Disclaimer: Teen wolf does not belong to me in any shape of form -anyways, a MASSIVE and THANKFUL shout out to suntan140, VampirePrincess11, Kayela-Brown-1228, zvc56, Jaysweet112197, Tayy, Ayine, Iste, Crash88, Clancy1018 and Grey-eyed Birdie for reviewing, you have no idea how much they mean, you all rock, hope you like this next chapter :) x
Isaac wasn't exactly the best kind of person in emotional situations. He went all tongue-tied and flustered, scared that he could do or say the wrong thing which was a complete one eighty to his normally usual cool exterior. He just diverted his gaze awkwardly down to floor of the animal clinic, avoiding everyone's curious gazes as to what the hell happened in 'Kayla land', their faces contorted into worry and confusion as Kayla's cries didn't quieten down – in fact they just got louder if anything... these gut wrenching wails of pain accompanied by grief stricken sobs as she clung to Stiles, both pulling and pushing him away at the same time, her whole body shaking.
"Isaac, what the hell happened?" Derek demanded, grabbing his arm in a vice like grip as Scott just raised his eyebrows, silently conveying the same question, "What did you see?" And that question had too many answers.
What did they see? Everything.
How Derek was once a normal kid that wore baseball caps and played video games, how Stiles and Kayla had already met before, like the universe was trying to bring them together, how Eichen house was a place that no one should have to go because it was basically hell, how his friend – his best friend – had suffered too much loss... her family in a house fire, her dad and brother, her best friend, her baby... oh god... it finally hit him like a ton of bricks... his best friend was a mom. And now she wasn't.
He finally looked up as Derek jolted his arm, the desperation clear and what could he say? Really? Did he have the right to?
"Um... I-we saw... we saw..." Isaac looked up sadness evident in his eyes, "Derek... her baby died" He whispered, keeping his voice low just in case it set Kayla off even more, trying to block out her choked cries, "In her arms" He added, watching as Derek's face fell, his light green eyes shining with a daunting realisation as they slid over to Kayla who was still curled into Stiles' chest and Scott's big brown eyes went wide, his expression morphed into sympathy and that was when Isaac got choked up. He tried not to, he really did, but he guessed he wasn't as strong-willed as he thought he was. He felt for Kayla, even more so after seeing it... experiencing that loss first hand really did take a toll on him.
He tried to subtly rub his eyes, getting rid of the build up of tears as he turned his back on the others, allowing himself to take a deep breath to try and clear his head when his keen eyes caught a familiar icy blue stare from outside the animal clinic and his heart dropped.
Camden.
His brother jutted his head to the side, the clear message being 'get out here now' and knew he had no choice in the matter. That and he was slightly curious too. And scared. Never in his life did he think he would find himself saying that – scared of his brother? The one that taught him lacrosse and used to make his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches was now someone he hardly recognised.
Isaac gulped, brushing past the others and knew they would leave him alone, assuming he needed some time and space, which he did, but unfortunately that was being corrupted by his not-so-dead big brother.
He stepped out the clinic, his heart hammering in his throat as a hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder and forcefully pulled him forward away from the entrance, his back slamming against the wall.
"So little brother... you thought anymore about my offer?" Camden smirked, his cold gaze piercing through Isaac sending a chill through his body. Isaac immediately stiffened, shrugging off the hand and trying to not show how completely terrified and nervous he was.
"About what? Killing my friends?" Isaac asked quietly, his voice brimming with quiet anger, "I'm not doing that"
"Stop being stubborn Zac" Camden chastised, like he was a little kid like he was when he supposedly 'died', "You know that we can't be brothers again until you do this... it's the only way"
"No, you made it the only way by turning yourself into a monster" Isaac spat, flinching away as Camden tried to place a hand on his shoulder, "You're the reason we can't be brothers Camden"
"They saved my life Zac... I owe Deucalion everything, and so do you" And Isaac raised his eyebrows because where did he get that logic from? "You would've been dead that night if I didn't ask Deucalion to let you go... you don't honestly think the twins just let you go that easily do you? I vouched for you, you're in his debt Zac"
"I didn't ask you to save me" Isaac muttered, voice shaking with anger, "I didn't ask anything from you"
"Zac listen to me, for god sake listen to what I'm saying" Camden grabbed his shoulder tightly, his eyes flashing red, "It's you or them... would you seriously choose to die with them over living with me?" And Isaac had no idea. On one hand they were his pack, his friends but on the other this was Camden for crying out loud... Camden his big brother, his only real family left... to say he was confused would be a mega understatement.
"I-I don't kn... wait" Isaac muttered, realisation suddenly dawning on him, "Twins?" He muttered, "Twins?"
"So you've finally connected the dots then huh? Took you long enough" Camden chuckled lightly, "Yes, twins... Ethan and Aiden" And Isaac's heart faltered, "They're in the pack – in fact, they're at school too"
"But Aiden-"
"I know, quite the twist huh?" He smirked, "And all this time he thought his ex had an abortion... can you imagine how surprised he'll be to find out she didn't? That he was a dad?"And Isaac found himself breaking out into a nervous sweat, "And think about how angry he'll be too... heads will be rolling that's for sure"
"Are you trying to blackmail me?" Isaac asked hesitantly, his voice shaking slightly, "So it's either join you or watch my friends die?"
"No, of course not" Camden scoffed, "Because you'll do the killing"
"I'm not going to-"
"Yes you are" Camden suddenly growled, slamming him back against the brick wall, "One way or another little brother you're joining our pack, it's for the best" He leaned forward, his lips close to Isaac's ear, "Think what mom would want... her two boys together again, it's what she would want – her and dad both" And Isaac's throat ached at the thought of his mom, her kind smile and long flowing blonde hair, how she used to bake them choc chip cookies for their lunch boxes, "C'mon Zac... it's me" He pulled back and Isaac tried to look past the icy almost emotionless stare to try and see if there was any good left in him at all, "It's Cammy..." He implored and Isaac suddenly felt indecision running through his veins.
No, he shouldn't fall for it, he shouldn't even be considering such an absurd idea but even though he knew rationally he shouldn't... Camden was family and family were supposed to stick together right? Right?
"Zac, please... I know it's a lot to ask-"
"A lot?" Isaac scoffed, his eyes stinging with unshed tears, "I can't kill my friends... I won't"
"If you love me then you will... you'll have to, it's the only way to get into the pack" Camden whispered, "What's left for you in Beacon Hills? A pack that's getting smaller and weaker all the time? A friend that didn't return your feelings? A group of people that will never understand you like I do?" And Isaac bit his lip, hurt swelling in his chest, "I get it Zac... I was exactly like you when Deucalion first asked me to kill but I promise you it gets easier... it does" Camden sent him a small smile and to Isaac it actually seemed genuine, "And then we can be brothers Zac"
"It's just... All this time I thought you were dead" Isaac muttered, biting the side of his cheek, "I thought I lost you and-and it was hard... it really was but what you're asking Cammy... it's impossible"
"No it's not" Camden opposed, grabbing the side of Isaac's neck and giving him a small shake, "I need you to trust me... if you don't join one way or another Deucalion will make sure you get trapped in the crossfire and I can't protect you from that" And Isaac met Camden's intense stare, his mind whirling, "I'm giving you a chance to live Zachy – don't give it up" and his brother sounded fiercely protective... maybe he was just doing all of this to protect him.
"C-Camden... I-I can't-"
"No" Camden's sharp voice cut him off, "Don't you dare say no, you can't" He protested, "For god sake Zac I'm your brother, your flesh and blood... doesn't that mean anything to you?" He demanded and Isaac flinched away from his tight grasp around his neck, terrified that his brother may just lose his rag and take his frustrations out on him now.
"Yes of course it does but there's more to family than blood Camden – they showed me that - Derek, Kayla, Erica, Boyd, Scott hell even Stilinski did... I care about them, why can't you understand that?"
"And why can't you understand that I'm trying to save you? Jesus Zac" Camden cursed, his fists balling at his sides, eyes turning a dangerous blood thirsty red colour.
"Camden-"
"No Zac... if you join, accept the terms then I'll tell you where Erica and Boyd are" And that caught Isaac's attention, "I won't tell Aiden about the baby, I'll help you... but only if you join me" And Isaac was sure he was catching flies by this point, his jaw slack, "And if you decide not to, then... I'll stand and watch as my pack slaughters yours... One. By. One. Scott? That kid couldn't fight against our Alphas. Stiles, the human right? A kindergarten kid could take him down, it wouldn't take much to stop his heart beating. Kayla? Maybe once she might have stood a chance but she looks to be on the verge of a mental breakdown, something tells me she'll be just as easy as the human and is that what you want? Huh? You want them all to die?"
"Camden don't... please" Isaac found himself pleading, his heart racing wildly, "You cant hurt them"
"Then join me" Camden said simply, like it solved all their problems, "You could be a valuable asset once we train you up and better one die than all of them right? So which one would you prefer?" And Isaac couldn't believe what he was hearing right now, "Lydia? The pretty human or maybe that hunter girl... Allison is it?" And Isaac just shook his head, to numb to say or do anything, "No... hmmmm... I know you and Stiles don't exactly see eye to eye-"
"No" Isaac said sharply, his own eyes glowing amber, "Not Stiles"
"Why?" Camden's lip curled, "You hate his guts" And Isaac just clenched his jaw because as much as he wanted to hate him at one point in time he certainly didn't now, "Or... or you don't because he makes her happy, awww that's sweet Zac" Camden muttered sarcastically, rolling his eyes, "Always putting others before yourself huh? Fine... what about Kayla?" And Isaac's eyes went bug eyed, "If tonight is anything to go by you would be doing her a favour...girl looks about ready to top herself, I mean-" But he didn't get to finish his sentence as Isaac suddenly grabbed his throat, spinning them around so he was pushing Camden against the brick wall, crushing his windpipe.
"No" He growled in a ferocious voice, "No one touches her, I mean it Camden... she's off limits" And Camden just raised his eyebrows in surprise at his outburst before smiling sadly, like he was feeling sorry for him.
"No she's not... not to Aiden or Deucalion, just like how the rest of your little scooby gang aren't... do you really want them to end up like Boyd and Erica?" And Isaac slackened his grip in surprise, the reminder of his missing friends sending a painful pang through his chest, "Kill one... just one and we'll free Erica and Boyd, Kayla will be safe from Aiden, Derek can have his pack back... so what do you say Zachy?" He smirked, "I'll give you seventy two hours and for both our sakes I hope you choose wisely brother, Deucalion isn't someone you want to mess with"
Everyone just assumed she was a heartless bitch that made sarcastic comments and rolled her eyes too often but not many people looked past that exterior to see how broken she really was inside. They just saw someone that spoke her mind and rarely showed actual real human emotions and judged her purely based on what they saw or heard. A Hale – and just because of her last name they thought they knew her, knew that she was just as crazy as the rest of her family. Former druggie and baby killing whore. Yeah, she had heard it all. But what people didn't see was that it hurt, it made her feel like shit even if she didn't show it. Each insult or jab wormed their way into her head and placed these seeds in her head. She could ignore it most of the time, pass it off as people being too ignorant and obnoxious but when she hit rock bottom and even the simplest tasks of breathing became a hassle those seeds grew into large fucking trees, taking up all her thinking room.
"Emotionless bitch"
"I thought you were stronger than that"
"It's been months since they died, get over it"
"A young person like you should be having fun, not wallowing in self pity"
"You should eat more, get some meat on the bones"
"You brought this on yourself"
"Everyone around you dies"
"Useless" "Selfish" "Whore" "Druggie" "Psycho" "Murderer"
They rang around her head, every name she had been called, every insult and remark prodding her brain and screaming at her that she was a terrible person, that she didn't deserve happiness. It must be true though otherwise why would everyone leave her? Why would her own mother hate her? Why did people around her die? It was because she was being punished... punished for failing. She chose a dark path, she chose to walk down it and hold hands with the devil, no one else made that decision for her. She made it and now she was living with the consequences. It was her fault her baby died, her fault that Mia was snatched away from this world before even having a chance to live a life that Kayla wanted for her, it was all her fucking fault.
It just didn't seem fair, none of this was fair. Mia was so perfect… So little… It made no sense. Her mind couldn't process it. It was like she was stuck in limbo, unable to move forward, unable to go back, just… Existing. Each breath she took felt like a spike to heart because Mia wasn't here. She was gone. Just like everyone else Kayla allowed to get close. But out of all of them Mia was hers… She was hers and no one else's… She was pure and good, everything Kayla wasn't, and her arms ached as she glanced, her heart tugging painfully as no baby rested there. No little baby with a tuft of dark hair and wide green eyes. She was supposed to hate kids, despise them, fear their very existence but instead she wanted one. She wanted her baby back. Not to hate, despise or fear, no, she wanted one to love, as simple as that.
And, after all, that was what it came down to. She had loved this little person, still did, but there was nothing to love bar a few tainted memories and a sixteen week sonogram picture. That was it. That was all she had of her daughter. Not even a picture. And it hurt, it tore her heart apart and made her feel physically sick. She felt empty, like she had died and she honest to god had no idea how people moved on from this pain, the guilt, the emptiness, the turmoil but she knew she would have to, eventually, because she did make a promise to herself before she came to Beacon Hills that it would be 'onwards and upwards' but there was only so much pain and heart-break someone could take before they cracked under the pressure. And by god she was already cracking.
Stiles had told himself countless times that he was doing the right thing from lying to his dad to breaking the law god knows how many times but this time, try as he might, he couldn't convince himself he was. Seeing Kayla like this now made him want to go back in time, find another way to get her memories back because she was breaking apart right in front of his very eyes and he had no idea how to make it right... maybe, just maybe, that memory should've stayed buried, far far far from reach by anyone because of the damaging effects it was causing. He honestly didn't know if she had the strength to come back from this and that scared him.
No, it completely terrified him.
He watched with careful eyes as she tied up her converses, her hair pulled back into a high pony tail, covered up in pair of skinny jeans and his lacrosse jersey that smothered her small frame as she got ready for school. School? Yes frigging school! He thought it was too soon, that she was throwing herself out into the big bad world without thought for her own health but she just rolled her eyes at his concerns when he brought them up.
She was somehow holding herself together by a thread, putting on a mask for the whole world to see but Stiles saw through it, he saw what she was really feeling.
"Kaylz, a day off won't hurt anyone – I'll bunk off too, we can watch stupid movies and eat popcorn, you don't have to go to school yet" But she just stared up him with wide glazed over eyes as she finished tying up her shoes, a thoughtful look plastered across her face.
"I uh... I should go to school" She muttered, seeming out of it as she stood up, "Because... because I'm going to fix all of this" And Stiles furrowed his eyebrows, his concern only getting more prominent as she seemed completely out of it, nodding her head, "This will all be fixed"
"Kayla, what do you mean?" He asked cautiously, taking a step towards her so they were standing opposite his bed, his heart hammering in his chest.
"Mia's gone" She muttered to herself, "But-but she doesn't have to be... I could bring her back" And Stiles just bit his lip, not following what she was trying to say, "We could bring her back"
"Kayla... we can't" He stated softly as he slid his hands into her hair, tilting her head up "Mia's gone... for good, I'm sorry" He apologised, his voice cracking at the end, "God I'm so sorry"
"No... no it's okay" She muttered in a daze and Stiles furrowed his eyebrows, his worry only increasing tenfold as his hands tenderly stroked her cheeks, "Because we love each other don't we?" She asked and Stiles nodded gently, letting out a soft sound of agreement from the back of his throat.
"Yes Kaylz... of course, you know I love you"
"And we can be a proper family Stiles, all of us" And Stiles' forehead crinkled, not catching onto her train of thought but knowing that from her fragile state of mind it wouldn't be anything good.
"Kayla, what are you-"
"We can make another baby" She whispered and Stiles felt a jolt running through his body at that abrupt statement, his breath getting stuck in his throat, "And it will be better this time around Stiles I promise... I won't fail" She shook her head as Stiles felt panic well up in his chest at how serious and dead set on this crazy idea she was as her hands slid up his chest to pinch his shirt in her grasp, "We could have a baby Stiles"
"Kayla-"
"And this time it would mean something... With Aiden sex was always so meaningless and rough but with you Stiles, with you-" She smiled watery, her eyes hopeful, "-It's nice and intimate and perfect... we-we could have Mia back, don't you want that?" She asked meekly, doe eyes wide and glassy and Stiles felt his throat close at how her desperation to get her baby back had taken a route he never expected it to take.
"Kaylz... baby I...I..." He smiled sadly, his eyes stinging with tears as he tried to let her down gently, "It's not the way to go about it" And her face fell, features morphing into devastation like she was loosing her baby all over again and Stiles faltered, almost changing his mind even if it wasn't the right thing to do, anything to just make her happy again, "I...I think you just need some time" He answered delicately as she stepped back like she had been burnt, disbelief and betrayal evident in her gaze, "Because having another baby won't make the pain go away Kaylz"
"Yes it will" She croaked out, tears welling in her eyes, "I know it will"
"No it won't" Stiles replied softly, trying to keep his head, "Kaylz, please... just think about what you're asking... we're not ready to be parents, actually I don't ever think I'll be ready" He chuckled lightly, trying to diffuse the tension, "I can barely look after myself let alone a baby, even a pet hamster is pushing it a bit... just... just think about it really hard Kaylz"
"I have" She muttered, a single tear falling from her eyelashes to trail down her cheek, "You just don't understand Stiles, I have all this love in me for her" She exclaimed, holding her hands to her chest, "and there's no where to put it... it's killing me Stiles" She admitted, eyes full of misery and hopelessness, "Or maybe it should just kill me" She added under her breath, gaze falling to the floor, "It would be better for everyone if I wasn't-"
"No" Stiles interrupted in a hard voice, panic running through his veins as he stepped forward, gently grabbing the sides of her face and forcing her to stare at him, to see the pure love and care in his eyes, "Don't say that Kaylz, please... I need you to promise me that you'll fight back, that you'll be strong because I need you here, do you hear that? I need you here" And his voice was strong and determined underlined with pure frenzied panic, "I'm not losing you like I lost my mom, I won't" And that was when his voice cracked, his throat aching, "I know it's hard and I know I could never understand how it feels but this time around you have me" He sent her a small hopeful smile, his thumbs dancing across her skin, "You have all of us here for you... I know, you're strong, you'll get through this" And she was watching his mouth as he spoke out these words with passion and understanding, her eyebrows furrowed like she was unsure if he was just saying these words to calm her down or if he really meant them, "I promise" He whispered, thumb sweeping along her bottom eyelid, softly removing the trace of tears that had built up, holding her face delicately in his palms.
Kayla slowly allowed her gaze to travel up to meet his stare, shame suddenly covering her features "Stiles.. I'm-I'm sorry" She apologised, voice croaky, "I didn't-I didn't mean to put you in that situation, god I'm so stupid-"
"Hey, none of that" He lightly scolded, a small smile tugging at his lips as he lightly stroked her hair, "You miss her, it's natural to act out" He whispered, leaning forward to press his lips softly to her forehead, lingering there for a moment or two longer as he took in a deep breath, the smell of her honeysuckle shampoo drifting up his nostrils, "I love you" He murmured against her skin, his eyes briefly closing as he tried to get rid of the pain in his chest if he lost her, willing to do anything to make sure that never happened.
He just felt her nod gently, her arms circling around his torso as she buried her face in his shoulder and Stiles was sure he felt her resolve steeling, like she was mentally telling herself to pick herself back up and carry on because that was the kind of person she was, that was the person he fell in love with.
"Hey you... hey hey hey" Lydia greeted Kayla at her locker the next day at school after Kayla decided that, yes, going to school yesterday was not exactly the best plan, especially considering where her head was at but decided that she wouldn't miss anymore, she was going to be strong, she had to be, "Amazing shoes by the way, they are really amazing" And Kayla just cocked an eyebrow down at her worn out mismatched converses, "They're amazing" Lydia emphasised, smiling so widely she resembled a Cheshire cat as Kayla just furrowed her eyebrows at Allison, Isaac and Scott standing next to her.
"Uh... thanks Lyd but they're really no-"
"And what have you done with your hair?" She exclaimed in a high screech making Kayla jump a little at the sudden outburst, "Because it looks really amazing"
"I rolled out of bed" Kayla gave Lydia a small confused smile, "Lydia what's-"
"Amazing outfit for an amazing person" She carried on talking in this rushed high voice, a sure sign of underlining panic, "And I only love amazing people"
"Lydia, what's with all the 'amazing's'?" She asked curiously as Stiles' hand landed on the small of her back, rubbing comforting circles through her cardigan and Lydia's green eyes went wide as she tried to subtly but not so subtly elbow Allison next to her, whispering a quiet, "Someone take over" before smiling just as brightly as before and Kayla felt touched by how they were trying to act normal even if it was failing rather miserably.
"Uh... I think what Lydia is trying to say is... is..." Allison trailed off, absent mindedly tugging at the sleeves of her jacket, "... is that you're really amazing" And then her face screwed up like she was saying to herself 'Idiot Argent, why did you say that?' and Kayla had to smile softly at that.
"Yeah, super amazing" Isaac jumped in, agreeing with the others as they all seemed a bit out of place, awkward even, unsure what to do hence the ramblings going on, "More amazing than the president"
"Dude, Obama's awesome, even I couldn't compare" Kayla replied, shaking her head fondly at her friends but when she saw Scott about to open his mouth, presumably to join in on the 'amazing train fest' she held up her hand, stopping whatever was going to come out of his mouth.
"Guys... I'm fine" She told them softly and watched them all suck in a deep breath, like they were waiting for the 'but' to come, "... that's it, I'm fine, you can breathe now" She instructed letting out a small chuckle as they all deflated, sending one another relieved looks, "You don't have to tip toe around me, promise" Because she knew that that's what all of this was about... Allison and Lydia had obviously found out from Isaac and Scott about... about... about that thing that they saw and were treating her like a ceramic vase, "I'm not gonna break if you say you hate my shoes which, by the way, I know you do, even I hate these shoes"
Lydia smiled at her, normally this time (Thank god!) and not in some creepy serial killer way as her hand reached out to rest on her forearm, showing her that she was there for her if she needed her.
"Wow Lydia, way to make me go all teary again" She said, half serious-half joking as Lydia just snatched her hand back quickly, her face morphing into shock, "Uh... no, um... Kayla I'm sor-"
"Lydia... I'm joking" She smiled as Lydia breathed a massive sigh of relief, rolling her eyes at her before crushing her in this really tight bear hug that was sure to make all her internal organs turn to mush and before Kayla could do anything Allison was joining in too, crushing and squeezing just as hard.
"I love you Kayla" Lydia muttered in her ear, "We both love you" Allison added sincerely and Kayla felt a warm pit of happiness in her stomach at that because before coming to Beacon Hills she may have lost one best friend but she gained two more... two more amazing special people that Kayla couldn't live without.
"Okay, now I really am getting teary" She muttered with a small hesitant laugh as they both pulled back, Lydia hanging onto her shoulders though as she pulled her forward, placing a kiss on her cheek.
"Now don't think that's me trying to get into your pants" She winked playfully, flipping her hair over her shoulder before departing from the small group and Kayla just shook her head fondly because Lydia really was something else that's for sure.
"Wow" She just murmured to herself as she opened her locker, pulling out her sketch book for art with a small content smile on her face because, finally, maybe, things were looking up... or she hoped so. Stiles' hand went back to resting across her spine, standing so close to her she could feel his breath washing across her bare neck.
There was a few quiet mutterings from the group as she got her stuff organised but was stopped in her tracks as a flimsy bit of paper fell from between the pages of an old notebook of hers and her heart stopped in shock, gulping nervously.
Then, like a tidal wave, those emotions she had been holding back behind a glass wall broke free and attacked her heart making her feel nauseous. Why? Why now? She had managed to not think about that for a record of thirty frigging seconds, feeling normal and semi good about herself and then BAM no more.
Kayla glanced down and picked up the sonogram picture with shaking fingers, her posture going rigid as her eyes scanned the picture she had spent weeks, months even holding close to her, a reminder of sorts providing her some comfort only now it brought a whole new level of pain with it too.
She heard her friends go quiet and felt the awkward tension returning to the air as four pairs of eyes zeroed in on her, watching her carefully like they were expecting her to break down in the middle of a school corridor but a promise was a promise – she told herself this was onwards and upwards so she had to make that happen.
That wasn't to say it didn't hurt because it did, still did, probably always will but she didn't want to be controlled by her crappy past otherwise there was no future for her. None at all. And that was something she couldn't allow to happen.
So she just sucked in a deep careful breath, blinking rapidly to get rid of the build-up of tears in her eyes as she stroked the slightly crinkled picture with her thumb, tilting her head to the side as she stared at it. The picture was grainy and blurry but there, right in the middle, was a clear shape of a baby all curled up, quite happy and content and Kayla had to smile as she saw Mia's little hand sticking up, fingers splayed like she was waving at her... like her little peanut was saying hi.
Dammit Kayla, you promised yourself you wouldn't get choked up she cursed herself as she carefully placed the sonogram on the shelf inside her locker, forcing herself to calm down, that this was not the time to have a meltdown.
"So..." She spoke up, breaking the tension as she turned back to face the group, shutting the locker with a small smile on her face, "I guess we better head to class... Isaac, wanna walk with me to art?" She asked hesitantly, raising her eyebrows as the taller boy was shocked out of his saddened trance to look at her with wide curious eyes, like he couldn't believe the words that had come out of her mouth.
"Uh... um-"
"Isaac, I sit next to you in art" She reminded him with a playful smirk, holding out her hand, "C'mon, I don't bite... much" And although she seemed fine she was sure her eyes told a completely different story – they were sad and depressed but with a hint of hopefulness left in them.
"Of course" Isaac muttered, his lips quirking as he threaded his fingers through hers and Kayla just turned around, leaning up to press a quick fleeting kiss to Stiles' lips, pulling back to look him dead in the eye.
"I'm fine" She whispered because she knew that would be the question that would soon spill from his lips, "I'm fine, promise" And with that she pecked his cheek one last time and squeezed his hand with her free one before tugging Isaac down the corridor as the bell overhead gave a final warning ring.
"Did you just use me as your scapegoat?" Isaac muttered and Kayla snorted at that, quirking an eyebrow at him.
"Yes, how did you know?"
"Because I know you" He replied and Kayla felt a shiver run down her spine at that statement and at how sure he was by it, "And uh, now that I'm following you like a lost puppy you can let go of my hand now" And Kayla glanced down in confusion, seeing their hands still firmly clasped together, "Just if you want though, I don't mind Hale"
"Right, sorry Lahey" She apologised with a quiet chuckle, dropping his hand, "My head is just not in the game today"
"Yeah... I also know that too" He muttered quietly as they walked at a slow pace down the corridor as students pushed past them quickly, dashing to their class before they got detention, "Look Kayla... I want to apologise to you... about the other day-"
"Don't, its okay" She interrupted, feeling her chest get tight at the reminder of her breakdown, when it all became too much, "I get why you did it, I can't be mad at you for helping me... even if what you saw made me want to burn your eyes out"
"Yeah... that whole Aiden thing-"
"You mean when we were going at it that hard we put a dent in the wall?" And had the satisfaction of watching his face screw up in disgust, "Again, it's fine, we're friends right? I don't want you to feel awkward about it"
"I'm not feeling awkward about it" Pffft, yeah right, "Okay, maybe a little but Kayla-"
"Isaac, please... I really don't wanna talk about it" She said more sharply than she intended because accepting these feelings of guilt and hurt was a completely different step than talking about it, she had to take it slow otherwise she really would cause herself more harm than good, "I-I can't okay?"
"Okay" He mumbled, letting the issue go for which she was incredibly thankful for but when she peaked up at him through her eyelashes she saw something different in his eyes that wasn't there before... guilt? Indecision? Crushing betrayal? She couldn't figure it out.
"Isaac... what is it?" She asked him quietly as they rounded a corner, "Is everything okay with you?"
"Yeah" Though his voice was a bit higher pitched than normal indicating that no, not everything was okay with him, "I'm just thinking"
"Sucky lie" She dead-panned, grabbing his forearm and halting him in his tracks, "I should know, I used to use it all the time" She furrowed her eyebrows in worry because her friend was in pain, he was in pain she could feel it, "Isaac, what's going on with you?" But held up a finger to him as he opened his mouth to answer, "And don't bother lying, it's me Lahey" And his eyes softened as he looked up and down the corridor, like he was double checking there was no one within hearing distance.
"I-I can't tell you"
"Why not?" She asked gently, stepping forward and resting her hand on his forearm, "Isaac... are you in trouble?" Because if he was they would get him out of it, that was what a pack was for, that's what friends were for, "Because if you are-"
"No... no" He shook his head, guilt crashing down onto his features, "It's not that it's... it's what-" He stumbled over his words, looking shameful for some reason, his blue eyes glistening with guilt, "Kayla... I can't tell you in case you get hurt because I told you, I don't want that on my conscience"
"Hey... don't do that to yourself" She whispered softly, "You can tell me anything, friends remember? Keeping secrets, no matter how big, are not worth it if it hurts you... trust me on that" She slid her hand down his arm, grasping his hand in hers, "What is it?"
His big blue eyes met hers hesitantly, not looking like some fearless kick ass werewolf, no, he looked broken, "Hale... the alpha pack that's here... their here with my... with my b-b-brother" He admitted and Kayla's heart dropped, remembering the night Camden confronted them, pumping them full of deadly threats before disappearing into the night, "He's one of the bad guys and-and I honestly have no idea what to do" But she was silent, her own guilt welling up in her chest because see? By telling Isaac earlier in the most gentle and friendly way possible they could have saved him this level of turmoil. "He's threatening to hurt those I care about if I don't join him... join their pack and... and I don't know what to do Kayla, what should I do?" And she went to open her mouth to reply, to offer words of comfort but nothing came out, it was like she was silenced.
Isaac furrowed his eyebrows at her, looking at her in brief confusion before it suddenly dawned on him, the light-bulb going off, "You knew... you knew he was back" And his voice was coated in betrayal and disbelief that made her heart sting, "And you didn't tell me?" He looked at her in hurt, ripping his hand from her grasp and taking a step away from her, shaking his head slowly, "How could you of all people not tell me?"
"Isaac I... I wanted to, I really but... I didn't want him to hurt the others" She stepped forward, "I'm sorry, I should've told you, I should've-"
"Yeah, you should have" He said in a hard voice, his eyes suddenly glowing amber and Kayla jolted in slight surprise as Isaac's hands were shaking, the anger brimming over, "And here I thought we trusted each other"
"Isaac-"
"How long?" He demanded in a sharp voice, glaring at her, "How long?" And she gulped shamefully, just wanting to reach out and comfort him but held back just in case he really did rip her head off.
"Five days" And his eyes only grew more ferocious at that, his jaw clenched, "Isaac... calm down" She muttered as she realised that the combination of shock, betrayal and confusion was making him lose his head, "You have to calm down" She soothed as he broke out in a sweat, claws elongating at his sides as he stayed rooted to the spot, glaring at her with wild eyes.
"Don't you tell me to calm down" He growled and she fully expected him to transform into a full werewolf at any point in time from now on, he was spiralling and quickly, "I deserved to know Kayla" And she flinched at the power behind his words, "I've been worrying about this for days and the lot of you knew this WHOLE TIME?" He thundered, banging his curled fist at the lockers behind him and Kayla jumped as a massive dent appeared in one of the metal doors showing just how angry he was.
"I-I know you did" Because she did, she knew she should have told him, she couldn't even think about the pain he was feeling right now – getting tugged in two completely different directions, "Isaac, please... I'm really sorry" She implored gently, hesitantly trying to reach out for him again, to calm him down, to get him to see sense instead of seeing red but he just growled loudly, grabbing her wrist as tight as he could and jolted her forward, slamming her back against the lockers before his clawed hand wrapped around her neck tightly, cutting off her supply of air.
"He's my brother and I thought he was dead" He screamed, tears of frustration and pain burning in his eyes, "You should've told me" And Kayla let out a choked gasp, her wrist throbbing, throat screaming in agony but forced herself to stare into those furious amber eyes.
"Isaac... c-calm down" Her voice came out weak and scratchy but determined none the less as he tightened his grip around her, sweat streaming down his face, eyes wide, body shaking and he really was losing control over his werewolf side, not pulling back any, "Y-You need to calm down... just listen to my voice and calm down" And she sure hoped he would because she didn't know how much longer she could speak before his grip crushed her windpipe, "Lahey... get a grip" Her eyes were watering as her throat throbbed, "It's okay... it's okay... Camden's alive... that's what you wanted isn't it? To have your brother back?" And she was sure his grip was loosening, just slightly though, enough that she didn't pass out just yet, "You have him back Isaac... j-just focus... f-focus-" And she couldn't speak anymore, getting cut off as her voice withered away into a nothing, panic seizing her chest when she realised she couldn't breathe.
Stars appeared in front of her vision but she tried to keep her head, blinking rapidly as Isaac's face floated in front of her, "I-I-I-Isaac..." She managed quietly one last time and it seemed to do the trick as Isaac's hold around her loosened, his hand pulling away from her throat, his eyes dimming back to their usual warm blue colour only this time they were filled with horror and dread.
When his grip loosened enough Kayla sucked in a much needed gasp of breath, hacking coughs breaking free from her throat as her eyes swam, rubbing her throat softly with her hand.
"K-K-Kayla?" He asked quietly, like he was coming down from a high, a rather dangerous and bloodthirsty high, his face morphed into shame and disbelief, "Oh my god..." He muttered and the way his voice broke at the end showed Kayla that he had no control over his actions – he didn't mean it, he just lost control but he got it back, that was all that mattered.
"It's okay" She croaked, coughing slightly to clear her throat, sure there was glass shards embedded in it, "Hey... it's okay, we'll fix it" She reached up to run her hand through his sweaty hair, trying to comfort him, "Whatever you're going through you don't have to do it alone Isaac... I promise" She muttered as tears sparkled in his eyes because, after all, that's what friends were for right?
A/N) Okay I just seriously love the friendship that Isaac and Kayla have and can have now he's moving on from her and it's just JijjNDJWKSN im looking forward to writing more :) so I hope y'all liked this chapter, my hands are dead from typing it, and please please review, they mean more than the world to me, seriously, I smile so much at every one and I shall see you all next time :) x
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