I woke up completely unprepared for the chemistry test that I would have today. I have been here in Beacon Hills for about two weeks and somehow managed to keep everyone from knowing I was related to Derek. That includes Scott and Stiles. Derek asked me to avoid both guys at all costs, because he wanted to wait to tell them who I was until it was absolutely necessary. It turns out that Derek not only wanted to keep people from giving him more attention with my presence, but he wanted to also protect me. He decided that it wouldprobably be easier if I just stay a hidden Hale, that way I could live here normally.
The pack had finally seemed to welcome me in. Well, Erica is still a little cold. Honestly I think that she gets jealous of Derek spending so much time with me. Every time we are doing something as a pack and Derek partners me up with him, she storms off. It's a little funny. Isaac is...well the same as the first day that I met him. He hits on me constantly, and I never know if he is being serious or just messing around.
Stiles still stared at me every day. But then again he stared at the wicked witch of the hills as well, Lydia. What is it with guys and Lydia Martin? It's like she produces this irresistable force to all male kind. I really liked Stiles, but I kept my distance because I wasn't here for a relationship. I was here to help out D, and to get through high school.
I arrived at school with my full focus on this chem test. I didn't even take the time to look good. I was in a pair of skinny jeans, flats, and an way oversized sweater. My hair was in a messy bun, not the cute kind, and I wore no makeup mad my glasses. If you looked up big-hot-mess on the Internet, my picture would pop up with out a doubt. I was walking to my locker, holding the study guide out in front of me reading it frantically, when I ran into what felt like a brick wall. I looked up into soft brown eyes. Scott McCall was standing in front of me.
"Oh man, I am so sorry. Are you okay?" He put his hand andemu elbow to steady me and I smiled warmly.
"Just a little embarrassed is all. I was so focused on reading the paper that I wasn't watching where I was going. I'm sorry." I bent down to get the papers, but a hand reached them before mine did. I knew who it was as soon as I saw the pale skin. Everyone in Beacon Hills knew that Scott and Stiles were each others shadows. They were never far away from each other. My cheeks grew a little warm knowing that I looked like a slob and would have to speak to him.
"A little freaked about the chem test today?" He said as he handed me my papers.
"That would be an understatement. I stayed up all night studying for this. I think I only slept for two hours. It's just not clicking for me." I immediately felt dumb for admitting how stupid I was for not understanding the chemistry.
He looked at me with understanding and said, "Don't worry about it. You are brilliant and ... And" He stuttered and Scott spoke up speaking the words Stiles apparently couldn't get out.
"I think that he is trying to say that you'll do fine." Scott put his hand in Stiles' shoulder and they both smiled at me. Scott averted his gaze to something over my shoulder. I turned around and smiled brightly as Allison made her way over to where we were standing. When she reached us, she looked just as flustered as me but she, unlike me, managed to still look attractive.
I shook my head and asked her "How do you do it?" She didn't have the same test as we did today, but I knew she had a huge test in some art history class she was taking.
She looked confused before asking, "Do what?"
"I know you were up all night working on your project because I was texting you the whole night. How the hell do you still manage to look this good." She laughed and Scott mumbled something that would have been unheard for human ears. But I heard it perfectly clear. 'she always looks good'
"Well I think that you are both gorgeous. Especially you. Kind of geek chic. Actually turns me on a little." I would recognize that voice anywhere. Isaac walked up from behind me. Allison smiled as she watched me roll my eyes. I turned around and literally was face-to-chest with him.
"Easy there gorgeous. I know you are attracted to me, but let's save it for a more private place huh?" I pushed myself away from him and positioned myself to where I was looking at Scott and Stiles.
"I guess I'll see you guys in class?" Stiles smiled brightly. "Well we are in the same class. So I guess we would see each other. Maybe. If you look forward and I look back, because you know... You sit in the back and we sit up front. And... I'm just going to shut up now. Come on Scott let's just walk away ..." Stiles started walking and Scott smiled at Allison before following. I heard chuckling coming frombrhind me from both Allison and Isaac. I turned on them.
"What are you two laughing at?" They shared a glance and then Allison looked at me.
"I haven't seen Stiles stutter like in front of anyone besides Lydia. Looks like you have an admirer other than this guy." She pointed at thumb at Isaac and my stomach felt funny at the mention of Stiles' affection for Lydia.
"Well I was laughing at the fact the guy thinks he even has a chance with you." We both shot him a dirty look. "Oh come on. He's a nerd. And you..." he grinned at me. "You are something that is out of everyone's reach." Only he and I knew what he meant. Derek would probably want to kill any guy that approaches me.
"You are so right! So tell me again why you keep trying?" I grinned at him as I began walking off with Allison at my side.
"Don't pretend you don't want it!" Isaac shouted over the crowd that was between us.
"You my dear are a wanted woman." Allison said smiling and raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, wanted by a guy that has been pining after the queen bee for years and a guy who wants my body. That's a big accomplishment." I sounded a littl defeated and honestly I was. "Stiles is interested in you. I promise. Hey, you should come to lunch today. I know you usually go home for lunch, but it would be a nice change having you there." She smiled and then squeezed my arm. "Think on it and we have to get to our first class." I always went home to eat with Derek. I don't like leaving him alone so much. Especially since Uncle Peter is back; I just don't trust him.
I walked through the door of the classroom and my eyes instantly landed on Stiles. His hair now a wavy, fluffy brown and his eyes were soft and smiling. I found myself smiling back, then a tug at my arm reminded me that I needed to find my seat. I sat to find Stiles looking back in my direction. This happened a lot, nearly every class we had together actually. I tucked a piece of hair behind my hair and bit my lip nervously at what the two boys could be talking about, some part of me always hoped it was me.
"Do you think that she is secretly dating Isaac?" Stiles asked curiously. "They spend a lot of time together and the things he says.." One of the very last things I wanted Stiles thinking was that I was dating Isaac.
"No, I don't think so. I mean, you know how Isaac is. He puts on the cocky guy attitude, but we both know what he has been through. He wouldn't get close to someone that easily, especially not a girl that just moved here." The way that Scott said that sentence made my insides grind a little.
"You still don't trust her?" Stiles asked, but Scott kept his gaze forward. "She has been here over a week and nothing weird has happened. Do you really still believe something is wrong with her?" Stiles sounded exasperated with the topic.
"I can sense it Stiles!" Scott hissed in a whisper. " I don't know what she is, but it isn't human."
"Boys? Is there something more important that the class should be discussing?" Stikes and Scott both jerked straight in the chairs.
"umm.. No sir! We were just talking about being partners for your upcoming history project." Stiles was the first to speak up.
"Yeah! We were ...umm...discussing topics for the project." Scott offered.
The teacher obviously wasn't buying it because he raised an eyebrow at the two boys. "And what may I ask was the topic you two discussed?"
Stiles and Scott looked at each other and Stiles spoke up, "Ancient folklore and myths that have originated from Beacon Hills sir." Interesting that he should choose that topic, because I had just emailed our history teacher about me covering the same topic last night. Mr. Clark must have been reading my mind because he looked straight at me and smiled then.
"Mr. Stilinski, seeing as how you need to improve your grade in this class and have an obvious interest in folklore, I want you to pair up with Miss. Rochester. She is carrying the class highest average and has already spoken to me about the very topic you wish to do." Stiles opened his mouth to say something at the same time as I did. Mr. Clark beat us to speaking any words though. "In fact I shall be pairing each of you up, based on the same traits I just used to pair these two up." He smiled and I figured he was proud of himself.
He sat down at his desk searching through his computer for the grades and which students to match up. He even had the rest of the class, besides me and Stiles, write down what topics they wished to cover for their projects. Allison ended up paired with Scott. Isaac was paired with Lydia. With these matches, you could say they were made in hell. Allison and I walked out and were quickly followed by the others. I wasn't in the mood to deal with any one at the moment, so I snaked down a hallway before none noticed I was even gone.
I found a hole in the library and sank down to the floor, opened my chemistry notes and began preparing for the test. I skipped the next two classes becausei lost track of time, and ended up dozing off resting against the bookshelves in the library. I woke up to the buzzing and vibrating of my cell phone. I read the contact on the screen... Derek. I looked down at the time and realized I missed our scheduled luncpush swiped the screen lock and answered.
"Hey D, I'm so sorry. I fell asleep studying for this test."
I had barely gotten the words out of my mouth before he began ranting. "where are you? Issac and Erica said that they haven't seen you since first period. They can't even pick up your scent." He was having me watched?
"I'm not a child who needs to be babysat." I spat into the phone.
"No, but you are my only cousin I have left, and you know that there is an alpha pack coming. If they wanted to get to me, then they'd come after you first." He countered my previous argument.
"And I thought that was why we were keeping the fact that I am your cousin a secret? So that way they couldn't know I was related to you?" I shot back. I didn't have time to deal with his crap.
"It is the reason. But I still like to know where you are, so if something were to happen to you I'd know where to go." He was growing impatient, as was I.
"You are my cousin not my dad. Drop the parental protectiveness crap D. I have a test so I have to go." I hung up the phone before listening to whatever else he was about to say. I knew that it would make him mad, and I also knew that I was the only person who could get away with it.
I layed my head back up against the bookshelf. "Something told me that I would find you here." the voice was gentle and I relaxed a little knowing it was Allison.
" Sorry about skipping out on lunch, I got lost in studying and fell asleep. Did I miss anything in gym class?" Besides Erica being a raging bitch.
"This is record breaking week. Erica set out to beat them all. Don't worry about lunch, I'm more worried about you." She sat down next to me and it felt good to have a friend like her by my side.
"No need to worry. I just have a lot on my mind." And that was an understatement. With Derek knowing and watching my every move, me not really dealing with Lori's death, trying to figure out the alpha pack business, keeping a secret second life, keeping my grades up, fooling my parents, and just trying to breath here lately, I have been a total mess.
"Anything you want to talk about?" I figured I would go with the chem test as the blame for my acting weird lately. It was the only thing that would explain my behavior without her completely hating me. Once she finds out who I am, she'll want to kill. That's what hunters do.
"I'm just not used to not understanding something in school. Academics is all I have. I just feel defeated is all." I said and I knew shed believe me because it was the truth.
"Look, I'm sure that you will figure it all out. There are tutors available here too." She offered. She stood up and offered out her hand. I took gratefully and stood up facing her.
"Come one. We have a test to get you to." She smiled.
I entered the Chemistry room and went to my seat next to Isaac. He grinned devishly. "I heard Derek called, all upset." I didn't give him any response. "I also heard that he ended the phone call furious. Something about someone ...hanging up in him I think." Gossip in this pack was unbelievable.
"He's not my father. It's not your job to tail my every move and report back. I'm his cousin not his child." I said the words simply and I earned a chuckle from him.
"You are most definitely his cousin. You guys have the same Hale temper. I wouldn't want to get in a pissing match with either of you." So why was he then?
I turned to face him more directly. "Why do you mess with me so much? Are really that big of a cocky goofball, or are hiding the fact that there is a real person underneath all that?" He opened his mouth to begin to speak, then closed it suddenly at a loss for words.
Then he didn't have a chance to rebute what I said because the test papers were passed back.
The class was beginning to end and was one of the last ones to still working, along with Stiles and Lydia. Aftee about five minutes and ten left to go, Lydia stood up, her high heels clinking against the floor and turned her paper in. She looked directly at me and smiled at the fact that I was struggling. Stiles finished with five minutes to spare and I finished with none. I walked out of the classroom and was surprised to see Stiles standing outside the classroom door, waiting.
"Hey, I lost you earlier and then you were busy talking to Isaac in class, so I thought I'd wait to to talk to you after school." I was confused, and began walking to my locker. We had a pack meeting tonight and if I was late Derek would kill me.
"What about?" I said a little distracted. He looked at me and something told me I was acting like a blonde.
"Our project." I looked at him blankly. "History...Mr. Clark paired us...folklore.." a light bulb lit up and I reddened, feeling really dumb.
"Yes of course. I am so sorry, my mind was somewhere over the rainbow I guess." He smiled, and then I smiled because I made him smile.
We stood there a bit awkwardly for a few minutes. "So I was thinking that maybe I could come over and we could brainstorm a bit? Maybe order a pizza?" My eyes darted to the end of the hall where Erica, Isaac, and Boyd were all standing.
"Sure thing. Sounds like a plan." I said absently and then he sprang to life a little more.
"Awesome! I guess I'll see you later then?" The pack began to walk off and I knew that they meant for me to follow them.
I turned to Stiles, and leaned in giving him a kiss on the cheek and said, "I have to go, but whatever the plans are I'm sure they are great." I smiled and hurriefood own the hallway trying to find my pack members.
I followed their scent all the way to the swimming pool. When I entered the pool my heart skipped a beat. There stood Derek with a furious look on his face. I knew that this pack meeting would be heated and serious.
"Hey guys." I said cautiously.
"Do you know what being in a pack means Caterpillar?" I smiled because even when he was being dead serious he still called me by that silly nickname. He didn't think it was so funny though. "It means looking out for one another. It means having each others back. It means watching over each other." Erica had went and stood beside him and Boyd joined at the other side. Isaac stayed kind of in the middle.
"I'm not dumb. I know what being in a pack consists of Derek." I said, a little annoyed we were even going to have this conversation.
"Then why do you question my having the others watch over you? Why do you reject it?" Derek asked, sounding a little hurt.
"Because I am my own person. I am capable of handling myself. You want me to be a part of this pack, but you don't want people knowing who I really am." I argued.
"Because if they knew then they can use you against me! I won't let that happen." He was beginning to break, and I knew it better than the rest did.
"You want me to be more involved with the pack? The you need to let me. Keeping me a secret will only hinder the pack in the long run and you know it."
He gritted his teeth and I prepared myself. "I am the alpha of this pack. I say you stay behind the curtains as a Hale. Nothing good will come of you outing your bloodline."
"I disagree! If people knew who I was, then they would fear the fact that there are two Hales in this pack. The hunters wouldn't even want to mess with us." I argued again.
"Dammit Katerina!" Use of my first name meant he was über pissed. "You are only half a wolf. Half a Hale. That makes you only half as strong as the rest of us." That was the lowest blow he could have thrown and he knew it.
I let the rage take over me, "I'm only half as strong? I'll show you have as strong!" I stormed out of the high school and hopped on my bike and raced home.
How dare he call me a halfling! I had Hale blood in me just as he did. I had more wolf in me than any of his other stupid mutts in the pack. I went up the stairs changed into work out clothes and stomped all the way to the basement. I'll show hnot half as strong. I could take on any of his pack members. I was a wolf by blood not by bite. And I'll be damned if he would hold my human father against me.
I had my headphones plugged in and was furiously hitting the punching bag when a body appeared out of no where and was holding the bag. "That's a hell of aheight hook you have there. Your left one could use some work though." That silky voice belonged to none other than Isaac Lahey.
I hit with more force than I had been. "What are you doing here? Derek put you on protection control?" I spun and kicked the bag, not stopting for a second to even look at Isaac.
"Actually I think Derek feels bad about what he said. He dismissed us all after you left and we haven't seen him." Turned the bag to give me a fresh spot to hit. "You have a lot of rage for such a tiny person."
"I have had enough of people putting me down today thanks." I kicked so hard the bag moved backwards enough for him to have to take a step back.
"where'd you learn to fight?" He sounded mildly impressed, and then I stopped because I got winded. I reached over for my water bottle and saw Isaac put on a pair of hitting pads for he arms. Targets for me to hit.
"Come on Tyson let's see what you have got!" He said smiling. And I noticed that he hadn't commented once on my wearing only a sports bra, or being sweaty, or having spandex shorts on. It was nice to seem him, be him.
After a few minutes I stopped to take another break. He sat down beside me. "Why did you say that stuff in chemistry? About me hiding behind a mask?" he sounded serious and it was shocking to see this side of him.
I was getting ready to answer his question when the doorbell rang. I cut my eyes to him and he threw his hands up defensively.
"I have no clue who that is." He said. I stood up and jogged to the door.
When I answered the door I immediately regretted my choice in attire. There stood Stiles with his mouth wide open, staring at my bare stomach and hardly covered legs.
"How did you know which house was mine? I don't remember ever telling you where I live..." I asked confused to be seeing him at me doorstep. "Why are you here?"
It took him a minute to respond after Isaac told him to stop gaping at me. "A little advice.. It helps to move your mouth for words to come out, not just hold it open." Isaac stepped next to me and bent down and kissed me cheek, a sweet gesture.
"I came by to make sure you were okay, not because I was told to." He looked at me meaningfully. He walked past Stiles and turned back to look at me. "I also want a rain check on the conversation!" He called out and continued to walk off. That left me with Stiles and still confused as to why he was here.
"I thought we agreed to brainstorm the project..." Stiles said, clearly confused about why Isaac was here.
"And order pizza! Sorry I was working out, and Isaac dropped by to check on me about the chem test and caught me in the middle of my workout. Please come in! I'll go change and we can get to work." I smiled at him and stepped aside so he could enter the house.
Author's Note-
Sorry guys that I haven't updated sooner. My computer is being fixed and I just now got the chapter completely. Typed the whole thing on my iPod! That's dedication :) So please excuse any errors or typos. I hope you enjoy the chapter and please review! Love you guys :)