not be murdered. He could text him, but he didn't have his number, maybe pass a note? No, the alpha probably would just ball it up and toss it in Stiles' face during class, and the omega would want to die.
Maybe he could ambush him on the way to the locker room or bathroom? Did Derek step foot in a library? Why was this so hard? He could ask Boyd or Erica to set up a meet but then they would want to know why and he couldn't deal with lying right now. That and he would feel bad lying to those two, they were treating him decent these last couple of days.
Just today, Boyd had asked Stiles for help during free period and Erica had joined the table, math wasn't the lacrosse player's thing. When Erica sat down, Lydia had hesitated before taking a seat across from Stiles at the table. Erica was about to say something but Stiles quickly cut her off by offering them all m&m chocolate chip cookies. "Low cal, promise. But not gluten free. Sorry."
Lydia laughed hearing this, Erica rolled her eyes taking a bite, "I have no problems with gluten. So thanks. Oh god these are delicious."
"Fuel for the brain. Now, where exactly were you having math issues?" Stiles hoped his heart didn't give him away, he knew Lydia from forever ago, she was a whiz. Or at least used to be when it came to all things school.
Derek glared over his shoulder, Boyd was on one side of Stiles looking down at something scribbled on his paper and Erica was on the other side of Stiles nodding her head.
They all looked so comfortable, when did that happen?
"When did that happen?" Scott echoed the alphas thoughts, except there was a whine in his voice.
"Who cares. " Derek growled.
"Scotty? What's wrong? We were going to study with Jackson and Braeden and Isaac. Come on. Leave Lydia with Freakinski." Allison frowned wondering why her boyfriend had been so down lately. Why was he so attached to the newly presented omega? She had always thought there was something between the two, she rolled her eyes. Omegas weren't everything.
Anyway Scott obviously broke off whatever they had, and so obviously chose the hunter but lately he had started to waver. They were soulmates, why should she feel threatened by a weak were like Stiles. Then again Scott was an alpha, she knew from her studies that alphas could have more than one mate. What if Scott wanted to have Stiles join them? No. She wouldn't let that happen. Scott was a puppy, so sweet and easily deceived. She would need to stop this at the source. Maybe it was time to talk to Stiles.
After the bell rang Stiles packed up and said goodbye to his study companions blushing briefly from the pats to his back and ruffling of his hair. His hands were still healing and Boyd had asked about them several times, Erica demanded that she write everything out for the omega and Stiles let her. It almost felt like he had friends. However he wasn't going to push it, maybe they were just being kind because he had been hurt.
Speaking of, Lydia was packing her things up slowly. "Thanks for the help, I can't seem to solve for anything with a letter in it. You're smart-"
"You are too. I've seen your science scores, you almost beat me last trimester. And we both know you used to be apart of the matholympieds. You don't need to pretend to be dumb."
This caught Lydia off guard, she slowed her movements, "I'm sorry." She managed staring down at her pink and black backpack fiddling with the zipper.
"No. It's not my business. " Stiles half smiled in a let's drop it tone his eyes watched as Derek was talking to Scott near the door of the library where open study was. Stiles needed to check out a couple things for an extra credit report he was writing. While heading down one of the aisles to grab it he felt Lydia's nervous glances follow him.
Whatever, he was needing to find a book on bonding ceremonies, Soulmarks and platonic bonding. He was definitely onto something, and he was prepared to present it to Deaton later at their appointment.
He had enough time before he needed to run to class to collect the needed material. However Lydia was close behind him, he swore under his breath for being an asshole. He was lucky Lydia was talking to him and he called her out. Way to go Stiles! Then again she nearly killed him, so could they call it even stevens?
"No. I mean I'm sorry we hurt you. It was my fault, I was arguing with my boyfriend about stupid things and I grabbed the keys from the ignition and threw them out into the woods. Then you were there and-" the girls big eyes watered and Stiles who was half turned reaching for a book turned completely to the banshee, the scent of anxiety was rolling off of her, anxiety guilt and tears. "Everything is just going so wrong. My parents are pushing me in one direction and I worry about Jackson, I mean I'm his anchor and I can't even be calm and collected. It throws him off and I tried to ask for advice but it feels like our bond is so shaky. I love him but what if he thinks it was a mistake. His parents already hate me. They think I'm going to take him off to some unknown pack with zero notoriety. He's really a good guy once you get to know him. You would love him."
Stiles held back a cynical remark, this wasn't the time and he hated how she smelled of grief and despair. Omega instincts and the fact Stiles was a decent fucking werewolf, had his arms wrapping around the human girl. So maybe she had made a bad decision. At least she was saying sorry, and Stiles could feel her confusion and frustration not projected at him but inward.
"Thanks for saying sorry." He mumbled awkwardly feeling her wrap her arms around him and sniff into his chest.
"I wanted to sooner but every time I felt like you would take it badly. I didn't know someone would be out on that road we were all a little intoxicated except Jackson, he never drinks. His dad is pretty strict about drinking and driving that's why he was driving. Everyone thought he was drinking because he was carrying around a cup of soda, but you have to keep up a front when- well anyway. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. "
So maybe Jackson did have a heart after all, or some kind of moral compass. Stiles pulled away handing a tissue to Lydia from a small package he kept in his back pocket.
"There, stop crying now. Everyone will think your mathbook broke up with you." She giggled rolling her eyes.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to just unload, I don't have anyone to tell I think it just bubbled out."
"I'm easy to talk to." Stiles smiled remembering something Scott had said. The two made there way out of the aisle and back to their bags. Stiles forgot the books he needed he didn't want to be late.
"Here." Stiles wrote his number down quickly, "If you need to text you can text me. Day or night. Even if it's fluffy kitten pics." Lydia took the strip of paper and nodded sniffing.
"Who are you? A saint? Saint Stiles?" Lydia was tapping the number into her phone.
"No ma'am I am no saint. I'm Batman." Stiles laughed "And I'm going to be late so we better hurry."
~0~
Stiles was on his way to the bathroom when he heard a familiar angsty voice. "I told Kimmy to fuck off and I'll tell you the same!" Stiles was unnoticed standing by the door of the bathroom, why were the two alphas in the omega bathroom? Why ask at this point?
Cora was wearing her usual jeans, and black tank-top, the other alpha was wearing a grey hoodie and skinny jeans. Suddenly the two were pushing each other someone's phone slide out landing next to a shocked Stiles' feet.
"I have those pics on my phone Cora, I'll send them out to everyone unless you do what I say! Just think what Alpha will say about her disappointment of a daughter."
Stiles picked up the phone a picture of Cora smiling locking lips with another girl. Anger flared through him. "This phone?" Both alphas looked up at Stiles from where they had rolling around on the floor. Stiles had moved over next to an open stall, a sad look on his face.
"I looked. This phone is deactivated. This is someone's phone a someone too stupid to use a cloud to save their pictures for blackmail. "
"Don't!" The unknown alpha growled.
"Don't what? Drop this in the toilet and flush? Or don't drop it on the ground and smash it with my foot before putting it in the toilet?" Stiles had enough time to just toss it in the toilet and flush.
"You little bitch!"
The other alpha pulled him from the stall glaring down at the phone now showing a black screen due to water damage. He glared at the omega, surprised that he met his gaze with his own,
"Such gentle behavior, you make me swoon. Carebear you okay?" Stiles called over his shoulder backing up.
"Stiles?" Cora was surprised and confused.
"Cor de lune? You know you can't get into any trouble. You just were released." Stiles reminded her, then his arm was taken and he just realized he was standing in front of a pissed off alpha. He also realized his left arm was still sore, and was happy, overjoyed ecstatic that this idiot had his right arm.
Why did he have to suddenly be brave? What's wrong with him? So Stiles took a deep breath and headbutted the alpha holding his arm. Pain exploded in the center of his head and he realized too late he was shorter than the alpha. So he managed to only cause the alpha to step back blood exploding out of his nose.
"Ouch! That was nothing like the movies!" Stiles fell back, caught by Cora. "This is worse than an ice cream headache."
"You are a crazy little bastard! Hale this isn't over!" The alpha growled but Stiles was in too much pain to even catch what cliche warning was thrown their way.
"Come on Stiles let's go to the nurse's station." Cora helped her friend stand, yeah Stiles was a friend. Only a friend would do something like this when he would have nothing to gain. She had already told him she wasn't into omegas so they would never mate. This made it clear to her he wasn't trying to be friends because of her last name, come to think of it what was Stiles' last name? Had she even told him hers? Well everyone knew her, so he had to know her family. Right?
"No! I'm fine. You should get to class before you get in trouble. I'll see you at lunch. Let me just catch my breath." The thin boy groaned crouching down holding his head in his hands.
Cora started to argue, but he cut her off with a finger wagging towards her his head still down.
"Cora. Just go. It's fine. I'm not fragile. Besides it's humiliating if you treat me like a baby after my gallant act. I need to be able to have some dignity. Right." He stood up hands on his hips like a runner that finished a race.
"Dignity. Ha." She continued to stand there staring at Stiles who had his head tilted back eyes squinting shut.
"What is it? Am I bleeding anywhere?" Stiles opened one eye to peep at his friend, she was lookin at him with a strange expression.
"Cora? Are you okay? Did that guy do anything?"
The alpha's eyes were watering and she shook her head no putting her hands over her face, her shoulders trembled.
"Cora? I mean if he did we'll chase him down and you can hold him while I hit him with sarcasm and feeble outdated your mom jokes. Because I don't think I'll try another head butt for a while."
The brown haired alpha sobbed and laughed, "Wow, I'm like making everyone cry today. "
"Shut up Stiles." Cora sniffed, accepting the strip of toilet paper the omega handed her. He was all out of tissues. "It's just no one's ever defended me before, well apart from family. Especially not a weakling omega. "
"Hey OUCH! Who's weak!?" Stiles protested but winced massaging his throbbing forehead.
Cora embraced the omega and scented him "I owe you Stiles."
"Fine pay me back by going to class. I'll see you at lunch." Stiles was firm grades were no joke to him.
"Only if you get an icepack on that and have the nurse look it over. Your arm too. Let me see if it's bruised."
"Deal mom." Stiles rubbed his head and winced pulling his red hoodie down and removing his black t-shirt with several dc heros. Then the long sleeved gray shirt with thumb holes, he had a white t under all this.
"So many layers pup?" Cora winced seeing fading bruises from Stiles' car accident.
"I heal slow. And I'm cold all the time." He explained "And worry about my poor forehead. My brain is literally my only attribute. Cora eyed Stiles' soulmark.
"I bet your soulmate says otherwise." She giggled then wished she hadn't said that, Stiles' demeanor changed almost instantly. She hadn't believed him when he confided that his soulmate hated him, it broke her heart that anyone could hate Stiles.
"That bastard! It's turning purple, I can see his handprints. Even the swirl of his fingers." Cora was fuming she started for the door. Her growl was near fueral, and Stiles could see her starting to phase.
"Wait! Cora! I said have this. It's ok. I bruise easily. These will go away. Please. I'll go to the nurses station. Don't make my headache be for nothing." His touch didn't cause her to snap at him, instead it had a calming effect. Her teeth and claws retracted the red of her eyes flashed. The omega released the alpha and instinctively submitted.
"Oh, god! Stiles! I'm sorry." Cora was pulling him into a hug, "Don't don't do that."
"I can't help it. I hate this." Stiles whispered wincing when Cora embraced him too roughly. "Please." Stiles took a step back, defeat in his voice.
"Fine." She reluctantly stopped hugging him before she left. Stiles shoved his shirts into his bag, hurried to do what he came in for and just pulled his hoodie up over her his shoulders. He really did want something for his growing headache. The omega took a moment at the door putting his head against the cool wood. Would simple social interactions always be that hard? He had always thought that when he presented his physical problems would go away. As well as mental. He'd be less anxious and more confident, he would be stronger and at least warmer. A hand rested on his new bruising, his pamphlets and doctor said he'd be stronger if he bonded. He could never trade his freedom not even for his health.
After taking a good 15 minutes of reflection and allowing some small bit of self loathing, Stiles made it out of the bathroom. Four steps down the hall before he ran into a solid form the one belonging to his ex best friend. "Stiles!"
"Scott." The omega was less than enthused, was today really going to be like this? It was only tuesday. And not even lunch yet, it was a sign to go to the nurse's office and just sleep till lunch.
"I wanted to talk to you." Scott stated eagerly like a puppy that found his favorite bone, or more like dug up his favorite bone he forgot all about for over a year. Still Scott's smile was wide and he bounced on his feet happily, Stiles had alway loved that about his friend. It was infectious when it came to Scott, and Stiles fought his own want to return the smile. He could feel the guy was eager to embrace him but held back.
"No." Stiles hissed trying to side step his friend, the hall was empty and the omega bathroom on this wing was in a part of the school where there were more storage rooms than classrooms.
Scott blocked Stiles' attempt to duck past him, damn Scott for knowing his wiley ways.
"Move." Stiles wished Cora had stayed.
"I wanted to see how you were doing. How are you man? I heard you were in the hospital. Smoke inhalation or something? What were you doing in a burning building? Or was it a robbery" Stiles rolled his eyes, "And congrats on presenting."
"No. We aren't doing this! Fuck off Scott. It wasn't a burning building it was a car accident , you would know that if you would have fucking texted me or pretended to be a good friend. "
"Stiles it's not like that buddy. Come one. Don't be this way, I thought you would understand. You said you would. I presented and found my soulmate. It was all a whirlwind and then I got on the lacrosse team. I'm a starter and Allison is really-"
"Hey you have a wonderful life go enjoy it. With your new friends and your soulmate. I don't need you. You knew I was in the hospital, I was there for a couple days but you never came to visit. Boyd and Erica managed to come see me at home, Boyd brought my homework. You don't get to suddenly pop back into my life like you did nothing wrong. You threw me away for your new friends and status. I would have loved to know your soulmate because you care about her so much but you never gave me the chance. I thought we were brothers. Instead you hang out with the people who make my life hell. So, what is it? What do you want?"
"I wanted to-"
"What? Huh Scott? Pick up where we left off? You haven't even introduced me to your soulmate. That's a big deal dude! I would have loved to know her, she's obviously awesome if you two are fated! I understand if you want to spend time with her. I would never try to get between that."
"I didn't think it was important to you. I just haven't gotten around to it." Scott frowned "Everytime I came around the other guys were even meaner to you. So I stayed away."
" Scott? You. Just." Stiles couldn't, his arm and his head ached. Clearly Scott didn't get it, maybe his IQ dropped from his association with neanderthals. " Go away I don't need you " Stiles held his breath he could smell the guilt and Scott looked like a beaten puppy but Scott had hurt him. Stiles had been so alone and touch starved and the one person he thought he could always trust threw him away.
"Fuck off Scott. I don't need your friendship. The kind that's only convenient for you. Maybe you wont make the same mistake with your new friends."
Stiles gave up trying to walk around Scott instead turned to walk further down the hall the opposite way hoping to just find somewhere to calm his racing heart and before he humiliated himself by crying. Was there even an upside to being an omega? He was constantly weak, easily tired, ready to submit and over anxious. What exactly was so great about being an omega?
Scott's hand shot out and grabbed Stile's left arm, "Wait. Just, let's talk about it. Without yelling. You're making me feel like my asshole dad." Scott laughs uncomfortably before on reflex squeezing the omega's arm. His alpha strength caused red hot pain to shoot up the omega's arm bringing Stiles to his knees. The omega was falling to the floor whimpering, the Alpha in shock still holding the omega's sore arm.
"What oh god. Stiles!" Scott released his friend trying to figure out what the cause of his pain was. His long time best friend was pale as a sheet he curled in on himself instinctively. Scott didn't have a chance to say anything else someone was slamming him against an empty locker. He grunted flashing his eyes only to have eyes flashed at him, eyes and very sharp teeth.
"What did you do?"
"Derek! I didn't, I just reached out. I didn't mean-" The alpha released Scott letting him slide to the ground. Stiles' hoodie had come off somehow in the fray. His right arm was sporting a purple bruise compliments of a nameless alpha, Derek didn't know that. Instead he thought Scott had caused that injury as well.
"Stiles, man. I'm sorry. Woah-" The younger alpha looked at the dark soulmark on his friend's forearm.
"When? Stiles! You found your soulmate! When? Who is it? Anyone I know? You just presented too."
"Fuck off Scott." Stiles grunted with a whine, he was trying to breath and pull himself together. Failing, he was failing at it it was too much.
Help. Help. Help. Make the pain stop. Make it stop! Pain. Too much. Alpha. His brain was screaming and he was turning his head towards a comforting scent. He couldn't control the hiccuping sobs anymore and Stiles was lost to the pain. His omega pushing forward pressing into the much needed comfort.
There was someone gently pulling him into a sitting position, his vision was dotted with black specks any time he opened his eyes, and deep breaths seemed impossible for his lungs but his mouth still tried to take in air.
"It hurts. No. No. Don't touch it." the omega begged.
"Stiles, I'm sorry. I didn't know. I didn't mean to hurt you. Stiles?" Scott sounded frantic, Stiles didn't care about anything but how much pain he was in. That and breathing. He wanted to breath.
Then a hand touched his forearm just enough to cause discomfort but not enough to add more pain. Then it was going, the pain was spilling over onto the tiled floor. Like a deflating water balloon and the pain was leaving him. Then he was being carried, he could take deep breaths, now that the pain had ebbed into a single pin prick, more like a mosquito bite. The warm scent was still very reassuring and his eyes were so heavy. He could still smell Cora on his clothes and it was oddly soothing so he gave into the darkness.
When Stiles woke up he was in the nurse's office. He winced remembering Scott accidently grabbing his injured arm.
"Ah, Mr. Stilinski how are you? I tried calling your father but there wasn't an answer."
"It's alright. I'm fine." Stiles winced glancing at his arm.
"I wrapped it tightly but nothing was broken. It was nice that Mr. Hale carried you in. " The beta nurse raised turned back to the clipboard in her hands. She had the same eye color and hair color as Allison. This was one of the human hunter's aunts or distant cousins she looked a lot like Allison but older. The beta would definitely age with grace, Scott was lucky to have a strong and beautiful partner. And Stiles was left with stupid Derek. Oh god. Derek carried him, she had to be mistaken. Right? He wasn't there to gloat or threaten, Stiles shivered recalling the hospital.
"Derek?" Stiles gulped jumping off the bed searching for his bag and hoodie.
"He's talking to the vice principal." The nurse never looked up from her clipboard. "I see you have a soulmark. We don't have you registered at the school or your partner."
"It's no ones business." Stiles replied softly.
"Stiles." Scott was pushing into the room carrying Stiles' bag and holding his hoodie. "I'm so sorry dude!"
"Scott. I told you to fuck off." Stiles approached the stalkier boy without meeting his eyes.
"I had no idea you and Derek were uh involved." Scott turned red.
"We aren't!" Stiles growled snatching his hoodie from his ex friend and pulling it on. He then grabbed his bag. A quick glance at the time told him that he needed to get to his omega classes at the middle school and soon. And sadly he had slept through lunch. Fuck. He needed to text Cora she would be worrying.
"Well I saw his soulmark and it matches yours." Scott interrupted Stiles' chaotic thoughts.
"You saw? He showed you?" Stiles felt sick halting his rapid fire text after scanning 12 texts from a worried Cora.
"Yeah, when he was pummeling me! Good thing I heal quickly." Scott rubbed his left jaw. "I don't know where he's getting off hitting me. When he's out hooking up with Jennifer Blake." Scott frowned. "Oh, shit. I'm sorry. You probably didn't know that."
"Shut up Scott!" Stiles snapped looking over his shoulder at the nurse who was on the phone in the corner ignoring the two of them.
"What? Wait, you knew? About Jennifer I mean. And you're okay with it? Stiles? I always thought you wanted what your parents had."
"You can't tell anyone! No one can know about the soulmate thing! And I do. I just don't care what Derek does with his life. No one needs to know- "
"That he's a cheating bastard? That you deserve better than." Scott pulled away from his friend, his eyes running over the omegas face. He could smell fear rolling off of Stiles and his stomach twisted.
"Wait. Did he threaten you?" Scott's eyes flashed. "Stiles. Is he threatening you?"
Stiles shook his head but the lie was easily read in his hearts skipped beat. "Lie.' Scott growled.
"IT'S NOT YOUR PLACE!" Stiles held his friends forearms with his hands willing his ex friend to do as he asked. "It's too late to pretend you care!"
"Stiles. He's your soulmate. Your alpha. He should be-"
"What?" Derek growled. "What are you yapping about Mccall? And I told you to stay away from Stilinski!" The alpha flashed his eyes and bared his teeth but the younger refused to submit.
Stiles felt sick, the pheromones in the air, were getting heavier and heavier. Where did the nurse go?
"What did you tell him Freakinski? If you think Mccall is your friend you're wrong. He laughed with the rest of us when we shoved you or talked about how pathetic you were."
"Fuck you Derek!" Scott didn't deny it though, and Stiles felt his heart clinch, he held back a pathetic whine.
It hurt, but he guessed as much. He needed to get out of there before he embarrassed himself.
"I didn't say anything." Stiles replied low enough for both weres to hear incase the beta nurse was hiding somewhere.
"I knew it! You are threatening him!" Scott went to push Derek but Stiles stopped him.
"Scott. You have your own soulmate. Worry about her. You both can fight whatever. But I'm leaving." Scott grabbed for Stiles but the omega flinched causing the young alpha to freeze and the older alpha to growl.
Stiles had to put distance between them and him, his legs were starting to tremble and his eyes were watering. He wanted to cry but he refused to do it in front of them, neither one of them deserved to see his anxiety attack and breakdown.
He made it on quick legs around the corner and outside into the courtyard, when a hand caught him from behind. Squeezing the back of his neck, it was something meant to anchor but when he realized who it was it instead caused him to hyperventilate. "What! What do you want from me?" Stiles hissed, gulping in air trying to pull free striking at the arm belonging to the hand holding him mercilessly.
"We need to talk! Stop struggling."
"Let me go!" a sob.
"Fine. Don't run!" Derek snapped, releasing Stiles allowing the young omega to fall on his ass.
"Derek." Jennifer appeared with a cat that caught the canary grin. The beautiful beta wore her brown hair in a high ponytail. Stiles thought it drew attention to her pale swan like neck, alphas were into that kind of thing. Him not so much, still she was wearing a skirt that came just to her knees and looked like it was made from some flowy green material. The white sleeveless blouse had a v cut from the soft material with two strips of the same cloth criss crossed over the gap, I guess that made it appropriate for school. Stiles didn't like that she was overly perfumy like flowers that were about to go bad.
"I happened to be passing the nurses station and overheard you." She waved playfully at Stiles now standing and dusting himself off. The omega nodded in her direction glancing around to be sure she was even acknowledging him.
"How much did you hear?" Derek felt sick, "I can explain-"
'No. No need. It makes sense now. I understand. " She started to pet his arm, her face upturned. "You are in a unique situation. It's fine. I'm not opposed to playing nice. If you want to have your soulmate watch, or maybe join in. Maybe you want to be the one watching I'm open to it. " She glanced at a beat red Stiles, a very beat red and confused Stiles. "I heard omegas are delicious. And the things I could teach you pup." She licked her lips before turning to look back to Derek. "You should have told me sooner."
Stiles took a few steps back and broke into a run, he couldn't take anymore of today. If he went home early his dad would get a call that ratted him out for not showing to his omega classes. Well he didn't answer when the nurse called maybe he wouldn't answer to that. Stiles shook his head shivering, he didn't want to be alone.
He didn't want to be anywhere near Derek, Scott or that creepy Jennifer girl. She wanted Derek she could have him! Stiles walked the short distance to the middle school forgetting Cora usually escorted him. He was so lost in troubled thought he nearly walked past Brandon. The kid was being pushed against the side of the building caged in by some blond kid with a buzz cut.
Stiles usually took this route to get to the door opening out to the side of the building directly. The field wasn't very far away and he sometimes watched the soccer players take the field wishing he had played a sport in middle school or even qualified for one.
"I told you not to tell anyone about our soulmarks! It's bad enough I have to hear my dad gush over your grades and constantly compare us! The whole planning my life and shit! I don't need my friends to know what kind of loser I'm saddled with! I hate you!"
"Woah!" Stiles growled pushing the little twirp, well okay the little twirp was definitely an alpha and he was Stiles' size. This didn't matter, "You can fuck right off! Anyone would be glad to be associated with Brandon!"
"No one's talking to you slut!" The kid with the buzz cut looked down at the skinny Brandon "So you have your sister here fight your battles."
"Now that was uncalled for. You little alpha jerk!" Stiles grabbed the kid by his stupid black jean jacket. Cora could appreciate this pup's style but not his attitude. "How do you like being pushed against a wall?" Stiles used the shock of surprise to do just this. " You are obviously an idiot if you hate someone for doing better than you in school. So you are obviously going to grow up to be a bigger idiot jerk. I'm embarrassed for Brandon. There's no hope for you! What is it with you alphas? Just because you were given a fucking knot in the biological lottery you think you're superior than the rest of us. Well I'm here to tell you, no. No you are not! You were born with a shitty personality, and you will always have one. Why don't you tell your father you're not good enough for Brandon and a platonic bond is all you'll end up with. Spending the weekends scenting, or sharing a shirt, and being roommates." Yes. Stiles had been doing some research, there was something called a platonic bond but it wasn't spoken of much due to it going against the norm and traditional views.
"Come on Brandon. We'll be late. Don't waste your breath not another thought on such a lowly being. You will find someone out there who loves you and wants you as a partner. And this idiot will be forced to watch your happiness while you scent mark like one would a friend. Even that is an abhorrent life sentence for someone as kind as you."
"Soulmarks are forever." the kid objected but his voice wavered slightly as if he doubted his own conviction.
"Are they though? Google it idiot. And I don't mean harems that alphas sometimes have with their soulmate being their number one. I mean something else. You can go fuck yourself." Stiles hissed taking Brandon's hand and pulling him towards class.
"Woah! Where'd that come from?" The two omegas sat in the back of class, Stiles shook his head. "Long day?"
"I'm sorry he said those things. I had someone say the same to me and it hurt. At least your chosen alpha isn't scary." Stiles shivered involuntarily remembering Derek looming over him at the hospital. Then a brief memory of pain ebbing and a blurry figure standing to the side of him crept into his thoughts but he pushed it away just as quickly.
"Even if I could understand where he was coming from and why he hates me.I mean I hate me
But you. You're great. He is lucky you would even consider him. I hope you don't buy into that bullshit they try to teach kids that if and alpha or beta is mean to you it's cause they like you."
"Oh, no. No worries, Cora said the same. She said if they're mean assholes they'll always be mean assholes and it's better to just ignore them. Or she offered me brass knuckles or mace. Our alpha confiscated her taser. I'm okay. No one ever said that kind of thing to Travis though. He's always telling me I ruined his life since we practically presented on the same day. Our families have known each other for a while, we were at his house for dinner and I bumped into him and well soulmark appeared on my to say it was not love at first sight. I see I'm not alone."
"You should tell your alpha about it. Don't let that little fucker think he can get away with it. I bet your pack would have words with aren't just some horse for trading and breeding. Are you from a big pack? Is his bigger?" Brandon's cheeks blushed and he looked away. "At least think about it. If not your parents at least tell the counselor at your school."
"I will. I promise. My packs definitely bigger than his. It's okay size." Stiles shrugged not wanting to say anything he laid his head on his aching forearms facing the window where the soccer field was empty and the slight breeze was kicking up leaves. Brandon just petted his friend's head, giggling when the older omega started to nod off and snore.
After class a very cranky Stiles explained some of what happened at school, not wanting to out Brandon, he would have to tell his family. Stiles did note if Brandon didn't bring it up soon he would say something to Cora.
Stiles tried to breeze over the whole Scott thing and to Cora's credit she graciously listened to his quick description of what happened mentioning Scott accidentally grabbing him. This had her fuming it had taken him the whole ride to the hospital to calm her down. But she didn't say anything, she only growled glaring straight ahead. She wanted to pick him up from his appointment at the hospital with Deaton but Stiles promised he would be okay taking the bus home from his appointment. She reluctantly agreed.
~0~
Despite the small hour nap he took in his omega class, Stiles felt exhausted by the time he reached the hospital. Stiles found Deaton's office almost in the basement, he clutched his research and pushed the door open and damn his luck to see a familiar scowling face in the small waiting room as he checked in with a beta human receptionist.
"Mr. Stilinski Mr. Hale has asked to sit in on your appointment." The blond human was chewing her gum and apparently her name was Nancy. Her shoulder length hair was curled at the ends and her red lips thinned when reading Stiles' panic.
"No."
"It's not just your choice." Derek growled towering over the omega causing Stiles to flinch. His reaction angered Derek for some reason.
"Mr. Hale please refrain from dominate behavior and rein in your pheromones you will upset the other patients."
"What other patients?" Derek snapped "I am sure we are the last of the day." The receptionist narrowed her eyes at the petulant young alpha.
Then behind Stiles entering into the office was his father still in uniform and looking worried. Stiles had texted his dad that he was going to his appointment alone after he had shot a worried Cora a quick text from the nurse's office.
Today was a shit storm because Stiles' father caught that and confusion washed over him.
"This isn't happening!" Stiles hissed.
"Stiles I heard you were in the nurse's office today." The sheriff looked over his pup, "Thanks again Derek. Nurse Argent said you brought Stiles in. I haven't heard the full story but I'm sure Stiles will fill me in. Now care to tell me why you are going in to this appointment with my son?"
"Because they're soulmates and share the soulmark." Deaton sighed.
"So much for Bonding protection act." Stiles grumbled.
"Shut up, he already guessed seeing us both here and hearing that one." Derek snapped gesturing to the beta human who rolled her eyes snapping her gum.
"Nancy I told you about your gum." Deaton was rubbing his temples, the last patients of the day were always the most difficult, maybe Nancy scheduled it like that on purpose.
"I have asthma." She replied checking her red painted nails. "I'm off in thirty minutes so best not be late to start this appointment. I have a feeling it's going to be a long one."
"Nancy." Deaton reprimanded but the human ignored him going back to typing. "Excuse me Dr. Deaton, I have to call that volunteer from omega services to pick up the new enrollment paperwork. Thank god I don't have to input this anymore." The nurse sighed to herself.
"He can't come in." Stiles nodded towards to his dad "Especially if he is." The omega glared at the alpha next to him.
The Sheriff took a seat and watched as his son refused to meet his eyes disappearing quickly behind another set of doors.
The Sheriff heard yelling and raised voices he was on his feet and through the doors ready to subdue anyone hurting his son. After the day the Sheriff was having, he was on edge, particularly when it came to omegas. This case was going to turn him gray and it was bringing up a past he thought he'd put far behind him.
Now his son's soulmate was revealed and he wasn't so sure he was okay with it. Claudia had ended up losing so much when she kept in contact with the Hales. No he couldn't blame Peter, or Talia Hale not completely. Noah knew he himself was also partly to blame. If Claudia hadn't pulled Adam Hale down, instinctively covering his very pregnant body the bullet wouldn't have hit her. Wouldn't have poisoned her wouldn't have kept her from taking a cure because the cost of their own pup's life.
"Platonic bonding?" Derek snarled. "That sounds like some newage bullshit."
"I won't be tethered to him! I won't! I refuse to be mated to anyone unless it's love." Stiles didn't care if the other two in the room thought he was being childish.
"We are not kids idiot. There's no such thing!" Derek snapped "True love. Laughable."
Stiles didn't say anything he could feel the truth behind this statement.
"Sheriff." Deaton was on his feet. "Everyone is alright. Just a little heated debate. Please take a seat. Everyone." the doctor directed towards the leather couch, and two leather chairs.
Stiles took a chair wanting to be far from both alphas, "While studies show it's more beneficial for fated pairs to complete the bond. There have been successful instances of platonic bonds. Except for fertility. An omega can only bare his fated pair's pup. Any other alpha's causes miscarriage. The same goes for the alpha. "
"Shooting blanks isn't going to kills me." Derek shrugged, but not being able to start a family did. He came from a big family and couldn't imagine not having that to come home to, pups laughing and fighting. All thoughts of a loving spouse were dashed smelling the loathing coming from Stiles. Why were they fated? It didn't make sense.
"Fine I'll adopt" The small omega crossed his arms over his chest and refused to meet Derek's shocked eyes. " There's plenty of children out there needing love. I will happily adopt." Stiles straightened his shoulders, though a small pain pinched at his heart knowing he would never carry his alpha's pup, he would never subject a pup to a loveless union. Besides he was telling the truth, adopting was alright by him.
"I hate you." Stiles looked over Derek "And I know you feel the same. I'll take the pamphlet with the exercises to block the uh feelings and thoughts slipping through the bond. I'll try my best. I want to go now it's been a long day. Doctor Deaton we can meet up again just the two of us at my next appointment."
"Fine by me." Derek grumbled although his inner wolf was snapping and whining at the rejection.
"That doesn't work Stiles, Derek."
"What!" snapped.
"Why?" Stiles hissed.
"Because we need to be sure the exercises are working. So, Stiles you need Derek here when you are trying to block out."
"Fine." Derek fumed "But isn't there something sooner, can't we start right away."
"Yes! That! Right there, I agree." Stiles looked hopeful, Deaton sighed rubbing his temples something he would be doing a lot of. "I have an opening tomorrow, we can do this at least once for an hour every other day. Anymore and it will cause problems. Like headaches, bloody nose, disorientation even coma. I need to know if either of you have been experiencing any kind of seperation issues. Agitation, bouts of aggression, anger, sadness, crying, anxiety? Any physical ones, chills, fevers, headaches, muscle aches? Bloody noses, lethargy?" Stiles shook his head as did a smug Derek.
"Fine, I've been a little tired.' Stiles admitted, "I sleep through my omega studies class, and my anxiety has been through the roof. "
"This won't be so bad once you've completed the bond."
"If." Stiles corrected Deaton, "If we complete the bond which we won't be. And I thought we would look into a platonic bond."
"Wait, wait." Noah interjected "What kind of side effects are we looking at now? With every other day of exercises and this whole separation issue? Stiles is still a teenager. I don't want him to be scented against his will."
Stiles was standing he didn't wait for anyone to say anything, his father growled at Derek but Stiles cut him off. "Dad lets just go."
"I'm okay with every other day. " The omega shrugged and quickly made his way out of the room.
"And really Stiles you can't do any better. Derek Hale is a fine alpha. He saved your you should put whatever issues you have with him aside and try to make this work. He has a big pack you would be protected and safe. Talia is a strong leader in the alpha councils. She runs the whole pacific northwest. And has connections with European councils, she has a chair at the head of the international council. "
"I won't be forced into a union if there is no love. I want what you had with mom. I want to be happy even if it's for a little while."
Stiles smiled sadly hearing his father's quick intake of breath as well as the increase in his heart rate. Good let him think about that one, let him be sad for a minute because Stiles had a point and he would not budge.
~0~
Cora entered the cafeteria on wednesday with murder on her mind. She was greeted by an excited Laura. "You've finally decided to eat with us!"
"Introduce me Laura. Please, to all of your friends leave no one out." Cora's wolfish grin was missed by her sister's excited squeal.
Cora waited patiently for the names and pretended to care, she was really in the cafeteria because some beta from her first period told her that Scott ate lunch in the cafeteria with Allison Argent and she knew what Argent looked like.
"So is your mystery friend going to join us too?" Laura asked.
"Mystery?" Lydia asked.
"Mind your own business princess." Cora snapped.
"Hey!" Jackson growled.
"Easy." Boyd replied with a grin, this Hale was a firecracker, Erica patted a seat next to her.
"You can sit here by me sweetheart. I want to hear about your adventures in rehab."
Cora was about to tell the older Beta she wasn't her sweetheart but then she saw Allison put her arm around a dark haired male.
"Cora?" Laura tried to follow her sister's line of sight, she was tense ready to pounce. If Cora had been phased she would be standing with her ears back and the fur on her back bristled.
"Scott Mccall." She growled.
"You know Scotty?" Erica asked.
"Nope. But that's him?" Cora asked following the douche with her narrowed eyes.
"Yeah. Why? " Derek stopped talking to Isaac about the party they all were going to on Friday night.
Cora started forward ignoring her brother and pulling away from her sister's soft touch to her shoulder. It didn't take very long to reach the alpha, Allison was giggling and he was laughing at something the hunter had said. "You Scott Mccall?"
"Yeah-" Scott didn't get to say anymore or even ask why someone sharing a Hale kinscent would want anything to do with him. Instead she headbutted him and his nose exploded with blood he fell back Allison was quick to catch him and she swung at Cora but her punch was caught by Laura.
"Stay the fuck away from Stiles! If you even breath in his direction I swear to god I'll cut you!" And Cora was backing away pushing past a growing crowd of teens holding their lunch.
"What the fuck Cora!" Laura chased after her sister.
"Leave me alone." Cora growled shakily pulling away from her older sister she hurried to her usual lunch spot knowing she would be going to principal's office soon and worse back to reform school. She wanted to see Stiles one last time at least, maybe he would write to her, and she was allowed calls on the weekends, would he accept her calls?
~0~
Derek was on his feet he heard his sister Laura yell "What the fuck Cora!" Then Cora was pushing past the crowd of teens, Allison was arguing with Laura and Erica was growling at the hunter to back off.
Isaac looked confused as did Lydia and Jackson, Boyd had followed his girlfriend to make sure she didn't get sucked into a fight.
Derek watched as Jackson reached out to put a protective arm around Lydia and Boyd subtly did the same to his soon to be mate. He wondered briefly what it felt like to share that connection with someone, something with mutual respect and not hate. He didn't want to think like this and decided to find his younger sister, her rebel without a cause exit was stopped by the vice principal Mrs. Argent and Derek knew it was going to end with a call to their alpha.
It turned out their mother was indisposed and gave instructions to Derek to take Cora's phone and keys, since Laura caught a ride with Derek to school Laura would need to drive Cora's car home. Cora would wait at home until Talia returned from the case she was helping the Sheriff work. Derek and Laura would be sure she stayed out of trouble until then, so Derek thanked the principal and vice principal.
"Does your alpha often help the Sheriff these days?" The vice principal asked curiously. Derek shrugged, "You don't have an omega do you? Your mother as I recall died shortly after having Cora. What a waist for the Sheriff. To lose a wife because of your omega only for her efforts to be for not."
"What?"
"Victoria!" The principal snapped. "That isn't something we discuss."
"Wait what the hell are you talking about?" Cora growled.
"The Sheriff. His omega Claudia, sweet girl. Went to this school here. Your uncle Peter and her helped plant all the trees on campus. "
"Go home." The principal cut off the beta. "Now. Derek you have permission to go."
Laura met them in the hall just outside the principal's office she had made sure Scott made it to the nurse's office. Allison was fuming and said Cora better watch her back, Laura of course hadn't taken kindly to the threat. Then the beta hunter had called Stiles a slut which was confusing but Laura needed to be sure her sister was alright and get the full story.
Cora wasn't talking, of course because she was the easiest person to understand and deal with.
Derek lectured his kid sister all the way home she just stared out the window, "Did Scott threaten you? You could tell me and I'll deal with it." No answer. "I'm on your side Cora." Silence. "You aren't a kid anymore Cora you can't keep acting out? " They pulled up to the house and she was out of the car before the engine was off throwing her bag down on the couch.
Brandon was home early due to it being a teachers staff meeting so he didn't have afternoon classes or Omega classes. When he heard his sister come in followed by their angry big brother he put his sketch pad down and quickly followed his sister up the stairs.
Derek huffed and threw his keys on the table of the family room blowing out a deep breath pulling off his letterman jacket. He plopped down on couch jumping up when he realized he sat on Brandon's sketch book. There was someone ringing the doorbell, he thought 'What now'
He answered the door there was Brandon's soulmate, the kid looked nervously up at Derek careful not to look him in the eye.
"Hey Derek. Is uh Brandon home." The teenager nervously looked around Derek.
"Yeah. Come in Travis." Derek shouted moving towards the stairs"Brandon!" Then shouted up the stairs "Brandon! Travis is here!" Unaware this caused the smaller alpha to jump.
Brandon called down "What?" He met Derek halfway down the steps pausing like a deer in headlights. "Oh." Anxiety filled the small area near the carpeted stairs and Derek turned from his brother to the little bastard refusing to look at Derek. "Hey Brandon. I'm actually kinda in the middle of something. I don't think we have anything left to say."
Brandon licked his lips he hugged his waist, and his posture was like he wanted curl in on himself. Derek had seen this before, it was how Stiles acted around him, and something in him broke.
"What did you do?" He turned on the small alpha.
"I came to apologize for yesterday." The younger alpha stepped back.
"Don't Derek." Brandon managed. "Leave him alone! He was leaving anyway. "
Derek was shocked his little brother was taking any kind of tone higher than a submissive whisper. Then he was actually taking the other boys arm and pulling him towards the door.
The alpha stayed where he could glare and watch the two, "I hate you and you made it clear you hate me. I don't think we have anything else to say."
"It's not. I don't hate you."
"Sure. Listen. Just because we have these stupid marks doesn't mean we have to be miserable together. I know it sounds silly but I don't want to be with anyone unless it's out of love not obligation. I looked up platonic bonding. It's not some hoax or new age bull. So I have my whole life to figure it out. I don't have to bond with anyone. So please leave."
The blond with the buzz cut opened his mouth to say something but saw the looming figure of his fated pair's big brother alpha and decided against it.
Brandon shut the door and glared at his brother "It's not your business."
Derek felt like swearing what happened to his little brother that thought he could do no wrong. "Alphas think they can do whatever push omegas around. I don't need a soulbond or fated partner. He's been pushing me around for too long. I don't need him."
"He's been pushing you? Verbally or physically?"
"It doesn't matter." Brandon shrugged "I can take care of myself. If he stops by again I don't want to see him. It's my choice. Besides I won't be a name to add to someones pack."
Derek watched his brother run up the stairs head high shoulders back, but there was a slight tremor to his voice when he spoke.
Brandon had brought something up, Hale went far, the name that is. Why wasn't Stiles falling at his feet begging for his knot and his name? It was getting distracting how easily Derek was always where Stiles was, yesterday was a prime example. He felt the distress the pain and then the shock he had followed it to that hallway. His instincts had lead him to throw Mccall up against the empty string of lockers, to take Stiles' pain then carry him to the nurse's office.
He had felt something and it confused him, when Stiles the omega had nuzzled into him searching for comfort for safety. That feeling of warmth caused his inner wolf to howl with approval. The rejections were starting to pile up and was tearing at him his wolf was on edge and his temper was off. How was it he was feeling off kilter, jittery and aggressive. Whereas Stiles was anxious and that was it, didn't he need the alpha in the same way. Damn this bond thing.
This bond was a shit bond and it needed to be fixed and soon. Where had Brandon heard of platonic bonding? Was it even a real thing?
Derek went back to the couch glancing down at the sketch pad he had pulled out from under him earlier. He glanced at the picture his brother was working on, Brandon had a talent. He was sketching the scenery outside the family room window. He had the details of the pebbled driveway wrapping around the long winding stretch of land disappearing into the woods.
Derek flipped to the picture before, it was of a smiling Cora holding her cell in her hand, the omega had caught the glint of rare happiness in the young alpha's eyes. Cora's hair had fallen over her left shoulder and her feet were sitting on the coffee table in front of her. Derek remembered it was when she was giggling over something her friend had texted. Sometime last week such exchanging were becoming frequent and the family wondered when they would meet this person that held Cora's attention.
The next page had Derek tilt his head sideways trying taking in every detail, it was of Cora driving and someone was in the passenger seat. Brandon was in the back seat, but the alpha could see his little sister smiling fondly at the passenger. Obviously sitting at a red light she had her arms crossed over the steering wheel and head resting on her forearm listening to the stranger speak from the seat next to her, it was definitely a he by the way his hands were moving.
The next one was the one that had Derek gripping the pad and holding his breath, it was of a familiar omega staring sadly out a school window. Brandon had made sure to spare no detail he had even managed to dot every mole that kissed the pale face. Stiles had his chin resting on his hands staring out the window. There was a frown on his face and he looked so sad, though it was a picture in black and white Derek imagined the whisky colored eyes distant and dejected.
The one before that one was of Stiles sleeping his head resting on his elbow, he looked so peaceful, Derek ran a finger over the bruised jaw line and over the messed hair.
The one before that was of Travis holding a soccer ball under his arm leaning against a fence talking to three other boys whose faces weren't detailed it was only Travis that had a smug grin often seen on over confident alphas. He reminded Derek of Jackson with that smile and his wolf didn't care for that idea.
"Why are you going through my stuff." Brandon sounded nervous.
"I accidently sat on it. Maybe you shouldn't leave your shit on the couch." This made the omega flinch but he snatched his sketch pad from his brother.
"Why do you have sketches of Stilinski?" Brandon frowned shrugging. "I mean Stiles. You sketched pictures of him."
His brother smiled then "You know Stiles? He's cool huh. He is Cora's friend and mine too." Brandon's grin widened as if he just realized this. " He's in my omega studies class. He sleeps through it mainly but he's always a blast. He nearly beat Travis up yesterday and what he did for Cora. He's so brave."
"Stiles brave?" Derek made a face causing his brother glare at him, then his eyes narrowed recalling just what his brother had said about Travis. "What did Travis say that Stiles of all people would get aggressive. Did he threaten you?"
"It doesn't matter anymore. I have some time before I have to deal with him and a bonding ceremony. Think of poor Stiles his soulmate hates him. I think he's scared of him too he always smells so anxious." Brandon shivered, "I would hate to have an alpha or beta like that. Travis said he was embarrassed that people might find out we are thought I had told someone because he overheard them talking about it. But I didn't tell anyone. I told him that, but he got so angry he pushed me. That's when Stiles walked up and shoved him back."
"And?" Derek couldn't believe what he was hearing how long had this pup whose balls hadn't dropped yet been threatening Brandon. Brandon his youngest brother, timid and sweet and kind. Where did that little fucker get off talking to Brandon like BRANDON was the embarrassment? Suddenly Derek felt sick, this was oddly familiar.
"And then he called Stiles a slut but Stiles didn't take the bait instead he told Brandon that I would have a choice someday when the time came I would find someone who loved me. That he would be stuck watching me basically from the sidelines be happy. That I would be happy and there was thing platonic bonding and it would be Travis that was alone and sad. I didn't believe Stiles at first but after reading online and thinking on it. I feel like things will be fine. I don't need Travis. That guys been a jerk to me since elementary school, him and his stupid jackass friends. "
"Language." Derek reprimanded but his brother wasn't listening he was too busy crossing his arms over his sketching pad holding it to his chest like a shield.
"I was dreading school these last few months since presenting, well dreading more than usual. But I don't need to. Things are going to be okay.I feel valued."Brandon's grin was still firmly planted on his face. "Wait how do you know Stiles?"
"He goes to my school." Derek replied.
"He gets bullied a lot doesn't he. He doesn't really say anything like that to me but I can tell." Brandon shrugged again.
"Brandon why didn't you say anything to me or our alpha? Even to Laura, uncle Peter someone!" The younger boy flinched.
"I don't need you guys to think I'm anymore of a disappointment that you already do. Besides it's no big deal, I'm an omega"
"Being an omega has nothing to do what that. You shouldn't be treated like less." Derek felt sick saying this, wasn't this how Stiles felt.
Brandon frowned, "Listen you need to talk to alpha about this. This conversation isn't over, because if you don't talk to her, then I'm going to murder that little fucking punk. I'll go to your school and do it right there in the cafeteria so all the others will know what it means to mess with a Hale. I'll make an example of the little fucker."
"Language." Brandon giggled, "Thanks. I, uh. I will. If you can be with me when I do. She's always so busy it's hard to catch a minute with her."
"Well she's gonna be close to murdering Cora so tonight is as good as a time as any. There's gonna be a family meeting so might as well bring it up then. Brandon. You are important to us all not because of your secondary gender but because we love you. Nothing changes that. I will go to the ends of the earth to chase down someone that is hurting you."
His younger brother smiled looking up at him from his long lashes cheeks flushing. "Now go and get some quiet time before alpha gets home it's gonna be bad. " Brandon shrugged leaving the family room empty. Derek heard his alpha come in and decided to avoid the yelling and hellstorm about to rain down. He went to hide in his room and texted Scott to see how his face was doing and to apologize he received no text back.
Derek was right about the pack meeting, after the head alpha was done interrogating a very unwilling Cora, Derek brought up Brandon's situation. There was an outcry at the offense, and Derek was so proud to be apart of such a protective and loving family. He listened to his little brother's accounts of being pushed at school, his locker vandalized and other pranks. Pranks that suddenly seemed less like pranks and more like cruelty, and all were so familiar. He listened to Brandon explain why he hadn't said anything, how he felt so worthless and alone. Laura embraced her little brother and Cora who was silent through her own grilling took Brandon in her arms and told him how proud she was of him for being so brave.
Derek glanced around the room, his big sister Laura, his younger sibling Brandon and Cora, his uncle and aunt, everyone there in that room. If they knew what he had been saying to his own soulmate. He didn't love Stiles but the least he could do was try to be friends. Right?
Derek was unaware that somewhere across town a certain omega doing his homework in an empty house hunched over a desk with a soft glow of a lamp was hit with a wave of guilt and sorrow.
~0~
Cora was brought to school with Talia Hale, Derek admired the fact that his alpha made any space feel tiny no matter how big, just with her presence. He hoped to carry the same confidence and clout. Talia was ready to fight for a reasonable punishment, however Scott had explained that it was a joke and misunderstanding. This surprised everyone including the principal as he reported that Mr. Mccall had come to him that morning with the story that Cora had accidently bumped him in the lunch hall and Allison Argent had corroborate his story. The principal being a Beta human could only trust the two at their word. Derek would definitely thank his friend later.
Cora was allowed to come to school the friday, when they three were outside the principal's office she asked for her keys and phone but Talia shook her head no. "I don't believe that one bit. However your name is cleared, so you can have your keys and phone back tomorrow. No sooner. I'll take you home. Derek you go to class. And please stay out of trouble." She sighed leading his younger sister away.
Derek started to go to class when he felt a buzz in his coat pocket he thought it was his phone and realized it was his sister's. LILREd was texting he opened the phone about to text that his sister was grounded till tomorrow.
LILRED: hey text m lil worried missed u at lunch.
Derek could see there were several missed texts from the same person, he also could see why his sister was smiling these days there were several pictures of encouraging gifs and memes. He laughed himself reading the dumb science jokes and math memes. There was a meme of a cat wearing a red bowtie and black hipster glasses holding a beaker full of blue liquid and the meme read " Do you know any jokes about Sodium HypoBromite? NaBro" or "You can't trust Atoms they make up everything." That had Derek laughing and rolling his eyes. Was this person the reason Cora was doing better in math and science? He stopped reading her texts not wanting to intrude on her privacy. He needed to find Scott to thank him.
He sent a text of his own: Cora is grounded. Her phone and keys have been confiscated.
LITTLERED: OMG! :0 Is this her brother? Is she ok? What happened? _
Derek thought this person was a girl with the emojis, he quickly texted back.
CORD'LUNE: She wont have her phone back till tomorrow. Her phone is about to die. I'll text from mine.
LITTLERED: OK. Sounds serious.
Derek laughed at the puppy meme the girl sent, he put the number in his phone and quickly texted.
Well Little Red. This is Big Bad Wolf.
LITTLERED: Nope. If u r Cora's bro then you sir are SourWolf. Because I expect u to be angsty as they come.
Derek shook his head he was the opposite right? SourWolf: No. Complete opposite. I m a good alpha. Cora is the black sheep. We tried. I think she's adopted.
LITTLERED: RUDE! But believable. I can not confirm or deny that she may or may not have said she is on to u all.
The bell rang and Derek had to get to class he caught another puppy gif that said similar LITTLERED: GTG!
Derek spent lunch glancing at his phone he had forgot that he would explain Cora's situation, instead he took a picture of his unappetizing lunch. Only to receive a sad face and picture of what looked like home made spaghetti.
SOURWOLF:WHO'S MEAN N